Sunday, May 13, 2007

Celebration Without Major Preperation

Sometimes it takes a few steps and less conversation. And even more importantly less thought about perfecting and more about the cause.

That is what I did on Saturday May 12, 2007.

I vigorously thought, "Sasha think simple," But toward the end of May 12, 2007, I will honestly say I began to question the plans for my mother's 56th birthday --things seemed to be falling apart.

Plans of having a small dinner at our house turned into whispers of something slightly different, but thankfully I didn't flinch...instead, I followed the heart, which spoke volumes to going a head with the plan: to celebrate my mother, for all that she is, that she has been, and will be forevermore.

With that drive, we successfully had a marvelous time.

The party ended at 12:42 a.m.

Dishes were in the sink, strawberries on the table around cheesecake, covered in whipped, multi-colored birthday sprinkles and strawberry glaze.

I had no physical room to eat another bite, as I was also filled by the smile that resided on my 57 year old mother's face--larger than I ever seen.

We all were exhausted, but it surely was a night worth the less-than-ten hour planning; She was pleasantly surprised, appreciative and full of grace for what I call a beautiful turn out to a tentative small dinner plan, planned 24 hours previous to her birthday.

Fifteen of our most close relatives and friends came out to celebrate, all notified only hours before.

The most important aspect was that my mother, who loves her children with remarkable unconditional love, was for the first time on her birthday being honored, at a special celebration for her, for her special day, without major preparation.

Naturally Appealing

My sister, I like to call her, but other's consider Kat and I a good pair...my sister, my friend, my homey as we call each other, knows first hand what it feels like for her "soul that lives within" to grow outward...

"Eventually I knew precisely what hair wanted: it wanted to grow, to be itself, ...to be left alone by anyone, including me, who did not love it as it was."-- Alice Walker, Living By The Word: Selected Writings 1973-1987

...I too am on that journey, loving every second of it.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Early In The Morning Lord

It's 8:15 a.m.

I'm at work thinking about what feelings overcome me when I hear this song...

Early In the Morning Lord...I rise to thy...Hence the fact it is early, though I get started around 6: a.m. I feel like rising in the morning is the epitome of the gift of life .

It is like Elder Singletary, a strong woman of God, with a sweet, anointed voice and spirit, says in her favorite song...Early in the Morning Lord, I Rise to Thy.LYRICS SOON TO COME


It is that sincere moment when one feels the power of rising up to see another day.

Lyrics soon to Come

No one on this earth sings this song like Elder Singletary at Saint Memorial Evangelistic Center, better known as my church.

That may sound like bold, but it's true.

I do no justice to explaining how precious she exemplifies this song, vocally....what I will say is to fully prepare for hearing this anointed woman of God sing this song, is understand that spiritually if you loose control it's okay.

Men and women alike, you will most certainly shed a tear!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Bruce...Is one of a kind

The minute that you meet this man, you will, I promise you will be compelled to laugh, and while chuckling, say to yourself, "he is one of a kind."

I'm not sure what kind of breed he is exactly, what Nana Gomes was eating during the 1940's, or what kind of special genetic make up grandpa Butler had, considering he was a Micmac Indian, roots tracing back to the Wokokomog tribe in Novia Scotia Canada, since I did not have the opportunity to get to know him, I do not know the side he contributed in making this man, I'm describing.

What I know is I have experienced to the deepest degree, a man who never fails to surprise me with his next move. He is completely Ambitious, Passionate and Positive, My Father , has a special gift--one of which he has rightfully shared with me.

Today, like any other Sunday, I woke up with a light heart, I had a great, unplanned weekend with my lovely friend Kat and newly introduced uncle Joel, Tonye and his lovely family, engagement with James Brown: healthy, conversation, great barbecue and bonding...that I love.

As much as I love my father, who for the last month has not been coming to church with me on Sunday's. He's either been working or staying home resting, not exactly comfortable wearing the only clothes he owns: a black tee-shirt, button sweater, a pair of faded black jeans, a fleece over coat and worn white sneakers.

If you have ever met my father, you know that this description of his outer appearance is far from what you would ever see him in.

It's usually the long, black jacket that you see, blocks away, lined underneath with some kind of very coordinated suit, two handkerchiefs strategically placed in the pocket of his jacket, a clean button down to match his suits, socks and shined black shoes.

But for the past few months his life has not on the outside looked as polished.

Today, as he does every Sunday, he called me and asked if I was going to church. My answer to him was "Yes." Then he asked if I would stop by to get him.

As I was driving to his house, dressed what he often describes as a sophisticate, I imagined he got his hand on a suit, maybe even a pair of shoes, one handkerchief.

But that wasn't the case.

My father came out in his the one pair of jeans he owns, his fleece over coat, button down sweater and over worn, white sneakers.

Compelled and speechless. I just shook my head and smiled.

This man is one of a kind. I sighed. in ah...God gave me a word, for all the he has been through, he still possess the beauty from within, tries with all his might to walk in that light, touches everyone lives that he comes across, no matter his past...and loves with such a open, empathetic heart.

I tell him often,especially when he is down "Dad you have something special." A gift I call it. And day by day I realize that what I feel inside about this man who no matter the circumstance has endured, homeless, afflicted...he is the first person I've ever met and grown to love completely, wholly and unconditionally.

A few weeks ago coming to church in this state was not a question. But today apparently he woke up willing to share that contagious inner smile, he has.

A man who is simply one of a kind has touched my life. And though our relationship has not always gone smoothly, I can say as time progresses, my love for him grows, my heart is filled with appreciation...and say to myself, what a blessing is it to have this time to reflect...this life to appreciate...this man to love.

What a gift...

Sharing some Information

Forbes Lists the Top-Earning Men in Entertainment
Apr 30, 6:00 AM EST

By Lacey Rose, Forbes.com

Hollywood's leading ladies may be better at grabbing glossy ink, but when it comes to earning top dollar, the men still have them beat.


Journalist Lacey Rose wrote an article about the top-earning men in Entertainment--Denzel Washington of course, was at the very top of that list. I was capture by her choice of description. Read full article for an in-depth summary of what men are banking.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Naturally Unfolding

...breath in. breath out... I remember the feeling that came over me in December of 2006, a few days before Christmas when I went to New York to visit Kat. Bliss met uncertainty but faith overpowered it all. Since faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen., I took a leap with many visual influences. I had Kat, who recently chopped off her long, thick, straight relaxed hair, Jessica who decided a few years ago, not sure how many, to allow her natural hair to gently grow, without touching it and Stacey, who all her life attests she has allowed her hair to naturally unfold--standing in front of my eyes as a stern visual testimony that: when one allows their natural hair grow...the beauty is surprisingly on so many different levels unfathomable.

And as I watch this process unfold, my level of excitement grows each day...This new beginning for me is breathtaking.

Loving this....naturally

It's amazing. It's essentially me and I love it like I never imagined.