The Day before The Day and Night!

Today is November 3, the day before the election. Democrats hope (and are expected) to pick up seats in the House of Representatives as well as the Senate and the, dat dat da daw, the all important seat--the presidency. We all need to Get Out and Vote, for all of this to happen. I went to a GOTV breakfast for Obama this weekend hosted by Congressman Fattah, Senator Hughes, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and our newest Councilman, Curtis Jones, Jr. It was well attended--about 500 people I think. And we are were geared up. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Vinnie's wife, gave a rousing speech talking about how she voted early in LA. It was a good time. We had a very busy Saturday, Trey started basketball, I had a campaign meeting, and our dog Titan, graduated from his obedience class. That night, my sister-in-laws came by for a drinkey drinkey. At every stop, the topic of conversation was Barack Obama and his campaign. I have to admit, we get some insider info. I have friends who are surrogates who've met him on more that one occasion and get backstage access. So I hear how much work has gone into getting where "we" are. I just want everyone to Get out and Vote tomorrow so that we can begin transforming this country. I'm putting out my flag today and will be wearing my red, white and blue earring tomorrow. Hass has a red, white, and blue bracelet and Trey will be wearing his Obama T-Shirt. Last week, it was Go Phillies. Today it is Go Obama!! I'm sure we'll be up all night!

Mavericks or Intellectual Exterminators

As you may may have noticed in my last entry, I think a United States led by the McCain/Palin Mavericks will be a bleak place to live for anyone who has been encouraged to think on his or her own. The notion that being a "smart" or "intellectual" person is a bad thing, to me, wreaks of pre-Stalin Russia, pre-Hitler Germany, and every other country changed by paranoid extremists. Soon after entering office, each of these administrations adopted an anti-intellectual policy. After these so called mavericks took over, doctors, lawyers, artists, philosophers--anyone with an original thought--were targeted for extermination.

This is serious people. Look back at your history, especially people of African descent. Remember, being called an uppity black person in the not to distant past meant a visit from the local KKK chapter--and I don't mean Kappa, Kappa, Kappa.

McCain and Palin say they represent change, but so did the Khmer Rouge.

Brave New World: An Opinionated Short Story

"Put that down now," Lucresia said to her five year-old daughter Maysa, abruptly grabbing the November 5, 2008 edition of The New York Times. "No one must see you reading and especially that," she said as the two waited patiently for their weekly food rations. It was Tuesday when all Philadelphia residents with last names beginning with the letters K through P, collected their rations. Lucresia's family rations were dropped at the center between 9 and 11 pm. Lucresia didn't complain. After all, at least the family received relatively clean water and flour for bread. Late night rations were left for those considered intellectuals--anyone with a reading level above third grade. This was the group treated most inequitably by The Administration for the past seven years.

Maysa had been born before The Administration took over. In fact, her mother at one time had great hopes for her future, but the Mavericks changed all of that.....

I'm baaaack

Sorry I was gone for a bit. I got completely caught up with school ending and summer beginning. Anyway things are back to normal now.

I am completely lovin' Barack's visit oversees. He has received such warm welcomes and looks totally presidential. McCain, on the other hand, seems to be quite frustrated with the coverage. But, after all, I believe it was McCain that suggested that Senator Obama travel. Be careful what you ask for. I don't think that anyone knew just how well received Barack would be.

On another note, I watched CNN's Black in America series last night and was very impressed. I thought it would be another session of intellectuals pontificating about the plight of Black Americans. Instead, it was a well produced and thoughtful piece about real people--their struggles and their triumphs and what being Black in America has meant for the them. I look forward to the continuation tonight.

House Head

On Sunday, I enjoyed a very special, very fantastic trip down House lane. I went to a slammin' party at Bubbles on Samson Street. My friend Vashti invited me. Her boy Ian was spinnin'. I decided to go and boy am I glad I did. To my surprise, the party was for a friend of mine, Lisa Andrews. We go way back to CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School) and to my undergrad Lincoln University.The party came complete with some Lincoln House Heads. Shout out to Darian, Damian, and Tammy and Julani's friend ( I don't remember his name). Now to complete this wonderful trip was a cameo by none other than Tee Alford the ultimate House Head DJ this side of the globe. And, he was spinnin' at a party later that evening. Of course, Vashti and I hit that one up too. We clubbed like we were back in college.

First, the party at Bubbles ran from 5 to 10 pm, an hour reasonable for us 40 something -year-old mommies and wives. Tee's party on 18th Street next to Byblos, I think the place is called Venango or something like that, started at 10 pm. All in all, it ended up to be a doable Sunday night party. I was a serious House Head. I mean, while in grad school at Temple, I partied almost every night and still managed to get the second highest score on my comps and graduate with a GPA above 3.0. Partying was my reward for busting my booty (as my son likes to put) studying and attending classes. In undergrad, I partied as well.

Do you remember Catacombs, the Black Banana, Limelight, Phoenix, Sunday's at the Impulse, Mahorns, Allegro/A2, Smarts, Stars, After Midnight, the Garage in NY, Red Parrot, Silver Shadow, the Palladium, Bentley's, Nell's? The list goes on and on. So, I want to thank Vashti for getting me out. I remembered so many wonderful times. I often forget the person I was before I became a wife and mommy. It was so nice to see that Rhashidah again. Now, on Sundays, I'll have an opportunity to hang out with her and remember what made us tick.

P.S. I've included a link to Tee's website Funky People On Line.

Happy Birthday King Titan Jones

Love Ya!

Requited Mother's Day: A Tribute to Ernie

So I got myself together and remembered all the things I'm thankful for. It didn't hurt getting a smooch from Tee, my three-year-old son. My mother is smiling right now. It it weren't for her, I wouldn't have known of unconditional love. For that I am grateful. To you, Ernie, I give this tribute: You are a remarkable woman and the best mom a gal could ever have.

Unrequited Mother's Day

I woke up this morning with a deep sense of despair. First, I thought it was because of the primary yesterday, but Barack trounced Hillary in North Carolina and she barely won in Indiana--a state that she should have done well in. It appears that barring a last minute onslaught of anti-Barack media served-up by Clinton spin doctors and campaign operatives (images of Rev. Wright in Pennsylvania, Clinton's campaign misrepresenting Obama's aide's NAFTA comment in Ohio, and over blowing Barack's remarks in Pennsylvania), she loses. Oh they tried with--heck I don't even remember the allegation because Obama's camp readily and handily squashed it as they should have been doing all along. So I knew that wasn't it. I wondered and prayed for God to help me lift this despair. The image of Neo being debugged in a scene from The Matrix came to mind as I prayed. I hoped it wouldn't be that unpleasant, but the need for the release is great. I prayed that God would allow my mother to help me ease the hurt and then it came to me. It is nearly Mother's Day--marking the 15th Mother's Day without my Mom.

My eyes are cloudy and sting from the salt from my tears as I write this. I thought, maybe I should call someone, maybe write in my journal--I even thought if a drink would help. No, I'll blog. The journal wouldn't do because I know that no one else reads it. Even if no one comments here, I do feel like I am sharing with others and for some reason, that helps.

I miss my mother so very, very much at times I just don't know what to do. I think picking out the Mother's Day cards last night helped get here. I didn't realize it then. I do delay purchasing Mother's Day cards. Now, I know why. So what do I do? I'll be sad for awhile, I'm sure. This feeling in the pit of my stomach will subside as the day's demands take over. At some point I will decide to celebrate her life and will thank God for her. I will remember all of the things I am grateful for. But for now, I will be depressed and continue to feel pain, sorrow and anguish. I think I can take this time to feel the void.

I miss you mommy and I love you.

Can One Teach Humility?

Hass has been feeling herself lately. I'm okay with that. I think a girl (and boy for that matter) needs a healthy self-esteem. What I am bent on teaching is that one can think highly of ones self without thinking poorly of others. For some reason, this lesson is a bit tricky. How do you do it?

I try to explain that we must be grateful for our blessings and show humility. (Yeah, fancy an eight year-old getting that). That some may not have the same, but that doesn't mean that any one is necessarily "beneath" another. With all of our families troubles, struggles, tribulations, successes, and triumphs, Allah has blessed us as Allah has blessed many others. We need to be grateful and to accept these blessing with humility. Without the knowledge of the greatness of Allah, and humility that we express in receiving Allah's blessings, Allah can decide to take them away. We must show Allah that we are grateful and deserving. We don't do that by showing Allah who we think is not. It is not up to us to judge that. It is up to us to make character assessments about those whom we consider part of our circle. That is it. Those are decisions that we must make based on our values governed by our love of Allah and the universe He created.

Ben Franklin Blues

Oh my, oh my... Could you imagine being in a padded room with 100 billion 8 year- olds all trying to literally climb up the wall? I can, 'cause that it what is was like going to the Franklin Institute with my daughter's third grade class. I mean, I didn't know that kids where that excited about science. They were quite excited about the old faithful heart which was surprising to me. That thing is as least as old as I am and looks it. New exhibits like the Sports Challenge, Sir Issac's Loft, and others really got them going --and me (and other parents) after them. We are members and have seen these exhibits time and time again, but when experiencing these exhibits with 11 third graders (no kidding 11. And I must say go girl to Yolanda because she and I really held it down!) was exhilarating.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a membership or know someone that does or don't get reduced ticket prices, it gets expensive. I'm originally from New York, and when taking my children to the wonderful art, science, and history museum there--from borough to borough---I am truly grateful. See, my parents didn't have to pay enormous amounts for entry into cultural activities like those I mentioned and the borough botanical gardens, in New York you pay what you can. I think that is one of the reasons why my brother and I have such an affinity for the arts. Our parent took us regularly. Heck, my mom would just say see wants to see Water Lilies and pack us up to go. If she had to pay $10 a pop for us, I don't know if I would have developed this fondness. I don't know if we would have gone to the museums and zoos as often as we did. New York's cultural organizations enjoy a huge endowment from what I understand. It would be really cool if Philadelphia could explore the same and provide equal access to the splendor of the creative and scientific world.

Until then, Ben try not to be blue because thousands don't get a chance to see you.

His Touch

I have never been one to enjoy male company "up under me." I have always been fiercely independent and relished the idea of being smothered by the physical manifestations of a male's love. All of that changed when Tee came along. He was breast-fed until being weened (with strong resistance) when he was two. At three and a half, he still has a deep affinity for "Mommies breastesses." He sneaks in a caress at each and every opportunity.

Hass and I didn't do that as much. I had my morning cuddling sessions with her. She didn't seem to want all of that--ours we're definitely limited to no longer than three minutes, then she was off to explore. Even now I often must sneak in my hugs and kisses despite her protests. I have noticed, of late, her desire for a physical closeness to Mommy which I have been enjoying. It is always on her terms and usually at the most inopportune times--when she is getting dressed for school or supposed to be going to bed. Although some would say there is no wrong time for affection with one's child, I think these affectionate moments are a delaying tactic more than Hass actually wanting my embrace. On those more frequent cuddling exchanges while watching television, I really get a chance to enjoy her. She has such delicate movements when you really watch her. I don't think I was ever that graceful. I mean, without really working on it. Since my mom is no longer around, I really can't ask her directly (she and I do have a way to communicate through our love and God's love). I can't believe much of my grandmother's recollections. According to my father, I was graceful too. I'm not keen on that recollection. As I remember at nine, I had bloody ankles because I couldn't stop rubbing them together while I walked. Hass definitely doesn't have that problem.

Tee, rarely protests affection. Our morning cuddling sessions are one of the highlights of my day. Along with his "silly, silly, dance" that he does when taking off his pajama top. He has this way of letting the top sit on top of his head, almost like a jester's hat and he does this dance where he wiggles his hips from side to side (he wiggles his entire lower body as a matter of fact) and sings "silly , silly, silly." It is quite adorable. He rested he pajama top on his head like that once and I said with a big smile "you are so silly." That was the birth of the silly dance.

I am working on increasing the "touches" with my children. It is fine for my children to want to be "up under me." It doesn't mean they are trying to impede on my sense of independence, they are not putting on a display to "stake their claim" on me, nor are they trying to set a mood---they just like being close to Mommy and that is a-okay with me.

Smooches!

So What's Up With Reverend Wright?

I don't know if the Clintons paid Reverend Wright or what, but his antics (and his appearance at a Clinton sponsored event) makes me wonder. I mean, he's been quiet for nearly six weeks and then all of a sudden: Here he is in full performance mode. I am trying so hard to laugh so I won't cry. What does this say? Is Reverend Wright capitalizing on his 15 minutes of fame with no regard to his impact on Senator Obama's candidacy or he he really an "egomaniac?" I'm sorry, but I think he is trying to get paid and is getting paid.

After a New York Kind of Weekend

We often have challenges with our daughter after she spends the alternate weekend with family in New York. (I'll get into the rationale for the arrangement in later posts). Knowing the environment there, I am aware that it is far less structured than that my husband and I have created in Philadelphia. We've (mom taking the lead) read lots of ADHD parenting books, seen child development specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, social workers and just about anybody who I thought could help us help our daughter succeed in school and succeed socially. For girls, it is very important for them to have "girlfriends". Its half the reason why they go to school--or at least from my experience it appears to have a huge impact on their desire to go to school. My husband and I have taken parenting courses and he's been an strong advocate especially when it comes to creating the right school and home environment for our children. It is so important to have a partner where the two of you see eye-to-eye on important matters.

This morning Hass (nickname to protect the innocent?)was clearly unfocused. I knew she would have challenges this morning. After turning on the timer -- if she beats the timer, she's rewarded--I went back to my room. I heard a strange noise, one clearly not part of the morning dressing routine. "What are you doing Hass?" Clipping the thorns off my roses. She had an excellent guitar performance Saturday prior to going to NY and her brother and Dad got her roses. "Get dressed," I said in no uncertain terms. "OK," but I knew she wasn't on track. When I came in the room she was on the floor doing I don't know what. She only had her socks on and still her nightgown. Of course, I laid down the law. She wasn't able to wear the "cute" outfit we had gotten together the night before. She got herself together and by Dad's reports, did well upon going downstairs to eat. She redeemed herself and was able to change and wear the outfit she wanted.

A day in the life of Hass is never dull.

Love you Girl!

Urgh, My Tummy!

My God sister, niece, God mom and I had dinner together last night. The food was okay, but most importantly, we had a great time. Today I'm sick. My stomach hurts and I feel very nauseous. Still it was all worth it. Shout out to Deb for taking Tee for me! I've been shying away from the news. I'm tired of hearing about the Democratic nomination practice. I don't have the stomach for it. I am happy that the Sixers have been doing there thing. Anyway, all of you folks home from college, congratulations on completing another year. And for Michael, congrats on your success at my undergrad Alma mater LU.

I have to say I was very proud of my daughter. She had her first guitar performance at Settlement yesterday. She did very well. Go Hass...

The Day After

Okay, so Barack didn't win Pennsylvania--on to Indiana then. I still think he'll secure the nomination. I do think they need to take a good look at their campaign and do some minor adjustments. I do wonder why the pundits harp on questioning his ability to win over blue-collar white voters, while they don't question Hillary's ability to win over African-American voters. Is it because the pundits take us for granted? They believe that if Hilary is the Nominee, we will automatically file suit. Will we?

The media has been really anti-Barack in the recent months. Hey, he will be truly tested by the time the General rolls around.

Check u on da next post!

Primary Election Day

My family and I went to the polls today. We think it's important to show our children the value and importance of voting. It was bit bittersweet, however. We had gotten news that the campaign didn't expect win. We were disheartened, but nonetheless, will dutifully watch the returns this evening.

I kinda feel like I'm in limbo--a limbo that will abruptly end around 8:30 pm this evening when the news outlets project a winner. I'm hoping that it is Senator Obama. Even if it isn't, for him to have come into this with a double digit deficit--and get really close, if not win--is a tremendous victory for Pennsylvania.

All of the hoopla around this primary was at first exciting, but the tactics I see folks resorting to to win are downright reprehensible. This election will probably be the subject of scores of political science classes around the country come next year. Heck, I would be interested in taking one.