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!!!

I've Got Some 'xplainin To Do...

On any given episode of "I Love Lucy," Ricky told Lucy to explain how she ended up in the situation she was in at the moment. Many times what happened was funny or was made funny by Lucy's explanation. I don't know how funny I'll be, but I'll give a run down of "what had happened" to bring you up to date.

You see, I was born by the river in a little tent. And just like the river I've been running ev'ry since. Oh wait, that's a Sam Cooke song. I'll focus. A lot has happened since my last post in April. Much has prevented my posting new stories or family history. Nothing bad, in fact life has been good. I've been BUSY! Between work and life outside of work; various events and travel - there's been little time for me to settle in and write. Writing is something I enjoy. I've stated several times the reason for this blog is to indulge the inner writer in me. Time to let that kat come to the surface and shine again.

Who knew two years ago this blog would take on the life it has? Though the original intent was for family to view it, family, friends and family friends became regular readers. To each one I want to say, "Thank you." Others showing an interest in what I've written inspires me to write more. Summer is here (and the time is right), so look for more posts. I've got some important dates to acknowledge, which I didn't in the past months. I'll make certain to get to it. Look out, Tim's back and he's got some pictures to share and stories to tell. There's more to come in the days ahead.

Much appreciation and love,

Tim

Happy Birthday Larry!!!

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

Snookie

Dennis Laurence
~Spring 1935~

When I saw this picture I remembered what Grandma said. "I wrapped up Snookie and put him in the wheelbarrow. He was a good baby, didn't fuss and I worked in my garden." She was speaking about her baby boy, Dennis.

Dennis Laurence
~Today~

It's a few years later and I don't believe "Baby Snooks" would fit in that same wheelbarrow. I may be wrong - what do I know???

Sunday's Finest

Palm Sunday

Cousin Anna Belle and family friend Josephine

The Baby Of The Family

Twenty-nine years ago today still stands out in my mind. I didn't go to school that day. I was allowed to stay home to await the news. This was long before cell phones were a common possession in our lives. I don't remember the exact time, but I do recall the phone ringing with the news. A new member of our family made his arrival - Baby Anthony. The title I held for almost sixteen years had been passed to someone else. "The baby of the family" was no longer me, it was my nephew. I was pretty excited about his arrival. I think I can say all of the family felt this way. I didn't see him in the hospital. Tony brought Paula and Anthony to Mom's house when they were released from the hospital. I thought he looked small. I know he weighed almost nine pounds when he was born, and many women would say that is NOT a small baby. What did I know? Judging by the size of Paula's belly, I thought he would have been bigger. I guess I didn't know much. One thing I did know - I had a new nephew and I was a new uncle and that was cool. I was pretty nervous the first time I held Anthony. I don't recall all the thoughts going through my mind, but I remember thinking one day he'll be a grown man. I looked at my nephew and smiled. Those are great memories. Here we are twenty-nine years later and he is a fully grown man. I am proud of the man he became. May there be much peace and an abundance of blessings as you turn another year better.
Happy Birthday Anthony!