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!
We welcome this new addition to our family. This is the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Lacey and Aggie (Lewis) Cooley. Nevaeh Grace was born on the morning of Tuesday, April 27th. Little Miss Nevaeh and her mother Keyaria are doing just fine. Jadein is now a big sister and Larry is a proud grandfather.
When you woke up this morning, you instinctively KNEW it was a special day. On this day, Lawrence DeForrest was born to Eugene Lawrence "Eckie Bud" and Helen Louise (Anderson) Cooley in 1946! Helen used the middle names of her husband and his brother as the first and middle names for her son. Larry is one of my favorite cousins. My earliest memory of Larry would be his invitation to "take a ride." I can't recall all the times or the places, but I've been "rollin with Mr C" for a very long time. One thing is certain, you will have an adventure with Larry. It's safe to say a fun time will be had by all when this man is around. Happy Birthday, Larry. I love ya like collard greens and cornbread.
I was checking out one of my favorite sites, YOUTUBE. I came across this song by the favorite musical group of the family and I wanted to share it with everyone. Go on, Cheryl - play your guitar! One thing we all know, this woman is TALENTED.
So I kept looking and I came across this other song. I have always liked Cheryl's version of the Bobby Caldwell classic, "What You Won't Do For Love." Here it is! I tell you, this woman has some talent.
They're coming, that's what I've been told. Some Cooleys will drive from Iowa and some from North Dakota. I don't know the exact number coming and I can't say how long they'll stay. My rough guess places the number between ten and fifteen. I know I'll have some tales to tell at the end of this weekend. We shall see what it will be.
I'm sure I should be asleep, but I'm not ready to lay it down. My thoughts have been of the dinner I'm cooking later. This is my last official family/holiday dinner until Thanksgiving. Well, I'll help with a dish here and there. Planning the menu and preparing the majority of the food is now in the hands of Miss Toyia. She takes over all main meals from this point on. The "Barbeque Queen" fired up the grill a few weeks back and barbequed a few slabs of perfectly seasoned, moist, tender, delicious ribs. Finger licking good. So the family will be in good hands. By the way, Miss Toyia is serving pineapple upside down cake. Call ahead to ensure there's a piece for you.
I don't know the exact date, but "Uncle Harry" will celebrate his birthday this month. Harry isn't my real uncle. He is in fact my cousin-in-law. Let's see, that makes Harry the great-great-grandson-in-law of Lacy Cooley. Notice the common thread here -- it all goes back to Lacy Cooley.
When Harry is around, you know you'll have a good time. Time spent with Harry ensures non-stop laughter. Harry has a story for every occasion, every subject at any time! He's always ready to share one or seven with you. I think that's rather impressive. There's another thing about Harry that makes me a fan. If you happen to drop in at the right time, Harry will serve you some of the BEST greens this side of the Mississippi. It's enough to make you want to slap your momma and throw your pocketbook at the preacher. I ain't lying - his greens are THE BOMB! So I'm always pleased to walk into Harry's house, take off my shoes, pull up a chair, have a plate of greens with a little vinegar, a couple of table onions, some cornbread and a few funny stories served on the side. Have you ever tried to eat greens and laugh at the same time? It ain't easy - pot liquor goes everywhere!
Today is Marvin Gaye's birthday. No, he's not a Cooley (I don't think???), but I have been a fan of his for years. Yep, going back to my earliest memories of his music. That was around 1972, which was the year, "What's Going On" was released. A memory that comes to mind is a summer day at our house at 914 Carroll Ave. It was the weekend, because I remember we were up early and cleaning. My dad was playing music (typical) and one album that dropped down the spindle was Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's greatest hits record. I instantly like what I heard. The way those two would volley a lyric back and forth -- it's not easy, but they made it sound effortless on every song. That was one early memory. I recall hearing, "Let's Get It On" and begin to think he was talking about some hot, sweaty, sexual relations! I had to listen to that song a couple of times. As I grew older, my love for Marvin's music grew as well. He really could do no wrong - each song was a hit. Okay, I never really liked, "Rockin After Midnight." That aside, his music was good and I enjoyed it. Now, I don't mean to make fun of the dead, but Marvin taught us a very valuable lesson in his death. When your parents say, "I brought you into this world, and I'll take you out." they mean that. Mr Gaye shot his son because his son hit him. The whole situation is a sad one, but we still have the man's music. He left so many great songs. So, I'd like to say, "Happy Birthday, Marvin" and "Thank you for all the great songs you wrote and recorded." He is a legend.
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