Thank You, Pam Grier!

I don't normally sing the praises of the books I read to other folks. Usually, I will read a book, enjoy it, but I don't sing praises of the book. I do list the books I will read on LinkedIn, but usually my comments are kept to myself. I mean who really needs to hear what I think, right. (anyone, see the irony in that last sentence?)

But, I have to admit that I was really moved by Ms Grier's book, FOXY My Life in Three Acts. Now, I think everyone know Pam Grier or one of her characters; Foxy Brown, Coffy, or Jackie Brown. I am never been a person to take a whole lot of satisifaction in reading or following another person's life. Don't we all have our own life to live and experience. However, I have always loved history because I love to learn how people have overcome obstacles in their lives, regardless of who or what put those obstacles there. And, I have always felt that Pam Grier was a hotty. Her characters always had this mix of sex appeal, power, and smarts. These are the same qualities that I have always looked for in women that I want to have in my life. So, it would seem only fitting that I would pick up her book...at the library. :)

WOW!. This book really reasonated with me, it was such an honest and straight-forward delivery of her life story. It talked about obstables she overcame or is still working to overcome; how she has fallen in love, had the relationship die, and still continues to find love; beating cancer; her trimuphs and her regrets.
I think the part that really connected with me was when she talked on using yoga to help her quite her mind and get in touch with her body. To be honest, I think I used those same words to describe why I started my practice of yoga.

Upon finishing reading this book, I really thought about sending fan mail to her. I have never done that, I don't ask for autographs or clammer to see them. ( Yes, even Van Halen) But, I did look for a way to express my gratitude to her, the best I could find was a twitter and facebook account. Well, we are in a new time of media-connectivity. Who knows yet, what I will do. But, I feel this is a good start, and maybe somebody will read this and find her book.

It seems like there was so much more in my head when I finished reading the book. Guess, you really do have to put it to paper as soon as it pops in. Pick it up, give it a read. Make your own informed opinion, I know that would be something Ms. Grier would do. She struck me as a very open-minded person who tried to connect to people on a real level. And, that is something that I need to keep working on. Because it ain't about the quanity, it is the quality.

Again, thank you Pam Grier.

-later

More Thoughts

ok, just have a few more ideas rolling around in the ole noggin.

1
so, yesterday i had the chance to help out my friend and some strangers. i did a volunteer shift for Hood to Coast. ( i am not gonna go into it, but if you don't know it then google it, amigo). yeah, it was like 2am to 6am on Friday, before my normal workday. and, yes i did drag most of the day.

but, it was a really good time. i mostly helped to facilitate parking lot efficiency. that is, getting people parked and exited in a timely manner and with NO accidents. it was very easy and really fun. i got to talk with some folks, saw some funny ass costumes, and surprisingly was thanked on several occasions by ALOT of the participants. to be honest, and probably to sound cheesy that was really worth it. also, looking back on it...that volunteer shift was the most fun, enjoyable, substantial part of my day. that notion really surprised me. not, sure what that is telling me but i know that i am gonna say, if you can look for a way to help or volunteer.

2
have you ever noticed how the word "BUT" is used? i don't think that i have ever heard something good come after it.
WAIT, HOLD THAT! I AM FULL OF SHIT ON THAT ONE. you hear it all the time, " your dad was in an accident BUT he is fine."
sorry, about that guess i was just focusing on negative news. well, at least i recognize it and now i can work to try and stay positive. yeah, guess i have been use the negative but. (so, would that be a tiny butt or a big butt....guess that depends on how you feel about jlo. that would be the litmus test)
what? did i just use the political term, litmus test in reference to asses? maybe, that isn't so bad. i am pretty sure that most folks think politicians and their pundits on tv are a bunch of asses. yeah, i said it.


i really don't have anything else. but, i do feel better.

t

CASH ONLY

i don't usually go to farmer's markets all that often. but, i found myself at one this morning and i was reminded of why i don't usually go (haha) but then i noticed something pretty amazing. it sorta threw me for a second and then put a big smile on my fiscally-conservative face. NO CREDIT CARDS. CASH ONLY transactions. holy shit. i mean it was like i was in vegas or nyc or hell back in college. see, i never had a credit card in college. hell, i didn't have a damn bank-atm card. i used to have to go to the bank, up to a tell, and give them my bank statement book. all transactions were there for the world or rather my parents to see. no hidden fees in those days. :)

why do i bring this up? well, it seems to me that we, the country are still obsessed with "easy or plastic money". the night before, i was out for something or another. a bill came, and then it was time to do the plastic dance. you know the one, put X on my card, and Y on that card, and this cash will go toward the grand total. holy f, i watched in a bourbon stupor, as one gal at the table decided to play enron with the bill to figure what goes on what card. i think that whole procession took like 30minutes or at least til i finished getting this little story formed in my head. does anyone even read this shit? :) well, i write it for me.

ok, so now we flash back to the farmer's market. it was nice to see ( at least i hope) people making purchases that they maybe had to take pause on before completing. maybe, they stopped and asked do i really need this? or, damn i bought this basket of peaches, now i can't buy a burrito. fyi, i usually buy the burrito then i am upset that i can buy something else. but, it really become very evident on how we need to fix our economy, or at least our own personal part of the solution. yes, you and me, each have a part that we play. and, it goes like this: DON'T BUY SHIT YOU REALLY DON'T NEED. UNDERSTAND THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS TO EVERY FINANCIAL TRANSACTION YOU MAKE. WAKE THE HELL UP AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING. AND, THEN IF YOU DO FUCK UP WELL TAKE SOME DAMN ACCOUNTABILITY.

didn't mean to yell. so, that is a great little sermon, but talk without action is just hot air. so, i am going to start only doing cash transactions. i am going to carry cash to make my purchases; that would be lunch/dinner, my daily transit passes, and little purchases along the way. gonna try this and see how it goes. i know it will be painful, but i do believe that only thru pain do we truly make changes/improvements.

what are you gonna do?

Freedom isn't Easy

Wow. I am speechless at what I read online sometimes. I just don't get it at times. Sometimes, you read a news article and then you read the comments people post....that can be a scary look in the mirror for society. However, I am not so sure that anyone is really looking into the mirror at the reflection. OH, I think I am getting off point.

So, I am referring to the article about President Obama supporting the building of a mosque/community center near Ground Zero. He goes on to reference the Constitution and the ideas of religious freedom....oh, i don't know something this country was founded on. The article goes on to say that a clear majority of folks do not support this. I was one of them, before I read the article and allowed myself to look at the stance the President was taking. He is taking a unpopular stance but I actually think it is the correct stance.

That is not an easy stance to take. It becomes very evident when you read the responses to the article. Now, I am not saying that this decision to build this center, it is not just a mosque but other facilities for the community. Could the builders look to make some compromises, such as a multi-religion facility? I personally think that would go a long way, and help to show people that you are not jamming something into their "face".

But, back to may original point, it is hard to allow and support freedom. The whole idea revolves around allowing somebody the right to do something that may turn your stomach. It sucks, but you know it really is the only way. It is especially tough when you are in a minority position on an issue. It can be tough to stand up to "mainstream" thinking, but it has to be done.

Hell, look at our men and women in uniform. They are all making sacrifices for our freedoms. I guess, I would just like people to take a moment and try to think of the issue from the other side, the one with out the numbers, and see if you would make the same argument. Maybe, you would or not, but at least take a moment, because Freedom isn't Easy.

thx

Really?

I guess that is all that I can think of today. It is a question, or rather a response I have when I am not sure of what I heard. Sort of a more polite version of What the Fuck. Maybe, that is what I should have said, WHAT THE FUCK.

I just heard that a friend of mine just found out that he has cancer. What did he deserve to get that? I guess it just hit me, and seemed to pile on top of a bunch of other bad events. My dad was in an accident about 7 weeks ago, and probably should be in alot worse condition than he was. A friend of mine just got jerked around about somebody that she had strong feelings.

I know they are all varied levels of pain and hurt. It still doesn't take away from why does bad shit have to happen to good people. It gets me upset, that people that I care about have to hurt and there isn't much that I can do about. I guess they knowing that I am here is really all that I can do. But, I feel helpless. What a horrible feeling! This must me magnified for parents of child...ah, hell for any family member.

I know when I went through my painful times, it was a comfort to know that I could talk with somebody. I probably talked more than I was used to but it was good for me. I know that I should talk more about things that I feel.

So, I guess I will just put myself out there as an option for my friends/ family and allow them to reach out if they want to. I can't control other's actions ONLY mine. But, I can give them an option.


OK, I know that we as humans only grow from these painful events, but really do they have to be this bad at times. Whomever is in charge.....maybe dial it back a little on folks. Just a thought.

Not really ( there is that word again) where I was going or where I ended but it felt like I had to get some thoughts out.

thx.