In honor of Black History Month, your humble blogger would like to acquaint you with Pierre Toussaint, a Hatian-born slave who died free in New York City. His life of service and faith lead Pope John Paul II to declare him Venerable, initating the process which may make Toussaint the first Black North American saint. Here's a link to one the best descriptions of his story, written by Boniface Haney, O.F.M. and excerpted on Eternal Word Television Network's page.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
On Character
A few days ago, yours truly read an article that used a word that seems to be rarely used these days-character. What stood out was the fact that it was used in describing a person-namely their "growth in character". How many times do we think about people in terms of their character or even what that term means to us? As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King today, may we take special time to reflect on his dream of people being judged "on the content of their character" and how we can apply it to our own lives.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
For Discussion
So-
The thought popped into my mind to start a conversation because sometimes there's nothing better than a healthy discussion on a good topic. In this case, it is based on a statement from an overheard commercial for the Michael Baisden show in which he touts the joys of being accepted the way you are. That begged the question, in my mind, wouldn't one want people in their life that not only accepted them the way they were, but challenged them to become better? What are your thoughts?
The thought popped into my mind to start a conversation because sometimes there's nothing better than a healthy discussion on a good topic. In this case, it is based on a statement from an overheard commercial for the Michael Baisden show in which he touts the joys of being accepted the way you are. That begged the question, in my mind, wouldn't one want people in their life that not only accepted them the way they were, but challenged them to become better? What are your thoughts?
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Holiday season and additional musings on human connections
It's holiday time!!! That this can among the most (if not THE most) hectic times of year can pretty much be left unsaid. On top of that, the focus can easily become more on the gifts given than the moments spent with loved ones. Here's some food for thought to keep in mind while hunting for gifts and visiting family over the next few days:
"The real basis for connection comes from the parts of us that we cannot measure or define".
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The dollars spent on the gifts that you'll give and receive are nothing in comparison to the worth of the people behind them.
"The real basis for connection comes from the parts of us that we cannot measure or define".
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The dollars spent on the gifts that you'll give and receive are nothing in comparison to the worth of the people behind them.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
So, Um, Yeah...
Ok-yours truly usually tries her absolute best to post as much original content here as possible. This month, it has been a bit of a struggle. However, in attempts to figure out what to post for this month, I came across this gem to share with you all-
http://soundcloud.com/my-two-sense/your-emotions-twosdays
P.S. Do get familiar with George 2.0, the man behind "Two's Days". Thank me later.
http://soundcloud.com/my-two-sense/your-emotions-twosdays
P.S. Do get familiar with George 2.0, the man behind "Two's Days". Thank me later.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
"Vitamin H"
Recently, my hometown's zoo launched a PR campain called "Vitamin Z", extolling the benifits of bringing children to the zoo. This past month had me musing on a similar concept I'd like to dub "Vitamin H"-the human connection.
The fast-paced, "gotta-have-it-now" nature of contemporary life has been discussed ad infinitum. It's importance, though, cannot be overstated in terms of highlighting the need to get back to a one-on-one connection with other people. Two recent examples exemplified this:
1) One Snday, I noticed an older couple I know at my church come in for Mass. The lady is blind and can't get around well. Her husband dutifully carries her oxygen tank, takes her around in her wheelchair, and guides her by the hand when needed. Though I've seen them do this every Sunday they come to church, it wasn't until that particular day that the connection between them stood out to me. It seemed as if it wasn't about what one could get from the other, but the genuine bond between them as humans.
2) The day before my birthday, my sorority sister I was inducted with called me and told me to make sure I had the next afternoon free. The next day, I was picked up by another sorority sister to go to her house. There, they had pizza, cake, and ice cream and sang happy birthday to me. I originally didn't have much planned in terms of celebrating. It was quite the unexpected surprise, though. What really mattered, though, was being with my sorors, present in the moment.
How many times do we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives, doing most of our communicating with our loved ones via text, e-mail, or social media? When was the last time you actually enjoyed the physical presence of a friend, family member, or mate? That's the human connection, the "Vitamin H". Enjoy it once in a while.
The fast-paced, "gotta-have-it-now" nature of contemporary life has been discussed ad infinitum. It's importance, though, cannot be overstated in terms of highlighting the need to get back to a one-on-one connection with other people. Two recent examples exemplified this:
1) One Snday, I noticed an older couple I know at my church come in for Mass. The lady is blind and can't get around well. Her husband dutifully carries her oxygen tank, takes her around in her wheelchair, and guides her by the hand when needed. Though I've seen them do this every Sunday they come to church, it wasn't until that particular day that the connection between them stood out to me. It seemed as if it wasn't about what one could get from the other, but the genuine bond between them as humans.
2) The day before my birthday, my sorority sister I was inducted with called me and told me to make sure I had the next afternoon free. The next day, I was picked up by another sorority sister to go to her house. There, they had pizza, cake, and ice cream and sang happy birthday to me. I originally didn't have much planned in terms of celebrating. It was quite the unexpected surprise, though. What really mattered, though, was being with my sorors, present in the moment.
How many times do we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives, doing most of our communicating with our loved ones via text, e-mail, or social media? When was the last time you actually enjoyed the physical presence of a friend, family member, or mate? That's the human connection, the "Vitamin H". Enjoy it once in a while.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
2 Years and Counting...
Ok, ok. It's been established that yours truly a F.A.N.D.R.O.I.D. The story of how it began, however, goes back to this very date 2 years ago.
It was my first Janelle Monae show, which was at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in my hometown of Detroit, MI. Let's flash back, though, to a few weeks earlier. A co-worker of mine offered a set of Royal Oak Music Theatre season tickets she won. The only acts I was vaguely familiar with was Janelle Monae and Of Montreal, so I chose those tickets.
*Cue September 20, 2010*
Given I was tired from work, I was close to not even going to the show. Something in me, though, really wanted to tough it out and go. With that, I hastily change clothes and hop the bus. Luckily, I walked through the door just in time.
I arrive unaware of what to expect. I hadn't been in to a show that wasn't electronic music in years. On top of that, though I new the names of both acts, I hadn't heard their music in full before. Shortly before the show started, a woman in front of me gave me, shall I say, a warning of how good Janelle's show was going to be. Lo and behold, she was right-and then some. Being the observant person I am, I decide to stay towards the middle of the room to get a full view.
The house lights drop, and the magic begins.
From start to finish, Janelle's entire set had me in awe. I was in disbelief in what I saw. Every song and movement coming from this woman was literally like nothing I've ever heard or seen in my life. Here's a taste of what my eyes and ears had been witness to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0-b8flQB10
(This is a clip from the show I luckily found on YouTube. THANK YOU to whoever posted this)
Imagine seeing that for the first time. EVER. My mind did a veritable jaw drop. By the end I wanted to know who this woman was.
I stayed for a few songs of Of Montreal's performance. Less excited about that perfomance than Janelle's, I decide to go to the lobby and wrap up the night by calling a cab. That wasn't before asking the vendor more information about Janelle, though-and fulfilling the overwhelming need to buy her music. After a short mental deliberation on which of her albums to buy, I decided to buy the ArchAndroid. Upon arriving home, I immediately gave it a listen.
The rest, as they say, is history.
It was my first Janelle Monae show, which was at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in my hometown of Detroit, MI. Let's flash back, though, to a few weeks earlier. A co-worker of mine offered a set of Royal Oak Music Theatre season tickets she won. The only acts I was vaguely familiar with was Janelle Monae and Of Montreal, so I chose those tickets.
*Cue September 20, 2010*
Given I was tired from work, I was close to not even going to the show. Something in me, though, really wanted to tough it out and go. With that, I hastily change clothes and hop the bus. Luckily, I walked through the door just in time.
I arrive unaware of what to expect. I hadn't been in to a show that wasn't electronic music in years. On top of that, though I new the names of both acts, I hadn't heard their music in full before. Shortly before the show started, a woman in front of me gave me, shall I say, a warning of how good Janelle's show was going to be. Lo and behold, she was right-and then some. Being the observant person I am, I decide to stay towards the middle of the room to get a full view.
The house lights drop, and the magic begins.
From start to finish, Janelle's entire set had me in awe. I was in disbelief in what I saw. Every song and movement coming from this woman was literally like nothing I've ever heard or seen in my life. Here's a taste of what my eyes and ears had been witness to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0-b8flQB10
(This is a clip from the show I luckily found on YouTube. THANK YOU to whoever posted this)
Imagine seeing that for the first time. EVER. My mind did a veritable jaw drop. By the end I wanted to know who this woman was.
I stayed for a few songs of Of Montreal's performance. Less excited about that perfomance than Janelle's, I decide to go to the lobby and wrap up the night by calling a cab. That wasn't before asking the vendor more information about Janelle, though-and fulfilling the overwhelming need to buy her music. After a short mental deliberation on which of her albums to buy, I decided to buy the ArchAndroid. Upon arriving home, I immediately gave it a listen.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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