Poet for the Week-Langston Hughes

This week I am going to feature Mr. Langston Hughes. This is in honor of National Poetry Month.

James Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. His parents divorced when he was a small child, and his father moved to Mexico. He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husand, eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Lincoln, Illinois, that Hughes began writing poetry. Following graduation, he spent a year in Mexico and a year at Columbia University. During these years, he held odd jobs as an assistant cook, launderer, and a busboy, and traveled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman. In November of 1924, he moved to Washington, DC. Hughes first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1926. He finished his college education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania three years later. In 1930 his first novel, Not Without Laughter, won the Harmon gold metal for literature.

Hughes, who claimed Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman as his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. He wrote novels, short stories and plays, as well as poetry, and is also known for his engagement with the world of jazz and the influence it had on his writing, as in Montage of a Dream Deferred. His life and work were enormously important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's. Unlike other notable black poets of the period-Claude McKay, Jean Toomer and Countee Cullen, Hughes refused to differentiate between his personal experience and the common experience of black America. He wanted to tell the stories of his people in ways that reflected their actual culture, including both their suffering and their love of music, laughter, and language itself.

Hughes died of complications from prostrate cancer on May 22, 1967, in New York. In his memory, his residence at 20 East 127th Street in Harlem, New York City, has been given landmark status by the New York City Preservation Commission, and East 127th Street was renamed "Langston Hughes Place."

In the Crisis magazine of 2002 January/February, Langston Hughes is featured. The Times and Life of Langston Hughes is so very interesting. Here are a few comments from some noted persons:

Julian Bond says: "I first met Lanston Hughes when he visited my college on one of the many speaking tours he made when poetry wouldn't support him. He was like his poetry: sly, humorous, deeply connected to his roots and race, kind and thoughtful, a fierce enemy of injustice and a keen observer of his time and place and fellow human beings. He-and his poetry-are very much alive today.'

Tricia Rose, Professor of American Studies, NYU says: "Langston Hughes is especially important because many of his works serve as a bridge between what many perceive as a value-laden separation between folk and 'serious' literature and poetry. Hughes took the voices of everyday folk quite seriously; he saw the literary soul in everyday life. It is precisely this inclusive, collective spirit that attracts young writers and readers today."

E. Ethelbert Miller, Humanities Council of Washington DC-"Langston Hughes looked into the mirror of hs race and fell in love with what he saw. Hughes was witness to the Great Migration of African Americans moving from the south up into the urban north. His work documents our history, humor, blues and good times. He is our dreamkeeper; a man who used every genre to celebrate Blackness. I've known writers-Langston Hughes in number one."

Houston A. Baker, Jr. Professor of English, Duke University says: "Langston Hughes was the first truly global Afro American poet. His work influenced writers from Cuba to Senegal, from South America to the Soviet Union. He moved through an array of literary and cultural genres with the spare economy of naural genius. His work-and, more imporantly, his almost missionary commitment to the souls of Black Folk-should be much better known to the present generation."

Hughes celebrated the human condition. check these lines out.

"Life Is Fine"

So since I'm still livin
I guess I will live on
I could've died for love
But for livin I was born
Though you may hear me holler
Or you may hear me cry
I'll be dogged, sweet baby,
If you're gonna see me die.

Poem (Youth)

We have tomorrow
Bright before us
Like a flame.

Yesterday
A night-gone thing
A sun-down name.

And dawn today
Broad arch above the road we came.

We march!

Langston Hughes

next week, Maya Angelou!!!

April Is National Poetry Month

Every April I look forward with eager anticipation to National Poetry Month. Poetry has become a part of my spirit, my life force, if you will. Poetry is to be written as a way to release the pent-up emotions that I may possess at any given time. Let's say for example that you are a poet. I am sure that you write poetry for your own satisfaction. You and I may write poetry for different reasons. Nevertheless, poetry is written by the both of us with a different flavor or color. The poetry that I write are true-to-life. They are really autobiographical short stories that I can sum up into an autobiography. I can take the three hundred or so poems and write a book out of them.

This year, I am going to set a goal of writing thirty poems, even short ones. A poem a day. To add with my school work. It would be an enhancement, something that I would look forward to each waking day. The poem would be written in the morning and in the evening on alternate days. On the days that I walk in the morning, the poem would be written in the evening. And vice versa. Oh, I just love National Poetry Month. And to think, I have just been named Ambassador of Poetry 2006, International Poet of the Year, I have been privileged to have my poetry published in London and Paris, among a host of other privileges instituted by the Creator bestowed upon me. This is the month I am to hand in my review form with my poetry to Neshee Publication. I have already received a host of information in the mail and on the net concerning various readings being held in NYC and other places. So, as you can see it is going to be a very busy month. I hope all of you have a very busy month. Have a great week and Happy April, Happy National Poetry Month!

Your Passion for Writing-It's There!

You know what you have? You and I have that passion and love for writing. Regardless of whether we are students, work full-time in the corporate world or just stay-at-home moms, WE LOVE WRITING! Do you ever notice how many times a day you click on the link while you are at work to stay in touch with your friends in cyberspace? The ones that you are involved with in the writing arena. You don't want to wait until you get home, do you? If you did your poor inbox would be flooding like mine. Sometimes I don't want to wait until I get home to check my messages so away I go with the click of the mouse. We really do love writing more than our nine-to-five. Writing is like our vocation. We think about it when we awaken and before we go to bed. Sometimes we check to see if we have just one more email. Just one more, we tell ourselves.

Why is it that we are constantly working on projects, that book of poetry, a piece of fiction, a memoir or a screenplay? We are writers at heart. It is something that we are doing and a few of us, most of us, are not even getting paid for it. That is alright. It is a joy to behold. No one can take that joy away from you or I. We have a passion for it and when you have a passion for something, you are driven to do your very best to succeed, and you will!

Here are a few writing tips that I found on my writing cards. I hope you find them beneficial.

1. Sometimes we are so anxious to get to the end of what we're writing that we go too fast, skipping over parts that cry out for closer inspection or that offer up a truth so simple we hardly recognize it. There are so many points to make, characters to get from here to there, you zing from one to the next, a pebble across water, without taking the time to delve, to meander, to stay a while.

2. Expectations set you up so you're always ahead of yourself rather than being in the present moment. This is why it's good to dive right into the writing topic with no time to think of what you'll write or how best to shape your writing around the subject. For example, let's say something important has happened in your life and you believe you should write about it. Instead of the writing flowly freely, you can't get a word out, or if you do, it's a puny, shriveled little word, inadequate for the important subject you tried to write about. How do you let go of expectations? Before you begin writing, take a few moments to clear your mind. Settle into your place and breathe in and out deeply a few times. Let your mind be open and peaceful before you begin and let your writing surprise you. One of the comments most often repeated at writing-practice groups is "I don't know where that came from." It's usually said with some amazement.

3. Writers expose more of themselves than any other artists. When we write about what matters to us, we unveil our deepest feelings. Sometimes even to ourselves and often we least expect it. When we write about out human frailties, we are writing about the fragile scraps of ourselves. Our words tell more than the truth about what we're writing, they also tell the truth about us. No wonder writing often feels dangerous, makes you lurch from your chair, pace the room, and phone your best friend just to hear a reassuring voice. Meanwhile, the truth of your exposed and bleeding self spreads line by incriminating line across thirteen inches of cold white monitor. And that cursor just keeps blinking, reminding you that you are not finished yet. Your notebook lies open on your desk, yammering your secrets to any passerby. Being vulnerable on the page is one of the risks of the job-it comes with the territory, like performing a high-wire act with a new partner and without a net in a drafty circus tent. And in all likelihood, it's not something that will go away. You may become accustomed to the feeling, but you'll never escape the vulnerability. Novelist and short story writer John Cheever said, "I think that endeavoring to be a serious writer is quite a dangerous career." What to do? Take a drink of water, breathe deeply, stretch, go ahead and call a friend, then get back to the writing. A little distance may make you feel safer, but the very fact that you are feeling vulnerable means that you're writing close to the bone. Stay with it.

Enjoy writing, Enjoy your passion...it is something that we do daily and we want others to enjoy it as well. After all, it is your VOCATION!

diamond 2006 3/23

Fifty Precious Diamonds

Fifty Precious Diamonds

1. A Rose for Sharon, by Shai Davis
2. Red Rose, Crimson Beauty
3. Stars In Our Eyes
4. I'm A Leader
5. The Pier Street Strut
6. Night Shift
7. Games
8. Misrepresented
9. Little Red Tricycle
10. Dark Shadows
11. A Legend or A Legacy
12. Crack on Credit
13. Queen of Diamonds
14. Brave Hearts
15. Drug Dealers Diploma
16. We Lost Another One
17. The Gambler
18. Laundry Boy
19. In The Year
20. Saving Katie
21. At The Train Station
22. Stripped Identity
23. Baby Girl
24. Bride Doll
25. It's Too Late
26. Beautiful Brown Stallion
27. Don't Envy Me
28. Five Men In A Park
29. Back In the Day
30. Who Keeps Me
31. In One Room
32. Monologue of A Closed Womb
33. Only For A Moment
34. Will the Real Mother Please Stand!
35. False Alarm
36. Space Within
37. Words, Save My Soul
38. Silent, Just Like Maya
39. Flipped Switch
40. Nubian Princess
41. Chet Kincaid
42. My Daughter's Condo
43. Future Bliss
44. Jasmine Lily
45. Room Sixteen
46. Poetic Challenges
47. Junior High
48. Sisters
49. Where's The Peace?
50. The Crack Addicted Lie

These are just fifty gems that I have listed, the next time I will list fifty more. All of them have a special meaning in my life, for they have actually happened in my life. The same holds true of my memoirs-all true, no James Frey moment here.

special note: even those this is my last week in Prolific Writers, always feel free to visit my blog, here is the address.....www.pocahontaspeaches.blogspot.com I will be in touch with some of you precious gems by your personal email addresses which I have. When my book is published, I will let you know by your email addresses.
Sincerely,
Diamond

HANG IN THERE!

HANG IN THERE!, please......

Don't Avoid Life's Curveballs: Swing At Them!

Things are not always easy. Life has its share of unpredictables-throwing us into situations that we're not always prepared for, expecting more from us than we're able to manage, pushing us to our limits. The adversities can be quite overwhelming, leaving us often confused and disillusioned.

Yes, it's these challenges, these tests of fortitude, that keep us going, because the payback is great when we refuse to give in. By not giving in, we discover our own internal strengths, realize our self-worth, and connect to our spiritual selves.

We find that we're made of more than we thought, and that amidst the complexities of life, we can still strive to better ourselves and beat the odds.

Life is entirely about perception-our attitudes and how we choose to act upon our intentions.

So when life throws us a curveball, instead of worrying that we aren't ready for it or that it's unexpected, we sould see the moment as something to learn from and as something to incite us to grow. Most of all, we should see it as an opportunity to broaden our awareness of authentic happiness...the happiness that comes from seeing life in a whole new way. Debbie Burton-Peddle

You Have The Power to Make Your Life
Everything You Want It To Be

This life is yours
Take the power
To choose what you want to do
And do it well
Take the power
To love what you want in life
And love it honestly
Take the power
To walk in the forest
And be a part of nature
Take the power
To control your own life
No one else can do it for you
You deserve the best
Take the power

To make your life
Healthy
Exciting
Worthwhile
And very happy

Susan Polis Schutz


May This Be A Turning Point In Your Life

Each day opens like a door
Inviting us in to the wonders of life.
Step boldly over the threshold
Into the warmth of a welcoming dawn.
Come just the way you are.
The welcome is the same
No matter who you are
Bring a curious mind, an open heart
And a receiving soul.
Let the wonders of life fill your spirit
To the brim. Day after day, life flows
Endlessly onward, Searching for vessels to
Contain its blessings. Sometimes we do not
Hear the knock at the door of dawn.
Sometimes we are too busy to accept the
Invitation. But the offer still stands, for life
Must go on. Don't miss the opportunities of
Each day life calls you. You have been given
The desires in your heart so that you may
Answer the call to life. There is no need to
Regret the wasted moments of the past-
No need to be down on yourself. Each moment
Is a new beginning. Start now-a new day dawns
The moment you are ready to accept the challenges
That are presented to you.
Let nothing keep you from growing into the person
You wish to be. Do not take yourself for granted.
You are at the right place to make a change.
May this moment be a turning point in your life.
Others may point the way to the door, but you must
Be the one to cross the threshold. You have much
To offer. May there be many beginnings in your life.
Tanya P. Shubin

Just Do Your Best and Everything Will Be All Right

It's not always easy to know which path to follow,
Which decision to make, or what to do.
Life is a series of new horizons, new hopes,
New days, and changes that come to you. And we
All need some help with these things from time to
Time.

Remember these things: Dream it, Do it. And
Discover how special you are. Be positive, for
Your atitude will affect the outcome of many things.
Ask for help when you need it; seek the wisdom the
World has and hold on to it. Make some progress
Every single day. Begin. Believe. And become.

Give yourself all the credit you're due. Don't
Shortchange your qualities, your abilities, or any
Of the things that are so unique about you. Remember
How precious life can be. Imagine. Invest the time
It takes to reach out for your dreams; it will bring you
Happiness that no money on earth can buy. Don't be
Afraid; no mountain is too big too climb if you do it
At your own pace.
What 's the best thing to do? That's simple: Do your best.
And everything else will fall into place.
Collin McCarty

This Too Shall Pass

When the only thing we can see is rain
Sometimes it's hard to believe the storm
Will ever end. But the clouds will move on
And the sun will shine bright again.

Just because we can't see a solution
Does not mean there is no solution
Trust that things will work out
As they are meant to be. They will.
Know that I feel for you
And I would do anything
To make the sun shine warm
On your life again.

Until the rain passes, know that you
Have a safe place to share what's in
Your heart and a shelter where you will be loved.
Jason Blume



Life Will Get Better!

Hang in there and have patience
With yourself and the situation
Live in the moment, one day at a time
Not fretting about the past
Or worrying about the future
You have strength enough for the present,
And that is all you need for now.
Allow yourself the luxury of peace,
And don't take on more than you have to.
Learn to let go.
Refuse negative thoughts;
Replace them with positive ones.
Look for the good things in your life
And make a point of apppreciating them

Believe in yourself and know
That you have the power
You are ultimately the one
In charge of your life
And the only person in the world
Who can change it.
No matter how much others
Are pulling for you
Or how much anyone else cares,
You must do what needs to be done
To make your present and future
Everything you want
And need it to be.
You can do it!
Barbara Cage

ok folks, let me leave ya with a few quotes:

1. "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt
2. "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools" Dr. Martin Luther King
3. "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." Tom Robbins

Take care this week, see ya next week with One Hundred Poems by Diamond, just the list now.

Chase Away Them Clouds!

Have you been feeling down lately? Things seem to be going in all directions, not giving you the needed answers for peace? Well, sometimes we need encouragement to help us to get through the hard times and bring more happiness in our lives. Here goes some encouraging words to help us through hard times to bring us some happiness to our lives. Blue ArT Mountain Books are these words of wisdom taken from.

Tough It Out ...In a Tender Way

Don't spend your life climbing the mountain. Be the montain. Soft from a distance, but so much stronger than others imagine you to be. Toughing it out in a tender way. Enfolding the seeds of all the dreams you have planted, and spending each day and all it brings. Knowing you are capable of riding out any kind of storm. Taking in the views. Letting the streams flow. And simply knowing that seasons will pass and changes will come, but the higher you lift your spirits...the more you will stand in the sun. WE CAN ALWAYS DO MORE THAN WE "THINK" WE CAN. LET'S THINK LESS AND IMAGINE MORE.

Carry The Sun Inside You

Within you lives a creative, resourceful person. You have qualities that get better every day. You have the courage and strength to see things through. You have a light that shines within you. You have known the truth of yesterday, and you have an inner map that will lead the way to a very beautiful tomorrow. You have gifts that have never been opened and personal journeys waiting to be explored. You have so much going for you. You are a special person and you have a future that is in the best of hands. And you need to remember: If you have plans you want to act on and dreams you've always wanted to come true, you have what it takes, because...YOU HAVE YOU!

Make The Most of Every Day

By being in this moment and living a day at a time, you have access to every gift this world could ever give. This is your moment. Your present, waiting to be unwrapped. Your day in the diary, waiting in the diary, waiting for a beautiful story, a touch of wonder, a paragraph of progress, a poem of thanks.
When the time comes to close the page on this day, make sure that its story was written just the way the author hoped it would be. IF HAPPINESS IS THE DESTINATATION, THEN "THIS MOMENT IN TIME" SHOULD BE THE MEDITATION.

Letting The Healing Begin

After the rain comes the rainbow. After the hurt comes the healing. Unfolding gently, coming closer every day, this is the natural way of things.
Hard times soften and fade. Hope rises to the surface, and smiles gradually find their way to faces as reminders of some of the precious things tomorrow will surely bring. Life always leads in that direction. Too slowly sometimes, but always towards a more beautiful horizon, After sadness, resolve. After weakness, so much strength. With time and patience as special friends, the tough times pass and the healing begins.
In any difficulty you have known, your heart has always been home to an inner beauty and a special strength. There has been wisdom deep within you, and the more you turn to that wisdom now, the more it will see you through.
When times are tough, I wish you strength enough to see your way through anything. When the world brings you uncertainties of which way to go, I'll wish you comforting thoughts and guiding signs and an inner compass that will help you know. I'll wish you a path that is never too long or too hard to travel, a road where help is there if you need it, and a journey that will bring joy to your spirit and peace to your soul. THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT? DOING THINGS THAT ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL.

hang in there!

difficulties arise in the lives of us all. what is most important is dealing with the hard times, coping with the changes, and getting through to the other side where the sun is still shining just for you.

it takes a strong person to deal with tough times and difficult choices. but you are a strong person. it takes courage, but you possess the inner courage to see you through. it takes being an active participant in your life, but you are in the driver's seat and you can determine the direction you want tomorrow to go in.
hang in there...and take care to see that you don't lose sight of the one thing that is constant, beautiful and true. everything will be fine-and it will turn out that way because of the special kind of person you are. so...beginning today and lasting a lifetime through-hang in there, and don't be afraid to feel like the morning sun is shining...just for you. AS YOU LEAVE BEHIND ALL THAT HAS BEEN, YOU ARE ON THE WAY TO ALL THAT CAN BE.

Quote for the week by Michael Jordan: "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. "

Diamond 2006 2/20

A Spanish Smile

Good day to all, today I have something I would like to share about Spanish persons, it's all good. I don't know how your experience has been with persons of that background, but all of my experiences have been positive. Let me just share a few with you.

1. I do notice that Spanish persons look out for one another as families. They don't let one another go homeless. They will all gather together in one room if need may be. They know how to show that family love, true love. They are very calm with one another. Cool disposition, I shall say. When I was living at the YWCA in one room with family here in town, they would never have let that happen. They would have taken me in, if I were a family member of theirs.

2. I notice also that lately they have been taking over businesses here in the city and they do work diligently. For one, the laundromat that I am used to treking my laundry once a week, has been bought by them. The owner and her husband are in their mid-twenties and they don't let the drug dealers and other persons doing nonsense hang around. They are deeply respected. The former owners could not handle the "traffic." The store next door to the laundromat, the Spanish couple is buying that as well. It was up until two weeks ago a beauty supply store with wigs, cell phones, clothes and supplies. The korean owner kept getting robbed and was not making any duckets. So, it is going to be a grocery store on Martin Luther King Boulevard. I am not finished....they even own the liquor store. Three deals in one! Smart people indeed....Liquor, grocery and laundry, right by each other. Well, you know our folx really hit that liquor store and they don't hang around. Got to have that stuff to go along with the CRACKerjacks, right? Clean clothes, booze and food, if you gonna eat. At Pier 3, whatever is your forte, that's what you do. Me, I got to study, draw, eat, read, write and have my music and tea time! It's a fight, but I gotta win, for the Spanish folx have taught me calmness today.

3. I am very comfortable with going to school with them, even if they have limited English speaking abilities at the moment. They want to and they are willing to learn English. A lot of them are in ESL classes because they want to learn so that they may continue on with college. They are willing to start small. Even in the college classroom, I notice that they have such a willingness to learn and they will try. Very humble if you ask me. It's like they are not African-American and they are not white, so they are like in-between. Neutral. Very smart folx and never stop learning.

4. Have you ever been in a corner store? Most of them are run by the Spanish or Puerto Rican, if you will. They love it. Our people come in there and they call them "Mommie" and "Poppie." I wonder why. I address them by their names. I also notice that they don't get robbed. Sometimes the dealers will hang around in some of the Spanish stores because the owner won't say anything. It depends. If the owner speaks up from jump street, all is cool. However if "Poppie" as they call him don't say anything, they will just have a good ole time transacting their business in the store like as if they are renting a space out. "Poppie feels safe with them around for he knows that they are looking out for him, they won't rob him. He has a family to feed and they live in the suburb of this city.

5. One other thing that I do is practice my spanish with them. There is nothing like it. It is nice to know another language but you will lose it if you don't use it. Spanish is my second language. One day I hope to go to Spain, Costa Rica or Puerto Rico and I don't mean for a honeymoon, unless I am fooling myself, huh. I love speaking in dialogue with them. And they just love it, they smile right back. If I mispronounce something, they will correct me. It is so much fun. Just like they enjoy when I help them with their English, I enjoy it when they engage in Spanish dialogue with me. If you don't use it, you lose it!

Being with and around spanish persons in various areas of work or play is so special to me, it just brings a smile to my face. How about you? How are your dealings with spanish or puerto ricans? Do you have similiar experiences with them or positive ones?

Diamond

Moments by SARK

Do you ever run into those bright colorful books in the self-help/inspirational section of your favorite book store? Those books written by SARK, a very inspiring person. She has gone through a lot in her life and yet she has written all of her books in color. I will be taking a few of her books today and sharing some of her comments in them.

1. The books I write about have colorful, happy covers which can cause people to think: it must be easy for her. It isn't easy for any of us to transcend the past, or pain we might have suffered. Yet, there are gifts in those pains, and we can choose to let light into the dark places. We are not alone! a quote by William Stfford is " I have woven a parachute out of everything broken."

2. Women are receptive to therapy, I think because of their attention to the emotional aspects and need to be heard. I'm always amazed when women don't try, or haven't tried therapy. Who else will listen so raptly to you? There is still a stigma about "going to therapy," as though there is something wrong with you, or it is self-indulgent to pay someone to help you within psychological work. Yet we pay our car mechanics, our gynecologists, or gardeners. This is curious. What is more important than our psychological health? Friends can also provide some of these things, but it's not their profession. A dedicated therapist's only professional purpose is your psychological health.

Sark mentions that healing is an inside job. Although she has been in therapy for eight years, both individual and groups, she continues to go because it enriches her. She is also fascinated by PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESS WORK. We contain so much as women. We are so complex, stuffed full of feelings, memories, half-truths, denials, hopes and yearnings.

We deserve to be fully alive psychologically! Celebrate your own psychology! Read words from your soul, Explore your own interior. You are valuable just as you are.

Healing Places

OCEAN-waves remind us that there are reliable patterns like our breath. Also, the negative ions in the air actually change brain waves.

WOODS-We are surrounded by tree families and sheltered by their canopies. Keep hugging trees.

ROCKS-We are reminded that growth and change can be microscopic and result in something solid.

WATERFALLS-Falling water speaks of constancy and power.

GARDENS-In the gardens, our hands touch the growing things and our hearts fill.

TOPS OF HILLS- Overlooking the world, we see tiny cars ot towns and gain perspective.

Some of Sark's inside locations of healing.....

BATHTUB- Floating in warm water, surrounded on all sides, tears can flow out of us and join the water everywhere.

BEDS- Soft and thick, safe places to hibernate and dream.

FORTS- Tiny mocks of privacy and escape. Remember the safety of a good fort?

PHONES- Psychic sound chmbers, one on one, intimate conversations can take place without distraction.

GROUPS- In certain kinds of groups, there can be profound safety and exploration in the company of others.

PLANES- Speeding through the sky in a metal capsule emphasizes the importance of trust and release of control.

In our hearts is where the healing occurs-We can take what we experience in the outside, and bring it in for healing. Women's hearts are rare, deep and wide. We do contain multitudes!


Succulent Wild Women

They are all around you. Look for the bright eyes, ready smile, and unusual clothes. Or perhaps it's a more shy succulent wild woman who dresses and appears more quiet, and then you get close enough to bask in her succulent glow.

Sark goes on to list her favorites. These are the famous and more obscure. She invites you to add your favorites to the list.

Isadora Duncan. Sara Bernhardt. Ruth Gordon. Gertrude Stein. Anais Nin. Anne Morrow Zindbergh. Emily Dickinson. Colette. Maya Angelou. Jessica Tandy.Imogene Cunningham.

YOUR BODACIOUS SUCCULENT LIFE

You are succulent even if you don't know it yet. Succulence is a process of aliveness and discovery, and it means living your life in full color, out to the edges, and in celebration of your radiant, eccentric self. BODACIOUS means: SPLENDID, BOLD AND REMARKABLE. That's you! Succulence includes all of you: parts that may feel lost, trapped, in hiding or broken, as well as your most flamboyant, extravagant, incandescent parts. Everything in the middle is succulent too. Our ordinary, tender, jealous, procrastinating, perfectionistic selves. Sometimes we fall asleep, get lost or gorget that we are such splendid, forgivable, adorable souls. We step into lives that aren't ours, make choices that aren't nourishing, or dance stiffly for years with the wrong partner, or parts of ourselves. Some say life is short. I say, life is TALL- grab a straw!

A few questions(soul-searching)

1. What is the most alive choice you recently made?
2. In what way(s) are you succulent?
3. Who do you admire and why?



All of the above are statements from Sark's book, Succulent Wild Women.

Grandparents

Grandparents! Mine were so special and I loved them dearly. They looked after me and my siblings along with their own teenagers at a time when we really needed them. Today, just like in all other days, I glanced at their photo which sits right next to the computer here. For strength, yes. For endurance, that's true. For comfort, that is for sure.

My grandfather was a Baptist minister. He raised all of his children to be God-fearing. Serving God kept all of us strong in the days of the 60's and early 70's. He had a church built from the ground which was in the backyard from the house. We felt special, we felt protected. Nothing would happen to us, why should it? We learned about getting on our knees to pray whenever something came up. Do you remember the days of Lifebouy soap? We sho nuff had some Lifebouy soap making the bathroom smelling good when we came out. Also, when it was thunder and lightening, where do you think we were? On our knees. On Sunday morning before church services started, on our knees. However, as in some families the young folx don't always stick to Bible teachings as was such the case with some of my aunts and uncles.

Let me tell you about my grandma that I did not know. She married my grandpa in 1917 in Whiteville, NC. As a child, she attended a AME Zion Church in Whiteville. Later, she was educated at the Bouge Colored School in Hailsboro, NC and continued her education in Whiteville. (Another Rosa Parks, y'all)

They married in 1934, Catherine and Wilmer Wright. For more than fifty-six years, this union remained. You ready for the amount of chillen? No, not 10, no , not 13, but a whooping 17! Yeah, I say the same thing, you say, wow... Yet, she never complained. She was diligent at home and in the church.

They left behind fifty-two grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren and one great-great grand-child. No, of course there are more grandchildren and great grandchildren today in the nest. But they would have been able to handle us all.

On Christmas Day they made sure all of us got gifts. Yes, all of us. From the oldest child to the youngest grandchild. We would just marvel at our scarf or small bottle of perfume. It was the thought that counted. Thanks, Grandma.

Grandmother always waited hand and foot on the Reverend. When he wanted biscuits he got em. When he wanted coffee in a cup with a saucer, he got it. When he wanted EVERYTHING, HE GOT EVERYTHING,OKAY, that was my grandfather. But you know what? They don't make em like that today. Today's grandparents are a lot younger and they are raising their grandkids as friends, no discipine.


Case in point: I know a young teen whose grandmother raised him with resentment and he knows it. She could care less what he does in the streets cause he is like a friend to her. Where is the discipline? It is not there. I provided the discipline in the one year that I got to know him.

Grandparents are special. If you have living grandparents, always appreciate their wisdom. If not cherish the good memories. I will continue to look at my grandparents, their smiling, beaming faces here in front of me as I express my words of appreciation to them. I look to their faces also to keep me out of trouble, not to act rashly, but to always appreciate their divine patience in all that I do.

A Grand Tour of Pier 3 (Part II)

Yes, the bedroom is surrounded by boxes that are packed awaiting a home. The boxes are being patient, full of sneakers, boots, jeans up to the ceiling. The dresser top is filled with Victoria Secret-which I used to charge up on the credit card and then I would give some of it away. ( how nice) The dresser is also filled with nice perfumes and lotions. I have a lot of things to give away that are in the bedroom that are boxed. Whenever a place becomes available, the boxes will start a walkin cause they got feet, they really do. As a matter of fact, they will run. Oh, also in the bedroom, I have a small closet that is full of handbags-from Polo Sport to Coach..no lie, hit the Goodwill, you will find a good Polo Sport or a Coach..,.forget Macy's. (no macy's munnie here!) My 20 inch tv that I keep on all night sometimes. I only watch it when I am ironing or getting dressed in the am or preparing for bed at night. Did I mention that I had a king size bed that takes up the whole room? Mother got it from a seondhand store...I can walk around it, it is so huge. All I need is a single bed for I already threw the mattress out to the dumpster. Five years old, bedroom furniture got to go! I guess you wonder where I sleep, huh. You got it, on the living room floor, on pillows, but it's comfy for me right about now. That's the next step outside of the door! I lived in a room before. I love my living room surrounded by flowers, paintings and pretty things and I can handle that!

Last, but not least is the kitchen/office, that's where the food is! I keep food in my fridge. Once a week I have a big meal of spinach, stuffing, mac and cheese, mash potatoes, veggies, pork loin,turkey, chicken and ribs. It lasts me the whole week. I don't have to cook during the week, only on the weekends. I keep Captain Crunch, ice cream, snacks, fruit, pancake mix, grits and oatmeal. Plenty of H2O. In this kitchen where I spend the most of my time is the computer, which is my best friend here in the hood. My grandparents photo. The queen of diamond card. Prolific member's books. DVD movies. Computer books galore. A small television from China with a missing remote and I can't call it if I wanted to. When I am sitting here in front of my best friend sometimes I have Stevie on my ears and I just dance away on certain songs...I just can't help myself. Music is the key to my happiness. Of course God, prayer, reading the Bible and worship. Also, I enjoy studying here when I can..if not, I hit the library or college and I focus. I cannot let negativity hit me and if it does, I let it go like a hot air balloon! Goodbye...I want to hear something positive...I am going somewhere in life. I want to express my life to the world, my words, my sparkle, a diamond.

Ok, my friends, you have taken a tour of Pier 3. I hope that you enjoyed your visit here. Now when you exit outside the door, put your mental blinders on and act like you don't know.

I wrote about this to show myself that I do have something to be thankful for while I am waiting for my ship to carry me on my next journey. I wanted to share that with you, my friends, that despite the going-ons on the outside of my door, and the innermost conditions inside, I am a breathing, live human being and indeed grateful for that blessing. God has not forgotten me or you.

queenwriter

A Grand Tour of Pier 3

I thought I just might take my friends on a grand tour of Pier 3. Pier 3 is an apartment on the third floor. This apartment has four rooms with a roof. How many of you have a roof? Are you not grateful? I am sure you are. Let's proceed on this grand tour. We are going to block out all persons, noise and what everyone is doing on the outside of this door. Enjoy!

Let's take the living room. The television is on, even though I am sitting here in the kitchen on the computer. The living room has four nice lamps, one with a floral lamp shade. Currently, there is a green bulb in one, a yellow one in another and two regular bulbs in the other two. Lighting helps me greatly in the winter time for it gets so dark so early and I need brightness of light. Next, we see the five row bookshelf which is invaluable; for it cannot be replaced. I have all of my books such as psychology on one shelf, writing books take up about three, books on quilting and other fine subjects sit there on the shelf. In addition to the books, I have a nice brown doll sitting on the shelf, she is like a mocha brown, like hot chocolate might look in a cup with whipped cream-steaming hot. She's barefoot but she's pretty. Also, I have photos of myself on the bookshelf, my education degrees that I have earned thus far, my poetic metals and trophies, all of my honors. These are things that I should deeply cherish. remember that we are inside and not thinking of anything outside, ok...nothing. Let's proceed. I have a nice magazine rack with the latest Ebony, Essence and Oprah magazines. I even have some "Bride" magazines..what's up with that? Homegirl gettin married? When and with whom and why! Let's check the beautiful artwork out. Monet, Anne Geddes and African American Art hangs in the balance. So much art I cannot hang it up, for it will cover the whole living room wall. I have one sofa filled with dolls, for I collect them and there is no room for me, let alone a companion. I have all kinds of dolls, all races and nationalities sharing Pier 3 with me and they don't complain. So why should I? They live here too, right? There is one chair that I sit in when I am not at the computer. Once I sit in front of the boob-tube I am going to la-la land. The other night I wanted to take a break from the computer, sat in front of the tube and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzaway to better dreams, waking up at 3am. Don't let me sit in front of that tube and have my popcorn, cheeze puffs, and Lorna Doone cookies. All I want to do is enjoy my living room and chair by watching a Lifetime movie. I wake up with a Lorna Doone in my mouth chewing it.

Next room is the bathroom, small but quaint. Decorated in blue. Tiolet seat is always down, so you know what that means. Shower curtains, rugs and cover for tiolet set all blue. All tioletries in order. Old fashioned bath tub which will never become white no matter what you do. Scrub on my sista, scrub on, it does not matter. Smallest room in Pier 3.

Bedroom, poor bedroom...the room I used to sin in. I had to end the six year relationship with the married man who claimed"divorce." They lived in the same house but was "playin house." I fell for the story. It was called "An unpaid mistress." But somehow in my past married men seemed so secure for me, those were the only kind of men that I wanted for I felt that I was something special that they had to come to. I felt good with a married man. Why did married men like me so much and why? I'm talkin about when I was in my early twenties and of course the men were always older. Anyway, poor bedroom is surrounded

Yes, You Can!

Today I am going to talk about self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves. Having a good sense of self-esteem is important today in order to feel a sense of greatness within. There is nothing on this earth that we cannot do if we put our hearts and minds to it. We must feel that WE CAN! At one time in my life I did not have a healthy sense of self-esteem because I felt that I was unable to accomplish anything and I had a negative view of myself and others. It was only after reading self-help books of wisdom and inspiration, going through therapy and doing some self-talk, that I was able to feel better about myself and others. If we feel good about ourselves, everything falls into place.

Feeling good about ourselves and saying that WE CAN, does not mean being self-conceited, it means being CONVINCED. We are convinced that we can excel in something that we are trying to achieve, we are thinking positive in our endeavors and we are indeed grateful that we can do so. Take for example my writing projects and goals. A person who really knows me will see that I am striving to do my best. I am convinced that with God's help I can do so and I am a positive thinker in that regard. On the other hand, a negative person who does not really know me, like those who reside around me or some of my "kinfolk" will say that I am conceited or that I think that "I am all that." That is so untrue. I don't think that, maybe that is the way they think. They don't know the real me. It is just that I have gained a newfound confidence in myself that others wish that they had. If anyone wants to learn how I got this way I will show them and be glad to do so, YES I CAN! and I will.

Jealousy gets you nowhere in this life. If Queen Mocha gets some good fourtune that has come her way, then we should be glad for her. If we find that we get some kind of bad vibes or feelings that we want the same for ourselves, guess what? We can. In our own way and time, for God does not make mistakes. Be happy and share the joys with that person, for you do not know the struggle that the individual has gone through to get to the success. Also, you don't know what kind of trials and tribulations the individual is going through despite the success. I am going to use myself as an example again for I am trying to share a point. To persons that see me on the outside, I may look like Queen of Sheba, for I make sure before I appear outside the door that I am presentable to the public as well as myself. However, because of illnesses that I am juggling for life, it takes me two hours to achieve that. Because of the conditions that are appearing in the building now all night long, it really takes me a while to get myself together in the morning. The conditions of overcrowding in the apartment has my mind ovecrowded and I am functioning at less than one hundred percent. And yet I continue to write. I continue to pray. I continue to meditate. That is where the gift comes in. Despite the inner and the outer circumference about me, YES, I CAN! You ask me why? CAUSE I CAN! You ask me why again. God says so! If it were not for the Creator, I could not stand, and neither could you. All of us are going through something and YES, WE CAN, despite.

The reason I have titled this YES I CAN, is because I found this book today that a woman doctor had given to me upon my discharge from Cooper Hospital back in 1995, a pocket-sized book. It has the title YES, YOU CAN! I would just like to share a few sayings from famous people. Try to hold on to the thought this week that you can do anything in this world that you want to if you put your mind to it and there is nothing beyond your dreams. Yes, you have the potential, don't forget that!

"I am just myself, and who I am is a lot." Phylicia Rashad
"They are able who think they are able." Virgil
"The learning provess is never-ending, and growth will continue if only you will allow it to." Arlene Francis
"I like to think that each of us has his own little destiny and we have to seek it- no one will hand it to us." Richard Chamberlain
"I'm happiest when I'm working, rising to challenges." Lucille Ball
"I must not only try harder, but be better...You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your linits, that is the real joy." Arthur Ashe
"No one has more potential for greatness than anyone else." Marianne Williamson
"I began to understand that self-esteem isn't everything; it's just that there's nothing without it." Gloria Steinem

Healing Thoughts

Good day to everyone who has decided to visit me and my blog. You know my blog is like my best friend that awaits for me each and every week. I try not to let my blog down on Monday morns but I am just a little late today, better late than never. Come on in and hear what I have to say today.

I survived the first week of the year and that is something to be thankful for. I made some inner commitments to myself of newfound behaviors that I was to display and not to let anything deter me from that-people, places or things. Instead of getting upset, mad or angry, I choose to remain a calm disposition and not to let anything bother me. I have too much going for me as well as too much going on to pay attention to pitty, petty, problems.

I had one tragedy on the first day of the year that happened in our family with a cousin. The car collided with a train on New Years Day, killing my cousin and her son. That left my cousin and a remaining son. It happened so fast, there was no body to view or look at, only the remains. Friends, we must cherish our families and life. Tell someone important to you that you love them. Go out of your comfort zone sometimes. Yes, it is difficult but it can be done. Sometimes, we have to take the first step. I will be working on that as well.

Today was a day that I had quite a few run-ins. First of all, I dropped off a pair of boots to the shoe repair. I just bought these boots last week from Payless, a cute little heel and I wore them every day. They were pretty, pointy and cranberry. Strut sister strut! When he told me 7.50 and he needed a four dollar deposit, I started to change my mind. But I love THEM boots. Then he tells me Friday at noon. I am thinking why a whole week, cause these boots are made for walking. Paid 25.00, it seems like I could have bought me another pair just like them or similiar for despite all of my boots, they are the BOMB! I proceeded up the hill and said to myself: "What the heck." I will live until Friday.

Across the street from the shoe repair shop was the dry cleaner. Now bear in mind, this is a grey shawl that I paid 10.00 for from the R,Wand B thrift store last week. It's pretty, it's grey. Not able to iron it, they got the machines right? So at first he gives me a price of 5.50, I say ok. Then the next thing you know, he wants a deposit and says if I leave a deposit it is cheaper. I say how much he tells me 5.50. Now he must have forgotten that he gave me a price of 5.50. He tells me a 1.00 cheaper and I tells him 4.50, now he tells me 5.50. I say to him: "Never mind, I will take it somewhere else, you are dealing bad business and we can't deal." He was simply what one would call (money-hungry) This is a new year and I cannot have palpitations over pettiness. I take the grey-shawl to a closer cleaners that is near the community college downtown. (The dry cleaners here in this town are mostly run by the chinese-korean-vietnamese. That's right. So it's called compromise.. Her price was 5.00, no deposit. I can have my shawl by tomorrow if I like to wear it to bible study. I love shawls, I feel free, like I have wings. Check somebody out the next time you see a person with a shawl on, they look guile-like, free like a dove.

Well, over to the post-office to my post office box, a few medical bills-no Mocha Musings. Promised-Lulu.com is very good but it is something on this end cause it went out on December 30th. Alright, maybe tomorow, or Wednesday- I will be positive. I can't wait for my Mocha Musings and then Confessions by Walee. I know one thing when I move, my BOOTS, SHAWL, AND BOOKS are hauling *** with me! One book per month or every other. What I like about Mocha and Walee they are not pushing their stuff on me, they are patient. Mocha stays busy and things happen. Just sit back and wait. Walee, my big brutha-yeah, y'all we are related (lol) has been patient with me. The website is advertised and if a person wants the book, they will click on the link.

Lastly, I head on over to the nail shop wishing I can do the refill myself. I can save that 12.00. I bests to learn. I got black tips again with the gold line. Cannot afford the designs like I see some of these young hip-hop sistahs, babies in their strollers with empty milk bottles. They telling them"shut-up." Babies don't even know what they mean. These girls are street hustlers. Got more money than I. This is the only place where I can get some quality sleep in the chair while Linda is holding my hand down trying to paint a fingernail. Well, I can say that I had a full day.

Oh, I ran into my father. I listened to his conversation. His line was that he lost my phone number. I gave it to him again. I ate my food and we talked. I got a chance to see him and I prayed inwardly. He had on some nice jeans and a suit jacket and I did feel a little better just seeing him and knowing he is alive. I thought that I would share this
.
Sweet Memories

Some of the blessings that make life so sweet are the special people who share my good times and brighten my days. It is often these people who cheer me on when my own enthusiasm seems to wane. It is to these people-the ones who give comfort and support, often without being asked that I express my heartfelt thanks. I love them and appreciate all they have done to make my life happier and more complete.

The sweet memories of these individuals will continue to bless me. Whether they are still an active part of my life or they have gone on to continue their individual journeys, they hold a special place in my heart. I remember our times together and I include these loved ones in my prayers. Remembering my loved ones in prayer, I send them a blessing. So in thinking of my dad, as we parted he has his own journey he is traveling on and I have mine.

Thanks for visiting and I will see you next week!

Peace, love and many blessings

Two Thousand and Six

I am looking forward to a grand new year of many blessings and untold victories. I am looking forward to many challenges that await me as I take each day at a time. I have set many goals for myself that are reachable. I refuse to be the procrastinator that I was in 2005. This is a new year and I am a new me, one that will work diligently not to complain about my lot in life, for I do have many things in which to be grateful.

This is the year that my Creator will have me to move for He knows that my time is up here. I will not complain, but I shall take each day as it comes, do what I have to do to make progress in the needed direction in which I shall go and appreciate the circumstances that I do have, that do exist about me. Each and every day that I awaken and put two feet flat on the floor and can remember my first and last name, than I am doing good.

I am going to talk about school right now for that is important to me. Introduction to Photography and Basic Drawing are two classes that I am looking forward to. The seventeenth of January is right around the corner and I am anxiously awaiting. I have my 35 mm Minolta just waiting, it is a year old for me. I bought it brand new last January from Ritz camera stores. I was so excited that day with that sharp piece of equipment that I could not part with it, really need to learn more about it. We are living in the age of the (digital) camera, but that is okay, for I am interested in learning how to develop film in the darkroom, take black and white photos and etc. I am old-fashioned in more ways than one. Basic Drawing, oh I really would love to continue expressing myself on a large pad of paper, carrying a case that makes me look like an real artist. In this neighborhood, that is quite outstanding, an artist. Other than the writing label, I will label myself with taking photos and drawing persons and things. This will help me to focus more on me, my interests, my activities and less on negative things which cannot produce light. (Collier?) where are you??

So, with my school classes, and doing the photo and drawing kick, I will be so into that, no one will be able to get through my skin, which I have decided to thicken. Yes, I shall be thick-skinned. After years of having thin-skin, I will possess multiple layers. I will have a proverbial duck's back that the water will just roll right off. God will take care of me with any hurts, pains or damage that persons should seek to harm with me with. Queen of Diamonds is getting tough even though she is not a tough chick, she's really kind.

With my project of writing I have a few: "Red Rose, Crimson Beauty," is the first and foremost project. 50 Poetic Petals that will describe my various stations in life that are describing hope, peace, love and tranqility. Somehow I keep running into roses everywhere I go. Everywhere. The next few projects are "In My Father's Shadow," a memoir and "Diamond In the Rough," both are basically stories of my life one about my father and the other a life from riches to ragtime. Many persons cannot handle a life of mansion living, then homelessness to living a life of low-income status-quo. I have been tested over and over again and guess what? I shall continue to get tested. A door just slammed and I am simply not going to let it bother me. For every door slammed, I can just repeat : (God is in control, in time Sharon.) That's it. Getting upset will not help matters. I shall continue on in my quest for better things in life. Other projects that I will work on for the distant future are: "Through Rose Colored Glasses: The Pocahontas Story," that's about me and my life living in the YWCA and the neighborhood where I live now. (Pier 3) This book will have to be fiction...by the time this is released I will have completed my classes of fiction writing, chracter building and any other course to assist me in this vocation. There will be a woman who despite the hood she lives in goes on to gain her degrees (BA and MFA) and she helps a neighborhood youth who almost loses his life to the streets with drug and gang violence. She realizes that God had her in this neighborhood for a reason and things happen in their due course. This book will have to have characters like drug dealers, drama queens, crackheads and the like that live in this type of environment. That's enough of projects to keep me busy. I have to write or I die. Either one or the other. I choose to write. Good choice. You got it!

Well just ending my first day of two thousand and six, I am well-pleased. I had a relaxing day with meditating on some great thoughts and appreciation. I ate good and healthy today. I communicated with some members of my PFamily. I am really content being alone, although Friday I felt lonely. It did not last very long when I thought of some of the consequences that could result if I made some choices that were unhealthy. And in closing, may all of us possess a relative amount of trueness, peace, blessings and perserverance that is needed for all things that we may come across in this life. I am looking forward to better days to come in two thousand and six, what say you? Holla! whatever works, let me hear....

georgia peach

School Break and Blessings, Yeah!

When was the last time I had a school break, I mean a legal one...Not like last January when I was forced to take a semester break. This was a semester that I received two grades from and did not get incompletes for a change. It was a challenge, I would be lying if I said it was not. Difficulty sleeping, people smoking crack in the hallway, people selling drugs beneath my feet, the snake staying up all night, these and more contributed to my health challenges, mental and physical, almost strengthless....

We are going into another year and here I remain..OK, I will keep on tryin, especially now since I am on break; God will handle the rest. Don't worry, be happy! so sings Bobby McFerrin. I have a lot of things to appreciate and to be happy for. Flowers, candles, dolls(to be named) and books surround me. Oh, and scarves.....all so unique and different. Just being able to go to school on grants and scholarships is a blessing. I am able to eat each day, the lilies of the field eat, don't they? The gift of being able to read is a blessing. Some people cannot read and write and they don't want to. My blessings are endless. Family still alive and well.

Maybe now that I am on break, I will take a much-needed trip to you know where. I am still headed2atlanta@yahoo.com, my blog name is miss georgia peach and away I go! Pro-Move just called again, they have a property for me in Atlanta(first three months free)???. They are going to call me back tomorrow. They say that people are desperate for persons to move in. Rent.com keeps sending me properties through the internet, they look so beautiful. I am just trusting in God, for his hands are in all matters.

It was good to see Homeboy yesterday, I know that he was surprised to see that I had gifts for him. He was not expecting anything yesterday from me, because it is called 'Divine Forgiveness'. When you hurt someone over and over, lie to them over and over, you become calloused. I forgave him, he already knew that. However, like I told him, I forgave you, but I am not a fool. He willl never use me again, even if my heart is kind.

Today I went to the laundromat, had the latest Good Housekeeping and Essence mags and lo and behold my back is turned and they walk away. Both mags! Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle! I knew some female seen me drop them or she swept them from out of my sight. Well, I hope whoever has them learn how to read or appreciate the articles or learn something about Queen Latifiah and Angela Bassett. I just purchased both magazines last evening. I felt like showing persons my true colors in that place, but I said, NO WAY JOSE, I AM NOT GOING ANY WHERE FOR MAKING TERRORISTIC THREATS over two mags. I just don't like Negroes stealing from me when I turn my back...... stealing nothing from me, nothing...

Now I will go and watch a movie, they are running the some specials on tv, I need to watch one and I know that I am going to fall asleep, it happens everytime. I will be going grocery shopping later, someone blessed me with a Shoprite gift card. Blessings, that is what I am talkin bout!

The school break is to be enjoyed by me, relaxed by me, maybe a trip or so to neverending land, Oh, I have to hit the Big Apple I do know, Also I must get up each morning, get it together and get out. Everyone enjoy your last week of the year, MAKE PLANS, SET GOALS, BE HAPPY, BE CHEERFUL, FIGHT ALL ODDS, TAKE THE HIGH ROAD AND STAND TALL AND TALENTED, FOR THAT YOU ARE! You have every reason to be blessed and content.

miss georgia peach

Experiences from a Pollyanna

Last Wednesday morning as I waited in the cold for a bus to the train station, I met a nice young lady. She was shivering cold. She started the conversation by asking me if I knew what time the next bus was coming. As we progressed on our conversation, I found out that she was in the ninth grade and she displayed a very negative attitude about her future. She did not think that she could make it through the high school. She mentioned that it was too hard. A few tears fell from her face as she was speaking. This young lady Michelle, was taking care of her grandmother and she felt that she had a lot of pressures on her. She was already running late to school and she was going to blame her mother for she was asked at the last minute to provide breakfst for her grandma.

I gave Michelle confidence to know that she can make it in high school and she can go to college if she wanted to. She was not aware of the many scholarships and grants that are out there that can provide for her. I told her about my situation, how I am going to college basically free, and that it is a wonderful learning experience. She could not believe my age and she thought that it was great for me to be in college. We got on the bus together and before parting, I gave her my telephone number. That was a great experience.

I got to the train station and purchased my tickets for I was out of them. I boarded the 8:48am train to New Brunswick which was an express to New York City. I am one of those first car riders where the bathroom is, where the nice bright sunlight just shines so nicely and I love my own seat since it was not crowded with rude NYC businessmen and women. I was sipping on my Mandarin Spice Herbal Tea and eating a nice cream cheese bagel. I was eagerly anticipating my dental visit at the hospital. A nice thirty minute ride to eat, drink, read and be merry.

It seemed like the whole day I smiled. There were no frowns, I was out of the hood. I was smiling at the tots. There were people in the cafeteria to smile at. The gift shop. I learned something that I already knew. You feel better when you smile. When you smile, you make the other person smile back at you. Of course, the holiday music is playing in the background. People have a tendency to agree with the music whether they want to do or not. Sleigh Bells ring, are you listening......Rudolph, the red nose reindeer, so on and so on....

With exams going on as well as hospital tests going on this week, it was hectic. Frantic pace. From Monday thru Wednesday it was really challenging, but I made it. With the hospital test on Monday, it took alot out of me. When I went to see my doctor this afternoon(December 19th), I did not like the outcome of the tests. I have to take further ones from a GI. doctor. That's alright, I will be a Pollyanna. One day at a time. Nothing to stress over. Que sera, sera. What ever will be, will be. I am going to enjoy the rest of this week because I have positive goals I must work on. On Christmas Day, I will go to the services and then probably visit patients in a neighboring hospital for there is always someone worse off than me. I will give my "neighborhood son a nice letter with a gift of love for him and baby girl because I feel like he has learned from my "cutting him off." I know he has. I love that boy from a distance. After that, it will still go back to normal. I will say hello, but I cannot associate with him as long as he is "hanging out tough. " I have to keep my relationship with my heavenly father in good standing, so I have to watch my associations and my own conduct. I realize that he is not my "real son." I know my place for the boy has a real birth mom and a grandma.

Well, I am going to continue to write for it is therapeutic for me. Writing is something I do when I wake up in the morning and do before I retire at night. I have to get all of the quiet, serene, kept-hidden in the dark secrets out on paper and machine. Also, I must look for a part time gig this week to keep the home fires burnin. If I don't who will? And home hunting....I know by the grace of God all of these things will happen if they are done in the proper seqence and time.

All of you have a joyous holiday season. Enjoy your families. Enjoy and appreciate life.

georgia peach

A Meditating Monday

Today was a day if ever I had to meditate, relax, deep breathe, etc, today was it. After doing the prep necessary for the test for my colon, it had to be done, today. Last week it did not work, test repeat. Yesterday, last meal was jello and broth. Broth and Jello.. Not when Homegirl is used to Captain Crunch and one percent or rice milk. Captain Crunch in the morn, in the evening or at night before retiring. That was a love left over from childhood, at least there's something good from childhood memories....lol

I won't go into the trip and experience at the hospital but I can tell you this; I would not wish it on my enemy, even if I had one.(lol) It's a beautiful hospital, remodeled and I can read, write or study in the beautiful cafeteria there. I can even walk there, but not this moaning...no way, no where, no how. Before leaving the hospital and before experiencing more sickness, I walk into the gift shop and purchase 4 pieces of gourmet chocolate balls. 35cents each, what the heck after all I been through I deserved 4 pieces of chocolate. I continued in my quest for meditating this monday morn....before I left, while hailing a cab(like I'm in NYC), and even when I return home. (that's enough) (thanks to Pittershawn)

Now, I must meditate and take my time for as I look around my four precious rooms, there is so much work to be done in every room. Especially the bedroom and the kitchen where I am right now. This is where I spend the majority of my time..on this computer sometimes until 12 midnight and it is so difficult to log off. It is because the computer has become my best friend. I have recently learned to juggle things within my interior paradise. I am not ready to dream about things that are unpleasant or vivid, strange and no-answer for dreams. If I had my way, I would stay up all night if it meant that I would be refreshed. But I know differently. I have to get my sleep in order to function somewhat the next moaning morning, like Lady Shai named her poem. Back to this(interior paradise), as I look around in this kitchen on the floor, the old computer sits there. I am trying to get it fixed at the soup kitchen so I CAN GIVE IT, to a fellow mmber of the PFam who has been needing one for the longest. I need to see what is wrong with it. I have too much just sitting here that needs to vacate the premises and the computer is one. Bags of clothing and books need to go. Not my school and books of writing, no never, no never. So even though my physical surroundings are caving in on me, I am enjoying sitting here communicating with you all but I know that my bedroom is awaiting fall cleaning. Did I say fall? It cannotremain the way it is until the spring. Homegirl is gonna be gone by then....You can bet your bottom dollar...I am outta here...It's too cold to be homeless now..I appreciate my roof tonight, tomorrow for temps are below zero and only going to be 13 tomorrow and lower. no joke, no joke. I am intensifying my efforts to move out this week, calling more places, hitting rent.com again, calling about some of those properties...I can sometimes get lax and rest my laurels...then I come into the building-smell the piss and the powder, the fumes and the vodka and I get an attitude..and I said this is it, well I have to mean it. God knows that I am tired of being here, I have served my purpose or is serving it...Homeboy and his grandma moved out. Yet he is hanging around because this is his neck- of- the- woods and also his BEST FRIEND that he never had, his MOM that he never had is here...I am going to surprise him this month with something. He has his own life but for him and his baby girl, I will give them a gift. Afterall, he is my family and I have nothing but true love expressed from the heart for him.

Ok, what a day, right. Oh, Monday night football. Time to change the channel, after all the tv is only on for noise. Holiday music in kitchen, jazz is on in the bathroom, inspirational radio in the living room and R&B in the bedroom. What a creation! And now after having not being able to enjoy a nice hot cup of decaf since yesterday, I am going to take an hour break from the computer, light a candle, pray and meditate before proceeding further in this interior paradise.

Thanks for stopping by folxs...see ya later,
don't y'all miss me at the same time.
.

georgia peach
12/12/05

Jeans,Scarves, Boots and Handbags- A Fetish

There are four things that I will not give up under any circumstances. They are jeans, scarves, boots and handbags. I will take them with me wherever I go. I dress very well with them for I am your average student who wears jeans todos los dias. Even though I wear jeans daily, they are uniquely made. I wear the best jeans and they come from the second hand store. That is where you can get the best jeans. Gloria Vanderbuilt, Venezia and other names that are to be found in new stores, are to be found in MY stores. I wear wide-legged jeans for my boots with the heels, straight leg jeans for the timberlands and the regular boot, and other jeans for any kind of boot. Anytime you get a gal like me who wears jeans every day, she needs accessories to help to accent the jeans. That is where my scarves come in. I must have 100 + scarves and yet I will not give any away. That makes me selfish, huh? And yet I am the most giving person in the universe. Picasso, silk scarves, designer scarves, wool scarves to go around my head in cold weather, you name it, I got it. I am ashamed to let anyone see my collection for they would do the shaking of the head syndrome. Oh, Sharon please...share..give up some of them...no way Jose...I have an addiction or an illness and you know what: I cannot take them scarves with me can I? I am hooked on something material. Scarves...Your life is more important than scarves or jeans or boots or handbags......
Continue on.......

I have boots....Dom loves shoes, I love boots...I have every kind of style and color imaginable. Today I picked up a pair of brown boots that were low with a nice wedge heel. Nice buckle on the side too....sharp as a tic...I will wear them in a few days since it has decided to snow. More snow tomorrow. Oh well, I got boots for the snow too. Nice grip on the bottom. I am not ready to go ice skating. I have all kinds of colors-maroon, black, brown, Tims, light brown suede, boots that make me walk down the street like I am the most important person in the world, not the cutest...just business-like. Like a teacher or a lawyer....I just luv boots.

Then comes the pocketbooks or handbags-I have enough to take a different one for each day of the month and then some. Polo Sport, Lois Vitton, Liz Claiborne and even "Coach" bags now you know...where do you think they come from? My stores...I am not ashamed of the "thrift" stores, for the rich folxs are the ones that leave that stuff.. I get the best. Fanatic I am..No, I will not give you one of my handbags....I have to really be out of my mind on that day if I were to give you one. What handbag, jeans, scarf and boots will I wear tomorrow? Let me see..Let me go look....

Ok, it's 10:39 and it's meds time and Cap'n Crunch time. I jus love that cereal. Then I will finally retire and sit in front of the tube and slowly drift into another time and place. Why do I have cable? No Walee, I will not watch that channel. No tisket, no tasket here, my brotha...Stevie Wonder, Hey Love.....Signed, Sealed, Delivered...You Haven't Done Nothin..that's what I'm talkin bout.....

goodnite, y'all...(dancing in the chair..shakin hips from side to side...arms too, I can really dance)

.