Make Me Laugh

   In Photo: Well...If you don't know who this is, chances are, you are not my future boo.

     I think I've just concluded that my future boo has to be funny. This is a deal-breaker. I've known this for a long time, and yes, I think I've already blogged about this subject before. But I don't care. I'm going to say it again. Future husband man person, you need, and I mean need to be funny. We have to laugh together, preferably at the same things. We can have our own secret code. I'm down with that.

     But mostly, let's just laugh together. Among other things.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Laughter is free therapy for the soul.

Ugly Face

     Photo Credit: Antique Oil Lamps

     Recently, I've come across someone who is dealing with a great deal of suppressed anger and bitterness. And unfortunately, the damage is not being done to the person that they think offended them, but instead, it's beginning to manifest physically in their appearance. They are appearing hardened, stony, and oddly unattractive. And I don't think they even realize it.

     Do you know people like that? Where instaneously, you can sense they have a chip on their shoulder, they are angry at the world, or have spent a lifetime supressing anger, just below the surface of their skin...

     Well, I wanted to these folks...Er...us, that our spirits are saying more than our mouths ever could. There are those people that light up a room, and then there are those that drain all the electritcity and energy from a room.

     I believe that each of us is meant to light up a room, in a unique way. But clutter (Anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) only help to dim the beauty and brightness of our God given light.

     Once again, I challenge us to love more intensely this year. Love big and Love brightly. We will all take notice when it's truly sincere and authentic.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."

Crowning a King

Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman

     I was just thinking of Sade's beautiful song, "Your Love Is King". That song makes me want to be in love and slow dance under the stars. Hopefully this scenario will happen in the near future...

Wisdom's Knocking:

Take the time to hold the one you love.

In My Top 5

 Photo Credit: www.PaulDooleyActor.com

Jim (Father): Well, if it's any consolation, I love you. And if this guy can't see in you all the beautiful and wonderful things that I see, then he's got the problem. 

Samantha (Daughter): I know. It just hurts. 

Jim: That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call 'em something else.

Samantha: But if I were Ginny, I'd have this guy crawling on his knees.

Jim: Well, let me tell you something about Ginny. Now, I love her as much as I love you. But she's a different person. Sometimes I worry about her. When you're given things kind of easily, you don't always appreciate them. With you, I'm not worried. When it happens to you, Samantha, it'll be forever. 

Wisdom's Knocking:

"When you're given things kind of easily, you don't always appreciate them..."

Invested

 Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     It's time to believe again. Dust off those weary dreams and let them speak to you. Let the voice of your Maker confirm the path in front of you. Every blow, every applause, every stumble, every kiss...Is making you become invested, more invested in your own present. You're a present. You are present.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life."

Confetti Sweet

    Double "D" Cupcakes

     I should be writing commentary on the current news headlines (New Zealand, Woman Finds Alligator Behind Sofa, Larry King Going on a Comedy Tour, etc.), Instead, I will simply share about how I almost fell into a sugar coma after eating a "Double D" cupcake (The bakery winner of the Valentine's Day episode of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network) tonight.

     It was my first experience with their cupcakes, and let's just say, I pretty much blacked out because of the awesomeness. I wasn't prepared. I should have had my water bottle handy to help me mellow out the explosion of flavor. I could only eat half of the cupcake in my first sitting, but I was ready for my second shot about 3 hours later. That's the amount of time it took for the flavor and sugar to wear off--3 hours.

     I'm a Crumbs cupcake girl at heart, but Double D has become my new number one. I know, that's saying a lot. One day, you'll have to see for yourself.

     Aside from the many references you can insinuate from the title of this cupcake bakery, the cupcake I ate today was pretty much perfect. Plus it made me drink 20 oz. of water immediately after. Yes, that's the way I like it.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Sometimes, too much of a good thing, can spoil a good thing. Pace yourself.

Throwin' Chairs

    
     I had this random though tonight about the outlandish episodes I've seen of the Jerry Springer Show, but then my memory was hijacked by another memory: The Richard Bey Show.

     It's because of the Richard Bey Show that I have my first memory of seeing someone actually pick up a chair and throw it at another person. I mean, sure, Maury Povich is the closest we have to a modern day Richard Bey. But Richard Bey was the ultimate instigator. If you don't believe me,  go to YouTube, type in The Richard Bey Show, and see for yourself.

    What have I learned from watching all these memorable classics of American talk shows?

     Don't go on one.

     Chances are, someone will confess something you don't want told to a million viewers and you don't want to lose a good pair of shoes, because you had to throw them at someone's head.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Even instigators receive their recompense in the end...

But Not Over Your Head

     Illustration By: Joe Morse

     I become more and more convinced, that the people that make it in life actually take the time to read (Whether it be directions, books, etc.) and aren't afraid to ask questions.

     With so much information available at our fingerprints, it's amazing that we could let a majority of that information just float right past us, until we find ourselves in a predicament that may require that knowledge and information that floated over us in the past, to provide our present answer. 

     But by that time, the answer to your solution may have come too late.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Pay attention to the signs in front of you.

Turn Around, Look at What You See

     Why, oh, why, do I love the movie, The Neverending Story so much?! I mean, when I hear the theme song, tears begin to gently fall down my face. What is it about this movie that has forever ruined any other kid's movie for me?

     And yes, today, as a grown up, I can still sit and watch this movie and become just as moved as the first time I saw this movie. By the way, do you wanna know when and where I first saw this movie? It was at my Christian school's "E.S." (Extended Supervision for those kids that had parents that couldn't pick them up until after work--around 5PM). Fridays at E.S. were always movie days--which were my favorite days. I was in the 2nd grade and was kept company by a handsome 4th grader. Scandal.  Not really. But he did put his arm around me, when the movie started. Ok, maybe scandal.

     But I can't even remember that kid's name, but I can remember my reaction to the movie, I had never seen anything like it. In fact, my mom came to pick me up at E.S. before the movie was over, and I immediately begged her to rent it on VHS at our corner video store (There was no Blockbuster, kids) that same day.

     And the rest is history.  I fell completely in love with The Neverending Story.

     And before you start trying to think all fancy on me, I am only referring to The Neverending Story, Part 1. Not Part 2, (R.I.P. Jonathan Brandis), and definitely not Part 3--Ugh.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The Neverending Story shows us, that out of tragedy can come an unexpected world of brand new possibilities, but only if you're up for the challenge and the adventure.

You Got a Boo Thang?

     I have friends from all walks of life. And when I get some of them in a room, these are the types of conversations you might hear:

Girl A: You got a Boo Thang?
Girl B: Uh...what's that?!
Girl A: You know...A boo you do thangs with...

Credit: S.B. & M.R.

Wisdom's Knocking:

You should use the phrase "Boo Thang", at least once a week. You'll be happier.

Let's Go There

Butterfly in the sky
I can go twice as high
Take a look
It's in a book
A Reading Rainbow 

I can go anywhere
Friends to know
And ways to grow
A Reading Rainbow

I can be anything
Take a look
It's in a book
A Reading Rainbow
A Reading Rainbow 

 

Written By: Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir

 

 

Wisdom's Knocking:

 

Take the time to remember your favorite childhood stories. Now think of why you loved them. There's a key there, to unlock something in your own story.  

 

 

This Is Your Captain Speaking

     

     When things are calm, do you find yourself looking around for the explosion to happen at any second. That's a bit how I feel. 2011 has got me all on edge.

    But as turbulent as 2011 has begun, it's nice to finally feel like we are approaching a higher altitude with fewer speed bumps. Yes, we're still in the air, and this plane could drop at any moment. But I gave up my pilot duties long ago, and I feel more confident in the One that I have allowed to take that place. Thank, God.

    I feel for those people that hate to fly on airplanes. An hour long flight can do some serious damage to their nerves. Nevertheless, they have to go through (whether they try to sleep through it or down a few bottles of Jack) the process of overcoming their fear to get to their destination.

     That's how 2011 feels to me.

     So, I'll keep my seat belt fastened for now, I'll make myself comfortable... and simply just try and enjoy the view.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The purpose of flying is not merely for the landing.

Going Fishin'

Photo Credit: Anthony Njoku

     Here's a thought: Why not be in a relationship with someone you actually have a great deal in common with, in addition to chemistry and attraction--not just merely someone you want to look at.

     Trust me, I'm preaching to myself as well. But I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The image of a thing, may not be the reality of it's substance. 

Forever Young

      

     Do you think our culture's obsession with being young, points to an underlying fear of death? I was thinking about this the other day.

     Why, are we so obsessed with looking young and staying young in our culture, especially in Hollywood? But then I think, that if there's a recognition and value placed on aging gracefully, there in that place, inhabits an acceptance of the reality of death. And yes, death is real.

     But no one really wants to tackle and acknowledge such weighty issues, outside the realm of outlandish horror movies and cynicism especially in the land of facades and make believe. We'd rather smooth over such sobering topics and save those topics for those crazy Truth Seekers or save those fearful realities and the questions that they bring, until a later time...like never.

     But nevertheless, your fears find a way to manifest...But I digress.

     Not only does the focus of "being young" distance ourselves from the reality of our lives being like vapor, but being youthful is also equated to a sense of beauty. So somehow, being young is inherent to being beautiful in our culture.

     Although many times the definition of beauty has been narrowly defined as someone who is "young" or "younger looking", that is not always the case of beauty. In fact, Wisdom, gained through age and time, is much harder to come by than your typically celebrated beauty, and has a market value more extravagant than diamonds.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Beauty is as Beauty does.

Help

Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     

    Why do I find it so difficult to ask for help? I mean, I know that I am uber independent, but I also know that I cannot do everything on my own. And even when someone offers to help, I find myself refusing, even when I know that I need help. Oh, my foolish pride.

     If you've reached out your hand to me, and if I've refused, please don't mind my foolish pride. I need you far more than I think. Just stay persistent with me. Your love will not go unseen or unappreciated.

Wisdom's Knocking:

You don't have to always do it alone. It's okay to ask for help.

Background Noise

      

 Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     "The cocktail party effect describes the ability to focus one's listening attention on a single talker among a mixture of conversations and background noises, ignoring other conversations.  The effect enables people to talk in a noisy place. For example, when conversing in a noisy crowded party, people can still listen and understand the person they are talking with, and can simultaneously ignore background noise and conversations. Nevertheless, if someone calls out their name from across the room, people will sometimes notice (the own name effect)."

Credit: Wikipedia.org

     I find it interesting that we as human beings are able to drown out background noise in order to concentrate on the conversation that is happening in front of us.  We are able to show the person in front of us, their significance and importance. There are many things vying for our attentions and affections, but you get to chose what will win out.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Put away distractions, it's time to focus on the task at hand.

Lasting Fruit

      Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds

     It's so difficult to always know who is walking in authenticity regarding the different people that you interact with. But a simple test regarding this issue, is to look at the lasting life fruit of a circumstance or person's actions.

     Today, once again, I'm surrounded by the top music performers in the world. Their contribution to their craft is highly regarded. Some of these performers may be a highlight in Time magazine 25 years from now, or simply a vague, "Oh, yeah. I remember that guy..."

Wisdom's Knocking:

Many seeds are planted, but for different reasons not all fully bloom.

The High Drama Society

 Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds

     What may be drama for you, may not be drama for someone else.

     What may be deemed as a high class emergency for you, may not be for all parties involved.

     Sometimes we become so wrapped up in our own worlds, that we don't dare to think about the emotions and circumstances of others. Yes, we all affect our atmosphere in some way--either negatively or positively.

Wisdom's Knocking:

In relationships, before demanding your rights, evaluate them first, make sure they weren't given to you as privileges instead.

The Familiar

 Photo Credit: Chris Molitor

     It feels good to put on a favorite sweatshirt and to simply cuddle by the fire with a hot chocolate (Mixed with french vanilla creamer) and a good book or album.

     Well, I'm not able to do just that right now, but I almost have that same feeling. I'm currently working one of my favorite live shows of the year. It feels so good to no longer be the "New Kid" backstage.

     There is truly something to be said for paying your dues.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Perseverance holds the prize of breakthrough.

True Touch

     Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     I think my physical affection tank is definitely on low. But please, no pervert e-mails describing how you would be able to remedy this situation. But instead of simply honing in on the lack of physical affection in my life, I'd rather highlight the ways in which my emotional affection tank has been filled as of late.

     And for those that don't know what an emotional affection tank is, just picture the feeling you have after having the best coffee/tea/hot chocolate with your best friend at your favorite spot (for at least 2-3  hours) and the sense of well-being you feel after wards. That would be considered an emotional affection tank fill-up.

     Well, in the last few weeks there have been a couple of individuals that have breathed life into me, regarding encouragement and their prowess towards showing me kindness in the most intentional of ways. At times, it may be a simple text, at other times it may be a small gift, given to me for the simple reason of, me being me.

     Oh, how love reaches and changes us, through the touch of simple kindness.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Kindness goes along way.

Almost, But Not Quite

     Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds

     You know, those times when you wait in anticipation for something good, or even bad for that matter. Only to find out, it was not all that you had hoped and waited for it to be.

     Expectations are a tricky thing. On one hand, you want to maintain strong hope, but on the other hand you want to consider reality.

     I think we all find ourselves evaluating and reevaluating our own expectations. Just as death is the Great Equalizer, time is the Great Revealer. And sometimes the validity of the thing hoped for will not fully manifest in either its good form or painful mediocrity until sufficient time has passed.

     Sometimes I think that I have reached the pinnacle of my heart's hope in a particular area, ready to give up, but then a sneaky whisper stirs me to believe once again.

     My heart knows, that in waiting, something beautiful is to be revealed. But my mind tries to convince me that it may not be what I've really wanted after all.

Wisdom's Knocking:

And when you've done all that you can...Just stand.

Unveiling...

      Photo Credit: Chris Molitor

     Some of you know that I started a second blog back in the Fall of 2010, titled, "The Savvy Sonsie Bride": The tag line is: A place for women to appreciate the wisdom and divinely orchestrated love stories of curvy brides over 30.

      The target audience is for ladies in waiting...more specifically, ladies over 30.

     But if you are over 25 and you're connected to Church life, than you're practically considered a spinster if you're not married yet. So in that case, come on over to the the site! Ha.

      I'll be starting a brand new story series on Valentine's Day, profiling a specific bride and her love journey. I'm really excited to share this first story series with you. So come check us out!

www.thesavvysonsiebride.blogspot.com

Wisdom's Knocking:

"The course of true love never did run smooth." -Shakespeare

Preserved Treasure

     

     February is Black History Month. Remembering such names as W.E.B. DuBois and Sojourner Truth, is merely just the beginning, listening to the stories of my great aunts and uncles, is somewhere in the middle, and this generation, choosing to live a life inspired and humbled by our previous ancestors can continue towards the high prize of finishing a worthy journey.

     Lately, I've been familiarizing myself with the biography of Maya Angelou.  The richness of her life and the consequent wisdom she so freely shares, causes me to aspire to something greater than my own limited view.

     With that said, I'll end this blog post with one of my favorite Maya quotes. I truly do hope that you grasp the meaning of what this Queen is saying. I found this particular nugget of wisdom helpful when discerning friendships and potential romantic relationships....

Wisdom's Knocking:

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."
-Maya Angelou

Meet Me at the Crossroads

 Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman

Sometimes things get too fast,
And we just need to get slow

Somedays we have mere pennies
And other days we overflow

These are the days of Trying and Hoping
These can be the nights filled with weeping

For those on the frontlines of their own lives
This has been an extended and arduous fight

Bruised and provoked, no turning back now
You need to see what's on the other side.

It's okay to be tired, It's alright to rest
"Get slow", He says, And I'll bring you what's best

_____

     I'm not quite sure who I wrote that piece on behalf of...But...

     ...My day has been mixed with all kinds of crazy, thinking of what was, what could have been, and what will be in its place.

     Oh, the joys of walking certain circumstances out with patience. 

Wisdom's Knocking:

The prize of patience conquers the fears of anxiety.

Le Spring....

 In Photo: Paris Carney / Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman

     I know that half of the country is under a big snow blanket, but I simply wanted to recap the activites of our beloved Mr. Groundhog on February 2, 2011.

     There was no shadow...He didn't see his shadow...Which means...An early Spring is on its way. I feel good about this. Winter is about to be over...

Wisdom's Knocking:

Though weeping may endure for a night...Joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Mr. Groundhog, I Need My Metaphorical Winter to Be Over

   Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     Tomorrow is Groundhog Day. For some reason, I always thought it was, "Groundhog's Day", you know, with an apostrophe "S". I was wrong.

     Let's all recall what relevance this has for us: 

     "Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end [Resulting in an early Spring]. 

     If on the other hand, it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.^"

^{Credit: Wikipedia.org}

     ^{Mr. Groundhog,  I'm ready for my Spring.  In more ways than one.}

 

Wisdom's Knocking:

"God makes everything beautiful in it's time"- Ecclesiastes 3:11

4.67 Degrees of Separation

    
"According to a study of 5.2 billion such relationships by social media monitoring firm Sysomos, the average distance on Twitter is 4.67. On average, about 50% of people on Twitter are only four steps away from each other, while nearly everyone is five steps away."

     Credits: Wikipedia.org and Sysomos

:::

     I'm fascinated with this idea that we are only a few degrees/people away from almost anyone on the planet. There are over 6 billion people on this planet and you are far more connected to them than you think.
 
     I think Facebook has truly brought this notion home, especially when you click on a random person's profile and you find out that you have 7 mutual friends. Um. What. Eye-opening.


     We're not just 6 Degrees from Kevin Bacon, but from almost everyone.

Wisdom's Knocking:

You're sphere of influence is far more reaching than you think.