Live life Abundantly

Who Says People Can't Work Together ?

2011-12-30T21:28:00.000-06:00

I say it . Of course dat ain't 100% of the occasions , but it's happened a time or two .

I just see differing agendas...even in pursuing a common goal . It's important to accept the fact that we share no physical or mental element of another and therefore differences abide . These differences can be roadblocks mosttimes .

I was listening to kidd kraddick in the morning on 102.3 FM (corpus christi) and there's a segment called "confessions" where people call in then share some weight that's on their shoulders . Basically it's what they do not reveal to their loved ones for one reason or another {from "i like white guys" to "i'm gettin married to my internet soulmate"} .

It reminds me of a similar conversation in which I shared with my girlfriend something I hadn't shared earlier and subsequently lied about , but I digress.

There are many a wall built up in this life, it's a wonder we are not all carpenters . I only mean that we extinguish the progression of many things dependent on life experiences with others and our opinion of another's intent based on our knowledge / understanding of their experiences .

Only God can judge me .

I remember a friend saying/quoting dat some time back (yeah, lotta people say it).

We all feel a need for acceptance regardless the attitude . It just doesn't cut it in every situation .

Humbuggish

2011-12-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

Interesting how being to yourself during the holidays can seem introvert. I've always harped on being away (i.e. mississippi or louisiana) but this year took a different attitude--i'm chillin.

But now headed to austin for a couple days to be with my lady's family. Bah, humbug lol !

Should have enough going on for E Scrooge to enjoy life.

Friends without mothers.

Friends without work.

Friends in jail.

Friends sick.

Friends dead.

It's not said to make you sad ; it's only to call out what is going on. This is not a last day watch alert. It is but a flash of what you are already made aware of.

This earth has + + billion minds with that many perceptions of what life is; this from experience and understanding. I cannot take my definition as THE definition. It holds truth to me but my understanding is dependent on what God allows me to see, similar to what he [or spirits] allows me to do.

I wish for all to enjoy this holiday, as you should everyday obviously, but with kinfolk.

Time to hit the highway.

Grits & biscuits

2011-12-18T16:54:00.000-06:00

My mom made some biscuits and took a pic of em for me the other week . I had to change my front picture because of it . Life's little treasures include thought and action to bring satisfaction .

I used to dog these out with grits n eggs. Didn't grow up with swine in my diet but had alternates.

I wondered why wasn't a deactivate setting on here. As long as I feel the need to share it'll be here. This is to be taken thoughtfully of course .

I find myself a part of who is to say how many individuals living on this earth that knows only what it is that I am allowed to know. Regardless I have determined that what I have come to know is the way it is. Silly rabbit. Blinders are for workhorses.

Confect su'm

2011-12-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

Now is always the best time to work on objectives. Yet time is rarely seen as an abundant resource. I've found myself deleting "try" from my vocabulary and encouraging others to avoid it as well because every step is moving you towards your goal.

Can't rewind or fast forward life. Endure and enjoy it.

Discipline - Abuse

2011-11-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

Herrre we go again. Fresh material. More like revised.

Holiday season brings thanksgiving, gift giving, love, warmth, and then resolutions. A great many have shed the thought of realizing such hopes but it never hurts to improve.

We really have a level mind but reality gives us a different belief. Each documentable instance of our actions can be categorized in a "okay" and "not so okay" pile. We take all of the responsibility because we neglect to figure in what else could be affecting/directing these actions ... thoughts ... dreams , etc.

Our lives occupy only so much of what we consider to be a part of "existence." What is the purpose of purging yourselves when the same evil is present in many physical examples? Their is beauty in doing right, but we have got to rid ourselves of the burden of guilt when things go right.

This also goes over into blame/judgement. People are made to perform unimaginable atrocities. These same people are forced to "pay for" the crimes committed. I realize that humans have choices and are able to perform these things. I just can't eliminate the idea that we are not self-created or sustained.

Don't abuse yourself when you don't see a difference. Do better next try, understanding that you are prone to do the right thing. When trouble arises--abort.

Pay attention to how things go.

why so serious

2011-11-08T17:30:00.001-06:00

I had to laugh at myself for a moment.

I'm often expressing thoughts and observations of a sincere but deep nature. Yet more important to me is to enjoy life right now and for as long as we will live.

Take that

He said what?

2011-10-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

For the die-hard halloween types, I can remember being raised to shy away from such a pagan holiday/celebration.

At an older age I learned to agree with the protective intent, but here I am in the now.

I've heard so much of "is there a God" yet my concern is who is this devil/Satan/Lucifer that is so popular in this world? I never toyed with the "spirit realm" nor did I ever want to speak to this prince of darkness, but I gotta say that my new-found "opinion" on the unseen makes me question this entity's existence.

It only seems logical for there to be someone with the opposite motives from what we know to be pure and kind and true. People have identified unpure/unjust traits within themselves and work to rid themselves of these wrongs via humility, [self-]sacrifice, and/or asking God (or other spiritual head) to remove them.

I'll be the devil's advocate here, pun intended. Could God be so skilled as to craft documents referencing himself (Bible, Quran, Torah, etc) and yet twist elements of truth leading all who reference these words to miss something important? Could God, who had part in creating all that is with all of each creation's intricacies and abilities, possibly be fallible?

We've blanketly made a God = good ; devil = evil synopsis with nobody ever truly KNOWING what is really the goingz onz of the matter. We just know how we feel; and that becomes our reality.

One day we will KNOW. Can't regret time spent in any particular mindset--right or wrong--since what's known is not 100%.

When you read this, please ask yourself who is behind your responding emotion. The devil has no reason to defend God, would he?

As far as my "salvation" is concerned, I am far more interested in what is happening on this earth in the now. Many blessings to those whose hearts are saddened at hearing it, because I would rather have you in good cheer. Remember that it's not your battle. So be strong and happy.

Reaching that Horizon

2010-07-26T22:32:00.002-05:00

I could see it for brief seconds over the past decade .
Illusive horizon .
Still not there yet .
Keep on striving .
Gonna get it .

Must see it more often .
Live the dream .

NOLA.com: Special Report - Murder

2010-02-18T21:28:00.000-06:00

NOLA.com: Special Report - Murder: "'It's a culture of fear, whether it's real or not,' said defense attorney Robert Jenkins. 'It's just a belief, not just here but across the nation in our inner cities. It's a real fear.'"

MAAAN if this did not hit my eyes none too soon...

Love and War

A Raisin In The Sun

2008-02-25T22:15:00.002-06:00

This seemed to be a very good reflection into a great American play. It's a shame that I don't remember the story....or if I've seen it for that matter. Of all of the things going on today, how much did people go through in the past and how much of it remains almost absolutely the same? Then further, how much have we stolen away from ourselves with greed-driven dreams/schemes, sloppy work ethic, and a lack of love for our neighbors, friends and families?

I'm thinking of how these colored folk move to an all-white neighborhood (this has happened more places than just south-side of Chicago and more than just those times....remember "Moving on uuuup...to the East Side..."). Fast forward a few years and what's going on in those neighborhoods? What are we doing with what some have worked so hard for? Are we slumming them out in pursuit of real estate mogul status? Have we tapped so far into debt off of the equity in order to drive nice cars? We sometimes weigh ourselves down through wreckless ambition.

It doesn't take all of that to be happy. I won't say that we don't need money, but happiness is just about within our reach and we almost can't seem to see it out of pre-occupation.

Friday I missed Obama here in Corpus Christi, TX. You'd think that a young black in a town of 5% black would have had that on a high level of my to-do list. Imagine my shame [as a supposed supporter] that I was more concerned with a power steering pump. There are very important things happening and I allow them to blow past me.

I'm trying to get something and I just don't know what I'm after.

I'm always on some twisted typing. I'm not a columnist. This isn't an article. It's a blog.

Fortunately, life doesn't have to be such a doomed story. I've seen myself in the 'rut' on more occasions than I care to mention. A friend brought clarity back to me recently. "Pray about it."

I will be doing that a lot more often.

Windy City

2007-09-18T23:21:00.001-05:00

Came back from the Chi this weekend. Had a pretty good time, catching up with friends and family. I have never been there before. Didn't do much because of the time. My baby cuz got married to a good dude. I had to go on out and support em. I'm very glad that I did. Other than bumping into Trick Daddy in O'Hare (okay, I recognized him and figured I had to say su'm. Hell, he's one of the reasons that some of these catz know HOW to be real), it was a pretty glamour-free weekend.

One of my lil cuzzins said she'd put up some pictures on her myspace page. Guess I gotta get an account to view it, since she's private. Didn't feel like doing that tonight....

So anyway, since I was there figured I'd look at her friends' list, going through some of my cuzzins' and friends' spots....why did I do that? It was all to the good for the most part. Got my heart strings to tuggin after a few minutes of perusing. Ran across HER page. At any rate, that's not public material, just venting right now.

But for the most part, I ran into my extended famz pages on there. I won't go further than showing luv. The diligent can find more with a few keystrokes. I love my people. I won't ever forget my 360 fam. I won't forget what more that we encompass.

As I contemplate my next steps

I realize that I won't ever have the full plan

It must roll out before me

Too much focus on any one part of life

Will only cause me to pivot, that is, travel in circles

How can I achieve happiness

If I don't make a happy decision today?

Perhaps a neutral decision is better than nought

We'll see.

God is good

WHCAA

2007-09-01T15:43:00.000-05:00

I need people to understand that I really feel a deep profound experience when working to make it happen with one another.

Check out WHCAA until I post more under this...

Okay, I was a tad bit in another zone when I typed this up. I somewhat look at our opportunities for advancement and I consistently conclude that it is so easy for people to progress as long as we are willing and able to work together.

It is our own in-bred separatist ideas (of course, not always internally born) that lead us to working exceedingly difficult in order to attain basic goals. I have found myself acting out in the same delayed manner. Okay, I'm still on dat same mess--told ya'll I will not say I'm doing it how it gotta be done. Actions gotta say my part and nu'n else.

Sorry for my digression. I'm picking up after this has sat a few days. It is now 13 September. I have dropped the ball on quite a few things and they are all pretty important....no, NECESSARY. We train our own lax behaviors, so I'm taking over.

T.I. vs TIP is a concocted lil cd. He is who he claims to be, and humbly as a man is to be. Never giving up on the truth that is to be told. I found myself somewhat disappointed when I first copped his joint, but there is a reality that exists in life...and that IS life itself. This ain't no joking matter nor is it one for us to take for granted.

Teachers...get your students to talk about the song, "DOPEMAN". That is a good reality check for everybody who thinks that they can make a difference for themselves and their families through that hellified "game" as we tend to express it.

Learn that your real families are those that you choose to deal with. The older generation has a story to tell and it should not be considered moot because they are not living to their fullest glory. We should encourage one another through participation in programs, volunteering services. Why do we consider it a must that we tear at someone's efforts, I will never understand...Oh, I forgot. We just HAVE to say some things, right?

I love you, but your breath stink. I couldn't find a way to tell you. lol

Nah, but on the real. All of the jackin and stealin and shyt that we be on is a pure joke, as well. And who do we get it from? Now that is ridiculous.

Vick, keep your head up. I know of Pit Bull Kennels of all types, but they're trying to make you out the guinea pig. Don't sweat them pigs tryna take your chow. These are things that will bring you down. You are a man first. Always remember that.

I gotta get myself in bed. Too much to say for one sitting.

??Lynch a Nigga??

2007-09-01T15:27:00.000-05:00

Whew...those are some heavy frightening words put togetha. Much like f*cc u. U can't pay me enough to voluntarily live under such conditions, yet we tolerate this mindset each and every day. Jena, La is only one of a multiple of everyday atrocities that we must live under.

God - Allah will provide. We need not create through enthusiasm-driven hate a harmful atmosphere for our neighbors. We must always learn to step down off our high horse and give thanks for what we have received. What is taken will be given again. What is promised to you is always yours to keep unless you choose to give it away. Choices, I tell ya. We can get so caught up on the choices that we make that we can really burn a hole in our stomach, yeah. Now datz some serious shyt.

But like I said...

Allah - God will always have your back. Shake the stress off. You are forgiven for what you do if you accept it.

I need to share some good vibes with people. I'm off to Austin, TX for this holiday weekend. Peace to all the headz.

Break Ups to Make Ups

2007-07-29T15:16:00.000-05:00

Love...

The more you know about it, the more you need to learn. I stood best man for my boy. It was a beautiful event, as they all should be. Almost pulled a lil too much emotion out of me, but I was able to maintain. Marriage...blessed union.

I was grooving to 107.9 [ATL] when an old groove came on with the lyrics "I'll only stop, so we can start all over again...." Mmmm mmmm mmmm. I don't know why I "hold on to the past" like I do. I know I ain't the only person, though.

Something how life has such an immediate presence, but we feel like it's all getting away from us. Where is it going? I've come to see for myself that missed opportunities are the bases for the feeling of LACK. Carpe diem! Get yourself out of that rut. Enjoy today as only you can, appreciating the need for personal disciplinary excellence.

lol, I really went a different direction with that one. Had to keep my sanity.

Crack!!! Wow

2007-07-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

I was browsing a couple blogs today that somewhat disturbed me, but, nevertheless, I have to voice my thoughts.

In this day and age, urban (rural, as well...) america has embraced the crack epidemic with such a shoulder shrug that it is very discouraging. As our moral values continue to be revealed by the increasing un-utterable acts that the media tends to harp about, I wonder when will the turning point come? Going by my simple religion or spirituality (not to mention old school soul), I know that a change gone come. God hasn't just let go of us all, but He is letting us see that we're tearing ourselves down.

In a post by another, a resident of Detroit derided a protest for a strip club to change hands, since it resulted in a half-million dollar lawsuit against the city. He suggested that the protesters' claims that strip clubs harbor crime and lead to urban blight are stupid. I'd agree that they don't necessarily HAVE to foster such an environment, but c'mon now. Travel just a lil bit. At any rate, within the same post, reference was made to the crack dealers that are plaguing the city (as well as other areas).

I am not one to pose a moral debate, but crack is bad and strip clubs are cool? I don't condone crack and I have visited a strip club, so I see where he's coming from, but we can't be so negligent with our beings.

Me and Mary still have an ongoing affair, so once again...I'm not one to talk.

Crack (heroine, etc) has led to a number of problems in our society, but it just doesn't seem to go anywhere. Incarceration tends to curb the habit of some dealers, but the lack of job opportunity brings em right back. The risk of death tends to shy some would-be dealers, but it tends to increase the number of deaths as well (kill or be killed). Supposedly, survival of the fittest, ey? People tend to say, "how come they can't get a real job?" Nobody wants to wait for the pay day, enduring bullshyt from this or that one. It's just that much easier, it seems, to go out and get paid.

With all of the hoopla of moving WEIGHT, I wish more people could actually revisit the front lines. The violence and degraded morals that people can resort to could possibly change the minds of those who tend to glamorize the world of coke.

The thing that bothers me most is that people don't really WANT to do what they're doing, they just want the MONEY (some want the power, as well, but I digress). But man, what the love/need for money can lead one to do.

I haven't built myself up to look at the Wire really just yet. How many people realize that Baltimore's city blocks have been emptied as a result of this drug game? I tend to respect individuals' capacities to adapt to an ever-changing environment (i.e. surveillance), but dayum. The same thing is happening AND HAS ALREADY HAPPENED across the U.S., depending on where you look at. We talk about gentrification and how it changes the demographics, but never look to seriously reclaim what is ours to begin with.

Stop giving up hope. Dope dealer: there is another option. Resident of a crack-infested neighborhood: this doesn't need to be the only landscape you'll see.

But we have to look above for that change to come.

Fugee La

2007-06-27T14:17:00.000-05:00

Man, I am still in awe at Lauryn Hill's vocals. I know this is all coming out of nowhere much like any of my posts/statements. Last night I caught part of a documentary on PBS: "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars." I need to catch the full film, but the part that I saw was powerful enough.

This film is yet another source of reality that we westerners can feed off of. People are being oppressed daily for the benefit, gain, pleasure (if any of that) of others. After the latest push to raise awareness within the hip hop community of the effects of the b-word, n-word, h-word, etc, I had to seriously look at my support of a lot of aspects of life that encompass these things. Sad to realize how corrupt I am in that regard. Knowing is half the battle.

I embrace a future of growth and encouragement and sharing along the way. For anyone oppressed, there is deliverance.

What's the Plan?

2007-06-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine has always stressed the need to develop a sound business plan for whatever course of business I plan on taking. In true form, I have not completed ONE. I was brought to realize this again after a weekend in H-town.

It's a blessing to have most of your friends alive and well at the 30's mark. It's also a blessing to know that everything is working more or less according to plan. It's somewhat disheartening when you realize that more could have been done towards moving further. Can't cry over spilled milk, though.

Now is time to Keep on Pushing....in the words of Bun B (Trill) and Kamikaze (Mississippi, represent). A lot of work. A lot of time, more or less.

I heard that one of our brothers (Dajum, Live Kingz...anutha New Orleans representa)will be in Houston towards the end of July. I don't know the exact details, but any music lover may want to look out for them. Of course if I get further details on the cypher I'll be laying it out for you.

Speaking of which, the Essence festival is coming up pretty fast. It doesn't seem to have the pizzazz that it used to have, but surely it's coming back up. 4th of July ain't but a couple weeks away.

The small world that we're in, I ran into a classmate from Sherwood Forest Elementary school!!! We're talking class of '87 (6th grade), here. Those were days of kickball and dodgeball, etc. Life took some drastic changes after then. I did a quick search, hoping to 'borrow' a pic in relation to the school and I ran across articles where the students were holding a conference to discuss school needs.

It's time for the communities to be more involved in their schools....nationwide and worldwide. As blacks we more than likely have the stack against us, but it doesn't mean that we're slated for failure. We need to shed that mindset and move forward. I'm blessed to be able to tutor an adult in basic math and she's doing very well in it, although she has been 15 years out of school. I would hope to impress on anybody (young or old) that anything...and I really do mean anything is still available to you if you would like to pursue it. You don't have to know something to learn it.

Keep your Head to the Sky

2007-06-19T13:59:00.000-05:00

That song is something of an inspiration. Happy Juneteenth people. Today marks the close of celebrations here in Corpus Christi, TX. Of course it's work as usual, but I'm not complaining. As long as I'm not forced to work for free, right?

I ran across this poster two weekends ago in Temple, TX while doing what I tend to do a lot of when not busy--checking out homes for sale. Not sure if you can read it when blown up or not. This morning I was just re-reading an email from a co-worker concerning what we tend to focus on and, therefore, bring to being.

Although society has its negative influences, I tend to see a push to improve. The people have always been central to the directions taken in life. I think that all goals are attainable. Those events that tend to take away from the goal can and probably will happen, but they do not have to be the knockout blow, if you will. Joy & Pain, like Maze said it.

Work hard. Don't give up. The rewards will be well worth the trouble.

As a side note: There was a band from Houston that played down here this past weekend. I don't have access to myspace, but their page is supposed to be 'jayosoul'. These guys really tore it up on some neo-soul tip.

How Can I Help?

2007-05-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

I find myself keeping that type of mindset when talking to people about different efforts/causes. Truth be told, however, is the fact that I haven't done a tenth of what I could do to really truly help out. As the adage goes, a man that stands for nothing falls for anything. Life has it that there are people unsatisfied with their existing conditions and are willing to speak and act out against those realities.

I have to shout out my man Phil for his thought-provoking commentary at his blog. While the subject matter is not always the most appropriate for every audience, his blog was probably one of the sites that really caught my attention. It goes to show me how you really can't just mesh in with EVERYbody else. You really have to be an individual. One of the first blogs I've read, though, was of a hip-hop heroine by the name of Miranda Jane: Pyramids 2 Projects. I pretty much enjoy whatever she writes about, even if some of it has no significance to me.

Based on what I've read from them, I'd be pretty much willing to assist them wherever I can, if they requested. Fact is, though, they don't know me from adam. I've found myself inspired by them, along with countless others who would have a mind to follow their mind.

The latest site that I've come across is the Black Coffee Channel. Now when I say that blacks young and old should AT LEAST view the home page, I b.s. you not. I've had my eyes opened more since visiting this place. And it's not all new information. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that I've NEVER heard before, but a lot of it falls in line with similar notions that I've carried for some time.

Anybody viewing this blog, I put links in my "Get Ya Mind Right" section to share information that is important, be it for entertainment or for education. I've learned not to be entertained by too much foolishness, although God is still cleansing me of my lewd mentality. I speak on that because I think of how we black folk have always coped with hardships or significant events, sometimes by strengthening our efforts in certain endeavors, and sometimes by joking about the situation. I grew up looking and laughing at crackhead jokes, but that subject was NO laughing matter. So I say all that to say that "entertainment" will not simply be light matter.

Not sure how active I'll get with this blog, but thank ya'll for joining in. Don't take my words as law. I'm just sharing what's on my mind.

Living Broke

2007-05-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

Having a broken spirit can be a very humbling experience. Gets you to thinking about what's really and truly important to you...or it can lead you into a very disturbing wave of what I'd like to call otha shyt. I am truly glad to know that God's got everything under control. I forget at times and it becomes a whirlwind. Know what I'm sayin?

I would wonder if that is some sort of mind control of some made up idealogy/formed theology, but it ain't really set up like that to me. You know how you live life and feel like you can truly say that you've seen it all? Then something else happens and slaps a new reality in front of you? Well fast forward a lil bit, if you can. Even that situation has been worked out. Why not KNOW then that the present will soon be known as PAST. I don't know. I'm rambling...right.

I had to learn this again; you know REMEMBER? Forgetting is an interesting action. We switch our thoughts to suit the environment that we are dealing with. Living in fear of something or another.

Katrina did it for me. My city is still strong, though nobody thought it'd be so. I have to make a trip to the Mississippi coast, though. When I get [10-20 miles from] there and see life bustling, I'll know that God must have ALREADY had things taken care of before the storm ever got there.

So as the storms of life keep on raging around us and in our life (there's a gospel song by Wintley Phipps that is straight gutta...but I digress), we should have comfort in knowing that what we see right now does not matter for the long haul.

Call me crazy if you must. What I truly am is comfortable.

Retired from CCISD: Harry Williams

2007-04-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

I do not follow the news as often as I could, perhaps should but an article jumped out today. Yes, it was on the front page of my coworker's newspaper [Caller Times]. The only black voice left on the school board in these parts has chosen to resign after a few years of hard work.

He has been viewed by some as "that guy"--you know, the troublemaker. The one who chooses to call a spade a spade, bringing others to shame/defense. This latest 'loss' of a prominent black individual in such an important position could cause others to lose hope. But as Eddie Murphy so candidly put it in Life, "I ain't give up no muthafvckin hope!!!"

Nobody wants to live life feeling that their input is not heard, rather, not respected. Choosing to be a leader should be accompanied with the realization that it won't be easy. I'm very sure that Rev. Williams realized that all along, from working with the local NAACP through the past quarter of a century (I'm not sure of his history, could have been longer than that). Fact of the matter is, you can never truly prepare yourself for some of the things that you will encounter when you choose to fight for justice.

Rev. Williams was one of a portion of this community who fought to keep one of the elementary schools open in this city's neglected Northside community. It reopened as a high school, which is a blessing, but it could have taken the route of countless schools in America, following the theme of gentrification. In Huntsville, Alabama, some older citizens are currently fighting to save a less-known building that represented the city's first black high school prior to desegregation. See the cause here. Chances are, some of the aged schools in your areas have gone down, because nobody cared to keep it up. There are people doing things, but they need the support of all of us.

I am rejoicing right now because I know that Mr. Williams' story will not be one of despair. True, he may have left the CCISD but he will now have time to work more closely with the students of the Corpus Christi area, even if he is wanting to work more with the black students. This area is an interesting one (this won't be my first or last time mentioning this) in that the population is actually 5% black. To have a black spokesperson has untold value in this day and age, least much in an area with such racial demographics.

Coming out of the real south, dixie that is, it was somewhat of a challenge to get accustomed, but I was okay since the majority of the population is Hispanic. The caucasian population has second place, but are still a minority, but greed--I mean green--is the real majority. Pretty much like everywhere else you go, regardless of the skin tones. But it's almost like a part of the Hispanic population is going through the same self-neglect as blacks and others have already been through (and still going through on many an instance). When you don't take care of your own and don't build up your kids' self-esteem and only want to go after what others are going after, regardless of the actual need, you end up living a crack-pipe dream.

I call it that because you see a high point and actually think you're living large, when ultimately you've done nothing to progress yourself/family/descendants. You've only done the opposite.

So anyway (my rambling sometimes has all too much control) continue to fight the good fight--whatever it may be. Law school, nursing school, equality, your court case, fundraiser, etc. It is going to be a challenge, else you wouldn't have to work at it. If you have decided to give up, pick up something else...or get up and try again. There never is an end to your accomplishments. I don't care how long it's been since you've done something towards a goal or if you haven't done anything at all. Just get to it, or as Nike made so famous, "Just Do It."

Yeah, I'm talking that smack, and my kitchen is stuck somewhere between Before and After. lol

One a dem days

2007-04-18T15:47:00.000-05:00

Man, today was one for my recordbooks. You know the type where everyone at work is looking at you for answers, but you want to simply suggest that they do something with your extremity. Yeah, one a dem days. Unfortunately, I maintained that kind of attitude for part of my day and, therefore, probably didn't give as positive a look as people are used to getting out of me.

My turning point came when I thought about my seriously jacked attitude and its contribution to the solution. I had to remember that God has it all under control already. Somehow I didn't really sweat the small stuff anymore. Yeah, it was really that simple. I still have to take care of that work, but it ain't gettin to me like it was earlier.

Real N-I-double-G-A

2007-04-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

Ice Cube ripped a verse some 20 years ago with this here reference to himself. I'm not sure how old I was at the time. I distinctly remember Skate Country in New Orleans East during this "F*ck da Police" timeframe. Yeah (for those who know)....THAT long ago. The movie ATL reminded me of Skate Country, although I don't recall the contests (I wasn't that much of an avid skater, either).

Anyhow I have to fast forward due to quitting time getting further away from me. Although I respect NWA for sharing sentiments of black urban youth and opening up the door for others to speak out on the injustices served in their own locales, I wonder about the effectiveness to date that referring to myself as a nicca has done for me and those around me.

I wondered recently about people's views that using [the N-word] to refer to oneself is actually a form of self-hatred. I sometimes feel that perhaps these individuals have a form of self-hatred themselves. I am not saying that I am referring to them by that name, but they and me should be the same ey? Chris Rock, who is one of my favorite comedians/actors said on a HBO standup special, "I love black people, but I can't stand niggaz!" I have a friend out here that likes to make an equally interesting observation: "I tell you, Niggaz!" I tend to use this statement myself because it's somewhat fitting (and humorous in my own slanted thinking).

As I was saying, I was wondering whether or not black people who are so against the use of the N-word hold some form of self-hatred. I know initial reactions come in the form of, "No, I LOVE MYself!!!" I am not saying that you don't love yourself, but you don't love the rest of us niggaz (who deem ourselves that, nahmean?). Interesting self-revelation: I speak so much (to myself) on separation of people that I don't realize that we self-professed niggaz tend to escalate the separation.

Hmmm, guess I have some thinking to do tonight. Haven't quite touched the house much...and I picked up a new toy.

For modern day Black History news, in a morbid theme however, the founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem died March 23. His name is Walter Turnbull and hailed from Greenville, MS. Now admittedly, I had no clue of the Boys Choir of Harlem, but I will start to look into some of the history and will definitely mark that location (and temporary location if still there...folks read the article) to visit when I get to New York this summer.

Here is another example of using what you have. This is a young black man coming out of Greenville, MS (guess that would have been around the late 50's to the 60's), pursuing Opera of all things and starting this choir in a church basement in Harlem. I suggest you guys put in some research of your own and please leave comments with reference spots. I would appreciate it. This goes to show you that God does a LOT with a little. Also noted in the article is a history of scandalous activity goinz on up in there, but sometimes evil infiltrates very good initiatives.

Prayer Changes Things

2007-03-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

What it do folk? As the days continue to roll on by, I am humbled to know that the Creator is providing all needs and in serious ways.

Recently, a number of things have popped up to cause my thoughts to race. Ultimately, though, I have GOT to learn to place such things in the Master's hands. I say I got to, because, though I would like to be part of the faithful few, I live a doubtful life just like anybody else.

I am grateful the judge ordered that my lil cousin's daughter be returned to her custody after the paternal grand-mother was able to take custody from her. So much has gone on in that family not to mention the baby's health struggles for my cousin to have to deal with something like that as well.

I am grateful for the friendship that me and my popz have despite the lack of anything significant in my earlier years. To that effect, I appreciate the examples that I had in some friends' fathers as well as my uncles by marriage (RIP Clint and Allen). For anyone to say to me that things will never change, I offer my suggestion to simply believe.

I am grateful for all of the examples of ways being made for parents--single, young, poor, etc. Nobody knows for sure how needs will be met, but I've seen needs met time and time again--without the assistance of outsiders like myself who feel like we can't help.

I am grateful for the pilgrimage back to New Orleans, though most everyone thought that my city would die. My city is very much alive.

I am excited to know that prayer changes things, but I'm more excited to know that God takes care of business.

I work....baby

2007-03-05T15:02:00.000-06:00

I have been putting off some serious work down here in CCT. Doing my best to prioritize, in order to get things done. Cold weather slowed me down on my ride, then my ignorance held me up longer.

Here are pictures during her downtime. I changed out the rear axle. I've really been slipping on my maintenance and there was a leak at my passenger side axle bearing for a few months (I'd changed the bearing twice, to no avail) which led to some wear. Not to mention the nasty mess that gear oil can leave on the side of a vehicle after being slung off the tire.

Sorry if this comes out in a funny orientation, not experienced with posting pics. Thankfully, I finished this work on President's Day. What should have taken two days turned into something around two months. No problem, I'm about to start complaining about filling her up again.

But now I get to enjoy the driver's seat again.

I bought a [fixer-upper] house this past fall and I've been having nothing but fun with it. I had the extreme pleasure of realizing that the copper water pipe had been cut out during itz vacancy. I didn't realize this until I had the water turned on at the house. No water at the bathroom, no water at the kitchen sink, but I felt water--it was coming thru the ceiling. Currently, I'm in no position to go on and on about what's been done to the place, because it' s going through some disorganized remodel.

I did get the water pipes connected, with no leaks (thank God). A friend started to do the work brazing the copper and before he could come back another day to finish, I took what I learned from watching him. No it didn't come out right the first few joints I tried, but I sat down in a chair and practiced again...and I guess Jack learned a new trade.

Recently, I got an alarm system with APT: A Pitbull Terrier. He's a 10-month old character with lots of love, lots of emotion, and a mild case of schizophrenia. I like to let him loose at 1:00 in the morning so he can get to know the neighborhood.

This weekend I'll be picking up countertops for my kitchen. I haven't laid any floor tile for wanting to have the cabinet layout firm. The remodel money has been consistently dwindling, but I trust God to take care of the details. I took a chunk of it and paid on my student loans.

Graduates and near-graduates beware: FORBEARANCE will not help in the long run. A little more change now...a bigger debt later. Just take my word for it.

Back to topic, I made a temporary layout for the kitchen, but a deal on countertops may force a re-design. I will be going to the local surplus warehouse for unfinished oak cabinets. That will probably come out to $1200 there. I've already set up some plasma appointments, lol. Blessing, though: I will be able to pick up some used corian countertops for around $450!!! Somewhere around 60 square feet.

This is a very huge learning process for me and I know that it will allow me to help others who want to do similar things. I'll never be able to help with the color combos, though, as I have no clue. People really need to think about what they want to spend to live. I know that I'm speaking from areas with lower costs of living, but the hoods typically have the benefit of being cheaper than the burbs. I'm talking to the entire United States and beyond.

Blessings....I got work to do.

Is that a Train????

2007-02-13T07:22:00.000-06:00

My mom called this morning and told me that some tornadoes sat down in N.O. She said it sounded like a freight train. That's what I remember when I moved to North Alabama (Huntsville shout out!!!). There was a time when tornadoes were never really feared at home. Hurricanes were detectable and were the only true threat as far as a storm is concerned.

Kinda makes me avert my thoughts to "last days" thoughts. All of this destruction occuring, along with a lack of concern...it is so fitting with prophecy--Bible prophecy, that is. We are living our lives with just about no hope for tomorrow. It's all about what we feel today, what we want today. Get my drift.

I watched State Property 2 yesterday. While I enjoyed the theatric maturity and excellent storyline of this movie, it really had me thinking about the urban (and country; you can see the same elements on dirt roads) brown-skinned community. We are really out there with money so much on our mind where it's "f*ck whoever stands in my way." While my heart goes out to the young black men in the drug trade, I see this mentality in everybody.

The U.S. deficit has been going down since Bush has been in office, but why is that? Bush is Beans!!! Get down or lay down! How do you get out of debt fast? Cancel your debt, settle for less than what you owe, cancel your debtor! That might take me off track. No, it definitely will.

Back to topic: if you ever got mad at a family for falling short on their expenses and you needed to help, talking to you. If you've punched a woman in her stomach when you knew she was pregnant with your kid, talking to you. If you've ever maintained a separation from those "not on your level," talking to you. If you've resented the kids making better grades than you/your kids, talking to you. Of course, the list goes on and I'm not a true blogger like that to cover a number of these, so I'll step away from this one.

I will get back to the original topic, though. lol. Too many of us (myself included, folk, no saint here...saints fan, but no saint) live as if what we do has no effect on our lives. Cancer and STDs are avoidable. Pollution is avoidable. Racism is avoidable. Separation is avoidable. But they're all here, thanks to you and me and our counterparts from generations before.

Fortunately, it's not a dooms-day story. You really can enjoy life, not being overly consumed with what is going wrong. Katrina did not kill my city. God is taking care of all the people throughout the U.S. and beyond. He heals. He provides. This isn't some feeling, this is reality. The same God that has provided / is providing for Native Americans, Jews, Mexicans, Africans...all of the dispersed people of the world...is the same God taking all of us through all sorts of trying times.

Take a look at the book of Revelation, preferably an older version (King James). It's not a scary book as some have grew up to learn. It's not about Damian from The Omen. There are so many books and movies out to confuse the general public where the people really don't know what to think anymore. I say bump dat.

Learn about the love of a Creator who allowed us to live, despite knowing that not everyone would make it.

Where's the soul food?

2007-01-19T11:59:00.000-06:00

Recently, I was talking to a couple older gentlemen (on different occasions) here in Corpus Christi about an area here called Hillcrest. We got to talking about an old BBQ place--Greenwood BBQ, or something similar. Both men are of the impression that this place had the best BBQ around, and maybe even in Texas.

Do you guys have similar instances of the bombest foods falling off the face of the earth? I hate to think about focusing on food as a way of retaining culture. This is just a way of monitoring how people's cultures are falling off.

I encourage people to support the businesses that you enjoy. It doesn't take much for the business to go under or close its doors. A number of unexpected internal influences could occur. Then there's the rising cost of keeping your doors open to include escalating taxes based on zoning changes, insurance costs because of people looking for stuff in their food, utility costs, etc.

I remember when I first left New Orleans in '93 and went to school in Alabama. I was pretty much used to going to almost any store resembling a corner store and getting a meal. Much to my surprise, everybody went to the fast food or the chain restaurants. I just wanted to get a decent sandwich or plate meal for five bucks or less.

Fast forward to post-Katrina and I tried a new spot this past MLK day at home. I was very disappointed. But the spots I used to go to are still closed. Probably can't afford to pay rent, fix the place, etc. I'm not saying that it's all over, because it's far from over. There are other places that are opening--some never closed in the first place. I was just mad that my cousin had the nerve to say that the place was good.

There are probably a number of places that you guys might know of serving food with that distinguished taste. Please have pride in what is inherently yours as the owners have opened up their business to you. For the family cooks (as I know there are scores of you with them in the family tree), reach out to those family members and compile your own lil recipe books. Why re-invent the wheel entirely?

Happy New Year Michoud

2007-01-07T16:59:00.000-06:00

This Christmas passed kinda funny for me. It was my first time sleeping in my room since August 2005, before Katrina came thru New Orleans. My mom's been working on the house (with the 'assistance' of contracted help) very diligently for the past year, restoring it to the original.

I wanted to send out words of inspiration to any that have the will to make the effort to return home. Make it happen. With the power and grace of God, you will accomplish your goal.

Note to self: just believe.

Unsung Heroes

2006-11-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to say much about these folk, but think about the unsung heroes of your lives. There have been so many people who have passed through my life bringing untold blessings. I've been encouraged since a juvenile to do so many great things and told of what I can grow to be. I look now and imagine the shoes that I've yet to fill.

Most heroes that we come to recognize are given the title because of selfless service. Those who fought against "the system"; those who went without for the benefit of others; those who faced ridicule because of their tendency to go against the grain, if you will. It's not the easiest thing to do, but we must realize that immediate payback isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

In business, companies must calculate life-cycle costs to really evaluate equipment selections. Paying a larger up-front cost sometimes equates to lower maintenance and energy costs. Getting by with a lower first cost may equate to higher maintenance and energy costs. I'll stop the analogy here before getting into finance costs, etc.

My point is that a lot of times we choose to avoid paying the high cost of attention, care, dedication, commitment, etc in many instances of life and unknowingly give ourselves more work in the future.

We all have plently areas of improvement in our lives. We must stop living everyday as a vacation day. We are behind in this race. Get to steppin.

Shout Out to FEMA

2006-08-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, FEMA delivered my mom's trailer. Yesterday evening, the a/c guy installed the condenser fan and my mom had a/c for the house. Anyone slightly familiar with construction will know that you shouldn't run your a/c while working on the house, with recirculating dust, etc. Right you shouldn't. My mom is pretty much finished with her house with the exception of some punchlist items that need to be cleared up and selecting flooring.

I could rant, but it's no need. Spike Lee's new documentary to be aired on HBO on the 21,22 and re-peated in entirety on the 29th will say a lot. It's just funny cause my mom joked that she'd probably get her trailer when the house was complete. Watch what you say, right?

I bless God's name right now because she's doing what so many folk have not been (will not be?) able to do--rebuild. Even moreso, parents, children, family and other loved ones were lost and I have the ability to visit mine.

I remember how struck I was when I learned that it was flooding so badly. The evening of the day after Katrina hit, my aunt called to see if I had spoken to anybody and I was nonchalant, saying how it would probably be a day or so before lines of communication cleared up. Growing up through hurricanes, it was routine to ride it out unless we wanted to run up to Mississippi by family. Since my mom was going up there, I thought no more about it. Went to sleep the night of and woke up the next day, as usual. Fortunately/unfortunately I was at the library by the computer when my aunt called. My thoughts stalled as I scanned through the stories. Of course later I spoke to more folk and I was enraged at what I was hearing; especially discrepancies between the news and actual accounts. To hear about all of the stories of folk wildin' out as the PRIMARY theme was most disturbing.

True colors show.

One of the things that helped me cope was knowing that God was working things out. "Live by faith and not by sight" was/is my motto. It's important that we do not doubt His abilities. Can't wait on chance or luck or other elements of iffi-ness.

Boys learned to be men. Men learned how to be husbands. Parents learned how to be mothers and fathers. We learned not to depend on local, state or national government. We learned that it's possible to survive without jobs--not necessarily in favorable conditions, but it's possible. We learned what it meant to be a community.

As with life, we learn and forget sometimes. Hopefully we can go back and remember. People will trip out on August 29th when the block parties jump off. Katrina isn't a day to celebrate, most will say. Some folk don't understand how important it is to be happy for what you have until it is much too late. Once its gone though, what to do? Mourn the loss forever or push forward. It's not a matter of not caring. It's a matter of living.

This post is some therapy for me because the same time a year prior to Katrina, I lost my life, my world. I've mourned. Now's time for my own block party.

Okay, I rambled off just now. lol. I'll never "let go" of that woman, anyway.

It is important that we remember situations like Katrina, how with all of the things that people went through, they are provided for. Situations may not be peachy but things are being worked out.

Brother from another mother

2006-08-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

In light of the latest post by a blogger, Phil, on extended families, I'm gonna talk about one of my brothers. I was an only child in a single-parent home. I had both of em {parents, that is} round me til I was 4 but then momz finally said ENUF (consequently, I'm dealing with {read: acknowledge the reality of} my own split a lil better...but I digress). As with anybody hurt/frustrated turned vindictive, popz announced the presence of my brother. Of course, I wasn't privy to this information for a few more years until I was visiting with the paternal kinfolk.

I still can't remember exactly how it came out to me or what my reaction was. My p-kinfolk tend to preface certain announcements with "you know...[so n so][this happened or happening], [etc]" so that had to be somewhere in the mix. But we were between 8 - 11; really can't remember. We'll both be 31 this year (just hit my mark a couple days ago). We kicked it for a day and that was that. It's possible that other days that summer we got together, but my memory fails me here. My cousins and aunts knew him and all, so thankfully he wasn't cast to the side, but as with anybody we do have the tendency to estrange folk sometimes. But we're supposed to know stuff that's going on, though. smh

Through the years, we got to kick it the weekend of our grandmother's funeral (15) and I ran into him on Alcorn State University's campus while I was visiting (23 or so). In the most recent years, we've taken it upon ourselves to stay in touch and it's been a true blessing. Of course, we don't have the history that growing pains bring, but the bond is real nonetheless and we love each other as such.

Family functions always find me amazed at the amount of before-unknown relatives and their relative locations. I continue to stress to myself that you take life from this day forward, so I appreciate my life experiences. Of course, as Jay-Z once said, "you have to live with regrets." Just can't use that as an excuse to repeat what I regret.

I would hope that, when possible, parents allow and encourage kids to know their siblings. What is a half-brother/sister? If I recognize my aunt's husband's daughter from another woman as family, how much more should I one that shares some of the same DNA structure as myself?

Hypocrisy of our Democracy

2006-08-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

That line continues to ring out in my head when I think of Chris Rock. Who woulda thought that lil skinny cat talkin' bout "Good Laawwwd!!! Datz a lot of money!!!" would grow to the stature that he is and speak on the level that he does. Anyway, shouts to C-Roc. If you haven't seen his latest (few years old now) stand-ups, you might want to.

I wanted to speak out on my hypocritical ways, though. As with anyone, it's easy to get on a soapbox and talk about change, but a lot of times that leads to a lotta yackin and no ack'n. I pray to not get beside myself as I continue this journey.

It's amazing how we are constantly afforded a chance to step up to the plate of change. With an ongoing bout with the toker in me, I've amazed myself with how easy I avoid/disregard any prior decisions to leave it be. I was reading another blog and the blogger made references (with a twist) to addiction. Now I'll be the first to say that I'm for legalization, but this is deeper than that for me. I would go into health concerns, being that my body is the temple of God, but I understand that we are living in a polluted world. I would mention the mind-altering effect that leads me to think differently from before, but that's like alcohol. I'm not taking away from those facts, just want to get to my point.

See, I have issues with crack, heroine, pills, etc. This stuff is KILLING and destroying folk, not to mention tearing down communities. All for greed, as I see it. Only thing is, with the exception of certain routes and origination points, what I want is in the same pipeline as the otha stuff. Trick Daddy said it on an album, can't remember which, "Drug money got blood on it...even a little residue...I'm tellin u."

In today's rap, most would accept the fact that a lot of references are made to the coke factory and indie-pharmaceutical operations out there. Please don't let the reference to rap make it singled out in your minds. I'm only using it as a reference since a lot of rap reflects the realities of life in urban America (not to mention outside). It's unfortunate that with all of the losses and loss of life tied into this system, we continue to be dependent upon it. I'm not one to knock anutha's hustle but using one of Dave Chappelle's story lines, there's a point when keeping it real goes wrong. Dope is far from new but the evolution of it all is SCARY. Anybody remember the minister speaking at the end of Belly?

In this day and age, we talk about this capitalist society and how it oppresses us and yet we tend to live for that "Meeeaaannnn...meeeeaaaaaannn, mean green...Almighty Dollar!" [O' Jays]

**I have the notorious habit of rambling--i tend to call it rambleIzation. Bear with me.**

I think about how the world has always been based on trade. I think about how you open a newspaper or turn on the tv and you have ads showing and telling you what you want. I think about the two dollars people send along with a self-addressed stamped envelope in hopes of entering into a business. I think about cable, utility, and insurance companies setting higher prices but not sharing profits (they'll share a loss, though!). I think about civil rights activists fighting for living conditions fit for human beings and yet many years later you find some of the shoddiest arrangements ever. [oops, rambling again...or am I?]

We are "struggling" to make it, yet we have kids learning to pledge allegiance to a flag, lying through their baby teeth! "...One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" Nah, it just don't seem right. But speaking against the norm is supposed to be wrong. This is just the reality of life, right? Probably so, but it does not have to remain this way. I know that God speaks to all people and we recognize the need to reach out to others [read: love].

There will come a time where the IRA won't have the importance it had as in the beginning. That bonus a salesman received from pushing a lemon won't be so fulfilling. That business acquisition that increased capabilities (while subsequently eliminating jobs at the acquired company) just won't seem feasible.

Our individual lives are not more important than the lives of others. We have a God-given responsibility to love one another. I'll try to remember that from now on out. Like I said, I've been a hypocrit also.

More Time Than Money

2006-07-28T08:54:00.000-05:00

Got a speeding ticket over the 4th of July weekend. To the tune of $180. Ouch. There's no telling how much speeding tickets have cost me, but I'm sure I could have bought a small lot with that kind of money (I've been getting tickets since I was 16 or 17--not steadily but just so I don't sound like a speed demon or anything). I'm kind of in a dilemma right now.

I told a friend about the ticket/cost and he said that I might want to spend that time in jail. Just turn myself in once it becomes a warrant (failure to appear). "I got more time than money, man." Now this is the time where I would love to have that pre-paid legal, but I don't really care for too many in-case-shyts. My money does me pretty well. I don't like to hand it out to money-hungry folk. But I digress. I have had to realize that it's so important for me to understand my legal rights as a black man in the U.S. Not saying that a black man is different from a white man (or am i?). Just saying that the law (po po, dem folk, dem peeple, jake, even the d.a. and the courts) would pull the wool over your eyes, if allowed. And we allow it every day. One of those unfortunate truths about life. We have an option. We can equip ourselves with information and, therefore, knowledge and power.

We've grown enough to realize that books hold wealth that unlocks doors. Unfortunately our youth do not all realize that. Inmates who have the opportunity to read find out just how much more there is to life than what they were caught up with.

**Let me break to express my support for all those caught up and "made examples of". Hang in there.**

I attended a neighborhood meeting recently for graffiti cleanup. There's been a lot of places getting tagged lately. The city's code enforcement places fines upon home/business owners who get tagged--as if they wanted it in the first place. Other city officials were there and all that I got from the meeting was that they're suggesting that you report (similar to crimestoppers) the activity so the individuals can be hauled off to jail. While the individuals are not always minors, this event just made me look at how unconcerned people can be. True, the "vandals" weren't concerned about the expense and trouble that the homeowners/business owners go through, but in efforts of teaching a lesson to some, a few got the big:
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I know that I'm not speaking about something new, but just had to mention it. After reading The Reckoning and watching the highly tragic comedy Life I've simply had some very irreverent thoughts concerning my country. I laugh when I hear people talk like prisoners are on an all-expense paid vacation, paid for by tax-dollars. We are bred to become uncaring people, mostly unforgiving, but I'll settle for uncaring. If the majority of citizens don't care, how do they even expect the rest to? My ex-wife coined the term, "I am what you make me." [Baby, if you're reading this, I wanna make you mine again. Okay, had to say dat. Sorry folk]

Oh yeah, so I'm in this dilemma. Do I hand over my freedom for a few hours/days to repay my debt to the Texas Department of Public Safety? I believe my friend because one thing I've learned is that frequent offenders are on top of their game when it comes to the legal system. Which brings me to my next suggestion. We need to find a way to make it worth people's while to enter the criminal justice field. In college, I knew a few pre-law majors. They could've made some extra shnaps with all of the kids getting hemmed up for varied offenses. If somebody's reading this with the capacity to do so, set up something to introduce kids and adults to the legal world. Provide subjects to legal students to do research on. Have them present their findings that can be distributed.

Anyway we all have more time than money. We spend our time tryna make mo' money mo' money mo' money, only to push ourselves to make more. 24 hours come and go so fast. Work takes up a good ten (including commutes for those with not so long of a commute); sleep takes six; and anotha eight to do what we do (eat, exercise, entertain, study, chores, what have you). Less or more if we sleep/work more or less. We stay on the go. Keep it poppin. [Supposedly] No time for any causes. Give a few bucks that we don't really have [okay, supposedly].

I'm gonna suggest something we've all heard and hear, take time out for somebody to give them a lift. Spark em up, if you will. It's not always instantly appreciated or recognized, but do it anyway. Others may try to stop you because it seems absurd to do for someone else, but people thought that way for all who sought to seek a change for the better.

Besides, we got more time than money.

Terrorists in a town near u (a ramble)

2006-07-20T12:51:00.000-05:00

I had to write this, because it's disheartening when you think about it. I choose to turn my discouragement around, though. Last month or so, the world was hit with news of a group of men sympathetic to al-queda discovered in da bottom, Miami. Supposedly they were plotting some serious carnage, all evidence of course coming from an informant.

While the media does well by circulating important information rapidly, the drawback is that the information may very well be false. People in high places do not really care because they feel that if they do not put the information out, their audience will go elsewhere to get the "latest and greatest."

Well, what happened with those gentlemen training for all of this mayhem? I haven't heard anything in the news ever since the ALLEGED plot was discovered. Some of the guys had a history of violating the law, but nothing on the order of what was stamped on their heads. How many of us even care what goes down with those guys? Some have abused the justice system to make examples of people--unjustly. But hey, it's just anutha brotha in jail, right? Ain't out of the ordinary, is it?

People must be careful when embracing thug-life nowadays, because soon we'll be the terrorists. It's no longer just arabs, it's anybody "posing" a threat to national security. Admittedly, this subject about the men has me upset because they look like me. Moreso because of the community service that they were involved in. I really dislike the fact that this story resembles what happened with Marcus Garvey and the UNIA, Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party[read this cnn interview of Bobby Seale, one of the founding members], the Chicago Eight, and who knows how many others. One thing, however, is that God's love will prevail. We lose our will to "fight" for change because of who we fight against and the punishment that comes.

I'm not writing this to encite anger, although it is a frustrating situation. I'm suggesting that we learn to work together out of love and respect a lil more. I refer all to God, though. Don't get it twisted into thinking that I feel that it's all in our own power. We can do all things through Christ, not ourselves (although we have abilities).

Many people have in the past attempted to come together to make a change for the better and these days people are doing the same. Everyone should realize that these efforts tend to be in line with God's will and therefore will meet the opposition of those working against Him. It takes perseverence, patience, and a continued connection with God to see it through. Once people start to put their own will in front, we join those working against His will.

That's probably why I don't follow through with all of the things that I think would be good to do. That's probably why some people attempt to get into something as a means to an end, but get trapped into a cycle. That's why people leave and vow never to return to churches [because of something done to them/said to them]. That's why the single person making 40 g's has nothing to give someone, but the family making 20-30 can offer a meal whenever you come around. Where's our heart?

We still have that community spirit, let's try to embrace it.

Cut Throat

2006-07-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

I've heard for every death, there's a birth. Yesterday I was informed that my lil cuz gave birth to a baby boy--7 lbs. 7 oz. Last night another cousin informed me that two cats were killed yesterday in Lincolnshire [in Marrero, LA] a neighborhood he was staying at for a while after the storm. Although i wasn't sharing the blunt my cuz had, the news blew my high related to the news of the baby.

There's much too much going on back home and it's related to a lack of love. I could say hate, cause there's a lot of hatin going on. As Soulja (Magnolia) Slim coined the term with his camp, it's cut throat. [For those interested, supposedly Cash Money is creating or working with others on a movie called Cut Throat City...as if cats needed more influence] Fact is, however, that it is like this all over the globe. I would do my home a disservice by singling them out as some sort of plagued city.

People must realize that these kids are running around out of control. Please don't take this statement literally, because I'm saying that people (mostly younger) are trying to step up to fill shoes that they really shouldn't be trying to fill. Most any cat out of N.O. is gonna call himself a soulja...it's pretty much branded into our hearts. It doesn't make everybody a gangsta and people need to really think about their actions because there is no honor amongst thieves, no matter how you look at it. Your first re-up could be your last.

Some rappers try to let you know (although I have my concerns about consistency, but this is life, right?) that now is not the time to get in big time. You have fed issues (the laws will cost you more than you make, believe it), snitching at an all-time high, and people ready to shoot first/ask questions later least much take you for what you got.

I don't know where this post is going but you have to really start thinking about one another these days. Capitalism and any other economic system is geared to putting power and influence in the hands of some whilst the remaining majority deals or suffers. We see this in America with suburbs, gated communities, ghettos and everything in between.

If we remain cut throat, trying to support only ourselves and families, then what will our families' lives be like? Will they be fighting/dying to preserve what they have because everyone else is trying to get a piece? We must learn to be happy within ourselves and content with where we are, else we'll allow greed to fester our lives.

I'll admittedly close this post abruptly, but not without sharing this sermon given by the late Martin Luther King, Jr. I am amazed at how we are not exposed to more of King's sermons, speeches and writings, but thanks to the late Coretta Scott King and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute--not to mention libraries and the internet--we can capture some of the ideals that God's servant was aiming to impart to us.

Many blessings to all of you

2006-07-13T10:36:00.000-05:00

Sitting here listening to this recording of The Color Purple musical. I'm reminded of one of my more memorable times this year--visiting NYC with my 'ex'-wife; not a romantic trip, just as friends. Although the play was a highlight, just spending time with her was momentous to me.

One thing, folk, you gotta understand about me. Although I'm a typical good guy, I'm also a f*ck up. I agree with any saying, "well who isn't," but I'll let that statement ride for now. Not that I'm beating down on myself or anything [yeah, right] or seeking some sympathy [that I don't want or need], just want to let that somewhat suffice as an explanation to you guys of why there hasn't been any reconciliation (read: don't ask). I'm still a believer, though *wink*.

At any rate, guys/gals how does the adage go? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I always noticed myself pondering ex-girlfriends after the fact, so it was already expected that my heart would 'flutter' if you will when re-united for the trip. But I swear this was on some entirely different level. I guess it should, though, right? It was something for me to think about holding hands while walking city blocks, sharing close space on the subway during crowded moments, waiting patiently (for a change) while she shopped and window-shopped. Let me tell you, I'm crazy about the woman. Somewhat insane, dependent on the angle you're looking at, but hey, it's my life. In the words of Rebirth Brass Band, "let me do my thang."

The play was very well-performed. I suggest anyone with the opportunity to see it go do so. Very entertaining and although I can't personally say whether it captured the movie or book, I was very satisfied with the play itself. I never tried the book and scarcely rememeber if I saw the entire movie. At least now I know that there was actually a point to it. For me, it emphasizes the importance of knowing that God has things under control, despite the adversities that we face through our lives. We think we know what's best for us, so we do what [and who] we feel like doing. Ultimately, though, His plan is wonderful.

Sorry I write sentences in comparison to other blogs I read. Just dropping what was on the brain.

Fellas, love your women. Shake pride. Stop destroying the trust and love that your women give to you. Ladies, ya'll love diamonds. Remember that diamonds begin in the rough.

All, I love you. I wish happiness in all of your lives. Live by faith and not by sight.

I think Outkast/GoodieMob said it best in "In Due Time" from the SoulFood soundtrack (lyric credits to DJ Flash):

"Just keep your faith in me
Don't act impatiently
You'll get where you need to be
In due time
Even when things are slow
Hold on and don't let go
I'll give you what I owe
In due time"

2006-07-07T07:04:00.000-05:00

Peace unto you.

Can I be straight up with you? I'm not a fan of judging people. It makes me feel as if I'm elevating myself. Who's beneath me? I can't think of anyone. Don't get me wrong. I have in the past and presently tend to follow that train of thought on occasion, but a self-check is in order.

So all that said, love is love. I love God and I love people. My people R my people. Doesn't stop me from loving others. We can do much more for another than we could ourselves. Love your neighbor as yourself. Stop dogging folk out. We hold on to the same childish behavior; tit 4 tat.

Think b4 acting/reacting.

2005-09-12T07:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog. Wanted to try this out as I've read some interesting blogs from others. This blog is really an expression of my hope to help others as I help myself. Life is hard and we all endure some trying times. It is my belief that we all can look in the past and see that we've gotten through some issues. With this knowledge we need not be overly concerned about the outcomes of current issues.

Hurricane Katrina touched home for me this year and I've found myself with mixed emotions and sentiments. Yes, I feel like Kanye (West) spoke words of many an American. I still feel that there is more to be done right now. Evacuation was one problem. Problems have caked this situation like mud from the pontchartrain have caked streets from the 9th Ward to West End. As the days pass and anger/excitement is traded for calm thought, many more problems. And Katrina ain't one.

She has passed now. It is time to identify options. Will community groups find ways to communicate with each other enough to get their thoughts/concerns to their local representatives? While dead bodies are being collected in the wake of the storm, live bodies should be working with the state and the national government to understand what are the thoughts for the future.

My opinion is this...New Orleans is here to stay. Martial law was set in to protect the downtown area. Canal Street was already under construction for condominiums (i.e. above floodwater). The revitalized uptown area just [south] of the overpass leading to/from the Mississippi River Bridge will not take much to recover. A lot of the wharfs should not have sustained major damage either.

The question of the day for a lot of victims right now is, "Where is my $2000?" Other questions seek answers to housing, jobs, and the list, I'm sure, goes on.

I really send my heartfelt thanks to all of the cities and communities who have reached out to lend a helping hand. It is a beautiful thing to see small acts of kindness multiplied in the way that they have been.

I encourage all to believe in the possibilities. It will be a struggle. There will be some foolishness to arise, also. Simply believe in your possibilities and work towards that end, knowing that all things are possible.

Sorry I'm so late, this was from 9/12/2005