One of my earlier, larger pieces. I was trying to stay busy, as my daughter Deanna, who was on the next level kind of journey would soon leave the nest. A Cumme Laude double major, she had barely taken off her Northeastern University cap and gown, before she moved to Los Angeles.
Fast forward, four years later and she’s promoted to Patient Advocacy Content Manager! Deanna is passionate about human rights, and is as comfortable with a bullhorn as she is with a microphone, she organized marches on both the east and west coasts.
That’s who’s behind those peepers💯. Authentic. So proud 💕
Me. Arriving early to the park to play basketball, before the big guys would come and kick me off the court. I could run lay-ups, shoot around and practice without being told that girls couldn’t play.
I did and I brought along my own basketball, as they slept in late on Sundays, having partied Saturday night. They’d arrive in their cars, showered and clean and have to wait for me to finish playing.
I was clever like that and parlayed it into a scholarship to attend college 😉
It’s Friday and for me, Spring is in the air. Yup, I’m feeling light and airy.
So while I was looking at the walls, I started thinking… What if I do some more art to hang upside down from the ceiling? Because from my perspective, as an intuitive artist, I think the ceilings could use a little artwork too.
What if we painted and drew pictures for every wall?
What if we put art on our walls in a fierce display of vibrant colors? What if we became sensitive to the qualities of color, textures and experiences. Seeing how a broad field of color builds up & creates a contrast of life, peace, love and harmony. People too. What if… 💕 #BeMyValentine #HappyValentinesDay
When I was growing up, I would be mesmerized by kids who could Double Dutch Jump rope. I myself, never learnt how to jump.
I think it might’ve been because I couldn’t jump high enough, or maybe it was because I couldn’t move my legs fast enough, over the passing ropes. But whatever it was that prevented me from learning how, it surely wasn’t because of a global pandemic.
I was just thinking, what are today’s children going to grow up and not have learnt? What part of their journey will be delayed or missed out on?
I wonder, do they miss watching kids jumping Double Dutch jump rope? I do. So, I’m adding this thought to my growing list of things we lost because of the Wrath of ‘Rona.
My walls aren’t meant to just hold up the ceiling or separate the rooms. While those are of course, excellent reasons for a wall’s existence, what if the other reason for a wall, besides hanging a photograph and the occasional clock is to add joy & color?
When I look at my walls, I see spaces to add another painting. If my walls could talk… I hope they’re bragging about how I dress them up, with original art, my paintings.
These queens of the community, the survivors and strivers who share stories and inspire one another. Who stretch a dollar out of fifteen cents, and provide food and a roof over their abandoned children’s heads.
These women will raise children to dream of great heights. They will believe that they can become SOMEBODY. And they’ll not benefit from role models or many gifts from philanthropists.
These women will raise boys to become men in a patriarchal society that celebrates Mothers, one day out the year. And these women will raise girls to become women in a patriarchal society that struggles to encourage women to be something other than Mothersome.
This was her first notable achievement, the one in which she would build up her confidence, allow her to take risks and opened the pathway to opportunity, the gateway of happiness.
Now she cooks, drives fast cars, directs movies & takes meetings.
But one of the early WoW moments in her life was pedaling. Transitioning from a tricycle to a two-wheeled bike! A sweet accomplishment that opened the road toward other achievements, her success & freedom.
In 2020 I didn’t get to attend not one holiday party. For me, that’s the one thing I really like about working and about having job. It’s literally the only time when bosses and my co-workers loosen up, when we can all be our authentic selves. The “Holidaze” with its bonuses, cocktails & laughter.
Like everyone else, I’m so over ‘Rona and this never-ending pandemic. And even though I don’t like needles (who does?) I’m looking forward to getting the vaccine. Because it means a change up, slowing down the numbers and perhaps may lead to closure, so whatever it takes to end this madness, right? Right. Because I for one, don’t want to lose another Christmas, ever again.
I’d prefer to complain about having had Christmas, about how it’s become too commercialized and how I’ve spent too much money, than to not have a Christmas at all. Because I like to sing and laugh.
So 2021 is going to be better, I can feel it.
Next year we’ll look back on the 2020 holiday that almost wasn’t. We’ll respectfully toast the lives that COVID-19 took and we’ll share in gratitude of those lives that were saved by front liners, our heroes.
And eventually this pandemic will end.
“Hello World!” And once again, we’ll be able to go places and travel. Oh how nice it’ll be to meet people! I’m going to smile at everybody, because for too long my smile was hidden under a mask.
And I’m going to be super kind to people, strangers and my family. Because I’ve yelled a lot, my anger and frustration has been displaced, it’s had that impact. But change is coming and I’m going to look & see more deeply than just eyes.
I’m excited to be a part of the Great Society ReBoot, after ‘Rona leaves and we get together again. Until then, stay safe & stay optimistic,
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