SONGS FROM SOMALIA

Saba Anglana and her family fled Mogadishu when she was five years old. She has never forgotten...the beats of the music remain in her soul ~ I think we can all relate to something sticking to our souls ~




******************************
Be sure to check out Uptown Liz!

Here is an example of just how easy it is for you to shop and support your favorite cause!!!


















Alzheimers

OR

BOOKS & DVDS

Ramona

What is type A exactly??? According to Dictionary.com type A means "of or pertaining to a pattern of behavior characterized by competitiveness, a sense of urgency, impatience, perfectionism, and assertiveness, and possibly associated with an increased risk of heart disease". Well, okay, Ramona is certainly assertive and a perfectionist. I do suppose it would take a strong woman to capitvate and manuever in this fast paced world, so I am thinking, whatever your business needs, you may just want to direct some of that energy toward her, if nothing else...just to see what she'd do with it! You may wake up one morning telling Donald Trump where to put his stocks! I really don't know what to say about the heart disease comment. BUT I know for a fact that Ramona has a very big, beautiful and hearty HEART, thank you very much!

It seems that Type A Solutions can ultimately assist you in most of your business needs. Web design, graphic design, media relations, advertising, you name it!

In my humble opinion, the thing that makes Ramona so effective is her sincerity. I believe that when she takes a task on, she firmly belives in it and can spread that enthusiasm in all of the right directions.

Of course it is one thing to have this option for your business, but for her to even offer the concept for your own personal lifestyle really characterizes a special, and deeply committed human being. This type of service is personal and can only be maintained by someone who has just the right touch! What an incredible statement, to love people so much, that you would want to share and give of yourself in a way that encourages others to reach their highest potential and achieve their life-goals ~ what a momentous concept!

So, check out Ramona, give her a call, or visit the website if you get stuck on where you're going, where you need to be, or if that project needs that boost or just the right PR! Check out Ramona, in depth as she will be our Friends On Friday focus!!!

"Ramona is THE go-to person",

~~ Randi L. Knott, Director of Government Affairs, KB Home


"...one of the most organized, motivated and enthusiastic individuals I’ve worked with",

~~ Kelli Reid, Director of Client Services, McNally Temple Associates, Inc.


“In leaving the people’s business in their hands, we can not be wrong.”
- Abraham Lincoln

Ramona Russell
Tel: (916) 835-4300
www.typeasolutions.com
More Friday!

Liz

Liz was 23 years old when she discovered a lump in her breast. Her diagnosis was to go home. Her physician felt she was too young for it to be cancerous. Liz went home and five years later became a casualty of this war on our health.

There are so many assaults on our daily existence. Accidents. The food we eat, the products we use and the air we breathe. The care we are given and the time we can NOT have to just be leisurely!

Before Liz's illness, Ramona was busy being a driven professional. With a degree in communications, she was a marketing and public relations dynamo!! Ramona was versatile with diverse experience! You can read more about Ramona here.

Ramona had been contemplating the entrepreneurial possibilities prior to Liz becoming ill, but after taking time off with her family to care for Liz, Ramona was able to use her passion, her pain and abilities to put in motion something phenomenal.

Losing Liz February 1, 2006 could have been the end. Instead, in her passing there has become a fertile ground; a blossoming in us all of the possibilities we can nurture just from our love for someone dear.



Liz being very trendy and a shopper inspired Ramona to develop, what she refers to as her type-A personality, into two functioning entities. Type A Solutions is the forum that allows Ramona to use her knowledge to market businesses and organize lives. Uptown Liz allows shoppers to feed that consumer's desire all while giving back! When you shop Uptown Liz, proceeds go directly to charitable causes! I know you all know how psyched I was about that! Ramona lists quite a variety of charitable organizations too! That makes it so much easier for the conscientious giver!

While you are shopping you can do your part for world hunger and breast cancer!

For Leukemia and Animal Cruelty!

There is so much more to tell you! Stay tuned! Tomorrow, we will talk a bit more about being type-A and what Type-A Solutions could possibly do for you!

Liz and Ramona

Thinking about dreaming big and family and opportunities is almost an unfathomable agenda. I think maybe it is why my belief is that sometimes you just have to stop testing the water and jump in! You may swallow water and even go under for a bit, but chances are really GREAT that you will NOT drown.

Life will undoubtedly, most certainly get in the way, but that is part of the challenge and also part of our growth. Choosing the path of least resistance, helping others and formulating those internal voices into movement; all while cultivating passion and usurping expository implementations is the key to success. Remember also to have faith ~ faith in yourself, your God and your universe ~ love always finds a way!





Do you remember when you had to grow up? Do you remember the first time life smacked you in the head? If you had siblings, do you remember falling back on their support? OR being the support?

I would like to introduce to you Liz and Ramona and the details behind UPTOWN LIZ. This week we will be examining life, love and horrible loss. Becoming a phoenix from out of the fire, and blossoming for a cause that affects us all ~ Stay tuned!

There is a favorite scene of mine in the movie "Meet Joe Black" where The Angel of Death (Beautiful Brad Pitt) comes to take the dying Antillean woman at her request and she tells him that she has enough "pretty pictures" to take with her. Let's make and then take our pretty pictures, but also leave a wonderful legacy behind ~




~ all images courtesy of Ramona Russell of Type A Solutions * Business Services

NOLA SUNDAYS!!!!!!! ~~ Omar Aziz, Jr.

Talking with Omar Aziz, Jr. is passion personified. He is extremely poised and precise in his vision. That in itself is enough to get you off of any insecurities you may be shouldering and onto pursuing something ~ even if its not the goal you intended, but opening yourself to benefiting from the path along the way ~ the journey where you just may find the answer to your dreams! This kind of intuitive, dream based driven motivation should keep you flying high all week and get you to examining your goals ~ and feel free to contact Mr. Aziz for more clarity!


Growing up there was a great exposure to entrepreneurship in your home. What is the greatest lesson your parents taught you?
I was born in New Orleans, a city of romance, charm and the world’s greatest foods. I grew up happy but perpetually baffled as to how my mother’s baking skills and my father’s ability to peddle homemade pies from a basket managed to support the family.

I had my first major encounter with entrepreneurship at the early age of 16. As a youth, I was content with sampling pies — not baking or selling them — until my mother encouraged me to help bake pies for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The festival put money in my pocket and a new respect for business in my mind. My family has been a part of this festive celebration of Louisiana culture, music, crafts and food since 1976. It was later, as a college student, that I began to test my entrepreneurial leaning. My college studies and my success selling pies at the Jazz festival and in the University of New Orleans dormitories, prompted me to put the two together. I applied what I learned in my business courses. I became a student entrepreneur bridging the gap between academic theory and business practice.

My talent for marketing and business development fueled the rapidly expanding pie business. I began selling pies in the French Market, at the 1984 Worlds Fair and soon opened pie shops in the French Quarter Marketplace, Jackson Brewery, Canal Place and in New Orleans’ famous Riverwalk Mall. I made special appearances at the Dixieland Jazz Festival in California, Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Fanueil Hall in Boston, South Street Seaport and Bloomingdale’s in New York as part of the “Taste of Louisiana” promotions. I have also been the focus of numerous feature stories on ABC, CBS, NBC, local affiliates and in local and national publications. I co-host and produce a new television show entitled, "The Economics of Success" ~~

"As the founder of the American Student Entrepreneurs Association and the Urban Institute for Entrepreneurship Education, Omar has been a leading advocate for the inclusion of entrepreneurship in public education. He has gone from selling pies to teaching students and adults how to get their "piece of the pie"."

In November 1993, Entrepreneur Magazine featured my widely shared entrepreneurial equation — “K + A + C = E3 .” I also offered a series of “Building a Business” seminars at Barnes & Noble entitled "How to Get Your Piece of the Pie: 12 Secret Recipes for Entrepreneurial and Small Business Success."

I am currently the Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Development and am available for public speaking, workshops and one-on-one entrepreneurial coaching. This has become my life's mission. I believe that no one should go through life without getting their piece of the pie ~~ the American dream of ownership.

You have an initiative P.I.E. What are the goals?
Participating In Entrepreneurship (PIE) is an innovative intellectual capital development system designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking and new business startups in one year or less. PIE defines a new business as one that has met all local, state and federal filing and licensing requirements, and has completed a written business plan.

The PIE system integrates personalized assessments and computerized testing to identify participants’ learning needs. The preliminary assessments, and one-on-one coaching from business professionals, personalize the process — generating goals that can be achieved, and results that can be measured. Participants who complete the program successfully start businesses and recognize their entrepreneurial dreams.

How do you see P.I.E. impacting the community?
Did You Know…


The dream of many students is to become self-employed. Results of a US Department of Commerce study show that youths' strong interest in starting a business derives from the freedom associated with being their own boss. According to a Gallup Poll study done in conjunction with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 7 out of 10 high school students say they want to start their own business.

Entrepreneurs generate ideas; produce goods, services and jobs; and produce the economic activity that drives the local economy. Despite the widespread acceptance of the key role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in our economy, many institutions of learning are not preparing our young people for careers as business owners.

While not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur, in today’s rapidly changing economic climate not everyone is going to be able to find that "good job with a good company." That's the reason PIE is so effective. The PIE program was formulated to make inner-city students aware of the possibilities offered by entrepreneurship and prepare them to seize those opportunities.
PIE Interactive featured on ABC News




It is not only the student with predetermined small business ownership goals, but all students who can benefit from entrepreneurship education. An employee who has respect, appreciation and an understanding of entrepreneurship is more likely to be an asset to a company. Today's business owners are looking for employees who can improve the bottom line efficiently and cost effectively. PIE is a life-long learning program that develops in students traits such as initiative, optimism, resourcefulness, risk taking, foresight, leadership skills, versatility, self-determination and a respect and appreciation for the value of dedication and hard work.


Mr. Aziz, this has certainly opened my eyes on some of the ingredients needed for a good recipe for success! I can't wait until our next visit with you so that we can learn a bit more with your food for thought! Thank you so very much, we hungry readers will have to chomp on that for just a while! At least until next time!

~~~ please excuse all of the puns, I just couldn't resist!

Barnes & Noble Series ~ Dreaming Big With Your Piece of the P.I.E.




Contact for Mr Aziz as follows:
Omar Aziz
HR Training Coordinator
Griggs Enterprise, Inc.
330 Marshall Street, Suite 711
Shreveport, LA 71101
Cell (318) 349.8647

Your Piece of the P.I.E.

You may recall reading about Omar the Pie Man back on NOLA SUNDAYS ~ November 25, 2007. It is such an inspiring piece because Pre-Katrina, Omar Aziz's family had been allotted a $10,000 endowment by New Orlean's City Council to assist toward establishment of a statute . A likeness in his image and a plaque (which was dedicated in October 2007) will one day grace the French Quarter where he frequented on foot selling his tasty pies.




Omar Aziz, Jr. who inherited the legacy and the name ( you can view the youtube video by DocNo again here here ) has been in touch with me giving me more in depth accounts of the mission for P.I.E. Interactive or Participating In Entrepreneurship and reviving New Orleans,and what we can all do to help! We learned in the earlier post that the pie operation is being overseen by Gloria Peaden 5346 Lapalco Blvd, Marrero Louisiana, but there is a vision to make this so much more. The legacy must continue, and it is hoped that it will carry on to encourage entrepreneurship and controlling destinies ~ creating economic development where there is a history of consumerism ~ changing lives!






All images courtesy of Omar Aziz, Jr. More tomorrow!!!

Finding Our Folk

This is from a few months ago, but still very relevant. Whatever you can do to help would be monumental.


A great and dear family friend, a legend and a pioneer in Chicago was laid to rest today ~ The Honorable John Herman Stroger, Jr. He was the first black elected as Cook County Board President. He was a phenomenal, gentle, mentor to the community and he will be sorely missed. He was a proponent for all, but mainly for the disadvantaged, the poor, the hopeless and the meek. I correlate paying homage to John H. Stroger today with this video because the strife in Louisiana and the Gulf was important to him due to his completing his undergraduate studies at Xavier University (XULA)in New Orleans. He was Trustee Emeritus and was recently honored as the top alumni 2007. His son, current Cook County Board President, Todd H. Stroger, is also a graduate from Xavier University.

At his passing, his foundation, The John H. Stroger Jr. Charitable Foundation, contributed $500,000 toward establishing a scholarship fund for deserving Xavier students. He was such a wonderful, strong spirit. He loved Louisiana very much and though he was born in Helena, Arkansas, he always reached back to help Louisiana. He would then turn and look ahead to help those who were in need, those who were in front of him everyday. Keep these images from today in your heart. Keep the message resounding loud and clear. Everyone needs hope, and everyone needs a hand. Be the hope or the hand. And if you can, be both.

We can all make a difference, and in this case help someone come home. President John H. Stroger committed himself to a life of service, and we can too! Thank you John H. Stroger, Jr., for taking on the causes, leading people to empowerment, and defying all the odds. May you rest in perfect peace. God Bless.

Join The Peace Alliance!

After watching the CNN debate sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus with the Democratic candidates, I think this petition instituting a Deptartment of Peace or Peace Alliance within our government would be an excellent idea!! What do you think?

Blogging While Brown ~ ATL JULY '08

Blogging While Brown is the first international conference for, by, and about Bloggers of Color and the readers who love and comment on them.

COOL.Atlanta, Georgia July 25-27,2008. Hurry, registration ends March 15, 2008!

BLOGGING WHILE BROWN

HELP IS COMING ~ AYO (Inspiration to start the work week!)

Music is Universal ~ and so are troubles ~ so let's make the descision to shine ALL week long!

Mardi Gras Favorite ~ Andrea Mistretta!!!!

I just had to track down the artist who has enriched the Mardi Gras experience these last decades! She has been a supporter of New Orleans, and after Katrina, a force for recovery! This week, we are having Friends On Friday on Monday!
I thought it might be appropriate because it is the observance of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. We here at Healthier, Happier, You!!!! will certainly be promoting that "when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sometimes when I close my eyes, I feel like we are almost there! Thank you Dr. King! I am so glad you were born!!!! So, here's Andrea!


Andrea, I love your work on Barbara B Barnett Designs, The colors leave one speechless! Tell us about these creations.
I am no longer represented by Barbara but I continue with licensing my own art to the giftware, home fashions and stationery industries. This a fraction of the literally thousands of pieces of art I have created in my portfolio and archives.

There is an image of the Madonna with her Christ child, tell us a bit about that piece. I absolutely love it!
It is an acrylic on canvas that was commissioned to be printed on gift bags, and greeting cards for 2008.

I know we are supposed to be talking about your Mardi Gras art, but you are so talented in so many areas, how did you get started?
I worked with my Dad in his little print shop when I was a teen. I am self taught. Hard work , luck and miracles have allowed me to endure in this business of art.(This is the short story.)

I read somewhere that you have been designing Mardi Gras posters over two decades, is that possible??? You are so young! Tell us about your famed longest running Mardi Gras poster series.
Yes, 23 years in a row. It’s the longest running series of posters by one artist.

When researching you, I uncovered alot of material in Italian! My Italian is spotty, but you are famous world-wide. Tell us about your Italian connection. Did you create an airbrush kit that is selling widely there?
I have designed a special airbrusher’s shield that is distributed worldwide and used by many in the airbrush medium.

You have been such a blessing to New Orleans. How has New Orleans seeped into your soul? What are some of your favorite things about NOLA?
New Orleans is a blessing to me. The vibrant creative climate and its appreciation for individuals the visual and musicals art has allowed me to flourish as an artist and person. The friends and fans have been my muse and I thrive because of them. I don’t live in New Orleans but I am spiritually present there all the time which is why I continue my partnership with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. I need to do all I can to care for New Orleans and never forget it.

Andrea, you are so fascinating, thank you so much for your time. I am deeply touched.
I am so amazed with the care and interest you have. I hope your site really reaches out with lots of interesting and positive information to many.
God bless you and Good Luck.

Andrea, it has been such a pleasure, we will be sure to check in with you periodically!




For authentic posters signed by Andrea visit her official website ~ MARDIGRASGRAPHICS.com
also visit ANDREAMISTRETTA.COM and pick up the YouTube video here!
Enjoy your Dr. MLK Day!

ELI's Goin' to the SUPER BOWL!!!!!!

(Julie Jacobson - AP)






~ And that's all I have to say about that ~ Forest Gump (teeheeee)

NOLA SUNDAYS!!!!!!! ~ CARNIVAL

Mardi Gras 2008
Mistretta mardigrasgraphics.com













I am sure that you are all aware that this is Carnival in New Orleans. It began on January 6th during the Feast of the Epiphany or King's Day or the Twelfth Night celebrating the 3 Wise men (Kings) who arrived in Bethlehem to see the Christ child thereby ending the Christmas season.

Carnival roots actually date back 5000 years. According to Becky Retz of the Times-Picayune, Carnival became a Christian holiday when Pope Gregory XIII put it on his Gregorian Calender, the same 12 month calender we use today. Mardi Gras was placed the Tuesday before lent so that all the sin can be committed in abundance before settling down into penance. This also allotted the newest Christians a time and venue to interpret their ancient customs. It appears that during this time, African, Caribbean, Latino cultures and Romans were converting and this was a way to celebrate ~ incorporating all sorts of traditions and ancient festivals.

Mardi Gras came to New Orleans with Iberville(Pierre LeMoyne, Sieur de)the french explorer in about 1699. When he sailed in from the Gulf with his brother Bienville (Jean Baptiste LeMoyne, Sieur de), it is said he set up camp and was settled by March 3, the same day Mardi Gras was being celebrated in France. This camp was approximately 60 miles south of where NOLA is today and was named by Iberville Point du Mardi Gras.




art by O.L. Coleman



The flavorful festivals, masked balls, krewes and throwing of the beads has continued and is quite the world-wide draw. With 29 krewes listed, the weeks ahead should be spectacular parades and incredibly good times.

From Surge to Resurgence
- Renew New Orleans -
Mistretta

Famous New York Mardi Gras artist Andrea Mistretta's work can be found here Andrea Mistretta and other New Orleans products can be found by clicking here.
Stay tuned, tomorrow we have Andrea Mistretta's new YouTube animation! Really cool stuff! Happy Day!

Hooray Black History Today!

One of my favorite bloggers is A.man.I over at MyUrbanReport.com
His blog is one of the first blogs I ever read. Originally because he and my cameraman cousin covered Jena6 together. I love watching his video. It is crisp and fresh and in depth. I especially loved MosDef telling it like it is at the Jena6 march, heavy. This video of TJ Holmes is 10 months old, somehow I missed it, but it is very good! I think it is fun to see the other side of television anchors. First we had David Gregory dancing to Mary J and now we have TJ on the real! He and Betty are my Saturday Morning favorites.

As I gear up for Black History Month, I've decided to promote historical items just a little early. After all, February is the shortest month of the year, and there is SO much to cover!! First thing would be to dispel the myth that "they" whomever "they" are, chose February for Black History Month because it was the shortest month of the year. I don't know how long that has been said, but it is completely untrue. Read about it here.

Dr. Woodson valued February because of these major points listed here:

February 23, 1868:
W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
February 3, 1870:
The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
February 25, 1870:
The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
February 12, 1909:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.


The true travesty is that we are not taught more about Dr. Carter G. Woodson!

Enjoy TJ Holmes! CNN anchor extraordinaire!

WARNING: The following may cause addiction

FREERICE





I want to say that this may be hazardous to your health but greatly benefit the health of another!!! Thanks to our new friend over at I PISS ESPRESSO, I have a new addiction! I must have stayed on RICE.COM for an hour trying to achieve the status of esteemed morphologist. Ya'll better look out, I may be using words you don't understand soon, SO you better click freerice near the banner and join the new craze!!!

In addition, print out THIS and send it to you know who!!!! The United Nations Food Programme continues to work wonders in encouraging us to be there for our fellow child/man/woman. Happy Friday!

From NOW On...

Whenever I need a FEEL GOOD moment, I will just click on the above! Seriously. Someone just sent this to me and I almost wet my pants watching NBC anchor David Gregory JAMMING to Mary J back on December 29, 2007! Now I have included the entire embed because I love no other like Mary J, but be sure to catch him. I am sure everyone has probably seen this, but it's so good and Mary J is phenomenal, its a repeat watch NO DOUBT! Enjoy!

A song and a prance

Speaking of favorite things! I don't think I will ever be able to say that phrase again without flipping my tongue!!! Here's why! K.R. Copeland has shared her latest Soundzine pieces and imagine your piece being published and having sound!! The first piece is entitled These are a Few of my Flavor-Lit Things performed by Sarah Stanton.


After the interpretation, I said wheeww!!! Cool! But then I could not stop fluttering my tongue.

The second piece, Wearing a pair of second-hand shoes completely enveloped me. This was wonderfully read by Salli Shepherd. I was completely taken in to the vision. And somehow as the words sounded out, the woman became me. I was prancing about in my mind, experiencing the poem, being totally taken away!


CLICK HERE FOR THE EXPERIENCE Let us know what you think!

(image of K.R. Copeland courtesy of K.R. Copeland)

OOO! YEAH! AN UPDATE!!!!!!!

My favorite thing is when our friends have updates!!!!

Beautiful and talented K.R. has a few new poems published on the online literary magazine Unlikely Stories check her out here.

Also featured is our beautiful and talented friend Janet Snell and of course you know you can also visit Janet and Cheryl at Scattered Light.

Enjoy!!!

SISTERHOOD OF THE ROPE ~ Susan Reid

Read this from our friend Susan Reid over at the Alkamae Blog this morning. What an inspiration it was for me today! I think about all of the beautiful women I read everyday who inspire me, educate me, challenge my viewpoints, and really make me live my life!!!

I left some commentary for Susan, and as many of you who really know me may have figured by now, when I get excited I am a big fat typo, but I just wanted to share the love I get from reading my sistas! The women on my blog list are my daily inspirations ~ so here's to you guys today! And to my supporters, and readers, men and women! But today to My SISTAS, of course I have to add a little flavour, but just sending my love out!!!

What A Difference A Day Makes!

Whew. Clearly, though I try, I am just not cut out for politics. I have worked on senate campaigns, mayoral campaigns, and aldermanic (Chicago politics)campaigns and have decided whomever wins the primaries with the best record and has the entire country's concern at heart is who I will also consider campaigning for. Fellow blogger Elaine Vigneault posted this in Novemeber 2007 and it resonated with me as to who is really for the country as a whole. But when it all comes down to it, I am passionate about bettering our planet and helping those who have that agenda. BUT the whole era of radio/internet/web/debate has taken this far beyond what I consider palatable. People are downright mean and fanatical. They are uninformed and belligerent and quite frankly that disturbs my peace! I woke up this morning completely renewed. I changed my radio station to NPR. In the car I listened to music. And that has made all the difference. I think I just want the facts. All of this emotional hubbub has nothing to do with the facts. I can no longer submerge myself in these daily debates of who did what said what how and why. ITS EXHAUSTING! Its like high school times a quadrillion!

I have realized that I need to just keep doing my thing. Humanitarianism. Amazing ~ some people in the blog world don't know what that really means. Being concerned with the well being of others. Servicing the community. Implementing programs and urging the government ~ local and federal ~ to grant money that would help others. And if there is no help, then you begin a NGO (nongovernmental organization). Maybe we could stop being so angry and think about teaching it in classes to prepare the next generation for giving. My son's school has community service as part of the curriculum.

Finding compassion during this time in our lives has increased dramatically. What could be more exciting? I am so encouraged by the stories I have been reading where people have been donating half of their low-income salaries to others! It is a blessing to HELP OTHERS.

I have no stamina going toe to toe with angry people, SO, I'm gonna go back to what works for me! What say you? What works best for you?? I want to know! Hopefully it is copasetic!

All I can say

After listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, as I have for the last 34 years, let this be the last day. He in my opinion, has gone too far. We people of color have short memories and really need to step back and be mindful. I am reticent to say this, but, it appears he may be an opportunist. It only took me one google search and a blink of my memory to recall, Tom Joyner used to love the Clintons. In the name of peace and racial harmony, could we as Americans of color just stick to the issues. If you support Senator Obama great! Whomever you support, GREAT! But do your homework, I can't say it enough. Check out DiveristyInc to familairize yourself with who has the ENTIRE country's concerns at heart. This constant race badgering is tiresome and divisive and misdirects people from the issues.

Then check this out from not too long ago TOMJOYNER.

Shame on you Tom Joyner Morning Show. You well know how hard this is for us all, after all the Clinton Administration has done for our community, and the desire to have Senator Obama for president. It should be handle more dignified. It should be handled with respect. And more importantly it should be handled with an objective in mind, bring the country out of unrest. Needless to say, I won't be adding to TJMS ratings any more.

GO ELI!!!!

I don't really know why I am rooting for the Giants, but I am. Maybe it is because I like rooting for the underdog. Maybe it is the sad fact that the Bears went nowhere fast. Could it be that we let R.W McQuarters go from Chicago, and I 'm still cheering him on? Maybe it is to spite my son, or maybe it is due to being sympathetic toward being the younger of siblings. Eli is the baby of a trio of football playing brothers.

I like Peyton Manning as well, but I never root for him. Why would I? He has endorsements up the wazoo, he already won the Super Bowl (2007) and everybody knows he is great.

I cheer for Eli because he has had the hard way. People scrutinizing him, comparing him, and doggone it, never giving the guy a break! I think today the point spread was that the Giants would be defeated by 7 points. You probably heard me wherever you are in the world when I screamed! The Giants up by 21-17 in the 4th quarter with only minutes to go! Sure anything could happen in four minutes or even two, but it was the Giants day! They would prevail! You could just feel it!

It is sad for Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys. I personally think he has the Jessica Simpson curse, which is fine by me! I can root for my Eli all the way to Arizona! Super Bowl XLII!!!

What a kick in the teeth to Peyton. Losing his playoff spot and having to share endorsements with baby bro!

I get a tickle and a laugh. Being the baby is such a hard way to go. If you get the chance to show your stuff and be on top for a change, well, even if you're doing it while riding someone else's wave, it sure is sweet! Thanks Eli, What a play, what a day! Go Giants!

If You Are in Chicagoland

AAwwwww

Oh my gosh, have you ever seen anything cuter? Being a pit lover, my heart just warmed over from the following email I received yesterday from my pooch's trainer Daniel. If any one is in Chicago or wants doggies from Chicago, all of the info is listed below:

Found roaming the streets of Chicago, Josephine and
her boyfriend, Langston were looking for a warm place
to have their puppies. A friend of Bark Avenue scooped
mom and pop up off the street and searched to see if
anyone was looking for them. With nobody claiming the
dogs, Bark Avenue took in 'Mama-Jo' so that she could
have her pups. The people who found them are keeping
Langston until they find him a forever home. (If
anyone is interested in meeting, or seeing a picture
of Langston, we can make arrangements).

Josephine and Langston are both very loving and loyal
pit bulls who think they are 'lap-dogs'. Puppies
usually get their temperament from mom and pop, so
they should grow up to be wonderful companions.
Josephine is dog-friendly, cat-friendly…and perfect!
Mom and puppies will be up-to-date on their shots and
will be spayed/neutered. They will be ready to go to
their new homes January 25th.

Please help us find homes for Josephine and her 6
puppies by forwarding this email to anyone who may be
able to help.

For more information or to meet Josephine and her
puppies, please call
Daniel @ 773-852-3997
or email.
email_us@barkavenueplaycare.com

Friends On Fridays ~ Well sort of

Today is a Friends on Friday sort of because I was hoping to have something a little more elaborate but it didn't quite turn out. I wanted to bring you a bit more of an in depth discussion with the author of Life In The French Quarter, Andrea Lynn Biundo.

I had a brief exchange with her, and found out some really great things that we are planning to expound on later. BUT while this great book is fresh on our minds, be sure to check out her website and the other great talents promoted there.

It is my hope to bring many of them to you eventually, but in the mean time...savour the tid-bits until we can give you the entire meal one day very soon.

I hope to have read the book by then!



Image courtesy of JK Schwehm

I have finally put away the last of the Xmas paraphernalia. But all of the beautiful cards I received are still taped on the wall, and this morning I was just standing there re-reading them. It is so nice to be loved! And quite thankfully, I try to stay in touch with everyone all year, so it's just really nice to know that they also think of me during the holidays.

But now I guess it is time to run into the year full force. I am suffering from lethargy. Having had a few days off work, the rigors of my usual schedule are starting again. My laxed yoga routine has been put in full force! Been eating lots of salad, veggies, water! I feel good! What about you!

Come on now, June is right around the corner. We can do this! We can make this the best year ever!

NOLA SUNDAYS!!!!!!!

Dr. Jerry lent his talent to grace the cover of this book by Andrea Lynn Biundo. The book is titled "Life in the French Quarter". I am dying to read it!

Dr. Jerry has been so gracious and giving, so characteristic of NOLA!
As Nola gears up for the Kings Day king cake party today at Gallier Hall, Mardi Gras, The All-Star game, conventions and the long hot summer, it is my hope that 2008 will bring healing and contentment. I hope you will attend your annual convention and fall in love with NOLA. I hope you will write a letter or email a friend about what you plan to do. Check out the festivities planned by Zulu or FrenchQuarter.com to plan your itinerary. I hope that you will become inspired to see what it is we see: the beauty, the food, the spirit, the joy, the flavor you can only get in NOLA ~~ and nowhere else in the world. Have a great NOLA SUNDAY!

Hey, Hey, sorry!

I feel as if I must apologize for that interjection yesterday! WE are usually so tranquil and full of peace here, but I was so riled up from the coverage!I wanted to whack some heads, I wanted to shout from the rafters! Honestly, I believe the reason George Bush won before the travesty of the voting counts occurred, because he charmed everyone. No one paid attention to the state of Texas, and what he had done there. All of these candidates are already works in progress, so all I want is for everyone to look at their records now. See what they are doing in their communities. WHOOOOO! I was a wreck all night and could not wait to turn on the computer to look at the "Lighthouses"!!!!

Manchac Lighthouse calmns me.




When Dr. Jerry (JK Schwehm) sent his site and I saw the piece "Manchac Lighthouse", my heart stopped. I just longed to be right there!




Camp Street Lighthouse




Having been to New Orleans countless times now, and having even driven there from Chicago across the "The Causeway" which totally freaked me out, I was never blessed to notice the beauty of the lighthouses.
Here is a site that chronicled Katrina destruction of all the waterways. Very interesting.

Old Barney Lighthouse




West Rigolets lighthouse






West End Lighthouse




Madisonville Lighthouse








Sabin Pass Lighthouse









Storm Takes Lighthouse



Save Nola Now Save The Gulf Now Thank You Dr. Jerry

Just Be sure!!!!

Turn off that television and stop falling for all the hype!!!

This site will not be politically charged, but after reading and briefly watching the hype/fallout after the Iowa caucus, I can only stringently reiterate PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do your due diligence. I am a resident of ILLINOIS and all I can implore is be careful. Don't get caught up in the rhetoric. I am attempting to stop the momentum because I just want everyone to be sure of who will get the job done. Who will be fighting late into the night. Who has their camp in place, their power in droves, who has your best interest and that of the world??? Consider these things after the rock concert has died down. When people get back to just living their lives, who will be re-adjusting the economy? Who will be making sure women get their fair share of money and time off to raise their children? Who will make sure their children are fed and have programs to go to before and after work? Take a VERY close look at Illinois before you cast your dreams to the wind screaming change. Examine these issues that are important to you and then look at Illinois. Who is helping the farmers? Who is safe guarding your food? Who can put money back in your bank account? Here is access to records of the candidates who are still in the battle. Just be well informed and mindful. Be studious and avoid the hype. We really can't afford to have another four years of mismanagement. If you think Illinois is sitting pretty, then by all means stay charged, but if it looks a little misshapen and in need of attention, then take a closer look. Oprah lives here too. Illinois should be the best state in the union, so is it??? You be the judge!!!

Peruse all the congressional records and votes here:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/r110query.html
and here:http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/
Here are records of those still in congress, access to those who have been in congress, and I have included my other Senator, Dick Durbin's record for comparison as to what is and is not getting done in Illinois. Check out the state's of New York, Arkansas, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Just for informational purposes.

Happy researching!!!

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=massgov2

http://www.illinois.gov/
http://www.ncgov.com/
http://obama.senate.gov/votes/

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/?&Db=d110,d109,d108,d107,d106,d105&querybd=@BAND(@FIELD(FLD003@OD2(Sen+Durbin+Richard))@BAND(@FIELD(FLD003@OD2(Sen+Durbin+Richard))@FIELD(FLD001@OD1(economic+policy))))

http://www.ny.gov/
http://clinton.senate.gov/issues/

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.RES.631:http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/c001041/votes/

Friends on Friday Presents Dr. Jerry Kenneth Schwehm!

I had really taken this week off to reflect. Then I began to wonder what it was I was reflecting on. Then, while surfing on the web and responding to email and notes I came across another friend. As you most of you know, I typically lead up to the Friday post all week, but we'll change things up a bit! Dr. Jerry will be our weekend guest! His "Lighthouse" series has become my reflection, but more on that tomorrow!

First let's meet the gentleman who is both our "Friends On Friday" guest, our Saturday post AND our NOLA SUNDAYS all in one! WOW!!! He is really great!!


Dr. Jerry, your bio states that your education in the 1970s led you to receive your BA and JD from Louisiana State University; what were your plans for yourself during that time period? Did you indulge any artistic inclinations at that time? If so, what were they?
I have painted and taken art classes all my life. When I was in college at LSU I took a few courses. I even did silk screen prints for Christmas cards in the late 1960's. I designed slogans for clubs and painted windows at Christmas time for decorations as an undergraduate. After Law School I was very busy but managed to paint and carve a few things. I did a set of Kachina Dolls one summer I still have but the time has taken its toll on them. It wasn't until I partially retired that I had time to really paint things.

You shared with me that you can find health in "the fun and enjoyment of painting and viewing art." Tell us what you mean.
Stress relief. Viewing art can evoke an emotion. I like the pleasant things, calm, and friendly. I hope most of my art evokes an emotion that takes away stress and brings a happy memory to the viewer. Of course painting for me relieves stress which helps in today's hectic life. I am told too much stress can cause a lot of health problems.

What moved you to pastoral work and obtaining your Honorary Doctoral of Divinity?
After becoming a Lay Minister I volunteered to help out other Ministers through a Ministerial Alliance. I would especially help out in Revivals and Easter Services. I would also counsel people about legal issues for a few church organizations. One such group desired to honor my service to them by granting me an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. It was a way for them to show me thanks for helping them.

What do you find most rewarding from marrying people?
I enjoy meeting people. The wedding is a special time for people and being a part of that is special to me. Having the ability to make that day easy and comfortable for people who are otherwise distracted by all that goes into getting married is something I like to do.



What do you love most about NOLA?
Everything, the food the people, the spirit, the history, the buildings the lake, the river the large oak tress and the streetcars.

Tell us about Fig Street Studio? You were victimized by Katrina. Was your experience, where you tragically lost your precious art pieces, a complete devastation, or were you able to salvage some things and some piece of mind? Loss is a motivator and a growing tool, in my humble opinion, having lost all of my literature and wedding mementos back in 1997 when the Desplaines River flooded Chicago. It is rough but renewing, how do you view your loss?
My art studio was in a big two story double in the Carrollton area, on Fig Street naturally. My entire family lived there. My son and his wife on one side and my two daughters and I. on the other. The storm flooded my neighborhood so we never were able to get back. Lucky for me most of my valuable stuff was moved upstairs by my daughter who left last. She said she felt she should put things up higher. The loss came to some personal items in sheds and the packing and moving of everything. As my kids had to get back to work they all rented right away so the house was empty and I moved to my cabin in the woods of the North Shore. The house had extensive wind and water damage from part of the roof blowing off and a lot of plumbing breaking. After we got things fixed we sold it never sleeping another night there after the storm.
The sad thing is we are all in different places now. Once we were right next door, now my son is in Philadelphia, my girls 45 miles from me. But I do have a lot more time to paint and a new space to paint in at my studio in the country.

What are your favorite expressions? I love the pieces Nancy




and Starry Night Riverboat.




Do you prefer painting scenes, people, NOLA or all of the above?
I love to paint, people, pets, places. I have no real preference all I need is the inspiration. I painted a friend's pet dog for as his Christmas present from his daughter. It was a real fun thing to do. Everyone enjoyed the art and I enjoyed doing it. Nancy was a special present for my daughters and Nancy's parents. It is a way of telling them there were good times and a beautiful person once and we will not forget.

My experience with Katrina, has been a renewed love for NOLA. My Gran instilled the love in me but I took NOLA for granted. I am thankful for Katrina because she brought me to so many wonderful New Orleanians and their stories.
How can we help? You mention restoring your studio, restoring the lighthouse, and I am very passionate about restoring NOLA, the people and the place, will you keep us posted on what we can do? How we can assist and any NOLA needs?
The New Basin Canal Lighthouse has a restoration committee. All of New Orleans can be helped by people visiting when possible. There are many groups doing things. I can be helped by people buying my art either prints, tiles, or the other gift items from the Fig Street Studio.

info@figstreet.com is my e-mail contact.

Thanks Dr. Jerry, more tomorrow!

Bonne année

Happy New Year!!! It is 2008!!!
My Gran always had a pot of greens and blackeyed peas for us on New Years and my mother continues the tradition, adding neck bones and cornbread. The greens are to bring money and the blackeyed peas are for good luck!
May you and yours enjoy the best this world can offer! May we dance to the song of joyous bliss all year, and enjoy each others company! Bonne année!