The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

Last week, Princess and Juicy Boy were finishing up their lunch of hot dogs and applesauce. This lunch, although not appealing to me (I do not like hot dogs. Never have. Never will...and I really don't care for applesauce), was what Princess asked for and Juicy Boy likes. Juicy Boy was enjoying his meal and so was Princess. That is until she heard her show come on television.

The theme song started and she immediately tells me that she's not hungry. Princess is not a big eater, but I do require her to eat three meals a day. So, I told her that she could watch her show after she ate her lunch. She gave me the defeated look and stared at her food. I told her the faster she got through her meal the faster she would be able to watch her show.

I turned my attention back to washing the dishes and Princess jumped up and told me she had to go to the bathroom. I told her to hurry up and go. Well, I wasn't paying attention when I told her to go to the bathroom, but I did glance up as she was running to the bathroom and started laughing to myself. Princess was running to the bathroom with a fist full of hot dog nuggets.

I couldn't believe that she was attempting to run a game on me! She wasn't running just any game on me, but the game that I perfected with vegetables when I was her age. Here are the rules: When you have food on your plate that you don't want to eat, you ask to be excused to the bathroom and then shove veggies in your mouth and immediately spit them in the toilet (my version) or put them in your fist and throw them in the toilet (her version).

My dear Princess thought she had it made, but I stopped her. I told her to show me her hands. She did and this big smile appeared on both of our faces. I didn't tell her that I used to do the same thing with my vegetables, but I told her that she had to eat some of those hot dogs and that I would tape her show so she wouldn't miss any of it.

She ate all of her hot dog nuggets and watched her show while I continued to have a good laugh. Princess doesn't know, but I was so good at playing the game that my parents only knew that I flushed my vegetables down the toilet because I told them once I became an adult:)

Kindergartener's Can Do It

On Tuesday, September 2, 2008 my big girl started kindergarten at my school! Princess was sooo excited to get school supplies, select her own backpack and lunch bag for the first time. She woke up the ready to go to school on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Each day we had to tell Princess that she had to wait until Tuesday to go to school. She couldn't wait!

Tuesday morning arrived and she woke up with bright eyes. She ate breakfast while I played one of her favorite songs, "Everybody Rejoice" from The Wiz. Then we played "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco (another favorite of hers) to remind her that she is a star (shining bright to see what she can truly be - you know I have to get my EW&F in). We got dressed and headed to school.

She grinned from the time we hit the door until we got home. She was excited to see her new teacher. She was excited to see that she knew people in her class already. She was excited to know a lot of the teachers in the building already (one of her Godmothers teaches there also). She was excited to be in Mommy's big school because she was a big girl. She was just happy! She reminded me that "kindergarteners can do it!"

I was happy too. Since I work at her school, I popped my head in a couple of times to check on her. She was so into what was going on that she didn't even see me. Princess is fortunate to have a loving and talented teacher who will challenge her academically in a warm and nurturing environment. I stopped by to spend some time with Princess at lunch time. She was eating her lunch and enjoying her new friends and school. She grinned, gave me a big hug, and told me that she was having so much fun! Just what a mommy wants to hear on the first day of school.

At dismissal she came to me with a big hug and bright eyes. Princess and all of the other students who have parents that work at the school were treated to ice cream sandwiches. One of teachers (a good friend and member of Team MBS) treated the students to welcome the new members of our school family.

It was a good day!

Shave and a Haircut

I started back to school two weeks ago. The relaxing, hazy days of summer were over and I was getting into the swing of things at work. I came home happy to see my family and eager to spend quality time with them. On Thursday, while playing with Juicy Boy after work, I noticed that something wasn't quite right with his hair. I looked and rubbed and looked and rubbed. I told Bear that Juicy Boy's hair looked like he had a plug missing. He assured me that he didn't touch Juicy Boy's hair since his last haircut the week before.

I kept looking and then turned to Princess to ask if she knew anything about Juicy Boy's new hairstyle. She didn't say anything. Bear asked her if she cut some of Juicy Boy's haircut. She hid her face in his shirt. The truth sssssssssssssslllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwlllllllllllllyyyyyyy came out. She was cutting her dolls hair and decided to cut a piece of his! I went in her room and found the curls on the floor.

We talked with her and explained how Juicy Boy could have gotten hurt if he had moved while she was cutting his hair. She cried and apologized and we went about our evening.

I went to work the next day and hung out with Team MBS after work. When I came home and opened the door, Bear told me to close my eyes. I said okay and listened to him tell me that I was hot or cold in order to reach him. I like games and Bear likes surprising me just because, so I was trying to figure out what I would see when I opened my eyes. I was wondering if it was a new top, some cute shoes, a pair of running socks. It could be anything.

Well, when I opened my eyes I couldn't believe it...a little brown Calliou was staring at me. Bear had shaved off all of Juicy Boys hair to even out the plug his loving sister "styled" into his hair. I wanted to cry! Juicy Boy just sat there with his big bright eyes and laughed. Bear said he almost gave Juicy Boy a fro-hawk, but the plug was in the wrong place. Lord help us!

Juicy Boy's hair is growing back...thank God! There are too many stylists in the house:)

Up in the Air Jr. Birdsman...

Juicy Boy's newest "thing" is his excitement about planes. Whenever he hears a plane he looks up to see where it is. Then he squeals with delight, "ooooh! wow! plane!!" We love to see his enthusiasm.

Bear thought it would be a good idea to for us to hang out on the Potomac River near National Airport and watch the planes land. So, off we went...

Juicy Boy loved it...and so did Princess. This was one of those family outings that everyone enjoyed. Check out the slideshow from the day.

Dynamic

Just dynamic...



What an inspiration..."my piece of the American dream is a blessing hard won by those who came before me!"



Our ancestors must have had a party up in heaven last night. I'm so proud!

The Apple of My Eye

I began this week by taking a road trip to Kent, Ohio. I took my Goddaughter, Apple, to Kent State University (go Flashes) with her mom. We drove up and down the mountains of PA and OH for 5 hours and 45 minutes on a bright, sunny day with little humidity. We had a move in team of six. We laughed, reminisced, carried boxes and containers of clothes, clothes, and more clothes:) We arranged and rearranged her room to ensure that everything fit and had a place. We visited Walmart at least twice a day to get her everything she needed and wanted (I am on Walmart overload. I was glad that the Walmart Super Center had been recently remodeled and looked like the stores on the commercials, not like the realities of Walmart stores I've visited in VA, MD, and DE). We made sure she had everything she needed and then...we left. Everyone thought I was going to cry, but I didn't. I wasn't sad about leaving her. I was excited for her to begin the next leg of life journey.

Kent State University is very large. I went to University of Maryland and people think that campus is big. It's not at all compared to Kent State. Apple is in a "traditional" dorm room with another roommate. The coolest thing is that they have private "rooms" in the larger hall bathroom. The shower, toilet, sink, mirror, bench, and full length mirror are in one "stall" with a door that locks! They are also very big on security. You have to slide your key card to get in everywhere. We even heard the weekly emergency alert system testing while we were there. I'm sure something like that has been in place since the four students were killed and nine students were wounded by the Ohio National Guard during a Vietnam protest held there in 1970. I know a lot of parents felt at ease when they left the children there. Apple's met some nice girls and I think she'll have a great experience.

I was tired after dropping off Apple. We were constantly doing something to make her transition a good one. We must have been running on pure adrenaline. Now, can someone tell me where I'm going to get the energy to take Princess and Juicy Boy to college and set them up the way we did Apple and the way my mother and father did my brother and me? I'm going to be old and tired by then!

He Lives in You...

Yesterday Princess, my mom and I had a wonderful day. We traveled to New York by train for the pre-birthday celebration for Princess. Princess is turning five on Sunday. My parents treated her (us) to Lion King on Broadway. What an awesome performance visually, musically, and lyrically! I was moved to tears during the opening "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You (Reprise)." Take a look at and listen to the clip of "He Lives in You" that was recently performed on The View:



Lion King is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and has been performed for over 43 million people around the world. I am privileged to say that I am one of those people. The universal message that audiences worldwide have heard is one that I will always remember:
He lives in you.
He lives in me.
He watches over everything you see.
Into the water.
Into the truth.
In your reflection.
He lives in you!

We were singing "He Lives in You" as we walked to the playground with Juicy Boy today. Princess said that she really liked that song and asked me if I did too. I told her that was one of my favorite songs from the play. She smiled and began to swing. While swinging she said, "Mommy, you know that song is about God." How my heart beamed, my soul rejoiced, and I thanked God.

What a wonderful gift for a five year old...to travel to NY, see Lion King on Broadway, eat at Mars2112 (space inspired restaurant), to see fireworks at the end of the night...and to understand the prevailing message of the musical. What a wonderful gift for her mother too. My mother said our experience reminded her of the Master Card commercials...train tickets $$$, Broadway tickets $$$, lunch and dinner $$$...the look on Princess's face throughout the day...PRICELESS.

The Princess and the Frog

Did you hear, Disney has finally decided to make an animated movie featuring an African American princess? Yes, African Americans are finally worthy enough to have a fairy tale told about them that includes a Black Princess! I was so excited when I heard the movie would be out in 2009. The movie is entitled The Princess and the Frog and is based on the fairy tale The Frog Princess and is supposed to take place in New Orleans during the 1920's.

I could just picture Princess and I going to see The Princess and the Frog on a special "Girls Day Out." I imagined seeing lots of other African American mothers and daughters at the theater along with other mother and daughter pairs on opening day. I thought about purchasing all of the movie inspired dolls, clothes, bedding, etc. for Princess. Let me tell you, I was geeked.

Here's a teaser trailer of the movie:


I am really excited about seeing the movie. Princess saw the trailer and asked when we could go see it. She said the princess was so beautiful and "she was brown!" Now, why does the lightning bug have to be missing all of those teeth? Come on Disney!

What are your thoughts?

Sand Castles

I think I've figured out a new way to post YouTube videos in my postings. I promised to share about our trip to the beach awhile ago, but I'm just getting around to it. We had a WONDERFUL time!

I loved spending quality time with my mom, aunt, grandmother, great aunt, and cousin. I love that my children got to spend time with family on a relaxed and relaxing vacation. I'm glad that my children will have special memories to share about their summer trips to the beach with their grandmother and great grandmother. The women in my family have a strong bond, and this was a fun way to keep the bond strong.

As I predicted, I didn't have a relaxing trip where I lounged on my beach chair while reading in between taking naps. I chased little people up and down the beach, made sand castles, searched for buried treasure [we lost (and found) the Backyardigan molds Princess hid as treasure], jumped waves, and chased Juicy Boy around the cabana (he's into being chased!).

Princess had a great time of jumping waves and building a house for her doll. She also made sand cakes that Juicy Boy insisted on tasting:) He ate sand the moment he got there. He also seemed to dump sand on his head daily. Juicy Boy and Princess and I also played with the dump trucks and had fun building roadways. I wasn't chasing my children by myself. My mom, aunt, and cousin all pitched in to have beach fun! I was so grateful! We wore those children out! They slept most of the ride home.

My grandmother and her sister didn't come down to the beach. They sunned on their patio and looked at the ocean from there. We were fortunate to have a beach front hotel, so the view was always beautiful. They also relaxed inside their room and caught up on their beauty sleep. They enjoyed sitting out on the boardwalk in the evening watching the people go by.

Memories were made. Fun was had. Love was shared. This song entitled "Sand Castles" makes me want to hurry back...

May I Have this Dance?

As much as I like YouTube.com, it has been messing up my blog posts for the past couple days. I had some really good music lined up to go along with my posts, but they wouldn't show up. I'm a little bit frustrated, but I'm going to try again today. I hope it works.

Earlier this week the family was having it's evening dance session. It was even more fun because one of my goddaughter's joined us. Bear was showing our goddaughter that he still had moves:) Princess was shaking and shimmying while dancing with her daddy. Juicy Boy was working the happy feet while turning in circles. I was just letting my body do whatever it wanted to do. We were dancing to everything from reggaeton to hip hop to old school R&B classics. The energy level was high!

I stopped dancing for a moment to take a look at something on my desk when something out on my desk when Juicy Boy came over to me, took my hand, and walked me back over to where everyone was dancing. Once he got me there, he turned and started to bust a move!! My heart just melted and danced with my son...Awww, thank you God for my boy!!

Juicy Boy inspired me to pull up one of my favorite Rick James tunes - Dance Wit' Me to accompany this post. Enjoy and make sure that you "shake it up, shake it up now baby." Listen to Roy on the vibes!!

The Eye of the Tiger

I am really getting into working out as a part of my lifestyle. In order to reach my next big goal of walking 500 miles, I set a personal challenge for myself. I have challenged myself to walk 75 miles in the next four weeks. Take a look at my widget on the side to follow my progress. You can cheer me on if I'm doing well or let me know if I'm slackin'. Can't wait for your feedback. I'm like Rocky...The Eye of the Tiger!

One Foot in Front of the Other

When I came back from walking this morning with some of my crew, Team Mind, Body, and Soul, I logged in my workout on the Nike+ system and I was pleased to see a banner across my page celebrating that I HAVE WALKED 100 MILES since I started walking in March!!!!! I was sooo excited. I have a virtual milestone badge in my Nike+ profile. I printed out the certificate and posted it on my computer for continued inspiration.

Can you believe it?!! Jillybean has walked 100 miles, and at a pace of 15.36 minutes per mile no less. I have been humping. I get up in the morning around 6:00 (I got up at 5:30 this morning!!!) and hit the road. Sometimes I walk with the girls from Team Mind, Body, and Soul, sometimes I walk by myself, and sometimes I walk with the family. Team Mind, Body and Soul is a wonderful support group. Bear and I take the kids with us some mornings and get a family workout. He takes Princess in the running stroller and I walk with Juicy Boy in his stroller. I affectionately call them my resistance weights. Bear is such a huge supporter of my working out. He makes sure that I have time to workout when I want and need to. He encourages me and tells me how proud he is of me. He challenges me to increase my speed and push the limits. Bear even picks up things to help keep me motivated like and arm band for my ipod (I was sweating so much that my ipod was getting wet and I lost some data), getting me better fitting sneakers (the new sneakers have a bigger toe box), and cute exercise tops and socks!

I am so geeked that I reached the 100 mile milestone. When I thought about how far 100 miles is, I realized that it's like walking to my parents' house in DE from my old house in Forestville, MD. That's like walking from Reston to Richmond. Who knew that if I put one foot in front of the other that I'd be walking further than across the floor?

I can't wait to reach the next milestone. I'm walking about 6 miles every other day now. For the past two Saturdays, Team Mind, Body and Soul has walked 7 miles. I feel empowered! A nice side effect of walking is that my body is really responding and I wore a cute little black dress on Saturday that I haven't been able to fit in more than 5 years!

Check out my 100 mile certificate at this link http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/html/milestones/print_certif.html?id=1955001542&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY

Let me know if you want to come walk with me one day.

Daddy's Girl

This post isn't about me this time. It's about Princess. Last week, Princess and Bear went out to "get us some lunch." They were going before my girlfriend came over with her son to play with us at the pool. My friend arrives and we get ready to go to the pool. I figure that Bear will bring Princess to the pool when they return because they've been gone for quite awhile.

As we gather our stuff to head to the pool, Bear calls to see if my friend arrived. I told her that she did. He said that he and Princess were on their way home and that they'd meet us at the pool. Cool! We are making our way to the pool when he drops Princess off. Bear gives us a holla and heads home to change. She runs up to us with a bottle of water and gets very excited about going swimming. She and Juicy Boy are truly water babies.

Princess jumps right into the pool after putting on her swim vest. She's getting ready to go in a second time when I ask her if she had lunch. She stops, turns, and looks at me and tells me she got a bottled water. I told her that I saw her water and ask her if she went to lunch with Daddy again. She looks at me this time and says...nothing.

I start giggling to myself. This chickadee is keeping her date with her daddy a secret from me. She didn't lie. She didn't tell me it was none of my business. She wasn't sassy at all. She just conveyed her message...what goes on when she's with Daddy isn't for Mommy to know. Let me tell you...I KNOW I AM IN TROUBLE IN THE FUTURE!

I told Bear what happened and he cracked up. He said that he and Princess' dates were like Vegas sometimes. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Princess is truly a Daddy's Girl!!!

Her act of omission just lets me know her bond with Bear is growing more and more each day. I am grateful for that. I know she'll need to confide in him without my knowledge every now and then. I'm so sure about it because that is the same bond that I have with my daddy. But let me tell you, she really makes me laugh.

Love is You

While I was at the beach (we had a ball!- another post a little later on) Bear and I celebrated our Eighth Wedding Anniversary. On July 8, 2000 we said, "I Do" before our God, our family, and, our friends.

I love my husband! I am so blessed to have in him my life as my partner, best friend, confidant, personal comedian (oh, he has JOKES!), support, personal cheering section, sound board, and more! Bear is love. He is the romantic love. He is the honest love. He is the love that is there through sickness and health. He is the love that stays around through the tough times. He is the forgiving love. He is the encouraging love. He is the real love.

This Chrisette Michelle songs says it well. Happy Anniversary Bear! Eight years and counting. "It just gets better with time." I LOVE YOU!

We're Going on a Trip

As you know, I am a mother of two children under five. Because of Princess and Juicy Boy, I watch a lot of Noggin television. I love the channel for the commercial free pre-school shows that promote early reading skills, early math skills, sharing, friendship, honesty, and other positive social behaviors. Instead of commercials, Noggin plays music videos for children. I know quite a few hits from Laurie Buckner and Dan Zane. Noggin also has it's own catchy songs with featuring Moose A. Moose and his sidekick Zee. One of those songs is called, "Are We There Yet?"

Princess loves this song. She can be heard singing, "Are we there yet, are we there yet? My excitement's getting stronger. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? I really can't wait much longer!" Well, she's not the only one singing the song now. I'm singing it too because, we are going on a trip!

The Thomas women (my mom, grandmom, aunt, great aunt, cousin, Princess and I) plus Juicy Boy are going on a trip to the beach. We're not going down the shore like I used to when I was younger when we went to Wildwood or Cape May from Philly. We're going to Virginia Beach to spend some quality time, soak up the sun (I LOVE THE SUN), play in the sand and the ocean.

I was thinking of taking one of my library books to read, but I know I won't have time to rest on the beach. I'll be making sand castles, playing with dump trunks, and dipping in the ocean with Princess and Juicy Boy. Last year Juicy Boy slept quite a bit on the beach. We had a cabana which provides a good amount of shade while still allowing you to feel the breeze and the breeze was our friend. This year I'll probably be chasing him up and down the beach while watching him eat sand (YUCK)! That's just fine with me. I guess that will be a part of my daily exercise while I'm gone.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? My excitement's getting stronger. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? I really can't wait much longer!"

Happy Fourth of July!

He's a Big Boy Now

It happened on Sunday, although Bear and I tried to hold out as long as possible. Juicy Boy got his one year old hair cut. We followed the African American tradition of not cutting Juicy Boy's hair during his first year of life. He rocked little curly ringlets...his own natural style for 14 months. He looked so cute (mother's love ooh, mother's love).

But now he is officially a big boy. He's wearing a nice summer cut that changes his appearance. Everyone who's seen him has exclaimed..."oh, my! where's your hair?" or "oh, look at the big boy with the big boy hair cut!" He just grins and grins. I think he likes his new style. I've caught him rubbing his hands over his head a couple of times. I know my dad will love Juicy Boy's new look. He's been asking, "When you gonna cut that boy's hair?"

No more Mommy's baby...(sigh)...SIKE! Always Mommy's baby:)

Soul Food

I had the best soul food this weekend! Ya'll know I love a good meal of greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, corn bread, and sweet tea, but that is not the soul food that I'm speaking of this time.

The soul food I'm speaking of was an outdoor concert at the Carter Baron in DC on Saturday night featuring Kindred the Family Soul and Rahsaan Patterson. I went to the concert with my line sisters the Shoe Diva, the Exercise Example, and the Partner. We had a good time together enjoying the music and each other. Both of these acts sing (and they can really sing!) about real love...the kind that's not always perfect, but the kind that recognizes and relishes in the special and unique qualities of the individuals while growing together.

Kindred and Rahsaan Patterson sing about that mighty love. They fed my soul. I hope this song feeds yours.

Run Like a Girl...Wherever You Are

Last summer Bear bought me some cool sneakers. He said that he bought them because I had started losing weight and he wanted to support my efforts (he always does thoughtful things like this!). I told him thank you and never put them on...that is until this spring.

This spring, I took another look at those cool sneakers and I am sooo glad that Bear bought them for me. Bear bought me a pair of Nike Air Max 180 plus track sneakers. These sneakers allow you to listen to music on your ipod while the sensor in the sneaker tracks your distance, time, pace, and calories burned on your walk/run. THIS IS THE BEST MOTIVATOR!

So, this spring I started walking with my Nike plus system and felt a sense of accomplishment not only in the results I began seeing in my body, but in knowing that I was increasing my distance, time, and pace with each walk. I even ran a couple of times. When I returned from my workout, I was able to sync my ipod and my stats went directly to Nikeplus.com. Each walk/run is recorded, graphed, and averaged to show your growth. Nikeplus.com not only keeps track of your workouts, but it also sets up training programs to meet your needs, it keeps track of your goals, it has a chat board, and sends out email about Nike events.

Well, they sent me an email about a half marathon in Cali on October 19th that will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I signed up right away for the Run Like a Girl Wherever You Are half marathon. I'm not going to run it in California, because I don't have to. Anyone, anywhere in the world, who registers for the event, runs with Nike+ and logs 13.1 miles on nikeplus.com on October 19th, 2008 is a finisher of the Nike+ Women’s Half Marathon. Every participant will receive a t-shirt and a key chain designed by Tiffany & Co.

Isn't that great?! So, I've begun training to complete the half marathon. Bear was extremely excited about the new challenge I've set for myself. I am taking things slowly right now. A group of us from work are walking together and hopefully we'll be running together on October 19, 2008. We even have a co-worker running in Cape Cod where she is spending her summer. Every weekend we pick one day to walk together. This is our "me" time where we work on our spirits and our bodies in the company of friends. Our goal this weekend is to walk around 6 or 6.5 miles at a decent pace. Each week we will add a mile and/or a challenge to increase our pace or add a mile of running to our workout. The Nikeplus sneakers are helping us keep track of our runs. We chat during the week about our successes. We encourage each other. We are motivated!

Join us on October 19th if you'd like. We'd love to have more people run like a girl...wherever you are! (THANK YOU BEAR!)

Summer Reading at the Library

One of my fondest memories of summer as a child is participating in the summer reading program at the Chestnut Hill Library. Every summer my mom would sign up my brother and I for the summer reading program. The program is a little different than the library programs of today where the goal is to get children to read more. This program was focused on getting children to read different genres. Each week participants were assigned to read from a specific genre. The next time the group met (the next week), each child had to share their book with a presentation. Sometimes we had to write summaries and book reviews. Other times we created dioramas or posters. The best week is when we read How-To books. Most people read cook books that week and brought in treats for their presentations. I liked the experience and exposure to genres I wouldn't normally read. So, summer reading programs are special to me.

Last year Princess participated in the Reston Library's summer reading program. She had 15 books read to her and received a coupon book for summer food and fun with the family. We're going to sign her up for this year's summer reading program next week. I am excited because this year, she'll be able to read some of the 15 required books. Yes, Princess is reading!! It is the coolest thing!

I jumped the gun with our first pilgrimage to the library today. I really wanted to read a light hearted summer book and snuck to the library this afternoon while Princess was taking a nap. I couldn't resist starting my summer reading on my first official day of summer vacation. I checked out four books - three from my Shelfari wish list and one from Jane Smiley. Since I snuck to the library and knew that Princess would fuss at me for going early (she loves our weekly outings to the library during the summer), I picked up two books for her. She was excited:)

So, I'm going to stop writing tonight even though I have ideas for about seven posts in my head, and stick my head in a book.

What will you be reading this summer?

Summer Madness

"No more pencils, no more books. No more teachers' dirty looks." I am finally finished with school! Today was my first official day of summer vacation and it was all I wanted and more.

After a long year of school, I always look forward to the summer. I look forward to not having to be up by a certain time to get to school. I look forward to spending more time with my children than I do with other people's children. I look forward to spending days at the pool with the kids and Bear. I look forward to going to the beach. I look forward to hanging with friends in the middle of the week as long as I want because we don't have set bed times. I look forward to play dates (for Princess and me). I look forward to visiting museums. I look forward to reading good books. I look forward to grilling. I look forward to feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. I look forward to being away from school. I LOVE the summer.

Please don't get me wrong. I love teaching. I believe that I was placed on this earth to teach...in some manner. It is my vocation. This school year was a good one. My students were bright, energetic, full of humor, and enthusiastic. They enjoyed learning new things and making connections. We listened to music, danced, sang, cared for crickets, played math trash ball, took walking field trips, saw a musical called Suessical, built things and created beautiful artwork all to support our reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. I took a special interest in each one of my twenty-three students. They all were shining stars, "shining bright to see what they could truly be."

The connection that I had with my class was one that teachers wish for. I really liked them as people. They were cool kids. My class demonstrated what they thought of me during Teacher Appreciation Week. My students and their parents treated me like a queen! Each day during the week, I was given a special thank you gift along with wonderful sentiments in cards from the parents and students. I received potted Gerber Daisies (one of my favorite flowers), two dozen roses, a beautiful handmade necklace, bookmarks, post-its (the cool kind, not the plain yellow stickies), homemade chocolate sweets, a snack pack full of Pepsi, pistachios, Pop Secret Home Style popcorn, Baby Ruth's, and Snickers, as well as gift cards to Safeway, Starbucks, and Barnes and Noble, and Target. To top it all off, I was given a gift card to Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Salon and Spa!!!! I love Red Door!!! The gifts were fantastic, but the sentiments in the little notes, homemade cards, hugs, kisses, and letters were priceless.

So, although I am ready for the summer, I know that when the end of August rolls around again, I'll be ready for school. But until then...here's my Philly shout out - "school is out and it's a sort of a buzz, back then I didn't really know what it was, but now I see what have of this, the way that people respond to SUMMER MADNESS."

Enjoy your summer!

You're the Last, My Everything!

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and as I said in my earlier post, I AM BLESSED!! I am blessed not only because I have a wonderful daddy, but I am blessed because my husband, Bear, is a fabulous daddy to our children.

Bear is nicknamed Bear for many reasons. He is big like a bear. He is protective of his family like a bear. He is intelligent like a bear. He is ferocious when outsiders invade his territory. He is also loving, gentle, and tender like a teddy bear.

Bear is a special man. When we had our first child, Princess, almost five years ago, we made a decision that I thank God for everyday. We made a decision that I would return to work after three months of maternity leave and that he would care for Princess because that was the best situation for all of us. Because of that decision, Princess is a confident, intelligent, courageous, warm, loving, creative, and inspirational free spirit. She is in looooooooooove with her daddy. Bear spoils Princess!! He spoils her with things...the girl has the best wardrobe (she has many things that I wish they had in my size!), and if she asks for it...her daddy makes it happen. He doesn't like to deny her much of anything.

Bear not only spoils Princess with things, but he spoils her with his time and love. Bear wakes up Princess every morning to get her dressed in a fun way. You see, as bubbly as you may see me throughout the day and at night, I am NOT a morning person. I wake up (to music), grumble good morning to Bear, get in the shower (while listening to music), get dressed (while listening to music) so that I can be in the right mind to get Princess to school and start her day on a positive note. Sometimes this is more of a struggle than I'd like to admit. Bear wakes up Princess by jumping on her bed, tickling her, singing one of her songs to her (he made up several songs for her when she was born), playing peek-a-boo with her, and jumping around with her like the basketball teams do before a game.

Bear takes Princess out on special dates. One day I was in the car when she had a great idea. She yelled up front from her car seat, "Daddy, let's go get ice cream when we get back...just me and you kid!" with the biggest grin on her face. Bear laughed and laughed. I asked could I go too, and she said it was okay, but she made me feel like I was messin' her date all up!

Bear not only stayed home with Princess, but he's been home with Juicy Boy too! This energizer bunny of a boy--yeah, all boy is also intelligent, active, courageous, warm and loving free spirit of a different kind! He too looooooooooves his daddy. They are buddies. They "hang out together" and enjoy each other's company.

When Juicy Boy started cruising around the house, I told Bear that he'd be walking in no time. I was excited. One day we were having one of our after dinner dance parties and Juicy Boy was standing up wobbling to the music. Bear said, "watch this," as he put on one of his favorite Jay-Z songs. Juicy Boy heard the music and started walking and clapping his hands. I was soo excited! Bear said, "What do you think we do here all day...play?" -- that is one of his famous lines:) He got Juicy Boy to walk at 9 months in his own way...and it worked.

Juicy Boy is so attached to him that when we went to a family/friend's function recently some of the older women were talking about how it's amazing how you can see the strong bond that Bear has with his children. Oftentimes, he is the one who can soothe them, get them to eat, get them to listen, or get them excited when Mommy just won't do.

I could talk about how special the relationship between Bear and our children is ad nauseam. There are times when I get my little feelings hurt because the kids want him over me. I have my little pity party and then I take a moment and thank God that this extraordinary man...the man I love...is the man that our children LOVE and call, with all the affection in the world, Daddy.

Bear you have left an indelible impression on their lives. I love you for that and for being you. Happy Father's Day!

You're the First...

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I just want to say that I AM BLESSED! I have a wonderful Daddy who I love very much! There are many fathers out there donating sperm and making babies, but Daddies are something special!

My daddy means so much to me. I love him! My daddy taught me something extremely special. He shared his love of music and taught me to dance. He taught me how to really feel the music, listen to the lyrics, appreciate the melody, isolate instruments, and make connections. The dance that my dad taught me was one where there were two partners. Sometimes they danced together and sometimes they danced apart, but they were still partners. That dance is the relationship that I had with my dad and still continue to have today.

Our dance is a strong relationship where I know that my daddy loves me and he knows that I love him back. My daddy taught me the fundamentals of the dance (life) and showed me the specific steps to succeed. He showed me the basics and applauded when I took a dance (life experience) and made it my own. Sometimes he took the lead and so he could show me how to navigate through life. Other times we stood side by side in front of the mirror and learned new "steps" together. He didn't mind when I stepped on his feet or tripped while learning the dances. I did the steps as he's taught them to me until I am confident and then...I add some flair to the dance. My daddy practiced dances with me until he knew that I knew them and then he set me free to dance on my own. Many times I heard the music of life and instead of following the dance steps I've been taught, decided to I've decided to freestyle. My daddy was/is always there to cheer me own in my freestyle dance and to reteach me the steps when I've freestyled so much, that I've forgotten my foundation.

My daddy and I do a mean bop! The bop is a hand dance where there are certain fundamentals that must be learned. He takes the lead and I follow, but we both add our own flair. I follow daddy's gentle guidance and he makes me look like a star. Sometimes we hold hands during the dance, but sometimes he lets me free and I'm on my own. The bop is our special dance that is representative our our relationship. One of our favorite songs to bop to is Jam Tonight by Freddie Jackson. On this Father's Day, I want to say, "Thank you for being a wonderful dance instructor. I love you and can't wait to dance with you again real soon (really dance, not metaphorically speaking this time.) I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!!!...JILLYBEAN

Your Law Your Life

I was reading through my daily blogs and saw this meme on Tender Thoughts and she's so flyy and HAD to do it because its about music.

MEME Rules:
1. Put your itunes/music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT
After you’ve answered all of the questions, tag 5 other people and then let them know they’ve been tagged to do the meme themselves! - I'm not going to tag others, but do it if you have the chance. It's interesting...

If someone says, "Is this okay?" You say...
Shine On by L.T.D.
L.T.D. Greatest Hits

What would best describe your personality?
Having You There by Mississippi Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir: Greatest Hits

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Feelin' the Same Way by Norah Jones
Come Away with Me

How do you feel today?
Fire and Rain by James Taylor
Greatest Hits

What is your life's purpose?
Au Natural by Sweetback
Sweetback

What is your motto?
Real Love by Speech
Speech's Best

What do your friends think of you?
Your Love is King by Sade
The Best of Sade

What do you think of your parents?
Back to Life by Soul II Soul
1989 Keep Movin' On

What do you think about often?
Total Praise (Live) by Richard Smallwood & Vision
The Praise & worship Songs of Richard Smallwood

What is 2+2?
No, No, No by Tony Touch
The Piece Maker

What do you think of your best friend?
Summer in the City by Incognito
Bees+Things+Flowers

What do you think of [your husband]?
Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)
The Best of Teena Marie

What is your life's story?
Need You Tonight by INXS
Kick

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Peter and the Wolf: XII The Hunters Arrive by Prokofiev
Peter and the Wolf: David Bowie, Eugene Ormandy & The Philadelphia Orchestra

What do you think when you see the person you [love]?
It's Gonna Rain by Milton Brunson
Celebration of Joy

What will they play at your funeral?
Paradise by Sade
The Best of Sade

What is your hobby/interest?
You by Raheem DeVaughn
The Love Experience

What is your biggest secret?
Smile by Lalah Hathaway
Lalah Hathaway

What do you think of your friends?
Devotion by Earth, Wind & Fire
All and All

What should you post this as?
Your Law Your Life 12-20-06 by Rev. Michael B. Beckwith
AgapeLive iamplify

Very interesting....

Who Knew?

Last night I made a batch of brownies. My family loves brownies. I made brownies all of the time last summer. It got so bad that Bear told me not to make any more brownies because we were killing a batch every night...yeah, they were that good. He didn't want us walking around looking like the Klumps.

I made the brownies last night also because I needed to take dessert for my lunch bunch at school. Three students bid on a lunch bunch with me and a friend, where I bring the dessert, for my school's PTA silent auction. So, I get the brownie mix...I know you are not surprised that I am not a totally bake from scratch girl...the cake/brownie mixes with some enhancement go a looong way. The way I see it, they are still homemade since I make them in my home:)

Anyway, I put the kids to bed, participate in the the monthly teleconference with Rev. Beckwith (that's another post...so powerful...and I got through with my question AGAIN! I've gotten through the line three out of four times that I've participated. There are about 1500 people on the line and I seem to always get through), and I start making my brownies. I preheat the oven to 350 degrees. I read the directions (actually I glimpse at the pictures). I pull out my mixing bowl, get two eggs from the refrigerator, and measure my oil. I add everything to the mix and begin stirring. I think to myself, "wow this mix is awfully thick, I'm glad Princess isn't helping tonight because it would be too tough for her to stir." Nothing clicks. I pour the mixture into the pan, put it in the oven, and go on about my business for the next 30 minutes.

When I go check on my brownies to see if they need to cook about five minutes longer, I notice that the center of the brownies looks like regular brownies, but the edges look really dense. Uh-oh, as Juciy Boy says, I realize that I forgot to add the water to the mix! I tell Bear and he starts laughing at me and saying that he knew I couldn't read. He proceeds to go on asking how I can teach second grade and not know how to read. He says that I ask kids to read things in class because I can't read them myself, not because they need practice with fluency. He's got JOKES for days!

I don't know what to do to fix the situation. I suck it up and say to myself, "hey, it's late, that's what I made and that's what they'll get." When I woke up this morning and cut the brownies, they were dense, but extremely moist. I tasted a corner of the brownies and knew that I had a hit! The brownies were sooooo good! They were crusty on the edges and chewy gooey in the center like I love! The kids in the lunch bunch loved them. They asked me to make some for the entire class for the last day of school. Princess loved the brownies. She said that she ate her whole lunch so she could eat her brownie. She had a brownie for snack before dinner and got a little upset because she wanted a bigger piece. Yes...I have a new baking secret and I am sharing it with you...leave the water out of the Betty Crocker brownie mix. Try it, I'm sure you'll thank me for the tip...Watch out Food Network!!

Believe in Yourself

We have witnessed and lived through a poignant moment in history. Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. If I could speak to Senator Obama, I would share these words that Glinda the Good Witch (Lena Horne) said best...

If you believe
Within your heart you'll know
That no one can change
The path that you must go
Believe what you feel
And know you're right, because
The time will come around
When you say it's yours
Believe there's a reason to be
Believe you can make time stand still
You know from the moment you try
If you believe
I know you will
Believe in yourself, right from the start
You'll have brains
You'll have a heart
You'll have courage
To last your whole life through...If you believe in yourself...If you believe in yourself...If you believe in yourself...As I believe in you!

I BELIEVE IN BARACK OBAMA! I BELIEVE A CHANGE IS GONNA COME! YES WE CAN!!!

Double Vision...

No, that's not Juicy Boy and Princess, that's my brother and I. I look at my kids and see us. Isn't it interesting the way our genes combine...

I Release and I Let Go...

I've lost weight and I feel
wonderful!

I feel much lighter without the weight, physically and mentally. I didn't go on any particular diet to lose the weight, although I did increase my daily water intake. I didn't begin a special exercise regiment, although I have begun to walk around my neighborhood since the temperature has warmed up. These things combined with the most powerful factor to my weight loss have allowed me to get rid of the fat suit.

I feel like the workers in The Wiz when Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, melts into the toilet at the end of the movie. I feel like I've peeled off the ugly fat suit I was wearing to reveal a beautifully sculptured body (my body doesn't look like theirs, but I like the skin that I'm in). I sing a song rejoicing that I've lost the weight. Ya'll know I love The Wiz.

The most powerful component of my weight loss has been/is my spiritual and personal growth. I know it sounds very new age and cliche, but it's true. When I was placed on bed rest for Juicy Boy, I had to be still. During that stillness, I realized some things. I realized that I was depressed and had been for quite some time. I realized that I didn't value myself. I realized that I made sacrifices for everyone else but myself. I realized that I lived for everyone else but myself. I realized that my previous job for the U.S. Department of Education, while prestigious and financially rewarding, sucked the life out of me. I realized that I loved everyone else but myself.

It seems that for years people had been telling me to take time for myself, I said I would, but I never did. Bear used to encourage me to go out and do something for myself, buy something for myself, have some me time. I would go out, and come back with things for him and/or Princess and not myself. I stopped doing the things that I enjoyed doing like going to the bookstore, walking, shopping, drawing, writing, creating. I stayed in a comfort zone with family and friends who wouldn't/didn't talk about the person they saw disappear before their eyes. They didn't talk about the woman who stopped wearing make up. I didn't wear a lot before, but I only wore make up if it was a special occasion. They didn't talk about the woman who was so active before, but who was always tired. They didn't talk about the woman who could THROW DOWN some food. They didn't talk about the woman who liked to disappear in the group and who would encourage, cheer on, and support others. They didn't talk about the woman who wore black all of the time because she thought it made her look slimmer (I still love black, but for different reasons). They didn't talk about the woman who thought she was chunky but funky, but who knew deep down inside that she was just getting bigger and bigger and who didn't feel funky at all. They didn't talk about the woman who felt out of control, but who attempted to appear to have it all together (and I don't think I was successful at creating that appearance).

While on bed rest, I realized that I was more than the life I was living. I realized that if I wanted to live a different life, I was responsible for designing it with my dreams and actions. I realized that no one, not even my Bear, could give me the life I wanted to live but me. I also realized that God made me and I am His child, so I couldn't be as bad as I felt.

So the search began to find Jill. I honestly didn't know who the real Jill was. I knew the person who did what she thought she was supposed to do. I knew the person who did things to please other people. I knew the Jill who kept on the safe path because...well, it was safe. I was looking for the Jill who loves the sunshine on her face and skin. I was looking for the Jill who is very passionate about education, literature, and art. I was looking for the Jill who has a soundtrack accompanying her daily life. I was looking for the Jill who loves who she is and how she looks. I was looking for the Jill who loves herself so much that she is able to love in a healthy way. I was looking for the Jill who saw God and His miracles everyday in the "ordinary."

I found that extremely special Jill. I found her in my journal writings that allowed me to bleed out the negative experiences and thoughts that had become a part of me. I found her in a renewed relationship with God via the ministering of Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith. I found her in the daily miracles that God shares with us in the "ordinary." I found her in the music that is the soul of my life via the ipod my parents gave me. I found her in the agape love, encouraging words, and recognition of my growth from Bear. I found her in the hugs and kisses from Princess and Juicy Boy. I found her in my friendships...my personal angel network. I found her in creating my cards. I found her in completing my book. I found her in writing this blog. I found her in making a difference at my job. I found her in my evolving style. I found her in walking and even attempting to run for exercise. I found Jill!

I found myself again because as the song says, "I release and I let go, I let the Spirit run my life, and my heart is open wide, Yes it's only up to God, no more struggle no more strife, with my faith I see the Light, I am free in the Spirit, Yes I'm only here for God!"

I Am Not My Hair...

So...I went home and tried to get my hair trimmed because my ends were a little split. I was telling my dad that I wanted to try to go to my mom's stylist to see if she could cut my hair and he suggested that I let her "do" it. I said, okay, if she can squeeze me in, I would let her "do" it. She said she could take me!

Immediately I got excited! I haven't been to a hair dresser since 1991. Yes, that is the last time I had perm in my hair. I was a close cut natural girl until two years ago when I decided to make some changes in my life. One of those changes was to grow hair.

The process of growing my hair has truly been a journey. In a matter of three weeks after making my decision to grow hair, I had to find stuff to put in my hair to moisturize it. I dyed it light brown. I dyed it a shade of red. Then I dyed it blond...at least it that was my intention. I thought I was going to have a platinum blond teeny weeny afro, but what I got was more strawberry blond. Oh, well...I rocked it for a minute. It got on my nerves and I dyed my hair again to try to get to my natural color. That lasted for awhile, but my tips stayed blond. That gave me a funky look for my braid-outs, coils, coil-outs, twists, twist-outs, and my favorite Angela Davis fro. I have fallen in love with my texture and the way my hair responds to different styling techniques. I have also fallen in love with Miss Jessie's hair products! (www.missjessies.com) I don't know how to be natural without them. They have been really good for my hair.

So, I go to the hair salon and tell Melessa to work her magic. She always makes Glo look fly and I knew that I would too. So, they washed and conditioned my hair...it was very relaxing. They blew my hair dry with a brush (not a roller blow dry, but just a regular brush). After that, the straightening comb came out and I began reminiscing about spending time in my Nanny's shop. She straightened my hair and then flat ironed it. Then Melessa finally trimmed my ends...the reason for me being there:) During this time, I read and talked to her. I looked around at what was going on in the shop. I did everything but look at myself because she had my chair positioned so I couldn't see. Melessa started clicking the flat iron and before I knew it I was done and looking in the mirror.....WOW!

I couldn't believe my eyes. I grinned and thanked her for such a wonderful job. I had straight hair...and quite a bit of it. I haven't had this much hair on my head probably since I was ten years old. I went home and my mom and dad just smiled and smiled. My Nanny couldn't believe that I got my hair straightened! She used to always say, "so you still have those naps, huh?" Getting my hair done was worth it. It made my dad happy. I reminded him that this was temporary, but that I would keep it up for awhile. He knows, when it gets hot...the kinks are coming back!

The reactions to my hair have been varied. My husband just laughed and grinned when he saw me for the first time! Bear has never known me with hair and he said it was such a different look that he couldn't stop staring. My Godmother and Godsisters said they couldn't believe that I had so much hair on my head. People at work walked by me a couple of times before they realized it was me. The comments have been very positive. One comment that I liked was from a teacher at school who said that she liked my hair, but that my natural hair reflected my personality more. It has also been different to have men who used to smile and speak to me at the market, not recognize me with straight hair, while others speak more than ever.

I love my hair. Not because it's straight, but because it is versatile and healthy. My hair is like a new accessory! It is an expression of who I am and how I am feeling on any particular day. I have been keeping my hair up for the past four weeks now. It has been interesting learning to sleep on rollers again, using a straightening comb and flat iron. I had to go out and buy a brush and hair pins last weekend. I learned that I MUST keep a rain hat with me during this lovely spring shower mist that we experience every other day in northern Virginia. If I don't, I come home looking like "James Brown after he was arrested," according to my lovely Bear. He's always got jokes! Talking about "We're gonna have a funky good time!"

So, I'll keep you posted about the hair thing. In the mean time, I am enjoying my new
hair(style).

Sista Soul

Last weekend, my linesister Miz Dazey celebrated her 40th Birthday party with a Monte Carlo night event. When we heard about the party, I immediately called on the best babysitters out there, my Goddaughters, the S Girls. The oldest S Girl couldn't come because she had a dance audition at one of the universities she was accepted to for fall '08 (I Feel Like Chicken Tonight!). The youngest S Girl said she would spend the weekend with us and keep Juicy Boy and Princess. YES!

I went and found a really cute black sequined halter dress with Mommy and knew I was going to be looking fly. That is until I tried it on the night before and realized for a number of reasons, this was not the dress. I went out the morning of the party with Miz Dazey (one of my fashion consultants) to find a dress. I tried on a good 12 -14 dresses (many of which looked way better on my body than they did on the hanger) to get down to the final four. I chose a sexy wine colored body hugging dress that made me STRUT my stuff. This was such a special affair, that I went and found two sets of accessories (in case one looked better than the other with my jeweled FM shoes), and even went and got my make up done.

Well, when I got home with my face made up, Bear gave me the perfect reaction--a huge smile. After I showed him the dress with the shoes, he said he wasn't sure we were going to make it to the party!!! I finally did my hair and put my shoes on and I FELT LIKE CINDERELLA going to the ball.

Bear and I had our first date night since I was placed on bed rest November 21, 2006. It was nice to get dressed up and go out dancing like we used to. Bear was looking very dapper too! We laughed, we talked, we reminisced, we dreamed. We danced and just enjoyed each other's company. We celebrated Miz Dazey's life and how she makes the life of everyone she meets better and brighter. We hung out with Mommy and Daddy (they were at the shindig too!). Date night was revived. I was Bear's SOUL SISTA...

I had a wonderful night out with my husband. I'm just glad that I felt equally as beautiful inside as I did outside and my fairy tale didn't end at midnight.

This is my JAM!

Have you ever had a JAM that you feel down in your bones every time you hear it? Well, Hot Music by Soho is mine. This song takes me back to my days at University of Maryland, College Park sweatin' in Prinkert Gym for a party. I tried to put it on my iPod, but iTunes doesn't have it yet. I jammed to it last weekend at my linesister Miz Dazey's 40th Birthday Celebration! It makes me want to jump! Jump! Jump!

Move your body...rock your body...move your body! Gotta have House Music all night long!!!

My Beautiful, Beautiful Beautiful Boy!

On March 31st, my beautiful baby boy turned one year old! I thanked God, I cried, and I shouted at the miracle that I was blessed to receive. Who knew at 21 weeks, that this juicy bundle of joy would change my life in the way he has. Juicy Boy is healthy, intelligent, active (running away with a spin move that always makes me laugh), inquisitive (yeah ya'll, he's nosy), and always processing things. He loves to laugh (at things, at you, at himself). He wrestles anyone who gets on the floor (thanks Bear and Princess). He gives the best hugs (with the little nuzzle in the neck). And...he loves his mommy. I AM BLESSED! Thank you Lord for giving us a wonderful year with Juicy Boy. I look forward to many more.

It's Been a Long Time...

It's been a long time...since I've blogged. I thought I was just taking a "spring break," but life seemed to think I needed a little more time away from the blogging. I miss sharing my thoughts and updates on my life happenings. So, it's good to be back!

I'm going to write a few diffrent entries to share what's been happening in my life. I hope that you enjoy and we get caught up. Thanks for still visiting my site.

Jillybean

Finally

I was reading a post on Afrobella today that made me breathe a sigh of relief. I finally heard someone with sense addressing the negative, racist campaign that Hillary Clinton is running. Keith Olbermann sums it up best. Please listen...

Life is a kaleidoscope...but we're just fine!

I haven't written lately because I was blindsided a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't in an accident or anything, but I was completely knocked off guard by something that happened to a friend. She had a life change...the solid ground that she thought existed gave way. When I heard about what happened, I felt off balance. I felt like I was one of the pretty little gems stones in a kaleidoscope being turned around and around. My surroundings, life, and heart were the same, but mentally I was a bit topsy turvy.


As soon as the incident happened, I wanted to blog. I wanted to write and let the feelings ooze from my body to the keyboard. I wanted to get rid of the feelings of sadness. I wanted to move on and move past. I sat at the computer for days...and nothing happened. I listened to music...and nothing moved me to write what I was feeling. I "lurked" at other bloggers pages to see if I could find some inspiration to write, but nothing would was working. Finally, I sat still and began to digest what was going on and why it was affecting me this way.

I was doing something that I used to do often. I was taking on the energy of someone else's situation because they were close to me. My old thinking of giving so much of yourself to someone to let them know you cared reared it's ugly head again. Bear and I were talking about the situation and he reminded me that I was letting someone else's situation affect me again. I stopped and stepped back.

Being a good friend didn't mean that I should make her situation a part of my life. Being a good friend didn't mean that I should try to psychoanalyze the situation with/for her. Being a good friend didn't mean that I should personally feel hurt, or angry, or any negative feelings. Being a good friend didn't mean that I should walk around holding onto something that my friend let go.

I decided that as a good friend I would listen carefully. As a good friend I would empathize. As a good friend I would be there when/if she needed me. As a good friend I wouldn't dwell on the past, but enjoy dreaming about the future with her. As a good friend, I would speak in truth. As a good friend, I would recognize that my friend's life is defined by more than one situation. As a good friend, I would just be...me.

I spoke to my friend last week. She was doing well. She sounded good. She and I laughed. I enjoyed our conversation of she being she...and me being me.

As God's gems, I recognize that our lives are kaleidoscopes of experiences. These kaleidoscopes will continue to change throughout our lives. While we are turning and tossing through our experiences, it is important to step back and see how bright, vibrant, and exciting our lives are. Our lives have been be beautifully designed by the Master. We have to often step back from what may seem like a radical shake up to see the big beautiful picture that God has in store for us.

Still A Friend Of Mine

The past two years have been years of transition. I've moved, had another child, changed jobs, grown hair(!!!), grown spiritually, and emotionally. (Thank goodness I haven't grown physically;) During my transition some of my friendships have become closer. I have gained so much from my angelfriends (yeah, I'm talking about you!). You enhance my life, my family, my spirit. You keep me refreshed.

During my transition others friendships have become more distant. I am grateful for the strong relationships that I've been able to continue, but I truly miss those friends who I don't talk to as much as I used to. I miss their laughter, views, conversation, families, children and just basic...friendship. I know we all get caught up in life...work, family, activities, etc. So, I assume that we all are experiencing similar life-things and have an understanding about the frequency of our calls or visits. I know that sometimes I am guilty of thinking that my Girls know me...they know I'll come up for air when I'm finished riding this roller coaster, or when I can get situated, or when I finally feel like talking...when they actually might not. My mistake.

This year, I am making an effort to talk to friends that I haven't in awhile, and to keep up with those I have. Now, I'm not saying this is going to be easy, but making a call or writing an email message, or even sending a card, just to say I'm thinking about you is often all it takes to let someone know you care and keep the friendship rolling.

I treasure all of the friendships that I have, whether they be close or distant, at the moment. I love my friends and as the Incognito song says, "Here and now, still somehow, still a friend of mine, oh you're still a friend of mine...Seasons come and seasons go...I'm gonna be right here for you! Still a friend of mine, oh you're still a friend of mine!"

Dancin' Queen

Not to be outdone by her baby brother, Princess gave us a show too. She just has sooo many moves. The hair thing really cracks me up! She is such a girly girl.

Boogie Fever

We here at the Rhythm Nation were having some fun on our SNOW DAY! Juicy Boy can't help but feel the beat! Go Juicy...Get Busy!

I'm sending you a Valentine...

Happy Valentine's Day BEAR! I love you more today than yesterday...but not half as much as tomorrow!

I hope everyone who reads this enjoys a day filled with positive energy and love from family and friends.

Puff le Dragon Magique

Today was a special day for Princess. It was the annual school concert. She, her classmates, and peers sang for their adoring photo and video frenzied parents. They recited an opening Peace Poem and followed up with two songs about working together. Then they sang two songs about content they've learned, "Tell me the Oceans" and "Tell Me the Continents." After those big hits...(The songs stay in your mind..."Tell me the name of the five big oceans, tell me the names if you can! The (short e) Pacific! The (long e) Atlantic!...") they sang in French. Now, I didn't understand a thing they sang, but I knew the tunes of the songs...and the program confirmed my thoughts. They sang the Itsy Bitsy Spider (Princess' favorite song as an infant and toddler) and What a Wonderful World (Louie Armstrong would be proud). Now the finale, and the best part of the concert was when they 3, 4, and 5 year old students sang Puff le Dragon Magique!

When Princess first started singing this song at home, I thought she was making up the lyrics. I know that sounds terrible, but she had just recieved a wonderfully illustrated version of Puff the Magic Dragon from a colleague of mine with a CD of the song. Princess is really intrigued by languages, and has been known to create her own when she hears someone else speaking a foreign language. So when I heard her sing, "Puff le Dragon Magique..." at home, I thought she was in her creative mode and just decided that she would enhance the song. Little did I know!

I was such a proud mommy when I saw her reciting and singing in English and French. Princess is a wonderful blessing. She is intelligent, caring, funny, silly, inquisitive, conscious of who she is, creative, and a part of me. My beautiful girl is growing up. Sometimes I just look at her in awe of just how good God has been to me. Thank you Lord!

Click for Cancer

I received an email earlier this week asking me to visit The Breast Cancer site. This is a wonderful site that provides information on breast cancer, shares survivor stories, as well as informs the reader about projects. The best thing about this site is everytime someone visits the site, and clicks the pink button on the home page, sponsors in turn pay for a free mammogram for a woman. It's very simple...visit the site daily, click the pink button daily, and sponsors pay for mammograms. Let's take a moment out of our day to make a difference in the life of someone else. One mammogram can save a woman's life through early detection. PLEASE CLICK FOR CANCER! Your click can allow a woman to LIVE through life's challenges of breast cancer with strength and grace.

It's time to D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read)

What are you reading? Although my time has been filled with extra Juiciness since Juicy Boy was born, I still try to read good books. Well, let me rephrase that. I try to read good literature. I like to read books by some mainstream authors like Jane Smiley, Michael Crichton, Amy Tan, and Wally Lamb, but I really enjoy reading good African American literature.

Now, let me be clear, I am not speaking of the new "street lit" category of books being passed off as literature in some books stores and libraries. Zane doesn't do it for me. Neither does Sista Souljah. I am talking about books by writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Marie-elena John, Pearl Cleage, Benilda Little, Toni Morrison, Martha Southgate, Alice Walker, Lalita Tademy, Gloria Naylor, Suzan-Lori Parks, Bebe Campbell Moore, Ntozake Shange, and even Zadie Smith. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I am talking about books that transport me to another place and/or time; books that make me think; books that explore people from the African diaspora; books that challenge my current thought; books that inspire; books that move me; books that make me laugh; books where the characters are people I know in real life; books that sometimes slip in some new vocabulary; books that share the Black experience that I know; books that tell a wonderful story.

I have been trying to find good literature to read for the past two years and...it has been difficult. I go in the bookstore and see what's on the newly released shelves and find...little or nothing. I go to the featured new writers shelves and find...little or nothing. I peruse the shelves in alphabetical order looking for new releases from my favorite authors to find...little or nothing. I've asked some of my friends for suggestions of titles that I may have missed only to find out they are in the same situation. What is going on? Why the dearth of good African American literature?

There may be several reasons that African American literature is not hitting the shelves the way it used to. One reason is that "street lit" is extremely popular and profitable. Another reason is that many great authors take awhile to write quality novels. Martha Southgate, author of Third Girl from the Left (which I enjoyed), wrote a book review for "The New York Times" that may explain a few more reasons for the limited supply of quality African American literature. You can read her article here.

To assist people like me who are searching for works by African American authors, Southgate and a few colleagues created a new blog called ringShout. It is a very basic blog, and is in it's infancy, but it has a book list that carries out its mission of "recognizing, reclaiming and celebrating excellence in contemporary literary fiction and nonfictionby black writers in the United States." YES!

If you are as excited about this website and specifically this book list, please take a look at it here and go to the book stores, libraries, book sale websites and request these titles and authors. Maybe if we request these books and others like it, publishers will take note and print more quality literature in larger quantities. It's worth a try...

Happy reading!