Right Wing, Left Wing...It Takes Both Wings to Fly

I am not one who is interested in engaging in politics, so please do not mistake this post to be about politics. In fact, it is an anti-politics post. I understand the need to know what your government is up to and who the players are, but knowing is not enough. When we find flaws, that something is broken or someone is corrupt, we must take action, and complaining about it alone is not effective action.


In the United States on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address (a two minute speech given by the President at the Gettysburg National Cemetery dedication four months after the Battle of Gettysburg). At the end of the speech, he described the U.S. government as "a government for the people, of the people, and by the people."  Earlier in the speech he said, "The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here." 


 In his eulogy for the slain president, Senator Charles Sumner commented on that line of the president's speech, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."  If the Senator was here today, I think he would have to recant and acknowledge that the president was right.

I know many put little stock and/or trust in the words of those who run or even created the government. These words, their own words, however, can be used as fuel for the fire of freedom, justice, and equality. The preamble to U.S. Constitution begins "We the people." It's time we hold them to these words. We often complain about those who run the country, but we neglect to include ourselves. We have forgotten our own power...a power that goes far beyond voting.

I recently read a comment on a social networking site on a post about the occupy movements that read, "protesting doesn't work anymore."  What struck me is the puzzling contradiction of the article I had read just minutes before about how the government (White House level) ordered the dismantling of the occupations read article here. This suggested, to me at least, that the occupations were becoming a big enough concern that the executive branch of the U.S. government became involved. I wondered if those who think the occupations wouldn't work might have been too occupied with other things to see the world wide solidarity and attention they had garnered.

It seems that so many are so focused on political parties and left and right wings that "we the people"  are divided. Most discussions I see are about the pros and cons of each side and people become defined and condemned by that affiliation rather than defined by what they think, do, or desire for the world. Those that think that protesting doesn't work anymore should consider one fact; there were occupiers from all walks of life and political parties united for equal rights and justice...the real issues. 

I am solution oriented, so complaining without action or disparaging the methods of those who are acting rather than offering a viable alternative is fruitless to me. It is time we remember that the government works for us. We elect them, we should hold them accountable and fire them if they don't do their jobs properly. It will, however, take all of us collectively to do so. Left wing, right wing...it takes both wings to fly.

The Mean Girl/Bad Boy Attraction

Today I heard a song called "Some Kind of Woman" by Rocker T, that really got me thinking about what men and women look for in relationships.This is a bluesy/country/folksy reggae song (I love fusion style music) in which Rocker T asks "how does a mean hearted woman find such a kind hearted man?" but continues, "You know I work so hard just to keep you satisfied." Now I'll admit, at first this song caused an old question that always brought confusion and dismay to resurface in my mind.  I've always wondered why "kind hearted" men chose "mean hearted" women, and vice versa. But I listened to the song several times and I realized that in part of the chorus he sings, "you must be some kind of woman, I've got to keep you by my side." I thought, she must be, and this must work for some people.

I, personally, like a kind hearted man, but I'm not a mean hearted woman. The real question that arose for me, and always has, is do I have to pretend to be mean in order to attract a kind hearted man, and could that even be sustained? I could be mean, trust me, but it would eat me up inside very quickly to be that way towards someone I care about. I certainly couldn't stay with a mean hearted man for any length of time. I suppose, however, it is not always the case that these different types of people connect, but it clearly happens.

As I pondered what would make a "kind hearted man" (or woman) go out of his/her way to keep a "mean hearted woman" (or man), I quickly dismissed the love is blind theory.  He's not blind to her mean heart, he overlooks it. Perhaps he holds on to the good in her? Once upon a time, I figured these types of women must have a magical (read sexual) hold on these men...maybe they had talents in the bedroom? Maybe they create balance within the relationship, providing something the kind hearted mate lacked or needed. I'm not here to judge or provide definitive answers, but to create dialogue and gain understanding...so feel free to comment.

Different people have different definitions of "mean."  Perhaps a woman is hard to get and even harder to keep and that provides the challenge that a man likes. Maybe what others might observe as "bitchy" or "overbearing" another might experience as encouragement and guidance. Strong independent women often get labeled as mean, even in a world that requires them to be strong and independent. A lot of women like the "bad boy" persona, and some men like the "bad girl" persona. I guess what I've come to realize is that we always have choices, all of us. 

There must be something about that type of relationship that is fulfilling for some. They say opposites attract. I've had friends with "mean" mates, and I've never asked them what the attraction was...so I'm asking you. Do you have a mean hearted woman/man? If so, what makes you work to keep them by your side? I love music that makes me think. Give thanks Rocker T. Peace and blessings.

The Music Inside of You

It is no secret that I love music. I listen to all kinds of music; reggae, r&b, soul, funk, rock, country, classical...anything that speaks to me.  I listen to this music and I allow it to move my spirit, but I am learning to follow the music in my heart. The saying, "dancing to the beat of a different drummer" refers to listening to the beat in one's heart. There is music inside of us, all of us. Our music may not may not always manifest itself audibly in the external world...but it is our song nonetheless.


If you have ever really listened to an instrument being played, you begin to hear it tell it's own story. When I was a child, my mom used to sit with my brother and me by the radio and we would listen to Peter and the Wolf, a composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 in the USSR. It is a children's story (with both music and text by Prokofiev), spoken by a narrator accompanied by the orchestra. Each character was represented by an instrument;french horn, oboe, flute, drums, etc. Since then, I have always heard instruments tell a story.

It wasn't until well into adulthood did I realize that the one two beat in my heart was telling me my story. Up until this point, I had been dancing to the beat of other people's drummers. I spent far too much time trying to be who I needed to be in order to fit in. I tried to keep up with the latest fashions, learn the latest dances and songs, and even take advice on how to look "sexy." I made important the same things others made important such as making lots of money and having the finest things. But it never felt quite right. I always seemed to be "offbeat,'" just a little.


I wasn't listening to my own internal rhythm, and therefore my song had no melody. Just like there are many different genres of music, and different interpretations within those genres, there are many different ways of life and interpretations of those ways. Most of us put far too much effort into trying to be like everyone else, to be socially "acceptable." If we are all doing the same things the same way, life loses it's flavor. As a person who wore a uniform for thirteen years in Catholic school, I'm attracted to uniqueness. There is a saying, "The less we look with our eyes, the more we will see with our hearts." Our hearts are like the instruments in Peter and the Wolf. Each heart has it's own unique sound creating beautiful music and telling each person's story in this grand symphony of life. Listen to your music. Love and light.

Groundation: "Building an Ark"-A Fan's Review

Click here to listen to full album


California reggae band Groundation is a reggae/jazz fusion band influenced by many other genres. One thing I can say for sure is that they are consistent in their regard to quality and growth. They are diligent about evolving their sound, they stay true to conscious roots reggae music, and their musicianship is always on point. Do not, however, confuse this consistency with a lack of diversity. Although fans can always recognize Groundation’s rich sound, one can never say one album sounds like the next. Their seventh and latest studio album release Building an Ark is a perfect example of this diversity and consistent growth.

The album, much like Groundation’s collection as whole, progresses like a story. The title track “Building an Ark” starts off as a ballad-like acoustic with Harrison Stafford getting as close as you may ever hear him get to “crooning” a love song in a traditional sense. The lyrics, of course, have a myriad of meanings, so those of you not wanting a ballad from this roots man will be satisfied.

The story continues with chapters about judgment, “Flames burn hot and red, a fierce fire for them” (Merry-go-round), and corruption, “Robert Mugabe led the people dem astray/Bruce you know you lead the people dem astray” ( Payaka Way). It arcs with “The Dreamer,” a song with a clear country influence (Willie Nelson in particular). Harrison Stafford (the dreamer) sings of himself “As a cowboy I come riding my golden chariot” and emphasizes the album’s hopeful tone, “So plant your seed and teach your children of all unseen/for we have not lost sight of the dream.”

In true roots style, the album has a few biblical references. Besides “Building an Ark,” there’s “Daniel,” a reference from the book of Daniel in the bible. In this funky tune, Harrison Stafford recounts, “Just like Daniel heading out of the lion’s den/When all of his bredrin, they all left him for dead.” But also true to roots reggae, there are songs that are prophetic, and a commentary of the times. “Payaka Way,” speaks directly to the greed occurring around the globe and could be an anthem for occupiers, “Recession you can feel is all about money/So much pressure you can’t deal it is all about money/Oppression of the poor it is all about money/The rich is getting richer still they want more Money.”

Any Groundation fan will tell you that nothing compares to a live performance, primarily because of the lively solos. Building an Ark, the album, comes close to being a live album. Rife with solos, the members of the band stretch their musical chops, giving the listener a taste of the scope of their skills. “Daniel” even has a soulful guest guitar solo by Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson.

As much as the album name contains a tapestry of meanings; “Ark” referring to Noah’s Ark in Genesis, the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred chest which holds the Ten Commandments), and ark as a place of protection or refuge, so does the music. Each track is intricately built with levels of all seven instruments and music from more exotic instruments like the conk shell on “Humility.”  Although Groundation is loyal to unadulterated roots reggae, their music is not your father’s reggae. With the characteristic reggae “riddim” as the base, Groundation cooks up a thick musical stew with the lyrics as the “protein.”  Staples are then added to this musical banquet in the form of horns, bass, keyboards, drums, and timbales to create hearty comfort food that fills the belly of the soul. Harrison Stafford, Kim Pommell, and Kerry Ann Morgan add flavorful seasonings with the broad range of their voices to finish off this rich musical feast. The album closes with another more melancholy acoustic “Sun Light Reflection” which laments, “And what if our history, Is but the endless struggle of wolves and sheep?” signaling Groundation is not done telling this story.

Purchase album at groundation.com, groundation.fr or iTunes

Think Like a Queen

There's a new movie out called "Think Like a Man" based on Steve Harvey's book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." When the book first came out, Steve Harvey said he wanted to help women who were successful in all areas of their lives except 'how to get and keep a man.' Since the movie was released, however, the conversations have been about how women should think like men.

This is troublesome because men and women don't think alike because we are not alike. We have different strengths so that we can have balance in the world. Harvey says women need to understand that men are driven by what they do, who they are (his title), and how much they make; and these things will always take precedence over a woman until he accomplishes them.  Honestly, I think Steve Harvey's time could have been better spent helping men see what's truly important in life (family, helping others, peace, love,etc.) and placing more value on those things. Instead, he implies that a woman's loving, giving, trusting, and compassionate nature will leave her lonely.

It seems to be the nature of our society to tell the "wronged" to change rather than the "wrong doer." Women shouldn't dress a certain way to avoid being raped, African American youth shouldn't wear hoodies in certain neighborhoods to avoid being stereotyped (and perhaps killed), and now, women should avoid their true nature  to avoid being mistreated by men. I don't see how this will better serve women or men. My suggestion, women should think like Queens and Goddesses...just as men should think like Kings and Gods.

I am not suggesting women go around treating men or anyone else like their subjects, demanding expensive things or to be waited on, nor am I suggesting men go around conquering "foreign lands". Royalty carry themselves with a certain amount of dignity, pride, and self respect. Royals, after all, are believed to be chosen by God, a very high honor indeed. When you know your worth, because not only has a higher power taken special care to create you...but that higher power is IN you, you will behave in ways worthy of honor and respect, and receive it.

In the bible, King Solomon wrote this of  his beloved (the Queen of Sheba...Queen Makeda) 

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;    you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes,    with one jewel of your necklace. ¹⁰ How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!    How much more pleasing is your love than wine, (Song of Solomon 4: 9-10)

Ladies, how many men have written this to or about you? The Queen of Sheba was a known seeker of knowledge, and visited Solomon to seek the wisdom for which he was known. King Solomon was a loyal servant of God, and when he was made king, God said to him, "Ask of Me what you wish." Solomon asked for understanding and God was so pleased that he did not ask for long life, riches, or the life of his enemies, He not only granted Solomon wisdom and understanding like no other before him, or to come, but also all of the things for which he did not ask. (1Kings3). I use Solomon as an example because he was not only one of the greatest kings ever, but  because whether you believe this story is real, allegorical, or a tale, it is still true that once you seek wisdom, all else will follow. 

Women and men should not try to think or behave like each other. We are different for reasons...and different does not mean unequal. I like the idea that Eve was formed from Adams rib because it illustrates man and woman's connection. We are pieces the same puzzle that fit together perfectly, different sides of a scale providing perfect balance. This is a divine connection, a divine creation. So I say again, if we think like the divine Queens and Kings we are, we will achieve divine balance. Peace and blessings.

Signs, Signals, and Saviors

One day a man was fishing in his boat out in the ocean. Suddenly his boat sprang a leak, sank, and left the man treading water to survive. He considered himself a man of great faith and a servant of the Lord, so he knew God would save him and thus he began to pray. Soon, a man in a small boat came upon him and said, "grab my hand and I'll pull you into my boat." The man replied, "No thank you, God will save me." A couple of hours went by and the man was growing tired when a couple in a speed boat happened by. They threw a life ring in the water and shouted, "Take the ring and we'll pull you in!" But the man told them, "I am faithful that my God will save me, but thanks anyway." Another hour passed before a large fishing boat came and threw a life raft out to the man. "Jump in," the captain shouted, "We'll pull you to safety." But the faithful man informed the captain, "My God will save me, thank you." After another hour, the man, too weak to stay afloat, drowned. Being a faithful servant of God all of his life, he went straight to heaven. When he met his creator, the man asked with great consternation, "My Lord, I have been a faithful servant my entire life, why did you not save me?" God replied, "I sent you three boats."

I love this story because it has many lessons in it. One lesson that is most evident is that we often ask for guidance or help, but sometimes we can't recognize the help when it comes. I think a lot of people, when they want a sign, some direction, or help, expect to see a burning bush, or a blinding light and hear a booming voice. Sometimes the answers are right in front of us but we expect or want something else.  Miracles happen all around us everyday, we ARE miracles. But some of us just can't see them.


When I was a youth, I used to shoot baskets on the basketball court and say, "If I make this basket then that means I should  or shouldn't do x y z," not taking my own skill, or lack thereof into account. These days, I've learned to be in the moment, observing and experiencing everything and everyone around me. Being this aware of my basic surroundings has enabled me to see the forest, if you will. The more aware and in the moment we are able to be, the more obvious the signs, signals, and guidance becomes. Have you ever had a day where the same message has come to you many times? For instance, maybe you heard a song that said, "No fear, no fear, in my heart, oh no, oh no," then someone posted a saying on a social networking site that said, "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself." Would you begin to connect the dots back to the question in your head about whether or not to move to a new city, or change careers, or leave a relationship? Of course, you'd have to be self aware and realize that fear is a key component in your indecision.


I look and listen around my external world because I know that it matches my internal world. We, of course, already have the answers within us. When I am acutely aware and paying attention, the answers, guidance, signs and signals often appear as obvious as a burning bush. If the man in the above story was truly faithful,  he would have known that God, The Creator, the universe, sends help in many forms, and often without pomp and circumstance. Of course, all he had to do was pay attention.  Look, listen, and learn. Peace and blessings.

Is High Self Esteem Wrong?

I am compelled to write about a story I've been following lately. It is about a British woman who has written a blog about how beautiful she is and how other women are jealous of the preferential treatment she gets because of it. There has been a firestorm of backlash against this woman as a result. When she appeared on the 'Today' show, Ann Curry even called her "narcissistic." The woman followed up with a blog in which she shares that her father was the influence for her self love. He regularly told her she was beautiful when she was growing up. She listed what she knew others would see as flaws, but stated that she didn't see them when she looked in the mirror. She and her father have since endured yet another barrage of attacks. (click here to see story)


This story has really sickened me. In this day and age when women are especially scrutinized and judged on superficial qualities, when young girls are begging their parents for plastic surgery, when our definition of a women's worth is based on how closely she lives up to the airbrushed standards of the media, I would think a woman with such high self esteem would be applauded. Instead, she is berated for thinking so highly of herself. As I read the comments below the story, each of which picked apart this woman's every "flaw," I began to wonder where our society's values have gone.


I know men who only form close friendships with attractive women. I've seen women promote their physical beauty by posting many pictures of themselves (often half naked)on the internet. Conversely, I've seen other women proceed to find all of the things that are physically unattractive about another woman. Many of these same people often profess that true beauty comes from within. I must say, none of this behavior is very beautiful at all. These are the values we are teaching our children.


I wish I had this woman's self esteem. I know I possess a certain amount of inner beauty, but I am well aware that I don't live up to that airbrushed standard of beauty, and I am judged because of it. Despite what most people think, she actually has her ego in check because she isn't concerned with other people's opinions. I think her attackers also wish they had her self esteem.  How wonderful of her father to instill such confidence in his daughter at a young age. Perhaps if we as a society would cease promoting superficial beauty and learn to love ourselves as we are, we could concentrate on the real ugliness in the world, i.e. racism, poverty, war, injustice. Peace and blessings.