tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81587280537774945242024-03-13T15:57:09.670-07:00melaninmommaexperiencing womanhood|motherhood|life as a living, breathing, walking prayer. MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-71736637428232609922015-11-26T10:47:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:36:45.592-08:00Let me hydrate ya!! <div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Don't forget your water today!! </div>
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Some folks (not you of course <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_feac08" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -5457px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">😜</u></i><i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_feac08" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -5457px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">😜</u></i>) may be taking in a lot of salt & sugar today. So if your Granny's yams got 3 generations of diabetes in it and Uncle's fried turkey robbed the Dead Sea of its salt...you might want to try this today and everyday. Here's a reminder to flush it out. Don't sit around with that food until the new year. Keep it moving, my dear!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2dB6hYUz-hZWTTJvjLd0_pO-IrFqCH4xBjtC70QLZnQpOc7durre1ixIPm-PICSP68bT2QIxmTTah0Vc01KthX2daitf2ujpelXSYvfjdT3quTJ2Tb3ZzsJ1viOXAA845Nf446YyVsM/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2dB6hYUz-hZWTTJvjLd0_pO-IrFqCH4xBjtC70QLZnQpOc7durre1ixIPm-PICSP68bT2QIxmTTah0Vc01KthX2daitf2ujpelXSYvfjdT3quTJ2Tb3ZzsJ1viOXAA845Nf446YyVsM/s320/IMG_2442.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">8am - Mornin' sexy!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />10am - I'll drink 2 that!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">12pm - Don't fail me now!!<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">2pm - You ain't let me down yet!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">4pm - You fancy now!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">6pm - Let me hydrate you!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">8pm - Get low, GET LOW!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">9pm - Bottoms up!!!</span></span></div>
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MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-10086169071985952782015-11-25T00:27:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:34:41.788-08:00Women: The balm of Gilead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Women are the answer. We are the balm of Gilead. We are the lotus. We are the salve and the healing. Our stories are in ingredient in that balm. We mix it with some breathing, some movement, some herbs & love and we got a balm that can do something. We will tell our stories, commit to our healing and support the healing of other women. A focus on the healing of women is a focus on the healing of this world. </div>
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We do so much. We heal so many. It's time we come home and go in and <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">heal our own hearts minds and souls. We do so much work in small pockets. We are always working to connect. We will continue to expand. We must expand and welcome all levels and be as inclusive as possible. </span></div>
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I'm done waiting for the masses to address the healing of women particularly women of color. I'm over the collective silence around <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/relisharudd?source=feed_text&story_id=1090402244317722" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">RelishaRudd</span></a>, <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/arneshabowers?source=feed_text&story_id=1090402244317722" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">ArneshaBowers</span></a> and the too many to name. </div>
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We will lift these names and continue to mobilize to create change around policies that destroy us. We will connect the dots between the women doing this work around the world. We will shift this paradigm.</div>
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The beauty is that we have the tools to help each other. We have a lot to offer each other as we walk towards our personal and collective healing. Let's continue to actively share them and use them while supporting others in doing the same. </div>
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If you know someone that can benefit from being connected to resources, articles, books, places that support and sustain healing, please share this link with them. <a aria-describedby="js_14" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_13" class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/group.php?id=1522516798072446" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522516798072446/" id="js_15" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522516798072446/</a></div>
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MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-25556981999569193612015-11-24T00:02:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:08:52.145-08:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZG4aQ-PqbCOOsMcii-1e0gliJnOeLswz_nTrxrs1YUXnQAIJdoIsECV10ZMydjhyphenhyphenmniP8jdCanWLlR3oxtt4vkskHi2DouqF83DRBFH-53Xd2WcUqhgawIFSCWhYbsnUdqMgadYtSuE/s1600/Syrita+D+Holtzclaw+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brown woman facing away from camera. Profile of her face and crying." border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZG4aQ-PqbCOOsMcii-1e0gliJnOeLswz_nTrxrs1YUXnQAIJdoIsECV10ZMydjhyphenhyphenmniP8jdCanWLlR3oxtt4vkskHi2DouqF83DRBFH-53Xd2WcUqhgawIFSCWhYbsnUdqMgadYtSuE/s400/Syrita+D+Holtzclaw+case.jpg" title="Syrita. Victim of Police Officer Daniel Holzclaw" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syrita. Victim of Police Officer Daniel Holzclaw (photo from bbc.com)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #141823;">Enough.</span><span style="color: red;"> (Trigger warning for survivors of sexual assault. This is a lot to take in. Love, MelaniN.)</span></div>
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We talk about gun violence, police brutality, racism on campus, classism...we are covering a lot yet remain silent about sexual assault. If you are not talking about sexual assault/support for survivors you don't know the women in your life. PERIOD. YOU DON'T KNOW THEM.</div>
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If you are not asking about sexual assault or ACTIVELY concerned, you don't know the women in your life. You might not know your mother, your daughter, your sister, your friends, your lover or your wife. If u dismiss sexual assault or are silent about molestation/rape/incest etc., then YOU DON'T KNOW THEM. YOU KNOW OF THEM.</div>
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& you probably don't know some of the men in ur life. Actually...because of how men are so sexualized at an early age- u might not know yourself.</div>
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Sad thing is that only a case this egregious would make it to trial. Not one of these women could make this case alone. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/weallwegot?source=feed_text&story_id=1089911321033481" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">WeAllWeGot</span></a> As horrible as the <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/danielholzclaw?source=feed_text&story_id=1089911321033481" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">DanielHolzclaw</span></a> case is - impacting so many lives in one city, it is still not being covered by the media.</div>
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Truth is cases of our mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers, friends, wives are not being covered by their own families and friends. Often, they are not told or not listened to.</div>
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This is not just Oklahoma. This is in our homes and on our block. & support to assist in the healing is needed. We all deal with sexual assault. Even if you are not a victim, chances are you know a few. If you know 5 women, 2 are probably survivors.Think of women close to u. Have u asked them if they were ever sexually assaulted? I'm not saying to ask them. Just asking have u asked?</div>
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68% of survivors don't report. 98% of rapist are not convicted. Consider this b4 saying why didn't they tell.</div>
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If u know women, you know a few survivors of sexual assault. You may think you don't but you do. You may know a lot of survivors. If you know me - you know 1 survivor & I didn't report and I am not alone.</div>
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Let that sink in...</div>
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Sometimes, I look at how that impacted me & I'm just happy to be here. Focused, intentional healing was/is the best gift I gave/give to myself. That being said, no matter what it looks like from the outside, I get up every morning and do battle with my demons and sometimes we battle it out through the night. It used to seem impossible to manage. Therapy, support, art, service, diet, exercise, meditation make it easier to win. </div>
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Listen, with social media and the constant sharing of stories, day to day living can be a land mind for a survivor. If you or someone you know needs support in their recovery from sexual trauma, please provide them with the number to the National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800 656 4673. </div>
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If you or someone u know are in Baltimore/Maryland & need support, I suggest contacting Turn Around. <a href="http://ow.ly/V0S7q" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/V0S7q</a></div>
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I was going to post the article about Holtzclaw but, that's all over the place. What is not everywhere is support for survivors. Let's stop talking about the trauma without offering some tools for healing. </div>
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If you want to ask me about what I do to support my healing, feel free. Keep in mind that I am not a trained therapist. I am not professionally trained to help you through your story and/or trauma. However, I can share some resources that have helped me TREMENDOUSLY.</div>
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If you want to support survivors, start at home. Look into ways to create a safe house and neighborhood. This is beyond Oklahoma, The Duggers, Cosby, the rhetoric of those who victim blame and shame...this is in our families. People we know and love are suffering because of sexual assault. We have to be more healing focused. </div>
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Start to listen to the women (and men) in your life. Listen to their stories. If the time is right, ask them if they have endured a sexual assault or know someone who has. After a while, it will become clear that we are facing an epidemic of epic proportions. We have to focus on healing and supporting survivors and providing resources to their families and communities. This issue needs to be pushed to the front and discussed along with police brutality, racism, classism. We can multi-task. We always have. We can now.</div>
MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-6340817605756808762015-11-12T18:58:00.001-08:002015-11-30T00:35:56.938-08:00The color of womanhood, amethyst and serenity.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG0C3KDU14PMmiliCLFGk3i5wz73jM7NuFf3X6BU2yeOa9PN0LBMqYnXL_6P82PRaCUAPYaeFQ1CX0YoG7GKt4WE9CVyifhD_2ecqWhHfLMtnYxHMTXcV4Ueu76W46MBfBpsZAmfrkE8/s1600/12195970_1084641734893773_3126648461365493310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG0C3KDU14PMmiliCLFGk3i5wz73jM7NuFf3X6BU2yeOa9PN0LBMqYnXL_6P82PRaCUAPYaeFQ1CX0YoG7GKt4WE9CVyifhD_2ecqWhHfLMtnYxHMTXcV4Ueu76W46MBfBpsZAmfrkE8/s400/12195970_1084641734893773_3126648461365493310_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Woke up this morning and the sky was the color of womanhood, amethyst and serenity.</span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Thank you, God. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nofilter?source=feed_text&story_id=1084641734893773" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">nofilter</span></a></span>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-4450427059212527102015-09-27T11:39:00.000-07:002015-11-30T00:44:25.255-08:00And a child shall lead them<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/balloflight?source=feed_text&story_id=1063984653626148" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">balloflight</span></a> has shown me that these little people are galaxies of their own. We think that we are here to guide them and often they are here to guide us. In the past 2 weeks she has inquired about each and every corner of myself that I didn't know she knew about and wondered how I would ever teacher her. Just after the last new moon, she found a bowl of stones/crystals and wanted to know about each one and how to clean them. This 3 year old sat down for over an hour - learning about each stone and helping me clean them. Her favorites? Amethyst and lumerian with a special liking for garnet. She was so patient with each one and even asked if she could put certain ones in the window so "the sun could touch them."</div>
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Last night, she was a model student for dance and sacred movement and then concluded the lesson by leading me through a series of yoga poses while adjusting my 3 legged downward dog pose - like a pro! After that she worked on her school projects with an impeccable discipline and focus. As usual, she led me in a simple and poignant prayer before bedtime. Something along the lines of, "I love everyone. I love life. God, bless all that I love. Amen! Ase'O!!"</div>
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This morning, she brought my waist beads into the room while I was dressing and asked if I was going to wear them today and when could she get her own. </div>
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Dear #balloflight,<br />One day, you will have your own beads, gems and adornments. Time will make sure of it. These things will accent you the way light reflecting off of water adds color to the sun setting and hug you like clouds kissing a full moon rising; but, the sun is still the sun, the moon is still the moon and you little girl, are still a galaxy unto yourself. A magical part of a larger universe full of wonder and everything I seek to understand. </div>
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I tell you this every day and I hope you never forget: you are made of the same material of stars, event horizons and galaxies that we have yet to encounter or dream of. You are magic. A supernova dipped in dark honey and ether. I touch these hips that opened to bring you here and I am humbled. I look at my jawline on your face, my grandfather's grandfather's dip in your upper lip and the concept of time is redefined. In your laugh, I hear my grandmothers singing. Every part of me and your father is woven into your smile. Each day, I am blown away by the power of blood, bones, skin and melanin. </div>
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#balloflight, thank you. You assuage my fears. I was worried that somewhere between leaving our home with only you on my back and shifting my world into a life I came to live could possibly be the wrong for you. However, every day you teach me that it is important for mothers of daughters to rise to our best and holiest selves. It is important for us to be the dream that we have for you. Womanhood can not be outlined in speeches shoved down the mouth of preteens juggling red moons and patriarchy. Womanhood is learned through eyes, ears and every quiet moment. Becoming a woman is the art of a witness. It's easier to be what you see. Every day you remind me that I am giving you something that inspires and that the best me equals the best you. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Little girl, thank you for blessing me. You are the closest to God that I have ever known. I love being your mother, your guide and a witness to your journey.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 6px;">
Love,<br />Mama</div>
MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-77440275033769321512015-09-16T02:23:00.000-07:002015-11-30T00:23:55.687-08:00The Flute Maker<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">Flute Maker</span><br />(or how I learned to re member)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Playing_flute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="close up of man's mouth and hands while playing the flute" border="0" height="195" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Playing_flute.JPG" title="Photo Credit: Anton Croos (WikiCommons)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Anton Croos (WikiCommons)<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I watched him<br />bend<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />break<br />burn<br />women<br />to his liking.<br />Cutting them<br />down.<br />Digging them<br />up.<br />Ancient tree<br />burned-<br />cut into drum.<br />Precious metal<br />boiled-</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">bent into flute.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
So sweetly he would say...<br />Mark time for me.<br />Keep my harmony.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So sweetly he would say...<br />Look what I did for you.<br />How beautiful you sound!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So sweetly he would say...<br />Kiss these hands<br />that have cut you.<br />Love this fire<br />that has burned you.<br />I have made you<br />an instrument.<br />Sing!<br />Hold time for me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And the women would dance<br />And beat themselves<br />Hands hitting rings<br />that once told time<br />Rings now shined<br />into decorative marks<br />with his spit.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
One keeps dancing<br />holding time<br />And beating herself.<br />Metal<br />that harnessed the energy<br />of the earth's poles<br />Now, waiting for his breathe<br />so she can<br />Sing...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Another would dance<br />Her feet keeping time<br />Forgetting that<br />She was a tree.<br />Ancient and older than he.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Another would sing<br />When his breathe came<br />like the wind<br />Forgetting that<br />She was metal.<br />The core of earth and eternity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Forgetting.<br />I saw them forget.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I watched him<br />bend,<br />break<br />burn women<br />to his liking.<br />Cutting them down...<br />Digging them up...<br />Ancient tree<br />burned<br />cut into drum.<br />Precious metal<br />boiled<br />bent into flute.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I watched them<br />And this<br />Is how I learned<br />to<br />re<br />member.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
-<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">MelaniN</span><br />150915</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"></span>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-16261874809177688322011-03-25T07:30:00.000-07:002015-07-11T01:06:28.770-07:00 Lessons From Miss Celie's Blues <div style="color: #999999; text-align: right;">
<i>Sista, you've been on my mind...Oh sista...we're two of a kind...So sister, I'm keeping my eyes on you.</i></div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
It's
hard to watch our sistergirls struggle. All of us have a friend or two
that really struggle with life and living. They are beautiful, loving,
amazing women. They have done things that may leave us in awe of their
capacity to love, to endure, to overcome. They have been our heros,
expanding the way we think, the way we live, and the way we love. They
have stood up for themselves on the job in ways we only dream of. Go
out on the town with them and they are the ones that ain't taking no
sh!t. They will defend you, you, and your mamma too. They can run a
household like a Fortune 500 company. Hell, they run a Fortune500
company. Not only do they bring home the bacon, they slaughter the
pig, smoke and cure the meat, bring it home to cook it and serve it with
water that they have turned into wine. However, when it comes to love
and relationships, they lose it. They become something else. This
Dragon Goddess turns into a damsel in distress tying <i>herself</i> to
the railroad leaving everyone with a case of shock and awe. Now, our
eyes are on her because we are worried and the person who usually saves
the day needs to be saved.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">I
bet you think I don't know nothing...but singing the blues...Oh sister,
have I got news for you...I'm something. I hope you think that your
something too.</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
She
was the one that we looked at and said, "If our friends reflect who I
am or who I have the capacity to be...then I am amazing." Now, this
woman, that we have great admiration for, looks at us and our life and
our relationship in awe. She say's that we are lucky that we found a
good man where there are none. She says, "Well, you always have it
together." Completely, forgetting the days that she was the one to pick
us up. She raves about our cooking when it was her that gave us the
recipe for that cake. Now, she's calling us to bake it. We are tempted
out an APB for our real sister because CLEARLY this one has been
invaded by some alien from the planet of DAMsella. We ask her about it
and she just brushes it off, "you don't get it. Things are always
perfect for you." Really?</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
And this is where
the story can turn. Suddenly, she is avoiding us. Now, she can't come
out, she's tired, she's sick. Now, your relationship is upside down.
She's mean, or forgetful. She excludes us because we don't get she
says. We all are not on the same page any more. And we are TICKED
OFF. She can't break up with us! She needs to break up with that fool
we say. We tell her that she deserves better. We bombard her with any
relationship tool that we can get our hand on. She has to get it
together because if she is lost what does that say about us? It says
the same thing. "If our friends reflect who we are and who we have the
capacity to be...then sometimes I fall apart as well. Sometimes I
forget who I am and my power, too."</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Oh, scuffling, I've been up that lonesome road and I've seen a lot of suns going down.</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
Before
we throw this relationship in the wind and our hands in the air, let's
pause. Let's go back. We've been down. We've had a moment or two in
which we did not feel the best about ourselves. We've settled for less
when we deserved more. In those times in spaces, we may have done some
things to others and ourselves that we are not so proud of now. The
only thing that got us through were the people in our lives who loved us
anyway.<br />
<br />
Maybe it wasn't a person, it may have been an animal, a dog or cat that
still was excited when you walked through the door. Maybe it was food.
No matter how "bad" you were, it was still good. Maybe it was sex-for a
few hours...or minutes...we could run away to version of bliss. We
still may be overcoming a habit developed when we didn't feel good about
ourselves. Many of us have looked for love and care in all the wrong
places. However, most of us have had a healthy dose of being loved
through our pain. Usually, it came from family. Our sisters, brothers,
our mothers, our fathers, our cousins, our nieces and nephews that
loved us anyway. If we were lucky, it was a friend who would look at
you and love you even when you were acting ugly. But it was love that
gave us the power to say, "hold up! Wait a minute!" I deserve better.
This is not going to work. Somebody loves me and I'm OK if you don't.
</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Oh, but trust me, no low life's gonna run me around. So let me tell you something sista...remember your name...</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
It
is our job, to help her remember. It is our job to love her ugly and
all. It our job to love her so she is reminded that not only does she
deserve better, she has better. It our job to love her in a way that
does not allow her to forget what love is. It is our turn to nurture,
to be ready to help clean up the mess, to run the bath, to cook the
food, to listen with love. It is our turn to be firm and say, "Let's
not talk about that anymore if it's not going to change. Let's share
something else." We may have to say, "I don't agree but, I am here for
you." We may have to say, "I know it's frustrating to be going down
this road again. I have been here with you. You have been here with me
and we will come back until we get the lesson." We may have to cover
our eyes when she doesn't get it again. We have to remember the times
that we didn't get it and we kept falling until we learned how to truly
stand. It was love that made us sturdy. This is our time to love.</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">No twister's gonna steal your stuff away. My sista, we sure ain't got whole lot of time...</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
Love
with conviction and without judgment. Soon, the turning point comes
and she remembers, like we remembered, that usually we gave our power
away. It was not always...STOLEN. Now there is power in that! Once
she remembers that she also can remember that she can give her power and
she can take it back. Remember that moment when we realized...THIS IS
MY POWER. Then, remember that next level when we realized that our
HIGHER POWER was our supplier of power and our access to that power is
immediate and endless. Now, we are out of this world and we are free.
That turning point can come for her. Don't you want to be there to
celebrate with her?! Don't miss out on the party because the planning
isn't fun.</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;">
Being
beside a friend, that you have walked with through the storm, when they
have overcome adversity is the most beautifully humbling experience
ever. Remember how amazing you felt when somebody walked you through
the storm. Remember the gratitude? It is cause for celebration when we
or the people we love are triumphant. It is the ebb and flow of life.
It a reminder of why we do what we do when we do it. It is testimony
that we don't have to be 360 degrees of amazing all the time. However,
we can be a vehicle of Divine love and that is amazing. Now, go and
scratch that out of somebody's head.</div>
<i style="color: #999999;">So shake your shimmy, sister...Cuz honey, this Shug is feeling fine..</i>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-85928732617735603112010-05-16T07:21:00.000-07:002010-05-16T07:21:53.398-07:00Sunday Sermon #051610: Unfenced Transformer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV5U7YQeBznDXbfLjKOjpBFJ9d619L1xNj9eA7XO5YPRsqFFHUMBIQ5LZMLsexTI7IjoateUkuB28vb-Q1YoA9BwwCe7R1L1QM4zlaI8RdQtUyqO1U4VpXFsDEyeeA0fIqhJ-zWfnILg/s1600/hole-in-fence-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV5U7YQeBznDXbfLjKOjpBFJ9d619L1xNj9eA7XO5YPRsqFFHUMBIQ5LZMLsexTI7IjoateUkuB28vb-Q1YoA9BwwCe7R1L1QM4zlaI8RdQtUyqO1U4VpXFsDEyeeA0fIqhJ-zWfnILg/s200/hole-in-fence-copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Getting out of the way and allowing divinity to guide me has been a radical experience. I am learning that the fences I built to keep others out have locked me in. While life cuts wholes in the gates, I realize that fences and walls have nothing to do with safety. As I walk beyond and through this rubble formerly known as wall, I am learning my ability to choose peace and joy are my safety net. It is my willingness and spiritual practice to choose peace no matter what that shields me. And that is work...on a physical, emotional, spiritual, astral and psychological plane. I am grateful for the process. It is a challenge though...<br />
<br />
In addition, I am amazed at the beauty in people that I have denied myself just because they did not "fit" or I ass-u-me-d I would not "fit" them. The beautiful thing about allowing yourself to see, think, and imagine as a divine being is that spirit does not need to "fit". <br />
<br />
I must admit, this newness is troubling at times. Seeing myself and others from a space of divinity challenges EVERYTHING I thought I knew about myself and others. It requires me to be new in every moment with everyone. It requires me to transform and transcend.<br />
<br />
So my quote this week and song this week is by Gnarles Barkley. A very dear person that I had the blessed opportunity to meet while working on At Freedom's Door (<a href="http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=13204">http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=13204</a>) sent this song to me at the beginning of the year and it still resonates with my soul. Thank you Aidah Rasheed. This gift keeps giving. May you be eternally blessed.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Behold the beautiful and bold. Everyday I wake up to be new." Gnarls Barkley</span></span></span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTp17VO6Yws&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTp17VO6Yws&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
(fenced in image from <a href="http://cracksinthepavement.com/">http://cracksinthepavement.com/</a>)MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-21874241441111236252010-05-16T06:18:00.000-07:002010-05-16T06:26:35.761-07:00Saturday Sights: Falling for Philly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQFZnhWDvK4jFZkZQibZmAV57Wfgyd7qU_1n92AtJBWwfdhD9UhlGToMEPGqVLBcKArR-aCuR2Yy6SWN8ltiqiTYgEqhGyuNrt_g01XzkRYMnJdIj95sxCelRzs5ZnRsBhgbJCdJ9P2o/s1600/IMG00126-20100515-0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQFZnhWDvK4jFZkZQibZmAV57Wfgyd7qU_1n92AtJBWwfdhD9UhlGToMEPGqVLBcKArR-aCuR2Yy6SWN8ltiqiTYgEqhGyuNrt_g01XzkRYMnJdIj95sxCelRzs5ZnRsBhgbJCdJ9P2o/s200/IMG00126-20100515-0059.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I might be falling for Philly. Amazing sights, sounds, people. Thank you Philly for having me as a guest. I had an amazing good time. In two days you gifted me with a garden, an amazing spirit and artist Alan Bell (award winning documentary highlighting him <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ElanGep#p/u/5/EOiok8gpW4E">http://www.youtube.com/user/ElanGep#p/u/5/EOiok8gpW4E</a>), a rooftop sanctuary, a youth poetry slam (it was OFF THE CHAIN! </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PhillyYouthSlamLeague#!/event.php?eid=123779577636264">http://www.facebook.com/PhillyYouthSlamLeague#!/event.php?eid=123779577636264</a>), a vegan cheesesteak, Tom Kenyon (<a href="http://tomkenyon.com/">http://tomkenyon.com/</a>), allowed me to be a witness to the beautiful spirit and artistry of Elan Gepner ( <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ElanGep">http://www.youtube.com/user/ElanGep</a>), a circus in someone's backyard, a fire thrower/spinner, a sword swallower, murals, murals, murals, Fairmont Park (<a href="http://www.visitphilly.com/maps/category/fairmount-park/0/257">http://www.visitphilly.com/maps/category/fairmount-park/0/257</a>), fresh basil, pick and eat strawberries, PIZZA!, I could go on and on and on... Oh Philly...I will see you soon. Here are just a few memories from my camera phone. I am a little sore that I left my cameras at home. That's ok...next time!</span></div></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpRRyEXpCwG7arr2sM_M5w4MSsoEUfRzdEtdhq_gK6ZheyHKWSsJQ94nzLY7-a87BKAtGj6GF7ZWY8k6YxqBqiiEYhI0bIvmrIVpJZADsKzMhCq5KS66LEjHZnomw1FkSIxD27ihuL4/s1600/IMG00129-20100515-0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpRRyEXpCwG7arr2sM_M5w4MSsoEUfRzdEtdhq_gK6ZheyHKWSsJQ94nzLY7-a87BKAtGj6GF7ZWY8k6YxqBqiiEYhI0bIvmrIVpJZADsKzMhCq5KS66LEjHZnomw1FkSIxD27ihuL4/s320/IMG00129-20100515-0102.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9j871x4rR82iZQX18WYzXN_N_qHqBSN5_Z9wjwqo_-caqb-1WRG3yZJA7boiup4Dyj3bNSJEXehyphenhyphen7-YJMrxoPFMEyaaDGFBCCX_GlRS86nOM1o3LYiCxb70puUPs4jr4o2CRjP2uQYo/s1600/IMG00120-20100515-0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9j871x4rR82iZQX18WYzXN_N_qHqBSN5_Z9wjwqo_-caqb-1WRG3yZJA7boiup4Dyj3bNSJEXehyphenhyphen7-YJMrxoPFMEyaaDGFBCCX_GlRS86nOM1o3LYiCxb70puUPs4jr4o2CRjP2uQYo/s320/IMG00120-20100515-0054.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXPYpJtjR-2vqpxPDo5JW5R6Fy-Fb6U-eyRMgpC2Lw3uLdHr0v8STz1SWoRBPEiA4mTiOoPakEY94YuMKVP4HncsdIH_n_ayVt3clqE3q46RX8wn1Ohc_nE-Y4gUfAgovFO-EJ0os3Lg/s1600/IMG00130-20100515-0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXPYpJtjR-2vqpxPDo5JW5R6Fy-Fb6U-eyRMgpC2Lw3uLdHr0v8STz1SWoRBPEiA4mTiOoPakEY94YuMKVP4HncsdIH_n_ayVt3clqE3q46RX8wn1Ohc_nE-Y4gUfAgovFO-EJ0os3Lg/s320/IMG00130-20100515-0109.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEWjKsLqEeXVkL5LcfSB8gR5R6ZNMgZFLqcqbrVjAvYCIj_MfUaTNKVAOyjViDy9hL3ys0O0tiedvgbQBy0gjo4ZWssN9haYS-2nl1-yUqMHqZVbv-sLx2l-tswSNpurGjihPb8vb_o/s1600/IMG00127-20100515-0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEWjKsLqEeXVkL5LcfSB8gR5R6ZNMgZFLqcqbrVjAvYCIj_MfUaTNKVAOyjViDy9hL3ys0O0tiedvgbQBy0gjo4ZWssN9haYS-2nl1-yUqMHqZVbv-sLx2l-tswSNpurGjihPb8vb_o/s320/IMG00127-20100515-0059.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3haY5ZD0q3dLFmEGGOOdZVcKnlvSRQ4jwXfkxA70BlUf9XOSHaaPC6fQ5c6AyJ5-xNr0EzkS5ylnICuAvroKb3AGfOCzYS6KgWCc2eYC7vi022n9WNGwzDRp1zsz_IVjT_b9zhg5y88/s1600/IMG00125-20100515-0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3haY5ZD0q3dLFmEGGOOdZVcKnlvSRQ4jwXfkxA70BlUf9XOSHaaPC6fQ5c6AyJ5-xNr0EzkS5ylnICuAvroKb3AGfOCzYS6KgWCc2eYC7vi022n9WNGwzDRp1zsz_IVjT_b9zhg5y88/s320/IMG00125-20100515-0058.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKDpPo3jDGqv6IkyDEQSKkC4JJZEA389H1eCTW_XVpDKe8t7-U8VcLld5t4nwAgKECxZa7-oIHuzGPPIVgmUlj_rOZLndSOKnaMK_kp1seyXZH7x0Hu7tNajZjLssiyJnwFEjRrPbbcY/s1600/IMG00119-20100514-2354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKDpPo3jDGqv6IkyDEQSKkC4JJZEA389H1eCTW_XVpDKe8t7-U8VcLld5t4nwAgKECxZa7-oIHuzGPPIVgmUlj_rOZLndSOKnaMK_kp1seyXZH7x0Hu7tNajZjLssiyJnwFEjRrPbbcY/s320/IMG00119-20100514-2354.jpg" /></a></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-13760848848883539432010-05-09T04:36:00.000-07:002010-05-09T04:36:30.335-07:00Sunday Sermon #050910: Who is imagining you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylGLwaCaaBou6EBc0jy1f92B5pCqqxzLT7jjFtq8-Le3MPWrw7HPEUZCscVTMGPoxkBCHpeZZlfrj47YcGzJhUuq20Ogp70kmbaasDhwlOFflrzRJXaM4b5_0nKyb3QWRzFXv8zU0pd8/s1600/HethertNefertaritomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylGLwaCaaBou6EBc0jy1f92B5pCqqxzLT7jjFtq8-Le3MPWrw7HPEUZCscVTMGPoxkBCHpeZZlfrj47YcGzJhUuq20Ogp70kmbaasDhwlOFflrzRJXaM4b5_0nKyb3QWRzFXv8zU0pd8/s200/HethertNefertaritomb.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Quote governing my week:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"It is not what you imagine. It is who is imagining. Are you a human, or a Divine Being?" -</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Law of Het Heru from MAAT: The 11 Laws of God by Ra Un Nefer Amen</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Lately, the question in the forefront of my mind has been "how would my life be different if I didn't do anything out of fear or past pain?" In my attempt to answer this question, I have left a 10-year career teaching middle school students, manifested a new job within the arts and in my community, wrote a book of affirmations that I am now shopping to publishers, and worked to dismantle all barriers to love within me. Shifting my quality of life from living in fear/pain to living in love/peace is wonderful and amazing work but it is work indeed. I have found that claiming it and visualizing it is a very important step, but a fairly surface step. This mornings meditations led me to a deeper understanding and a key component of the act of visualizing and manifesting. Tua Neter Het Heru.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">The first thing that I must consider when I am imagining is who am I when I am imagining? Am I imagining/visualizing what I want from a very human space or am I imagining/visualizing as a divine being? Answering this question first often changes the context and the depth of my visualizations. It encourages me to see myself through an elevated/spiritual eye and feel myself with a cultivated heart. When I visualize from a place of love/peace I find that the things that I want speak to my oneness with others, cultivates my will and fortifies my patience with my plans to attain what I desire. In addition, visualizing as a divine being aligns me with divinity and keeps me walking on a divine path.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpqgcXCv6P1gr8Fe8icU3UM9cKsTfkGZE2YAPsKU6OIbNyxNqtT6uYHrtUo4OPddtmMoX5MtGEcq50lcH9yVYw8JYB9UnV8prGdu6kwuSvxLqkaB5CRGHq9wGM0BKKO6RqwUvFTcz8g/s1600/het_heru1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpqgcXCv6P1gr8Fe8icU3UM9cKsTfkGZE2YAPsKU6OIbNyxNqtT6uYHrtUo4OPddtmMoX5MtGEcq50lcH9yVYw8JYB9UnV8prGdu6kwuSvxLqkaB5CRGHq9wGM0BKKO6RqwUvFTcz8g/s200/het_heru1.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I am grateful for prayers and meditation. I am grateful for my morning of dance with my Het-Heru sisters. I am grateful for my experience and my family at KIMA. I have left the building but that does not matter because our hearts and spirits do not rest in stone. I am excited about manifesting/visualizing as a Divine Being. I am grateful for being made in the image and likeness of God. Let's go!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">The Third Eye by Roy Ayers</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Baby, Baby, Baby...look to the sky. Baby, Baby, Baby...look to the sky. Seeking to find the third eye. Seeking to find the third eye. Secrets of numbers. Secrets of sound. Secrets of sound. Secrets of wisdom will be found. </span></i><br />
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<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4ZdOYc3ozgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4ZdOYc3ozgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-57986626132446749932010-05-05T03:31:00.000-07:002010-05-05T03:35:30.052-07:00Monday Meditation #050310: No Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlfFhIVuMHsXh44Zl7ILX2SERnnjNoh202VgRQlhtYl-Vnjk6uctyl8FKi5IVyjXli5Tk8iny0HO0eVKeko-QnIjSZOrhKPcc_jk1PK1DkdKcS-wLcQtqKccgjj6wk7ZA-t6lGGSpuj4/s1600/faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlfFhIVuMHsXh44Zl7ILX2SERnnjNoh202VgRQlhtYl-Vnjk6uctyl8FKi5IVyjXli5Tk8iny0HO0eVKeko-QnIjSZOrhKPcc_jk1PK1DkdKcS-wLcQtqKccgjj6wk7ZA-t6lGGSpuj4/s200/faith.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Focusing on a prayer every week has brought me a lot of peace and opened me up to some wonderful conversations about prayer and spiritualized living. Usually this post is on a Monday, but, I was up late on the phone talking to my mother about our favorite prayers and I think I JUST recovered from my 48-hours of film-making. (REMINDER: Straight No Chaser's film shows at AFI on Friday night. We are in GROUP H. Buy your tickets early they sell out fast. We killed it! Come see it! </span><a href="http://www.48hourfilm.com/dc/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.48hourfilm.com/dc/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mother loves the Psalms and I can see why. They are beautifully written and you can find a psalm for any time and any situation. Recently, I manifested a new job and experienced a little trepidation about moving on. That's when I had to go back to an old standard. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalms 27 has always been my FAVORITE Psalm. When I needed to be reminded of my direction against adversity or in the winds of change- it is in Psalms 27 that I find solace and clarity. Right now, we need to be courageous and speak up for our selves and our future in so many ways. Whether it is about the environment, injustice, or just day to day living - we all need a shot of courage to move forward. Here is what's in my glass. I have posted two versions here. Enjoy.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3GgizmKyFoPRB-S6w5scMqrGQWRU289wFEyRPhAfT90V0tgABOpdUGxdPgSm5YqMCUtgOwDQA2QI1U12Ihfh8Ixp4XuoVw4tPjLvOarbK3FzXB61JqEAQS4e8fp7-7DwnCObSyj8SYI/s1600/cat+with+courage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3GgizmKyFoPRB-S6w5scMqrGQWRU289wFEyRPhAfT90V0tgABOpdUGxdPgSm5YqMCUtgOwDQA2QI1U12Ihfh8Ixp4XuoVw4tPjLvOarbK3FzXB61JqEAQS4e8fp7-7DwnCObSyj8SYI/s320/cat+with+courage.jpg" /></span></a></div><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 27 (King James Version)</span></span></h2><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14287" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14288" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14289" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14290" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14291" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14292" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14293" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14294" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14295" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14296" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14297" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14298" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14299" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14300" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf7crqYwrl93E1Df9OZQ5xntwOr0gLaTn7VdaGD-uoRfEVO43cmOXpF8xInag85Ow8sj9P6Qp8wVNEHevLUdUxYEYQCiCd17XQJMyQKRjQbnfTVqDR-9G2lzSU6bmFufvg5DIvfV5Pas/s1600/tiananmen-square-tank1-1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf7crqYwrl93E1Df9OZQ5xntwOr0gLaTn7VdaGD-uoRfEVO43cmOXpF8xInag85Ow8sj9P6Qp8wVNEHevLUdUxYEYQCiCd17XQJMyQKRjQbnfTVqDR-9G2lzSU6bmFufvg5DIvfV5Pas/s320/tiananmen-square-tank1-1808.jpg" /></span></a></div><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 27 (New Living Translation)</span></span></h2><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14262" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is my light and my salvation—</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> so why should I be afraid?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is my fortress, protecting me from danger,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> so why should I tremble?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14263" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When evil people come to devour me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> when my enemies and foes attack me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> they will stumble and fall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14264" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Though a mighty army surrounds me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> my heart will not be afraid.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Even if I am attacked,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I will remain confident. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14265" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The one thing I ask of the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">—</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the thing I seek most—</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is to live in the house of the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> all the days of my life,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> delighting in the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’s perfections</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and meditating in his Temple.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14266" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For he will conceal me there when troubles come;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> he will hide me in his sanctuary.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> He will place me out of reach on a high rock.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14267" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then I will hold my head high</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> above my enemies who surround me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> singing and praising the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> with music.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14268" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Hear me as I pray, O L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Be merciful and answer me!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14269" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And my heart responds, “L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I am coming.”</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14270" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do not turn your back on me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do not reject your servant in anger.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You have always been my helper.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> O God of my salvation!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14271" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Even if my father and mother abandon me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> will hold me close.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14272" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Teach me how to live, O L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lead me along the right path,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for my enemies are waiting for me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14273" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do not let me fall into their hands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> with every breath they threaten me with violence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14274" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yet I am confident I will see the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’s goodness</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> while I am here in the land of the living.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-14275" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Wait patiently for the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Be brave and courageous.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yes, wait patiently for the L</span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div></div></span></span>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-38759519231401085872010-05-02T21:09:00.001-07:002010-05-02T21:12:31.837-07:00Sunday Sermon #050210: Music, muse & inspiration<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nspiration for the week:</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's learning to dance in the </span></span><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">rain</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.” - Unknown.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I got my quote this week from the end of an email from Mesi Walton. She teaches an Afro Venezuelan dance class on Sunday's over at the Joy of Motion Atlas Theater location. I have to get out there and check her class out. Thanks Mesi for the quote! </span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Music for the week:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"As the Rush Comes"</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We drift deeper into the sound...life goes on. We drift deeper into the sound...feeling strong. So bring it on. So bring it on...Embrace me. Surround me as the rush comes!"</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Something about this song makes me dig my heels into life, relax and enjoy the ride. No matter what life brings you...relax and make the best of the ride. That is exactly what I plan to do this entire week. Dig deep, relax and enjoy the ride.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCY7EE7uFOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCY7EE7uFOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-79992976054582706752010-04-26T00:17:00.006-07:002010-04-26T00:34:43.811-07:00Monday Meditation #042610: Three Prayers<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Prayers are being answered left and right...no need to stop now! Here are three short and sweet prayers from Chief John Yellow Lark and Ludwig Van Beethoven.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X_uMHkcP5tlOIOCRabm2mOGRdlyTiurD0rPS1f3s9blA4d8aIsleN1BLHfU2mMri84z0UVJ9muYSWgRxRxNjnEO4G-2QuoG-pa1FZKNzPtz8OHVY1P2_nzIeiOYvu1JCvs2PirUMVj0/s1600/Yellow+Lark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X_uMHkcP5tlOIOCRabm2mOGRdlyTiurD0rPS1f3s9blA4d8aIsleN1BLHfU2mMri84z0UVJ9muYSWgRxRxNjnEO4G-2QuoG-pa1FZKNzPtz8OHVY1P2_nzIeiOYvu1JCvs2PirUMVj0/s320/Yellow+Lark.jpg" width="184" /></span></span></b></a></div><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I Come Before You</span></span></u></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By Chief John Yellow Lark</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh Great Spirit,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whose voice I hear in the wind,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whose breath gives life to the world,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hear me!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I come to you as one of your many children.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am small and weak.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I need your strength and wisdom.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">May I walk in beauty.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make my eyes behold the red and purple sunset.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make my hands respect the things that you have made,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And my ears sharp to hear your voice.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make me wise so that I may know the things</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That you have taught your children--</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The lessons that you have hidden in every leaf and rock.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make me strong, not to be superior to my brothers, but to be</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">able to fight my greatest enemy: myself.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes, so that</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When life fades as the faded sunset</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My spirit will come to you without shame.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 21px;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><div style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">GIVE ME STRENGTH By: Ludwig Van Beethoven</span></span></span></div></div></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 21px;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">O God, give me strength to be victorious over myself. Guide </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">my spirit; raise me from these dark depths that my soul, trans</span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ported through Your wisdom, may fearlessly struggle in fiery </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">flight; for You alone understand and You alone can inspire me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47q1hQhrUftf72Ck8MgrGMk8ycchVC2gtiCSztnj6qqWCYrvrq_DnMLlAdSkb5AowP2w2Ma1aes_Gm86HXruqR0aU3_O2if8mkjhZ_ZH2A7nZHDYtvmFL8DTEe-ZjhnBp76GCy3E37Xw/s1600/beethoven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47q1hQhrUftf72Ck8MgrGMk8ycchVC2gtiCSztnj6qqWCYrvrq_DnMLlAdSkb5AowP2w2Ma1aes_Gm86HXruqR0aU3_O2if8mkjhZ_ZH2A7nZHDYtvmFL8DTEe-ZjhnBp76GCy3E37Xw/s200/beethoven2.jpg" width="146" /></a><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 21px;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ONE THING MORE</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 21px;"><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We praise Your goodness that You have left nothing undone </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to draw us to Yourself; but one thing we ask of You, O God; that </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You not cease Your work in our improvement. Let us tend toward </span></span></span><span class="pt" style="color: #221e1f; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You, no matter by what means, and be fruitful in good works.</span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 24px; margin-right: 24px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 24px;"></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-90193270155863440562010-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:002010-04-25T11:51:49.615-07:00Sunday Sermon #042510: Music, muse & inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlrj-Y6u0EkwOUIIozCNiJtysOmbxPxbijo35dS_Gc2CKjZOetDQMbx6IqWBGBEzoW26g7ZYv8ZaD0NmmPJWO_EDa94CB7r3MCEXHFfpH9kPamfy46RCykguPFCgVF6awGoZmxWcvIKU/s1600/three+generationz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlrj-Y6u0EkwOUIIozCNiJtysOmbxPxbijo35dS_Gc2CKjZOetDQMbx6IqWBGBEzoW26g7ZYv8ZaD0NmmPJWO_EDa94CB7r3MCEXHFfpH9kPamfy46RCykguPFCgVF6awGoZmxWcvIKU/s200/three+generationz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464145972106653810" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#00000000;"><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Started this week off with more than a song to sing. But, I won't even try to put my bliss into words. Gonna need my camera or a canvas for that. I will just continue with this song and quote that got me out the door this Sunday. Thank you Navasha, Maimouna Yousseff and Mama Nataska Hummingbird. </span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~Enjoy.</span></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>“Cherish your visions and your dreams <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>as they are the children of your soul; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” </i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>- Napoleon Hill</i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Cherokee Morning Song perfoationz" at Amma's event for love and world Peace</span></div><div><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jXuc_Q9vYv4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jXuc_Q9vYv4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-20414793763825665452010-04-19T01:40:00.000-07:002010-04-19T02:26:55.613-07:00Monday Meditation #041910: The Practice of Prayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y9RQ-qOHZsuSqYI7UNDcLnCh2yO7i6mG4vo6B5_Oo7tcsfFzanhbG47h28AvgPcbb0OMVetOxu_w_mdl03YoXZjVY-EAM64kfEZBLHuIQWnESrEFhHXO73GDmQdAurbBUUsnmgP_QgY/s1600/molded+tile+mihrab+symbol+of+divine+light.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y9RQ-qOHZsuSqYI7UNDcLnCh2yO7i6mG4vo6B5_Oo7tcsfFzanhbG47h28AvgPcbb0OMVetOxu_w_mdl03YoXZjVY-EAM64kfEZBLHuIQWnESrEFhHXO73GDmQdAurbBUUsnmgP_QgY/s200/molded+tile+mihrab+symbol+of+divine+light.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461769919558823410" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I LOVE to pray. I feel an illuminated sense of peace and well being when I open my heart to speak inside of spirit through prayer. Most times, it only takes me a few moments of quiet meditation and deep breathing to get me to a place of powerful prayer. However, when I'm at a loss for words, I look to the prayer traditions of people from around the world. I am comforted by the fact that no matter what our differences are, an overwhelming majority of the world prays. </span></span></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Recently, I have enjoyed the utter beauty in Sufi prayers. Led to Sufism by RUMI, one of my favorite poets, I have found prayers that offer some of the most beautiful descriptions of God that I have ever seen. I also find the prayers to be inclusive of all aspects of the Divine without limiting "God" to a masculine model. The prayers are full of sweet surrender. Of late, I have started my day with the following prayer. Enjoy.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Invocation</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Toward the One,the Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty,the Only Being,United with all the Illuminated Souls, Who form the Embodiment of the Master,the Spirit of Guidance.<br /><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Morning Prayers</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I. Saum</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Praise be to Thee, Most Supreme God,Omnipotent, Omnipresent, All-pervading, the Only Being. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take us in Thy Parental Arms, raise us from the denseness of the earth,</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thy Beauty do we worship, to Thee do we give willing surrender.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most Merciful and Compassionate God, the Idealized Lord of the whole humanity,</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thee only do we worship, and towards Thee Alone we aspire.<br />Open our hearts towards Thy Beauty, illuminate our souls with Divine Light,<br />O Thou, the Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty, All-powerful Creator, Sustainer,<br />Judge and Forgiver of our shortcomings, Lord God of the East and of the West,<br />of the worlds above and below,and of the seen and unseen beings:<br />Pour upon us Thy Love and thy Light, give sustenance to our bodies, hearts and souls, use us for the purpose that Thy Wisdom chooseth, and guide us on the path of Thine Own Goodness.<br />Draw us closer to Thee every moment of our life, </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">until in us be reflected Thy Grace, Thy Glory,Thy Wisdom, Thy Joy and Thy Peace.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Amen.</span></span></span><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">II. May the Message of God reach far and wide.</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />(Repeat eleven times.)</span></span></span></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">III. Pir</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Inspirer of my mind, consoler of my heart, healer of my spirit,<br />Thy presence lifteth me from earth to heaven, Thy words flow as the sacred river,<br />Thy thought riseth as a divine spring,Thy tender feelings waken sympathy in my heart.<br />Beloved Teacher, Thy very being is forgiveness.<br />The clouds of doubt and fear are scattered by Thy piercing glance.<br />All ignorance vanishes in Thy illuminating presence.<br />A new hope is born in my heart by breathing Thy peaceful atmosphere.<br />O inspiring Guide through life's puzzling ways, in Thee I feel abundance of blessing.<br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Amen.</span></span></span></p><span><span><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">V. Prayer for Peace</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace.<br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously.<br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.<br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy thy bliss.<br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all in the thought of thy grace and mercy.<br />Send Thy peace, O Lord, that our lives may become a divine vision, and in Thy light all darkness may vanish. Send Thy peace, O Lord, our Father and Mother, that we Thy children on earth may all unite in one family.</span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Amen.</span></span></span></p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For more Sufi Prayers: </span></span><a href="http://www.sufiorder.org/prayers.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.sufiorder.org/prayers.html</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The art was found at the following site: </span></span><a href="http://www.superluminal.com/cookbook/index_gallery.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.superluminal.com/cookbook/index_gallery.html</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> I may have to look into this cookbook!!</span></span></div><div><br /></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-2330707625591068572010-04-18T06:44:00.000-07:002010-04-18T07:16:50.683-07:00Sunday Sermon #041810: Music, muse & inspiration<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Starting the week with a quote & a theme song is my set up for a good week. This week, something short and sweet from Anais Nin and Don't Look Back by Bliss from their album quiet letters. I love the original and the Fug Mix so, I included them both. Lucinda Drayton's voice is enchanting. Now, this is the song I want playing again and again in my head this week.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">than the risk it took to blossom."</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">~ anais nin</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Don't Look Back by Bliss </span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CI8GYDYk5l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CI8GYDYk5l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Don´t have to question<br />Everything you feel<br />It´s in your heart<br />In your mind<br />In your soul<br /><br />Not everything you want<br />Is what you need<br />Look inside look inside<br />And you´ll see<br /><br />Don´t look back<br />Take it easy on yourself<br />Don´t look back<br />Don´t have to worry<br />Don´t look back<br />Take it easy on yourself<br />this time<br /><br />as we rise we fall<br />fall to the ground<br />but get up get up on your feet<br />if you look around<br />there is always someone there<br />just look up look up to the skies<br /><br />Don´t look back<br />Take it easy on your self<br />Don´t look back<br />Don´t have to worry<br />Don´t look back<br />Take it easy on yourself<br />This time</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:13px;"><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wXYwZ7wQviY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wXYwZ7wQviY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></span></span></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-12837219980765225042010-02-08T09:28:00.000-08:002010-02-08T10:26:30.669-08:00Douglass on Haiti. Douglass in the House.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkHIQlxUZ8Mx4P21qsFQNWIQDWfuBmijoK32kEYLR4phIp4Qdcr0LBgkOFgZJdWfBvvoCBMZsFPTIgYjWMgmo2EOcNbFKEu6qv2ylSjha1wVoyN0yQ3ZKD3AsBSRzkykliI1_8h4TASI/s1600-h/4fred16b.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkHIQlxUZ8Mx4P21qsFQNWIQDWfuBmijoK32kEYLR4phIp4Qdcr0LBgkOFgZJdWfBvvoCBMZsFPTIgYjWMgmo2EOcNbFKEu6qv2ylSjha1wVoyN0yQ3ZKD3AsBSRzkykliI1_8h4TASI/s200/4fred16b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435934410498788674" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkHIQlxUZ8Mx4P21qsFQNWIQDWfuBmijoK32kEYLR4phIp4Qdcr0LBgkOFgZJdWfBvvoCBMZsFPTIgYjWMgmo2EOcNbFKEu6qv2ylSjha1wVoyN0yQ3ZKD3AsBSRzkykliI1_8h4TASI/s1600-h/4fred16b.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><i></i></span></a><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAajE8jVD_s5VLFFGS_6IK6H5FZpqqySizQm9eyLbiaUEEIGbdLqaOC1HIghZFn-Ki3gB2ZxA4m5G3KvZFWJpcfbQBTbQRUH1lMYylr_3asUXIMLP46uTZ65IBIkdioZiwZdPNfgHoqos/s1600-h/4fred16b.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">"I regard her (Haiti) as the original pioneer emancipator of the nineteenth century...</span></span></span></a></i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAajE8jVD_s5VLFFGS_6IK6H5FZpqqySizQm9eyLbiaUEEIGbdLqaOC1HIghZFn-Ki3gB2ZxA4m5G3KvZFWJpcfbQBTbQRUH1lMYylr_3asUXIMLP46uTZ65IBIkdioZiwZdPNfgHoqos/s1600-h/4fred16b.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">" Douglass, 1893</span></span></span></a></i></span><div><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I was feeling the spirit of Frederick Douglass & Haiti HEAVY in my house yesterday. I could not understand it. Now I know why. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">This morning, I saw my sister-friend's Facebook status: "February 7,1986~ marked the END of Duvalier Regime in Haiti...24 years later, Haitians continue to suffer...Remembering, Praying & Supporting Haiti." The current political landscape made me wonder...What would Douglass say today? How would his eyes see his beloved Haiti during these trying times?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I spent the morning buried in his chest of words.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">This is not the first time that I have found identity, meaning and solace there. Today, he </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">enraptured me. All I could do was surrender. His lecture given in Chicago 1893 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Haiti's independence is relevant today.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"> It is as if he stood up to speak after the recent earthquake. As an ancestor, he still speaks about our beloved Haiti. He still reminds us that Haiti is not only the birthplace of black liberation in the world - it is the resurrection place of freedom for humanity. Haiti is why we don't accept slavery for ourselves or anyone else. Whether you are black, brown, yellow, red or pink...Haiti is our living proof of why we stand and are willing to die as long is our last breath is, " I AM FREE."</span></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Haiti was born at a pivotal point in history and we forget that. We want to think that slavery was just about black people. It was not. It was about a rape of humanity. It was about the disintegration of the human spirit. It was about the acceleration of power by a very small group of people over the masses. The question of freedom was not a black question. It was a human question. It was an experiment to see if the world would stand for the enslavement of one and therefore welcome the enslavement of all over time. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Haiti reminded us all - black, white, poor, uneducated, privileged, yellow, red, man, woman - that we surrender to God alone. We are here to serve a higher power that exist in each in and beyond everyone of us. Haiti reminded us that if any man denies the God in himself to enslave the God in me then we all must die and I will happily return this body to the earth from which I come...right after yours. And that holds true because I am human. I am spirit. Not because I am black and a woman. My blackness and my womb merely informs the urgency of the matter.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I see these people and I wonder how the same ones who vilify Damballah manage to be snakes themselves. The same ones who claim to drink the blood of Christ are the first on site to slaughter the lamb. The same ones who quote the sermon on the mount are the first to lay Haiti, Congo, Bosnia,Tibet, Anacostia, Appalachia, Susquehanna, etc. flat on their back and I wonder who am I in all of this? I feel them crawling over earth, burning their own history into her face and it sickens me because I wonder...how long will it be before it is my face? How long will it be before it is your face? Or perhaps, by birth, by blood, by breathing - we are already marked. Well, if I am marked, it is so I won't forget and my existence won't let you forget. This mark is a reminder - like Douglass' speech, that we don't lay down under this blanket of snow. We won't surrender our humanity. We fight till the death.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">You may not see it in some grand action, but best believe that the few of us left that know that we are marked with spirit of humanity are rising. We go to work every day. We teach your children. We manage your money. We grow your food. We are rising. We sit in your pews. We run your countries. We sort your coal. We sleep under the same sky and from this darkness we are rising and returning to that first light that the Divine commanded and we all are saying are those same first words..."Let there be light." And we are pulling out flashlights, cell phones, lighters, or just our pretty white teeth to let ANY man or woman know that we will not allow death and destruction, the separation of humanity, the pillaging of earth to hide and sleep in the corners of your words, actions, and policies. We will shine that light on you and what you do to Haiti because we know it is merely a prelude of what is to come for us all. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">So, I return to my day to day with understanding. Don't see this as a surrender or slumber. I have looked at the history of humanity and turn its pages and seen this cycle of life and goodness. The human spirit is not one to deny. We have never been one to sleep when it is quiet. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I look around me and in my own mirror and watch the divine spirit whisper through those eyes, calling out to me and others those first words..."Let there be light...Let there be light...Let there be light."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">For Haiti, for Southeast, for North and Long, for Appalachia, for Crenshaw, for Potomac, for the fertile crescent, for the delta, for the Ganges, for the Thames, for Canaan, for the Inuits, for the bluegrass, for the backwoods, for the rural plains, for the aborigine, for Liberia, for Sarajevo, for humanity...I stand up and say "Let there be light." Shine on these issues, so we truly understand and move forward.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">-- </span></span></span></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-67815184686881706302010-01-31T07:03:00.000-08:002010-01-31T11:03:39.110-08:00Plugged/Unplugged: Hospital Bed Memoirs #1<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Saline - drips. Heart machine - beeps. TV - flicks. Paging Dr. Singh...Paging Dr. Singh. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The clock - ticks. The respirator - hisses. Florescent light - emits. A man - screams. The nurses - rush. Death - ushers in. Pain - hushed. The lullaby - announces. Baby girl and boy - born. Paging Dr. Coleman.... Paging Dr. Coleman.</span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIgSPbi6oQtdEX2RVmOgAlqkb6p8h3Xb-yuVdMRsYSwSD-iVxqe4y7UqielFUU2BVXg0KPoPHmN93PFhBPdQF2W3JQW1tMKEWayBdI-ym9dsVgNQAE0bF1ChCslpeXfj3G6sj0qpnZOw/s200/Pluggedin+Victoria+Fuller.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432964684913813138" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ms. Douglass?"<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What time is it...?</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Ms. Douglass?"<br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is it still dark outside...?</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Ms. Douglass. I need to check your vitals."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"You don't need any more blood, do you?"<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I'm sorry...we do."<br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Of course they do...</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"My apologies. Good morning," I offered with a sleepy smile. He smiled.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Good morning to you," he replies. "Very nice pressure, Ms. Douglass. Do you want the lights out?"<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Yes thank you. Am I your last stop?" I suddenly remembered him from last night. Long hours.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Almost, Ms. Douglass," he whispered. "Almost."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Well, have a good day. Get some rest."<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Thank you Ms. Douglass." With a quick gesture he turned the light off. I turned my head into the pillow. He seemed to stop under the TV as if he was going to say something. He doesn't. He just reaches up and turns the dancing images off.<br /><br />I touch the IV in my arm. It's still there waiting for that moment of emergency or dehydration. It feels like an outlet in a wall. At any given moment, they have access to my blood. I put my hand over it and say a prayer. The fears subside and I fall off into a dream.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A woman stands at the edge of my bed. I think I have seen her before. She is not a nurse. But, I have seen her before. The nurse is to the right of my bed. "Ms. Douglass...your not getting enough water. We have to hydrate you." I look at her and she is looking at my IV. I shake my head and cover the IV. "Ms. Douglass, we have to medicate you. Your heart is racing. Please Ms. Douglass, calm down!" </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> My breathing is heavy. I realize I can wake up. I focus on waking up. It's just a dream. I can wake up. The woman at the edge of my bed calls me with her eyes. I look at her and watch her hands extend all the way up the bed and stop over my heart. She tells the nurse that I am fine without saying anything. I don't know how she does this. It's just a dream...I can wake up. I'm falling...open. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She is doing something to me...but, I soon forget her. My heart is gone. No, its there...I'm just in it. And it is open and clear. It looks empty but feels so full and expansive. Each breathe invites peace. Each beat is just an echo of some other heart beating. I realize that I am sitting on a chair that is not there. I like it here. It feels warm like a hug; yet, there's so much space...</span></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Ms. Douglass?"</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So much space...</span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Ms. Douglass."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What time is it?</span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I just need a sample of blood and you can go back to sleep." </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I open my eyes, sit up and force a smile at the tech trying not to look at her blood basket. Vials, needles, alcohol pads, gauze, and something with the nerve to be named a butterfly. I focus on her face. Another nurse is with her. I see last night scribed on their faces. Long night for everyone, I bet.</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"More blood," I exclaim initiating our morning ritual. "The doctor said my blood is low. It can't get any higher if ya'll keep taking it."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I don't understand it either, Ms. Douglass," she laughs.</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Well...alright. Good morning."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Good morning, Ms. Douglass."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Can you find another vein? This one hurts."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"But, it's such a good vein," she laughs. "I can see it Ms. Douglass."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"It won't be good by the time I leave. And what's a a butterfly?"</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"A very small needle for people with very small veins."</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Who do I have to talk to get one of those?"</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Next time, Ms. Douglass." She lets out a good chuckle. "Next time." </span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">** 1st Photo is a sculpture by Victoria Fuller entitled Plugged In. Check her out at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://objectartist.com/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">http://objectartist.com/index.html</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> **</span></span></span></div></div></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-57368659953444760102010-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:002010-01-31T11:48:14.011-08:00Inside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHQil5rO1W5b29EOOnWfc2FbgoDMS3-_D0rHM1JwOiTC1JjsKH5Q_-hwdEM_DckbBQqbFtyRfse1YGdQKzS9zis3PQBpKk8DcJ_2HAc0ZXle4P1_D81ed_ldEKdCt9dN8hblrfKlRvfs/s1600-h/winter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHQil5rO1W5b29EOOnWfc2FbgoDMS3-_D0rHM1JwOiTC1JjsKH5Q_-hwdEM_DckbBQqbFtyRfse1YGdQKzS9zis3PQBpKk8DcJ_2HAc0ZXle4P1_D81ed_ldEKdCt9dN8hblrfKlRvfs/s200/winter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432719157225604818" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> ~Ward Elliot Hour</span><br /><br />The silence of winter is full like a lover's sigh beckoning me back to bed. I don't particularly like winter; however, I can appreciate its call to go back in.<br /><br />Thank you God for wrapping my house in a blanket of snow and keeping me inside with my art and my friends and my thoughts. Thank you for gifting me one more day to work, play, and heal in the comfort of my home.<br /><br />I appreciate this opportunity to embrace the nature's rhythm. I am glad to be in a space where I am not fighting the quiet or the solitude. There is a lot happening, right here - inside.MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-40982618210091631762009-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:002009-10-29T06:55:14.706-07:00One thing about Miles, he was always searching...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIV3QguJcTSfzL09cTCr5WyPSYfvMyScbNf9TxexnmLV1TSohyd3xMZcME47UXHzQT9OBrcOxjhafnEtQfM_NGqelr0ct6d-GKY_4DZ70ELLBAbQSCizc1-FoWnpWxKPSLum3Wvqmvco/s1600-h/miles-davis.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIV3QguJcTSfzL09cTCr5WyPSYfvMyScbNf9TxexnmLV1TSohyd3xMZcME47UXHzQT9OBrcOxjhafnEtQfM_NGqelr0ct6d-GKY_4DZ70ELLBAbQSCizc1-FoWnpWxKPSLum3Wvqmvco/s200/miles-davis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398019870288810882" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="text-align: right;color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.” - Herbert A. Otto</i></span></span></h3><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br><br><br>I was leaving a message for a good friend of mine via Facebook and she had this posted on her page. It is such an inspiration to hear artists talk about those pure moments when the art comes down. It is also inspiring to look at the lives of those artist who are brave enough to be in front. It takes some courage to experiment with your own life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love Miles for being bold and in front blazing a path sparking fires with each step and shrugging it off with a.... <i>So What!</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Today, I am traveling miles. Thank you Dottie.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rGQzNsZAtCo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rGQzNsZAtCo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></h3><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qlIU-2N7WY4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qlIU-2N7WY4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></span></div></div></span>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-13011544423840589912009-10-27T02:57:00.000-07:002009-10-27T03:37:40.000-07:00Morning Rain<div><div>102709</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t3qWXA7pOdHWU_MU3i_OuTgjKoTNSUYxGazc_Bt3onLTNIqIbwZYVMF7X74zI8dW4U_jgiE1Ghk5gGoM5_a-vzMFjbdvQAjpui-GchHcCFhyphenhyphen8Mba6MHZ-AgX7OH_Yh0R_rH3SV8tryM/s200/20090203_rain_clouds.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397221559298914834" /></div><div>Morning rain,</div><div>gentle in your delivery</div><div>the tears of my rooftop</div><div>caught in a bucket.</div><div>I will not complain.</div><div>I will not complain.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Morning rain,</div><div>A delicate reminder</div><div>of power</div><div>of mercy</div><div>of the living</div><div>of death.</div><div><br /></div><div>Morning rain,</div><div>emotionally </div><div>balanced.</div><div>Not angry </div><div>today</div><div>Just sweet-</div><div>enough</div><div><br /></div><div>For the blades of grass </div><div>to bend</div><div>beneath </div><div>your supple body</div><div>without worry</div><div>without care.</div><div><br /></div><div>-MelaniN.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's strange rain makes me remember Katrina. </div><div>Water - such power. Life and death in each drop - and it sounds so pretty now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Patricia Smith</div><div><br /></div></div></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9TOGtXBJff4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9TOGtXBJff4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-53210162513107340772009-09-16T03:33:00.001-07:002009-09-16T04:19:16.637-07:00haven't picked up camera in a while+photoshop+me home alone =<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdFniyff3aORPW0SAtPNP6Q9AUCclwbClUaqGqrJurQxEjmChO1OoHPO404F2fWCoquJdPP1EsAixKyVGledCeA-tyPlpa0KBgrOPC5xjvF_w4gfzNIy0A0ED9DmfOYd_ntaLBhBAef4/s1600-h/bluyoumosnm.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdFniyff3aORPW0SAtPNP6Q9AUCclwbClUaqGqrJurQxEjmChO1OoHPO404F2fWCoquJdPP1EsAixKyVGledCeA-tyPlpa0KBgrOPC5xjvF_w4gfzNIy0A0ED9DmfOYd_ntaLBhBAef4/s200/bluyoumosnm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382018729704538434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEcj7jKmEWU2PNgddXhgRc2OaiJnOKAy_3mQ4C9fROuV7XHrpzm_JLcKZ302KgDdJdXbtTrC7-KQ3Xrego7EVDySEC1Dd3gkoNFQ9Us3WUSvkCUtb9Ld7UXLkLfudjRN-9EbnD1VuvjI/s1600-h/facefwdnm.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEcj7jKmEWU2PNgddXhgRc2OaiJnOKAy_3mQ4C9fROuV7XHrpzm_JLcKZ302KgDdJdXbtTrC7-KQ3Xrego7EVDySEC1Dd3gkoNFQ9Us3WUSvkCUtb9Ld7UXLkLfudjRN-9EbnD1VuvjI/s200/facefwdnm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382018719092243826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIjkADpivFmf_ULn2OZ5i_rXpGJ-giCwtQQsfhaCm1z3rYNn7TM_MHlUeqSVng8NEX-asBaz7MzPaVSSziL1VxWsky9hS5RZB5zBl3MfSyCv2Mq05dZ5rWVbwnkAbuOMPb0zqapF5uxY/s1600-h/yellanm.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIjkADpivFmf_ULn2OZ5i_rXpGJ-giCwtQQsfhaCm1z3rYNn7TM_MHlUeqSVng8NEX-asBaz7MzPaVSSziL1VxWsky9hS5RZB5zBl3MfSyCv2Mq05dZ5rWVbwnkAbuOMPb0zqapF5uxY/s200/yellanm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382018709059559874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjp48dvWxAEkGLdJxK_6yVzTnOmE0_PyiBF9EyxqUJ4phV8M1jPfQL5wiapt1Jg9bmJK7zRVmfLBVSWxAKlfy97h1GY1prloij1u9eMNrKzu-zxh1EII3U8kdI6nDRjQvfshcT1jXk14/s1600-h/sidenm.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjp48dvWxAEkGLdJxK_6yVzTnOmE0_PyiBF9EyxqUJ4phV8M1jPfQL5wiapt1Jg9bmJK7zRVmfLBVSWxAKlfy97h1GY1prloij1u9eMNrKzu-zxh1EII3U8kdI6nDRjQvfshcT1jXk14/s200/sidenm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382021756191269410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thought I would try a few things out on myself before I revisited some long overdue projects. I really missed having my camera in hand. Had it with me all weekend. I also forgot how much I love photoshop. Trying to do something everyday to satiate these cravings to create. Only a little bit of time and energy left after a day of teaching; however, that old club spiritual told me long ago that "you gotta use what you got to get what you want...ooooooh ooh oooh...you betta think!"<br /><br />OK...time to get busy.MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-70367092089875276132009-09-10T05:32:00.000-07:002009-09-10T07:32:52.972-07:00And then it comes to me like an epiphany - It's OverI used to love Verizon. Oh I loved them. ATT was my childhood sweetheart but, Verizon was my fist love. I switched to Verizon when it became my money for the honey. My family was an ATT family. This was before family pay plans. Before 900 minutes for $900.00...<br /><br />It used to be so sweet...<br /><br />Verizon was good to me! They loved me up! I rarely had to call customer service but, when I did they made me feel like somebody was on the way to fix my phone right then and there! I never went a day complaining about dropped calls or dead phones. They were so on point. Before you knew it my ATT family was all Verizon. And we loved Verizon! Even though Verizon went from my boyfriend to son-in-law in a matter of months, Verizon has been my longest relationship - almost 10 years...but...now...Verizon is just that man with deflating potential that I am footing the bill for until he does something with his life - and he hasn't for years. <div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Second night in a row </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuMM0LAeA2BpBtvvC2YTfEowUKX_wd9H559OCDMjFvIhyw7SciXct4QZEs8D83yXnsiaCOF_zujFXLHICfv2OsCt6_kMzPu0nz_2BJ4INEEuxfDIx0U3-WYUuDDne2sfGQiyQuv8tNSo/s1600-h/verizon_sucks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuMM0LAeA2BpBtvvC2YTfEowUKX_wd9H559OCDMjFvIhyw7SciXct4QZEs8D83yXnsiaCOF_zujFXLHICfv2OsCt6_kMzPu0nz_2BJ4INEEuxfDIx0U3-WYUuDDne2sfGQiyQuv8tNSo/s200/verizon_sucks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379846473709178066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You didn't come home </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I'm watching my phone </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Waiting for it to ring, ring, ring </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Sitting in the house on the couch with the TV on (on) </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />All night all alone (alone) </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Every time same old thing, thing, thing "</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Verizon doesn't even come home anymore. Doesn't call me on the job just to say hello. Won't let anybody else call me at home or on the job either. I can't get service anywhere! I used to get it on the train, on a plane, on a box and in my socks. I used to brag about my green eggs and ham service and now... it's been over a year since I have had good service...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So you walk in </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />(you walk in) </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The next morning </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />(the next morning) </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />To find me smiling, </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Like nothing ever happened </span><br /></div><br />I've tried to work it out. I call, I tell them about the dropped calls, I complain about the equipment, I fuss about how his "STORM" gets me started and then freezes mid conversation. Then...I tell them I'm gonna find me somebody new. I beg them to please...don't make me leave- I don't want to get to know somebody new all over again. I want to stay right here - just be good to me. Stop abusing me every month! I thought maybe he's cheating on me. Checked him out on www.dontdatehimgirl.com and he wasn't there but then I did a google search and it doesn't look like he is being good to any one...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Results <b>1</b> - <b>10</b> of about <b>1,220,000</b> for <b><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.answers.com/i&r=67&ei=kQipSrSqNcKHtgfu3NGZCA&sa=X&oi=dict&ct=D&cd=1&ei=kQipSrSqNcKHtgfu3NGZCA&sig2=5cRSLeimhnyvC9gdDL1Zsg&usg=AFQjCNGrCU4ceMtich3c1Iihq6QBBfucTg" title="Look up definition of i">I</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.answers.com/hate&r=67&ei=kQipSrSqNcKHtgfu3NGZCA&sa=X&oi=dict&ct=D&cd=2&ei=kQipSrSqNcKHtgfu3NGZCA&sig2=W23u-oH3ivLTzxwa1Dn01A&usg=AFQjCNF-LyfRbC64ns_Df-JOAjv2ZSyRhw" title="Look up definition of hate">hate</a> verizon</b>. (<b>0.24</b> seconds)<br />Sounds like I am not the only getting lame excuses.<br />I pointed that out to them and... </div><br /><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;">You give me some excuse<br />(some excuse)<br />Like you always do<br />(like you always do)<br />I just kiss your cheek<br />And this is what I tell you, you, you<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAJBCszBncVeJwI-GYcvqY0wZo1zoCdnK11QihtNXVvmYmEFhKzWSEEXAKdxb7BGxbvE6vRY2MysvCqcZ-qpTVBUS4k7eBFzMXsnMhpzQK7EXxRB0wai2ZceJ2rjiX3h9LPkzfaqNR7c/s1600-h/stopVerizaRapeBig.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAJBCszBncVeJwI-GYcvqY0wZo1zoCdnK11QihtNXVvmYmEFhKzWSEEXAKdxb7BGxbvE6vRY2MysvCqcZ-qpTVBUS4k7eBFzMXsnMhpzQK7EXxRB0wai2ZceJ2rjiX3h9LPkzfaqNR7c/s200/stopVerizaRapeBig.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379843225806548898" border="0" /></a>I guess Verizon thinks that I won't leave him since he has my family wrapped around his finger. Verizon better recognize. I must admit it is hard to leave but, I can't take these excuses and threats. Talking about $200 if you leave me. It doesn't feel like a relationship anymore...it feels bad, very bad. This feels like an abusive relationship. I transfer my money every month and my pockets feel raped. I feel like I am being abused...truly abused. I don't know why I treat Verizon like it my only option. Verizon is not the only show in town and I am tired of paying so much for so very little. I have to let go. Now they want to offer me a new phone and promise me better service after I download my updates....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;">How many times did I fall for your lies<br />How many times did I sit home and cry<br />Never questioning why? why? why? why?<br />It just came to me<br />Like an epiphany<br />How about I just leave-e-e-e<br /></div><br />So, I've been stepping out. Stopped over this new man's house named Cricket...he's a young buck. New to the game, limited range, and equipment is pricey; however, he is low maintenance, his top phones are on sale, said I could try him out no contract is my last man made me scared of committment, and word on the street is that he would be really good to me. And...don't tell Verizon, but my childhood sweetheart has been calling...ATT wants me back. It would be kind of nostalgic and he has grown up quite lovely looking all I-phoneish and 3G and stuff.<br /><br />Well, hear is my Dear John letter...to Verizon...<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;"><br />"So I think I'm just about over being your girlfriend (girlfriend)<br />I'm leaving (leaving), I'm leaving<br />No more wonderin what you've been doin<br />Where you been sleeping<br />(it's over)<br />I'm leaving<br />(it’s over)<br />I'm leaving<br />(yea e yeah)<br />(repeat) "<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8158728053777494524.post-84758237584530098852009-09-09T14:28:00.000-07:002009-09-09T15:20:54.655-07:00Returning to the source...the divine spiral.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6y7uFPxbmb_DDrgTU6otTkJJeXU5V4kcD6tzreLFaUn1IaOkBJvJ7NuUR7QjBUHNlrT33ahRizRNX6ohrRt-uDBjYGYhH71jS8Q5S-XyOdaF9YLLy1V3h3HrXKhp_oHaQS3qaNfPt-3w/s1600-h/Phi_Spiral.sized.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 65px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6y7uFPxbmb_DDrgTU6otTkJJeXU5V4kcD6tzreLFaUn1IaOkBJvJ7NuUR7QjBUHNlrT33ahRizRNX6ohrRt-uDBjYGYhH71jS8Q5S-XyOdaF9YLLy1V3h3HrXKhp_oHaQS3qaNfPt-3w/s200/Phi_Spiral.sized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379595978897531458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Everything in nature is formed</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >by revealing itself while returning to its source.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />The parts are defined by the whole.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br />The whole is understood/revealed through its parts.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />The energy that pulls us to reveal the self</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" > is resisted<br />by that energy that pulls us</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" > to return to the our source.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />The source wants to reveal itself to the whole.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br />The whole wants to return to the source.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />When we strike a balance between these energies in life</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />We are living in harmony...and therefore divine.</span></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;">© 2009 MelaniN.</span></span><br /></div> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"> * * *</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">As I look at my life today, I respect and honor the need for me to live a fully creative life. I no longer resent people or events that seem to hinder my chance to truly experience my passions and my creative desires. I am grateful to everyone and every thing good or bad that got me to this moment of recognition and revelation.<br /><br />I let go of my obstacles. I release them.<br />I embrace this journey and claim full responsibility for each step.<br /><br />I embrace those hands of support that have pushed, pulled, and carried me along the way.<br />Today, I make your job easier.<br />I surrender to my divine path.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I hope you will continue to be a witness to this never ending divine spiral I know as life.<br />I commit to reveal myself while returning to the source.</span>MelaniN.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12060594607097026400noreply@blogger.com3