Notes from a Friend's Town

1. Surprised I've lasted as long as I have without being checked on neglecting the basics. Special thanks to all the women who noticed I didn't sufficiently relay compliments and opted to say nothing. 2. I'd tell you "I miss you" but I don't want to risk being ignored or worse yet, hearing some trite saying about moving on. My pride won't tolerate that. 3. By design, not desire, I'm suspending one of my vices. I'm sure this will include some period of adjustment that will last x weeks. Hopefully, not a soul will be able to tell the difference until long after I've established a new routine. 4. There was a week, some time ago,fell in love and forgot to do my laundry. The week that followed it was unnecessarily awkward for obvious reasons. 5. The older you are, the more effort it appears is involved in rebelling. This is how 20yr liberals become 30something conservatives with political amnesia. 6. For 20 yrs he wanted cable TV ...

1. I've never started a year in this manner before, quite frankly, I never want one to begin like this again. Yet, I know better, rather I'm aware that my wants mean nothing. 2. I lead a life aided by technology, however certain conversations are always better had in person. I'll take a death sentence in person versus over the phone any day. 3. Courtesy of recent bump in the road, I've elected to embark upon a path that doesn't allow for any casual dating. It's not that it's a horrible practice, it's that I manage to acquire some of the most involved losses. It's beyond clear to me that my energies are better focused elsewhere. 4. Don't ask me who's going to win the Presidential Election of 2012. It's not apathy, I simply can't be bothered with such shenanigans when there's bills to be paid. 5. Convention advises that I consume copious amounts of alcohol as a means of managing the less than enjoyable emotions that thi...

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.