Friday, January 8, 2021

Happy New Year, Until Not

On Wednesday, I slept in late because my allergies were flaring up. Still, I was excited because I was about to relaunch my blog, ready to chronicle my journey as I branch out as a Restorative Justice practitioner. Focusing on letting my clients know that they have a right to feel, deal, and heal. I logged into my computer to edit my post one last time, and I noticed my notifications bar was full. I padded over to my husband's office and thought if it's something important, he'll have the news on. He's a great source of important news. So, I often check with him first before I plugin, and yes, it was news. Again, the news reminds us that we, Black people in America, are not important and that our vote should not count. I took and deep breath and rallied my strength. It's not time to rest.

So I ended up spending the day taking notes and finding strategies to protect myself and my family. I wanted to strike out at everyone, calling them out for their ideas that lead to transgression. I played over and over in my head the conversations that set me on edge and made me feel small, insignificant. Instead, I prayed and waited for God to answer. He always knows best. So, I always check with him first, and his answer was not easy.

I am to stay the course. I have to be an example of restorative justice and healing. I have been called to help heal the land. I am to remember that it is the Lord who sustains me and keeps me, and if it is not safe for me, He is with me. Was I allowed to say what was needed to create boundaries and fair warnings? Yes! I am thankful that God gave me the words and the authority to declare my shelter in Him safe. I am optimistic, moving forward.

We have a long way to go in America when it comes to reconciling with Black people. I am grateful that I am called in to help along the way.

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Happy 2019!

Happy New Year! It has been a long time since I have taken the time to sit and write. I have been going back and forth trying to decide if my blog was something I wanted to keep  writing because “what I have to say is not relevant nor interesting.” Then it occurred to me that it is important that I just write and as long as I am showing up my authentic self, no huge audience need to be included. On that note, thank you for coming to visit, your presence is much appreciated and held dear to my heart, and I only need to make sure that I show up for you. Actually, my goal is to be that little old, hole in the wall bookstore you found on your last adventure and now it is a place you go to find a good story, a great cup of coffee (tea for me), knowledge of the day, or a place to just sit and relax. See, writing for me is about sharing a life’s journey. A funny, crazy, oh my, blessed journey and I am happy to share with all who want to join in. So, here I am, writing again. Let’s see where we find ourselves.

Until next time,
LOVE. LAUGH. CREATE. UNDER THE SAME SKY

Friday, June 16, 2017

It's Almost Sunday, June 18th

The year is flying by! ... and I am ready to start writing again .. well online that is. I did some reflecting, looking at every detail in my life. I have always payed attention to the details but this time, the people in my life - an not in my life - have me really thinking about their motives versus my motives ... and it's interesting when you find out that people who you have known for years are really not who you thought they were ... well, actually, I knew but I try my best not to profile. HARD TO DO! LOL! ... and then the people who are exactly who they are, have been so since the first day you meet them .... so, I'm back to my adventurous ways, but this time, I'm really sleuthing.

Unit the next!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

It Really Is About Perspective

So here I was, groveling over my missed deadline of my submission to my blog. All upset over the fact that” I can’t stay consistent” and “why do I even try” popped up. Then it happened.

I woke up on Monday feeling like I could get things done despite my deadline miss … and as the day went on, the deadline missed moved to the back burner to sit and wait its return. The day was absolutely beautiful and productive. I settled into getting grades done, lectures updated, and office visits checked off. I was happy to track all my food and water intake. I even took a walk when my Fitbit told me too, which is great because I usually never listen. Yes, I was on point, feeling strong and productive.

My alarm went off. Time to head to class. It’s a hot day here in SoCal and all the students are displaying sings of an early summer. Tank tops and shorts for everyone. I make my usual eye contact, topped with a smile, as I pass each student wondering what class they are off too. I hit the unusual doorway for my class and I am greeted by one of my students who was waiting for me outside before class … and it happened, all the strength and productivity I had was needed.

I stood and listened as one of my students told me that he had cancer and would need to drop the class. Shock. Sorrow. Fear. Compassion. All covered me from head to toe. You’re not supposed to hug your students, it’s a Title IX violation but I did. His tears were almost the death of me, as I thought about his family and what they could be going through. He apologized for the inconvenience. What, what?! I don’t think so. I’m thinking this is the most awful thing that could happen to someone and he sure in the hell didn’t need to apologize for having to drop my class! Devastated. I hugged him again and told him to be strong and fight, fight, fight. I am absolutely praying for him and his family, especially his mom.

So now, it’s Tuesday and I am thinking back on the news. Here was my student, twenty years old in the fight of his life and I was down and out over a missed deadline for something that’s not really that important. It’s a missed deadline, DAMN! Move on! Enjoy every moment you have to love, give, smile, hope, pray, teach, cry, be, live, and know that not all deadlines are created equal. There are so many things that I have gained from this news, so many perspectives. The one that I walk away with, the one that helps my broken heart, he shared the news with me, in person. … Yep, my perspective gets an added view.

Monday, March 13, 2017

What Legacy?

I love to document life! Mainly because I love to write and take pictures of just about anything. I can remember being this way since I was little. When I was just a little bitty thing, I would sit on my Great-Great grandmother’s floor and cut every piece of paper in sight, tote around this wonderful collection of stickers that I acquired from the local nickel and dime stores, and oooo, let’s not forget the one gift that I couldn’t get enough of! My Poloroid!

So now, it doesn’t surprise me, when I look at my bookshelf and spot the eight scrapbooks I have put together about subjects that interest me. There is a book about college, our family and friends, and my wedding day, but the majority of the books are an all-out focus on you, my kids. Yep! With the exception of my wedding album, none of the scrapbooks could tell you a story about me. This fact may be about to change and it all started when I was invited to join a bible study.

I had heard of a bible study that leads you to making an album of your legacy, and I was interested to see the steps it would take for one to leave a legacy. So, I accepted the invite and went to see what was what … well, it really is going to be a bible study that leads to a scrapbook, but it is also going to be the hardest and most challenging thing I’ve done up to this point in my life. See, I had a pretty bumpy childhood and I am so not sure if there is anything to leave as a legacy. So this week, I will be taking the time to go over the study and really feel out the details. I am hoping that by next week, I will have an answer … to explore or not to explore!

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Memory Fuzz

The interesting thing about memory. It gets fuzzy over time, to a point that it is hard to believe that others don't remember things the way you do.


When I was younger, I clearly remember being the outsider. I was always too something for someone to play, hang, collaborate, etc, etc, with. ... and when I come across the person that I have had this experience with, they act like nothing ever happened. Thus, why I make this little note. Forgiveness is for self and not necessarily for others.


I am totally into forgiving! It's the forgetting part that I have a hard time leaving behind. I have the tendency to only give once chance to make a fool of me, giving no shot at redemption or in some cases peace between the parties ... which makes me one hella'of a people person, right?


Well, time for change. Time to see what happens when you give someone a second chance. Time to let go of preconceived notions and guess work. Time to step out on real faith and see what is really going on. Scared? Hell yeah if memory serves me right or it could just be a fuzzball.


Let's just see.


Sunday, February 26, 2017

It's a Pickle

Well, this is a pickle. ... I've been running around all day and have not had a chance to sit and even think of what I want to write about. I have been up since 7 a.m. and just hit my bed to rest when I remembered that I have a personal deadline to meet. Well, I made it! .. and I'm in bed so I can even note the weeks I've been at it because I am to far from the calendar to look. LOL!


Lately, I have been wondering what to write about. My weekly writing is settling in nicely and I am ready to branch out and get some ideas flowing. I've been thinking of doing a lecture series but that could get boring, or maybe looking more into the Word and how to apply it, but that could get preachy, ha ha ... is that even a word?


I really would like to start exploring some topics but I am so interested in everything! ... form art exhibits, crime, politics, news, DIY, parenting, travel, scrapbooking and more! There are tons of things I can write about, I just need to find one. I thought my adventures would be cool but for the most part those have dried up and they would. I keep to myself lately, choosing to observe the world from a safe place ... that place having nothing to do with fear but self preservation ... that at another sit down, when I'm ready to process, I'll explain.


So for now, I am going to write everyday this week and see if I can come up with some cool topics to write about. I'm hoping to find a rhythm along the way, a groove that I can boogie down too. Yeah, I'm looking for some new dance steps! LOL!

Happy New Year, Until Not

On Wednesday, I slept in late because my allergies were flaring up. Still, I was excited because I was about to relaunch my blog, ready to c...