He Said, She Said ...
/“When you have been wounded it does not give you permission to hurt others. To be healed, you must name the hurt, aim the hurt sharing in a safe environment, and then tame it by embracing forgiveness. ”
Lecture: Rakim (New York 2013)
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Hip hop’s golden age began in 1986, the day Rakim stepped to a microphone to record “Eric B Is President.” Only 18 years old (though he sounded considerably more worldly), Rakim (real name William Griffin) had a smooth, effortless flow that brought a cool melodicism and high intelligence to the MC game—he gave both fire and ice, set within the wiry frame of his serious features. Even those who didn’t get the Five Percenter reference wouldn’t have bridled at his nickname, God. His partnership with his DJ, Eric B, yielded four great albums and numerous classic singles before Rakim split for a solo career. Despite initial success with 1997’s The 18th Letter, he endured several frustratingly fruitless years signed to Dr Dre’s Aftermath, working on an album that never came. Now Rakim back in his native New York, the city where his immense influence is most clearly audible, notably in other NYC wordsmiths such as Nas. As recently as 2012, The Source named him the greatest MC of all time.
Brothers in the Jungle, Cousins on a Quest
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I'm able to write this posy for two reasons; I bought a new battery for my computer, now I can go the whole day [pause] and free wi-fi at this laundromat. The dryer needs to be replaced at home so I'm here because The Future used the power of the P.
We all know I'll do anything for pizza.
Read MoreRandom Observation #2,912
/September kicked off a two month celebration for my family; it has become a precursor to the holiday season. The kids are up next; Geneva's October 1st and Brian's October 2nd. Early Sunday I asked Brian if he wanted to go to Target, my plan to engage him in conversation about the bike he wants was met with excitement. I thought he figured me out, to my surprise his enthusiasm was about finding the perfect card for his sister. This guy even paid for it with his own money. I couldn't let him do that after such a loving gesture.
Compassion sets us apart from others.
Dates, Love, Slaying Dragons & Mr. Me Too
/Sometimes I try to be the observer and the observed. I understand that my experience will not be the same as others. During another exchange with single dude once again I felt my point of view was the springboard for one-upmanship.
Read MoreHe Said, She Said ...
/“Love is an ideal thing. Marriage is real. Confusing the real with the ideal never goes unpunished.”
My Hometown, Angelo & Duffy
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I think about Dorian, Aaron, Geneva & Brian concerning style and appearance, for the most part they tend to do their own thing. Never “all in” with trends or name brands. Except for Brian and that fauxhawk they all developed their own style and defined their own value system, not conforming to the pressures of adolescence.
Read MoreFalling In Love With Love
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Following my divorce I coined a phrase, The Future X Mrs. TramueL. I believed I would never remarry or if I did it would not last. In my heart I did not truly believe this but there was an underlying theme of unresolved negative emotions. Fooling myself came naturally, believing that someone else was to blame for my unhappiness.
Blame the head, not the heart.
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A Four Letter Word Beginning With L and Ending With E
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I’ve shared physical space with a woman whom I was not romantically involved. I was divorced and my support obligation ruled everything around me, c.r.e.a.m. get the money, I wrestled with the decision to struggle it out on my own but the perfect opportunity presented itself. A stereotypical, nit-picky, exacting, "clean freak", I’d met a female version of myself. She wanted to get ahead, I wanted to break even.
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Life & Music. Nostalgia, Ultra
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Music is my drug of choice. I’ve been getting high with Christopher Breaux lately; personal reflection, love, transformation, social commentary and nostalgia.
Life set to Nostalgia Ultra, Frank Ocean
Read MoreA Tale of Two Tips
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We arrived late in the evening, only after asking what time they closed did we realize we had 30 minutes to eat, drink and by merry. We were greeted with enthusiasm and energy as if the place just opened. After being seated the server did not rush, took his time explaining the specials for the night, however he did inform us that the kitchen would be closing soon, still we sampled beer and took our time before ordering. The food came out perfect; the serviced remained consistent throughout the night.
Read MoreFalling Star
/Sunday night I watched my social media streams fill with commentary about all things entertainment; Game of Thrones to Beyoncé to the NBA. As fans, stans, and critics; we discuss things for ‘investigation’ and gossip, both understanding and insulting. No matter your point of view, there is always that friend or follower who believes they have a personal connection with a celebrity and will stan until the end of time.
Read MoreThe Number Won
/I grew up across the street from a full service park that featured a recreation center. My exposure to sports and competition starts there. While most of my friends participated in sand lot football and basketball my play, from a team perspective, did not begin until junior high where I played football and ran track. I was a pretty good basketball player too as I made the junior-varsity team in high-school. I wasn't a superstar but I excelled at anything I attempted. In some ways I was uncomfortable in the limelight, content living in the background, as long as I felt useful and appreciated.
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The Weekend of War
/This weekend while conscious [that annoying time between naps] & flipping through the channels I happened upon three war movies; three time periods, three geographic locations, three campaigns. There is a common theme. What, asks the films, is the worth of a single human soul?
Sometimes a loss can be a win ...
Read MoreI Hit a Home Run Today
/Brian’s hair while high isn’t the mess that all of this trouble is worth. I’ve never understood until today why hearing “… you need a haircut bad ” vexes me so much. First with Aaron & now Brian.
Read MoreBackseat Driver
/Running on empty. It is late night and I am restless. Many of the weeks activities playing back in my mind, thinking about the things I accomplished but also the things I did not. I believed staying up until 2:30 in the AM and waking up at 6:30 was what I needed to maintain my life; taking care of the things I needed for myself early so that I had time to take care of the needs of others.
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Training Day
/A break in monotony or routine is a welcome change for me during the work day. A few exceptions exist; the meeting about the meeting, ultimately it is about another meeting and training. Normally I would doodle, count the number of bad weaves and make fun of the ugly people with my work-wife and press on.
Read MoreOn Children.
/Megan: “I felt better but now I don’t.”
Don: “Why?”
Megan: “Because who knows what you’re feeling. I don’t know what to say to her except I’d tell you to ask your father but he’s at the movies. I should’ve said ‘He’s just drunk.’”
Don: “You’re better with them. You don’t understand.”
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