The Anticipation of Things To Come

It's December 30. 2010 will be over in the blink of an eye. As I compose this post, people all over the world are mentally compiling a list of their New Year's resolutions. Lose weight. Save money. Go back to school. Pay bills on time.  It is never a tradition of mine to make resolutions because the hustle and bustle of life ensures that by March, I don't even remember what they are!

Even still, I am excited and giddy about the things that a new year holds. The fresh white coating of snow we were blessed with this week brought the anticipation of things to come.  My role as a parent will see milestones called graduation, 1st day of college and 1st day of middle school!  As an Educator, I will begin the pursuit of yet another advanced degree and continue to influence the effectiveness of teachers and the lives of students.  As a Photographer, I will continue to be mentored by the best and travel the world capturing the memories and experiences of those who value life and love as much as I do!

I thank God in advance for life, health, strength, a sound mind and a family support system that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!  I salute you 2010! I have learned, loved, and grown but it is time to move on. I am embracing all that 2011 will bring, both the good & not so good, because either way I live another day to fulfil my divine purpose.

Happy New Year! May it be a BLESSED road for all of you!

   

Novembers Gone but I'm Still Giving Thanks

My Granddaddy Lonnie

This morning I went through the motions of rolling out of bed, showering and standing in the closet for 10 minutes to find something to wear. I finally grabbed a skirt and sweater that was still wrapped in the plastic from the dry cleaners because it meant no ironing to do!  I took my boots out of the shoebox and they clearly needed a shining. I grabbed the shining kit and proceeded to put a thin layer of black polish all over each boot in an even circular motion.  I stopped mid-stroke and I felt the familiar half-smile created by one of those joyful memories that nostalgia often brings.  My half-smile quickly dissipated into two big tears which seemed to fall in slow motion to their chosen place on my lap.  My grandaddy taught me to shine shoes when I was about 8 years old during his Saturday night ritual to ensure that when the doors of the church opened on Sunday morning, his call and response to push the pastor along would be matched by a laundered suit, a crip white shirt, a big knot in his tie and those shiny shoes!

Those two tears that found their way onto my lap were laced in sadness because my son and daughter will never know Granddaddy like I know Granddaddy.  The tears also represented thankfulness for my parents, my brother and my sister, who often have "Granddaddy" moments and stories that preserve his memory so well!  I wish I had had my Canon about 15 years earlier because now that I am in the business of preserving memories for others, it has become clearer to me just how important memories are.

I am observing another day of Thanksgiving on this Thursday. I am thankful for:

• the memories of love and lessons from my past
• the memories that my family and friends are creating daily
• the opportunity and growing ability to capture memories for others
• and for shined boots! 

These Boots Were Made For Walking!

This goes out to all the loved one's who are no longer with us, but who leave a legacy of love, laughter and perseverance. Happy Thursday!  

Family Matters




Sushi Bar Divas
Charlotte, NC

  Monday morning came alot faster that normal. Probably had to do with my entire weekend being filled with traveling, make-up, curlers, cheerleaders and sushi. Left the Queen City feeling all warm and fuzzy inside because I was able to spend time with family. Spent some quiet time on the two hour drive home thanking God for blessing me with them. Thanks you guys for supporting Khloe as she did her thing!

Monday started uneventful enough. Headed to my doctor's appointment for a physical at 8:30 and see my cousin's truck already in the parking lot. Park next to her and send her a text like I always do when I know where she is and she doesn't see me: "I SEE U"  She texts back but doesn't disclose that she's not there for an appointment, but for an emergency visit.  The next text I get a couple of hours later says:  admitted to the hospital, room 616.  I reeled for a moment then got my self together enough to ask those questions: what for, what the heck is going on, you need something?

Needless to say, after doing 2nd job, cheer mom and wrestling mom duties, I headed to the hospital to do a visual assessment for myself and of course to smuggle in snacks! Visiting hours were over but I would not be deterred. Afterall, this is family! All in all, she seemed to be fine, at least in spirit, we cracked some jokes, told some stories and tried to figure out the whole process for naming the dog T-bone Troublefield (T.T. for short). While I was there a parade of nurses came in to check blood pressure, to check blood sugar, to administer a rotten egg smelling breathing treatment and a host of other prods, pricks and pokes. I knew this first night was going to be a sleepless one for my dear cousin!

After saying good-bye (for 20 minutes) and hugging her at least 3 times, I left.  Had a quiet moment on the elevator and asked an angel to stay behind and watch over her during the night.  Had another moment of thanking God for family and for friends who are just like family; the second such moment in a matter of days.

So today on this Terrific Tuesday, I wanted to give a shout out to my family: mom, dad, brother, sister, my wonderful children and all of the extended folk who make life that much more valuable because it is filled with soooo much love.

Mama's Growing Pains

If you count the total number of births before 1993, I'm sure the number is statistically staggering. That did not alter the fact that on April 24th of the same year I clearly believed that besides the ULTIMATE Divine Birth, a miracle had taken place: my first-born, my son. I won't even try to explain to you the overwhleming sense of pride, responsibility, and deep, unconditional love. I had never consciously considered loving anyone more than I loved myself, but in a matter of 41 weeks PLUS 19 hours in labor, my heart was no longer my own.

Anyone who truly knows me can tell you that my children are my lifeline. They are the source of my motivation and strength. In them I see myself, so everyday is a MUST to do better, be better. If you have ever seen on the Discovery Channel a lioness protecting her cubs from a group of hyenas, then you know it can get very dramatic and downright deadly. I PROMISE, the lioness has NOTHING on me when it comes to mine.  All I can say is, whatever is left of the business after I give it to you, their Nana, the prayer warrior is going to put the Holy Spirit on you! LMBO

Really though, 71st Homecoming and the entire Homecoming King episode this year taught me a very humbling lesson: time is slowly but surely winding up for me to protect my oldest from hard lessons, hurtful situations and people with less than honorable intentions.  WHEW! That's tough for me! The reality is my role is quickly moving from protector to supporter. Hard pill to swallow, but I will embrace my new role and be the very best at it. Failure is not an option. Luckily, no, blessedly, I have the PERFECT example of holding it down for your kids from my mom.

So, again I say, My King since 1993. Coming into his own...

Sisterhood at It's Finest

October 29 dawned a cool, sunny autumn morning. When I walked out of the house I felt the chill in the air and the hair on my neck stood at attention. I had no idea that before the sunset I would be warmed by witnessing sisterhood at it's finest.  The ladies (and gentlemen) of the Lilly Gym on the campus of Fayetteville State University ALL showed their support for breast cancer awareness by donning pink clothes or pink ribbons.  The effort in itself was enough to bring me a sense of sheer delight, especially considering that breast cancer is an issue near and dear to my heart.  I would like to say thank you to the ladies and gentlemen of the Lilly Gym (& a big MUAH to you, Mom, for organizing something so beautiful) for letting me know that there ARE people in the world who care, and that there are still people in the world who laugh (and not just because a camera is in the room). You all are an amazing bunch and I applaud you!