History Lesson, up close and personal

I have been so blessed. In the past four years I have completed my AA with honors in journalism and my BA with double major in English Creative Writing and Africana Studies. I have walked the warm sands of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of West Africa, and tasted the sweetness of Mother Africa from the bounty from her earth and sea. I have walked the trails that captured Africans walked, bled, cried and even died on. I have smoothed the rich shea butter and bathed with authentic black soap. I have met African chiefs and their families. I was even given the name Ama Dzifa meaning I was born on Saturday, and  " my heart is at peace, or serenity. 

I have even walked to cobblestones streets of Madrid, and Oviedo Spain. I excitedly ventured into a land and culture that I was unfamiliar with. I walked into towns  It was exhilarating and a totally awesome experience. I am forever grateful to be able to have been afforded these opportunities. I dined on delectable regional dishes and walked into architectural masterpieces, some built in the year 848. I was so high in the Pico de Europa mountains that I believe that I could have reached up and touched Gods toenails. In hindsight if I was still tied down to a low paying grueling job, I would have missed out on these opportunities. 


When I reached out to my professor that gently guided me through my journey of " finding your niche and value through knowing your history" because I was considering grad school, she made a wise and insightful observation/comment:
"Of course you know that I am your biggest supporter as it relates to grad school, but I wonder if your desire to go back has more to do with the fact that you are used to being busy all the time and you are energized by staying busy and active?  I think you will find your niche, but it may just take you a moment.  Remember, you were the one that taught us all about "age-ism!"  

When The Hourglass seems to be running out,Turn it over!

When I  recently reached out to my professor that gently guided me through my journey of " finding your niche and value through knowing your history" because I was considering grad school, she made a wise and insightful observation/comment:
"Of course you know that I am your biggest supporter as it relates to grad school, but I wonder if your desire to go back has more to do with the fact that you are used to being busy all the time and you are energized by staying busy and active? I think you will find your niche, but it may just take you a moment. Remember, you were the one that taught us all about "age-ism!"

Ahhh yeah the dirty A word. The very thing that thrust me from corporate America, from being a productive working taxpayer and homeowner. It is so sad that people continue to deny its existence. I know it does, it has tried to cover me like the dew covers dixie, but like the the bright and warming sun, I am continuing to cause it to evaporate. I initially was told when seeking work that I didnt have a degree for higher paying positions and my experience was so varies that it confused the HR people. I simply knew how to do so many things that I was "overqualified. " Funny, overqualified and under educated in the same body.

My faith is so much stronger than my detractors. This is but another hiccup . I am so glad that I am among Gods favored. I know that He knows each hair on my head and each step that I will take.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So with faith and hope at my side and 'thus sayeth the Lord" I move forward, expectantly into the next phase of this life that He has blessed me with. Just because we grow older, we don't need to give up on life, our abilities, or opportunities.  I pause to consider whether I really want to pursue grad school, or polish my writing abilities and crank out something of substance to share with other. If it is His will I will go to Grad school, in His time. If not I will continue to follow whatever path that He has for me. Either way it will be fulfilling.Trust in the Lord above, He will guide you according to His will. When you think the sands of time are running low in the hourglass, turn it over, that's what I do.

A Beautiful Journey

I am humble and my heart is filled with praise. I got an email today with my official transcript and was told that my degree will show that I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I am not bragging, simply explaining that when you walk with the Lord, all things are possible in His time. I started college in the 1970's and was unfortunately diagnosed with an Crohn's disease. I struggled, I was is more pain than imaginable. I endured so much more than need be shared here, but God bought me over so very many mountains. I lost close friends, family members and my husband. I lost my home, my car broke down and at times didn't know where my next meal was coming from or where I would lay my head down.I endured personal tragedies that tore my soul apart. I couldn't do this by myself.I have walk in lands that I never imagined I would see, communed with people of many lands and tongues. But not for God... I don't know what tomorrow holds,but I trust that He continues to hold me in His hands and I will be blessed once again. All Glory to God.
One can never tell what another has been through. Thank God I do not look like what I have gone through. I wear a smile of triumph, joy, gratefulness. My heart overflows with love, compassion, mercy and grace. When I recall the physical discomforts, fear, abuse, unhappiness and shame that reared in my life at various stages. I am so blessed to be alive and I have learned so very much. I know that there is also so much more for me to learn as well.I have seen so many changes in the world during my lifespan, so simple amazing, others sadly disappointing. I still believe in treating people with the utmost respect and kindness, and lending a hand to those who need it.I believe in love, children's giggles, and innocence. I believe that everyone has the right to a decent life, and I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am in. That doesn't mean that I decide to stop trying to live a good life, make someone smile by a simple, visit or gift, a meal. A sincere smile and reassuring hug can warm the coldest, loneliest  heart. I have learned that the accumulation of a vast amount of material things are not what will ultimately bring you the most joy, they are just 'stuff'' , stuff that sometimes have you shackled to jobs, situations, and people that are just not the best for your situation. It distracts you from what is freely available to you; peace of mind, freedom,  joy,contentment. We never know what tomorrow hold or whay journeys are before us, but we should take time to relax, rejuvenate and rejoice that we are alive and the journey can be as beautiful as you make it.

Hummingbird Wings

Estoy bien. Time is flying faster than the wings of a hummingbird. I value each moment of this life and each day of this amazing trip to Spain. I am fully enjoying this experience. I have walked through many miles of Spanish history. Prior to coming to Oviedo , we spent a day at Toledo," City of the three cultures" the city that is truly on a hillside. It is built mainly of bricks, a virtual fortress. Buildings display beautiful and detailed examples of 'Moros' archtectura. In this historical city, in very close proximity one can find synagogues, iglesisas, and mosques. An example of despite difference, in time people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate to build beautiful buildings and co exist peacefully.
Pretty much a pedestrian area with all of the hills, very narrow and curving "Calles". Our guide Pablo was quite knowledgeable about every aspect of the city, history and people of Toledo. The streets had various sized stones in them and it one wasn't careful they could trip. I didn't trip, but I got a fat, red, hot , swollen, painful blood blister behind my big toe on my left foot. It took a minute to heal but when I say my foot was on fire...We were fortunate  to take a very long and tall escalator to the central part of the city. One of the orders of nuns are known for their Marzipan which is widely popular. We also visited the Museo of El Greco, which was once his home, and now houses some of its works. My most notable highlight of this excursion : Toledo Cathedral was massive and absolutely breathtaking. The gothic architecture, the frescos, the beautiful stained glass windows are indescribable and I will have them etched into my memory for a long time.
 To actually have had the opportunity to  walk into the wondrous Cathedral is mindblowing to me. It no wonder tourists and the pious flock to it. When I visited the fabulous Prado museum, and the Royal Palace in Madrid, I thought that it couldn't get much better but each day, each excursion, seems to prove me wrong. I have taken hundreds of pictures while I have been here and I hope to be able to share many of them before I fully forget where they were taken or why they were significant.  While in Madrid we ate ate many restuarants and the food was amazing, our hosts were awesome and the sangria was awesome!

Wifi or lack of..

I have spent the past two hours composing a detailed and informative description of my experiences in Spain. How about NONE of it was saved. I am feeling some kind of aggravated right now!

It is a lovely sunny day in Oviedo, Spain. I am sitting in a cozy corner with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountainside.Everyone here is very laid back, family and friend time is very important, as it should be. Spain is an interesting potpourri of history, religion, fashion, food, architecture and culture. I invite you to take a mental journey with me to Madrid, to me, another Manhattan in its own right. Taxi's and people move briskly through the city. Fashionistas of all ages grace the calles (streets) . El Cortez de ingles seems to be a one stop shopping spot. The ground floor has a supermarket, Hot food counters, coffee shops, yes...Starbucks is here, and Dunkin Donuts, Micky Dee's and Burger King with many additional options than found in the states. There is also an area which sells cell phones as well. The higher levels of the store, maybe foru or five floors in some cases are reminiscent of a Macy's or Dillards. Metro stations (the subways) swiftly move people around the city and if you are daring and adventurous you could probably walk around the city to fully enjoy its magnificence. With the sunshine and gentle breezes and a pair of comfy shoes and a map it isn't impossible to do.
The adventure begins... This lovely city is a mixture of what most of Spain is; old and new, modern and traditional. There are likely sights, sounds, tastes , and fashions to pamper the most discriminate tastes.  Every few blocks there are tables awaiting your arrival, for cafe (coffee) tapas , cervesa, or cool and refreshing agua. But be aware, someone may be watching you as you are watching the city in motion. A couple of days after my arrival, I was on the Metro, heading back to my hotel, and probably because I am a mature diva, obviously a tourista I became the target of a carterista (pickpocket). He had a heavy jacket draped over his arm..on a hot day, trying to conceal his dastardly deed. What he didn't know was that I am very aware of my surroundings and  had no problem grabbing his hand, bending his fingers painfully back and shoving him across the train. Not bad for a "tourista", he was shocked and terrified and as soon as the doors opened he ran from the train. Other passengers applauded my courage and gave thumbs up and good looking out signs. You see I was raised in the inner city and have seen so many things in this life that makes me be cautious. I have survived four or five ( lost count) bank robberies as well and being terrorized by the gang "Ambrose Lane" when I was a young college student and mother of two young sons. God has constantly protected me, and guided me. That was just a small hiccup on this amazing journey. I have been visually delighted at the amazing and varied forms of architecture. Seeing the daddies proudly push their ninos through the city is some really fashionable carriages has also been nice. In many cases the Mommies were not with them and they were fully on task with their young ones of all ages. There is so much green space here. Parks were street musicians and singers entertain, jogging, skating and skateboarding, playing futbot, running with or walking "el perros" or just enjoying a cold and tasty helado. This just a thimble full of Madrid. I have so many good memories and experiences to share but I wont bore you with it all at once. I want you to please re-visit me and stroll with me through this journey. I want to share more with you about the pampered  pooches that are living well in Espana. Ciao!

Viva Espana ! I arrived here in Madrid in the early morning, after a mostly non eventful U.S. Air flight. I have never flown with them before and I doubt that I will again. Customer service is not in their dictionary. First the Flight attendant gave another couple my seat and when I reached it, she told me to go , look somewhere else, find another since they were already seated. It took a small measure of the professionalism and self respect that I had not to turn into the angry and irate black woman who disrupts the flight. Instead  smiled, looked around and set a row or two away. She wasn't worth it One of my brilliant classmates had located me in the Charlotte airport and was a few rows away.