Notes from a Friend's Town

this morning my mother passed. I'm 2 cups of coffee in on some of life's most valuable wisdom. Your devotion in my absence is appreciated.

1. Today we feast on starches & proteins & rich sugars swimming in leaded creams as we carry on a tradition of thankfullness. Yet, were we thankful in the drought? 2. I've made it a priority of my sense of style to always include a bit of color, especially in the fall. As a balance of sorts to the weather's affect on one's spirit. I've been doing a horrid job of it all this week. There's hope for today, outings remain. 3. I skipped football again this year. It wasn't even a conscious decision either. Just didn't sit on the sofa to watch it. 4. My summer investment in a denim jacket has proved quite wise. It's a must have piece. 5. Julia Alvarez's In the Time of Butterflies is a wonderful book. Her presentation of life under Trujillo is breathtaking. Yea, I said breathtaking. 6. These candied yams are about to be amazing! 7. I lead a rich life, wealthy in quality beyond measure. The mere fact that I can recall multipl...

1.  I'll readily admit that my knowledge of the war to restore Palestine has mainly been of a passing nature. While ongoing and horrific, the distance afforded to me by living in America easily envelops one in the luxury of ignorance. I've had no problem accepting such a generous offer. I didn't want the burden of another war on my conscious anyways. Fast forward several years, my knowledge is expanding but it's a full time job to stay abreast of the conflict. I'm enrolled in a Post Colonial Literature course this semester and one of the text, Mornings in Jenin  deals with the conflict. We've viewed the film Salt of this Sea  to provide a visual catalog of this most coveted land. I've grown angry with my complacency, my devotion to ignoring the details of this experience in hopes of preserving my comfort zone. 2.  There's more speculation about the production of atomic weapons in Iran. The question remains however, what end result will realist...

1. Finally made it out to San Francisco last weekend. Gorgeous area, rode alongside the Pacific & sat in awe of the endless horizon. Experienced a little of each major neighborhood by foot, breaking in my red Clark's Desert Boots quite nicely. It's unfortunate that in such a beautiful land, I saw soo many without shelter. Quite often within a 10 minute stroll of million dollar homes. Such is life in America. 2. It's a rule of the universe that dealing with family requires all of the etiquette one can recall. That I find both inconvenient & unfortunate. 3. Found socks & plenty of vinyls in San Francisco. Brought back the socks, made notes on the later. 4. Turquoise blazer >>>>> 5. Just because its convenient does mean I'm convinced. 6. Applause to Herman Cain, aka Clarence Thomas's corporate cousin. The media deals that will follow his speculation on a presidential run could easily add up to $5 Mil. That's a payday. 7....

Before me lies the cold of fall, my birth preceding the season of warm spices & sharp winds making night of days littered with clouds. Historically, my vision is more optimistic during this period, rose tinted lenses courtesy of "you were blessed with another year" celebrations. I've come to appreciate that, reminded each year that clarity will be born of harsh North winds. This year offers nothing different, nothing to suspend my anticipation. There is however, an added bonus so to say. This year l look forward to dancing slowly in the rain. Two-stepping in a Tuesday thunderstorm, beauty clouding our absurdity.

1. One way or another, I find my lunch sponsored by the good people of Central & South America. I salute them, because they keep my hunger in check and my wallet happy. Of course the cuisine is second to none during the allotted hour of peace that punctuates the work day. 2. I haven't worn a watch in years, between my cell phone and an iPod, the time has always been readily available. For reasons I have yet to locate, I decided it was time to begin wearing one again in January of this year. I've been haphazardly going about selecting a piece since then without making a decision. The decision making process has recently ended. It's quite the timepiece, if I may say so myself. Next time I see you, I'll tell you all about it. 3. Make sure that when you destroy an alliance, that which you are dismissing is accounted for in the party you're siding with. As a matter of fact, make sure that which you're dismissing and more is present in the party you side wi...

1. It takes a fresh perspective to remind you of that which you are already aware. 2. If I come to you with a serious matter and you can't scrape up two ounces of maturity to at least acknowledge whats been presented, its best we cease our exchange. 3. In light of some less than enjoyable news, I've both lost my focus and acquired a degree of clarity about my life. Neither of which offsets the other sufficiently to forecast forward motion but it makes the time seated pass with a greater degree of purpose. 4. When others are brave enough to make you aware of what they see in you, even if you don't completely understand their reasoning, listen to the conviction that crosses their lips. 5. Be at ease with your vices, as such allows you to speak with conviction when you warn others of the downside of those guilty pleasures. 6. Leave no truth unspoken. Theres a remarkable peace that comes when you know you've been completely honest with some one, even if your...