His Music Lives Forever

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 His Music Lives Forever

Jul09-1 It was a sad day last week to hear about Michael Jackson’s death.  Michael was an icon to anyone that is over the age of 30.  Even to the younger generation, he had an impact that reflects our music and dances today.  Everyone has their favorite song, their favorite video or their favorite dance.  Although not everyone will admit it, I even think each of us had performed a part of the Thriller dance whether behind closed doors, in the bathroom or drunk at a party.

The more I thought about Michael Jackson, the more I realized that he dedicated his entire life to others.  He is the ONLY person I can think of that started performing as a young child, became a superstar, then moved on through adulthood to be internationally known.  Even at the age of 50, Michael Jackson was seen in headlines worldwide.

Think about it – Michael has been compared to the fame of Elvis, Madonna, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.  None of those mentioned became famous as child stars and then maintained that status through adulthood.  Not one.  All of them were pretty normal kids and teenagers that could run, play hide and go seek and attend school like the rest of us.  It wasn’t until they were older that anyone thought twice about their name.

Michael Jackson was an icon above the rest.  Starting at a young age, with his brothers on stage, he drew everyone to their tv screens and radios.  Michael didn’t have a childhood, his childhood was music.  When other child performers seem to drop out of the picture and have normal lives, Michael did the opposite.  He went solo and created the best selling album of all time.  He created the most memorable video ever.  Even with the changes of technology, nothing has come close to topping the Thriller video.

Michael Jackson was pure genius.  He has left a mark on our hearts and in our lives that will remain forever.  In January we made history with Obama.  Last week we lost history with MJ.  RIP

M.Y.  July 2009

No What?!

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No What?!

June-09-4A week in Mexico – how exciting!  My bathing suits were picked out.  The sundresses were ready for the beach.  I just needed to check out some last minute things and I was on my way… and that’s when it started happening.

It first started with a phone call to AT&T.  I called to see what my Iphone service would be in Mexico.  I was told that any voicemail call that came in while there, even if I didn’t answer it, would be charged 60 cents.  Using the internet was even worse and more costly.  A simple internet search could run a hundred dollars.  In other words, unless there was an emergency, I was best to just keep my phone OFF. But for an entire week? I didn’t think that was feasibly or reasonable possible!
The best backup to a phone is the internet, right!?  There was an internet cafe, but it cost $18/hour.   Some of the buildings were said to have internet capabilities but we didn’t know where our room would be.  So, I took my computer just in case.

I was actually pretty worried about being without both my cell phone and the internet from an entire week.  I felt as if I’d be missing something and would be far removed from the rest of the world.  I feared that I might go temporarily insane.

The first day passed with my phone or internet.  I lived.  The second day passed.  I was still breathing.  Day 3 and 4 passed.  I was calm and more relaxed than ever.  I realized that as dependent as I am on that technology on a regular basis, being away from it for a week was a cleansing feeling.  I was able to concentrate on myself, my surroundings and the person I love.  I could thoroughly enjoy the beach, the sand, the ocean and all of Mexico.

Toward the end of day 4 I found an internet connection.  Hundreds of unread emails flooded my inboxes.  I deleted the non-essential ones, responded to less than five and then quickly turned off the computer.  And, not once did I use my cell phone.  I had been a prisoner of technology and realized life on the other side isn’t all that bad.

I am now back in the real world responding to my reality.  I have been reunited with my Iphone and all its guilty pleasures.  And, while I do know that technology will continue to be a part of my daily life, I can also further appreciate taking time to set them aside to concentrate and embrace my surroundings and the important things in life.

M.Y.  June 2009

A Father’s Touch

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A Father’s Touch (my father is 3rd from the front in this picture)

June09-3HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all of the wonderful fathers in the world!  So often we concentrate on the fathers who are deadbeats or those that have never been in the picture.  Instead, we should spend this weekend (and every other day on the calendar) praising the men who do their jobs to raise their children and other youth in our community.

Some people have memories of their fathers playing football with them in the yard.  Others may remember their father as the one who had the thickest belt and gave the worst spankings.  A couple of you may remember your father as the one who sat at the head of the table and made all of the decisions.

Think of one word to describe your father.  What comes to mind? Honest. Smart. Disciplinarian. Supportive.  Funny.  Lazy.  Incredible.  When I think of my father, the word that comes to mind is CREATIVE.  He was one of the most creative and talented people I knew.  The first place I was able to trace this back to  is his high school days.  I found his high school graduation program.  (one of the main reasons I still have it is because Muhammad Ali – then Cassius Clay- also graduated with my father and his name is listed in the program).  My father received a special award at the ceremony.  It wasn’t for sports.  It wasn’t for academics.  Of all things, it was for tailoring!  My father had a gift using his hands.

Once he went to college at Tuskegee he excelled in academics, was the editor of the yearbook and joined a fraternity -Alpha Phi Alpha.  (The picture above shows him and his fraternity brothers, yes the Alphas had canes, he’s third from the front).  This unique thing I learned about this photo is that my father actually sewed the tuxedo jackets that they are wearing in this photo.  You never know when your creative talents can help a wide variety of people.

 My father passed away over 15 years ago but I am proud that I see some of his creative talents in myself.   People may be physically gone from our lives, but we should find solace in the fact that not only do their memories live forever, but every once in awhile we are blessed to have pieces of the ones we love passed on to us so that we too may carry out their journey.

M.Y.  June 2009

When It Rains

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When It Rains

Jun09-2My birthday was May 26.  His birthday was June 5.  We thought a trip would be the perfect way to celebrate both occasions.  We found the perfect resort, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and made plans to be there June 2-9.  I was ready to eat what my heart desired.  I was ready for continually warm weather.  I was ready to relax and worry about absolutely nothing.

And then I looked at the news!  Toward the end of April the talk of the Swine Flu, H1N1 virus, sweeping through all of Mexico was all over the airwaves.  People were wearing face masks to go everywhere and many tourist locations in Mexico were closing.  I intently watched the news and researched the path of the disease.  As the calendar progressed to May and the flu spread to the rest of the world, I realized I was just as safe in Mexico as I would be anywhere else.  Toward the middle of May, the precautions of Mexican travel were lifted and Cabo called our name.

I woke up bright and early on June 2 to head to the airport for my 6:30am flight.  With little sleep the night before, I was ready to lean over in my window seat and get some shut eye during my flight.  (I feel asleep before the plane even completed boarding.)  I woke up 50 minutes later and looked out the window.  I noticed that we were still at the gate in Louisville.  What?!  The pilot talked of a problem with a part that they were trying to fix.  About 15 minutes later he said they couldn’t fix the problem and we would have to de-plane and take another one – that wasn’t going to leave until 8:45am!

Are you serious?  My 2 hour layover in Houston was now down to about 20 minutes (maximum). Although I think I have track skills, I doubted they would get me through the Houston airport before they closed the gates for my 10:00am flight.  I called my boyfriend (who was meeting me in Houston for us then to both fly to Cabo) the news.  I asked him to beg the people to hold the plane for me.

As we fly into TX I text him to say we landed.  He responds that they closed the door five minutes ago and that we’d have to fly out on the next flight at 6:00pm. When?  6:00pm?  I’m supposed to be laying on the beaches of Cabo by then!

While waiting to de-board the plane I check my work mail.  There is an email stating that my secretary is laid up in the hospital with congestive heart failure and fluid on her lungs.  You have got to be kidding me!  I let out a large sigh to anyone that will listen and just felt like the day could only become worse!

But, with faith, I had to realize that once it gets worse, it will always get better.  I was greeted in the terminal by my boyfriend and his simple kiss let me know everything would get better.  We spent the 8 hour layover driving around and visiting some places that could have good future implications.  We arrived safely in Mexico that night.  Although it was dark, when we checked in, we were the only ones there are were given great treatment and a choice of rooms that best fit our preferences.  And, the best thing was waking up the next morning with the sun rising and the sounds of the ocean right at our balcony which all symbolized the start of a bright, and new, wonderful day!

M.Y.  June 2009

West End Talent

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West End Talent

JUn09-1I was fortunate enough to watch some of the most amazing talent.  No, it wasn’t the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (although they are simply fantastic!).  It was the ArtsReach Performing Arts Showcase at the KY Center.  Over 170 youth from several of the local community centers came together and gave a superb performance.
Imagine several dozen pre-school aged children standing on stage in their sailor hats dancing to “Good Ship Lollipop”.  Some of the kids actually knew the words to the songs and all of the moves.  Others just stood on stage star struck and amazed that they were the focus of attention.  Anything 3-5 year olds do is usually cute, but this routine was just right for them.
Then there was a very moving piece by several girls from the Grace Divine Liturgical Dance Institute.  At the beginning there was a problem with their music, but these ladies stayed composed.  They danced with such emotion and strong energy.  You didn’t want to blink your eye for fear of missing a beat.
Not only was there dancing, there was a stage full of violinists.  I admired the amount of boys that have becoming dedicated to playing and you can tell they each have a passion for it.  While I listened to each one play, I wondered how far they would go and who may be the next hip hip violinist or 1st chair in an orchestra.
The show ended with a bang!  The dance team Str8Legit put together this jamming rendition of The Wiz.  They incorporated many of the songs from the movie.  At the same time, they added some current dances and current dance moves.  The costumes were on point.  The young kids loves watching the dance team move and the older adults in the building were able to reflect back on the ‘old school’ music.
The talented instructors of the different groups included: Keith Cook, Portia White Muhammad, Marlina Churn-Diallo, Baba Serikali, Sherley Desgranges and Marcellus Love.  If you haven’t seen any of their work, you are definitely missing out.
For those of you that have children that you feel are just sitting at home wasting their time away, definitely consider getting them involved with the ArtsReach program.  They have activities at 50 different community centers/locations in the area.   If you don’t have children, but have a gift you like to share (talent or monetary), please contact Julia Youngblood (jyoungblood@kentuckycenter.org) at the KY Center. We need to support our youth in every way possible.

M.Y.  June 2009

It’s All in the Numbers

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It’s All In The Numbers

May09-5So this past weekend was an interesting one.  Saturday was my first National fitness competition.  I was nervous about it.  I also had all of these other emotions running through my head because the weekend represented so much more.

May 23, 2009.  This day represented the 3 year anniversary of my mother’s death.  When my mother passed away in 2006, it was exactly 3 days before my 30th birthday (May 26).  If both of my parents would have been alive then, it would have also been 3 days before their 33rd wedding anniversary. (Yes, I crashed their 3rd wedding anniversary by being born a month early).

So here it is 3 years later on May 23.  This is the anniversary once again.  Now, it’s 3 days before I turn 33.  Yeah that’s a lot of threes!  If you caught up and understood all of it, you’re doing good things this morning.

While training for my competition, I continually wore a teal bracelet that says “OverCome” which represents Ovarian Cancer.  This competition was dedicated to my mother and I wanted to do well.  I didn’t know how I’d be emotionally on that day, but wanted to do my best.

The morning judging started out well – until my music skipped in the middle of my routine.  Although the crowd encouraged me to keep going and clapped at the end, I was frustrated that I wasn’t able to perform it the way it should have been.  Luckily, the judges let me perform it again at the end of the other competitors.  By the end of judging, I had no idea how I placed.

Since this was a National contest, there were many talented women there.  I was amazed at some of the routines and found some moves I will try to incorporate into my future performances.  Awards were given out that night.  I set a goal for my placing and accomplished it.  I walked away with a great National ranking and thought it was pretty interesting that my placing went right along with the same number that represented that entire weekend! pics/video here

(thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!)

M.Y. May 2009