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

Baby, You Turned Me Out...

You never know what you'll find on the internet. I was looking for another song and came across a remixed version of the UNRULEY one's song with Klymaxx. "All Turned Out" was a jam back in the day. Always a party starter and a song that would crowd the dance floor every time it was played. The song was first heard on the Girls Will Be Girls album released in 1982. Get ready for this cut to breathe new life. Márcio Vermelho, of São Paulo, Brazil has given the song an updated sound for 2011. Some remixed version of songs are reworked to the point of being unrecognizable. No worries here, you'll know this song. What was good just got better. I'm sitting here typing and rocking my head to the beat. Check it out!

Turned Out - Vermelho Edit by vermelho

Eat, Laugh, Learn and Love...

I spent the July 4th with the family and it was very nice. We had (yes, I'm going to tell it) a lot of delicious food. The "barbeque queen" worked her magic once again. Toyia knows how to work a grill and does a damn good job. Much better than I could, for she has the patience I know I don't. I say, know your talents and utilize them. She braved the morning heat to barbeque ribs, chicken, pork chops, three types of bratwurst and a slab of bacon. Yes, the "barbeque queen" barbequed a slab of uncut bacon and it's good. She picked, cleaned and cooked twenty bunches of collard and mustard greens. I love me some greens! My contribution to the meal was macaroni and cheese, baked beans (try them with sweet Italian sausage, green and red peppers and diced onion), corn, cole slaw, dinner rolls and cornbread. I made a pineapple upside cake and caramel pecan brownies for dessert. After the meal we sat around and discussed family history. One story lead to another and soon we logged on Ancestry.com, Snookie and I discovered more information about the Lowry side of the family. We located census records about Maggie Lowry Smith, her husband Henry and their three children. I will add all of this to the family tree. I enjoyed Snookie and Mom telling me their recollections about the family's neighbors/friends in Lawrence, Kansas. They have long lasting memories of their summers spent in Kansas with their grandparents. Yeah, I know some people would rather, drink, smoke, shake a tail feather, cuss or fight with their family at a gathering. I say go for whatever makes you happy and ensures you have a good time. Me? I prefer talking, sharing good food, laughter, stories and learning my history when I gather with my clan. We had a Happy Fourth of July and a fun time was had by all.

Curtis Cooley, Jr

Today is the birthday of Curtis Cooley, Jr. I wish I had more information about Uncle Curtis' family. He married Creasy Southall and they had two sons; Leonard and Curtis Junior. The family moved from Des Moines to Detroit in the 1920's, where Uncle Curtis worked in a coal mine near the city. There was an accident in the mine and he was killed in 1929. Not long after the family soon drifted apart and all contact was lost. I have learned Curtis Junior married and had children and grandchildren of his own. My attempts to locate them have been unsuccessful, but I continue the search. On what would have been his 91st birthday, we honor/acknowledge the son of Curtis and Creasy (Southall) Cooley, the grandson of George and Mary (Washington) Cooley and the great-grandson of Lacy and Aggie Cooley. One day I KNOW I'll have more to write about this branch of our family tree. Keep hope alive y'all.

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!!!