Making a splash!

Here's to family and friends kicking off the summer in spectacular fashion.  It's nothing quite like food, music, margaritas and a whole lot o f silly to make for a celebration.

Go ahead, take a peak:

No apology -No regrets!

You don't remember what?  I recently had the pleasure of chatting it up with an 85-year-old lady.  How the time passes was the initiator of the conversation.  She went on to state that she has no idea the number of times that she's been married.  My first husband, another lady that he subsequently married, and I, all attended the same church, she stated.  At his funeral, the lady said to me,  "I want to apologize to you for taking your husband."  I told her, "You don't owe me an apology, you didn't take him away for me - he just did what he wanted to do."  And, I remember my last husband, she stated.  She went on to say, "But that was me, I just got tired of his ass." Finally, she stated, " I don't even remember the others.''  I asked if she had any regrets - she said, " I wouldn't change a thing".  For me, this was profound.  I'm thinking she could educate us all. 

If I'm so lucky as to have my past beckon me at 85, no matter how the pendulum swings, I hope that I, too, can utter No Regrets!

Coming Full Circle

There are countless numbers of definitions of a father.  And, on this Father's Day, It caused me to take pause to consider my definition.  For me, like so many others, my life doesn't fit into the traditional family roles.  My grandparents (paternal) adopted me from the age of six months.  I've always known my biological father.  He lived in Chicago and my grandparents raised me in Mississippi. Oh, there are the all-varying reasons why I landed in the loving hands of my grandparents.  Funny thing, it didn't even seriously dawn on me until my twenties that I didn't grow up with either biological parent.  I don't know the reason it began to trouble me in my twenties.  Perhaps, it was becoming a parent myself.  But time is indeed the great healer.  Today on this Father's Day, I've come full circle. This year, my father and stepmother came to visit me for the first time.  I spent the night at my father's house in Mississippi for the very first time this year.  Two small things that I wasn't confident would have ever happened.  It was truly one of my life's highlight to have my father and stepmother visit my home.  And, it was equally delightful to witness the sheer emotion on my father's face to have my husband and me sleep over at his home. My father and I have forged a new beginning and I hope for many years to grow in this father/daughter relationship.

There is nothing that I would change about my wonderful childhood.  I have fond memories of my paternal grandfather during my early years; until the boys came along.  Afterwards, let's just say he ruled with an iron clad fist.  Oh, but there was a savior not too far in the distance, Uncle Lavern.  Uncle Lavern was like a big brother and father all rolled into one.  Reminiscing of years past, I had an Ah Ha moment.  I realized that an enormous part of my life would be rendered void had it not been for Uncle Lavern. 

What I know for sure is that when you are kid, you don't know that difference between an uncle, brother or father.  You just want someone to love you.  And on this Father's Day, I'm happy that I had Uncle Lavern to love me. 

I hope that you have taken the time to wish Happy Father's Day to all the men in your life.

Vacancy

 "my job sucks, my health sucks, my dogs suck, my house sucks, my everything sucks"

Oh yes! Debbie Downer is a name of a fictional Saturday Night Live character which debuted in 2004. The character's name is a slang phrase which refers to someone who frequently adds bad news and negative feelings to a gathering, thus bringing down the mood of everyone around them.

I venture to say that we all have one in our circle of friends. Friends who literally suck the life out of you; often time slowly, but nevertheless rendering you breathless.  It's exhausting as a friend and life is too short for toxic people. I have discovered that the older I get, the less patience I have for these energy drainers.  Many experts suggest that an occasional inventory be taken to access friendship to determine whether the friendship is adding more worth; oppose to discomfort.  Personally, I prefer to make life changes at New Years.  It's something about the onset of the New Year that inspires change.  It is my belief that too much of the Debbie Downer can actually be a health hazard.  At the very least, it doesn't add to life's sizzle.  And frankly my dear, I'm mostly about the sizzle at this point in my life.  Come New Year's 2013, there may be a vacancy. 

Take a little time and access your friendships, it just may save YOUR life.

Kiss of a Rose

Many of us recently celebrated Mother's Day and paid tribute to the unique one who gave us life, unconditional love, and/or an abundance of wisdom.

Through the years:

If her rose is still in bloom, pepper her with kisses all the day long.  If your flower is still in bloom, shower her with love all her days long.  Bask in the awesomeness of her beauty.  When her bloom has withered, cherish the fragrance in your heart all your days long.

I have been fortunate enough to have many mothers in my life, but my beloved is here no more.  There isn't a day that passes that I don't think of her.  She was a hell of a lady and could raise as much hell.  She is missed.

There is song by Jennifer Hudson that makes me cry.  It's makes me think of her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8acG_nyH7_o

Still Here

You looked at me and saw what I never could see
You made me be more than I thought I could ever be
And when I needed a friend you were always there to lift me up to make me strong

You're not gone your still here
With me all the time
You're still here
When I close my eyes
I still see you
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here
Still here in my heart
In my heart

It's because of you I knew how it felt to be loved, Oh?
You made me feel beautiful cause you believed I was
And I will never forget how you touched my life
You made me feel like I belonged
You'll live on

You're still here
With me all the time
You're still here
When I close my eyes
I still see you
I still feel you
And we'll never be apart
You're still here
Still here in my heart
Oh?
You're my life
You'll be in my life
You'll be part of me
I'll just think of you and you'll be?

Still here
With me all the time, Oh Lord
Still here
When I close my eyes
I feel you
And we'll never never be apart
You're still here
Still here in my heart
In my heart

Love Don't Live Here Anymore

"I have learned to get up from the table when love is no longer being served."

Why is this such a simple thing do, but yet so crushingly devastating for most of us to do?  Many cling on for dear life to a love that has long passed us by.  Days are gone when your smile catches my presence.  The music has stopped and the dance is over.  We know we must enter the night because daylight is no more.  Let's crusade forward to a love just over the horizons.  Loose the shackles of fear and don't dare look back for true love awaits you on the other side. 

Thanks to my cousin Angelia for this quote. It is my hope that someone presses through their fear and sit down at a table where love is abundant.  

To Love Somebody

There are certain moments in life that simply take your breath away.  I have been swept away, blown away and completely mesmerized by a performance. I must have rewind and played this incredible performance at least 10 times.   A true majestic moment.  I had to stop in my tracks, take pause and engulf myself in this amazing talent.  If you have ever loved or been loved, you will get on feet and triumph in this unbelievable performance.

To Love Somebody by Joshua Ledet:

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/performances/joshua_ledet_to_love_somebody/

Ooops! I Did It Again

The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
― Maya Angelou

Oprah stated that this is one of her favorite quotes by her mentor. My interpretation, "When someone is an asshole the first time, an asshole is what they are."  I was recently speaking with a girlfriend concerning "boy" problems.  In short, she discovered that he had been dishonest and was weighing the direction of the relationship.  My advice is that we are all human beings, flawed, and will make mistakes.  The question is how egregious the offense was to the offendee.  We all have our threshold of tolerance; therefore, we have to set our own boundaries.  But, my question is, why are we so damn mad when, Ooops, I did it again?

It's Your Thing

With 50 just over the horizons, I find myself not dreading it entirely; due in part to witnessing a couple of fabulous ladies reach this milestone.  They sure make 50 look dynamic.  However, this doesn't mean that getting older is swell.  It certainly comes with its wonders.  I'm already considering investing in adult diapers. Just recently, I saw a commercial with celebrity Lisa Rinna endorsing Depends.   I'm thinking around 45, gravity is ferocious.  Every body part starts to go south.  Breasts are lying in your lap and your butt is dragging the damn floor.  To try and combat this downward spiral, I call it working up; instead of working out.  There is a need for everything to stand up. This weekend, husband and I attended my sorority sister's Fierce, Fabulous and Fifty celebration. What I most admired is that she did it her way.  There were enlarged photographs that chronicled her life.  Songs were played that she boogied to from early teens to current.  She and her diva girlfriends entertained us with a choreographed danced rendition. Her favorite artist mesmerized us with a full concert.  Yes, the incomparable Michael Jackson impressionist Billy Jeaned and Thrilled us.  The beautiful Karen Dunlap welcomed a tender toss from her husband.  Her radiant smile stamped the night, Celebrating the Life of Karen Dunlap was indeed done her way.

 I'm starting to feel Sexy 50 bubbling up around me. 

 The Fierce, Fabulous and Fifty Karen

Sorority sister, Madelyn


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5-7vnuME_M

Ménage 'a Trois

I'm the type of girl who doesn't shy away from a challenge.  This past weekend, my dear husband propositioned me to participate in a threesome.  He articulated the details of the arrangement and promised a ride on the wild side. He provided detail description of her beauty, charisma, and sex appeal.  Let me warn that it is imperative that the 'third wheel' is a beauty.  However, it is just as imperative that she isn't as beautiful as you are. He delicately pointed out that she is a showstopper when her top is down.  After hearing all arguments in favor of this threesome, I agreed to give this black beauty a test drive.  Easter weekend, we set out on this exploration and the results are phenomenal.  The attention garnered was fascinating; captivating all that witness.  I was delightfully intrigued and overwhelmed by the magnitude of onlookers.  In short, this experience was worth the ride and worth repeating. I literally had to hold on to my hat.  Included are a few photographs for your viewing pleasure.  Don't be jealous - you too can enjoy an Ménage 'a Trois.

Black Beauty:

Sex from the Pulpit

Good intention/Good idea or Good intention/Bad idea, you decide:

A southwest Florida church issued a challenge for its married members: Hanky-panky every day. Relevant Church head pastor Paul Wirth says the 50 percent divorce rate was the catalyst for The 30-Day Sex Challenge."And that's no different for people who attend church," Wirth said. "Sometimes life gets in the way. Our jobs get in the way."

Initially, I thought this pastor must be nuts.  No actually, I said this man is out of his damn mind.  I imagined he and his male comrades sitting around conjuring up ways to encourage and entice the women of their congregation to satisfy their overwhelming sexual appetite.  Obviously, the pastor didn't consult his wife or any other female for that matter, prior to the issuance of the 30-Day Sex Challenge.  If the good pastor had the foresight to have done so, he would have known that Mother Nature pays most women a visit within those 30 days. Normally, I’m more of an optimist (the glass is half full type of girl).  Concerning this challenge, I had to pull myself out of the gutter of pessimism.  I venture to say that most women enjoy a healthy sex life, but a male had to be behind the brains of this 30-Day Sex Challenge.  One of my biggest critiques is the mechanics of the challenge wasn't spelled out.  How was this actually supposed to transpire?  What are the rules of engagement?  Should the wives have a 30- day supply of lingerie and high heels for the daily performance? Will there be adequate foreplay or the old faithful roll over and assume she's ready?  Will the husbands help with the chores and the children to help alleviate the wife's fatigue?  Was romance involved? And if so, were both the initiator? I begin in the gutter of pessimism on this idea and unfortunately I ended there.  My advice to the pastor, next time, consult with a woman. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23227651/ns/us_news-weird_news/t/love-god-get-it/#.T38QUY7BHXU
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-502003_162-3850842.html
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/dear-ed-young-jr

Subscription to the Amen Corner

I ask the question, why are many of us vexed when others are in disagreement. Rationally, the realization that we are all unique should be at the forefront of varying opinions.  Irrationally, we crave others to be in lock step with our every viewpoint; exclusively seeking out individuals whose views and opinion are duplicates of our own. Many of us forfeit otherwise fulfilling friendships due to opposing views. I tag this as subscribing to the Amen corner. Albeit, it offers you the warm and fuzzy of the all familiar.  It does not open you up to new challenges.  I affirm that if you aren't occasionally stirring up controversy, you probably aren’t talking about very much. Welcoming the astute oppositions, I strive on passionate debates and dialogue. Differing of views and opinions has the capacity to enlighten and broaden our horizons. Varying opinions lend itself to healthy dialogue, which subsequently offers an opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and insight. I challenge you to cancel your subscription to the Amen Corner and open yourself up to new challenges.

Yin and Yang

I recently read an article that referenced the importance of yin and yang in one's life.  I researched and found the following:

The ancient Chinese subscribe to a concept called Yin Yang which is a belief that there exist two complementary forces in the universe. One is Yang which represents everything positive or masculine and the other is Yin which is characterized as negative or feminine. One is not better than the other. Instead they are both necessary and a balance of both is highly desirable.
This thinking is different from the duality of most religion where one state overcomes the other e.g. good over evil. In the concept of Yin Yang, too much of either one is bad. The ideal is a balance of both. The hot Saharan desert for example is an example of extreme Yang while the bitter cold Antarctica is extreme Yin. Neither is desirable.

I comprised a few examples of how Yin and Yang balance in a friendship as follows:

1.  The guy you recently went out on a date with haven't contacted you because he probably lost your telephone number, email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. (yang).  The guy hasn't called you back because he's just not that in to you (yin).

2.  Your husband is abusive because he is overwhelmed and stressed at work (yang).  Your husband is a jackass and you best drop him like a hot potato (yin).

3.  Your spouse continuously cheats on you because he/she has a lot on his/her plate and stressed, but he/she still loves you (yang).  Your spouse is cheating on you because he/she is not in love with you anymore and he/she will cheat on you for as long as you are married (yin).

4.  Yes, you gained a few pounds but your clothes still look good on you (yang).  If you don't stop eating and workout, your ass is going to get big as a house (yin).

5.  Your best friend keeps being critical of you because she doesn't realize how it hurts you (yang).  Your girlfriend is jealous and not really your friend (yin).

I agree that too much of either is bad.  In my opinion, Yin Yang is an interesting concept worth exploration.

Information on Yin Yang and Feng Shui:

http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/fengshui/feng-shui-yin-yang.php

http://fengshui.about.com/od/thebasics/qt/fengshui.htm

Catch A Fire!

This past weekend I participated in my sorority's Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Regional Conference in Houston, TX.  In the midst of a sea of pink and green were beautiful dedicated women who work tirelessly to service all mankind.  Globally, my very own chapter made hundreds of dresses for girls in Africa as a part of our global poverty initiative.  In what was appropriately title, 'Little Dresses 4 Africa' begin at the chapter level but quickly caught the attention and enthusiasm of many others (schools, churches, Girl Scouts, other organizations, etc.).  The dresses were made out of pillow cases and will undoubtedly be the only dress for many little girls in Africa. This initiative caught fire and skyrocketed to include underpants and little purses.  The limitless goals that can be conquered if we rally together to promote positive change.  Locally, it reminded me of the Trayvon Martin (17 year old who was shot by a self appointed neighborhood security guard) case.  Had it not been for the world's demand for justice, the case most likely would have never been investigated.  President Obama stated that if he had a son he would look like Trayvon. Regardless the resolution, this case demanded an investigation.  We should all be reminded that if we stand together some of the world's most pressing injustices can be extinguished.  Amazing things have and can happen when we 'Catch A Fire'!  Start one today.

Little Dress 4 Africa display at Regional Conference:

 Sorority sisters at Regional Conference:

A close friend asked that I include this in this posting:

…But for the Grace of God…

Whether we want to admit it or not, Trayvon Martin could have been my son or your son.  His killing is a painful reminder that life, as an African American male, is still seen as a stereotype and profiled as a threat to this society.  This has lead to a beautiful, innocent child being murdered.  This case has captured the attention of so many people mainly because of the injustice of it all, but also because Black media drove this story and forced mainstream media to also report on it.  It has galvanized African Americans to pull together and demand justice like I have never witnessed before.  While it is important to continue to rally and demand justice for the killing of Trayvon, let’s also remember to pray for his family and friends as they go through the grieving process.  My heart bleeds for this family.  Yet, I am painfully reminded that…but for the grace of God…

R. Golden

Link to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on  Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpha-Xi-Omega-Chapter-of-Alpha-Kappa-Alpha-Sorority-Inc/159929277371270 

Link to Little Dresses for Africa:
http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/ 

Fierce, Fabulous, and ...

I am certain that confidence, allied with intelligence, is the most superb sex appeal.  Fierce, Fabulous, and Fifty, I recently received an invitation from a friend who is ecstatic about celebrating her upcoming milestone.  The invitation read, Fierce, Fabulous and Fifty.  My first thought was 'Wow', a girl after my own heart.  My second thought was, now, I'm going to have to come up with a different catchy phrase in a couple of years. I am a fan of women who are happy in their own skin, loving themselves for who they wonderfully are.  I recently celebrated this milestone with another friend.  She does not disappoint - ferociously sexy up fifty.  I presented her with a bottle of the most delicious sweet red wines I've tasted and a hoola-hoop.  It is my opinion that a bottle of terrific wine and a hoola-hoop will either keep you sexy or bring your sexy back.  A combination of the adult wine and the kid in you is guaranteed to stir up youthfulness.  No matter your age, celebrate your magnificance daily by honoring your true beautiful self. Baby, I was Born This Way - thanks Lady Gaga.

Fierce, Fabulous and Fifty:

I'll Always Love You!

We all know the iconic song Whitney Houston made famous in the movie 'The Body Guard'.  It's about loving someone enough to allow them to exit your life; because to do otherwise would cause both of you great pain.  The legendary country superstar Dolly Parton wrote this song when it was evident she needed to part ways with her long time business partner.  In short, it's wasn't working anymore.  I was reminded how we desperately hold on to things and loved ones when we  know the expiration date has come and often time past.  Fear is the culprit.  Many of us have the paralyzing fear of hurting the other person, fear of retaliation, fear of being alone, fear of what others will say, fear of everything - pick one.  At the beginning of this year, I was at a crossroad and I stated to my husband that I wouldn't be surprised if I had one friend left by year's end.  I didn't have any profound reason for making the statement.  But somehow, I knew I would be different this year - not things would be different but I would be different.  On the subconscious, I knew I had been a fake; not fully embracing and living my authentic life.  I could feel a change coming in my bones.  I have certainly been guilty of doing and being what others were more comfortable with.  It's a sacrifice I'm no longer willing to make.  The cost of losing myself is too great.  I have amazing family and friends who I'm honored to have in my life.  I would love nothing more than for all of us to remain wonderful assets in each other’s lives forever.  However, I fully understand the lyrics to that famous song, I'll Always Love You and I cautiously vow to embrace it; as not to allow fear to destroy or hinder my progress and the progress of the ones I hold dearly.  Sometimes, we really are NOT what each other need, but the love shared always remains; no matter the separation.  

Caution to the wind

“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” ~ Mark Twain

If you've been reading my posts, you know that I'm striving to live an authentic life. Reality check!  It's not an easy undertaking.  I've discovered that it is a constant pursuit that requires always being present.  I once had a discussion with a friend concerning the authenticity of a decision that was being anticipated.  The friend insisted that time will reveal.  I often thought about that, 'time will reveal'.  I don't think that I agree.  However, there is some validity.  I'm certain that it's not the fearless thing to do - wait on time.  However, it certainly will reveal one's tenacity or weakness; and the consequences thereafter.  I believe that waiting on time is at a minimal; cowardice. Courageousness boosts your chances to live your best life.  It's the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.  I've often heard the saying, "My heart don't beat on fear".  Disappointingly, it's often just that - a saying; which is why I was enticed by the above quote because too often many of us choose not to be true to ourselves; but rather allow the voices of others drown out our own inner voice.  It is our challenge to make our life a masterpiece.  20 years from now, will you be disappointed by the things you didn't do? Why not start building that masterpiece today?

Who's your daddy?

Crack, cocaine, prescription drugs, sex, food, jealously, envy, religion, fear, what master are you bowing down to?  Oh you guilty pleasures, why do you deceive?  Release me from your grips of destruction.  Free me from this bondage of self-hatred.   Is your drug of choice preventing you from liberation? Are you doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result? It's time to try something new.  What I know for sure is if you don't acknowledge your problems and deal with them head on, your drug will consume you; thus preventing you from living an authentic life.  If you are not being true to yourself, a little part of YOU die each day.  You'll see your reflection in the mirror one day and not recognize yourself.  There are millions of drugs used to self- medicate, hinder, bind us in fear and keep us shackled in mediocrity at best. Prescription drugs, food, sex and religion can be wonderful gifts if used to enlighten and enrich our lives.  Conversely, these gifts can be our stumbling blocks if used as a crutch or excuse to not take action in our lives. It's time to stop sabotaging our lives and take steps towards creating our best life.  Do you realize that we create our own lives?  Yes, we are indeed control of the overwhelming decisions we make in our own lives.  There are very few decisions out of our own control.  Which means, there are few excuses preventing us from living the lives that we desire.  We have the freedom to make our own choices.  STOP; ask yourself who is preventing you from living your authentic life. I vow to strive each day to create the life that I desire by making choices to enhance my life and the others around me to affect positive change. Your daddy won't fix what's ailing you. You ARE what you have been waiting on! 

** Remember that you are who you are and that is good enough. Everyone is supposed to be different; it's what makes you special. There's no one in the world who is exactly like you and that makes you unique and amazing.

Noose around your neck

Today, I was reminded we as mere mortals are capable of many misdeeds.  Consciously or unconsciously, we're sometimes the offenders; and others the recipients.  The question is, are we capable of forgiving the offender? Or, how long will that noose of unforgivingness adorn our necks?  I've always considered myself a forgiving soul.  However, there is a BUT. I have discovered in recent years that I can be relentless in having my say when I believe there has been an injustice.  In addition, I have been accused of being brutally honest.  I didn't recognize this in my earlier years.  Therefore, I've done some self-assessment, and I charge each of you to conduct your own self-assessment.  In addition to looking inwardly, I challenged myself to take 'The Narcissistic-Personality-inventory Test', and through my husband's urging I took a glance at my astrological sign.  Well, well, well, to my surprise; initially, the results didn't look too pretty (as a disclaimer I'm not 100% sold on either the test or the astrological review).  Admittedly, there are some recognizable nuggets of truth in both.  What I do know for sure is that I'm a work in progress.  Sometimes, I'm an excellent steward of forgiveness and quite often I fall short.  But what I do know for sure is "To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love, you will receive untold peace and happiness" - author unknown.  Most importantly, the person we are not forgiving is really ourselves.  Gheez, that noose can get pretty darn tight.  I concur that an exercise in forgiveness is good for our souls and our necks.  Forgive someone today, it just may be yourself.  

Just for fun: 

http://www.oprah.com/relationships/The-Narcissistic-Personality-Inventory-Test

http://www.psychicguild.com/horoscopes_explained.php

What's on your tombstone

With the recent passing of the 'Voice' Whitney Houston (my favorite artist), it awakened in me a since of my own mortality. With 2012 approaching, a conversation spun with a friend regarding our 'Bucklist Manifesto'.  We agreed to give serious thought about our life's goals in the month of January; and make a compilation of at least ten things to accomplish in 2012.  Admittedly, I'm still in the process of completing the ten-item manifesto; I have made tremendous progress and anxiously awaiting to experience some desires of my heart.  Reflecting over the past couple of years, I smile to myself because in spite of life's rocky roads; I have experience many, many extraordinary moments of joy and happiness.  As time waits on no man, I am more encouraged to strive for ultimate jubilation in breathtaking moments shared with love ones.  When the curtains have closed, I want my tombstone to read 'I Danced'.  One of my favorite songs is 'I Hope You Dance'- I have it framed hanging on my home-office wall.  The lyrics are: 

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
 

**Compilation of a few joyous moments over the past couple of years:

 

 President Barack Obama's Inauguration

 

Celebrating a past Xmas at City Place, Dallas 

 

Celebrating birthday at Oceanaire, Dallas Galleria

Celebrating 10th anniversary at Five Sixty, Dallas by Wolf Gang Puck

 A visit from college girlfriend Anita from Memphis, TN a couple years ago

 Celebrating girlfriend's Valarie husband's birthday (loaded!)

 

 Celebrating a past Xmas at my older house

 Daruis and LaShundra's wedding rehearsal dinner at my older house

 

Photo with my Uncle Lavern at rehearsal dinner

 New York:  I LOVE New York

 (

 New York at Forest Gump's restaurant

 Celebrating a past Xmas at girlfriend Ruth's home

 Celebrating my 46th birthday

 New York to see the musical 'Memphis' with hubby

 Welcoming the newest Hamberlin (maiden name) into the family (The beautiful Layla)

 New York at wax museum

 New York with girlfriends Ruth and Valarie (Everybody in the club getting Tipsy!)

 Superbowl weekend in Dallas

 New York to see musical (yes, I saw it twice - loved it twice)

 AKAs and Kappa's Kasino Night

 With girlfriend Velene at Babyface and Charlie Wilson's concert (Oh yeah! VIP)

 Birthday celebration for girlfriend Valarie's husband

 Darius and LaShundra's wedding reception at Sheraton - Dallas

 Fayette, MS at Uncle Lavern's home with AKAs (sorors) and a Delta girl

(taken after the repast of Uncle Herman)

 Gene's 45th birthday at Ms. Mary's

 Xmas 2011 moment with my son