Happy Birthday Larry!!!

Happy Birthday Mr C - one of the COOLEST people I know

Snookie

Dennis Laurence
~Spring 1935~

When I saw this picture I remembered what Grandma said. "I wrapped up Snookie and put him in the wheelbarrow. He was a good baby, didn't fuss and I worked in my garden." She was speaking about her baby boy, Dennis.

Dennis Laurence
~Today~

It's a few years later and I don't believe "Baby Snooks" would fit in that same wheelbarrow. I may be wrong - what do I know???

Sunday's Finest

Palm Sunday

Cousin Anna Belle and family friend Josephine

The Baby Of The Family

Twenty-nine years ago today still stands out in my mind. I didn't go to school that day. I was allowed to stay home to await the news. This was long before cell phones were a common possession in our lives. I don't remember the exact time, but I do recall the phone ringing with the news. A new member of our family made his arrival - Baby Anthony. The title I held for almost sixteen years had been passed to someone else. "The baby of the family" was no longer me, it was my nephew. I was pretty excited about his arrival. I think I can say all of the family felt this way. I didn't see him in the hospital. Tony brought Paula and Anthony to Mom's house when they were released from the hospital. I thought he looked small. I know he weighed almost nine pounds when he was born, and many women would say that is NOT a small baby. What did I know? Judging by the size of Paula's belly, I thought he would have been bigger. I guess I didn't know much. One thing I did know - I had a new nephew and I was a new uncle and that was cool. I was pretty nervous the first time I held Anthony. I don't recall all the thoughts going through my mind, but I remember thinking one day he'll be a grown man. I looked at my nephew and smiled. Those are great memories. Here we are twenty-nine years later and he is a fully grown man. I am proud of the man he became. May there be much peace and an abundance of blessings as you turn another year better.
Happy Birthday Anthony!

Happy Anniversary Rob and Anita

Twelve years later and y'all are still smiling! That's a good thing. May you have many more great years together. Much love to you both!

Compared To What

I was feeling this song this morning and wanted to share it with you.

Eddie Harris and Les McCann - Compared To What

Our Miss Jean

Miss Jean
There are some people you like the moment you meet them. They are the type that possess a warm, welcoming spirit. You get the feeling you've known for as long as you can remember. That would describe Miss Jean to a tee. We clicked the moment after we were introduced. I will sum up the events of the eveing by stating, "A fun time was had by all." This would be attributed to Miss Jean's candid conversation and laughter. Miss Jean and Maria
A few years would pass before I had the chance to be in her company again. Much fun and a lot of laughs were on the agenda once again. "What number are you?" would be the title to one of the more hilarious question/answer/conversations at the last family reunion. Miss Jean was right there leading some of the family into uproarious laughter. Folks had tears in their eyes from laughing so hard. It's moments like that you cherish/treasure. I thought about those fun times when I learned Miss Jean died today. Though I am saddened to learn of this, I am thankful I had the chance to spend some time in her fun loving presence. Miss Jean was one in a million.

Happy Birthday, Marvin

Marvin Gaye

My previous trips to Los Angeles were fun, but always a little disappointing. I've enjoyed great times with my family and friends over the years. There was one thing I wanted to do for years and never did. I wanted to go to Marvin Gaye's house - simply to say I had been. I had the chance to go Marvin's house on my recent trip to L.A. UNRULEY and I had talked and thanks to the magic of GPS we were in front of Marvin's Gramercy Place house in no time.
I was suprised by the size of the house, for in my mind I thought it was smaller. In reality it was a rather large, at one time beautiful home. One of the first things I noticed as I walked around the house was the air. It was cool, crisp and fresh. It stood out against the otherwise warm Los Angeles afternoon.
Various things captured my eye and a second later it was a picture. I took this from the side of the house. This rear view was the first picture I took of the house. Going with the flow of the moment I walked and snapped pictures.
It took a few years but I finally had the chance to drop by the house and say, "Hey Marvin." This was the only blooming flower I could see on the entire property.


Happy Birthday, Marvin. Thank you for the incredible music you gave us.

WARNING - Look At This Cute Kid

This Baby Cooley Cousin is such a little cutey. Each time I look at this new picture of Neveah Grace I smile. She has such a happy disposition in her pictures. It makes you feel good looking at them. Then again, what person doesn't like a baby?