I read this, and I just wanted to share. http://freedomtweet.net/?p=203
Author: Ranada
The Intermittent Rigamarole of My Life
Yes, rigamarole is a real word.
From dictionary.com:
rig·a·ma·role (rĭg’ə-mə-rōl’)
n. Variant of rigmarole.
rig·ma·role (rĭg’mə-rōl’)
n.
- Confused, rambling, or incoherent discourse; nonsense.
- A complicated, petty set of procedures.
When things that seem to make all the sense in the world become confusing and chaotic, what do you do? I am looking forward to clearing my mind with some hot yoga in the morning. I know that all things work out the way they’re supposed to, but it’s sometimes difficult for me to shift to find the new perspective. Oh, I will shift. Without a doubt. But there’s a delayed reaction. Maybe (hopefully) it’s just for a little while. And by little while, I mean a quick moment. Lofty, but possible, right? It’s just hard being vulnerable and not in control. But ever the risk taker, I can’t help but try, even if it ends in failure. I bump my head and get back up after as soon as I’m no longer dizzy.
So until I make that shift that facilitates my ability to have a positive perspective, this is for me and anyone else there that is having some trouble sorting stuff out.
Be still, young heart, and never will you fall apart.
Be wise, my dear, you must learn to just be still
Until you really really know.
Show me your eye, shine your light, I wonder when will i know.
Injustice – Once Again
The verdict of the Johannes Mehserle trial came in. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Guilty – yes. Involuntary manslaughter – no.
For those of you who may not know, Johannes Mehserle is a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer who shot Oscar Grant in the back while lying face-down on the Oakland subway platform. How is that involuntary? Where is the justice? Did the jury really believe this trained police officer’s story that he thought he had pulled his taser? Even if it was a mistake (which I don’t buy), why would he have even needed a taser?
At some point, police brutality and misconduct needs to be addressed. I firmly believe that police officers should live in the communities they protect and serve. They should be community stakeholders and invested in the wellbeing of the communities. They should not be people who react and respond out of malice or even fear because they aren’t in tune with those areas.
Now I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding Mehserle and his employment with BART. I do know, however, that it’s a downright shame that a police officer can be caught on video shooting an unarmed man who is lying face-down on the floor in the back and not be charged or convicted of murder. This crime was indeed NOT involuntary. It was reckless, unnecessary, and senseless.
I hope that in the aftermath of the Mehserle verdict, the riots cease and that community leaders, along with community members, start really considering strategic implementation of efforts to prevent such travesties. We have to protect, not destroy, our communities. Reactionary, unproductive violence is definitely not the answer.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Are you ready for the primary?
One of my favorite sets of childhood memories is riding down to the neighborhood fire station with my mom to vote. Several of my family members were poll workers, so it was always a friendly experience that I looked forward to. The best part of the going to the poll was fake voting. 🙂 There were child-size voting machines there, so I got to click down the old school pegs and “cast” my vote as well. I’m sure this is one reason I’m civically engaged as an adult.
On Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Fulton County is hosting its first Family Voting Day. Serving a dual purpose, this event will allow yet another opportunity to cast ballots for the primary election early, and it encourages families to vote together (and expose kids to the duty of being heard through voting).
It’s important to vote–but it’s imperative to be an educated voter. If you’re a Fulton County resident, below are some links to help you prepare for the Tuesday, July 20 primary. If you’re not a Fulton County resident, please visit your state’s Secretary of State website and your county government website to find information on registering to vote (deadlines and rules), poll locations, and candidates. Be engaged in your community.
- It’s too late to register to vote in the upcoming primary, but here is the link to future registration deadlines and election dates. You can still register to vote in future elections.
- Here’s a great guide to voting regulations in GA.
- Need to check your voter registration status or find out where your poll is? Click here.
- Are you not able to vote on the 20th or attend Family Voting Day? Here are the locations for early voting.
- Don’t know what we’re voting for in this election? Here are sample ballots: Democratic and Republican.
- Interested in upcoming debates? Go here. (Also, stay tuned for more information on the gubernatorial debate hosted Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
- Finally, for more information about the candidates, visit this site.
Get involved. Remember that local politics are just as, if not more, important as national politics. Don’t just complain–identify your issues and make your voice heard. Voting is your bare minimum civic responsibility. Do your part.
Love and Randomness
Love is in the air. While it seems to be darting every which-a-way when it enters a 5 yard radius of me, it’s so great to see my friends swooning and being wooed. Black love exists!! (Despite the media alarms that it’s endangered–it still exists.) It’s something special to see your friends giddy and grinning. What’s more uplifting than the aura of love infused in the atmosphere? Positivity is contagious! Let it infect you!
There’s nothing like the feeling of a new connection. The stolen glances at the guy across the room whose good looks caught your eye. The charming smile sent your way to acknowledge that the interest is mutual. The instant spark you feel as soon as he enters your energy field to introduce himself and find out who you are. The natural flirting that neither of you can help. It feels great when you go out on your first (and second and third) date and your heart flutters as he dotes on you and stares into you, learning you, allowing himself to be learned. And it’s astounding when you could talk to him until daylight or when you can sit with him without a word spoken.
It’s really only supposed to work out once–which means it won’t work out who knows how many times before that. Although I sometimes kick myself for being (maybe too) open and vulnerable, I wouldn’t trade those immensely charged feelings of being connected to someone, desire, anticipation, hope, inspiration, promise for the hope of never feeling disappointed, rejected, abandoned. You won’t know if it’s meant to be unless you step out on faith and see.
Love is in the air. Jump up and grab some.
Raisin’ Cane – Part One
On Sunday, a friend and I went to the Southwest Fulton Arts Center for Raisin’ Cane, a superb production that featured the talented Jasmine Guy and Avery Sharpe Trio.
With charm, wit, various accents, and dance, Jasmine Guy led us on a journey to witness the Harlem Renaissance from the eyes of Jean Toomer, author of Cane (which has definitely been added to my reading list), and from many other perspectives of greats. Ms. Guy shared with us the philosophies and legacies of New Negroes and others who played imperative roles in the cultural explosion that was the Harlem Renaissance. Folks like W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, and of course, Jean Toomer. As I was travelling over time, I was also reminded of a trip a couple of years or so ago to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where I fell in love with the works of Aaron Douglas. Douglas’ works captivated me–they illustrate black struggle and determination so elegantly. Not only was the music cleverly entwined with Jasmine Guy’s oratorical chronicle, but the visual props, pictures, and mementos were also engaging.
Raisin’ Cane not only excited me as it reinforced what I have already learned about black historical figures, their works, their ideas, and their hopes and dreams–it also inspired me to delve into more research, to find out more, to ignite that (huge) part of me that longs to make a substantial difference in our communities. I’ll be back with nuggets of the experience that really struck cords with me throughout the production.
Until then, as Ms. Guy ended the production, I will end my blog post:
Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America.
Be true to you.
I got an extremely random set of text messages today, and it got me thinking. I want to share with you my conclusion from the exchange.
Lesson of the Day: Be true to yourself. Consider advice from others, but make your own decisions. Follow your own heart and conscience. At the end of the day, no one will live with ur regrets but you. So why be bound by other people’s opinions?
I was blessed to have parents who believed in letting me be me. When I was faced with the decision of whether or not to skip my senior year of high school and start college at 16, my mom said, “This one is on you. I’m not going to make this decision for you and have you resenting me one day if you don’t do what you really want.” I will always remember those words.
I truly believe everything happens as they are supposed to–but how we feel about all of everything depends on several factors. Attitude and perspective (during and after the fact) are part of it, but our regrets play a major role as well.
Listen up. You only have one life. Live it the way you’re led to live it. Don’t depend on anyone else to bestow upon you the dreams they have. Accept the ones God puts inside of you, and pursue those. Don’t wait for anyone’s permission. DO YOU.
Juneteenth, Reloaded
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, so check out this archived post. Onward and upward!
Mushy Musings, Part Deux
Yesterday, I posted 5 songs, all performed by the ladies, so today, I’ll post 5 from the guys on my Mushy Moments playlist. Yep, it’s Friday, and the stresses of the week are sliding off my back. Still daydreaming I am.
I could really do this whole post and a couple more with Musiq and Raheem. But I’ll try to restrain myself. I’m posting the songs as I go/as they come to mind, so we’ll see what happens.
All we had were letters till we formed the words/Started from the lyrics till we found the verses that can bridge us through/Baby we could be the greatest love song…
I dream of singing this with Mr. Man while gazing into his eyes and swaying to the music. I really love this song. How can anyone not want to be smitten after listening to this?
I’ll be something like the rebirth of love with a twist/it started with a simple kiss/what could be more precious then the rebirth of love?
This song puts into words why I’m open-minded and is a fave on my playlist. Raheem really is one of my favorite male singers ever. I’ve been a fan since he was in Crossrhodes. Yes, I have the mixtapes and the albums. I’ve been to all but one concert that he’s done in Atlanta. I’m a borderline Stan. If you haven’t picked up the latest album, go get it. Especially you conscious minded folks out there. 🙂
Don’t want you to escape cuz I know true love is hard to find–so I keep her heart in mine…
Brandon Hines is a slept on artist. I found out about him in 07 (I think), and I’ve been a fan since. Check him out at his website and on youtube.
I would gladly walk you home, but you’re already here…
Cee-Lo Green is another artist I follow. His creativity is like none other. Here’s one of my faves from Cee-Lo Green…Is the Soul Machine.
Your love, your love is amazing. One touch takes me a thousand places…
Van Hunt makes me smile. I thought of a couple of other songs from his first album, but they have a slight depressing undertone. But this one finishes off this post perfectly.
Happy Friday, folks! I hope you have a positive, relaxing, and satisfying weekend!
Mushy Musings
Here are a couple of songs I can’t stop listening to. Join me in my mushy daydreaming fest.
Sir Greendown, I need your shining light…
Say you’ll go to Nirvana. Will you leave Samsara? … Let’s find forever, and write our names in fire on each other’s hearts.
Don’t sleep on Janelle Monae… If you haven’t purchased her new album, you need to do so as soon as you finish reading my blog. 🙂 It’s a banger from beginning to end.
Hearts led, baby–it’s your deal. Umm hmm
Same goes with New Amerykah Part II. Erykah Badu keeps me on my groove thang. Really, I could just make this whole post about Janelle and Erykah, who are performing tonight in Memphis and I so wish I would be there.
Back in them days my heart never made a sound/Now it’s beating like my head’s in the clouds
Oldie but goodie. I love Alice Smith’s voice. She will always and forever make my Mushy Moments playlist.
My arms brag to each other about how you feel–from conversations, I know what they feel is real…
This is one of my fave Algebra songs. It just put words and a melody to some special feelings.
I think 5 is a good number. There are PLENTY more I could post though. Music is so good for the soul. One more day till the weekend, my friends! Keep the positive vibes going!
Real Middle School Mom of Atlanta 