By SheelaR

It’s early monday morning, and it didn’t very long for the Cam Newton dragging to commence. He’s already been described as a petulant child, arrogant, a goon, a thug, and unsportsmanlike…I won’t even type the other colorful descriptive words used. Never mind about his altruistic and philanthropic efforts. Does anyone care to draw any comparisons to Marshawn Lynch last year? Do I need to point out how the marginalization of Black quarterbacks and athletes in general is problematic?

Let’s just call a spade a spade… He’s never going to be loved and adored like the All-American athlete, Peyton Manning. He’s not the right color. He may not have behaved like we expect of our well-paid athletes, but he is young and passionate. Cam absolutely wears his heart on his sleeve. He is an extraordinary athlete and that should count for something, in the wake of emotional and disappointing Super Bowl loss. He felt defeated, and we should allow him that…instead of demonizing and belittling him.

Cam, you are a leader and an amazing athlete. Don’t let this abject disrespect define you. We are living in times that are unfriendly to the best of us…just ask Barack Obama and Serena Williams. You will face more wins and losses than you can count. Don’t allow how you deal with them to become your legacy. The very fact that you lead your team to the Super Bowl says much about your skills. This time, you were simply outplayed. Take that and grow from it.

Write your own story, Cam.

By SheelaR

I’ve been struggling with my energy since getting back from Vancouver. I really wanted to keep the blog posts flowing, but I’ve honestly not had the energy and my brain is experiencing a chronic fog. Feels like I’ve got some kind of bug, but maybe not. Sometimes a change in elevation and jetlag takes me down for a few days. I’m hoping that’s all it is…

Other stuff…

I’ve been slowly developing my Instagram account into a space that reflects the things that I love the most; art, food, and travel. It’s not where I want it to be, but It’s coming along nicely. I’ve also been working on my cooking and photography skills too, so I hope to bring you some more sophisticated shots. I’m going to look at new camera next week.  Something about writing that just gave me goosebumps. I think it’s because I love new stuff.

Attached is one of my own pieces of art. It’s a watercolor I call My Roses. It reminds me of my family; very colorful.  I’m excited about sharing more of that with you as well.  As a matter of fact, I’m working on something for Valentines Day. It’s a watercolor for my dad.

Other than those few things… No much else is happening in my world.

I’m going to try and get a little walk around the neighborhood in… I’m hoping it’ll help me get some peaceful rest tonight.

By SheelaR

I was hoping to bring you a little black history everyday, but I was traveling yesterday. I was so exhausted that I didn’t have the energy to really do the writing or research thing for a black history post. However, when I gather my bearings today, I shall do that…but only after I get in some quality time here in Vancouver, B.C.  This just happens to be one of my favorite places in the world.

More random…

Today is World Cancer Day. I think that most of us in the world has lost someone we know and love to cancer, so don’t let this day pass without some quiet reflection.

Also, after swearing that I would not, I reopened my Instagram account. I’m in the process of making it less about me (selfies & such) and more about the things that I love; art, food, and travel. I’m slowly replacing all my selfies and photos of family and friends to have a more creative space. I’m a private person and my level comfort makes it a tad weird for me to share really intimate photos of myself and family with complete strangers.  I’ve tried it and we are not a good fit. You hear so many stories about the dangers of living out loud on social media, and I’ve personally experienced some horrible things, so I’m trying to keep my space on social media light on personal stuff. I hate the very idea of making myself a victim…again.

One thing that I hope to do with my Instagram account, is to showcase the work of emerging artists.
So bare with me as I reposition myself.

By SheelaR

Below, you’ll find a link to Library of Congress and a collection titled “Voices from the Days of Slavery – Former Slaves Tell Their Stories

Overview

“The almost seven hours of recorded interviews presented here took place between 1932 and 1975 in nine Southern states. Twenty-three interviewees, born between 1823 and the early 1860s, discuss how they felt about slavery, slaveholders, coercion of slaves, their families, and freedom. Several individuals sing songs, many of which were learned during the time of their enslavement. It is important to note that all of the interviewees spoke sixty or more years after the end of their enslavement, and it is their full lives that are reflected in these recordings. The individuals documented in this presentation have much to say about living as African Americans from the 1870s to the 1930s, and beyond.

All known recordings of former slaves in the American Folklife Center are included in this presentation. Some are being made publicly available for the first time and several others already available now include complete transcriptions. Unfortunately, not all the recordings are clearly audible. Although the original tapes and discs are generally in good physical condition, background noise and poorly positioned microphones make it extremely difficult to follow many of the interviews.”
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/voices/

By SheelaR

For my international readers… In America, every February…for the entire month, we celebrate “Black History Month.” I hope that you will enjoy and appreciate learning about the amazing achievements and history of blacks in America

by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” – Dr. Carter G. Woodson

The annual celebration of African American history and culture began in 1915, with a push by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to form the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The group worked to research and publish findings about black life and history in The Journal of Negro History.

In 1926, Woodson wanted to popularize the findings and issued a press release announcing the first Negro History Week celebration in February. By the 1960s, a national push gained momentum to extend Negro History Week to an entire month. Fifty years after the first celebration, President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month in a proclamation.

Photo: Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905-1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

By SheelaR

A negative encounter today has inspired today’s post. I don’t like bashing men, but certain behaviors from men are difficult to swallow.  The first one is, attention whoring. Secondly, arguing with women over petty things. Third, being acutely disrespectful to women in general, because your false sense of pride feels threatened. Finally, gossiping. Y’all know how much I hate men that gossip. I’ve written about it several times. It’s a disgusting quality in a man. These qualities put you in a special category.  I call those kind of men “bitch made.” I find that these type of men are not secure in their manhood, and often find it easier to take out their frustrations on women, instead of other men. “Henpecked,” is what my grandmother called them.

They are the kind of men that drive trucks, talk about how much money they make, and over inflate their successes. Ladies… You don’t want to date a man that is struggling with his self-esteem. They make better friends than lovers, because they will always be in competition for attention and will stoop to any low to appear superior and smarter. Truthfully, they are none of those things.  They are more like Peacocks. Beautiful on the outside, small brain on the inside.

Having said all that… Not all men that drive trucks are over compensating… And some attention whoring isn’t that bad.  However, if he’s argumentative, gossips, and is generally disrespectful… He probably has vagina envy or breastfed for too long. Whatever the case might be, you may want to reevaluate being impressed by little boys in men’s clothes.

Now that I’ve sufficiently confused my nights and days… I’m headed to bed a tad early.

By SheelaR

It’s hard to think about the people of Flint, Michigan… and not become extremely angry and sad. How do we allow something so acutely horrific to visit us in the twenty-first century? The citizens of Flint were failed on many levels, and it started with our Republican Governor, Rick Snyder.I didn’t want to resort to crying racism, but he has a history of appointing Emergency Financial Managers to predominately struggling African American communities, often times, with failed results.

However, no failure has been as grave as the one we see in Flint. It is a tragedy beyond human imagination. This isn’t suppose to happen in modern day America. Can you imagine not being able to drink the water or take a bath in the one place you’re suppose to feel the safest…at home? Governor Snyder, for a self-professed nerd, you’re not so smart. Saving a few dollars to the detriment of an entire community, will be your legacy – one that includes poisoning children with lead infested water.

Ironically, it was known many years before this current water crisis, that the Flint river was nothing more than a cesspool, so it boggles the mind as to why anyone thought it was a good idea to tap into it for municipal uses. Everyone remotely connected to this decision, with reckless abandon, allowed this tragedy to happen. It’s akin to a modern day genocide – without the death, because the damage from lead poisoning is irreversible in children. Without an intense level of supportive services, their futures are bleak. If knowing that doesn’t make you cry…nothing will.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/01/25/3742625/documents-michigan-contradict-flint-narrative-snyder/

By SheelaR

I’ve officially been on hiatus from the business now for 1 month and 27 days. I’m thoroughly enjoying this time off. I have zero regrets…well, not exactly, but that’s a topic for another time. 🙂 There are a couple things that could make this time better, but they will come when the time is right.  Right now, I’m packing for a couple of mini vacations.  I’m headed to Vancouver, B.C., Canada  I need a getaway that isn’t directly across the border like my last one. My other destination…Texas! Going to Dallas to visit a friend from high school. Two diametrically different getaways, but equally exciting.

I’m hoping this time off from my life as a working stiff will renew and excite me for the future. I was a point where nothing excited me; I was going through the motions; a cycle sameness.  Life has to be better than just waking up to go to work. It has to be better than working just to pay the bills. Life has to be better than eating when time permits.  Life has to be better than sitting in traffic for an hour every day; better than being attached to a computer, a fax machine, or on yet another conference call.

I want my life to mean something. I want to mean something in this life… I want to make a difference and to be different. There is woman in me that screaming to be awakened. I know that woman, and I’d like to get reaquainted with her. Don’t allow yourself to get caught in a whirlwind of doldrum. In the grand scheme of things life is short, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Make it sweet by seasoning it to taste 😉

Well… I’m logging off now. I need to finish packing and cook dinner, all the while nursing a massive headache.