A Precious Moment

It was on this day 19 years ago that I made the commitment to love, honor and treasure my husband forever.

Like all things in life, time really zooms by fast. However, today is important and I want to savor the moment; take time to celebrate, appreciate and acknowledge what my marriage has meant to me.

I’ve been writing poetry lately.  Here’s one I’ve been working on for awhile

I was young, perhaps naïve for 18,

our souls were connected

love says everything

explains everything.

 

Through the years, our lives evolved,

marriage vows tested 

vulnerabilities exposed.

 

Strength and courage

conquered conflict and challenge

devotion helped

realize hope was not gone.

 

Often it goes unspoken 

how do I explain?

 

Our love is sweet and tender

a window to my soul

lyrics to my heart-song.

 

Real love happens

evolves and grows

becomes a passionate destiny

magical and real.

 

Happy Anniversary

Wordless Wednesday

What Happen to Spring in Wisconsin?

Separate isn’t Equal

Today marks the 57^th anniversary of a critical Supreme Court decision – Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka AND the 50^th anniversary of freedom rides.

Just in case you don’t know what this is, I feel obligated to explain.

Brown vs. The Board of Education is a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court that allowed for the integration of schools.

Big Deal?

You bet.  Blacks weren’t allowed to receive an education and when they did it most certainly wasn’t intermingled with whites.  The Brown decision marked a turning point in the civil rights movement and helped put an end to the Jim Crow laws.

While it might seem so far in the past, it still has an impact in today’s society. Being born in the 70’s afforded me the opportunity to attend the best schools in my neighborhood that were racially integrated. Having this experience taught me a lot and perhaps helped to shape my character.

And 50 years ago, my soul was on board the bus that took the freedom riders to an unfortunate demise inAlabama.

Although I wasn’t born during this turbulent time, my identity and character parallel those that fought for the civil rights of each and every Black American. 

The issues are imbedded in the fabric of my existence.  I don’t wear them on my sleeve, as that would be a wasted effort.  I have them sewn, like a quilted swatch, to my heart.

I won’t forget those that sacrificed their lives for my freedom. Linda Brown in her fight for equality; James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner who were murdered during freedom summer in Mississippi; as well as all those who perished on the freedom ride bus in Alabama, will never be forgotten.

Lift every voice and sing, ‘Til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on ’til victory is won.

 

When it Rains IT Pours

This title is cliché.  But I have bad luck.  Not just some of the time, but seriously – damn near all the time.  So in my world it’s raining – issue after issue.

Do you wanna hear why my luck is so bad today? 

It’s because BOTH my stove and refrigerator are on the fritz and need to be replaced immediately.  This is ridiculous.  I expected a little more life expectancy from them.  Six years is too young to be tossed out to some landfill site.

Last night, I figured something was wrong. I went to grab the bottle of apple juice from the fridge and the temperature was a little lukewarm.  I don’t mind lukewarm beverages especially when I’m thirsty.  But I didn’t figure it to be a temperature/mechanical problem because with the kids it’s hard to determine if the temperature is really the problem or if the kids just stand and stare, at the sometimes bare contents, in the fridge with the door open.

As for the stove, I went to preheat the oven this morning to make some cinnamon rolls for my daughter’s breakfast and it didn’t heat up properly; so much for a quick breakfast this morning. No, I don’t make cinnamon rolls from scratch – in fact I buy then pre-made from Pillsbury.  Don’t judge me.  Hell, I work an intense full-time job.  I ain’t got time for all of that. I’m just happy to be able to give her something to eat in the morning.

I’m pissed about it all. I, with hubby in tow, will be heading out this weekend to make an unplanned, yet timely purchase of appliances.  I’m not so sure if we should get brand new or used.  I was thinking of going to an appliance outlet to see what we might be able to get that is slightly used, scratch and dent.

What are your suggestions?  What brand of appliance works best with a lifecycle more than 3 years? Do you recommend used appliances?

It’s My Special Day !!

Today is a day for celebration.  It’s my day to shine. I just completed my first semester at Mount Mary College!

I transferred from Spalding University’s Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing program to the Masters in English program at Mount Mary College .

It was an adjustment but I’m happy I made the change. 

The learning opportunity at Spalding was wonderful.  However, family obligations made it difficult to participate in the 10-day extensive workshop.  Transferring to continue my studies in the Master of Arts in English program at Mount Mary was ideal. The program gives me a chance to study and develop my craft as a writer, obtain a master’s degree, and manage my family obligations.

As a young girl, I always wanted to be a writer.  Now as an adult, I’m finally fulfilling my dream.

Writing is a journey of personal exploration that is different for every writer. And despite a few obstacles, I’ve been persistent about furthering my capacity as a writer.  

I plan to take time off from school this summer to focus on blogging, guest blogging opportunities and writing. 

In the fall, I will be refreshed and eager to analyze narrative techniques, character development, literary themes and complete my manuscript. 

Since I’m always looking for ways to network with other writers, anyone want to join me in developing a small writing group/workshop for the summer? 

Online?  Sure, why not.  We are bloggers after all.

Wordless Wednesday – Wisdom

What Happens Before Final Exams?

The end of the college school year is approaching fast. 

Soon, my son will officially complete his first year in college.  Lots of learning and growing but ultimately it was a successful year, even though he was certain calculus would kill him. And it almost did. However, he gave a good fight, worked with a tutor and improved his failing grade.

Whew!! Parenting from afar is stressful.  I want my son to learn how to problem solve on his own – that’s the point of growing, learning and having some independence right? 

With exams around the corner and needing to unwind from a tough spring training camp, my son and a few friends made the trip to Madison, WI for the annual Mifflin Street Block Party.  I’m not a graduate of UW-Wisconsin Madison, but I’ve heard about Mifflin Street.

Of course my son couldn’t come toWisconsinwithout stopping home for a quick home cooked meal. We were excited to see him as always, and promised to toss his favorite spicy chicken wings on the grill. He warned us that his friends were 200lbs + defensive linemen and they would eat a lot. 

I ran to the store and purchased 20lbs of chicken wings, I hoped it was enough. My hubby rushed to get the grill going and finished just in time before their grand arrival.  In less than 30 minutes, my son and his football friends came in the house, maxed out the food and drank a 12-pack of soda before heading toMadison. 

I gave them all hugs and asked that they drive safe and be careful not to do anything stupid – I did say they were going to Mifflin Street right?

I could only image the chaos with a town full of rambunctious college students.  From the news reports, the2011 Mifflin StreetBlock Party was the worst yet.  The streets were filled will loads of drunk, half-naked college students.  I was worried especially after learning that two people were stabbed and in critical condition.    In a panic, I texted my son to see if everyone was okay. I knew there would be music, dancing and loads of fun but not this. 

Courtesy of the Daily Page

 

 

Courtesy of The Daily Page

Thankfully, my son sent me a text message to let me know they were safe and heading back to school. I felt better. 

My son said they had a good time, a much needed break before exams and a way to end the first year in college with a bang; after, all we will talk about ‘Mifflin Street for a long time.’

 

Wordless Wednesday

The longest part of the journey is said to be the passing of the gate – Marcus Terentius Varro

London Bridges Are Falling Down

Well, not literally.  However, the ruckus surrounding the royal wedding was enough to make the entire world crumble to pieces. But I understand the reason for the hoopla; the royal wedding was a real-life fairy tale.

I didn’t watch the ceremony, but after hearing all the media outlets brag about the wedding gown, I just had to steal a glimpse. 

It was beautiful and regal.  The bride was glowing with pride and excitement. 

…and speaking of excitement. 

Last week, I surprised my daughter with a trip to London.  Next year she will be traveling with the theater department at her high school.  My daughter has a love of the arts and traveling abroad; although she hasn’t done any traveling aboard just yet.

England is a wonderful country and I’m glad that I’m able to make her dream a reality.

I’ve never been toEngland, but it will be in the plan for the near future as I’m sure my daughter will want to return after her next stop in Paris, France.

I Wish

The weather in Wisconsin is downright shitty – what happen to spring?  It’s May.  I’m sick of the rain and the dismal sun peaking out every few days.  It’s during this time that I feel rather melancholy and start to think about all the things I wish for.  Here are a few of my wishes. The list is not ranked by any particular order of importance. 

I wish – I had the courage to send my short story Amber Reflections off to a few literary journals for publication.

I wish – I could turn back the clock so that I could say one last goodbye to my Dad and Aunt Jean.  I miss them terribly.

I wish – My Cane Corso puppy would stop eating bark from the tree in our backyard.  The results are repulsive.

I wish – I had time to shop at the local gluten-free store – Gluten-Free Trading Company.

I wish – My mother was healthier; as she gets older I get worried.  I love my mom. Can’t imagine life without her.

I wish – I could eat some freaking bread (I’m really craving carbs !!).

Here’s to a better tomorrow!