I know this book was written by a man but it is like a gospel to me. I have heard about this book for years. I never took the time to purchase and read it. This year I have been wrestling with my 2011 plans and I almost backed out when my manager told me he had a book. He brought in The Alchemist 3 months ago and I not only devoured the book in one sitting. I am rereading it this time around taking my time and meditating on all that I have read. I have decided to step out and follow my plans. If you have never read this book . . . Get it.
Last night, I was on Facebook/Twitter (I keep them open in separate windows all 4 accounts) when I saw a friend post on Facebook she just read Teena Marie died. I popped open my twitter page and wrote something like Teena Marie died???? Then I went to Google and didn't see anything about it. So, I left a comment on the friends post that asked was it a news source or gossip source. She said the radio station she listens to in Philly posted it.
Back on twitter there was a debate of whether it was true or not. Then someone tweeted Ron Isley said she died. I still wanted to see a link to an actual news source. But when Shelia E tweeted it and said they just took the body. I believed it. Why? She is Shelia E.
Soon, it was breaking news.
At the young age of 54, Teena Marie had passed.
Last night, I played a Teena Marie tribute. Her death really made me sad. Not because she is a celebrity. I know that people tend to get caught up in celebrities death as if we knew them but for another reason.
Before I tell you the reason, let me say that 1.) Teena was a gifted and exceptional singer 2.)She never got the credit and recognition she deserved.
Lady T's death upset me because for one reason or another . . . she always reminded me of my mother. Not that my mother was running around singing or anything, especially like Lady T. It was Lady T's hair color, and facial features, and (despite the picture I posted where my mother was on the heavy side) my mother's weight would go up and down but she was top heavy and flat in the butt just like Lady T. haha
Teena Marie's death made me sad because I like her and because she reminded me of my mother. Remember when I tried to find my mother a few years back? Well, last night I considered trying again. I still have the information and know the address but, I decided against it. In my heart, when Teena died so did my mother and the desire to try find her and make her part of my life.
I am going to end this with two of many of my favorite Teena Marie songs. (I can't sing but put on some Teena and I will think I can)
This is the only picture that I have of my mother. For some reason Blogger won't let me put the bigger view up.
Anyway, I was 7 when this was taken. My sister 3 and my brother 4. Before I go any further, look at my brother's high water suit and black laces. I died 4 times looking at them. *dead *revived *dead . . 6 times.
Not too long after this photo was taken my mother quit coming around. See, she would be around then, go back to her family then, come back. Finally, after years she left my father and her children for good. Well, she did come and try to get me once but, that is another story.
See how she is holding my hand (also we the only ones smiling cause . . cause we sitting together and holding hands)? I was always her favorite. I tease my brother and sister about it. They act like they don't care . . they do. I know that is so mean to do to children who don't really remember their mother. Oh well, sometimes I can't help it. They grown now they will survive.
Anyway . . . look at my brother's tight blue suit. . *dead That suit is 4 sizes too small and his shirt is cutting off circulation to his brain. He can't breath! He can't breath!
And on top of it all . . . he got on white socks. . . I am dying!!!
My father never smiled in a damn picture. Like dude is it really always that serious? Every picture I got of that man is smile less. Like dude black don't crack . . smile. This picture is not the best so, it may be hard to tell this but, I am the one who looks most like my father.
My mother had straight long hair then one day she went and came home with a curly fro. Maybe she wanted to fit in with my father's family. That dress is just hideous.
Then, there is my sister on the end. She ai'right looking with her alien head. Sitting there like she don't have a clue and is just a prop. That photographer crossed her feet and folded her hands and she stayed like that. Those shoes are ugly too. Buster Brown boots.
Trying not to look at the boy in blue. . . . . . .
My sister like I said is ai'right but let's be honest . . .I am doing my thing . . looking fly. . and knowing it. Yes, I thought I was hot stuff. I use to love those shoes. They had a little wedge and so that made me adore them more. Even at a young age, I was obsessed with heels. I had on my little cowgirl outfit. Vest. Skirt. Sporting my sweater tights. If I had that outfit now, I might just sport it. Don't hate me cause I'm stylish (in my Keri Hilston voice).
P.S. Don't worry about my brother and sister getting mad at me for talking about them . . .it's what we do. We will pull out pictures or bring up memories, or just look at one another and go in. Especially, me and my brother, we go hard. My sister can't go like us. She usually ends up getting all weepy on us. My brother he can say some funny stuff but, I am the one. My evil sarcastic behind will go in for the kill. I am being very tame in this post.
On Saturday, December 11, 2010 my son and his classmates competed in the Ballroom Dancing Competition Fall 2010 Semi-Finals. Here is how it all began. . .
Earlier, this year my son came home and told me that instead of having gym, him and the entire 5th grade at his school would be learning ballroom dance. He was quite unhappy. Fast forward two weeks, he comes home saying, "Dance with me Mommy." The ballroom dancing seemed to have quickly grown on him.
In November, the school held a presentation for the parents in the school gym. There was so much cuteness watching those "babies" dancing. My son did well not a professional by any means but, hey they/he had only been doing it for two months.
When we were at the presentation, the instructor explained to us that 6 couples (12 children) would be chosen to represent the school in the competition. Honestly, I knew my son was not one of the chosen.
Fast forward a few weeks later, I received a call my son was one of the young men chosen to compete (I really believe someone else dropped out but, so what he made it back-up or not).
So, we get to the place where they are holding the competition and once we get inside, I realize I have no clue about what is going on and how serious it is.
*1. I thought it was just a competition among city public schools . . . it wasn't. Other schools were also there.
*2. This was the first year that his school participated however, some of these schools had been there before.
*3. I think his teachers and principals were a little surprised by how serious this is to some. When I got the call I was told that the boys would wear white shirts and black pants and the girls a nice dress or skirt. Well, that was just OUR school and one other school that thought that way. The other schools had the girls in matching dresses and the boys in matching shirts. Because, the schools were identified by colors the young girls wore sashes. Our school also, gave the boys matching bow ties and cumber bands.
*4. The parents of these children were serious. They wore the colors of their schools teams. They brought pom poms, signs, and noise makers.
Here I naively thought it was all in fun and we would be all proper-like. Silly Rabbit.
Well, I quickly caught on and my big mouth did plenty of cheering and screaming for my son and his classmates.
Here is how the competition went. There were six couples from each school. For the first round each couple was assigned a dance to do. My son and his partner had to do the Foxtrot for the first round. For the second round, the were assigned a dance that was randomly chosen from a box. My son and his partner were given the Merengue.
My son at ten is short. His dance partner was just about as tall at me. I tell you that made it all the more cute (I am sure the judges were cooing about it too).
In the end, my son and his school were on of 4 gold teams to move on to the finals in April. If they win the finals, they will go on to the state championships. I am so excited, but first we have got to practice, practice, practice because this is serious.
I am now learning the dances to help him.
Lastly, afterwards when they were taking team pictures and we were all celebrating, I felt so bad for the children crying who lost. I guess in the end it is all a valuable lesson.
