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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
January 2008!
Oops!! I almost didn't make my goal to blog at least once a month. Happy New Year, Everybody! I hope all is well. The holidays went well. I decided not to make any resolutions this year. I did begin even last year to make better decisions: eat the vegetables instead of fried potatoes, to drink water instead of the soda, to focus more on what's good FOR me than what's good TO me... The one thing I have got to work on is exercising! I've tried everything-scheduling it in my outlook like it was an appointment, leaving extra tennis shoes at work, pulling out photos when I wore a size 10... None of this moves me; I just haven't been motivated... Does anybody have any new suggestions!
I've been full speed ahead on planning my 20th Year Class Reunion. I've talked to classmates that I haven't seen since we graduated. I'm sooooo excited and hope everyone will make a point to attend.
In the conversations, I think what has been most interesting is that in some cases, our classmates didn't see us the same way we saw ourselves. One in particular thought she was shy. She still thinks she's shy. None of our classmates, NOT ONE!, saw her as being shy when we were in school. Is that tripped out or what? It just goes to show us that the way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way other receive us. Did that make sense?
I won't hold you long. I do think I forgot to mention that our t-shirts for the reunion are alumni shirts. PLEASE, if you attended or graduated from Lakeside High in Lake Village, PLEASE purchase at least one t-shirt. We have a cool 2-sided design and they are only $15!. Please share this information with family and friends.
I've been so occupied with the reunion that I forgot to mention that my nephew & his mom moved out of state. It's only been a week, but it seems like a lifetime. My heart is empty as his mom was like the daughter I'll never have & he like the "grandson" I'll never have. Did I say grandson? I really miss his running up & down the hall; his laughter when nothing was funny; his knocking on my door in the morning to let me know he was off to daycare; I could go on & on, but I won't. I am so proud of his mom. She's had a lot of challenges, but I pray the 1 1/2 yr of intense spiritual foundation she received from my church & my life-as well as the lessons on warfare & self-encouragement and the lessons on the power of the Word-have prepared her for the battles ahead. She's a fighter... she and her son. They can do it. I can remember her saying "I'm so tired & wish I could go to bed, but I know I have things to do"-and she actually did them. This was a sign of maturity to me. She's come a long way! One way you know when a woman or man becomes a woman or man is they see things that need to be done & don't run to tell you about it-They just do it!
I ask the righteous to pray for her increase in faith, greater strength in the Lord and a more intense focus on the Lord.
Hope to talk to you guys soon!
I've been full speed ahead on planning my 20th Year Class Reunion. I've talked to classmates that I haven't seen since we graduated. I'm sooooo excited and hope everyone will make a point to attend.
In the conversations, I think what has been most interesting is that in some cases, our classmates didn't see us the same way we saw ourselves. One in particular thought she was shy. She still thinks she's shy. None of our classmates, NOT ONE!, saw her as being shy when we were in school. Is that tripped out or what? It just goes to show us that the way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way other receive us. Did that make sense?
I won't hold you long. I do think I forgot to mention that our t-shirts for the reunion are alumni shirts. PLEASE, if you attended or graduated from Lakeside High in Lake Village, PLEASE purchase at least one t-shirt. We have a cool 2-sided design and they are only $15!. Please share this information with family and friends.
I've been so occupied with the reunion that I forgot to mention that my nephew & his mom moved out of state. It's only been a week, but it seems like a lifetime. My heart is empty as his mom was like the daughter I'll never have & he like the "grandson" I'll never have. Did I say grandson? I really miss his running up & down the hall; his laughter when nothing was funny; his knocking on my door in the morning to let me know he was off to daycare; I could go on & on, but I won't. I am so proud of his mom. She's had a lot of challenges, but I pray the 1 1/2 yr of intense spiritual foundation she received from my church & my life-as well as the lessons on warfare & self-encouragement and the lessons on the power of the Word-have prepared her for the battles ahead. She's a fighter... she and her son. They can do it. I can remember her saying "I'm so tired & wish I could go to bed, but I know I have things to do"-and she actually did them. This was a sign of maturity to me. She's come a long way! One way you know when a woman or man becomes a woman or man is they see things that need to be done & don't run to tell you about it-They just do it!
I ask the righteous to pray for her increase in faith, greater strength in the Lord and a more intense focus on the Lord.
Hope to talk to you guys soon!
Friday, December 7, 2007
December 2007 - Announcement
NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT!! I bet you saw announcement & thought, I bet she's pregnant! The announcement is about my class reunion. All the particulars are listed below:
Who? Lakeside Class of 1988
What? 20th Year Class Reunion
When? May 23-24, 2007 (Friday & Saturday before Memorial Day)
Where? Lake Village, Arkansas - Chicot County
Why? to reminisce about old times; see how much we've all changed; network, for an alumni association
How? just pay $60 prior to April 1; $75 after April 1, 2008 via check or money order
Make checks payable to: Lakeside Class of 1988
CLASS OF 1988 20TH YEAR CLASS REUNION ACTIVITIES - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY - MAY 23, 2008
Welcome Reception/Registration Ramada Inn and Motel 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration; classmates are strongly encouraged to bring their children and faculty are welcome.)
Class Fellowship Time TBA 9:00 p.m. – until
(Cost for these activities are NOT included in the registration. Bowling, skating, casino, etc… are available in the area; if class decides on dance instead, cost for the dance will be included in the registration.)
SATURDAY - MAY 24, 2008
Class Breakfast (on your own) McDonald’s 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Class Social Ramada Inn Motel 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.(Spouses, children, faculty, and classmates are encouraged to attend. Games, including volleyball, cards, dominoes, and other activities are planned. Please wear your Class Alumni T-Shirt today.
Class Banquet Lakeside High School Commons Area 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration for classmates. If a spouse desire to attend, cost is $20; cost for kids under age 12 is $10; but seating is limited. This event will be catered; no jeans please. Arrive early; be prepared to take class portrait before the banquet. V Pesaresi can provide an 8x10 glossy for $15. During this program we would like to have a memorial moment portion, but need help getting photos of deceased classmates & faculty. Please share any portraits you have; originals will be returned.)
For updates on information, log on to the following websites:
www.classmates.com
www.classreport.org (still under construction)
What we need you to do:
Call at least 3 classmates & encourage them to attend.
Get your registration & the questionnaire in ASAP; help us find classmates that are “missing in action.”
Assist with the fundraiser by ordering at least one ALUMNI t-shirt.
Make a donation for the Scholarship Award that will be presented in May.
19.88 (MINIMUM DONATION, PLEASE )
198.88
1,988.88
Other: ___________
Who? Lakeside Class of 1988
What? 20th Year Class Reunion
When? May 23-24, 2007 (Friday & Saturday before Memorial Day)
Where? Lake Village, Arkansas - Chicot County
Why? to reminisce about old times; see how much we've all changed; network, for an alumni association
How? just pay $60 prior to April 1; $75 after April 1, 2008 via check or money order
Make checks payable to: Lakeside Class of 1988
CLASS OF 1988 20TH YEAR CLASS REUNION ACTIVITIES - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY - MAY 23, 2008
Welcome Reception/Registration Ramada Inn and Motel 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration; classmates are strongly encouraged to bring their children and faculty are welcome.)
Class Fellowship Time TBA 9:00 p.m. – until
(Cost for these activities are NOT included in the registration. Bowling, skating, casino, etc… are available in the area; if class decides on dance instead, cost for the dance will be included in the registration.)
SATURDAY - MAY 24, 2008
Class Breakfast (on your own) McDonald’s 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Class Social Ramada Inn Motel 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.(Spouses, children, faculty, and classmates are encouraged to attend. Games, including volleyball, cards, dominoes, and other activities are planned. Please wear your Class Alumni T-Shirt today.
Class Banquet Lakeside High School Commons Area 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration for classmates. If a spouse desire to attend, cost is $20; cost for kids under age 12 is $10; but seating is limited. This event will be catered; no jeans please. Arrive early; be prepared to take class portrait before the banquet. V Pesaresi can provide an 8x10 glossy for $15. During this program we would like to have a memorial moment portion, but need help getting photos of deceased classmates & faculty. Please share any portraits you have; originals will be returned.)
For updates on information, log on to the following websites:
www.classmates.com
www.classreport.org (still under construction)
What we need you to do:
Call at least 3 classmates & encourage them to attend.
Get your registration & the questionnaire in ASAP; help us find classmates that are “missing in action.”
Assist with the fundraiser by ordering at least one ALUMNI t-shirt.
Make a donation for the Scholarship Award that will be presented in May.
19.88 (MINIMUM DONATION, PLEASE )
198.88
1,988.88
Other: ___________
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