Yes, I Listen To This Type Of Music

I admit, I like some rap music. Now, at forty-three years old, you will not find me saggin. I don't believe in all that. I like the sample of the old skool tracks into rap music. This song here, "No Vaseline" samples "Dazz" by Brick. Ice Cube tells it as only he can. It may be a bit strong for some folks ears. He's cussin. I'd suggest you pass this one by. Don't listen to it. Now, if you want to bop your head to the beat, take a listen and give it a little volume. I think you'll like it.

Happy Birthday Maria Elena!

Okay, so here's how this one happened; I forgot. I feel the best thing to do is be honest. It does not mean I don't love my cousin. Nah, not at all. There's been much happening, but I intend to set the record straight now. The great-great-great-granddaughter of Lacy and Aggie (Lewis) Cooley and John and Sarah (Crowden) Johnson was born on Sunday, March 14. 1965 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Maria's home of Jamestown, North Dakota is many miles and a few states away from the hometowns of the Cooley's (Coaling, Alabama) and the Johnson's (Jasper Township, Missouri). It may be a little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA!!! Peace, Joy, Wealth, Love and Happiness are all yours to claim.

Their Special Day

It is safe to say this dynamic dual in the photograph share more than the same birthday. Anna Belle Burns was born to Victoria Cooley and Lee Burns on Tuesday, March 19, 1904 in Bevier, Missouri. J. Walter "Hague" Thompson was born to Edward and Anna (Lowery) Thompson on Sunday, March 19, 1911 in Lawrence, Kansas. Their life paths would come together in Des Moines, Iowa when Anna Belle's cousin, Veltirea Cooley married "Hague." The marriage did not last, but their friendship endured the rest of their lives. For Anna Belle's 106th and "Hauge's" 99th birthday, we honor their birthday.

Edward Johnson

Sometimes I will teach myself a lesson. I was checking the blog, because I like to do that from time to time. In "DATES TO REMEMBER..." I noticed today is Edward Johnson's birthday! I would have been pissed if I missed acknowledging his day. Edward was the first child born to John and Sarah (nee Crowden) Johnson. The family lived in Jasper Township or Vandalia at that time. Edward would marry Pinkie J Doolen in 1899. They would have three children; Ethyl, Helen and Rex. After Pinkie's death, Edward married Orpha King in 1908. Together they had four children; Henry, Beatrice, Edward Jr and Hardin. Edward moved his family from Vandalia, Missouri to Enterprise, Iowa in 1914. Edward's children would marry and have families of their own. Of course those children married and had families of there own. The descendants of this man are spread all throughout the United States and parts of Europe as well. Wow -- it all started in 1872 with his birth! I am the great-great grandson of this man, born one hundred thirty-eight years ago. Let us honor Edward on his day.

For Grandma

Thank you for being you.

Press the play button to view the slide show.

Our Lives Changed...

It's amazing how quickly eight years have gone by. We discuss Grandma regularly. There's always some story to tell or special memory to share. I like that we do this and we do it often. I share as much as I can remember about Grandma with my 15 year old nephew, Maurice. I remember Grandma telling me about her experiences with her Grandfather, Edward Johnson. I want Maurice and ALL of the family to know the stories and in turn, know the people in the stories. On March 1, I celebrate my Grandma's life and not focus solely on her passing. She lived 84 great years and in a time that we now read about in history books. Veltirea Leonia was truly a PHENOMENAL WOMAN.

You're in pain, huh?

Watching this clip taught me something. What I learned was, the man in the clip and I "thought like Lit." Now if you don't the way Lit thought, I will tell you he didn't think correctly. In fact, he was dead wrong. I never imagined an outcome like this one. If you've not seen this before, you're in for a treat. All I'll say is, Veltirea taught me to NEVER lean with your chin. He needed her sage advice.

Happy Birthday, Kevin!!!

Take a moment out of your day to extend birthday greetings/wishes/prayers to Kevin on his birthday. He is the grandson of Ethyl (Johnson) and Edward Cooley, and the son of Frank and D.Maxine. Happy Birthday, Kevin.

Aunt Bessie

I'm not sure why, but I had to have a picture of Aunt Bessie's Chitterlings - aka "chitlins" to those in the know. I know when I was a kid I would eat chitlins. One Thanksgiving I helped Grandma and Mom clean them. Then it happened -- someone told me the part of the hog where "chitlins" are located. That was it for me. I stayed as far away from those things as I could. It was years later when I decided I would try eating them again. One forkful with a little cha-cha and a half a chew was all I could do. I spit them out and vowed to not eat them again. As I'm typing this I'm frowning, because I don't miss the flavor or smell. YUCK!!! I will say this, if you enjoy eating them, knock yourself out. Be kind and NEVER offer me a plate.

This picture was taken more than a few years ago. We were together at Toyia's house for a family dinner and this picture was taken. We'll not physically be together on sunday, but we'll all be supporting the Minnesota Vikings. Go Vikings!!!

What's Goin On???

I started this blog more than six months ago to share family history and information with the masses. I admit, I've been lax for the past couple of months. I won't make any promises (no, I don't wanna), but I intend to blog MORE in 2010. I will play catch up and write more very soon.

What Happens In Vegas...

Las Vegas is truly sin city on so many levels to so many people. I fell right in line on friday and did myself some sinnin' and I'll tell it all. See, what had happened was, I KNEW I was going to FATBURGER before I boarded my flight on wednesday. I knew I was going to indulge in one of my all-time favorite burger joints. Friday evening, it happened. I walked down the strip heading east and there it was, THE place to get a good old fashioned hamburger. FATBURGER! They ARE good! I got mine with "the works", cheese and bacon; an excellent combination. If you want to "take it to another level," you can slop some of their famous chili on it or a fried egg! Since I didn't want my arteries to be COMPLETELY clogged I didn't add those extras. I had a large order of FAT fries and a large drink. It was fast food deliciousness. As I'm typing this, I have a craving for one of those burgers! Aaaaaahhhhhh.... back to the story of sin. After placing my order and leaving a FAT TIP, I chose a table and waited. I looked around and noticed most of the customers were on the large size. Not one thin person in sight. Well, there was one, but she looked like a "working girl" and wasn't eating a thing. "Keep it movin, sister. This here spot is for folks that like good burgers, period" That's what I thought when I looked at her. Well, after the mix-up in order numbers was resolved, the food was brought to my table. A tiny tear formed in the corner of my right eye. What I wanted, what I craved was right in front of me. The sight and the smell were incredible. There was a spotlight shining down on my food. I smiled and took the first bite. Then another bite, and another and so on. GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!!! Each bite was juicy and delicious. The bacon was crisp, which is the way I like it. The melted cheese covered the entire burger with the edges a little brown and crusty. YES!!! The FAT fries were hot and fried to a light golden brown. A slight dip in ketchup was all they needed. The coolness of the ketchup followed immediately by the heat of the potato provided a sensory explosion in my mouth. The lemonade was tart with just the right about of sugar to balance the flavor. I can't say if it was freshly squeezed, but I can say I savored the flavor. I rubbed and lightly patted my belly when I finished my glutenous food feast. A few fries and a piled of used napkins are all that remained. I loved it. I did. It was good to me. This was orgasmic. Hell, I wanted to smoke a cigarette and I don't smoke! In addition to souvenirs, I brought back the extra pounds I gained. One thing I know now, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there. It will follow you home.