It's Janet, Miss Jackson If You're Nasty

This is a good mix!  Check it out and get ready to move your body.

And Life Is Like A Song

I had been wondering what I would write?  How it would be told?  Which family member would be the focus of the story?  I found my inspiration on facebook.  When I read Jen's post I knew she would be the person I wanted to spotlight.   Funny thing is I didn't have to write a word.  She told her story much better than I ever could. I simply copied and pasted what she had written.  To my Cousin Jen,  keep doing that thing you do oh so well - SUCCEEDING IN LIFE!

P.S. - I think you can sing this song with conviction when you get that third degree!!

Cousin Jen

It can be said the women of this family and strong and determined. There are many stories of perseverance and achievement in every generation.   Here's a story about one of those strong women. This is Jen's story in her own words.  "TWO college degrees & on my way to receive THIRD, (shortly) not too bad for a "teen mom", if I do say so myself! I DID NOT participate in the MTV's series "teen mom", expect EVERYTHING for free! I DID receive child support for one child ('till HE gave up parental rights but have NEVER received any support for the other 2 girls!) I DO NOT condone teenage pregnancy (it's a living HELL to all girls who may reading this post) I took the hard road with help from my mamma Ethel, BUT I made it work, maybe it was 2 steps forward & 3 steps back, (a lot on the way since 1992!) On my way I have encountered racism, alcoholism, & divorcisim! (I just made that word up, HA!) but Don't EVER let someone tell you what you CAN & CAN'T DO-... Believe in YOURSELF and do what YOU ARE WILLING TO DO! With faith all things are possible, if it wasn't for my girls I don't know if I would have done it- I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON & BACK Breann, Baylee Kathleen, & Maddison thank you for making me the best mom I can be! "Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon!" Can't wait to say, "Look ma I DID IT!"    Cousin Jen is Bob's daughter, Eugene "Eckie Bud" and Julia's granddaughter, Edward and Ethyl's great-granddaughter, George and Mary's great-great granddaughter, Lacy and Aggie's great-great-great granddaughter.  Much respect to you Jen.

Merry Christmas To All 2011

Christmas 1993

I like this so much when I created it a couple of years back. I'm dusting it off and posting it again for Christmas 2011. Please enjoy. Thank you.
Press the play button to view the slide show.

Happy Birthday Tony

I'm not sure when or why I began to refer to Tony as my kid brother? I think back when we were barhopping there was a joke that I was the big or older brother. He's MUCH older than I am, but I still call him my kid brother. Today he celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of his twenty-first birthday. May this new year bring you the BEST of all life has to offer.

Muir Woods National Monument

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir

Happy Birthday Toyia

Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I know how BLESSED I am to have a sister named, Toyia Lynn. I'm not going to say we are in total agreement all the time, because that would be a lie from the pits of hell. What I will say is my sister always has my back. All of my life, Toyia has always been there supporting, loving, caring and defending me. Yes, she's a good sister to have. My wish for her as she turns another year better is the BEST life has to offer in ever conceivable way.

The Watts Towers

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

Plans change, people change and that's all good as I sit on the veranda, sipping coffee and listening to Chaka Khan sing about living a super life. I have to admit this is a nice change of pace. It feels good to get away and spend time in my second home. The nice thing is "COOL LEE" and "UNRULEY COOLEY" have a chance to spent some quality time together. After a few laughs, we decided to dine out for breakfast. Time to start moving and get out and about. I'm going to say a fun time will be be had by all.

The Black Man Has Green Thumbs

I have a friend with green thumbs, for real. I've seen what he's been able to do in his garden and it's pretty incredible. To say the man has talent is an understatement. It seems as though whatever he puts his hands on grows and flourishes effortlessly. Granted this brother is a horticulturalist, so that may be the reason he has the ability to grow anything, anything at all. Growing flowers and plants is not easy. It takes time and great patience. Yeah, I don't think I'm all too patient when it comes to growing things. I once killed a cactus (too much water or not enough - still not sure), and I'm greatly impressed with his knowledge and ability to cultivate plants and flowers. I'll correct myself and say all things growing. Nicholas takes pride in his garden and lawn and he should. He's put in a lot of time and physical labor to achieve the end results. He shared pictures of his latest plantings with me and I'm sharing them with you. I'm thinking I may try growing a plant again. Next weekend I'm going to buy a houseplant. I should be able to keep it alive/growing much longer than the cactus. Trust, I'll ask "Mr Green Thumbs" plenty of questions to ensure the plant will live. Nice pictures, Nicholas. You make it look easy.

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.