Monday, November 5, 2012

Eyes Of Knowing

This isn't so much an eloquent piece, but it is nonetheless thoughts within.


When you as a friend, an innocent by stander, family member or just a lover of mankind are exposed to others that may be experiencing their world being turned upside down, you are typically one that will go out of your way to offer assistance. Providing whatever charitable donations you are able to give for the cause. You extend a hand to help in the time of need or you are there to just listen and offer support. When your friend or family member etc tells you that they have a terminal illness, whether it be any form of cancer, a rare disease or even an incurable disease your heart goes out to them. I can speak for myself and wish that I could act as John Coffee did in the Green Mile and remove their illness with a touch. I know I'm not God, nor have I been granted any healing powers but I do wish sometimes I was able to help so many in need.


The tables turn and WOW instead of you receiving that dreadful news about a loved one, you receive THAT news about you possibly having cancer or you have been diagnosed with an incurable disease. The waves of emotions flooding your very being. Emotions are greedy little suckers. They take you and beat you down like you stole something, then they have the nerve to ask "Is that ALL you've got?" One part of you wants to say 'yes' another part sits in limbo trying to absorb what has just occurred. Asking the questions, How?, Why?, Why Me?, What did I do to deserve this? Or thoughts of "This doesn't run in my family". The list grows and the answers seem out of reach.


Day 1 through as many as it takes. Appointment after appointment. The poking and prodding with needles, answering the same questions over and over. Then trying to deal with scheduling time off from work without the entire company knowing your business. Hiding the tears from those closest to you. Especially when you have set this precedence of being 'The Rock'. But all you want to do is crawl into a ball in the corner and cry. Its funny you have to schedule times to cry. Shower seems to work best. The thought of the illness is chipping away at what you thought to be 'you'. You feel you are no longer the POSITIVE FORCE. However you are trying to excercise your faith, but as humans yes we falter at times. We are continued works in progress.


With emotions still running rampant, you wish like hell there would be a definitive answer just as quickly as the issue was found. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. We need to run more test. We need to schedule surgery,(please have someone with you for support) then we have to run more test. Draw more blood, obtaining a complete CBC(complete blood count). We should know something in 5 - 10 days. We need a second & third opinion just to be sure your test results are not a false positive. What the hell is a false positive? We're sorry but Dr. So n So is on vacation for the entire month of October; however we do have another associate, Dr. Quackenstein, whom is new to the practice if you would like to consult with them.


The day of knowing. As it would stand you want someone with you during the time of knowing. THAT day is finally here. A day of celebration and/or acceptance. You have already mentally prepared yourself for either answer. If its necessary to use a cane and a walker. It's going to be a fashionable one. May have to invest in one to coordinate with the outfits...got to coordinate. If chemo is necessary...short hair has been maintained for at least 20 years now. If the hair has to be a little shorter, it will be an added fashion statement. Short hair rocks people. We are not our hair.


Do not perceive my above statements as being non-caring or viewing these things lightly. It is me still remaining positive, that ROCK, though part of me has been chipped away. I'm still here with others to speak on it as well. For this I am grateful to GOD and those around me whom are constant mountains of love and stability. For those that have already transitioned their testimony should still be fresh in our minds and hearts, we just need to view the bigger picture.


I guess in this entry I just want to share that we need to stop the bickering amongst family and friends. Enjoy those that make you happy, accept those that don't because we are all God's children. We know not the time nor the hour. What we should keep in mind always is that each of us has a purpose. A purpose not always defined by books or what knowledge we THINK we have. You can't spend your every waking hour trying to please and live how you think others would have you to or in fear of what others may think. The choice and opportunity is yours. You just have to want it, acknowledge it, allow it to work for you and you for it.


For all(men & women) please make sure you obtain your yearly check ups. Men...its better to get that cough out of the way now instead of waiting until its too late. Ladies...self breast exams and Mammograms a MUST. We have to know our bodies and be aware of when things don't seem quite right. Overcome the fear of knowing. Not knowing not only hurts you, but those around you.


Skin I'm In

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Chemistry

The intense touch of sensuality
Across my neck
The addiction to your silhouette
The scent of
Blackberry Nectar
As you sail
The lingering electricity
From the touch of your fingertips
The kiss of life
Found in your eyes
No words uttered
Only Chemistry

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Thoughts of the 24 to 30 Year Olds

During an impromptu interview or conversation if you will with a number of men and women ages 24 to 30. I gathered information regarding what they sought, when choosing a mate and what their perspective was on how a relationship between two should be.

Now I must preface this by saying I am exposed to so many individuals with a multitude of personalities. Quite a few of them are in their early to late 20's. I might add, I'm not always pleased with what I encounter. You have your classic, pants hanging off their butts (both male & female), pajamas in public with bedroom slippers, breasts hanging out, dirty shirts, cursing, wreaking of last weeks alcohol benge, sex, cigarettes and down right disrespectful. Just keeping it real, sorry if I offend, but it is what it is. Grant it, it could be the geographical location, but I can't put that on any general area. These characters could be ANYWHERE.

In the midst of it all I have found quite a few that put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. It was also surprising to find that the number of men participating in my impromptu interviews outweighed the women. The women were for some reason at a loss for words. When does that really happen? Especially when there is an opportunity for them to truly voice their thoughts and opinions openly without being judged. Perhaps the reticence was a result of the ages, who knows.

I am always elated when GOD is first and foremost in someones life. I extended my gratitude to those I spoke with, because oftentimes in this era, many do not attend church or have never set foot in a church outside of a funeral or wedding. I felt blessed while listening to them speak so passionately about GOD and how they hoped their ideal mate would also share the same thoughts and feelings.

The importance of family was addressed. Not just both individuals in a relationship wanting to start their own, but also being there for other family members when needed. Not to have them interfere, but offering support when able to, without the family constantly being dependent upon them.

Though I have read a number of articles which put the men on blast for always looking at the physical attributes of the female before considering anything else and if propositioned they would choose to lay with a female first and vice versa for that matter. I think we all at some point in time have desired to be with someone based upon 'animal magnetism' ha ha. I chuckle; however it was quite refreshing to discover the views of those involved in the discussion differed.

Several men acknowledged that while they may be physically attracted to a beautiful woman; a woman that can stimulate them mentally is far more fascinating and attractive and the rest will come.

Several women advised that while they adore that P-H-Y-N-E man and want to be treated as an equal, they don't want a man that they can walk all over or manipulate. They desire their man to be head of the household, as he should be.

I know there are some that may state ' I make my OWN money, I don't need a man!' Keep in mind this is not that session. We can save that for another time.

Over all our discussions were of substance. As the conversations deepened and the comfort level grew, there were many things shared. Some things were kept PG & PG13. Some took it to the R-rated/X-rated level. None the less it was discovered that our young people are grounded and though they may slip here and there, they regain control and focus on what's right. So many of us should be proud and thankful, because MY generation has done a great job in setting the bar.


The Skin I'm In



Sunday, April 15, 2012

Down Low

Normal everyday lives led by men in their business suits working on Wall Street or just corporate America period. Blue collar workers...mechanics, fast food workers and restaurant owners just to name a few professions. These men are decorated with wedding bands and their vehicles further indicate they are married with children.

Down low - Secrets or that phrase "Straight" Black men that sleep with men. Before I go any further let me just say...the acronym 'DL' is not exclusive to Black Men; however it appears that the Black Male is more publicized in regards to such. This practice is seen across all ethnic groups.

In my reading one male indicates that 'Anyone can be had if the element is right'. Simple phrases such as "Wassup" or a certain look, wink or smile could lead to an interest in another man, which is unknown to the female. Code of the 'DL' Brother is they have to be hard due to the stigma associated with it. Some are thought that most DL brothers have the thugged out look. Fitted ball cap, Timberland's and a team jersey of some kind including throwback jerseys. Bottom line ANY man could be a DL suspect. Not just the tall 6'5" brother built like Arnold Schwarzenegger (back in the day of course) resembling Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, LaRon Landry, Morris Chestnut and Lamman Rucker. Eye Candy for my Ladies and some men, let's be real.

Studies suggest 30 percent of all black bisexual men maybe infected with HIV and up to 90 percent of those men do not know they're infected. With these statistics it is imperative for a person to advise their partner of what their lifestyle is and what their past relationships have been. A woman should be proactive in looking out for themselves. Asking the right questions while making the right observation. Love and lust can be blind to the point where you don't see what is staring you in your face.

If you are married or in a relationship, keep in mind that men on the DL would prefer not to give up the lives they've built with the 'perfect' woman. Oftentimes even the 'perfect' woman is not willing to let the man on the DL go because of the embarrassment they feel they may face.

I've read that one of the signs of a man on the DL is that he spends a lot of time with the guys. I personally am not in total agreement with that, because it just could be 'He's just not that into you.' Food for thought.

So gentlemen I wonder how you would feel if your daughter was dating a guy and this guy was on the DL. How do you think you would react? This question is even for the man on the DL with his 'Perfect' family. Think about it long and hard...no pun intended. Same question is posed for the woman. There are women on the DL as well. Let's be fair.

~~Skin I'm In~~

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Embrace of Forever

Each curve of the clouds

Reminds me of the mountains that surround me

Your embrace


My every breath is carried away

With the ocean breeze

The desire found when the sun meets the rain


The careless whisper

A long way from heaven

Refusing to give in


Back here again questioning why

The skies open without saying a word

Welcoming me inside to keep me warm


The Embrace of Forever


~~Skin I'm In~~

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Corporate Pimps and Prostitution

Pimp - a person who solicits customers for a prostitute or brothel usually in return for a share of the earnings. One who controls the actions and lives off proceeds of one or more who work the streets.

We have the Pimps or 'Players' as some would like to be called and their profession otherwise known as 'The Game'. Then we have their Prostitutes otherwise known as 'Hustlers' or 'Gigolos' their profession...'WHORES ROAD, GET ME MY MONEY!'

Perhaps that last comment was a little harsh. It is what it is folks, reality. Now in comparison to some of Corporate America, leaning towards that financial industry of sales & procurement there is not much difference between them(Corporate America) and a pimp; hence the title Corporate Pimps & Prostitution.

Corporate America or their exec's want you to look like them, think like them, speak like them, act like them and dress like them. Do not have a mind of your own. Do not show any emotion. Just do as you're told and produce!! That takes me to the movie 'Pretty Woman'. Don't kiss on the lips, you'll fall in love. No emotion, no love lost.

I personally do not fit into that robotic mold. I am colorful in character and dress, though quite professional. I will not adopt the speech as it is meaningless. It lacks sincerity and thought. I was not born in YOUR, Corporate America's, likeness, so there will not be any resemblance.

You, Corporate America throw your weight around insisting that I dress as you do, in the boring Brooks Brothers Suits(black or gray only), white shirt only and by no means do you add a splash of color with perhaps a multi-colored tie. Black or Gray Only! No exceptions. Failure to adhere means you're dismissed without pay. This for some reason takes me to segregation. Water fountains labeled for 'Whites Only'.

You, Corporate America instruct us to say the same thing to everyone that crosses our paths during the work day. Do not deviate from the script given, doing so will result in a write up for insubordination, which will remain in your file.

You, Corporate America instruct us to sell someone a Jet Engine, knowing the consumer doesn't need or want this item. But its a mandatory sell to meet your goal. Failure to do so will result in you being replaced.

You, Corporate America instruct us not to care about the consumer. Treat them as a number. We just want their money....Number 2,245,218 please stand up! Caring about a client will result in a cut in pay.

Bottom line...be that Call Girl or Escort for Corporate America or be without just as a Pimp instructs his/her 'Pro' to go out and MAKE THAT MONEY.


~~Skin I'm In~~



Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Suicide, Listen to the Silent Voice

A twelve year old little girl takes her life for reasons only she and God are truly aware of. For those of us on the outside looking in we speculate. Horrible atmosphere at home, depression, social isolation, overwhelmed with being a preteen. Whatever the reason a life is lost and we cant get it back.

As a parent it imprisons my heart to think that a child's life is gripped with so much depression, etc. Their voice has been stifled by their peers, they are looked upon as different, weird, poor, nerdy and stupid. This may not be the case for all, but it is a reality for some. Children are cruel towards others and the words noted do not remotely touch the cruelty that is projected. Without the positive reinforcement from parents, guardians, extended family, teachers or mentors our children fade to black.

Some individuals feel that I am in my children's business TOO MUCH. Guess what it won't change. That's my job! I love my children and if it is perceived that I am too strict or I do not provide them with enough privacy. So be it. Anyway what privacy do you have as a child? I am ALL UP IN THE BUSINESS, I am the parent and that's how it will remain.

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in children ages 10-14, the third leading cause of death for those ages 15-24. These numbers are taken just a bit further. For those under the age of 15, there are 1-2 out of every 100,000 that commit suicide. For those 15-24 there are 11 out of every 100,000 that will take their own life. These numbers may seem minuscule to some, but 1 life diminished by suicide is 1 too many.

The voice of suicide has no gender or color preference. I will say the voice of suicide is selective in character. Therefore love your children, hug your children, have conversations with your children, listen to your children and hear what is NOT always said.

~~~~Skin I'm In~~~~

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Seeking The Different Flavors Of Wrong

Is there truly a Miss, Mrs. or Mr. Right? 
More of my random thoughts. 

Some may ask the question, "Why am I always choosing the wrong person to be in a relationship with?"  My question to that question is, "Are you sure you're not choosing the Right Wrong Person?"
Are we seeking different flavors of wrong, thinking that the wrongness is right, because we are dealing with demons within and gravitate to those with similar demons that compliment us?  Confusing huh?  Such is love.

One would think to seek the love of the person that knows how to give the gift of oneself without the expectation of something in return. However you must know yourself well enough to understand that gift, not reject the gift choosing the art of re-gifting.  Not only should we know ourselves, but learn what we want and what we don't want.  Perhaps stop being in love with the idea of being in love, falling in love with a facsimile thereof. 

We view him/her as our soul mate because we have shared an intimate connection prior to evaluating the future. Think about this, is the one you see as your soul mate your goal mate?  In other words, do you share common interests, common goals, chemistry and compatibility?  Do you have admiration and respect for him/her or are you just impressed by them? 

Keep in mind as you ponder...admiration is to regard with wonder; wherein being impressed is the act of drawing attention. A Mercedes or a Bentley Continental GT is impressive. A woman or man loving God, always smiling, working a full time job, a part time job, going to school part-time and holding it down at home for the family is to be admired!

~~~Skin I'm In~~~

Monday, January 16, 2012

Expressions of Self-Random Thoughts

Volcanic lava
Warm, overflowing and electric
Rising with the belief that each day will be better
Dreams awakened
By losing oneself in forever
The edge of morning is near
My soul is aching to be
Somewhere other than here

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Church or Chutch II

Scenario #1

Female high school graduate; hereby known as Sunny. Grows up being nourished in the church. Sunny encounters David, a young minister at a church convention. They share their experiences in Christ and over a span of 6 months they break bread, attend church fall in love and marry.  David was slotted to be in the area for approximately 8 months, so after his marriage to Sunny, he advised they were moving. Moving back to his home of record. Sunny was far from thrilled with this decision as this move would take her away from her family. Sunny expressed her opinion of the matter only to realize David had absolutely NO desire in hearing Sunny's opinion. David slapped Sunny advising her that she needed to be submissive. Being contrary was not an option. Sunny being young and naive agreed.

Scenario #2

Tasha raised in church. Grows up in a struggling household. Pays her way through college, moves away, finds a church home and is befriended by a young minister, hereby named Charles. Tasha and Charles spend endless days together; their relationship is no longer platonic and Tasha is pregnant. Tasha has been with no one else but Charles. Tasha advises Charles of the baby, Charles tells Tasha to get an abortion.  Arguments erupt because Tasha wants her baby. During these arguments it is disclosed that Charles is married to another member of the church. Charles' wife is in Afghanistan on her second tour and will be returning in 4 months.  Charles tells Tasha that he wants nothing to do with the baby and if she chooses not to abort then she will be raising the child on her own. Charles also advises Tasha that if she sheds any light as to who the child's father is, he will cause her bodily harm.

Two issues weigh heavily with these scenarios.
 1- Religion/Christian views on abortion &
 2-Christian women & domestic violence

Scenario #1
Some teachings would explain that spousal abuse should be dealt with by temporary separation in conjunction with church marriage counseling.  Marriage counseling somehow designed to bring forth a reconciliation.

--My question..are the church counselors knowledgeable enough in the cycle of domestic violence?

Scenario #2
The Bible states 'Thou shalt not kill' --Exodus 20:13
Surely our worth as a human being is not dependent upon how far we are in life.

--My question..as a minister, leader or teacher of God's word are you practicing what you preach or manipulating to oblige your act of cheating?

More to express at a later date.  In the meantime feel free to share your voice.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Random 'Family' Thoughts

Family - defined many ways.
1- a basic social unit consisting of parents and children
2- any group of persons closely related by blood
3- all those considered descendants of a biologically related ancestor

The list goes on; but every one's view of family differs no matter how similar in meaning the dictionary determines.

What the dictionary does not provide detail on, is the FAMILY that just doesn't exist. Let me elaborate the ideal family, in my eyes only exists in fairy tales.  Father, Mother, Sister(s), Brother(s), doting grandparents, aunts and uncles. Minor arguments between Mother & Father, nothing earth shattering. You have the dog, cat, picket fence, 2 cars or perhaps the mini van for the soccer mom, parents that show for all of their children's extra-curricular events, children graduate from high school go off to college and come home on their breaks to two parents still in love with each other and their childhood home is still serene. 

Ah ha!! Let's get to the real deal. You have the 'Soul Food' family wherein family sleeps with another family members husband. Some of the family is quite affluent or they manage their money well while other members constantly have their hands out. Or you have the Osborne's, Whitney Houston/Bobby Browns, Lindsey Lohans & Brittney Spears of the world...I shouldn't have to elaborate any further with those examples.  Then we have the Family that Preys & Prays. Lets not forget the family that alienates. I guess in the dictionary whether it's Merriam Webster or Dictionary.Com, the definition for these examples would be DYSFUNCTIONAL.

I think the family that Alienates does just as much damage as the drug addictions & infidelity if not more.  When you start off in life experiencing family one way, adoring them and not wanting to trade your once known knowledge of family for anything in the world to always wondering 'Why?' you question yourself. Things like 'Why am I the last to know?' or 'What did I do to them to deserve this type of treatment?' or 'How come they no longer love me?'

It's a given that we all have a purpose.  God gives and takes away. However it is sometimes difficult to comprehend that he removes people from our lives in order for us to grow.  We need to nurture our seed and reap the benefits of new growth.