What do you mean by that?

I was thinking today about how we have come to be creatures of routine. We pass each other on the streets and say "how are you doing?" When the cashier at the store hands us our change she says "have a nice day!" Good morning, God bless you, See you later; we say it but do we mean it? I was with my grandfather one afternoon at the Navy Exchange. The man behind the counter asked him how he was doing. My grandfather complained about some ailment he has and the cashier said, "that's good." I looked at my grandfather and he looked at me. I shrugged. But we do it all the time, don't we? Mindless thoughts, words that creep from behind our tongues and through our lips, into the atmosphere. Pleasantries. But why say anything at all if we really don't mean it?

My resolution this year is going to be to say what I mean and mean what I say, to back up my words with actions. So when you see me on the streets and I ask how you are doing, I really want to know. When I say God bless you, I'll be praying for you, I'll lend a helping hand. If I tell you to have a nice day it'll be accompanied by a great big smile. That's the least I can do, so you won't wonder at me...what do you mean by that?

Enquire?

I received a phone call today...long story short, we came to a discussion about the word "enquire" being used in an acronym. "I don't like it," I told my friend. She told me she hadn't made up the acronym, and was using what was already determined. I thought about it some more and said it a few times aloud. "I know what bothers me about it. It is the spelling of the title of a not-so-reputable, slanderous, scandalous periodical. I don't think we should use it. We need to think of something else." After some brief contemplation and discussion we agreed on "empower". There is a wide divide between those two words. Word. Is it a word if it isn't? That's a curious thought. But anyway, we decided that "empower" can be interpreted as giving or receiving. It's a good word, as words go, strong and positive.

On that note, I have a capelet that emits that sentiment: strong and positive, empowering. The perfect gift for Valentine's Day... SHIPPING is FREE in the U.S.!!! I will ship pre-wrapped for ease of gift giving, just add a card and you're ready to go!!! Plus receive 15% off when you mention this blog on your purchase (wait for an updated receipt)
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Hook and Ladder

Well, mostly hook. This past fall I started teaching crochet classes at the local community college. It was really something to see these ladies come to me with the desire to learn to crochet. Some had never picked up a hook and yarn before while others had learned as young girls and needed a refresher. After a four week class (one day a week) which wasn't nearly long enough I was pleased to see these talented women take ownership of a new craft. They brought hats, scarves, baby blankets, pot holders and slippers to the last class. Their finished projects. I may have been more proud than they were.

Winter classes are about to begin and I didn't sign up to teach. I'm kind of bummed about it. So I'll set my sights on the spring.

And I have to say, there is nothing better than doing what you love...save for helping someone else to love it too...

Into the New Year

On the dawning of the new year I have made my premature resolution to begin a blog. The purpose? Well, to market myself, my work and my passions, to erect a journaling about my children, and to use many of the words I have floating around in my head. Entertaining for you; possibly. Therapeudic for me; definately.

2009 will surely mark the begining of a new era. Remarkably we are about to welcome the first African American President into office. Some of us worry that the United States is not ready, some argue that we aren't far enough removed from the volitile struggles of the 50s and 60s, and still others declare that Black America won't be able to handle it; that said by African Americans. But I look with the sun in my eyes over the horizon. My future is bright. The future of my children even brighter. We cheered when one of us, one simple one of us, stood up and stood out. Visions of the impossible broken into a million pieces and scattered in the streets. We held parades and parties, we danced and sang, and cried, and we held each other as each generation has faced her own victories of the past and shared this inevitable victory for the future. The greatest accomplishment in this country, for our people, and this nation.