It's been a long time since we've talked. My goodness! Times goes so fast. Let's just recap everything. July I attended a city reunion down home and a family reunion on my husband's side on the North side. I've had a birthday! Happy Birthday to me... My husband & I went to Florida for the 2nd time this year-Orlando. My mother-in-law & her husband went also. She had me shopping. I haven't shopped like that in 5 or 6 years! Her husband was begging the security guard to kick us out a store. I will admit we had been in the store almost 3 hours! This is quite unusual for me. I HATE shopping. I mean hate it. I despise the crowds, lines, bad organization, deceiving sale prices, bad kids running, annoying people who don't put stuff back where they got it from, bothersome salesman that when you need them, you can't find them, etc... BUT this experience was different. I don't know if it was because we were in Florida or what. I had a ball! I spent almost $250 in that one store. The Palisades Resort was awesome! BRAND NEW!!!
I found out my cousin is pregnant AGAIN. This is her 2nd & she's only been married about 2 1/2 years. Better her than me.
Last month I went to Washington State. I had never been to this part of the county before. I had hoped to see a childhood friend & her family, but due to scheduling issues, it didn't work out. Vancouver was absolutely beautiful. This was a conference and maybe it was just the people attending the conference & not the city in general, BUT they're kind of different. They reminded me of the 60's and the love fest. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice experience, but quite different. Just about everyone had on mountain climbing like shoes or mules; no one-I mean no one had on NIKEs, but me. Everyone seem to have a laid back attitude, no worries or concerns, just nonchalant-UNTIL you start to talk about the ozone layer, or endangered species, or recycling or protecting pets from abuse... This is when they get really passionate. I was able to get some great unique ideas for instruction. So mission accomplished.
A long time friend and co-worker retired. She had been working where I work for 30 years & 27 days! That's a long time to be on the same job. I'm sure she had trials & tribulations-some I witnessed, but she endured. She is truly a virtuous woman-professional, Godly, soft spoken... I miss her already. She was our plant doctor. When a plant wasn't looking well in the office, we would put it in the hospital-Mary's office. She'd take it for 2 weeks & it would come back good as new. She has the most beautiful children; all five were at her retirement party-even though 3 live out of state. Family is very important to her and she has instilled that into her children & grandchildren.
This month on November 4, history was made again. Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States of America. Many felt that one day this would happen, but I think most never thought it would happen in this lifetime & certainly not in this year's election. He is absolutely phenomenal! People and leaders from around the world rejoiced when it was announced. I laughed at those who called me, but I cried too. I was so full. I had this big lump in my throat. When I watched his speech I felt every word he spoke. I saw Oprah in the crowd crying... Jessie Jackson crying... some wondered if he cried because it wasn't him or if it was genuine and he cried because a piece of Martin's dream has been realized. I say a piece because we have yet so far to go...
I cried because I had forgotten or lost sight of what my God can do. All things are possible to him that believe. I guess I had actually stopped believing. I had grown faint and weary. I don't believe I lost hope in God, but in the idea that if you work hard, you would succeed. There have been so many roadblocks to my dream and I've seen so many injustices. I repent... By Barack being elected, my hope has been renewed. I can honestly tell my nephews and niece and other relatives that anything truly can happen, when you believe & work hard-no matter what color you are, no matter where you came from. A local African-American college's president had a baby boy on 11/4 and decided to name him after Barack; the baby's name is Benjamin Barack. It's been reported on CNN that all over the world, people are naming their babies after Barack & many with twins are naming them Michelle & Barack. That's honorable.
It's a new feeling... I feel like it's a new day. It seems the air is different. people I work with seem different, especially those of the lighter persuasion. I've been gone out of state a week & I was thinking that was it, but I don't think so... Whatever the case, what's done is done.
I feel so blessed to have witnessed this historical event, better yet, I feel blessed to have been a part of the process and able to help make it happen by casting my vote for Barack. Many of my counter parts did not vote for him and I really think it was just because of the color of his skin. They claim is was qualifications, but beg to differ. Palin was no more qualified than Barack. I'm going to leave that right there.
I recently found out that a relative of my husband is dating another relative of his. They are totally not related, BUT my husband just thinks this is not right. Let's say, for instance, your mother falls in love with your father-in-law. Just seems strange to my husband. I don't see a problem... I'll have to think on it awhile longer. What if your sister wanted to marry your father in law? would their children be your husband's stepsister or brother or his niece & nephew? :) Just something to think about...
Well, I'd better go. I hope it won't be almost 5 months before we talk again.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Death of a Patriach
June has been a good month. A busy one. I guess the most adventurous has been the death of a patriarch. George Perry W was the Patriarch of the family. He was 93 years young. I have never met a person of this age with so much energy. He was very vibrant, always wanting to go somewhere and do something-he and his girlfriend of over 40 years! He had a good mind too. There are things I can't remember from yesterday, let alone from 50 years ago.
The thing I remember most about him was that he didn't back down from anybody-no matter how big or crazy they were.... :\ I remember one of his nephews coming up on him, acting like they were going to do something. Uncle Perry just grabbed his front pocket like he was gonna pull out a knife. I believe he had one and would use it. This is a trait that has been passed down throughout the generations. I have never know any of them (his brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews, etc..) to back down from a challenge. They always speak with they feel not worrying about consequences. It was such a blessing to know him. It was interesting to see how strong the genes are. There are several family members that look like him-great nieces and nephews.
Anyone who didn't know him probably felt like they did after the funeral. The service was a Homegoing Celebration!
The thing I remember most about him was that he didn't back down from anybody-no matter how big or crazy they were.... :\ I remember one of his nephews coming up on him, acting like they were going to do something. Uncle Perry just grabbed his front pocket like he was gonna pull out a knife. I believe he had one and would use it. This is a trait that has been passed down throughout the generations. I have never know any of them (his brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews, etc..) to back down from a challenge. They always speak with they feel not worrying about consequences. It was such a blessing to know him. It was interesting to see how strong the genes are. There are several family members that look like him-great nieces and nephews.
Anyone who didn't know him probably felt like they did after the funeral. The service was a Homegoing Celebration!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Death of Buddy - Larry Lee
Not too long ago, M Town lost a buddy. Larry Lee was a fun loving person. It had been a few months since we last saw him, but the last time my husband & I, my sister in law, her boyfriend & daughter all went to visit him. Larry Lee had us laughing for 3 or 4 hours straight. That was the type of person he was. We reminisced about days gone by: playing baseball across the street from Ms. Luvenia; about Bawcom's store, the bus station in downtown M Town, Flo burgers and Cherry Sprites at Cricket's... Those were the good ole days.
Larry Lee is gone, but not forgotten... He will be missed, but his laughter, his ability to make us laugh, his giving spirit, will live in us forever.
Larry Lee is gone, but not forgotten... He will be missed, but his laughter, his ability to make us laugh, his giving spirit, will live in us forever.
Class of 1988 20th Year Reunion
Guys! I have been trying to create blogs, but my e-mail & password weren't matching... At any rate, it's on now. A lot has happened since March 13-my last blog. Today I will bring you up to speed on the class reunion we had this past Memorial Day weekend. It was the bomb!
The one thing I got from the interaction of planning this was the way people perceive you is not necessarily the way you are, and the way you think you portray yourself is not necessarily the way people perceive you. There are two sayings: I KNOW YOU BELIEVE YOU UNDERSTOOD WHAT YOU THOUGHT I SAID, BUT I AM NOT SURE YOU REALIZE THAT WHAT YOU HEARD IS NOT WHAT I MEANT. The other saying is: PEOPLE MAY DOUBT WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU DO. Communication is vital to all relationships.
I'm jumping - let me refocus. This weekend was great. Here's an update on the happenings. Friday Night we played Win Lose or Draw-Lakeside Style. Andre & I were the drawers and it was girls against guys. We had to draw people, places, & things associated with being a senior or Lakeside. We had to draw stuff from a diploma to Ms. Reg & Mr. Smith. That was funny & spouses participated too so they didn't feel left out. Saturday, we had to move our site at the park because our reserved areas was flooded out & there was an influx of moccasins!! Not shoes, but SNAKES! I didn't tell everybody why because they probably would have freaked out or not come to the park at all. (Vanessa) :) scary... Two of our former teachers joined us. That was a surprise. Also, on Saturday night @ the banquet, we had a memorial moment piece with a slide show of our deceased classmates & faculty & their family. We played "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boys to Men. There were some teary eyes. That was really nice. B Wetzler & R Brown did an awesome job with their "sermonettes". R really has changed and you must know it had to be God. He has a beautiful wife who is so sweet and outgoing. B's wife looks like she did when she graduated.
I have heard nothing but good comments from the people I've talked to, but haven't talked to everyone. I pray that at the next one we will double or triple our attendance. If you have any ideas about how we an do that, please let me know.
Not once did I ask "What are you doing now?". I really don't want to know unless you want to tell me. The purpose of this weekend was to get reacquainted, to reminisce, and to have fun. For many it was a time to show that we have really grown up & all the asinine things that caused us to not speak 15-20 years ago, are in the past and do not matter. We must forget those things that are behind & press forward. I learned that a lot of the issues were caused by miscommunication. Now some were done on purpose, but we were young and dumb-most of us. Bottom line is let it go. :)
The rebuttal to me from one person was: Well I don't want to open myself up to being hurt... the character of a person doesn't change. I beg to differ. It does IF the holy spirit is involved. Give them another chance. I have learned the true meaning of love - it is many things, but most definitely it is being able to forgive others when we are wronged over & over & over again. We must remember that we are not perfect either & will need forgiveness.
Bottom line... Let it go. ;)
The one thing I got from the interaction of planning this was the way people perceive you is not necessarily the way you are, and the way you think you portray yourself is not necessarily the way people perceive you. There are two sayings: I KNOW YOU BELIEVE YOU UNDERSTOOD WHAT YOU THOUGHT I SAID, BUT I AM NOT SURE YOU REALIZE THAT WHAT YOU HEARD IS NOT WHAT I MEANT. The other saying is: PEOPLE MAY DOUBT WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU DO. Communication is vital to all relationships.
I'm jumping - let me refocus. This weekend was great. Here's an update on the happenings. Friday Night we played Win Lose or Draw-Lakeside Style. Andre & I were the drawers and it was girls against guys. We had to draw people, places, & things associated with being a senior or Lakeside. We had to draw stuff from a diploma to Ms. Reg & Mr. Smith. That was funny & spouses participated too so they didn't feel left out. Saturday, we had to move our site at the park because our reserved areas was flooded out & there was an influx of moccasins!! Not shoes, but SNAKES! I didn't tell everybody why because they probably would have freaked out or not come to the park at all. (Vanessa) :) scary... Two of our former teachers joined us. That was a surprise. Also, on Saturday night @ the banquet, we had a memorial moment piece with a slide show of our deceased classmates & faculty & their family. We played "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boys to Men. There were some teary eyes. That was really nice. B Wetzler & R Brown did an awesome job with their "sermonettes". R really has changed and you must know it had to be God. He has a beautiful wife who is so sweet and outgoing. B's wife looks like she did when she graduated.
I have heard nothing but good comments from the people I've talked to, but haven't talked to everyone. I pray that at the next one we will double or triple our attendance. If you have any ideas about how we an do that, please let me know.
Not once did I ask "What are you doing now?". I really don't want to know unless you want to tell me. The purpose of this weekend was to get reacquainted, to reminisce, and to have fun. For many it was a time to show that we have really grown up & all the asinine things that caused us to not speak 15-20 years ago, are in the past and do not matter. We must forget those things that are behind & press forward. I learned that a lot of the issues were caused by miscommunication. Now some were done on purpose, but we were young and dumb-most of us. Bottom line is let it go. :)
The rebuttal to me from one person was: Well I don't want to open myself up to being hurt... the character of a person doesn't change. I beg to differ. It does IF the holy spirit is involved. Give them another chance. I have learned the true meaning of love - it is many things, but most definitely it is being able to forgive others when we are wronged over & over & over again. We must remember that we are not perfect either & will need forgiveness.
Bottom line... Let it go. ;)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Murder in Montrose
I was shocked to find out there has been a murder in "M" town... a very small town where I grew up. I mean "murder"... Where someone deliberately kills someone. I've heard a lot of rumors surrounding what happened. I just pray for his family; for their strength, increased faith & trust in God...
There was a murder about 25 or so years ago. An older man was stabbed to death. His murder is still unsolved. I just finished making a comment a few days ago to a co-worker that my town hadn't had a murder in 25 years and then boom! we had one. I guess I should have kept my mouth closed.
My husband has a cousin getting married this month. He's older than she is. I hope they get counseling before the big day. Marriage is a HUGE step. It ain't no joke. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, but it's been work. I know that without Christ, prayer, supplication, fasting, forgiveness, being humble and submissive, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, our spiritual leaders of our church, and the righteous praying for us, we would not still be together.
Meet The Brown's - another Tyler Perry movie is coming out this month. Our church's married couples are going to see it. I'll have to share how that goes. I always enjoy his movies. The cussing gets on my nerves some times, but the message of the movie gets through. I know the cussing is a part of the character, but does it have to be used in the movie to make a point? Let me hear your comments on that.
Another issue I'd like to hear from you about is "dancing". Is there anything wrong with secular dancing? This is one that teens struggle with. I'd think as long as it is tasteful, with class & not provocative or degrading and it praises the Lord-shouldn't it be OK? let me hear from you...
I'll go for now. Let us continue to pray for our country, for family, for ourselves and for the many challenges we'll face tomorrow and beyond. Holy Spirit grant us wisdom to make the right decisions.
There was a murder about 25 or so years ago. An older man was stabbed to death. His murder is still unsolved. I just finished making a comment a few days ago to a co-worker that my town hadn't had a murder in 25 years and then boom! we had one. I guess I should have kept my mouth closed.
My husband has a cousin getting married this month. He's older than she is. I hope they get counseling before the big day. Marriage is a HUGE step. It ain't no joke. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, but it's been work. I know that without Christ, prayer, supplication, fasting, forgiveness, being humble and submissive, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, our spiritual leaders of our church, and the righteous praying for us, we would not still be together.
Meet The Brown's - another Tyler Perry movie is coming out this month. Our church's married couples are going to see it. I'll have to share how that goes. I always enjoy his movies. The cussing gets on my nerves some times, but the message of the movie gets through. I know the cussing is a part of the character, but does it have to be used in the movie to make a point? Let me hear your comments on that.
Another issue I'd like to hear from you about is "dancing". Is there anything wrong with secular dancing? This is one that teens struggle with. I'd think as long as it is tasteful, with class & not provocative or degrading and it praises the Lord-shouldn't it be OK? let me hear from you...
I'll go for now. Let us continue to pray for our country, for family, for ourselves and for the many challenges we'll face tomorrow and beyond. Holy Spirit grant us wisdom to make the right decisions.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Classmate LR Get-to-Gether 2.29.08
All I can say is we had a ball!! Several classmates were in town this weekend and we got together at Willy D's and the Flying Saucer. This was like a pre-reunion. We really had a nice time. Hope the reunion is even better. Enjoy the photo...
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 2008
We'll I've missed my goal. I didn't get a blog in during the month of February. A lot happened. I went to a Title I conference in Nashville, Valentine's Day came & went, a cousin had a big 70th B-Day Party, attended several basketball games including district tournament and regional basketball tournaments for the Beavers & the Lions. My nephew plays on the Lions team and they're still in it! The final game is this week for the State Championship. I'm very proud. He is a senior and thinks he wants to "go into the services". That's what he calls it. I call it a prison that really limits choices for African-American males. If a young man has an ounce of intelligence or creativity, I wouldn't tell them to go into to the services. Try college & if that doesn't work, then go in the services. I'm tickled as to how he'll like waking up at 5 instead of 12 noon every day. I'd be interested to see if he'll be comfortable in giving up playing XBOX for 10 hours/day; it'll be replaced with running 5 miles, learning discipline, cleaning up, learning to shoot to survive...
Life is full of choices, decisions, & consequences. I really learned this from a cousin who has since passed. We really need to fast forward to the consequences and decide if that's something we really want to do... If the cost for our actions will be worth it... I lost a cousin in February; he was from California. They brought his body back to Arkansas. I thought there would be hundreds of people at his funeral because he had a lot of relatives. It wasn't even like that. I began to wonder who would be at my funeral... What they would say about me... I wonder if my life has said the things I want it to say... How will I know? Just something to think about.
I took the test for Homeland Security. It was cool. A lot of situational questions. As I was sitting there, I wondered what the heck am I doing. Why am I taking this test? Is this something I really want to do? Not really. I'm just disgruntled with my job and planting seeds... seeking other avenues... Hoping God will release me to do something else... Even move somewhere else. I must stay in his will...
We got our taxes done. We are sooooo blessed! I give God the glory. We didn't adopt any kids or lie about anything. God just worked it out. We are givers & the bible says "Give & it shall be given unto you-Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over Men shall give unto your bosom"!
The last weekend in this month was GREAT!! Some classmates & I got together and had a ball. Some said no thanks. I wondered if they just didn't want to be bothered or if for some reason they were ashamed. I hope not. For me the class get togethers and reunion are planned not to get answers to "What are you doing now?" or "How much money are you making?" questions. It is so we can fellowship, reminisce, get away from every day troubles, network, lift each other up, share experiences.
It amazed me and surprised me how some viewed me in school: bossy, serious, a NERD; one of my classmates described me as a breathe of fresh air-something new; vibrant, very outgoing... I must admit I was very serious. A classmate from Silver Springs asked what would I do differently in school. I guess I would have had a little more fun. I was very focused... thought I'd be the 1st African-American female President of the United States of America-long term goal; short term was maybe be governor of my State. Once I got a dose of the real world both these dreams faded. There's a lot of prejudice people in high positions in the State where I'm from. I was so discouraged. Gosh, I've learned so much about dreams & who to share them with & how to put my trust in the Lord-NOT MAN!! If I only knew then what I know now.
That's life-living & learning. It would be really sad to see classmates, or anyone else for that matter, & have them be exactly the same... Still doing what they used to do, saying what they used to say, going where they used to go; that means 20 years would have been wasted! Why be here on this earth if you're not going to grow in some capacity? Not just without growing, but without a purpose. Oh God, why would you keep us here if we didn't have a purpose? If you don't know your purpose, find out what it is & get busy. Time is short. We are only here but for a moment. There's a lot more I'd like to share, but it's late. I hope to get another blog in to make up for February. Later...
Life is full of choices, decisions, & consequences. I really learned this from a cousin who has since passed. We really need to fast forward to the consequences and decide if that's something we really want to do... If the cost for our actions will be worth it... I lost a cousin in February; he was from California. They brought his body back to Arkansas. I thought there would be hundreds of people at his funeral because he had a lot of relatives. It wasn't even like that. I began to wonder who would be at my funeral... What they would say about me... I wonder if my life has said the things I want it to say... How will I know? Just something to think about.
I took the test for Homeland Security. It was cool. A lot of situational questions. As I was sitting there, I wondered what the heck am I doing. Why am I taking this test? Is this something I really want to do? Not really. I'm just disgruntled with my job and planting seeds... seeking other avenues... Hoping God will release me to do something else... Even move somewhere else. I must stay in his will...
We got our taxes done. We are sooooo blessed! I give God the glory. We didn't adopt any kids or lie about anything. God just worked it out. We are givers & the bible says "Give & it shall be given unto you-Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over Men shall give unto your bosom"!
The last weekend in this month was GREAT!! Some classmates & I got together and had a ball. Some said no thanks. I wondered if they just didn't want to be bothered or if for some reason they were ashamed. I hope not. For me the class get togethers and reunion are planned not to get answers to "What are you doing now?" or "How much money are you making?" questions. It is so we can fellowship, reminisce, get away from every day troubles, network, lift each other up, share experiences.
It amazed me and surprised me how some viewed me in school: bossy, serious, a NERD; one of my classmates described me as a breathe of fresh air-something new; vibrant, very outgoing... I must admit I was very serious. A classmate from Silver Springs asked what would I do differently in school. I guess I would have had a little more fun. I was very focused... thought I'd be the 1st African-American female President of the United States of America-long term goal; short term was maybe be governor of my State. Once I got a dose of the real world both these dreams faded. There's a lot of prejudice people in high positions in the State where I'm from. I was so discouraged. Gosh, I've learned so much about dreams & who to share them with & how to put my trust in the Lord-NOT MAN!! If I only knew then what I know now.
That's life-living & learning. It would be really sad to see classmates, or anyone else for that matter, & have them be exactly the same... Still doing what they used to do, saying what they used to say, going where they used to go; that means 20 years would have been wasted! Why be here on this earth if you're not going to grow in some capacity? Not just without growing, but without a purpose. Oh God, why would you keep us here if we didn't have a purpose? If you don't know your purpose, find out what it is & get busy. Time is short. We are only here but for a moment. There's a lot more I'd like to share, but it's late. I hope to get another blog in to make up for February. Later...
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