The Drop Off

It took me some time, but I have finally made the "drop off". I know, it sounds like I made a run for the street pharmaceutical man, delivering the oooh wee...the candy...the snow...the dope...etc. However, that is not the case. I actually made a drop off of another kind, but do want to address the drop off spoken about above...if I may, briefly.

I watched "American Gangsta" the other week. The movie was long, but it kind of warmed my heart in the end. Again, I don't condone that behavior (he could have put his savvy intelligence to work for good from jump), but it offered hope to those that are involved in the game (often times who sadly know no better). The main character Frank Lucas was a natural leader, intellectual, and a go getter. He was calm about his business...low key and never flashy. He managed to come up with what I would dare to say was an excellent business plan. It was so savvy that at the height of his career, his per diem was approximately one million. His reign lasted for a minute, and would have lasted even longer had those that were working with him (his family) had the preservation of the business in mind. He ended up helping out the leader of the narc unit on the case and getting off with somewhere between 9 and 15 years in the slammer. He came out and now lives what is seen as a somewhat normal life. In his own words he is doing the following:

Lucas: I do whatever I got to do. I'm putting things together, trying to
build a facility where kids can go play ball and whatever. I'm waiting on the
mayor right now to get another space to go ahead and do that. I got some help on
the way, and I want to try to put that to use. I'm working with my daughter,
Francine. ... I'm getting some finances lined up now so I can do it. I want to
be remembered for helping these kids. If I can get them to follow what I ask
them to do, I'll be happy. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1573648/20071106/story.jhtml

The story spoke volumes to me. It proved to me the following:
-There are cases where people go to jail, come out and can live decent lives.
-One can fall down, but the mark of a true man (or woman) is one that can get up from their mistake and turn it into something wonderful for others.
-In life, we give to get and get to give.
-Sometimes those who strive to look out for self, end up looking out for you too.
-Once we've waddled in the mud, it is our duty to see that those around us avoid getting dirty the way we did.

I just needed to get that off my chest. I have folk (as Mr. Stephens over at rawdawgb would say) on lock down for various reasons, and I need them to know that they can make it. It is never too late...as long as there is breath in your body to turn over a new leaf. Now into...My Drop Off!

I am officially featured in the

Elle Bee Studio store

in Manasquan, NJ.

I took the items on Friday, and had the pleasure of meeting the store owner...who was a gem. She is a jeweler herself and liked the goods. There is nothing better than knowing that another artist likes your work. The shop is about a mile from the beach, and there is a bead store around the corner that is like a beaders heaven. And it doesn't stop there folks. My sister traveled with me (thanks Kiwi) and wanted to eat at this restaurant we passed. We stopped in there and asked for a menu. It turned out not to be the restaurant that we were looking for, but it worked out to my benefit anyhow. We started to chit chat with the woman that greeted us. I told her why we were in Manasquan and she stated that the restaurant was looking to possibly have jewelry classes on Thursday night for their ladies night. Now, the store is about an hour and fifteen minutes from my home, and in all seriousness it may cost me more to get down there than what they would pay me for the class. However, I am a firm believer that God always makes provisions for the vision that He has put in motion. Things will go the way that He desires them to.

So people, there you have it! There will be much more on the horizon for sure. And on another note, I am extremely grateful today that I have lived to see my 29th year today. God is real yall! If you don't know, please ask, and I will surely let you know. The fact that I am alive and have the use of my limbs to explore the gifts that God has given me, is a beautiful thing.

Thank you JESUS!

Pearls of Wisdom:

Do what you do best. To do someone else never serves you or others justice.

Be Blessed!

An "I Wonder..." Day

Have you ever had an "I wonder..." day? I wonder how I got here, but I'm glad that I'm here or I wonder how I got here, but I've got no clue how to get out? I've been on both ends of the stick, but within the last couple of days, it seemed to be the later of the two scenarios.

The great things:

I have taught my first jewelry beading class. It went smashingly well. It was a private lesson and the woman was so pleased that she is scheduling another class. She made a pair of drop earrings that she allowed her daughter to wear out of the store. They looked great! I will hopefully have some pics of my students work to put here a little later.

I have recently joined a photography website. The people have been very welcoming thus far. I look forward to posting my work there for some feedback, and being able to identify photography contests that are legit for me to enter.

I jazzed up my studio a bit. I hung lots of some previous prints that I have done in order to inspire me while I am there. It's a space that I feel real comfy going to now. Before, I had no choice...I had to do my work somewhere. However, now...I am sort of elated to be able to get down there to work.

The "I wonder how I got here, and what do I do":

Lots of thought have gone into the things below.

I took my car to the dealership yesterday for them to check out my breaks and tire rods. I asked for an oil change and a 25 point inspection. They came back stating that they could do none of the above. Why? The nut or bolt (or whatever you choose to call it) is stuck; the pan cannot be emptied. It seems the thread is stripped. That means that they have to replace the whole pan. The cost of that is roughly 1,200 dollars. I laughed when they told me. I thought it was hilarious, as I just paid 1,200 in February to fix some computer issues so that it could pass inspection. Oh, and it doesn't stop there folks. As I went to the back to check out the screw that could not be unscrewed, the mechanic pointed something else out. The piece that you take down to get to the oil pan that is supposed to be held by bolts, is held by ties. Yes people...TIES! You know the plastic devices that hold items down in stores in hopes that thieves don't walk away with items that are not theirs....kind of ties. I felt like hitting the deck at that point. It was only God (and the woman that was gracious enough to pray with me) that allowed me to walk out of that place with my head up. As I got home I did my research and found out that my car had never had an oil change. The last place just topped the oil off, which just reinforced that I was ripped off by the place I bought the car from. I started to think about all the things I could do to their establishment. How I could give them bad press if I wanted too. How I could go and picket in front of their store. As I thought, I was reminded that cheaters never prosper. I was reminded that they don't get to get my joy. I was reminded that there are wicked folks here on earth and there will always be. I was reminded I am not fighting that particular person, but a spirit that lives within them. Bottom line....they aren't worth my aggravation! I will ride Dayton (my car) until I can't ride him any longer. And I have a feeling that will be a long time...or at least I pray so.

I am faced with yet another decision as far as my job goes, which has really been a blessing. There is a possibility that my current part-time position will go full-time. It may not be within the next couple of months, but then again it may. Things on the art end are going well, but have not opened up enough to completely stop working as of yet. However, I do need a position such as the one that I have that offers me some flexibility to do my thing. I have to be honest and say that after weeks of thinking about this, I am not too worried. I know the God that I serve has

provided for me thus far, will continue to do so. Nerve racking....maybe. Impossible....NEVER!

So there you have it folks. The things that make me say "hmmmm". The things that just cause me to wonder. There are a few other things that I could ramble about, but let us just say that I am making my way to greener pastures. The season is about to change in a couple of days, and I am believing that there are great changes occurring for me around the bend.

Pearls of Wisdom:

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world."

-Ada Lewis Huxtable

Be Blessed!

My Wig is Blown

Yesterday the Lord officially "blew my wig back". The "blowing back of the wig" is a statement that I have adopted from a wonderful woman of God that I call a best friend and sister. It means that you were surprised beyond belief...in essence, your socks were knocked off. And yesterday, all of that happened. I am extremely thankful. I am thankful beyond what words can express.

I had a meeting for my job as a program manager and that went well. I spotted a friend that I had not seen since starting my new position. I went to a beading supply store that I didn't have any intention of going into before the moment I stepped in the door.

The result from these seemingly insignificant occurrences:
-I have a better understanding of how to move forward with the program that I am helping to run.

-The friend that I ran into is in the position to introduce me to a gallery owner this evening at "First Fridays" (a night of gallery openings in the city that happens every 1st Friday of each month).

-The offer has been extended for me to teach a jewelry beading class...and yes, I have accepted!

So you all...these are indeed baby steps. However, I understand the monstrous presence that a baby step holds. Baby steps grow to be adult characteristics and habits. What a wonderful thing to know that these baby steps and those to come are all designed to make me the woman that God desires for me to be now and in the future.

Pearls of Wisdom:

When upon life's billows you are tepest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done

-Johnson Oatman Jr.

Be Blessed!

Fuel

I went to bed on Tuesday evening with the intentions of blogging before I did so. However, the man with the sand had poured some of his elixir in my eyes forcing them to shut, unbenownst to me. I had in mind to write so many things, but as I woke up on Wednesday morning, it was clear why I hadn't.

I woke up with fuel on my mind. It was the strangest thing. I mean, I know that gas prices are high and all, but to wake up with it on my mind was insane, until I thought a bit deeper.

Fuel is what makes things like planes, trains and automobiles go. Fuel (although this sort we call encouragement) is what keeps us as human beings go. It keeps us on the path that we ought to be and ultimately guides us into our destiny. So, as I thought about the day before, it all became evident why God had slipped that small word into my spirit.

The day before I received a surprise in the mail from one of my blog sister friends...lovebabz. The card (as you can see) is lovely. It reminded me of my days of singing karaoke with friends. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that someone that I have not had the pleasure of meeting in person would fuel a dream of mine. She sees the passion that God has gifted and thought it not robbery to lend to that gift, all while teaching me that I should do more of the same. It really reinforces the biblical meaning of you reap what you sow, or as some would like to call...the rules of reciprocity.

So, I thank LoveBabz and all the other supporters out there for sowing into a dream that has been for so long deferred. This is my season to start to blossom and I am so glad that there are folks around that take time to water my God given talent. He has planted, and allowed you all to water. For that, I am eternally grateful!

Pearls of Wisdom:
God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,
A gauntlet with a gift in it.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Be Blessed!

I Hate the Lull!

The close to month lull without blogging is just about killing me. It creeps up so fast without me evening knowing it. I have to be honest and say that I have been in sort of an art funk these past couple of days...almost extending to a week. Today...I broke free, and it feels oh so lovely! So, here is the skinny on what has been going on in my art world.


Painting: I have been doing lots of this, thanks to a set that I am working to create for a play that my church is putting on...."The Glory Train". I am a one woman shop for this assignment. It's cool, although I don't think that folks realize how tedious it can be. I just count my blessings to be able to create what is asked of me. This pic is part of the fire for a scene depicting hell. I have been holding off on the button pieces to get this one done.






(not sure why the pics are posting this way)










Jewelry: Am feverishly making some. I am trying to get up some inventory to put in the store that I told you about in Jersey. I am excited about that opportunity. A friend of mine wants to have a jewelry party featuring my stuff. I am also thrilled about this prospect. The only thing is that I am having a hard time supplying the demand. That's all good though...right? It's going to have to be for the time being. Oh and there is a possibility that I may get with Mr. Stephens to create some jewels for the pooches.


Photography: I took Buddy out last week and shot at the Barnes and Noble around my way. It was cool. What I got was some things that look like they would be good for catalogs or something. I will have to post a couple of them next time. I am going to be taking some pics during my niece's kindergarten graduation within the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to that occasion.


So folks...I am still on the grind, although I have not been as vocal about it. I will try and do a better job of staying on the up and up.


Something a little more personal...I've taken to cataloging at least one thing that I learned during the day. Today, there were more like two.

1. I have the ability to push and work through a funk to get to the brighter side
2. I trust myself to be vulnerable with those that care about me. There is no need to hide behind a mask.


Pearls of Wisdom:
Choose to be the best that you can be
To be authentic in everything
Your past does not dictate who you are
YOU CHOOSE!

Because you never know where life is going to take you
And you can't change where you have been
But TODAY you have the opportunity to choose
-India Arie (I choose)


Be blessed!

We Bid Graham Adieu

We said farewell to Graham (aka Miss Mary) t0day. She took the train. After she arrived, she called. And as I stated last night, she said that she had a pleasant ride. It didn't seem too long to her since she spoke to a woman the whole ride there.

Despite the rough times we have had these past few months, I am truly grateful. So, I dedicate this one to Graham!

THANKS GRAHAM!

The Grind

The week has gone by so fast, and I have definitely been on my grind....with many things. I have almost successfully completed another button piece that I started on Saturday. Yes...the one that is posted. Sewing is becoming second nature. My fingers are not as sore, and I don't have as many stab wounds to attest to the sewing of thousands of buttons. I haven't actually counted how many I have sewn, but it is definitely over 1,000. I will make a big to do about the 10,000 button mark. You all will know about that one for sure. It's a funny thing...I am unable to productively sew buttons outside of the confines of my bedroom. I can do everything else successfully in my studio, but the sewing elsewhere just does not work.

It is absolutely amazing how creativity flows when you just start to give unto it. I guess it is much like anything else. You give and you receive. Some call it the law of reciprocity, but I accredit it to the Lord. Call me super spiritual if you would like, however I would have lost the little bit of sense that I have without Him. They say that you must walk a mile in someones shoes to really know where they have been. I say, I don't want to walk a mile in any ones shoes, but my own. See we view folks on the tube, in our neighborhoods, sometimes family and friends that have millions, but we have no idea what they had to endure to get there. Remember people...the grass always looks greener on the other side, but what did that side have to do to make their grass so green? Did they water it daily (put in honest and necessary work to make it)? Did they use fertilizer (got some help from trusty friends and family using their networking skills)? Did they roll out fresh grass over top old and dead grass (Desperate times call for desperate measures...they hooked and crooked or slept their way to the top. They cover up their dirt with glitz and glamour that looks good on the outside.)? Just some food for thought!

In Other News:

Graham is moving back to her old abode tomorrow. It's rather strange, but she is elated. Talk about the grass being greener on the other side. I guess she thought being here was going to be a walk in the park. Although our home is a great spot to be in...much to her dismay, it was not a five star resort. Not because it couldn't be, but because we didn't allow it to be for her. Here she had to do some things for herself (not that she didn't at her old abode). Truthfully, she has a better support system (one that she is accustom to) at her old abode. She must return by tomorrow to get some important paperwork filled out and signed.

So her departure will be tomorrow, but of course without a bang of an exit. She is taking the train. One would think that was simple enough. We take you all the way to the platform, get on the train with you to make sure that you are situated, ask the conductor to keep a close eye on you to make sure that you are alright and that you don't miss your stop, and someone will be on the other end to do the same when you arrive to your destination. Not with Graham though. She is too sick and weak to do the above routine. It is way too much walking for her (although we have assured her that we could get a wheelchair if need be), and she would rather be driven to her 2 hour destination. Here are her options for who could drive her (although they are not options at all):

D: My cousin. He works 3rd shift and has a family that consists of a wife and four children (aging from 1 to 13). So she doesn't want to ask him. He has to work and has a family to take care of. He needs to get rest.

Jim: My cousin as well. Age 70 and is recovering from a heart attack he had 3 weeks ago. She doesn't really want to ask him either, although he is back to work. He should not be up and about. He needs to rest and recover.

*She doesn't want to bother either of these family members, but has no problem mentioning that she was going to ask them to take her hadn't the above circumstances been existing. All in hopes that they would make an exception this one time for her.

Sieg: A child from her old stomping ground. Okay...he is no longer a child, but she helped to raise him (you know...it takes a village to raise a child). She has no problem asking him, but has had trouble catching up with him until today. She couldn't find his phone number, as she has not spoken to him in years. She had been calling every contact that she knew to get it, and today she got her golden ticket. However, it wasn't so golden when she found out that he was not able to oblige her request. He doesn't do much highway driving, and has two jobs.

Bottom line...Graham will be riding the rails tomorrow, much to her chagrin. She will get over it and tell us how pleasurable her trip was, once it is over. That is just how it goes for her.

Although she was only here for a short time, I learned a lot about her and myself. She offered more inspiration than she would ever know. She opened the door to allow me to do what the Spirit that lived within me was telling me to do all along. She doesn't know it, but she allowed me to have faith in what I knew to be right. I've always loved her, but love and respect her all the more for what she has done.

Pearls of Wisdom:

Family quarrels have a total bitterness unmatched by others. Yet it sometimes happens that they also have a kind of tang, a pleasantness beneath the unpleasantness, based on the tacit understanding that this is not for keeps; that any limb you climb out on will still be there later for you to climb back.

~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Do you honor your family although sometimes they may not be worthy of honoring?

Be blessed!