So, it appears that I have fallen under a dismal spell of writer's block. I have so many ideas, and yet when I sit down to unload all that I have to say on paper...it doesn't seem to transpire. I've questioned this spell of writer's block and even went so far as to question what triggered it's onset. To no surprise of my own, I came to the conclusion that "I don't have a foundation!"
With that conclusion, I have decided that I will be away for some time as I reformulate my blogging purpose. Of course, when I say I will be away for some time I don't expect to be gone for long at all...perhaps a week, maybe two? However, I would like to say that I have been in the process of fine tuning my creativity by indulging in reading and now writing short stories. It's kind of funny, but I'm actually in the process of flipping through"The Writer's Book of Matches," which is actually proving to be a very witty and comical flip book that aids in igniting my currently dim creative light bulb.
In the meantime, I leave you all with something interesting that I came across that has really been resonating in my spirit:
"The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard. People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choices words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech." -Edwin H. Friedman
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The point of it all
“I tell you everything that is really nothing, and nothing of what is everything, do not be fooled by what I am saying. Please listen carefully and try to hear what I am not saying.”
I am continually amazed when I realize that we all silently express what we want to say or perhaps what we fear confessing, because we’re so afraid of what the perception of us will be once the truth is out. So we stay in our zone-- and slowly peer out when we feel the coast is clear, secretly hoping someone still cares enough to stay behind and listen.
I speak of myself specifically---and also those who go on “silently” around me…
It’s an endless thought trail when you realize that the one person you cherish above all is slowly dying inside because of the riddled realities that they’ve endured for so long. Sitting by, only to realize that seeking peace and actually acquiring it are two totally different things that are set on lateral paths. The key is understanding. Without understanding there can’t be an elevation to the next tier up, so it becomes easy to go on chasing your tail in never ending circles as opposed to getting results.
I’ve been tail chasing. I lost sight of seeking understanding before making moves. Interestingly enough, it takes falling and sometimes falling HARD, to be able to brush the dirt off of your scraped knees and to press on. I’d like to think that as of today, I have a new handle on one particular thing that I have taken rather lightly for the past few years. And the best part of it all, is that I had to go in continual circles for a long time before I realized I kept ending up exactly where I started---lost and without a clue.
I found one “SOMETHING” to make all my other “SOMETHINGS” come to fruition! Now its all a matter of nurturing that something….minus the little “f” we all sometimes turn into the BIG “F“----fear.
I am continually amazed when I realize that we all silently express what we want to say or perhaps what we fear confessing, because we’re so afraid of what the perception of us will be once the truth is out. So we stay in our zone-- and slowly peer out when we feel the coast is clear, secretly hoping someone still cares enough to stay behind and listen.
I speak of myself specifically---and also those who go on “silently” around me…
It’s an endless thought trail when you realize that the one person you cherish above all is slowly dying inside because of the riddled realities that they’ve endured for so long. Sitting by, only to realize that seeking peace and actually acquiring it are two totally different things that are set on lateral paths. The key is understanding. Without understanding there can’t be an elevation to the next tier up, so it becomes easy to go on chasing your tail in never ending circles as opposed to getting results.
I’ve been tail chasing. I lost sight of seeking understanding before making moves. Interestingly enough, it takes falling and sometimes falling HARD, to be able to brush the dirt off of your scraped knees and to press on. I’d like to think that as of today, I have a new handle on one particular thing that I have taken rather lightly for the past few years. And the best part of it all, is that I had to go in continual circles for a long time before I realized I kept ending up exactly where I started---lost and without a clue.
I found one “SOMETHING” to make all my other “SOMETHINGS” come to fruition! Now its all a matter of nurturing that something….minus the little “f” we all sometimes turn into the BIG “F“----fear.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Eagles
I’ve been wounded.
Wings clipped.
Rejected, because like others of my time, I went against the grain to fend for prey my broad wings would take me in search of.
Like faint whispers of the wind on cold winter nights, I abandoned all prospects of being traditional.
I abandoned what it was you thought being an eagle was.
My feathers always glowed with a hue that wasn’t customary to the likings of my dominant culture.
I was never an “ugly duckling” as some would say, but it never stopped the criticism.
The luster and vigor of my wings always convinced someone I wasn’t one who flew with the pack.
I never found solace in comparing myself to anyone, let alone those whose wings hadn’t blossomed to shine.
Shine as mine had.
See as eagles by default we’re proud.
Like all birds of prey, our powerful hooked beaks and talons guarantee that our hunger never goes unsatisfied.
This struggle between the predator and the prey has evolved with my generation breaking into flight before our mothers taught us the ins and outs of the hunt.
I laugh sometimes, not because things are funny, but because we were the first to know freedom and yet 204 years later we still suppress it.
To be an eagle, you just have to be eagle first.
Being proclaimed this and that…things that were all outside of my nature.
I never stopped.
Forgetting evolved to being forgotten.
I think we forgot what being who we were first, was truly about.
Forgetting that wars were fought, that our nature alone set ideals, we are eagles.
I never waited for you to tell me.
I never waited around to be broken over, allowing you and everyone else around to use my back as a stepping post.
I’ve slaved for my wings, not by definitions we’re used to, but I slaved, she slaved, and she slaved before her.
I never asked that my presentation alone would resonate pride, nor did I ask to be amongst the elect.
I didn’t choose to be an eagle; because it’s a bird of prey- my nature alone isn’t based on being predatory for survival.
Perhaps I learned to be, when I decided freedom never compared to bondage.
My wings guaranteed my freedom.
I never sought to be flashy and arrogant, because my wing span never compared to yours.
I was bonded.
No shackles or chains, just words; your words.
By definition and esteem eagles never compared to anything that’s ever taken flight.
They soar somewhere up above in search of kissing heaven, while occasionally dipping back down into the realities of the world below.
Preying on those who lack understanding that danger comes with sharp eyes and lightning speed.
I was wounded.
My wings were clipped.
I was rejected.
But I never forgot to soar among the stars in search of kissing heaven.
I am an eagle; bold, fierce, and nurturing in nature.
I am no ordinary eagle you see on flags or on quarter-backs.
I was birthed through the stripes and wounds of mother who never had the opportunity to teach me to fly high.
But I leaned.
I learned that eagles existed before taking flight was ever prospect to most of you.
I will never doubt that along the way I forgot I was an eagle, and confused myself with a farm animal or two.
But deep within me, I knew we were eagles who were born free to soar
Searching for heaven amongst the stars and the moon,
Searching to kiss heaven through the stars.
Wings clipped.
Rejected, because like others of my time, I went against the grain to fend for prey my broad wings would take me in search of.
Like faint whispers of the wind on cold winter nights, I abandoned all prospects of being traditional.
I abandoned what it was you thought being an eagle was.
My feathers always glowed with a hue that wasn’t customary to the likings of my dominant culture.
I was never an “ugly duckling” as some would say, but it never stopped the criticism.
The luster and vigor of my wings always convinced someone I wasn’t one who flew with the pack.
I never found solace in comparing myself to anyone, let alone those whose wings hadn’t blossomed to shine.
Shine as mine had.
See as eagles by default we’re proud.
Like all birds of prey, our powerful hooked beaks and talons guarantee that our hunger never goes unsatisfied.
This struggle between the predator and the prey has evolved with my generation breaking into flight before our mothers taught us the ins and outs of the hunt.
I laugh sometimes, not because things are funny, but because we were the first to know freedom and yet 204 years later we still suppress it.
To be an eagle, you just have to be eagle first.
Being proclaimed this and that…things that were all outside of my nature.
I never stopped.
Forgetting evolved to being forgotten.
I think we forgot what being who we were first, was truly about.
Forgetting that wars were fought, that our nature alone set ideals, we are eagles.
I never waited for you to tell me.
I never waited around to be broken over, allowing you and everyone else around to use my back as a stepping post.
I’ve slaved for my wings, not by definitions we’re used to, but I slaved, she slaved, and she slaved before her.
I never asked that my presentation alone would resonate pride, nor did I ask to be amongst the elect.
I didn’t choose to be an eagle; because it’s a bird of prey- my nature alone isn’t based on being predatory for survival.
Perhaps I learned to be, when I decided freedom never compared to bondage.
My wings guaranteed my freedom.
I never sought to be flashy and arrogant, because my wing span never compared to yours.
I was bonded.
No shackles or chains, just words; your words.
By definition and esteem eagles never compared to anything that’s ever taken flight.
They soar somewhere up above in search of kissing heaven, while occasionally dipping back down into the realities of the world below.
Preying on those who lack understanding that danger comes with sharp eyes and lightning speed.
I was wounded.
My wings were clipped.
I was rejected.
But I never forgot to soar among the stars in search of kissing heaven.
I am an eagle; bold, fierce, and nurturing in nature.
I am no ordinary eagle you see on flags or on quarter-backs.
I was birthed through the stripes and wounds of mother who never had the opportunity to teach me to fly high.
But I leaned.
I learned that eagles existed before taking flight was ever prospect to most of you.
I will never doubt that along the way I forgot I was an eagle, and confused myself with a farm animal or two.
But deep within me, I knew we were eagles who were born free to soar
Searching for heaven amongst the stars and the moon,
Searching to kiss heaven through the stars.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Walking With The Wind
After over a year of reading Congressmen John Lewis' autobiography (Walking With the Wind) of his coming to age in the Jim Crow south,his years as an activist in the Civil Rights Movement(alongside MLK)and his journey to being a leader, politician, etc. I wrote this....
Sunrise, moon fall
Pretty eyes, Southern drawl
Righteous causes, only the weak fall
Burning crosses, y’all stood tall
Dogs and hoses, cops and batons
Where was the statement “Can we all just get along?”
White then Black
Separate, but equal
Christians who loved, but hated Black people
“Blue-eyed devils” with capes and hoods
Blood drawn, where most of y’all stood
Rotting corpses, funeral processions
All these things painful life lessons
Standing for something not willing to fall
Crucified like Christ, nailed to a wall
Memories fade, but yea we still rep all of y’all
Broken down
Slave ships, whips, then CRACK
Trees raised and full grown on your backs
Funny how were so removed from all of that
Dejected and self abused
We love the world that enables us to act like fools
Degrading and parading all we were meant to be
Foolishly in love with what we see on T.V.
Unable to separate what we see from reality
Blinded, bonded, and confused
Selfishly in love with the Tempter and his muse
Sex, music, lies, and drugs
Music videos, booty, and thugs
Perverted, failing to quicken the pace
Meaningless words strewn out place
Eyes on the “prize”
Or so we thought
Failing to realize the precious things in life have yet to be bought
Concluding that we’ve arrived, and the journey is only beginning
People like you and I just got to bat we’re only in the first inning
Understand that the position in the game has yet to have been set
Manipulated by demons with charming faces who’ll never understand our regret
We've erred but turned back from our foolish ways....
Sunrise, moon fall
Pretty eyes, Southern drawl
Righteous causes, only the weak fall
Burning crosses, y’all stood tall
Dogs and hoses, cops and batons
Where was the statement “Can we all just get along?”
White then Black
Separate, but equal
Christians who loved, but hated Black people
“Blue-eyed devils” with capes and hoods
Blood drawn, where most of y’all stood
Rotting corpses, funeral processions
All these things painful life lessons
Standing for something not willing to fall
Crucified like Christ, nailed to a wall
Memories fade, but yea we still rep all of y’all
Broken down
Slave ships, whips, then CRACK
Trees raised and full grown on your backs
Funny how were so removed from all of that
Dejected and self abused
We love the world that enables us to act like fools
Degrading and parading all we were meant to be
Foolishly in love with what we see on T.V.
Unable to separate what we see from reality
Blinded, bonded, and confused
Selfishly in love with the Tempter and his muse
Sex, music, lies, and drugs
Music videos, booty, and thugs
Perverted, failing to quicken the pace
Meaningless words strewn out place
Eyes on the “prize”
Or so we thought
Failing to realize the precious things in life have yet to be bought
Concluding that we’ve arrived, and the journey is only beginning
People like you and I just got to bat we’re only in the first inning
Understand that the position in the game has yet to have been set
Manipulated by demons with charming faces who’ll never understand our regret
We've erred but turned back from our foolish ways....
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Untitled.
Can we have a moment of truth?
Where we conclude that people are selfish and gracious all at the same time, And use their ambitions as a means to an end when its game time.
Are we all walking facades finding fault in everyone else but ourselves? Not realizing the same measure we use to judge those around us, is being used just as maliciously as the poison we secretly seep out into the universe.
“Shame is a bad thing you know, it keeps you down…” inwardly at least, but outwardly you smile and perpetrate because the social condition says to.
I’ll blame it on being built Ford tough to last, while dying inside as you continually reap the benefits of a shamed past.
And at the end of the day it’s all a matter of survival; survival of the fittest but more importantly survival of the elect.
Who motivate us all to believe their the one’s here to “serve and protect”.
And yet, we’re dying.
Too steady trying to build bridges over stained existences we ourselves have yet to comprehend.
Broken hearts it seems don’t just happen and don’t easily mend. Being built up, only to be torn down.
It’s no wonder a woman scorned can’t help to do anything other than frown.
And you blame it on being Black…Ooops! I meant brown.
Way to talk about a flawed perception…Stupid me?
No, stupid you for thinking it was the enemy filled with deception.
Unfoolish and intricately guised,
Internal conflict ridden with lies
Blinded by a thought process that was never true.
Learning to believe in people and things, before first believing in you!
Confused by a reality you can’t believe to be your own, forced to kneel before earthly thrones...
And yet most of us don’t even know where we call home
Laying our heads on pillows unreflective of our own..
Where we conclude that people are selfish and gracious all at the same time, And use their ambitions as a means to an end when its game time.
Are we all walking facades finding fault in everyone else but ourselves? Not realizing the same measure we use to judge those around us, is being used just as maliciously as the poison we secretly seep out into the universe.
“Shame is a bad thing you know, it keeps you down…” inwardly at least, but outwardly you smile and perpetrate because the social condition says to.
I’ll blame it on being built Ford tough to last, while dying inside as you continually reap the benefits of a shamed past.
And at the end of the day it’s all a matter of survival; survival of the fittest but more importantly survival of the elect.
Who motivate us all to believe their the one’s here to “serve and protect”.
And yet, we’re dying.
Too steady trying to build bridges over stained existences we ourselves have yet to comprehend.
Broken hearts it seems don’t just happen and don’t easily mend. Being built up, only to be torn down.
It’s no wonder a woman scorned can’t help to do anything other than frown.
And you blame it on being Black…Ooops! I meant brown.
Way to talk about a flawed perception…Stupid me?
No, stupid you for thinking it was the enemy filled with deception.
Unfoolish and intricately guised,
Internal conflict ridden with lies
Blinded by a thought process that was never true.
Learning to believe in people and things, before first believing in you!
Confused by a reality you can’t believe to be your own, forced to kneel before earthly thrones...
And yet most of us don’t even know where we call home
Laying our heads on pillows unreflective of our own..
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pre-Conditioned
We journey on our intended paths seeking self and freedom while maintaining the shackles that bind not only our hands and feet, but our minds, hearts and souls.
Perhaps we neglected to realize that the price of bondage is just as expensive as our car notes, phone bills and rent.
Perhaps we neglected to realize that the price of bondage is just as expensive as our car notes, phone bills and rent.
Monthly maintenance we duly pay to maintain the status we avidly aim to keep.
Riddled by the "mysteries" we're herded like flocks of sheep.
Predisposed and determined that in this life we only work to earn our keep.
But what of the shackles?
Of the perpetual slavery we've reaped?
Pre-conditioned to believe we are what we eat,
That our performance is negated to how many hours we sleep.
The willingness to accept his lies as truths-
Belittled enough to cosign to the idea that we're already destined to lose.
What of this pre-conditioning that has seemingly boxed us all in?
When does the devil rest when all we do is live in sin?
Pungent from the acts of our "dirty" deeds-
Failing to actualize that the roots can't grow deep without someone first planting the seeds.
Victimizer, victim, Oppressor, oppressed.
Shackles that bind you, you're mind, you've regressed.
Depressed, desolate, bemused-
Pre-conditioned to accept being used.
Lambasted as the poster for violence and rage.
My people they've depicted us this way since before we were slaves.
Princes, Queens, and Kings.
Nubian's in love with gold, silver and diamond things--
Trading our shackles for bling and gold ropes,
No longer picking cotton, but serving dope.
But of course we're not pre-conditioned slaves…
Blindly picking our plots and digging our graves.
Reverse, reverse.
When did we make it here to this time and place?
Lost, dumbed-out and far from grace…
Idolizing those who only perpetuate the bondage we try to escape.
When do we WAKE UP and realize its US and NOT them killing our own race?
Not my brother’s keeper,
Or my sisters either.
Just setting their place at the table to consume...
Predisposing our unborn children to these well crafted roads leading to doom.
Black people turn the music DOWN. Pump up the volume.
This pre-conditioning is being birthed from the black woman's womb.
Riddled by the "mysteries" we're herded like flocks of sheep.
Predisposed and determined that in this life we only work to earn our keep.
But what of the shackles?
Of the perpetual slavery we've reaped?
Pre-conditioned to believe we are what we eat,
That our performance is negated to how many hours we sleep.
The willingness to accept his lies as truths-
Belittled enough to cosign to the idea that we're already destined to lose.
What of this pre-conditioning that has seemingly boxed us all in?
When does the devil rest when all we do is live in sin?
Pungent from the acts of our "dirty" deeds-
Failing to actualize that the roots can't grow deep without someone first planting the seeds.
Victimizer, victim, Oppressor, oppressed.
Shackles that bind you, you're mind, you've regressed.
Depressed, desolate, bemused-
Pre-conditioned to accept being used.
Lambasted as the poster for violence and rage.
My people they've depicted us this way since before we were slaves.
Princes, Queens, and Kings.
Nubian's in love with gold, silver and diamond things--
Trading our shackles for bling and gold ropes,
No longer picking cotton, but serving dope.
But of course we're not pre-conditioned slaves…
Blindly picking our plots and digging our graves.
Reverse, reverse.
When did we make it here to this time and place?
Lost, dumbed-out and far from grace…
Idolizing those who only perpetuate the bondage we try to escape.
When do we WAKE UP and realize its US and NOT them killing our own race?
Not my brother’s keeper,
Or my sisters either.
Just setting their place at the table to consume...
Predisposing our unborn children to these well crafted roads leading to doom.
Black people turn the music DOWN. Pump up the volume.
This pre-conditioning is being birthed from the black woman's womb.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Whopping $21.63
Standing in long lines, waiting to get to the whole point of your making the trip however measured or far away it was in the first place. "Why?" You ask yourself as you wait. "Why did I come here?" You may question.
The answer: Lines, especially long lines provide a sense of order and anticipation.
The reality: Eavesdropping and sheer aggravation as you continue to ponder the slow pace of the cashier or customer service personnel whose enabling the current situation in addition to all the voices that seem to be circling in on you.
The scenario…
The couple in front of you has a towering carriage of stuff and is seemingly discussing the contents of said carriage. The young woman behind you has also seemed to jump on her phone after 5 or so minutes of waiting in silence and starts debriefing her weekend activities with a friend. And then there’s you, who just stands there leaning on your shopping carriage with a face that reads “what the f#@^” literally. Before you start the over emphasis of sighing and breathing extra hard, you take what seems like the stroll of a lifetime to pick up the trashiest tabloid you can find to kill time.
Of course, you walk all that way to find that your walk was in vain because you’ll never be able to really read up on how Angie caught Jen and Brad. By now what you thought was a cute couple stocking up on random household goods has taken to “discreetly” discussing how one spends their paycheck recklessly. Voices begin to escalate and everyone around you is drawn in on the hype, but you mute that out. There’s something even better going on behind you, apparently that weekend debrief with the girl friend has turned into a therapy session about how the phoned friend can’t seem to keep her man at home. From what you can hear he’s a roamer who seems to take up residence everywhere else, but where he gets his unemployment check. The friend is distraught and ready to give his ass the boot, but she loves him so she’s praying he’ll change—soon.
By now, you have realized the line has moved up just enough to feel like you’ll be getting out of the God forsaken place sooner than you anticipated to begin with. But, your goose bumps that magically appeared when you began the line have turned back in and your throat starts getting extra dry as you realize how the temperature has risen about 10 degrees. “Maybe it’s all these people combined with all their talking” you think to yourself as you stretch your neck and do a quick glance over at all the other people waiting in endless lines. And then you snap back to the reality of the intended purpose of your coming here in the first place and beckon unto yourself the age old question; “WHY?”
Huffy and puffy, sweating, and with a Diet Coke you have no intention of paying for, because after all you waited all that time just to get to the front of the line and get out. You press on and continue to listen to the madness behind you as the couple with the load of stuff starts picking and choosing what they’re taking and what they’re leaving behind for “next time.” Finally, one step away from the finish line and because of the sorting process going on in front of you, you can read the Angie, Jen and Brad debacle before you put it down and check out. Guess what? The entire story is written in a circular form and the juicy stuff is divided into so many sections on so many different pages that you’re too frustrated to read at this point.
You can finally put your things on the belt now, because the silly couple in front of you are done by now and paying…transaction complete, receipt handed over, they depart. The girl in the blue apron says a bitter hello, and announces the worst news you could possible hear at this point “…I need a pick up on isle 24.” Puzzled you ask if this is going to slow you down any more than you’ve already been slowed “no” she responds nonchalantly without a care in the world “this should be quick…”
My final purchase: 5 things that came to a whopping $21.63
Time spent: Approximately 30 minutes.
This was my trip to Wal-Mart’s “20 Item’s or Less” lane. There are over 20 lanes, and apparently only 9 can be open at any given point and time. Why? That’s the age old question…but no worries, I’ll be sending an “open letter” to the board of customer relations at Wal-Mart. The part that most surely pisses me off…people who refuse to keep it 20 ITEMS or LESS!
Moral: Wal-Mart is a capitalistic mega house that banks off of cheap labor, “low prices” that all end in “.97”, that stupid yellow smiley face and millions of people like me who just can’t seem to resist.
The answer: Lines, especially long lines provide a sense of order and anticipation.
The reality: Eavesdropping and sheer aggravation as you continue to ponder the slow pace of the cashier or customer service personnel whose enabling the current situation in addition to all the voices that seem to be circling in on you.
The scenario…
The couple in front of you has a towering carriage of stuff and is seemingly discussing the contents of said carriage. The young woman behind you has also seemed to jump on her phone after 5 or so minutes of waiting in silence and starts debriefing her weekend activities with a friend. And then there’s you, who just stands there leaning on your shopping carriage with a face that reads “what the f#@^” literally. Before you start the over emphasis of sighing and breathing extra hard, you take what seems like the stroll of a lifetime to pick up the trashiest tabloid you can find to kill time.
Of course, you walk all that way to find that your walk was in vain because you’ll never be able to really read up on how Angie caught Jen and Brad. By now what you thought was a cute couple stocking up on random household goods has taken to “discreetly” discussing how one spends their paycheck recklessly. Voices begin to escalate and everyone around you is drawn in on the hype, but you mute that out. There’s something even better going on behind you, apparently that weekend debrief with the girl friend has turned into a therapy session about how the phoned friend can’t seem to keep her man at home. From what you can hear he’s a roamer who seems to take up residence everywhere else, but where he gets his unemployment check. The friend is distraught and ready to give his ass the boot, but she loves him so she’s praying he’ll change—soon.
By now, you have realized the line has moved up just enough to feel like you’ll be getting out of the God forsaken place sooner than you anticipated to begin with. But, your goose bumps that magically appeared when you began the line have turned back in and your throat starts getting extra dry as you realize how the temperature has risen about 10 degrees. “Maybe it’s all these people combined with all their talking” you think to yourself as you stretch your neck and do a quick glance over at all the other people waiting in endless lines. And then you snap back to the reality of the intended purpose of your coming here in the first place and beckon unto yourself the age old question; “WHY?”
Huffy and puffy, sweating, and with a Diet Coke you have no intention of paying for, because after all you waited all that time just to get to the front of the line and get out. You press on and continue to listen to the madness behind you as the couple with the load of stuff starts picking and choosing what they’re taking and what they’re leaving behind for “next time.” Finally, one step away from the finish line and because of the sorting process going on in front of you, you can read the Angie, Jen and Brad debacle before you put it down and check out. Guess what? The entire story is written in a circular form and the juicy stuff is divided into so many sections on so many different pages that you’re too frustrated to read at this point.
You can finally put your things on the belt now, because the silly couple in front of you are done by now and paying…transaction complete, receipt handed over, they depart. The girl in the blue apron says a bitter hello, and announces the worst news you could possible hear at this point “…I need a pick up on isle 24.” Puzzled you ask if this is going to slow you down any more than you’ve already been slowed “no” she responds nonchalantly without a care in the world “this should be quick…”
My final purchase: 5 things that came to a whopping $21.63
Time spent: Approximately 30 minutes.
This was my trip to Wal-Mart’s “20 Item’s or Less” lane. There are over 20 lanes, and apparently only 9 can be open at any given point and time. Why? That’s the age old question…but no worries, I’ll be sending an “open letter” to the board of customer relations at Wal-Mart. The part that most surely pisses me off…people who refuse to keep it 20 ITEMS or LESS!
Moral: Wal-Mart is a capitalistic mega house that banks off of cheap labor, “low prices” that all end in “.97”, that stupid yellow smiley face and millions of people like me who just can’t seem to resist.
Monday, June 1, 2009
FYI: There is a Premise
When I initially thought to begin blogging, I thought perhaps it was a bit too late to jump on the blogging bandwagon. Yes, yes, I know. How defeatist could ones approach be towards an endeavor they haven't even gotten their feet wet in to even make such a conclusion? Fortunately, I had great friends around me insisting that it wasn't too late and more importantly that I would be doing myself a great disservice if I chose not to. So here I am setting off on yet another journey in the process of becoming me! It sounds kind of weird, but as I unravel you'll get a better picture of what I'm talking about...and a deeper look into this so called "becoming." It seems as though these journeys I embark on are rarely ever physical, but they truly do inspire me in the physical realm to go out and chase dreams!
So what is my premise? Well...I guess that's the puzzling factor of this blog, but there is a premise nonetheless. I'm sending out my truths, hoping that they're received and make way for those that are yet to come. And oh yea...that they happen to fall in line with my conclusion as well. However, I must warn you that the truth sometimes only functions when it's relevant and sometimes you find that it's obsolete.
As a good friend of mine has said "the truth is the truth, and some people can't tell." Now wait just a minute...I'm not undermining anyone's discerning measures as being faulty...but merely basing my "truths" on my experience.
So without further adieu...
Here are 25 Things I Thought I'd Share
(In no particular order)
1. I am a Virgo, who is constantly entangled in her thoughts about almost any and everything…but most of the time behind the guise of my stern face, I’m laughing uncontrollably at the complex nature of life and the world we live in.
2. Don’t judge me! Okay, I know this is almost an impossible request to ask of you…but for the most part I think I if we focused more on goals and becoming the best we can be we’d realize in part that being judgmental is futile.
3. We’re all intended to do our passions…It’s just a matter of letting go of all the things that are killing us. How and when one does it is up to them…until then though you live a life in bondage!
4. Thrift stores make the world go ‘round. I firmly believe that someone else’s trash is my treasure (see: my closet).
5. High heels are so empowering to me, that being a statuesque 6’ 1¾” is worth the gawking stares!
6. If I had to be reborn…I’d chose to come back as myself—Only I’d do it BIGGER, BETTER, and REPEATEDLY!
7. Dried lavender flowers in your bath is probably the best way to end a stress filled day
8. Walmart is the worse place ever to go and grab 10 items or less from…but I get sucked in every time I drive by.
9. I’d favor a world where there were fewer divisions…
10. Spastic Grape Explosion is the crayon shade Crayola needs to manufacture in light of the character I can be sometimes.
11. The truth is obsolete, that is the truth is only the truth when it’s relevant.
12. I am torn in between pursuing a career that expresses my “artistic” nature or my analytical frame of mind…So I’ve decided to combine them.
13. My greatest aspiration in life is to eliminate the confines of fear and the perception of lack that binds me from being the best possible young woman I can be.
14. I think we’re all on an intrinsic journey that is only fully completed when we make it back to where we came from*
15. I’m a notorious “know it all”! Quite frankly, I realize this and I’m moving to change it…but can you fellow “know it all’s” focus on your own condition as opposed to mine? You’re blatantly offensive…
16. If I could sit down at a dinner table with 5 people, I’d want God (I'd like to know if YOU really are a man or a woman....according to "The Shack" you're a Black Woman), Freya Evangelista, Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Edwidge Danticat, and Michelle Obama to accompany me on one of the best 8 course meals of my life.
17. I dream in technicolor and live somewhere between the pages of great books and 114th Street.
18. Criticism isn’t so bad I think…until those who are criticizing do it to make themselves feel good.
19. Coffee buzz, buzz, buzz ice cream coupled with gummy bears and peanuts is my guilty pleasure.
20. Being a woman is EMPOWERING…Feminism IS for everybody!
21. My fashion sense is so very much reminiscent of the 80’s—Only I’ve nixed the rooster bangs, door knocker earrings, and fluorescent color schemes for something more modern, occasionally preppy, random, but more importantly suitable to ME!
22. One of my favorite quotes that exemplifies my world view is: “I am involved in a freedom ride protesting the loss of the minority rights belonging to the few remaining earthbound stars. All we demanded was our right to twinkle.” –Marilyn Monroe
23. I believe that Karma is ultimately what makes life cyclical. You reap what you sow…Don’t ever plant tomatoes and at harvest time expect to reap onions, after all you planted tomatoes and not onions!
24. Disclaimer: Everything you’ll ever read from me is subjective. I’m not aiming to be overtly objective or change world views. I am aiming however to present my platform respectfully from where I best understand it; feminist, woman, college student…etc.
25. Last but not least…my “shell” is not reflective of my inner being. I’d hate to think that I may forever be scrunched into a box based on someone’s perception…(Please see #2)
So what is my premise? Well...I guess that's the puzzling factor of this blog, but there is a premise nonetheless. I'm sending out my truths, hoping that they're received and make way for those that are yet to come. And oh yea...that they happen to fall in line with my conclusion as well. However, I must warn you that the truth sometimes only functions when it's relevant and sometimes you find that it's obsolete.
As a good friend of mine has said "the truth is the truth, and some people can't tell." Now wait just a minute...I'm not undermining anyone's discerning measures as being faulty...but merely basing my "truths" on my experience.
So without further adieu...
Here are 25 Things I Thought I'd Share
(In no particular order)
1. I am a Virgo, who is constantly entangled in her thoughts about almost any and everything…but most of the time behind the guise of my stern face, I’m laughing uncontrollably at the complex nature of life and the world we live in.
2. Don’t judge me! Okay, I know this is almost an impossible request to ask of you…but for the most part I think I if we focused more on goals and becoming the best we can be we’d realize in part that being judgmental is futile.
3. We’re all intended to do our passions…It’s just a matter of letting go of all the things that are killing us. How and when one does it is up to them…until then though you live a life in bondage!
4. Thrift stores make the world go ‘round. I firmly believe that someone else’s trash is my treasure (see: my closet).
5. High heels are so empowering to me, that being a statuesque 6’ 1¾” is worth the gawking stares!
6. If I had to be reborn…I’d chose to come back as myself—Only I’d do it BIGGER, BETTER, and REPEATEDLY!
7. Dried lavender flowers in your bath is probably the best way to end a stress filled day
8. Walmart is the worse place ever to go and grab 10 items or less from…but I get sucked in every time I drive by.
9. I’d favor a world where there were fewer divisions…
10. Spastic Grape Explosion is the crayon shade Crayola needs to manufacture in light of the character I can be sometimes.
11. The truth is obsolete, that is the truth is only the truth when it’s relevant.
12. I am torn in between pursuing a career that expresses my “artistic” nature or my analytical frame of mind…So I’ve decided to combine them.
13. My greatest aspiration in life is to eliminate the confines of fear and the perception of lack that binds me from being the best possible young woman I can be.
14. I think we’re all on an intrinsic journey that is only fully completed when we make it back to where we came from*
15. I’m a notorious “know it all”! Quite frankly, I realize this and I’m moving to change it…but can you fellow “know it all’s” focus on your own condition as opposed to mine? You’re blatantly offensive…
16. If I could sit down at a dinner table with 5 people, I’d want God (I'd like to know if YOU really are a man or a woman....according to "The Shack" you're a Black Woman), Freya Evangelista, Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Edwidge Danticat, and Michelle Obama to accompany me on one of the best 8 course meals of my life.
17. I dream in technicolor and live somewhere between the pages of great books and 114th Street.
18. Criticism isn’t so bad I think…until those who are criticizing do it to make themselves feel good.
19. Coffee buzz, buzz, buzz ice cream coupled with gummy bears and peanuts is my guilty pleasure.
20. Being a woman is EMPOWERING…Feminism IS for everybody!
21. My fashion sense is so very much reminiscent of the 80’s—Only I’ve nixed the rooster bangs, door knocker earrings, and fluorescent color schemes for something more modern, occasionally preppy, random, but more importantly suitable to ME!
22. One of my favorite quotes that exemplifies my world view is: “I am involved in a freedom ride protesting the loss of the minority rights belonging to the few remaining earthbound stars. All we demanded was our right to twinkle.” –Marilyn Monroe
23. I believe that Karma is ultimately what makes life cyclical. You reap what you sow…Don’t ever plant tomatoes and at harvest time expect to reap onions, after all you planted tomatoes and not onions!
24. Disclaimer: Everything you’ll ever read from me is subjective. I’m not aiming to be overtly objective or change world views. I am aiming however to present my platform respectfully from where I best understand it; feminist, woman, college student…etc.
25. Last but not least…my “shell” is not reflective of my inner being. I’d hate to think that I may forever be scrunched into a box based on someone’s perception…(Please see #2)
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