Tamara Grants's Monday Morning Musings 12/1-5/08

In this season, it's quite possible that you are thinking of the things you don't have versus the things you do. Maybe you realize what you can't afford vs the bills that you have been able to pay. Possibly you are thinking of the gifts you can't get for people, versus your good health. Did you realize when you were complaining about your job, that there are many people, millions to be exact, that have been unemployed for years now.

It's easy to see the negative things in life, because voids are clearly evident. How much work would it take on your part to actually think of the things that you do have? It's always harder to see the positive side of things when the storm is clouding your view.

I tend to be the type of person that likes to see the other side of things. I don't only see things in what I call "tunnel vision"- you know, you can only see what's right in front of you and you are completely unaware of other miracles around you. This is the season of thanksgiving; a season when you are supposed to take time out to look at what you are most thankful for. I'm not sure why we only do this once a year, at the end of the year. I think it should be something that we assess monthly. Then maybe people won't live their lives in such a funk that they feel like they are victims all of the time.

Have you assessed the positive things in your life?

For every one negative event, person, thing, name two positive.

How can you challenge yourself to see your glass as half full instead of half empty?

Post all of your answers at http://www.tamaragrant.blogspot.com

Peace and Blessings,
Tamara

http://www.myspace.com/maraangel
http://www.thecoolingboard.blogspot.com
http://www.tamaraangelagrant.com

Hello - Please let me introduce myself

Hi my name is Irving, most of my friends and co-workers call my Lord, and I'm referred to as Lord'Williams in the literary community. Regardless of which name you use, remember this, I am one down to earth, realistic brother. I'm a great listener, slow to respond. I am a husband, a father, and grandfather. I have been married for 30+ years. My kids are grown, and my grandson turns 3 years old next month on Dec. 27, which is 10 days after mine.

I have a great passion for writing, but I'm not a writer. I am a storyteller. I guest I consider myself a storyteller more than a writer is because I can't sum up life in 300 to 500 pages. Life is not just one problem, at least it's not for me. -So if you ever get the chance to read novels, you will see my characters all have a lot of problems... LOL.

I am a person who is easy to get along with, and I'm very personable, bold, and sometimes tactless. My motto is, 'fuck'em if they can't take a joke.'

Like I said, I'm real down to earth brother. I am spiritual, I love my Lord Jesus, and my Father Elohim, and a lot of people find that hard to believe, but trust me I'm deep. I don't use four letter words that often and... and... Well that's just a lie, do use them a lot. It usually depends on my mood. If I'm standing up for a woman right to have a life of her own, you'll hear or read a lot of four letter words. I don't like stupid people, and some of the things that brothers do or put on a sister just piss me f*** off.

You may come across some of my blogs which will reflect my anger, my joy, my curiosity, or my pain. But whatever you read, it will be all of who I am and what I'm about. -You will find me around on Blogtalk Radio or someones blog as a male panelist speaking out on men and women issues. Because I'm an open book, I don't mind telling the truth, or the reasons as to why. -This goes to say I live in an imperfect world, so therefore I will not sit and tell you I am or was the perfect man, gentleman, husband, friend, or what have you. I have done a lot of stuff in my life. Some good, some bad, it is what it is. I only pray I haven't messed up too bad.

Well I think I have said enough. To know me is to know me. God bless, and may Peace always be with you.

Links:

http://lordwilliams.net

http://lordwilliams.blogger.com

http://www.myspace.com/irlwilliams

http://www.myspace.com/ir_lordwilliams

Thanks

Here we all are, running helter-skelter, to-and-fro, from mom's houese to grandmas to aunties, to cuz's to wifeys... all in a bid to gorge ourselves on the bounteous goodness prepared by the blessed hands of those we love and care about. We rush through our prayers or say grace with a breathless hurry... maybe even peeking at the delicacy-laden table while those holy words are being said... Maybe we're partaking of the relatively chic habit of everyone taking turns around the table and telling everyone what they're thankful for this holiday season...
But how many of us pause everyday to ponder what it is we are truly thankful for? I am thankful for the opportunity to put these words to print. I am thankful that you are here to read them. I am thankful for my family... and yours. I am thankful for my Saviour. I am thankful for my job... especially during these particularly hard economic times. I am thankful that my parents are still with me and in good health. I am thankful that my 16 year-old son doesn't do drugs, has never been shot, has never been arrested... I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to bless me with the ability to write. I am extremely grateful that I was born in a country where the political process is an amazingly peaceful process, and where my fellow Americans had the courage and foresight to vote into the highest office in the land... an African-American man - a situation that I'd sworn many times in my past would not occur in my lifetime! am grateful for every breath I take and for just waking up in the morning because I know that there are so many others that can't or didn't. I am thankful for the opportunity to be thankful. God Bless you all and may you all have a happy, healthy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Young World (Thoughts & Reflections

Young World

Let’s talk about remembering when,
What the youth today would call way back then.
We all went through the teenage fad,
We mad out even though we really never had.

Didn’t matter who didn’t have the newest of new or best of best
We put the ting of teenage jealousy completely to rest.
There was no thought of violence, self hatred, no inner rage
We understood we wouldn’t have just because
And our parents worked hard for their little pay.

We had inbred pride with a fix on looking good
It didn’t matter if we came from the hood.
We smoked marijuana, drank boones and went to school
Mostly for the social scenes
We wore big fros, bell bottoms, hot pants and cut off jeans.

We came to represent, yes, our bloodlines, a heritage
If you please….
We would never wear our pants with the waist
down at our knees.

Our language was sopped, and misunderstood
But with each negative, beneath it,
We all were motivated to be the best we could.

By any means necessary, Black Power, was our cry
Most of us now parents are yelling loudly, WHY!!
What happened to the morals and inner rots of way back then?
What happened to our children respecting the neighborhoods, the elderly, families and friends?


Blame it on drugs
Say society pushed violence and unprotected sex in their face,
Blame it on TV. streets, welfare,
and family service representatives taking our place.

Blame it on fathers with no jobs, dead beat dads, and mothers thinking pregnancy is a temporary fad
Blame it on the working parents, who can’t stay home,
Blame it on latch key children being left alone.

Blame it on ignorance
Blame it on innocence
Blame it on them you see
But these children don’t belong to programs or the streets,
They belong to you and me.

Blame yourself when you choose to ignore
what is placed before our youth
You act as though you have no “Couth”

“Couth”, you know the word Grandma used to say.
“Couth”, the way you behaved when it wasn’t the right way.

Get back to the raising of way back then
What kept you alive was not just luck
But God’s purpose for you my friend.

We must save the Teens
Our youth, from their own destruction
Look back to your younger days for the chapters
Filled with the solutions and instructions.

Copyright (c) 2000
Thoughts & Reflections
Author, Nanette M. Buchanan

visit my site www.ipendesigns.com and www.myspace.com/ipendesigns
for more blogs, poetry and my debut poetry book "Thoughts" , my debut novel "Family Secrets, Lies & Alibi's

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State of the Black Union

The State of the Black Union is at a crossroad. The Election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States signals a change. But, this change will not come from the White House. It will come from our house.

Obama's election has removed one of the last remaining barriers to the glass ceiling. The African American community must now release the excuses of the past and come together collectively to take responsibility for our outcomes.

As a participating blogger in the State of the Black Union 10th anniversary celebration, I am prepared to provide commentary on issues that affect our communities. (i.e.,poverty, single parent families, domestic, etc.)

I was a teen mother who was abused in my first marriage. I eventually divorced and became a single mother. I was never on welfare and I did not receive child support from my ex-husband.

I am now an author, educator, inspirational speaker, talk show host, and entrepreneur. Therefore, I have a unique perspective on the solutions necessary to effectuate the type of change that we seek.

Dialogue is so important now with all of the controversial issues that we face. My input will cause people to think about taking individual responsibility for their choices and understanding that the only person over whom they have control is themselves. Therefore, individuals are ultimately responsible for the changes that are made in their lives.

I seek to help people understand that we all teach people how to treat us and therefore, if we want to develop positive relationships, we must create positive lessons for those around us by allowing only respectful, mutually empowering, interactions with those around us. Anything less can no longer be tolerated.

I am all about transparency and speaking the truth in love, even if it means that sometimes a few feelings may be hurt in the process: The ultimate goal is edification; getting people to understand their own worth and the contributions they can make by inspiring, encouraging, and empowering people to make a difference.

Coverage of the event will not only be included in my blog, but it will also be included during my internet radio show www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies and in my online magazine www.cheryllaceydonovan.com/magazine.html. Through syndication, social networking groups such as the National Business Women Enterprises Network, Black Business Women Online, the Black Authors Showcase and The Black Authors Network will also benefit from the information that I cover during the State of the Black Union 10th anniversary. This will bring an entirely new base of people to the discussions like never before. Blogs posted to these sites through syndication will allow participants to dialogue about the issues being discussed during the State of the Black Union. This input can then be brought back to the table and opened for discussion during the event.

I look forward to participating in the State of the Union 10th anniversary and I hope that the solutions brought forth will be utilized for the purpose of uplifting our community.

We’ve Only Just Begun: The Day after Election Day ‘08

By Cheryl Lacey Donovan

Elated, hopeful, encouraged, inspired all of these are descriptors for how I feel one day after the Presidential election of 2008. It’s amazing to believe, however, the fearful, leery, and watchful are also feelings that reside in my heart.

Yes, change has come to America. Now what? The election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States has sent shockwaves around the world. People as far away as Japan were celebrating a black man in the White House. His election has released a new spirit of goodwill towards the United States, the likes we haven’t seen in years. Many are in fact amazed that we as a nation have come so far in spite of an ever present racial divide.

Frances Junior Minister of Human Rights likened Obama’s election to the falling of the Berlin wall.

As I think about it, I wonder how white people must feel. For years, they have essentially run the country. Yet, never before, at least as far as I can tell, there has never been this much world wide celebration over our election process. What does this really mean? Were people around the globe waiting for change just as much as we were?

Secondly, I think about black people. What’s the next step? Do we really believe Obama will be able to solve all of our problems? Will he be able to single handedly make the changes we so long for? Is it even fair to expect him too? After all, he was elected for the people by the people. That includes all the people, not just black people.

Obama faces global challenges as momentous as the hopes his campaign inspired — wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the nuclear ambitions of Iran, the elusive hunt for peace in the Middle East and a global economy in turmoil. He literally bears the weight of the world on his shoulders. The change we are expecting must begin with each of us. We are individually and collectively responsible for effectuating our own changes. The election itself is a great example of what can be done when a people, any people, come together to make a difference.

It is this sense of collective responsibility that Barack Obama symbolizes. Therefore, if we are truly to realize change, we must embrace the fundamental ideas of teamwork, collective accountability, and individual responsibility.

Gone are the days of blaming the white man for our failures. If you refuse to get off the couch and look for work, then you can’t blame the white man because you have no job. If you believe you are too good to work menial jobs, (even though many of our ancestor’s work whenever and wherever they could to make sure their families survived) because they don’t pay enough, yet you refuse to go to school to get an education. Shame on you not the white man. If you drop out of school because you become pregnant and continue to have baby after baby after baby by men who have no intentions of being responsible towards you or your children. It’s not the white mans fault that you are on welfare. Just because the white man may have brought in the crack cocaine did not give you a right to sell it among your brothers nor did it mean you had to use it. No, you crack addiction is not the white man’s fault either.

It’s all about choices. The time is now for us as a people to choose to do what’s best for ourselves, our families, and our people. Stop looking to the next guy for change. Let the change begin with you.

Fostering and protecting healthy families is the most important responsibility a community can assume. Family is the first school, and family members are the first teachers. Strong families are the cultivators of the habits that make reliable workers, entrepreneurs, and employers. Caring families create the characteristics of effective political and social leaders. Education, economics, and politics are all of great importance, but without family and community leading the way, they fall short. The family is the common denominator for change.

Talking about the youngsters on the street corners with their pants hangin’ around their ankles may be commonplace, but it doesn’t lead to change. Instead try talking to the teens and making an effort to understand them. Take a lesson from Barack and seek to bridge the gaps that exist. Instead of gossiping about the teenage mother who lives down the street with her children, why not reach out to her, offer her some support, some respite, some guidance. We must change our mindset as we attempt to change the world.

Barack needs our help to build one nation under God. Our time is now. Are you ready for the challenge? Will each of you who stood in line for hour to vote, to caucus, or to volunteer, continue to stand up for yourselves? It’s time to turn Obama’s inspiration into activism.

Let Me Introduce Myself

I would like to introduce myself as well as my debut novel entitled, “Family Secret…Lies & Alibi’s”. I am Nanette Buchanan, a native of Newark, New Jersey. I am a proud mother, wife and grandmother. I am currently an employee of the State of New Jersey as a Senior Corrections Officer and look forward to retiring and writing full time.

I began writing in 1975 while attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Poetry, children stories and now novels are a part of my writing experience. My poems have been read publicly, sold as greeting cards, and as personalized gifts.

I made the decision to self-publish my first novel in 2007 with the encouragement from family, friends and those who have read many of my other works. Family Secrets, Lies & Alibi’s is an adult fiction- romantic suspense with a dramatic twist.

The main characters draw one into their world of drama and chaos, which is unraveled after the death of D.Q. Mince. Darrell Mince finds that the life he has with his family is slowly turning into a mountain of secrets and lies. He leaves his home and two years later is confronted with the death of his father. As the story progresses Darrell Mince finds he is not his father's only child. He is named the executor of his father’s estate and is sitting across from the woman whom he has had a two-year relationship with. While caught in a web of emotions, he must sort through the lies and alibis left by his father to find out how and why he is tied into a family he never knew. As he uncovers these secrets, Darrell finds himself creating secrets of his own. Darrell must now keep those secrets to protect the business and his family. Any avid reader would enjoy the suspense filled romance between Darrell and Dershai and keeps the reader at the edge of their seat as the drama builds page after page.

My novel simply poses questions that require long thought and imaginative thinking about a taboo topic……Forbidden love. Family Secrets, Lies and Alibis… is well worth each page of writing, leaving the reader anxious for the answers written in the sequel, A Different Kind of Love.

My books are sold on Amazon www.amazon.com; www.myspace.com/ipendesigns; www.ipendesigns.com and www.lulu.com (for poetry e-books).

Restoration of Hope

Restoration of Hope- President elect Barack Obama


It became clear it needed to be done
No one knew his goal, his acceptance of the mission
The doubters never knew the turbulence had begun.


Someone had to be the lead; someone had to make a way,
The journey seemed forever but his faith kept obstacles at bay


As the days passed his message gained momentum, he had the ability to unite
People began to listen, hear, and feel; we all connected
Yes We Can; the vision was now in our sight.


The change was long waited,the trodden paths our ancestors walked
The change that they died for, ran for, and march for;
We heard about that change each time he preached, each time he talked.

The sins of our forefathers the invisible strong hold.
The sins of bigotry and hatred, the divide, the undeniable control.


Their were those who followed immediately;
those who had a mustard seed of faith;
All were determined to stand up, the change could no longer wait.


Tired of the problems brought on by top officials those with the upper hand;
God sent this duplication, this messenger sent from heaven again with a plan.


We've seen the messenger talking amidst the multitudes, inspiring all ages,
setting a tone for progress regardless of race
We've seen the messengers; John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King
and now Barack Obama has taken their place.


The change has come, the vision is clear we are no longer in dimmed light.
We must hold on to our faith, keep our eyes to the heaven's
with new vision new insight


The change has come, the people spoke with an outcry, with each vote
One voice, with power, now it begins the restoration of hope.


A Tribute to the President Elect Barack Obama 2008


(c) 2008
Author, Nanette M. Buchanan
www.myspace.com/ipendesigns

Domestic Violence Up Close

Hello, my name is Allyson Deese. I am in my early twenties and sadly I am a mother who will never see her precious babies grow up.

Why you ask? Because I too, was a scared teenage victim of domestic violence. It took me have my precious baby girls literally beaten out of me, to wake up. To shake my fear of my violent ex. Who as he as finally being taken to jail, told me and my babies to go to hell, which is now his place of residence.

My short story “Discovering the Joy Within” (featured in The Triumph of My Soul) is just the beginning of my story, and gives you just a small taste of my pain.

God blessed me with a way to work through the pain, by writing. I would trade it all in if I could go seven years back in time and bring my baby girls back.

Since, I can’t I will cherish their precious memories by using my experiences to try and save another woman’s life.

I am almost done writing the novel version of “Discovering the Joy Within” I pray that you will take heed to my warnings and love yourselves more than you love any man. We have to learn to love ourselves as God has always loved us. It’s a lesson that I myself am currently learning. Please learn it with me.

To give someone the gift of knowing they are loved, please purchase your copy of Somebody Prayed for Me autographed by me, at my website www.allysonmdeese.webs.com.

It features poetry by me including the title poem, “Somebody Prayed for Me” and my short story, “Her Silent Hell” which even though its fiction, it does display some true events of other domestic violence survivors as well as those who died due to domestic violence.

God Bless,

Allyson M. Deese www.allysonmdeese.webs.com

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