Tuesday, January 31, 2017

"Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" by Paula Cole



Oh you get me ready in your 56 Chevy
Why don't we go sit down in the shade
Take shelter on my front porch
The dandy lion sun scorching,
Like a glass of cold lemonade
I will do laundry if you pay all the bills
Where is my John Wayne
Where is my prairie song
Where is my happy ending
Where have all the cowboys gone
Why don't you stay the evening
Kick back and watch the TV
And I'll fix a little something to eat
Oh I know your back hurts from working on the tractor
How do you take your coffee my sweet
I will raise the children if you pay all the bills
Where is my John Wayne
Where is my prairie song
Where is my happy ending
Where have all the cowboys gone
I am wearing my new dress tonight
But you don't, but you don't even notice me
Say goodbyes
Say goodbyes
Say goodbyes
We finally sell the Chevy
When we had another baby
And you took the job in Tennessee
You made friends at the farm
And you joined them at the bar
Almost every single day of the week
I will wash the dishes while you go have a beer
Where is my Marlboro man
Where is his shiny gun
Where is my lonely ranger
Where have all the cowboys gone
Yippee yo, yippee yeah

Monday, January 30, 2017

"Joy" by Denita Gibbs


Weeping does endure for a night, but joy does indeed comes in the morning.  It is from the Book of Psalms.  This means that we are to still wait on the Lord and endure.  Be strong and obedient, dear child of the Lord.


Sunday, January 29, 2017

"If You Leave Me Now" by Jaya



(Why are you leaving me now boy?)

We were not just lovers
We were not just friends boy
The time we shared was not a simple love affair
Nooooooo, We learned about each other
That you're so afraid of the love boy
There is no one that could ever love me better
Noooooo

Time and time again
I thought you were my friend
You say you gotta go
And I want you to know

[Chorus:]
If you leave me now boy
I'll close my eyes and I'll just lay down and cry
Why would you leave me now boy?
After all the things that we've been through
You say you leave me now boy
And when you're gone what am I supposed to do
And if you wanna come back to me
I think you should know that I'll be loving you
(I'll be loving you)

No more changes for my life
I pray to God that you'll come back to me
When we're together
There's nothing better than loving you

I wanna know why you're leaving boy
The love we had was an open door
What happened to the dreams we shared
Together noooooo

Time and time again
I thought you were my friend
You say you gotta go
And I want you to know

Why are you leaving me now boy
After all the things that we've been through
(You know I love you)
You know I still love you
(You know I need you)

Time and time again
I thought you were my friend
You say you gotta go
And I want you to know

[Chorus:]
If you leave me now boy
I'll close my eyes and I'll just lay down and cry
Why would you leave me now boy?
After all the things that we've been through
You say you leave me now boy
And when you're gone what am I supposed to do
And if you wanna come back to me
I think you should know that I'll be loving you
(I'll be loving you)

[Chorus:]
If you leave me now boy
I'll close my eyes and I'll just lay down and cry
Why would you leave me now boy?
After all the things that we've been through
You say you leave me now boy
And when you're gone what am I supposed to do
And if you wanna come back to me
I think you should know that I'll be loving you
(I'll be loving you)

[Chorus:]
If you leave me now boy
I'll close my eyes and I'll just lay down and cry
Why would you leave me now boy?
After all the things that we've been through
You say you leave me now boy
And when you're gone what am I supposed to do
And if you wanna come back to me
I think you should know that I'll be loving you
(I'll be loving you)

Thursday, January 26, 2017

"Get Your Number" by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri,



Oh damn
The club 'bout to close in a minute
Can I get your number, baby
So you and I can go get in it
Let me come and pick you up, oh
And go take you out, oh
Can I get your number, baby
So I can show you what I'm all about
What I'm all about
Damn

I've been checkin' you out
And I noticed that you ain't just one of the crowd
So tell me won't you
Come on and see about me, baby
I've got the Cris on ice and I'm 'bout to get nice
Up in VIP with all my ladies
Tell me how many times in your life
Will you get an opportunity like this tonight
Tell me a little somethin' about you
Here's a little somethin' about me
I got a house in Capri and my own G4
And that Benz with the doors that lift up from the floor

Oh damn
The club 'bout to close in a minute
Can I get your number, baby
So you and I can go get in it
Let me come and pick you up, oh
And go take you out, oh
Can I get your number, baby
So I can show you what I'm all about
What I'm all about
Damn

Now that you're sitting next to me
I bet you're wondering
What my intentions are for you
And I to get into
Baby, I just want to
Hug and kiss and love ya
Look into my eyes, baby, don't be shy
Is it yes or no
We ain't got all night
Tell me how many times in your life
Will you get an opportunity like this tonight
Tell me a little somethin' bout you
Here's a little somethin' bout me
I got a pimp penthouse with a sick hot tub
We can watch the flat screen
While the bubbles fill it up

Oh damn
The club 'bout to close in a minute
Can I get your number, baby
So you and I can go get in it
Let me come and pick you up, oh
And go take you out, oh
Can I get your number, baby
So I can show you what I'm all about
What I'm all about
Damn

La, la, la, la, la, la

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Reflections on hair color on darker skin tones.

 
 
 

 I have been guilty of dyeing my hair constantly for decades and over the years, it has been various shades of brown, black, red, and even blonde.  Needless to say, because my natural hair is jet black, trying to be a blonde in one step will be impossible unless I would go to a stylist.  I now wonder what hair color I should use for my hair now that I have grays.  I guess I could leave it alone.  I realize that if I knew what I was doing, I would have an idea about how I would look as a blonde.  It never turns out, no matter how much I want to make a change.  I like the above pics, but I wonder if with the help of a colorist, how any of these hair colors and maybe even respective styles would look on me.  I am now natural and my hair is also thick.  That is also something that I would consider as well as my skin tone and eye color, which is dark brown.  I would have to bleach my hair first, then have my hair styled and colored to get the same effect.  I feel like maybe a change is needed.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Black and dark-skinned representation of different cartoon characters

 Cocoa Puff Girls


I find dark-skinned and black representations of different cartoon and created anime and other cartoons interesting.  They are realistic and they are not offensive in any way.  I loved watching anime shows and I hopefully go back to watching them.  I have often wondered why Japanese anime characters tended to pass for more European characters.  From what I gather, most if not nearly all of the main characters are based on representations of Japanese people who were creations of Japanese animators.  While most are light as the Japanese are on average a lighter skinned people, there are darker skinned anime (and other) characters such as Miyuki Ayukawa:

 Afro Samurai

and of course, the righteous American brothers, Huey and Riley Freeman, of the "Boondocks":






Saturday, January 21, 2017

African American goths

I am interested in the alternative cultures.  I find black goths in particular quite interesting.  Yes, I understand there are differences between emo, goth, and punk.  I realize that because they are "alternative cultures" that many people find it confusing.  I find blacks who are punks, like afropunks, goths, and emos an interesting bunch.  I find us to be a creative and different people.  We are a diverse people with a shared history, and that makes us unique.



 



Thursday, January 19, 2017

I am not ashamed.

There are times and days where I don't pray.  I don't want to pray only when I need something.  I have been guilty of not understanding of the fact that praise and worship are just as important as petition.  I tend to worry about a lot of things.  That is because I get overwhelmed.  I realize that my problems are just that: problems.  It seemed silly what I have just written in the last sentenced.  I want to live for Jesus.  I have not always because I have been disrespectful, but God saved me.  He loves me and He forgives.  He has forgiven me.  I have learned not to complain and not to worry.  I would like to continue to be a witness for the Lord, for we are not to be ashamed.  I don't wish to be a believer, who is a so-called "believer".  I was depressed and lukewarm.  Jesus Christ changed me and my perspective on things and about life in general.  I am obey Him and serve Him.  Thus, I am also to be faithful to Him.  This is basically a testimony that I have given.  God has saved me, and I am not ashamed.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Life is too short


This song is a reminder of the culture and cult of celebrity.  It is ironically someone that affects all of us in some ways and in some levels.  It goes from what I am doing which is posting a video of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi".  Or it could be a teenager hanging a picture of their favorite singer like Taylor Swift or a group like One Direction.  Then there are those fans that will wait in line for hours to purchase a CD or a ticket to listen to or watch their favorite performers.  Celebrity like it or not has a positive or negative effect or influence on all of us.  The only ways to not allow it to have any effect on some of us is to cut off all technology or read and study.  Some people hate, hate, hate celebrities and want nothing to do with them or the celebrity culture.  Others are just people who want to read a fictional novel by say an Alice Walker, watch Oprah, or listen to Justin Beiber.  Then there are people who just don't care.  They like what they like and see the whole culture of celebrity for what it is. It is a cult that is popularized by the world and not God.  I only know of artists and people like the ones I named because of talk shows, commercials, and the music that people listen to around the house.  I realize that on the extreme end there are stalkers, haters, extreme fanatics, tv and movie addicts, and people who allow their "love" for celebrity overcome them.  Entertainment and celebrity are their religion and the Kardashians, John Cena, Madonnas, Rihannas, and the lot are their gods and lesser gods.  I admitted to going extremes as far as making celebrity my idol and looking through gossip "tea" websites for instance.  To be honest, what Beyonce and Mariah Carey have done nothing personal to me.  I have no idea why people hate them so much, if they do.  I listen to some of their music, but it is obvious that I am not such huge fans because I am not a member of the "Beehive" or a "Lamb".  I am not a rabid fan, which will also be an example of something extreme.  I admit to be a person who loved this artist or that artist or that actor.  I realize that I am a person just like they are.  I know that they too are created beings just like I am.  We will all die one day and we will end up in one of two places in eternity: one where death and hell will be cast into the lake of fire or where heaven will pass away and that millions will like in the New Jerusalem.   Life is just too short. 

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Lazy dog and poem



Herewards and nowwards.
I disagree.

I will not have
time flowing. Or
even use these
collective nouns -

Time.
Distance.
Speed.

I will not wear a watch.

Not I, for I want
every moment to
stop individually.
To step outside of
the cogwheels.
To not be who I
was or who I may
yet become.

No. Not I.

I will not be efficient.
I refuse to develope.
I prefer to kill time.

by Roy Liran

Monday, January 16, 2017

I more relaxed and my own view of sports and football

I am becoming someone who has a better outlook on things.  I am okay today.  However, things haven't been perfect as I have a long way to overcome being so lazy.  I need to change that.  Maybe lazy is too strong a word.  I am more relaxed today for a lack of a better word.  It certainly doesn't hurt that the Packers beat the Cowboys of all teams, at least this year.  I am not their biggest fan, but my prediction about them, the underdogs, winning was right.  I am not glad that the Cowboys lost as I am not a big fan of the "worship" of sports teams and their whole "entourage" including the athletes and coaches down to the owners.  Sure some coaches and players are more legendary than others, but I guess one will find more talented in every line of work.  I like watching sports and seeing others play sports play live or on tv, but to burn a jersey of an athlete or hate on an entire team is so dumb. They should spend more time reading or with their families.  Use their time wisely.  Do anything, but something as unproductive as burning jerseys.  That is just too much fandom even for me.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

My pessimistic outlook

I do in fact complain too much.  I have no spirit left in me.  I am always complaining.  It is as if I have barely nothing to offer myself.  I have been feeling like that especially this past week.  What is wrong with me?  Could it be the depression?  Could it be my looking back?  Maybe the reason is the only thing that I have.  I would like to move forward more than anything.  I am just not a happy person right now.  The truth is, why am I always so pessimistic?  There has got to be a way.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

"Loungin'" by LL Cool J featuring Total



[LL Cool J]
How you doin miss? My name is L I'm from Queens
I heard about your man he like to lace you wit cream
Dolce Gabbana, Mo-ski-no wit Donna jeans
but he slipped up, and threw his rock to a fiend
He be playin like a Willie cause he dress ya dove
Neva knowin that his woman is in need of love
You got Versace gold link stomach chains wit rocks
Official hair style but you stuck up in the spot
Makin love, Duke is weak then he fallin asleep
You on the phone wit your old peeps dyin to creep 'tween my sheets
So what you got Chanel on your feet
Hot sex on a platter makes the mission complete, uh

[Chorus: Total (repeat 2X)]

Who do you love (I wanna lounge wit you)
Are you for sure (I do what I gotta do)

[LL Cool J]
Jew-als and Cristal gotta mack a phony style
He ain't watchin you he rather watch his money pile
Can't protect treasures when its in a glass house
Soon as he turn the corner I'ma turn that ass out
Full blown, frontin in the 6 wit the chrome
Yo B, why you leave your honey all alone wit me
Just because you blessed wit cash
doesn't mean your honey won't let me finesse that ass
So see the moral of the story is a woman need love
The kind you so-called players never dreamed of
You gotta try love, can't buy love
If you play your hand then it's bye-bye love

[Chorus]

[LL Cool J]
So what you got the cash flow and escro, damn
But your honey ran away like presto, ala-kazam
Man made the money, money never made the man
You still fakin jacks throwin rocks on her hand
See, you put your mack down now you Nino Brown
Rock roller wit' so much ice your cap's polar
I got em smokin beanies, modelin bikinis
Pushin ya whip on the freeway to see me
I keep it steamy, I make it burn when it's my turn
Teachin shorty all the tools that you neva learned
Don't get it twisted, gettin money ain't wrong
But she wanna make love all night long, I'm gone

[Chorus]

Friday, January 13, 2017

"Forever" by Kari Jobe


The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Savior of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse upon him

One final breath He gave
As Heaven looked away
The Son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive
Forever, forever

You have overcome
Your resurrected King
You have overcome the grave
You have overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive (Forever)

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

"God of a Second Chance" by Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir


Verse 1:
Lord, I need to feel the touch of Your hand,
your will for my life I want to understand.
Lord, forgive me like only You can,
for You're the God of a second chance.

Verse 2:
Lord, I'm tired of the way that I am,
in Your love I want to live instead
to heed to Your every command,
for You're the God of a second chance,
for You're the God of a second chance.

Chorus:
Show me all of my wrongs,
forgive me and make me strong.
Oh, save me, restore my song,
for You're the God of a second chance,
for You're the God of a second chance.

Vamp:
You gave me a second chance.
You forgave me like only You can.
You gave me a second chance, oh.

Ending:
for You're the God of a second chance

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

How Should History be taught in US Schools? (excerpt from Oral Presentation)

The topic of my presentation is "How Should History be Taught in U.S. Schools”? The
National History Standards was ironically funded partly by one the people who opposed
changes to Amendments that were made. That very person is Lynne Cheney, the wife of our
Vice President. The debate was a heated debate at that. The opposition ran along political
lines. While both sides agreed that history education should be more inclusive, it is how
those inclusions should be taught is what they differ. Those who favor the liberal view favor
a more politically correct view while those who favor a more conservative view favor a more
itraditional view of how history should be taught. What is interesting to note that alongside
the political views, the real reason behind the controversy is diversity. With a more diverse
population, how will schools catch up with ever-changing diversity of our nation? What
should also be noted are the alternative ways of teaching history and who are the influences
of how history is being viewed before our very eyes and how it has been taught to our
children?

Monday, January 9, 2017

Excerpt from "Grandma Esther"

I will be writing a few more short stories soon.  I will love to hear about you reading those short stories soon.  Over a decade ago, I have written a series of short stories about how Christianity in general has played a role in the lives of those who were saved, delivered, and needed guidance in their lives.

Here is an excerpt of one of the short stories that I have written a decade ago.  It is called, "Grandma Esther". :

In those moments, I think of my Grandma Raines with her melodies, her  laughter, and her stories.  I remember when my brothers and I were children she would tell us stories of Jesus and how He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed five loaves of bread and some fish to thousands with a lot left over.  There were times when I wish Jesus would do a 
miracle right then and there.  But whenever we would ask a question, Grandma Esther would say, "God is an all-time God.  Wait on Him. Don'tgive up.  Keep on believing and He will come through."

I am one of three children, triplets to be exact.  My brothers, Alden and Allen, were born just after I was.  I would make fun of how I was the big sister and that I should be just.  But it all in fun, just brother and sister stuff.  We were as close as siblings can be.  As I am telling my story, I think about Grandma Raines directing us to the living room every Christmas.  

Alden, Allen, and I would gather around Grandma Raines sitting on the rug of our hardwood floor as Grandma Raines would open up her Bible to Matthew Chapters 1 and 2.  She would tell us of the Birth of My Lord and  Savior Jesus Christ.  She would tell us of Jesus being born in a manger surrounded by animals because there was no room in the inn.  She would also tell us of the Magi following the star to see the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes; they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  I remember once Allen asked her what does it have to do with Christmas. 

Saturday, January 7, 2017

"Enferma de Amor" por Jeans

Ni dormida ni despierta
se me va de la cabeza
pienso en el, porque sera?

En la calle y en la escuela
peor que un dolor de muelas
siempre esta, no me deja en paz

Hasta entre los pliegues de la almohada
cada noche me viene a buscar

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Con las yemas de los dedos
pongo su nombre en el viento y despues
me siento bien

Nadie sabe mi secreto
todo me lo quedo dentro aunque se
que asi no es

Como se le comen los sentidos
a los chicos ya no se que hacer

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Thursday, January 5, 2017

My opinion about black women and size.








Whether one is identified as plus sized, overweight, large, overweight, or fat, why are black women who fit those labels defined as loud, not attractive enough, or crass?  I have noticed memes, online comments, videos, and even commercials and movies which show those various stereotypes.  This is a sad state of affairs where it seems to be in an age where yes, being larger can carry some health risks, but that is all some people see.  If we were to be inclusive and diverse, how come is it that women of color, who are larger, are not always included or respected, but derided.  I myself can relate to those pictures, because the women look more like me than many models, singers, dancers, and actresses.  It saddens me that large people, especially black women, are defined as unattractive and not put together.  I can relate because I as a large black woman, am not loud, crass, or any of the negative or demeaning stereotypes often associated with larger black women.  The women above are quite attractive, and they may even nice people, but I personally don't know a larger black woman who is not seen as unattractive, loud, or crass in reality, so why do they show this stereotype in movies and on television?  I just don't get it.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

"High School Dance" by The Sylvers


Remember back in high school
When you couldn't wait
For the very first dance
You lay your homework was the rule

And just thinkin' 'bout the music
Puts you in a trance
You never have to worry
If you save your lunch money

So you'll have the chance
To get your ticket in a hurry
For the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

It only costs a dollar
To dance to the music
With the one you love best, uh, huh
It makes you wanna holler, ooh

The music sounds good
You just don't want to rest
And then they turn the lights down
So you can slow dance

Or sneak a little romance
All the baddest sit around
Talkin' 'bout the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance at the high school dance

It only costs a dollar
To dance to the music
With the one you love best, yeah
It makes you wanna holler, ooh

The music sounds good
You just don't want to rest, yeah
And then they turn the lights down
So you can slow dance

Or sneak a little romance, yeah yeah
All the baddest sit around
Talkin' 'bout the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance at the high school dance
Ooh, dance at the high school dance

Monday, January 2, 2017

"Thy Will be Done " by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family



I'm so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So, I followed through
Somehow I ended up here
I don't wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I've got is hurt and these four words

Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you're good
But this don't feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It's hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you're God
And I am not
So

Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will

I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store
I know you hear me
I know you see me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Good news you have in store

So, thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord



Read more: Hillary Scott - Thy Will Lyrics | MetroLyrics