I wanted to share our family history and stories and found a blog to be the easiest way to accomplish my goal. Feel free to read the various posts. Comments are encouraged and welcomed. I like sharing/telling the stories that have been told to me. It's always cool when you do the thing you like doing. I encourage everyone to make their dream a reality. Kick back, relax and enjoy your reading journey.
Thank you!
It's hard to believe this young man graduated from middle school with honors last friday evening. Not because of the honors, but because he's reached this milestone. Next stop - high school. I clearly remember each step of his educational path. We took pictures on his very first day of school a few years ago. Actually, it was more than a few years ago, but who remembers the exact number??? Toyia, Maurice Sr and I watched him get on the school bus and we got a little teary-eyed. When I told Grandma, she said we were "silly" for crying. Be that as it may, we three were touched by the moment. At fourteen, he begins another stage in his life.
He did it!
A kiss for luck, and you're on your way. Congratulations, Maurice!!! We are so very proud of your accomplishments.
On this twelfth day of June, we celebrate the birthday of Shawn. He has finally made it into the 40 Club. Welcome to the better years of life, Shawn. Happy Birthday.
Listening to music will remind you of days gone by. I found a song, "Stop Doggin Me Around" by Klique on Imeem.com. Originally, the song was recorded by Jackie Wilson in the 1950's. When the newer version of the song was released in 1983, I remember going to Montgomery Ward, in Midway Shopping Center, with Grandma to buy the album. She heard the song on the radio, and decided she wanted it. Going to buy the album didn't mean that was it. No, we had to look at other albums as well. I didn't understand WHY we had to look at almost all of them? When I purchased music, i'd get the one or two albums or forty-fives I wanted and head home. Grandma wanted to look at several artists, not just one. Once we were home, Grandma took her album from the paper bag and looked at the jacket; front to back. Meanwhile, Grandpa and I waited to listen to the song. A song she liked very much. One that made her purchase the entire album for it. We thought she wanted to listen to the song a.s.a.p. She liked Jackie Wilson's version, but she "very pleased" with the "new folks" remake. After reading the back, Grandma ran her thumbnail along the side of the jacket. She reached in and pulled out the album with the inner sleeve still intact. Another road block -- Grandma wanted to read the lyrics. No point in rushing her. She would not and could not be rushed. Grandpa said, "Vel, are you gonna play the record or keep holding it?" As only Grandma could do, she gave a roll of her eyes and an intense stare. She didn't say a word, but the understanding was there, "I'll play it when I'm damned good and ready." She took her time. Grandma removed the album from the sleeve and placed it on the spindle of the Philco Radio/Record and Eight Track Player. After moving the arm over, she pressed play. The record dropped, the needle gently landed and soon Howard Huntsberry could be heard singing, "You'd better stop, girl... doggin me around..." Grandma sat next to the record player and kept beat on her leg with her hand. She listened to the song a few more times and decided to play her Wes Montgomery eight track tapes. It's years later and much has changed. That old Philco Radio/Record/Eight Track Tape Player is long gone. I can spend hours in a store looking at music and never grow tired. One of those things I inherited from Grandma.
