Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A LETTER TO MY CHILDREN
Ya know, I'm watching CNN and following our President as he makes his way to Washington by train, and the tears are just streaming down my face. Y'all, will we ever be the same again???
He is right now in Baltimore, and he gave a speech to over 40,000 people standing in the frickin' freezing cold - he got down from the stage and walked through the crowd standing there with baited, cold breath just to see him. He smiled that"LEO" smile (with his cute self) and I couldn't help but think this is the man that I walked up to one Halloween morning dressed as the CHALET MAN and tapped him on his shoulder, and said "Hey Brothuh", and he said Hello - and then looked at me like "do i know you" ?? Then laughed and said "Cookie!!??" We cracked up that day coz the costume was pretty convincing. I had on Rodney's suit and tam and was carrying a briefcase. My nails kinda gave me away, true that!
This is the same man that I hugged earnestly and he hugged me right back at Aunt Alzata's homegoing repast in 2006. We chatted that day and remembered old days in Hyde Park and what a great lady she was. Cameras were pretty few that day - he hadn't announced his cadidacy then as of yet. But we stood and hugged and reminisced just the same.
Will we ever see this day again?? I'm overwhelmed and overjoyed and overly tired, so I'm done. Just pray and keep this family covered in prayer and love.
I'm so full- just talk amongst yourselves, kids.
What a weekend ahead - the AZ Cardinals are in the running for the Super Bowl, the Dr's. Holiday is Monday and THE INAUGURATION OF A BLACK MAN IS ON TUESDAY.
"Change is gonna come.........oh, yes it is!!!!!"
He is right now in Baltimore, and he gave a speech to over 40,000 people standing in the frickin' freezing cold - he got down from the stage and walked through the crowd standing there with baited, cold breath just to see him. He smiled that"LEO" smile (with his cute self) and I couldn't help but think this is the man that I walked up to one Halloween morning dressed as the CHALET MAN and tapped him on his shoulder, and said "Hey Brothuh", and he said Hello - and then looked at me like "do i know you" ?? Then laughed and said "Cookie!!??" We cracked up that day coz the costume was pretty convincing. I had on Rodney's suit and tam and was carrying a briefcase. My nails kinda gave me away, true that!
This is the same man that I hugged earnestly and he hugged me right back at Aunt Alzata's homegoing repast in 2006. We chatted that day and remembered old days in Hyde Park and what a great lady she was. Cameras were pretty few that day - he hadn't announced his cadidacy then as of yet. But we stood and hugged and reminisced just the same.
Will we ever see this day again?? I'm overwhelmed and overjoyed and overly tired, so I'm done. Just pray and keep this family covered in prayer and love.
I'm so full- just talk amongst yourselves, kids.
What a weekend ahead - the AZ Cardinals are in the running for the Super Bowl, the Dr's. Holiday is Monday and THE INAUGURATION OF A BLACK MAN IS ON TUESDAY.
"Change is gonna come.........oh, yes it is!!!!!"
Saturday, December 06, 2008
HOLIDAY HOOPLA
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....everywhere you go!
ON DASHER...ON DANCER...ON PRANCER AND VIXEN...
ON COMET.....ON CUPID.....ON DONNER...
AND BLITZEN!
Hey Rudolph???? Where you at, boy????
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
BLACK MOSES IS GONE
Does anyone remember, "BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX" sung in only the way this man could sing it?? Where were you when "SHAFT" came out?
Man, I'm simply stunned again over the passing of one of the Black communities creative genius' that has taken flight from this earth. Our Loss!
I remember making love to the theme from SHAFT - every crescendo and highlighted drum and horn solo from his fantastic orchestra made me weak. When SHAFT was loving - I WAS LOVING. Lord, I used to play BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX so much on my "record player" that poor album was just warped. I would cry myself to sleep in awe of this great musician and composer. When Isaac won the Academy Award for the theme from SHAFT, we as a people were so proud of him.
I saw him in concert once - this great Black man wearing chains all over his sculpted body and wearing a hooded robe to hide the chains. When he took off that robe to display his massive frame and glistening brown skin against all that gold ..... MAN, WHAT A SIGHT!! I'll never forget it- ever!!!
"WHO IS THE MAN THAT WOULD GIVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS BRUTHUH MAN.....SHAFT!!! DAMN RIGHT"
RIP, CHEF!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
BIRTHDAY'S BITTERSWEET
TODAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY AND IT WAS FILLED WITH LOVE!
I ENJOYED MY DAUGHTER WHO IS ON HER WAY TO JAPAN....I ENJOYED MY SON-N-LAW, FONSO, WHO IS THE REASON FOR HER TRIP..... I ENJOYED THIS DAY FULL OF LAUGHER, FOOD , FUN AND STUFF.
THEN AS IF OUT OF THE BLUE, BERNIE MAC, CHICAGO'S VERY OWN, WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD. ON MY BIRTHDAY! IT TRULY MADE THIS DAY A BITTERSWEET ONE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, SANDY, WHITNEY AND ALL THE OTHER LEOS OUT THERE.
RIP, BERNIE MAC!!!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
GO COOKIE - IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!
THE OLD GIRL DON'T LOOK TOO BAD, HUNH??
WELL, LET'S CELEBRATE ANOTHER YEAR AND GOD'S BLESSINGS!
I'M DOING THIS ON THE 7TH BUT THE BIRTHDAY DAY IS ON THE 9TH - IT'S A LEO THING!!
WHAT A GROWL BUT SUCH A CUTE BITE!!
Monday, July 07, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY
Today would be my Dad's 100th birthday. WOW!! He was born on July 7th, 1908 to Marguerite and A.B. BURNETT in Oklahoma. He had a sister, Gertrude, that he was 2 years older than.
He passed away on October 3rd, 1998 at the ripe YOUNG age of 90.
He was the consummate Man's Man, a budding Entrepreneur and total family man.
I grew up in Chicago with my Dad and Mother and my older sister, Shay, in a house my dad bought for us, that was considered a true showplace. We were the first Black family on our block back in 1957- quite an accomplishment for man with only a high school diploma back then.
He always put his family first - ALWAYS! When I married and subsequently moved back to the family home with my 2 young daughters, he still put us first. All their lives it was GRANDPA to the rescue. He was tough as nails and only stood about 5'5 but he used to say he was " tough as leather and well put together"!
There has been quite a void in our lives since he has passed away. It doesn't seem like it's even been 10 years because we- my girls and my son - talk about him all the time. He was a force to be reckoned with - a no nonsense kinda guy with a heart of gold, especially for his family.
I did name my son after my Dad to carry on the legacy of his name. Sam does have some memories of his Grandpa though he was about 8 when he passed away.
I remember my dad saying that he was going to beat his Mom and live to be 100!
Well, Daddy, in our hearts.......... you did!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
WE MISS YOU ......STILL!!
He passed away on October 3rd, 1998 at the ripe YOUNG age of 90.
He was the consummate Man's Man, a budding Entrepreneur and total family man.
I grew up in Chicago with my Dad and Mother and my older sister, Shay, in a house my dad bought for us, that was considered a true showplace. We were the first Black family on our block back in 1957- quite an accomplishment for man with only a high school diploma back then.
He always put his family first - ALWAYS! When I married and subsequently moved back to the family home with my 2 young daughters, he still put us first. All their lives it was GRANDPA to the rescue. He was tough as nails and only stood about 5'5 but he used to say he was " tough as leather and well put together"!
There has been quite a void in our lives since he has passed away. It doesn't seem like it's even been 10 years because we- my girls and my son - talk about him all the time. He was a force to be reckoned with - a no nonsense kinda guy with a heart of gold, especially for his family.
I did name my son after my Dad to carry on the legacy of his name. Sam does have some memories of his Grandpa though he was about 8 when he passed away.
I remember my dad saying that he was going to beat his Mom and live to be 100!
Well, Daddy, in our hearts.......... you did!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
WE MISS YOU ......STILL!!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
VIC GOT MARRIED
i am sitting here at my desk at work trying to be composed and literate.
vic - my vic- sweet vic - big papa- is getting married. i don't know when - maybe even today.
i got a text about the upcoming nuptual this morning................. SOB WASN'T EVEN MAN ENOUGH TO CALL AND TELL ME - A FUCKIN' TEXT IS ALL I GOT!!!!
i just looked in my picture folder and i can't find his picture there with his kids.
maybe it's all for the best. i can't look at them anymore anyway.
i wonder what his bride to be would say if she knew about the times we shared before my coming to phoenix? and since i've moved to phoenix whenever i would go to chicago! i was home recently for my uncle's funeral and we texted back and forth then - just a month ago. i was to see him when i was there, but it didn't happen and i sent him a text saying, "well, maybe next time" and i got no response. did he know there woud be no next time for us??
i've been thinking about him a lot lately and when u think about someone you should call them right then - don't wait until next time coz they just might get married on your ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vic - my vic- sweet vic - big papa- is getting married. i don't know when - maybe even today.
i got a text about the upcoming nuptual this morning................. SOB WASN'T EVEN MAN ENOUGH TO CALL AND TELL ME - A FUCKIN' TEXT IS ALL I GOT!!!!
i just looked in my picture folder and i can't find his picture there with his kids.
maybe it's all for the best. i can't look at them anymore anyway.
i wonder what his bride to be would say if she knew about the times we shared before my coming to phoenix? and since i've moved to phoenix whenever i would go to chicago! i was home recently for my uncle's funeral and we texted back and forth then - just a month ago. i was to see him when i was there, but it didn't happen and i sent him a text saying, "well, maybe next time" and i got no response. did he know there woud be no next time for us??
i've been thinking about him a lot lately and when u think about someone you should call them right then - don't wait until next time coz they just might get married on your ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
HOLIDAY HARVEST
I saw this picture of a holiday wreath and garland on the Internet and thought maybe this would brighten my mood amd make for a lovely centerpiece for my Blog. I love wreath's and garland, so HO-HO-HO- HERE-U-GO!! Darn shame, my sense of humor went out with the Ciggies, I guess.
HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY - AND ALWAYS REMEMBER WHY WE CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY ANYWAY .................................
IN THE PINK
I haven't been here for awhille - MY HOW TIME FLYS WHEN U AREN'T HAVING ANY FUN!
So much to say - so little time!
Tried to have what I thought was a heart attack back in early October - actually it's been about 5 weeks now- NOT AN ATTACK - Thank God. I have atrial fibulation or heart flutters, palpatations- whatever. This thing has truly changed my life and my way of viewing life.
Not only that, but after over 30 years - I have quit Smoking!!! Yeah, yeah, thanks a lot!
Everyone keeps congratulating me on this serious accomplishment - WHY DON'T I FEEL SO FREAKIN' HAPPY ABOUT IT??
I went online yesterday and looked up SMOKIN CESSATION - to my surprise, there I was in print - Detailed List of Some Common Withdrawal Symptoms:
Anger & Mood Swings Boredom Constipation & Gas Feeling Closed In Cough, Dry Throat, Nasal Drip Cravings For Cigarettes Depression Dizziness and Invertigo Feeling tired all the time Frustration
Headaches Increase in Appetite InsomniaIrritability, Grouchiness Lack Of Concentration Loneliness Night Time Awakenings Restlessness Tightness In The Chest Weight gain
OMG - ALL OF THE ABOVE IS ME (ACCEPT MAYBE FOR CONSTIPATION) HAHAHAHAHA
I have never been so frickin' listless in my life. Over this past weekend when everyone in the world was happy and excited about post Thanksgiving food and fun, I spent most of the weekend in tears thinking I was going absolutely nuts! I talked with my sister in Chicago and told her how horrible I was feeling - not sleeping well, hearing little voices in my head like my mind just won't turn off- crying at the drop of a hat - OMG I HATE THIS!!!! She said I wasn't crazy just withdrawing from a relationship that has lasted well over 30 years- in all honesty - I JUST DIVORCED MY FRIEND, LOVER, CONFIDANTE, GOOD TIMER-BAD TIMER AND MAN, AM I GRIEVING!
I don't really seem to have the symptoms they talk about like wanting a cigarette so badly that I need gum or something like that- noooooooo, mine is more depressionary symptoms like grieving and depression and just plain IN A FUNK!! I HATE THIS SOOOOO BADLY.
However, having said all of this, I guess I'm glad that I can at least put a name to what this is I AM FEELING and that I'm not just totally going nutz!!!! I was really worried there for a minute. I seem to be having HOLIDAY BLUES AS WELL-
Jesus is the real reason for this season and I'm just a little to done with all the expense that is a part of this time of year - I swear I can't afford the luxury of Christmas anymore - not with gas at $3 + dollars a gallon. Well, maybe I can do a litlle better than in past years on what I save on cigs alone - maybe I can book myself a cruise the hell up outta here - I NEED TO RUN AWAY FROM MY OWN SELF!!!!!!
Gotta run and cry now or something emotional and girlie like that! Will be back later with the continuing saga of NON SMOKER'S LAMENT - :(
So much to say - so little time!
Tried to have what I thought was a heart attack back in early October - actually it's been about 5 weeks now- NOT AN ATTACK - Thank God. I have atrial fibulation or heart flutters, palpatations- whatever. This thing has truly changed my life and my way of viewing life.
Not only that, but after over 30 years - I have quit Smoking!!! Yeah, yeah, thanks a lot!
Everyone keeps congratulating me on this serious accomplishment - WHY DON'T I FEEL SO FREAKIN' HAPPY ABOUT IT??
I went online yesterday and looked up SMOKIN CESSATION - to my surprise, there I was in print - Detailed List of Some Common Withdrawal Symptoms:
Anger & Mood Swings Boredom Constipation & Gas Feeling Closed In Cough, Dry Throat, Nasal Drip Cravings For Cigarettes Depression Dizziness and Invertigo Feeling tired all the time Frustration
Headaches Increase in Appetite InsomniaIrritability, Grouchiness Lack Of Concentration Loneliness Night Time Awakenings Restlessness Tightness In The Chest Weight gain
OMG - ALL OF THE ABOVE IS ME (ACCEPT MAYBE FOR CONSTIPATION) HAHAHAHAHA
I have never been so frickin' listless in my life. Over this past weekend when everyone in the world was happy and excited about post Thanksgiving food and fun, I spent most of the weekend in tears thinking I was going absolutely nuts! I talked with my sister in Chicago and told her how horrible I was feeling - not sleeping well, hearing little voices in my head like my mind just won't turn off- crying at the drop of a hat - OMG I HATE THIS!!!! She said I wasn't crazy just withdrawing from a relationship that has lasted well over 30 years- in all honesty - I JUST DIVORCED MY FRIEND, LOVER, CONFIDANTE, GOOD TIMER-BAD TIMER AND MAN, AM I GRIEVING!
I don't really seem to have the symptoms they talk about like wanting a cigarette so badly that I need gum or something like that- noooooooo, mine is more depressionary symptoms like grieving and depression and just plain IN A FUNK!! I HATE THIS SOOOOO BADLY.
However, having said all of this, I guess I'm glad that I can at least put a name to what this is I AM FEELING and that I'm not just totally going nutz!!!! I was really worried there for a minute. I seem to be having HOLIDAY BLUES AS WELL-
Jesus is the real reason for this season and I'm just a little to done with all the expense that is a part of this time of year - I swear I can't afford the luxury of Christmas anymore - not with gas at $3 + dollars a gallon. Well, maybe I can do a litlle better than in past years on what I save on cigs alone - maybe I can book myself a cruise the hell up outta here - I NEED TO RUN AWAY FROM MY OWN SELF!!!!!!
Gotta run and cry now or something emotional and girlie like that! Will be back later with the continuing saga of NON SMOKER'S LAMENT - :(
Friday, August 17, 2007
AUGUST - BIRTHDAY MONTH!
WELL, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY HAS COME AND GONE - WHEW!!!! AM I 35 AGAIN THIS YEAR??? OH WELL, BETTER TO BE ALIVE THAN DEAD ANYDAY- I THINK!
THEN AGAIN, IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU ARE GOING WHEN YOU DIE - BUT FOLKS, I'M STILL HERE- AND NOT DOING TOO BADLY EITHER!
GONNA PARTY LIKE IT'S M'BIRTHDAY!!! THANKS SO MUCH TO "FIDDY" CENT FOR THOSE LOVELY LYRICS.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
MY "NINO" PASSED AWAY
Arthur Gonzalez Cruz
Arthur Gonzalez Cruz, 65 of Tolleson, passed away on June 5, 2007. He was born on October 22, 1941 in Williams, AZ to Bonifacio and Lucy Cruz. Arthur was the founder of El Sol Painting and was a painter and licensed contractor for 47 years. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Herminia Cruz; children, Artie Cruz (Eva), Myra Salinas, Lisa Cruz, Eloise Cruz, Jessica Espinoza (David); siblings, Edward Cruz, Ray Martinez; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Beloved brother, husband, father and grandfather. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 8 from 6-8pm at St. John Vianney Parish in Goodyear with 7pm Rosary. Mass will be on Saturday, June 9th at 10:30am also at St. John Vainney Parish with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale. Under the direction of Thompson's Valley West Funeral Chapel in Goodyear. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/7/2007.
RIP ,TUTTI!
I'LL MISS OUR CHATS GREATLY !
Arthur Gonzalez Cruz, 65 of Tolleson, passed away on June 5, 2007. He was born on October 22, 1941 in Williams, AZ to Bonifacio and Lucy Cruz. Arthur was the founder of El Sol Painting and was a painter and licensed contractor for 47 years. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Herminia Cruz; children, Artie Cruz (Eva), Myra Salinas, Lisa Cruz, Eloise Cruz, Jessica Espinoza (David); siblings, Edward Cruz, Ray Martinez; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Beloved brother, husband, father and grandfather. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 8 from 6-8pm at St. John Vianney Parish in Goodyear with 7pm Rosary. Mass will be on Saturday, June 9th at 10:30am also at St. John Vainney Parish with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale. Under the direction of Thompson's Valley West Funeral Chapel in Goodyear. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/7/2007.
RIP ,TUTTI!
I'LL MISS OUR CHATS GREATLY !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)