IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN....THE TOYOTA GRAND PRIX IN LONG BEACH

Yep, the barriers are going up around my workplace because the Toyota Grand Prix will be here in April.

I have never gone before, but maybe I'll be blessed with a ticket this year. What's even better is that we get a day off the day before the races begin because when the trial runs start, the noise is just unbearable. The cars zoom around most of the day prior to the race, so that Friday we get to be off.

I love it though. The area is filled with excitement as you see the signs and banners of the sponsors go up. The race cars are awesome too. Even the Hollwood celebs have a day where they come out and test drive the cars. I have never seen any of them, but you always read about it in the paper the next day or see it on the entertainment shows.

BIKE SCULPTURE EXHIBIT

I also noticed that there is some art on the steps of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. A temporary "Bike Art Exhibit" has been set up for the past few weeks. It's pretty cool because a lot of people do bike around Long Beach to get around. Whoever the sculptors are; they created some masterpieces, and that's why they're there!

This sculptor added moving parts. The top wheel rotates like a windmill. Pretty ingenious!Isn't this sea turtle the coolest?

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!

I was on the internet reviewing different artistic sites today and came upon some cool "clothing" websites. First let me tell you, I "KNOW" God is guiding my hand and talents...because when I see what I see on the internet, it just blows my mind. He wants me to realize that I have been procrastinating, and that NOW IS THE TIME to get out there and do what I know I have to do....CREATE AND SHOW MY WORK! No matter whether my acceptance is good, bad, or indifferent....I've got to be out there, just like the people's sites I've visited.

Anyway, it's amazing how I select these sites that show me something, and teach me about what it is I have to do. Years ago I came up with an idea to attach accessories to clothing. My line would be called "Snap-To-It"(c) copyright. I never did the prototype, and never even discussed it with anyone. And that's what makes me even more upset....just like one other idea I had that someone created and ran with....today I saw where the designer created a shirt with a row of snaps on the outside of the item, a "Snap Shirt" is what she called it. The designer's name is Karly Hand, and I have to give her her props. She thought of it too, in her own way. I still have my way...which I intend to create and sell. She states the following - "The fantastic thing about this shirt is that it allows you to reconstruct on the fly with no sewing skills at all in the world. Snap a new goodie on or off on a whim!" DAMMNNIIITTT!! :0) Girlfriend did exactly what I set out to do. But you know....I'm not going to be discouraged because everybody's got their own vision of things. I mean, if the first person to make something unique stopped after he saw another designer create a unique item...where would we be?

I was intrigued by this site, so I read Karly's bio and she mentioned that she and some other women (I think they're Gay folks too-not that there's anything wrong with it :0) I just noticed it said "Dyke-friendly styles". Who else but Gay people would make that distinction? I'm jus' sayin'.), have banded together to create a "handmade" designer consortium of sorts. They have produced a fashion show called STITCH in Austin, TX and it appears to be a great success. She also has a show on TV called, Stylelicious, where she and her team of designers show the viewers how to create and construct items into garments. I am so with that idea. I have been doing this for years.....it's amazing when you actually see and hear of someone who is on the same page as yourself.

Anyway, this little discovery today just inspired me to do what I have to do...get busy and get out there....thanks to Karly and her Austin Craft Mafia.

IT'S MY BIRTH MONTH!! IT'S MY BIRTH MONTH!! I'M GON' PARTY LIKE IT'S MY BIRTH MONTH!

Yes, yes...with each passing year we get older, and this month I will age another year...ugh/yea! That's exactly how I feel too. I hate to get older in age, but I am damn sure glad to be alive!! LOL

When I look at my peers and the health issues they are having right now...yes, I am blessed because my azz has been doing all the wrong things for too long. OK you've heard it all before, and I keep saying "I'll change."

But yesterday I got online and found the top ten healthiest foods, and I'm going to try something. I'm not going to say another word on the subject. You'll have to just see the new and improved me...when I become new and improved. Yea I said it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I have never, ever had a real birthday celebration as an adult. My cousin throws herself a party every year, but I never seem to have my Sh...together enough to do it. Where would I have it? Who do I invite? Geez...could I really pull it off and would people show up??!!

Most years, I just take the day off or celebrate after my actual day, or I just do something alone that makes me feel like I'm bringing it in with a bang! I'll be a lucky if I even feel like celebrating...last year was horrible...nothing felt right, and people reacted with little or no enthusiasm about it. I mean the people who really counted. I did something weeks after my birthday, but the actual day sucked. So since that was a milestone birthday and nothing happened, my expectations are low. But, I'm not going to have a pity party. I'll just thank God for my birthday and that will be that. Whatever else happens is really icing on the cake. So with that said....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL US SPRINGTIME BABIES! March 21st, 2007 is Christine's special, spectacular birthday and I'm going to act like it.

JUST A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS

Finally, I have to make mention of this because it really hurt my heart so....I mean so many terrible things do, but this is the latest terrible event. A father deliberately crashed his Cessna plane into his ex mother-in-law's house, killing himself and his 8 year daughter...because he wanted to get back at his ex wife. What kind of person says to himself, that my daugher, my own flesh and blood is worth nothing to the world but to be used as a pawn in an act of revenge? Reports say that the man called his wife and said, "you'll never get her!" and that the little girl could be heard in the background crying for her mother to come get her. This man saw that he could hurt his wife for divorcing him, and just wouldn't let the fact that he had visitation rights with the daughter be enough. His ego, his pride, his self worth was so damaged when she divorced him, that he set about this plan to destroy her world, just like his was.

I am just so distraught about events like this - suicide/homicide. One of my little cousin's was killed like this and it is such a cowardly act. If this sick individual wants to kill themselves, fine - no one can stop them, but to involve someone else unwillingly, unknowingly, and so innocently is just appalling. Will this man burn in hell forever? Will this wife, and the grandmother, and their family and friends ever come to grips with this loss of life...this innocent child's beautiful life? God has all the answers, but I am praying for understanding. I am praying for peace and for acceptance, and that the mother will not blame these events on herself. How can people be so cruel? It's a sad and terrible world we live in sometimes.

HOW YOU DOIN? OH I'M SEW, SEW...

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful weekend I had. I could not have asked for more fun and adventure.

On Sat. my sewing buddy, cousin Dena, and I embarked on a day of sewing and creating projects because we've recently launched a website www.kissnkuznsdesigns.com and also want to get ready as vendors for the upcoming Jazz festivals that will occur in the summer.

However, before we got started sewing, she and I went shopping at a great Thrift Store in Inglewood, CA. Dena and I have similar tastes, but that day we each found very unique and wonderful items. And the best thing of all.....EVERYTHING WAS HALF OFF!

I found this awesome vintage dress in an iridescent green and purple. The collar is what caught my eye! This picture is good, but in person it's awesome.



Dena found the dress and wasn't exactly thrilled with it, but what we sewing fanatics do sometimes is buy the item for the fabric, and that's what I wanted to do - utilize the collar on something. However, when I tried it on...I loved it so I kept it. I paid all of $3.00 for it.

Then, Dena found this great short peacoat in a Camel color. It has some gorgeous buttons on it and fit her to a T! She also found 2 skirts and a blouse.

I found a great patchwork purse (1.00), a patchwork halter ($1.00) and a wonderful beaded dress ($3.00). This dress was way too small, but the beadwork on the bodice was to dye for! LOL So I bought it and will cut away the dress and wear the upper half as a top.

After shopping we ate lunch, while watching a movie. We really didn't do much sewing by this time, but brainstormed on some names for our products. All-in-all it was a great day to shop, lunch and talk shop.

Our friend Lou invited us to her co-worker's performance in San Pedro, so we got dressed and headed to her house, and then to San Pedro to the La Conga Bar & Grill.

QUEEN OF THE SALSA...ONE-TWO..CHA,CHA,CHA!

The featured bands were Azteclan and one other band (we didn't stay)....but all were former members of groups like Tower of Power, War, Tierra, James Brown's band and Carlos Santana's band.

We ate chips, salsa, and guacamole dip and and danced. The band was really, really good. Some friends of Lou's came and that's when the excitement began.

This guy, Ramon (I think that was his name :0), came with two other ladies; Gloria and Marisol. Ramon was a dancing fool! He took Dena and me out on the dance floor and wore us out! Actually, Dena only danced with him once because when he found out that I could keep up with his moves ....I was his partner for most of the night. I mean he danced me into hot sweats and weak-kneed convulsions. Everyone was surprised that I did so well...but I knew I could hang....I'M A DANCER!! :0)

When we began dancing, Ramon asked every lady at the table to dance with him. They all declined. I love to dance, so I got on the floor with him. Little did I know that he would spin me into oblivion.

Here we are doing the damn thang!

Ramon and I danced so well together, the band gave us a free CD. I chose a "Mambo" CD.

While he and I were dancing, he would bury his head next to mine (and because he was shorter than me) and guide me across the floor at a steady pace....after watching the two of us doing that kind of dancing, his friends finally got up and starting dancing.

At one point the music was so good, Dena and I got up and did the electric slide, and this other woman joined us. Just the three of us danced and we had a ball.

Gloria finally got up and danced with him, but a few of us suspect that Gloria became a little jealous of us dancing, because before the band ended she was ready to leave.

Ramon and I hugged and promised to meet again one day...I hope that he comes alone, and I'll know to be ready for a night of Salsa dancing that will leave me sweating and breathless.

KEVIN WOMACK & FRIENDS

Sunday night was Oscar night. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy were both up for Best Supporting Actor/Actress awards, but only Jennifer won (WHOOHOO!).

We were invited to an event at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood featuring the singer Kevin Womack, a friend of Dena's. When we got there, I realized I had been to this beautiful facility before.

My acting buddy, Ken Foster, invited me in 2005 to attend an awards dinner hosted by Mai Mai Ali, Muhammad Ali's daughter who is a rapper and singer.

It was the COLSAC awards, and Brock Peters was honored that night. Ken and I even took pictures with Mr. Peters.

This event was a charity to benefit Domestic Violence programs, and was basically a talent showcase for Kevin and his friends.

A comedian hosted the event, and then there was a couple of skits about Domestic Violence. Then an up-and-coming Female Rapper by the name of Rain performed two songs.

Another comedian by the name of Stixx performed too. He was pretty good.

Throughout the evening, prizes were raffled off. There were some good ones too.

Our friend Michele won a nice bath set. Shortly afterwards, Dena and I ran to enter our names into the drawings.

Michele and her bath set.

And when the next drawing came up, Dena won a certificate from Baker's Square.

Dena leaving stage after winning gift certificate.

She said to me that now I needed to win, and after a couple of other winners, my name was called too.

Smile for the camera Dena!

I mean it was amazing how quickly we won after we entered our names in the raffle. I won a gift certificate to Marie Callendars. The photographer rarely gets their picture taken. :0(

The entertainment was pretty good, but the production was a bit on the amateurish side. What really made us cringe was how the Producer kept walking on stage in the middle of Kevin's peformance. She would brought him water right when he was singing (and they were videotaping the entire event).

Then, she stood on stage next to his background singers and just danced and sang the song like she was part of the band. It was totally ghetto and unprofessional. We could not believe it! It was a night I will not soon forget.

MUSIC.....

I don't want to live in a world without Music...ever, ever, ever! I have to have it, and I love it more than anything I can think of when it comes to pasttime activities. Aside from me going to concerts on the regular here in Long Beach at the Vault, I have to always have some music around me, playing at work, at home, etc.


I'm so psyched right now because of a new CD I heard last night. Boney James, the great saxophonist released his last CD called "Shine" in Sept. 2006 and I am just hearing it for the first time. Man-oh-man....talk about good music.

I must have listened to it a half a dozen times last night. I got the CD from a good friend who sent me a collection of awesome tunes, and even though I downloaded the CD to my computer at work, I really hadn't listened to it at full volume (gotta keep the volume down low unless I'm listening to my headphones during lunch). Anyway, I was feeling pretty funcky last night after getting off work. I usually go home, eat dinner and watch tv unless I'm doing projects. Well, I decided to listen to some music and it was the best thing I could have done.

Boney has featured artists on this Shine CD and they are the best vocals I've heard in a long, long time on a Jazz CD. The title song is by a Canadian singer named Esthero. Faith Evans, Philip Bailey, and Ann Nesby of Sounds of Blackness sing songs that are just tailored for their voices. My faves are Philips' "Love Song" and Nesby's "Soft". Wow! Then there's a remake/cover of The Dramatics song "In the Rain" sung by Dwele. I'm not familiar with this brother, but he can blow too! So, if you are a fan of great music, great Jazz music...this is a must buy CD for your collection. I'm surprised no one else told me about it...good lookin' out John!

I know my love of music was instilled in me very early on. My mother has a very impressive album collection (to this day), and I loved everything she played. Not to mention listening to the popular songs on the radio or going to concerts back in the day at Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium. James Brown was the big headliner when I was an adolescent, and I rarely missed him performing there. My other first time concert were Earth, Wind and Fire, as well as Frankie Beverly and Maze. When I heard Maze for the first time...they sang just like their album and I loved that. In later years, the concerts were moved to the Convention Center. But today, more and more, the Memorial Auditorium is bringing back the concerts and plays.


This past Friday a group of us went to the Vault to see Mint Condition. I love live music and I was very excited to see this great group perform. They started out pretty good, but somewhere toward the middle they did some alternative music and I wasn't feeling it. That's just my opinion because the place was packed. I enjoyed the outing with the girls.

ART.....

I don't want to live in a world without Art...ever, ever, ever! I have to have it, and I love it more than anything else when it comes to pasttime activities...(wait a minute...I thought you loved music more than anything else?) Well I love them both more than anything...okaaay?!

Anywho, before we went to the Mint Condition concert, we met at a local restaurant called Allegria. I have never been in Allegria, but have passed it many times going down Pine Avenue. Inside the restaurant the decor is a beautiful Spanish Villa style. On one wall they have a huge mural of Salvador Dali's "Volto di Mae West."

Then in the bathroom, there are these beautiful "Trompe L'Oeil" paintings on the wall. I just had to take pictures because I love this kind of stuff. The green dresser very cleverly disguises the fuse box, and I just loved the look of the shelf too. I will have to remember that sometimes my camera flash bounces off certain surfaces...as it did in these pictures, but you get the idea. Love it!

I remember the first time I heard of and saw Salvador Dali. I was in Sacramento shopping downtown back in the late 1970's, and came upon a great boutique and the shop owner and I got into a conversation about art. He brought out a book and just schooled me about Dali. I had never been introduced to painters and artists of this magnitude, so I never forgot him.

Then one day I happened to be watching "The Mike Douglas Show" (I know I'm dating myself - so! :0p) and there was Salvador Dali with his crazy mustache. Mike Douglas talked about some "feat" that he had heard of and ask Mr. Dali to demonstrate. I kid you not I saw him do this on national TV.

They brought out an easel with a flipchart, and Dali stood there and frantically drew on the easel for about 10-15 seconds I think...and when they showed it to the audience, he had written his name in perfect symmetry on that paper in large letters. I was floored! Again, I never forgot this man.

I would go to the library and read about him and just look at all his wonderful paintings. Then when the internet came about, I began to do searches for his artwork to get a wider spectrum of what he did, and I found the artwork for the Mae West mural.

I had never heard of the great designer Erte' until I saw a feature on him on cable back in the 1990's. As a Theatre major I was drawn to the fantastical costumes he designed. I also began to see his work in my every day comings and goings - jewelry, sculptures, etc. I am in awe of his talent.
Another great artist I like is Al Hirschfeld. I happened to be watching some show on Bravo and they were doing a bio on him. Again, I had never heard of him, but realized I knew his work.

I collect playbills, and was blessed to come upon some discarded books filled with rare playbills from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. And there was a picture of an Al Hirschfeld drawing depicting the play "The Music Man". I copied it, blew it up, and my unfinished project is to hand paint, color the piece to be used as a T-shirt transfer one day.

I always say that the minute I read or find something on the internet, the next thing you know I will find it everywhere I look. This happened again recently. I was surfing the net like I always do and found a link with names of various artists. I saw this one picture that struck a cord with me, so I began to view that site for more work. Some of the other work I didn't like so much, but a few of them I really liked. But when I looked at the cost of the paintings I was flabbergasted. They were going for $450-$900 bucks! Now this is art that is called "Primitive" art...stuff that looks like your 6 year old kid drew....well ok your untalented 16 year old kid. Like I said, I like "some" of it, but I would never guess they would go for those prices. So I just say..."whatever, I hope she's making some money with it." Then I read all the galleries she's exhibited in, and art festivals etc. and again I'm amazed. Her bio says she started out as this house wife who had some menial job, and then she attended art school, blah, blah, blah....and now she's a sensation.

A day or two later, I'm looking through this book with Advertising samples in it that I got somewhere. I collect artwork whenever and however I find it. And guess what I see in another art gallery ad...this artist. I knew it was her because it featured one of the paintings I saw that I said..."hmm that's OK, I wouldn't pay that kind of money for it." I've had this book for a few years, and I happened to be browsing through it because of the artwork it had on the cover that showed depictions of "fashion victims". The work was of a woman being stabbed by scissors, or a needle in the neck etc. and it was embroidered on fabric...so it caught my eye.

Yep, we live in a very small world indeed, and this proves it. I love it when I'm out and about and can identify an artist or musician that may be unknown to others. I have always wanted to be like those "educated" folk who would spout off about art and wine, history and the like....and now I'm finding that without even knowing it..I too have become one of those educated folks.

I am always reading, and clipping stuff from weekly newspapers and now I've begun to keep a binder of Fashion Designs that I like that will help inspire me to do what I am doing. I order books, movies, and watch all kinds of shows dealing with art, fashion and music because these things are such a big part of who I am, who I have become. I would never have thought that it would mean so much to me but is really does.

So, in my search for all things artsy...I will not criticize, not laugh at, or pass judgement on the work because one day someone may be looking at my works, as the newest sensation on the scene and say...."oh god, that looks like something my 6 year kid would make." The question is...would I really care?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Today I woke up feeling wonderful. I'm not sure why, other than it's good to be alive. With all the turmoil the world is going through with holy wars and political unrest, not to mention natural disasters, and the latest shootings at a mall in Utah on Monday....thank God I was able to rise up and start my day. Thank you Lord!

Today is Valentine's Day and I feel loved...loved in so many, many ways. Not just the love I get from family and friends, but a real love that keeps me strong and keeps me wanting to succeed in life. I know that kind of love is heaven sent.

Even though loved ones are far away from me this day. I am not alone. I feel the strength and power of their love. It is always with me no matter where I am, or what I am doing. The best thing of all is when I do get a call or an email and I see those words..."I love you!" What a joyous phrase. And I know they know how much I love them too.

Valentine's day is a day to love whomever, wherever, however....and I will do that! It's a time to reflect on past relationships, and future relationships in our lives. I will always cherish those who truly love me and have loved me all of my life! Especially when we are too quick to forget what is really important in our day-to-day goings on.

Where would I be if I didn't acknowledge a God that blesses me everyday? What would my life be like if I didn't pray for salvation and forgiveness? How would I rise each day and face all the evils that are waiting to attack my spirit if I didn't believe that God's love and his Angels are there to protect me? I would be a sad individual with no hope...that's where I would be. I see these people every day and I wish they knew what I knew....they need God in their lives.

"I GOT PEOPLE"

We always believe that we have to see the physical in order to believe that something exists. A guest preacher at church said to us..."open your eyes and your ears". God is all around us. He even went so far to remind us that "We've got people." His take on the HR Block ad that has clients spouting, "I've got people" (because HR handles their taxes and bills) relates to all of us having God and our family. We've got people like our ancestors who paved the way for us. He said if Sojourner Truth can make it, so can you. If Fannie Lou Hamer can make it, so can you. If Frederick Douglass can make it, so can you. And it's so true. These pioneers didn't have nearly the resources and high tech and intelligent clout we have these days. They were smart, geniuses even, but today....we have so much available to us - we should never fail at our attempts. We, ourselves, are our only drawbacks and that's the truth of the matter.

On Sunday my choir dressed up in 1960's attire for Black History Month, and it was so much fun to see the variety of clothing we all came up with. From the preacher and dainty church ladies, to the bobby-soxers, onto the militant Black Panther Revolutionists. We covered the entire spectrum. I felt so proud when our Liturgical Dance Ministry performed a victorious dance number incorporating our African heritage. I have heard many times that as African-Americans, we do not really have a heritage, no bi-cultural connection. But that is not true. It doesn't matter that I can't speak the language of Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, Burkina Fasso, Angola, Somalia, Ethiopia or any other African nation - I AM CONNECTED, and I reveled in what we African-Americans hold dear even though we weren't born in those countries. We can eat the food, wear the clothing, dance the dances and study the languages just like any other language we study. Why are we so eager to speak French, Spanish, Itlaian or German? Because the world is biased against Third World Countries...especially our Mother Land. But it's OK, because we will never forget where our ancestors came from. It is up to us, each and every one of us, to continue to bring our heritage to the forefront. With that said, I am going to incorporate more and more "Afrocentric" clothing into my wardrobe...beautiful Kente and Mud cloths whenever I can. I LOVE THE AFRICAN IN ME!

THE PRICE OF FAME

Everyday there is Divorce, Death, Separation, Greed and Despair. The Playboy Playmate, Anna Nicole Smith died last Thurs. and four men have claimed they are the father of her newborn daughter....FOUR!!! Not to mention that rumors are circulating that the man who has the baby, Howard Stern, is looking more and more suspicious as the two people he has been connected to are now dead - that being Anna's 20 yr. old son, and now Anna herself. It's a nasty battle for her estate and the daughter between her mother and these men. Just a tragic state of affairs.

Then there's James Brown's legacy and current state of affairs. This man still has not been buried, because his daughters and current wife are fighting over his estate. What in the world are these people thinking? Everyone is only thinking of themselves and not what's important...not tarnishing this man's memory. It's just very, very sad.

When you look at this kind of celebrity lifestyle...who the hell wants to be caught up in that kind of drama? You have to also say be aware that drugs and bad decision making led to Anna's downfall and untimely death. It's like selling your soul to the devil for this fleeting thing call "FAME". I don't want it if I even thought I had to compromise who I am, and my moral values. Every time you look up, everybody's posing for Playboy and humpin' half naked in the latest video. I am not a hypocrite, as I would welcome the opportunity to show all sides of my feminity, but at that cost...I don't think so. I do not want to be looked at as another video ho! I believe I've said this before. If at my age, I can pull of some sensual photographs for public viewing, I might give it a shot. But they would definitely be tasteful...not the kind these young women are dying to be seen in.

I wish there was some avenue that I could help lead these young ladies down to make them understand that the people in power will ruin their lives in a heartbeat and dump them and go on to the next victim. I wish they understood that if they don't stand up for themselves, no one will. I often ask myself...where are these young women's parents?? Why is everybody so willing to sell their goods for fleeting fame? Because the famous people we see on tv, in the news and in the magazines make us believe that it's all glamour. glitz and good times....until we see the ugly truth. But it doesn't matter, because we still want it. We believe it won't affect us the same way...we're different, and we'll remain the same people we are before we got famous. I'm beginning to realize that we can't remain the same people because it's a natural evolution to change and grow as our world expands and we are exposed to more. It's been said that money changes every thing. It certainly does. Can we determine how much or how little it will change us? I think so. But it looks like it's so hard to do.

When all is said and done, we should be happy with the life God has given us. If we are supposed to have fame and wealth...then it will happen. What is for me is for me, and every day I am accepting that. My life is what it is, and I am happy to live it...one day at a time. And if I embark on some journey that takes me into a world of celebrity...God will remain first above all else, because he is the one who made me...not man.

I WON'T COMPLAIN...

As I look at all that has happened in the first 23 days of January, I have to be thankful for my health, my sanity and my family. God continues to bless me and I am happy to say that this year has been, so far, so good for me.

I received some incredible Christmas gifts, lots of love, and some wonderful new beginnings that I am eager to keep on track with.

I have a website now....yes, yes. For many years I have tried everything, and searched high and low for a website that was affordable and allowed me to build a business with the products that I create. This year, after some prodding from a friend, I just did the dam thang and signed up! It's like ok...what are you waiting for!!?? You can do this, and so I did. Now if I can only get my products photographed, priced and downloaded...I'll be set. I plan to link my blog to it 'cause this was my first taste at being online.

Yea baby!!! I want to sell, sell, sell!! So look out world....there's a new girl on the selling block! At long last my cousin Dena and I appear to be moving forward this year as we hook up with her contacts to further our selling goals. I think we'll do alright, and as we grow and expand our knowledge and client base...I think we'll be able to step out on faith and become independent of our day time jobs. That's the plan right? SELF-EMPLOYMENT....what an empowering thought.

This mannequin is something I'm working on right now. Remember my little Christmas tree with all the charms, buttons, and jeweled items? Well I put them to good use. I just love how this is turning out.
BE HEALTHY = LIVE LONGER

I have to also mention that there has been some heart ache this new year. A dear friend and choir member, Klamaria Grogran, fell ill and has been hospitalized after suffering a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly, and we all couldn't believe it. One Friday, we're singing and wishing each other well until we see each other again...and the next thing...this strikes her down. We can thank God that it wasn't fatal, and that she is slowly progressing. But it will be a long road for her and her family. I pray for her well being every day.

Another dear friend in Maryland, has had some challenges with her health and suffered a heart attack as well a few weeks back. Unfortunately, Barbara shrugged the symptoms off and never went to seek help....that is until it struck again and forced her to go. Why was she so careless with her life...only she can answer that. I guess we all think, "oh that pain in my chest is heartburn", or "I'm short of breath because I'm getting old." No, none of those things were true, and if she hadn't gone in when she did...she may not have lived to tell me the story. And to think, she lost her only granddaughter last year. I believe we suffer from believing "it's not our time yet" and we believe we will live forever. In spite of all that we do to our bodies...we believe, "naw I'm alright."

Well, I went a whole year without a physical....why? I can only say that I felt overwhelmed with switching insurance carriers and couldn't nagivate my way through the system. I know, it's a lame excuse, but that's exactly what happened. After having these two women, who are close to me in age, go through what they've been through....I WON'T COMPLAIN about my life and it's ups and downs. I am not hospitalized, I am not fighting for my last breath...I'm still here and I have a chance to do something to keep me here among the living. My choir sang Fred Hammond's new song, "I won't complain (thank you)", and it's going to be my mantra to keep me in check.

Here's me in one of my Christmas presents. I want to wear this dress with no stress, so I have to get real about this weight battle.

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER
Brother, my cousin's great uncle who lived to be 103, used to say this to me all of the time - "I'm thankful to be among the living." Well I am thankful too, and I need to begin to live like I am.

I am still carrying this weight, and I can't seem to shake that holiday eating syndrome. I do well for a few days, but then I fall back into my rut. Recently I watched as Oprah's trainer, Bob Greene, shared his secrets to living the Best Life based on his new book. I have to take this and live by it. What am I afraid of missing....I've eaten cookies and cakes and pies a million times. Why do I still crave fried chicken and tacos and pizza all the doggone time? I need to find out quick.

Next week I will make an appointment to see a new doctor and get my life back on track. I talk to a Wellness counselor and discuss my plans, but haven't implemented anything....what am I waiting on? I can't fit my clothes, I hate the way I look...what am I doing to myself?

I don't want to believe the worse about myself, so my head is buried deep in the sand of reality. Wake up girl and get your butt in gear....this year has got to be your best year ever. I have been in California 5 years come Oct., and I want something to show for it.

With God's help, and a lot of self discipline....I think I can make it. So I won't complain about the little things that annoy me, about what I want...because God will supply all my needs. I just have to have faith and a whole lot of prayer. Love ya.....Jesus Joy!! :0)

ALL I WANT FOR THE HOLIDAYS....is Peace and Love, and Goodwill toward all men.

The "trinity" of holidays are behind us now, but here are some shots how the holidays stacked up for me at work, with my choir and going home.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2007 IS HERE!!

I fell ill during New Year's weekend so I was not in a partying mood. If I was I'd probably look like this though....:0)

CHRISTMAS

Dad and the Burton, Brewer and Powell girls....Fran, Ollie, Sr., Tija & Christine

This is my beautiful mother, Gerry Lee Burton....admiring my gifts to her!

Jamie (Step-Mom), Fran and Dad....getting really cozy!

Fran & Zayed and their famous Coconut Cake...."You got it goin' on Girl...No you do!"

Jeff Jr. and his girfriend Francine.....alot of snuggling up in the cold weather up in Sac.

First A.M.E.'s Unity Choir in da houze. Anna Moore hosted our Christmas Party....Altos, Soprano's, Tenors!!

Niki, I told you I brought my gift...let me play please!!!!

Sisterly love between Adonna and Kim

Tim, Goldie and Kim.....eating good in the neighborhood. :0) Whoever brought those ribs - they were off the hoook!! Our newest Unity baby, Aniyah Graham......

I won, I won! At my office party...I won a Quesadilla maker!! Woohoo!

Dad and the girls....Victoria (Step-daughter), Fran & Chris....say cheese!

Little Miss Chandler! - Vickie's daughter

And here's Vickie's other child, AJ (Alex).......
Talking about blue-eyed soul....there it is!

Hey Frannie (Tija's BFF)....yea my chocolate pie hit the spot!

THANKSGIVING

Jeff and sister, Niecy Powell....CHEEEEZZZZEEEEE!

Jeff and his mom...Fran supervising as Ernest carves that turkey...come to think of it, she's just waiting for the first piece - fork in hand!

Mom and her girls.....Gerry Burton, Christine, Fran and granddaughter, Tija (Atija).

The Powell Clan loves B-I-N-G-O.....so we played, and played until all the gifts were won!

Jeff's Great Aunt and my Niece Katina Burton...

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season......these photos prove that me and my family and friends did.

IN MEMORIAM - Uncle John D. Houston

My Aunt Shirley (my mom's baby sister)

I want to acknowledge the passing of my Uncle John David Houston. Uncle John D., which was the name most of us called him. it wasn't right unless we said, "Uncle John D."

My uncle passed on Dec. 20th from complications due to Diabetes, Pneumonia and Alzheimers. He and my aunt Shirley were married for 50 years, and that's incredible. My Uncle John D. was a man that was bigger than life. He was over 6'9"Ft. probably, and he played Basketball when I was about 4 years old. I remember that the team my uncle played with actually played the Harlem Globe Trotters in a charity basketball game. I never, ever forgot the excitement of that event, and for many years I thought that he was one of the Globetrotters.

Over the years my Uncle and his children developed Diabetes and it is a horrible debilitating disease. My uncle's dad had it, and it was passed on to his children. My cousin Debbie died a number of years ago due to her bout with Diabetes, and her sister Brenda is struggling with it now. Out of 5 kids, only the 2 daughters contracted it...the boys have showed no signs of it.

When I was in elementary school, my cousin Debbie and I went to school for about a year or so, and then the Houston's moved to the South side of Sacramento. Debbie and I were the same age and we spent a lot of time together. She was as close as a sister to me. I would spend the night at the Houston's all the time...my mom taking me waaaay over to South Sac. I would watch my Uncle John D. being a father and I so loved being in the house with a man there. He was my dad when I stayed over. The Aunts and Uncles treated their nieces and nephews as their own...I loved that, and I will never forget him.

My aunt is doing well, as she has come to terms with him no longer suffering. But I can only imagine her missing this giant of a man in her life....her soul mate, her partner for life until death do they part. God bless you Uncle John D. You were a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a loving heart. I will miss you.

As we begin this new year, I pray for Peace in Iraq, I pray for prosperity, and I pray for hope to all those who have none. God continues to bless us....and I am ever thankful for every day I live. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so we have to live each day as if it were our last.....I intend to do that.

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME...LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!!!