The cocoon had been somewhat comfortable, but it was confining. Worst of all, I could see outside of it.
I had only consumed the mental and spiritual nectar, that my parents wanted me to eat. I hungered for a broader menu intellectually, and for a more diverse range of acceptable companions, besides the ones who were stuck in cocoons like myself.
Read MoreI often look back over my life, my youth and think about what I "coulda, woulda, shoulda." Not that the opportunities weren't afforded to me, I just didn't take hold of them… I let go.
As the saying goes, "If I knew then what I know now..."
And if I could turn back time, I would tell my younger self, don't just live in the moment, look beyond the right now. I should have taken time to plan wonderful things for the future.
Read MoreMy fondest memories are growing up on a street called Hull. It was the first time my life that I felt I had stability. We lived in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home with a semi-furnished basement. My Grandmother, who lived with us, had the main bedroom; I was fortunate to have my own bedroom, and my mother lived in the basement.
Read MoreI remember as a young girl, constantly being by my grandmother's side. Actually most of my elders but especially my grandmother. I'm her first grandchild, born to an unwed teenage mother but loved dearly by her and my grandfather from the very start. I'm from Louisiana so family and community is everything!
Read MoreTracy, pictured below, is one of the most hardworking, educated, career-orientated, smart and intelligent people I've known in life. She was also my teenage love. Raised in the same neighborhood, we attended high school and one year of college together (I left as a sophomore and enlisted in the military). Together we share a child, my oldest daughter Christina. If anything like her mom she's headed for a good quality of life. The same can be said if she follows in my footsteps, but only after learning the hard way. Some teenagers prefer the hard way, anyhow.
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I sat down thinking that this would be a quick and easy topic to drop a few lines for. As I sat brainstorming on how to tackle this theme I thought back to my adolescence. Youth for me was filled with a distinct feeling of not knowing who I was and where exactly I fit in. I was constantly trying to find that comfortable persona that would allow me to freely fit in to the social scene that I wanted to be a part of. Looking back, I remember being impressed by my friends and classmates that seemed to have found their lane. I wished at the time that I could have the confidence in myself that they seemed to have.
Read More… Pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird
Sounds so pretty when you cry
Pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird
You're so pretty, but why I never see you #fly?
Pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird
Please don't die, please don't die
Pretty bird, pretty bird, I know your hurtin'
Well so am I, so am I
Pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird, pretty bird
Please don't cry, you can #fly ...
Growing up, one of my most enduring memories is of watching Batman in all of his incarnations from the goofy 1960’s version all the way to the darker version in the 1990’s. As a child, I looked up to this character because he seemed more real than other superheroes. He didn’t come from outer space, or have super speed. He was just a regular guy who wanted to do something heroic.
To a skinny kid growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, that was beyond belief!
Read MoreYour legacy will make no mention of a killer
Your neck will not hang from a vine in history’s mist
The stars align to the frequency of your breathing pattern
Black boy find the will to persist.
Read MoreI try to live my life without regrets, but if I’m to be completely honest with myself, I do wish I could have a do over or two. I’d love to go back and tell that skinny, long-legged creature, forged in the land of track Gods, not to get off the track!
Read MoreAs a child I oftentimes wanted to live inside my dreams. Most were peaceful and unruffled. I was able to blossom as the crocus in the winter snow. However my dreams were soon awakened by reality at the age of 6 with the death of my father and two uncles. In the blink of an eye the three of them were taken away, leaving me to begin experiencing the harshness of life at an early age.
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Youth? What youth?
We have forced our children to grow up too soon
We expose them to adult experiences and wonder where things go wrong
You might not think it’s that serious but it’s more serious than you think
Read MoreI remember my pre teen years were frustrating and crazy. My body was going thru different changes and I didn’t look like the girls in my school. I was the skinny kid with no type of shape.
Read MoreOne of the critiques of the Church is that it falls short of fulfilling a vital role; providing a voice during social unrest. The Church, to a large extent is a reflection of our community and many look for counsel; from the Bible and those called to serve.
Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyd, Jr shares his sermon from Sunday August Twenty Four Two Thousand Fourteen where he provides counsel from the Bible and answers "how shall we be at peace in a time such as this..."
The message begins on page three, please read and share your thoughts.
Read Moreadolescence, formative years, early stages, all reference a period of life that some may look back on as most difficult, to say the least. It could be a time when one is trying to “find him/herself”. We often hear leaders telling young people to “be original, be a game changer, lead don’t follow, set your path and follow it”. Here’s the irony, when they do, they get penalized for it.
Read MoreYouth. They say it's wasted on the young.
Truth? It's not a finite commodity that's tracked, spent and limited for thee.
Seek to do at least one thing, every day, to improve your mental, spiritual, physical and fiscal well-being and you shall remain forever young.
Read MoreMany of us identify with a period in our youth characterized by a love of exploration and a spontaneous, direct expression that shapes our individual world view. I've asked a group of dynamic living souls to share their thoughts, stories, memories, prayers, and call to action on the subject of youth. What I believe will be an expansive and altruistic sharing of their home, family, roots, emotions and sense of self-worth will be presented everyday throughout the month of September.
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The last day for four-hundred plus living souls from Bank of America's default mortgage servicing group. A group I was a part of less than five months ago. A group I was a part of due to a previous "workforce reduction" in Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities. As I communicated with a few strong connections on their well being, it could only be described as a delicate duality; I Am blessed to have preempted the job loss and sad that so many others are now faced with the debilitating time connected with it.
Read MoreMonday I took Maestro out for a walk. It was early; we were up and out before the Sun.
Not one foot out of the driveway, I hear voices elevating from across the street. I can't see them as they are covered by dusk. I walk a few more feet intent on ignoring these young people.
None of my business, besides answers create questions.
Read MorePrevious relationships I found myself daydreaming/ planning ahead. Those dreams were always exclusive to the three of us; and by us I mean me, myself and I. Thats not meant to take away from anyone I've dated. I've written before how fortunate I've been to have loved and been loved by some incredible women.
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