Muir Woods National Monument

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir

Happy Birthday Toyia

Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I know how BLESSED I am to have a sister named, Toyia Lynn. I'm not going to say we are in total agreement all the time, because that would be a lie from the pits of hell. What I will say is my sister always has my back. All of my life, Toyia has always been there supporting, loving, caring and defending me. Yes, she's a good sister to have. My wish for her as she turns another year better is the BEST life has to offer in ever conceivable way.

The Watts Towers

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

Plans change, people change and that's all good as I sit on the veranda, sipping coffee and listening to Chaka Khan sing about living a super life. I have to admit this is a nice change of pace. It feels good to get away and spend time in my second home. The nice thing is "COOL LEE" and "UNRULEY COOLEY" have a chance to spent some quality time together. After a few laughs, we decided to dine out for breakfast. Time to start moving and get out and about. I'm going to say a fun time will be be had by all.

The Black Man Has Green Thumbs

I have a friend with green thumbs, for real. I've seen what he's been able to do in his garden and it's pretty incredible. To say the man has talent is an understatement. It seems as though whatever he puts his hands on grows and flourishes effortlessly. Granted this brother is a horticulturalist, so that may be the reason he has the ability to grow anything, anything at all. Growing flowers and plants is not easy. It takes time and great patience. Yeah, I don't think I'm all too patient when it comes to growing things. I once killed a cactus (too much water or not enough - still not sure), and I'm greatly impressed with his knowledge and ability to cultivate plants and flowers. I'll correct myself and say all things growing. Nicholas takes pride in his garden and lawn and he should. He's put in a lot of time and physical labor to achieve the end results. He shared pictures of his latest plantings with me and I'm sharing them with you. I'm thinking I may try growing a plant again. Next weekend I'm going to buy a houseplant. I should be able to keep it alive/growing much longer than the cactus. Trust, I'll ask "Mr Green Thumbs" plenty of questions to ensure the plant will live. Nice pictures, Nicholas. You make it look easy.

First, The Tide...

press play to view the clip

I shot this mini-clip when I was in Los Angeles in February. It's not very long, but it gives a brief glimpse into the serenity of watching the Pacific Ocean rushing in and then rolling again. I try to make it to Venice Beach each time I visit L.A. It may not be the most "glamorous" of the beaches in Southern California, but it's one I do enjoy visiting. One of the best things to do it sit on the sand and watch the sunset. It's something I believe should be experienced once in your life.

6:55 AM, Robert Street Bridge...

Sometimes mistakes can be a good thing. I was on my way to work (running literally) and jumped on a bus. The bus I jumped on was the wrong one and it dropped me off on the other side of the Mississippi River. This meant I had to walk across the Robert Street bridge (crossing the river) to get to my office. As I was walking I noticed the sun was rising, but I saw the moon as well. In this moment I thought about the beginning of one day and the ending of another. I stood in a place that allowed me to capture the sun and the moon. Though I was running late I stopped long enough to look. It was cool moment and I took some time to stop and snap a pictures of the sun and the moon that morning. At the end of the day I realized that was the most peaceful time of my day. My lesson learned; find those moments/minutes/hours for yourself AND enjoy them - whatever the period of time. You're entitled to a little "me time" and you (man, woman, child or beast) should always indulge yourself. Make it happen because only YOU will take care of you.

Grandma Needs To Cook Something!

Early Saturday morning I had a dream about Grandma. I like when that happens. Typically when I dream about her she's taking a moment out of her busy schedule to talk to me. That woman has got a lot happening now. She's constantly on the move. When we finished our chat, I walked into a kitchen in the dream. Not one I'd seen before, but it was a familiar and comforting place to me. I said out loud, "I wonder why Grandma hasn't cooked for me? It's been years since she's cooked and I'm gonna ask her to bake a pie or something." I turned and walked out of the kitchen. When I woke up I still had that idea on my mind; I have to ask Grandma to cook something. My day was off to a good start and my plan was to have my Grandma cook for me. It was somewhere while I was sipping coffee that I remembered WHY she's not cooked for me. There are those moments when I simply forget she's not with me in body, but most definitely in spirit. I didn't feel sad or depressed. I was happy I had a dream of Veltirea. She had a powerful presence on all of our lives; family and friends. I'm thinking the dream means it's time to get in the kitchen and get creative. I'll have to make an apple or cherry pie soon. I'm going to leave the peach cobbler alone. I made one for Christmas last year and I didn't like that disaster. Practice does NOT make perfect and I have no plans to do that again.

Timoteo's Tacos

It was about fifteen years ago the UNRULEY one and Wilma B introduced a new idea to me. A new way of eating one of my favorite things to eat; tacos. As we sat in the kitchen, we shared stories, laughter and awaited our meal of tacos made from Morningstar genuine, imitation meat.
That's not the name on the box, but that's what I labeled them. Wilma B (a.k.a Juanita) was working the stove, creating magic and had everything all laid out. Once the meat alternative was done, it was time to eat. I was surprised there was no lettuce. Cilantro was used in place of lettuce. First no meat and now no lettuce?!?!?!? I'm from MinneSNOWta and I was used to eating tacos prepared with REAL meat - beef, turkey or chicken was what my people (family and friends) used. Lettuce was used, not cilantro.
I believe you should try something new and different to keep your life fresh and have new experiences. This was a first for me and I was ready to give it a try. The tacos weren't bad at all. In fact, I enjoyed eating them so much I stuffed my face. I was impressed with the taste and happy I tried something new. I came home with the brilliant idea to make them for my carnivore grandmother, mother, sister and nephew. Not everyone is open to something new, especially if you're using a meat alternative. Grandma said, "It's not a meal if there's no meat." The odds were stacked against me, but I decided to give it a try. Needless to say the meatless tacos went over like a lead balloon. My family wasn't ready to make the change to tacos made from veggie burgers. One thing they did enjoy was the cilantro. That went over very well.
In fact, we still have tacos (made with meat) with cilantro today.

Ain't No Sense In Going Home...

So I was talking with Mr C a few months ago and he mentioned this song, "Jody Got Your Girl And Gone," by Johnnie Taylor. When we finished our phone call I thought about that song for a few minutes. My mind was transported to 685 Fuller Avenue, where we lived when the song was released in 1971. Our record player was located in several locations in our house. It could be found in the foyer, living room or dining room - depending on how Mom wanted the furniture arranged for that week. I'd put a stack of albums or forty-fives on the spindle and the fun would begin. Each one would drop and the house would fill with music. I remember playing, "Jody Got Your Girl And Gone." I had no idea what the hell the song was about, but I knew most of the words and would sing right along with Johnnie Taylor. I liked that song when I was a little five year old boy, and I still like it as a grown man. Thanks to Mr C for reminding me of a good song I had forgotten. I can't say I recall all of the lyrics, but I do remember this, "Ain't no sense in going home, Jody got your girl and gone!"
press play to hear the song

Timothy says...

"The most valuable possession we have is our word. We must do all we can to ensure its worth is never diminished." ~ TSL

Tyra Lynn Fowler

No words can express what I feel in my heart for my cousin Trya.

Tyra Lynn Fowler
October 31, 1962 ~ August 25, 1995

Brandy & Tamia - Missing You by Dj_halexander