Long Ago And Oh So Far Away...

I had been "out to the farm" several years ago. I attended the 2005 Cooley Johnson Family Reunion with Tony and we decided to make a quick stop on our way home. Traveling north on Interstate 35 we exited on Oralabor Road. As we made a left and headed west this place, this area felt familiar. I told Tony, "This is it, this is where Grandpaw Johnson's farm was located." Tony asked, "How do you know this is it?" I said, "I just KNOW it is - this is the land." Over the years I've heard conflicting reports of the location of Ed Johnson's farm. I knew one person to ask was his daughter Ethyl's daughter, Maxine. Aunt Mac had spent a lot of time on the farm when she was a little girl. She gave me instructions to locate the farm and stated if it was as "clear as mud", she'd try to make it easier for me to understand. Her instructions were on point. I found the area without any problems. I pulled the car into a parking lot of one of the businesses on the land and parked. I wanted to take a few pictures of the land. I found myself walking to the beginning of the property line. "Gramp's Farm was bordered by the railroad tracks on the West, Oralabor Road on the South..." is what she wrote in an email. I repeated the words to myself as I took each step. I thought about all the people that had taken those same steps, had walked in the same place. People like Great-Great Grandpaw Edward Johnson and his wife Orpha; Frank Johnson, Edward's brother and Frank's wife, Anna; Edward and Pinky's children: Ethyl, Helen and Rex; Edward and Orpha's children: Henry, Beatrice, Edward Jr and Hardin; Ethyl's children: Veltirea "Punkin", Marvin "Dideo", Eugene "Eckie Bud" and Doris "Mac". All of these people, our family had/have traveled that route. When I stood on the land it was easy to imagine what used to be. To know about one hundred years ago it was all farmland. "This IS it." I was standing on Ed Johnson's land. I know it's no longer in our family, but I'm proud. Proud that once upon a time, a little less than long ago, a Black Man owned all that land in Iowa. I am the Great-Great Grandson of that man and I am proud of his accomplishments.

Happy Birthday Tyra

I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.









Tyra Lynn Fowler

Happy 5-0 Tony!!

My "kid" brother is fifty years old today. WOW! That man is getting older and sure ain't gettin no prettier! That's a joke we share with each other. We get a good laugh when I say it to him. It's good to laugh with my brother, my friend. Tony is a cool, laid back and pretty easy going man. There is the time when he gets very excited and yells. When he watches a football or basketball game it's not a quiet occasion. This brotha gets completely involved in the game, yelling at the television as if he's at the game. The same is true if you call him on the phone. If a point is scored or there's a bad call on the play, the man is LOUD in your ear! Once the game is over, it's all quiet again. Make some noise Tony! You're fifty and that's a blessing. As you celebrate turning another year older, wiser and better, I wish you much peace, much love and a bounty of blessings too many to count.

All That I'm Giving

I don't think many people knew Bessie Cooley was a big fan of the Isley Brothers. Her favorite song was, "For The Love Of You." I'm diggin it, Aunt Bessie.

Bessie's Birthday

Some people go about life quietly doing "their thing." Never one to complain, upbeat, optimistic, offering advice and encouragement to everyone. These people enjoy giving a warm smile or sweet laughter when needed. That would describe Bessie Virginia Colbert, born on this day ninety-one years ago to James and Josephine (nee Robnett) Colbert. Bessie would marry her high school sweetheart, Marvin Cooley. They had two daughters; Marlene and Cheryl, the "UNRULEY" one.
Aunt Bessie could make you feel so comfortable, so at ease. If it was your first time meeting or if she had known you for years, she always greeted you with her beautiful smile.
"Both of my brothers married women that reminded them of momma," is what my grandmother Veltirea said many times. Being compared to Ethyl Cooley would be a high honor. Happy Birthday to Bessie Cooley. One of the kindest, gentlest, cool as a cucumber members of the Cooley Clan.

Cooley Cousins

Cousin Robbie deserves a shout out. The brotha made it to Des Moines! Yep, Robbie was there on Saturday. When he called and said, "Hey Cousin Timmy, I will see you in Des Moines." I believed him. We've not seen each other since 2002. It was time to reconnect. I told him I would see him on Saturday, October 23rd. Our paths crossed at Donna and Harry's home. It was nice having the chance to catch up. We've changed a little in the eight years that have passed. We're older, but we're still looking good. Ugly doesn't swim in our family gene pool. Rob and his wife Anita brought along their children for the day trip to Des Moines. Rob and Anita tried to see as many of the family members as they could. They saw quite a few in the many hours they were in town. It is true, time flies when you're having fun. We had a good time this weekend. Whether in Iowa or Minnesota, we'll have to do it again before an additional eight years passes.
Cooley Siblings Veltirea and Eugene; my grandmother and Robbie's grandfather.

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.

Happy Birthday Toyia

My sister Toyia wears many hats. I have wondered how she does it all??? "Dr Toyia" advises you on medical issues, while "Attorney Toyia" will give you legal advice. "Mother Toyia" is parent to all, including our own Mother. "The Barbeque Queen" will work a grill and give you the best tasting meats and poultry. "Best Friend Toyia" is always there - in good and bad times. She may not want me to admit this, but if you cross her, she'll kick your ass. Yes, she IS every woman. Happy Birthday to my sister Toyia Lynn. Get ready, something good is coming your way as you turn another year better.

I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together...

I will soon be on the road heading back to Minnesota. I have enjoyed spending the extended weekend with my Iowa relatives. A fun time was had by all.

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!

Happy Birthday Niecy

I love the idea of the picture exchange with my family members. Cousin Larry was kind enough to show this one to me. I had to have a copy. I thought this would be the PERFECT pic for a birthday post. Happy Birthday, Denise Marie. Peace and blessings on your special day.

Donna and Niecy

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.