BE Ur OWN BEST FRIEND With Best Practices

What This EASTER Means to ME

WE WHO ARE MARGINALIZED: children, elderly, "sistahs", and the poor. We are mockingly managed because we don't fit the mold set by an egotistical standard. And...yet, among the above group some RISE to exhaled levels...because they refuse to wallow in self pity, give into the negativity or become victims. Instead they resurrect that which is True, Positive & Righteous. In order, to have a resurrection; there MUST be a crucifixion. And in order to have a crucifixion, we must have a martyr and a mob. In Biblical times it was Jesus(martyr) and the Scribes, Sadducee & Jews(the mob). In the 60s it was the Civial Rights Movement(martyr) verses the Establishment(mob). Today its Peace vs Prejudice. A martyr is cold heartily crucified in order to be made an example of by a mob. Treyvon Martin was made a martyr when he was hunted down and murder in cold blood, simply because his shooter, didn't want "them, to continue to get...". The hate that must have eternally burned in the Menace to Society's soul and made him a monstrous shooter. Now those that are linked to his dis-ease cover up for his insanity. Nevertheless; history is replete with examples of whatever, HATERS meant for EVIL turns out good. Like day breaking out of night, righteousness rise and brings with it a newly waken people. I may not wear a hoodie and I sure as hell wont buy Skittles and Arizona tea...aside for the fact that there are no nutritional value in either..those that produce/promote/profit from the stuff have yet to stand with the Martin family. What I will do is give MONEY (My Own Natural Energies Yields) to organizations like National Action Network. But there are sooo many other organizations that are doing good. Awaken Sleeping Giant Its Morning Time. Organization for your consideration:

• http://nationalactionnetwork.net/about
• http://http://www.fabgirl.org
• http://www.overgroundrr.com
• http://www.radkids.org/locator/index.php
• http://keepgeorgiasafe.org/our-mission
• http://www.facebook.com/fabgirlinc#!/pages/Drum-major-robert-D-champion/273247722732304
• http://itsaboutme.net
• http://www.lailaali.com/philanthropy
• http://www.bigkidzfoundation.org/

A Woman's March

Its been a week into the month of March. The month of the woman. In a truly altruistic society women of every color creed and courage would be lionized. Simply because of the last two months headlines on and about women and their issues. But, as of yet, its been the same ole same in media-land...If the bar is to be raised ...its going to be up to me. What else is new.

Reflecting on one particular woman, mother, wife, sister and lady...No mommy, ....while you are a tribute to my sisters and my life...this time, I am referring to, "FLOTUS", Michelle Obama.

Like you, Mother, Mrs. Robinson, (Michelle's mother) has supported her children while allowing them to run their own marathon called life. Did you know Mrs. Robinson quit her banking job!...to make sure, stability remained in the Obama's life while campaigning for the Presidency, in '08? In so many ways, we women that identify with "FLOTUS", do because of the way she was raised, the labels she shattered and the benevolence she shows towards humanity. The First Lady of the United States, is a symbol of what America is- behind the greedy, jealous, egotistical media verbal abuse.

Therefore, as we march through this month being subjected to frivolous, selfish, & hyperbolic media tributes, I take time to pay tribute to a woman who lionize traditional core values. Mrs. Obama, initiated MOVE in order to promote a healthier America, nurture her beautiful daughters in traditional values and look like a queen as she stands by her man. (Whew! You go sistah)!

Whitney Houston (another woman who came from strong family values) has in her music catalog a video called Whatchulookinat? In the video, Ms. Houston uses her Gift to denounce backstabbers, insecurity & defamation. I like this video because in it Whitney is looking like a mature adult while the media is portrayed as silly little children. Like soooo many unsung sheos this video pays tribute to the loyalty of family, faith and friendship

You know, mommy, come to think of it...this blog is about you.

xoxo,

Dear Whitney

J. Q. Public loved your incredible musical talent and rightfully remember YOU for songs like:

• The National Anthem
• The Greatest Love
• I Will Always Love You....

BUT..I Will Always remember you for songs that express your loyalty to your faith, community and friends; encouraging persistence that says YES I CAN! & bold proclamations. The the following are just a sample...From the Just as I am Album:

• Tell Me No
• Try It On My Own
• Unashamed(LUV IT)
  
• Whatchulookinat? (pure Whitney)

In Just Whitney YOU wrote your own Epitaph! I call it my Black Woman"s Anthem(LOL)...Then, there is My Love is Your Love ..songs like:

• It's Not Right But It's Okay
• My Love Is Your Love
• If You Believe

The lyrics are Soul Train classic! Furthermore, In the Don Cornelius tradition You are collaborating with people who would otherwise not have had their music produced....and that is why I LOVE. I Look To You ...While the "haters" were checking out your voice range, I was rocking with lyrics that encouraged my heart, mind and soul because I was going through it ...on EVERY LEVEL ...That particular CD was a God-send...My favorites

• I Didn't Know My Own Strength
  
• Like I Never Left (featuring Akon)
• Worth It

The above songs will become classic among my family members because Like your video with CeCe Winnan Count On Me and Your charitable performance in South Africa (They showed you love)...You always brought it straight with no chaser...and that's what J. Q. Public didn't get about you. Gone in Body But YOUR SPIRIT LIVES ON...I will never give in. Sing Whitney.

"Expand Your Circle of Care"

I am celebrating my birth! Actually, I do all the time; but especially around this time...my birth anniversary....This year, in particular, has been the BEST year of all. I am realizing a spirit of care in the world and among controversial people that I have admired from a far. Jada & Will, Smith, Queen Lateefah(sp); Hill Harper, The Judd Women, and Jay-Z, Tyler Perry and of course Oprah just to name a few...As long as I can remember I have wanted to live in a world where the prevailing spirit was that of peace, love and prosperity....I am experiencing peace love and prosperity on a personal level but more importantly I am witnessing peace love and prosperity among those who have the mic and a audience that I don't...yet(smile). While I am on the subject of controversial people I would be remiss to leave out the current American First Family,

President Obama is the right one for the job right now! Hill Harper reminded me of this while promoting his new book Wealth....In the interview with Constance Presley. He share how our President is always urging Americans to extend their circle of care to include more than "us four and no more". As a senior citizen this message has been my life long passion. So, I would just like to share ways that WE(working effectively) can do exactly what is being asked and privately, demonstrated by soooo many people in and out of the news.

• Share your gifts and talents by volunteer time in public schools
• See God in EVERYONE
• Be mindful of your words about people different from you and your inner circle
• Start a blog and share your achievements
• When brown bagging it; carry an extra fruit or salad with the intentions of giving it away
• During times of natural disasters walk over to check on your neighbor
• Stop eating alone
• Constant remind your circle of influence that they are more than they may be settling for.
  
• Call your mother...father...auntie..uncle...children

• Read books of other people's journey and then share what you have read with someone else and then give them the book

This idea is not new and the list is inexhaustible; nevertheless, reminding US(unifying spirits) to do, what we know to do, is as necessary as saying on a regular basis: good morning; thank you, and peace...

Wholistic Thinking: Eye Of the Needle

Wholistic Thinking: WEATHER REPORT

Today while listening to YolandaAdam's gospel program(6-10 A.M.), Gene Norman, Chief meteorologist, at TV station KHOU, in Houston Texas, had a segment explaining to the listeners that we are now in the early stages of hurricane season(June-Sept.) and just how important it is to "prepare for stormy weather, while the skies are blue". He was so professional yet personal I googled him. The following is a summary of his creditals:

Chief Meteorologist Gene Norman leads the 11 News Weather Team at KHOU-TV Channel 11. Gene joined KHOU in January 2008 and in June of that year was promoted to Chief Meteorologist. His ability to provide the most detailed weather forecasts is attributed to his extensive education, experience and knack for relating to viewers. Gene brings to Houston more than 20 years of meteorology experience at NASA and on television, along with a lifelong passion for science.

While at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Gene spent eight years developing weather monitoring software for the space shuttle. During that time he landed his first meteorologist job moonlighting at a TV station in Beaumont. From there he became a weekend meteorologist at KTRK-TV in Houston and then moved on to WGCL-TV in Atlanta where he served as Chief Meteorologist prior to his Houston return.

Throughout his career, Gene has received numerous accolades. He has been honored with five Emmy awards for his extensive weather reporting, including one in 2009 for the KHOU hurricane special “Storm Warnings: Lessons Learned.” Also in 2009, Gene received the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Award for Best Weathercast.

Gene is a member of the National Weather Association, holds the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorologist Society (AMS) and has earned a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation. He also previously served as president of the American Meteorology Society’s Broadcast Board.

Originally from New York, Gene holds a bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master's degree in meteorology from the University of Maryland. He is very active in the community with charitable organizations, and serves on the board of the Freeman Weather Museum. In his spare time, Gene enjoys watching movies, listening to music and spending time with his family.

In my next Blog I will share what I have learned from Meteorologist Gene Norman as well as my own extended research; but in the tradition of our ancestors; do your own due diligence and by all means share his gift with others and let HIM know that you know he is out here...

Too often WE recognize Unsung Hero after their flame has grown dim or gone out.....

THOUGHTS ARE THINGS

When The Student is ready...The Teacher will show up!

Success Runs In Our Race........Really

Each week tens of

thousands of diners eat at an Olive Garden or

Red Lobster restaurant. Few of these diners know

that the CEO heading these large restaurant

chains is a black man.

Clarence Otis Jr. Is the

CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., the largest

casual dining operator in the nation. The firm

operates nearly 1,400 company-owned restaurants

coast to coast serving 300 million meals

annually. Darden employs 150,000 workers and has

annual revenues of $6 billion.

Born in Vicksburg ,

Mississippi , Otis moved to Los Angles when he

was 6 years old. His father was a high school

dropout who worked as a janitor. The family

lived in Watts at the time of the 1965 riots. In

the post-Watts period, Otis recalls being

stopped and questioned by police several times a

year because of the color of his skin.

A high school guidance counselor recommended him for a scholarship

at Williams College , The highly

selective liberal arts institution in

Massachusetts . Otis graduated Phi Beta Kappa

from Williams and went on to earn a law degree

at Stanford. Otis landed on Wall

Street as a merger and acquisitions attorney for

J. P. Morgan Securities. He joined Darden

Restaurants in 1995 as corporate treasurer. He

became CEO in 2004.

GilScottHeron ( April 1, 1949-May 29 2011)

Message To The Messengers

Hey, yeah, we the same brothas from a long time ago
We was talkin' about television and doin' it on the radio
What we did was to help our generation realize
They had to get out there and get busy cause it wasn't gonna be televised
We got respect for you rappers and the way they be free-weighin'
But if you're gon' be teachin' folks things, make sure you know what you're sayin'
Older folks in our neighborhood got plenty of know-how
Remember if it wasn't for them, you wouldn't be out here now
And I ain't comin' at you with no disrespect
All I'm sayin' is that you damn well got to be correct
Because if you're gonna be speakin' for a whole generation
And you know enough to try and handle their education
Be sure you know the real deal about past situations
It ain't just repeatin' what you heard on the local TV stations
...Sometimes they tell lies and put 'em in a truthful disguise
But the truth is that's why we said it wouldn't be televised
They don't know what to say to our young folks, but they know that you do
And if they really knew the truth...why would they tell you?
The first sign is peace, tell all them gun totin' young brothas
That the man is glad to see us out there killin' one another
We raised too much hell when they was shootin' us down
So they started poisoning our minds tryin' to jerk us all around
And then they tell us they got to come in and control our situation
They want half of us on dope and the other half in incarceration
If the ones they want dead ain't killed by what they instigated
They put some dope on a brotha's body and claim it was drug related
Tell them drug related means there don't need to be no investigation
Or at least that's the way they're gon' play it on the local TV stations
All your 9-millimeter brothas...give them somthin' to think about
Tell them you heard that this is the new word, they got to work that stuff out
But somehow they feel in the wrong way with a gun in their hands
They feel real independent...but they just pullin' contracts for the man
Five and five will tell you it's hopeless out there on the avenue
But if they really knew the truth...why would they tell you?
And if they look at you like you're insane
And they start callin' you scarecrow and say you ain't got no brain
Or start tellin' folks that you suddenly gone lame
Or that white folks had finally co-opted your game
Or worse yet implying that you don't really know...
That's the same thing they said about us...a long time ago
Young rappers, one more suggestion before I get out of your way
But I appreciate the respect you give me and what you got to say
I'm sayin' protect your community and spread that respect around
Tell brothas and sistas they gotta calm that bullshit down
Cause we're terrorizin' our old folks and brought fear into our homes
And they ain't got to hang out with the senior citizens
Just tell them, “Dammit...leave the old folks alone”
And we know who rippin' off the neighborhood, tell them, “That BS has got to stop!”
Tell them you're sorry they can't handle it out there
But they got to take the crime off the block
And if they look at you like you're insane
And they start callin' you scarecrow and say you ain't got no brain
Or start tellin' folks that you suddenly gone lame
Or that white folks had finally co-opted your game
Or worse yet saying that you really don't know...
That's the same thing they said about me a long time ago
And if they tell folks that you finally lost your nerve
That's the same thing they said about us, when we said, “Johannesburg”
But I think the young folks need to know, that things don't go both ways
You can't talk respect on every other song or just every other day
What I'm speakin' on now is the raps about the women folks
On one song she's your African Queen on the next one she's a joke
And you ain't said no words that I haven't heard, but that ain't no compliment
It only insults eight people out of ten and questions your intelligence
Four letter words or four syllable words won't make you important
It'll only magnify how shallow you are and let everybody know it
And if they look at you like they think you insane
Or they call you scarecrow thinkin' you ain't got no brain
Or start tellin' folks that you suddenly gone lame
Or that white folks have finally co-opted your game
Or you really don't know...They said that about me a long time ago
If they finally start to tell people that you lost your nerve
That's what they said about Johannesburg
You ain't insane...you have got a brain
You haven't gone lame; you have got your game
Remember...keep the nerve
Keep the nerve
Keep the nerve
Keep the nerve
...I'm talkin' about peace

A Journey of Empowerment

Busy hands clap for Jesus, vibrations fill the air, Moans of joy, moans of sorrow, sometimes in silent prayer, When I think of Stone Mountain, its fragrant pine needle path, Trees and cousins aplenty, those memories make me laugh.

Busy hands churning butter, cooks everything from scratch, Country sausage, fried apples, sweet oatmeal none could match, I think of a country homestead with a sweet magnolia tree, Warm cozy patchwork quilting, those memories strengthen me.

Busy hands create a poultice pungent strong medicine, Red flannel warmth flowed freely, healed me from toe to chin, Memories of Mama Hanah's lemon pound cake and steaming spiked honey tea, Still Angels linger watching, those memories comfort me.

Busy hands making biscuits, crochet scarves Argo stiff, African violets and Cactus plants in red clay pots, create sharp pointed tips, Memories of seeds and harvest, big families once strong, Take me to the water, those memories linger on.

Busy hands pelling apples, tart slices, simmering sauce, Steamy, hot sugared laughter, red-checkered tablecloth, Strong bridges brought me over, times I just can't repeat, But when my life tastes bitter, those memories are sweet.

BE THE LOVE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

We (Working Effectively) can learn a lot from kindergartners. I have spent the last three weeks teaching (learning), giving(receiving),guiding (following) and protecting (healing) a group of five and six year olds. They represent our future. I saw, through them just how WE as adults become ...selfish, needy, stubborn, sexually insecure, liars and the list goes on...This list is comprised of attributes that cloud our self-esteem, peace, joy and love.

I am a loving person. I have learned how to dance like no one is looking, love like I've never been hurt, lied to, nor disappointed. The truth is that I in the past allowed people to cloud my light because I wanted, needed, or envied something about the arbitrators. I have FINALLY matured in LOVE. It started with changing my eating habits, re framing from watching too much tv, while at the same time reading and taking classes on Universal Laws and FORGIVING FAMILY MEMBERS FOR EVERYTHING and BLAMING THEM FOR NOTHING.* Next, that forgiveness had to extend to (would be) lovers, friends, employers (employees), including other cultures. What I know for sure is: Taking these( not so) simple steps ALLOWS Spirit to begin to remind me that as HER creation we ALL come from LOVE. GOD IS LOVE.

God ordained me to share my journey with those 18 people...who at the tender, yet teachable, stage of kindergartners already have experienced mammoth disappointments, discouragements, and of course discrimination of all kinds...MOSTLY starting with FAMILY and other people who look like them. It was sad to hear children talk about how they have never seen their daddy, how they came to school without anything to eat, sad because their cat died and nobody noticed..these are JUST A FEW of their heart wrenching experiences. I was glad I was there to give them HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT and LOVE. I believe seeds I planted into them WILL, HOPE and SPIRIT will reproduce in order that they too will dance like no one is looking and LOVE LIKE THEY NEVER BEEN HURT.

I just wished someone like me had reached out to many of the adults I meet who are still hiding a little kindergarten's unrequited love.

One Flew Over the cuckoo nest...
Voluntarily playing the victim

One Flew Over the cuckoo nest
Enjoying controlling others

One Flew Over the cuckoo nest
Blaming a 15yr old for your bad behaviour

One Flew Over the cuckoo nest
Living in the bottle

One Flew Over the cuckoo nest
killing yourself

One Flew Over the cuckoo's nest
Letting the insane lead you...

When the RIGHTEOUS experience difficult times
they are NOT in TROUBLE;
they are going THROUGH a TRANSITION.
Its a TIME to put what's out of Order IN order.

THE COLOR GREEN...RANDOM THOUGHTS

Green is my favorite color ...it looks fabulous with brown, yellow, blue, red and orange... just to name a few colors. Green is one of those colors that seems to go on forever..it doesn't seem to repeat itself and when it does it seems to stand up as unique!

Check out nature, the trees, grass, certain fruits and vegetables that are the color green...The color seems to invites you in!

Hospital is not my favorite place to visit. The colors are somber, unimaginative and uninviting...therefore, I try to stay away from hospital. I wonder what would happen if hospital added a vibrant shade of a green in every room and a vegetable garden on its premises.

Maybe that's why friends and family of the one in hospital bring flowers with lush green leaves.

What's That Odor?!

I can remember as a youth growing up, being addressed on a regular basis,

with "Oh you must think your sh*t don't stink". There were a multitude of reasons for the question/statement/insinuation...

1. I walked around in my own little world, therefore, it was common for me to walk right pass people as if they were apart of the air...


2. As a member of my family clan, it was mandatory that each member (especially youths) excel at something, read everything and communicate with authority


3. I was very particular about a lot of things including what I consumed...

Little did I know that like so many other public opinions that remark had less to do with me than those that were making it. Our feces, isn't suppose to stink. Our breath is not suppose have a bad odor. Body odor should have an earthy pheromone scent to it. Maybe, that is why many are drawn to scents such as musk, white sage and pheromone these and other odors make us feel good, make us want to snuggle up close and just drink in the person's aroma.

On the other hand, how many of US have entered a bathroom after a user and wanted to throw up, because of the foul and putrid order that was left behind...all too often WE begin to think of this order along with bad breath and body odor as normal and therefore we spend thousands of dollars buying products to disguise the offensive odors. Oh by the way, that offensive odor is in part coming from foods in your digestive system that have NOT digested...You know foods like over-processed fake foods, white sugars and starches and hormones induced meats.

Save yourself some money not to mention chemical induced headaches..and begin to drink lots of water, eat raw(colorful salads) at least once a day and roughage type fruits.

So that the next time someone say to you, "You think your sh*t don't stink", you can remarked right back.."I know my stuff is tight...You want to take a whiff.

As a Baby Boomer, I can remember lots of summer outdoors activities minus air conditioners. Today when I talk to baby boomers (and others), about summer activities, the conversation usually starts off with "it's too hot", ....and... ends with "I'm going back to my air condition home". In these days of 90-100 degrees and humidity of 50% and higher, modern Americans have become prisoners to air conditions...which means breathing artificial air, less outdoor activities such as walking around the track, or just sitting on the porch....if the activity is not in an air condition environment most Americans are just not interested!

My concern is how "it's too hot" thinking can lead to weight gain, swollen ankles and/or a increase blood pressure. Therefore I submit...fight back! Try...

• drinking at least a liter of quality water first thing in the morning, before eating anything and while the temperature is still cool...(around 6-6:30A.M.)


• eat water-rich foods...such as watermelon, citrus, beets and spinach


• swim


• open the windows and dehumidify the air. I actually water-spritz the air throughout my house/ car. A very sensuous and exhilarating feeling to have the intermingling of water and hot air!
• close mini blinds during the time when the sun is highest in the sky around 12-4P.M.
• Above all, tune out negative HOT talk on the t.v., computer and radio! Opt out for cool jazz, snow-cap mountains movies. THINK COOL


• Reduce intake of salt, sugar and meats.

Now get out their and show hot and humid weather who is boss (LOL)

SOUL Food

In a world that seems complicated at the very least and conspiratory at the other end of that thought spectrum...I am reminded to keep it simple...and the BEST way to do that is to eat that which will feed my soul.

I pinned, this poem while I waited for Mr.Wonderful(at that time) ...He was taking me to breakfast; while waiting for him to arrive at my door, I became anxious....determine to relax, reflect, and let go... I focused on what I truly desired. Peace.


SOULFOOD

Serve me up, pile the portions high.

My taste buds are salivating with anticipation...
I am mentally choosing from the choices.
Serve me up! ...Pile my portions high.
Don't skip on that which is richest

Do be generous,
for everything looks so delicious.
Forgive me if I appear greedy
but for soulfood I am needy

My soul craves respect, seems it satisfies my self-esteem
My soul nourishes on Truth it quenches my thirst..it must come first..
My soul hungers for love that energizes without compromises..
So pardon my lack of delicacy; but this is a 411 emergency!
Forget the hamhocks and sweet potaote pie
Instead, make mine soulfood delight
Serve me up and be sure, to pile my portions high
4-12-04

HEALTH CARE REFORM Part 3

Our bodies are our temples that function from the inside out. Our body systems (all nine) collaborate, integrate and synchronize based on the individual needs of each part. The smooth internal functionality depends on whether or not, we view our- selves as spirits having a human experience or just human beings having a spiritual experience. For Example, when rising first thing in the mornings do we bathe our blood , organs, muscles and cells with a minimum of 16 ounces of water? Do we ensue a healthy glow by exercising our hearts, lungs and brain, before putting on cologne, make-up and fancy clothes? Those lips that we love to cover with lipstick, chap stick and oh yes, lots and lots of meaningful kisses; but before that, do we partake of fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables? Do we remember to supplement with organic apple cider, vitamin C and flax seed oil,...?





Health Care ReForm is the BEST thing that could have happen to us as a country because it has awaken enlighten minds to a higher health consciousness and accountability. Whether WE are for or against the particulars of the proposed preliminary health bill, We (working effectively)have to OWN up to how well WE are managing OUR own essential health. To the uninitiated, it looks like CARE when those of US pontificate throughout the media, organize marches of opposition and scream insults at and about this current administration. However, how we truly feel about this issue will be written on our face, gait and/or checkbooks.

Remember: When pointing a finger three are pointing right back and that thumb looks like it is accusing the most high.

Htep