Sisters

Knowledge kept to oneself is as useless as candle burning in a pot-Oromo proverb. I enjoy reading. I especially enjoy reading the works of my friends and family. I am that person that my siblings gave all their art projects to when completed. I displayed them proudly on my wall and now I keep them in my mementos box for safe keeping. When my friend told me she wrote a paper for her law class, I couldn’t wait to read her paper. She didn’t quite understand my desire to read a paper about domestic violence in the Black community. I had to explain, that I enjoy reading the work my friends and family produce. I have always enjoyed sharing my works to others besides my teachers, so I like to offer that same opportunity to others around me. As I read my friends paper, I stopped at quote that really hit home: I am because we are, therefore we are because I am’ – Asante Proverb.  

I am because we are- I am who I am, because of interactions and the sense of unity that exists between my friends and family. Therefore we are because I am – Our interactions together exist because of the unique qualities each person brings to the table. When together the energy is off the charts and I am filled with bliss and knowledge. Sister; by definition I have only four. Blah, definitions are too stifling. When definitions are thrown out the window, I have many sisters that are family members, from high school, college, online. I have sisters from all walks of life, yet we all have something in common: without each other there is no we are.  We all have those that we consider our sisters from another mister. After first conversation or interaction, you feel that bond, that connection that just makes sense. It is almost like you really are sisters, because of the friendship that forms immediately.  I am thankful for all those that I consider my sisters. I am thankful that at any given moment I have someone that I can call on for anything. I am thankful that each friend has a unique trait that is perfect for our relationship; the partygoer, the listener, the encourager, the fearless, the silly; the list can go on and on. My new and old friends have many qualities that I love. 

 As the first month of the new decade draws to a close, I sit back and reflect on the past 24 almost 25 years of my life. There are times in the past I have thought what if I went to that school or lived in that state. I now realize those what ifs are unnecessary because the journey I have chosen has allowed me to cross paths with those I call my sisters.  As the first month of the new decade draws to a close sit back and reflect on what has passed; learn from it and move forward with those that give you love and support.

Cherish

Last week I had a gathering at my house; a great day filled with fun and laughter. I collected donations for Haiti, to bring to my friends, so they could have some new items. Last week, I went to Best Buy to get my friend Gilbert a Discman so he could listen to his favorite artists.  I laughed and thought ‘I can’t believe I’m getting a Discman, how 10 years ago.’ I did not know that in a few days, Haiti would be set back 10 plus years due to a catastrophic disaster. A week ago, I was laughing, having a going away party, and collecting donations for friends. Today, I cry randomly, my trip has been cancelled, and now I am collecting donations for an entire nation.

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." ~ Helen Keller. I read Helen Keller's quote on a nonprofit organization website one day. This quote struck me deeply; I know that I will dedicate my life to aiding Haiti. It may not be large, I may not reach everyone, but I will do something. I compare my desire to make an impact to a painting. When looking at a painting, pay attention to the details, for that is what created the entire piece. I owe Haiti my life. Sounds dramatic, yet it is truth. It is Haiti from which my family originated. Without Haiti and its rich culture, I would not have the family, experiences, and traditions that I value today.  Life was put into perspective during my trip to Haiti last year, it was then I realized my life purpose. Haiti showed me her wonderful resilient spirit now it is my turn to show her mine.

What I learned Today: 1/17

• In a second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year; life as you know it can dramatically change
• The world still has compassion
• Cherish those in your lives
• Technology is a crutch in our society. As a negative, we see confusion when it is lost. As a positive, we see how it can spread news
• Even in darkness, light can emerge, I am confident Haiti will overcome this disaster; a disaster that may actually be a miracle in disguise. This is a wakeup call not just for Haitians, but for all. 

What I Learned Today: 1/11

January 10, 2010, I had a small gathering of friends and family celebrating a multitude of things. The joke between my friends was that the party had a miscellaneous theme; it was a welcome to 2010, juice, donation, going away party. I wanted to have a gathering with my friends and family, but could not settle on a theme, so I thought I would do something for everyone. It was a welcome to 2010 party, ten days into the New Year; that was something to celebrate. My gramma gave me a juicer as an early Christmas gift in October, so I wanted to share with everyone my love for juicing. I am leaving for Haiti in a week, so I wanted to collect a few donations and also give everyone a chance to wish me a safe journey. It was a miscellaneous party that resulted in a great time! The party started at 3pm and ended at 12am. 9 hours of pure madness and I mean that in a good way. We had appetizers, played Taboo, ate dinner, danced, juiced, and then finished off the night with a new episode of Keeping up with the Kardashions and conversations.  The dancing and juicing had to be my favorite part by far. Each person got up and danced /sang to a requested song. We then decided to end the ‘concert’ with a congo line, which turned into the game of telephone except with dance moves. Making fresh juice and having the chance to share my interests in eating healthy with friends and family was wonderful. Everyone went around the table buffet style and chose fruits and vegetable that they wanted in their drink.  I juiced for about 2+hours and it flew by so fast because of all the laughter and discussions going around the table.

11 people were in my house,  some had known each other their entire lives, others just met for the first time, but one would never have known by the way we laughed ,joked,  and danced with one another. I went to bed sore, but with a smile on my face. A smile that will always appear on my face when I reminiscence about that night.

What I learned today 1/10:

• Friendship is to be valued
• A cartwheel into a split is never a good idea if you are not a professional
• People have very interesting tastes when it comes to making juice and smoothies
• Taboo is not a game for the sensitive or those who cannot handle competition
• Time is just an illusion – those 9 hours felt like 2.
• I will be having another Juice party, a great way to introduce healthy living and have a good time.

The Silence of Snow

The silence of snow is more soothing than the pitter-patter of rain, more relaxing than a warm breeze, and more calming than a gentle wave.

It is four in the morning and I am stunned by the silence. The storm is reaching its peak and yet I feel calm within my heart. I look out the window and not a car or person in sight. More than a foot of snow and counting, yet still a picture perfect moment. The Pine tree outside my window no longer looks daunting; it now looks like a majestic robe disguised as a sheet of snow. The entire neighborhood looks like a blank canvas waiting for an artist to paint a masterpiece. As I leave the window, I sigh, for I know tomorrow the silence will be broken by the children frolicking through the snow, the plows moving up and down the streets, and the shovels hitting the pavement.

As soon as my head hits the pillow a smile rests upon my face. The silence of snow allows for me to have a deep, calm, restful sleep, so restful I feel like a hibernating bear. I am awakened by the completeness of my sleep; a sleep so sound that my mind failed to go through the usual dream chatter. I awoke refreshed. The sun peeks out from the clouds glistening upon the white snow, I look outside and the silence of the snow has been broken.  

The silence of snow can be comparable to life. There are moments when silence is key and there are moments when silence needs to be broken.

Which are you: the silent type or the break the silence type? Do you prefer rain over snow, breeze over seas?  For that night I preferred the silence of nature.