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

Bacon Bits Little Cousin (a.k.a Zoe-Zoe) Turns 9!!!

Remember one of the Cooley Cousins had a birthday yesterday? Today is her sister's birthday. The Cooley Cousin named, Zoe Elizabeth is turning nine years old today! Zoe knows how much I love bacon and has given me the nickname, "bacon bits." It works for Zoe only, so don't get any ideas. I won't answer and you'll look stupid. I love Zoe's smile, sense of humor, charm and love for her family. Those key elements will take her far in life - I claim it for her now. As you're getting older, I say hold on to those qualities and your life will be BRILLIANT in all ways for you. Happy Birthday Zoe. Much love to you today and everyday from ALL of your family.

Jessica's Turning Older...

Take a look at this Cooley Cousin. Today is this young lady's birthday. Yep, our Jessica is seventeen years old today. When Jess was a little girl she colored a picture for me. I was most impressed - she stayed within the lines and everything. I rarely throw things like that away. I still have it! As you turn another year better, my artistic cousin, may this day be as beautiful for you as you are to all of your family. Happy Birthday, Jessica with lots of love!!!

Happy Birthday Larry!!!

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

COOLEYLOVE

A little fun with some Cooley Cousins.

WARNING - Cute Kid Alert!!!

I had to take a moment from my vacation and post this. Neveah Grace, for those that need a score card, is Lacy and Aggie Cooley's great-great-great-great granddaughter; George and Mary Cooley's great-great-great granddaughter; Edward and Ethyl Cooley's great-great granddaughter; Eugene and Helen Cooley's great granddaughter. Proud grandparents Larry and Seretha love this little bundle of beauty. Anyone that knows me knows I am not particularly fond of children. I'm being honest here. Somehow when they're related to you, you have a totally different feeling. As you can see, this little one has captured her big cousin's (that's me) heart. It is easy to see she gets her beauty from her mother, Keyaria. I'll keep on saying it, there are no ugly people in my family. Okay, some got some ugly personalities, but they still look good. This Cooley Cousin is definitely a pretty one.

Somewhere, In North Dakota...

It's always good to recognize the accomplishments of our loved ones. The new year brings a new home for Cooley Cousin Maria and her family. North Dakota (norfdaKOLDah) is where this Cooley has settled. That's several states and many miles away from the small town of Coaling, Alabama; where Great-Great-Great Grandparents Lacy and Aggie Cooley established their home and raised their children.

The purchase of a home makes it official; these Cooleys are norfdaKOLDahns!!!

Congratulations, Maria and Ted on your new home.

Me and Mr C

Larry, Robert and Tim

Cousin Larry provided another blast from the past. This was taken at 944 Dayton Avenue around 1968. I'm certain Grandma took this picture of Me, Larry and Grandpa. She is responsible for so many pictures in our lives. I'm glad Larry shared this one with me. This is a classic.

We Are Family

There were high and low points in this day, happiness and sadness. I attended Uncle Junior's funeral this morning with Cousin Larry. I reconnected with family I've not seen in a year. I had a brief chat with Cousin Tyanna and mom's good friend, "Duckie." A trip to Donna and Harry's gave me the chance to reconnect with more family. It was good seeing Robbie and his family. We've not seen each other since 2002.

Too many years pass without seeing one another, and we often say we'll do it. This time we actually did it. The plan for sunday is much the same - time with the family.


I'm lovin it!

New Picture Number One

I have arrived in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm happy to visit once again. I checked into the hotel, grabbed a bite to eat and located COUSIN LARRY. I spent a few hours laughing with this cool man. I was surprised to find this picture on his wall. I remember taking it, but I haven't seen it in a few years. A fun time was had by all this evening. Thanks family, for the laughter and love.

Happy Birthday, Larry - Don't be stuck on stupid!

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.

Aunt Mac

One of the many good things that happened on the trip to Des Moines, was a visit with Aunt Mac. It has been almost fifteen years since I've seen her. It was nice to sit and talk with her, though I must admit I had little to say. I think I was more in awe. That doesn't happen often to me, but when I have those "quiet moments" I know I am supposed to be still and absorb. That's exactly what I did. I wanted to take in every detail of the visit. I was happy to spend the time with my grandmother's sister. Thanks to Cousin Larry for making this happen.

Timmy and Larry

I have a great amount of love, respect and admiration for this man, my cousin. If you have ever had a person to stay in your life, with all your ups and downs, then you most certainly can relate to what I'm telling you. My cousin Larry is that person. That's my dude. Much has been said about him. Hell, a lot has been said about me. At the end of the day, who cares? We're family and that's all that counts. Not taking no for an answer, Larry and his son Justin drove to Minnesota to get me. He made a way for me to attend the family reunion this year. I stayed with Cousin Larry and his family. I enjoyed each moment I spent with them and the other relatives. As I have been known to say, "A fun time was had by all." To my cousin, my buddy, my friend, "Thank you."

The Brothers

Every generation of this family has those special brother bonds. Thru the good and bad times, the brothers stick together. Pinkie Doolen Johnson can be credited with instilling a sense of togetherness, forgiveness and above all else, LOVE in her children. Those three very important "keys" have been passed down to each generation. All of these brothers (Johnson, Cooley and Thompson) have togetherness not witnessed in many families. This family has been BLESSED many times over. Like any family, we don't always see eye to eye.





Hell, we'll even fuss about it. Given a little time and cooler heads, it all seems to work itself out. To all the brothers of this fam, let's continue to love one another and others. Don't let hard feelings prevent us from being the "kool kats" we're destined to be.


The Brothers from top to bottom; Frank and Edward Johnson, Eugene and Marvin Cooley, Rev Earnest and Dr J.Walter Thompson, Bobby and Larry, Tim and Tony, Justin and Terry