I must begin by saying kudos to Caterpillar for hosting a special diversity and inclusion celebration with a focus on Juneteenth, which will take place tomorrow at the Peoria Civic Center. This event is the inspiration for this blog post.
I have a good friend who lives in Denver, but was raised in Texas. She goes home to Austin just about every June for their huge Juneteenth celebrations. She is forever bragging about her home state's observation of the day. I am pleased to be able to share with her my fair city's events. :-)
Do you know what Juneteenth is? Don't feel ashamed if you do not. I grew up in Galesburg, Illinois. I received a very good education overall. However, I received little to no African-American history education. I did not get that kind of cultural history until I was a student at Bradley University and it was an eye opener to say the least. I hope things have changed in Galesburg in that respect because back in the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the beginning and ending of the black history experience.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This took place over two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation had not been enforced due to the limited number of Union soldiers. The arrival of General Granger meant that there were finally enough forces to overcome the resistance.
For more information regarding Juneteenth and some ideas of how to celebrate, visit www.juneteenth.com. Internet access is a beautiful thing, especially when used to educate yourself. Thanks again to the folks at Cat for acknowledging this special day, and to everyone else in the community that celebrated in your own way.
Peace and blessings,
J
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Don Imus Strikes Again
Okay, by now you have probably heard that radio veteran Don Imus has stuck his foot in his mouth yet again. I am not the least bit surprised. When you harbor such feelings it is bound to come out. His attempts to save face and make excuses are almost laughable, if not for the fact that he is not going to face any consequences for these latest remarks. His new employers are backing him in this latest wave of criticism.
What are your thoughts? Do you think his remarks were blown out of proportion? Do you feel that it was another racist rant?
J
What are your thoughts? Do you think his remarks were blown out of proportion? Do you feel that it was another racist rant?
J
Monday, June 23, 2008
Gas Woes - Pinch at the Pump
Are you feeling the gas pinch? I know I am!! My family expanded rather suddenly so I felt the need to have a larger vehicle. I decided to purchase a S.U.V. The family loves it, but needless to say my wallet does not. The first time I gassed up when the prices reached $4.00, I was so shaken I had to say, "Jesus take the wheel," on the way home. LOL I definitely have buyers remorse and will probably never buy such a large vehicle again. It's sad because it is absolutely perfect for long road trips, which with these gas prices we will not be doing.
How are gas prices going to affect your summer plans? I had originally planned on taking the family down to the gulf because some of them have not seen a real beach, but I am thinking of sticking more close to home. I think we are fortunate that we live in an area relatively close to some large cities with tons of activities. I am specifically talking about Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Gas prices can make a road trip to those cities a challenge as well. One thing is for sure, I will be more of a home-body this summer. I am looking to you guys to clue me in on some fun stuff to around the Central Illinois area. Feel free to email me and let me know what you plan to do this summer.
With love and much appreciation to be feeling better,
J
How are gas prices going to affect your summer plans? I had originally planned on taking the family down to the gulf because some of them have not seen a real beach, but I am thinking of sticking more close to home. I think we are fortunate that we live in an area relatively close to some large cities with tons of activities. I am specifically talking about Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Gas prices can make a road trip to those cities a challenge as well. One thing is for sure, I will be more of a home-body this summer. I am looking to you guys to clue me in on some fun stuff to around the Central Illinois area. Feel free to email me and let me know what you plan to do this summer.
With love and much appreciation to be feeling better,
J
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Brief Pity Party
Okay, I have to take a pause for a brief pity party. :-( I was sort of on vacation this week. Some of you may know that I am a dual career woman. I was off my first job all week and I had planned to get some things done around the house, do some shopping and perhaps treat myself to a movie. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I have literally been bed ridden all week. By the grace of God, I have managed to drag myself to the radio station all week, but sick as a dog. Right now I can barely type for coughing. I know there are more serious things going on in the world and that this illness will pass, but darn it, I wanted to enjoy my vacation!!!!
I can't get an appointment with my regular doctor that fits my schedule so that means I will have to brave a visit to "prompt" care. I am already trying to get prayed up because as any of you know that have ever visited said place, it is anything but prompt. Under normal circumstances I have good patience but when I am this sick....well, let me just make my prayer request known that I will remain saintly and of good report when I visit tomorrow. LOL Seriously!!! Pray with me right now that I will be seen as scheduled and not made to wait hours, because I would hate to be in the news tomorrow evening. I'm just keeping it real. I just want to be seen, get my medicine and be out.
Thanks in advance for your prayers....
Sister J!!!!
UPDATE:
I couldn't wait to go to prompt care. I couldn't sleep for all of coughing so I went to the emergency room. As it turns out I was more sick than I thought. Anyway, I received great care at the E.R. so there was no need to worry about being saintly. LOL So I got my meds and I am on the mend. Of course the best medicine is Jesus!!!!
I can't get an appointment with my regular doctor that fits my schedule so that means I will have to brave a visit to "prompt" care. I am already trying to get prayed up because as any of you know that have ever visited said place, it is anything but prompt. Under normal circumstances I have good patience but when I am this sick....well, let me just make my prayer request known that I will remain saintly and of good report when I visit tomorrow. LOL Seriously!!! Pray with me right now that I will be seen as scheduled and not made to wait hours, because I would hate to be in the news tomorrow evening. I'm just keeping it real. I just want to be seen, get my medicine and be out.
Thanks in advance for your prayers....
Sister J!!!!
UPDATE:
I couldn't wait to go to prompt care. I couldn't sleep for all of coughing so I went to the emergency room. As it turns out I was more sick than I thought. Anyway, I received great care at the E.R. so there was no need to worry about being saintly. LOL So I got my meds and I am on the mend. Of course the best medicine is Jesus!!!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
R Kelly - If the Mole Don't Fit, Acquit
Hot off the press. R&B singer R. Kelly was acquitted by a jury of his peers earlier this afternoon in Chicago. The jury deliberated less than 24 hours. You can read online news outlets to find out more details specific to the case.
Wow, where do I begin? First let me say that this subject relates to gospel music because R Kelly has penned some major hits for several gospel artists. Trinitee 5:7's first hit, "God's Grace" was written and produced by the R. Yolanda Adams covered his Grammy winning hit "I Believe I Can Fly" both as a solo and a duet with the late R&B singer Gerald Levert. Bishop T.D. Jake's Potter's House choir also covered an inspirational Kelly song. Kelly has long been known to mix raunchy lyrics and religion on his albums.
I have very mixed feelings about this verdict. I want to believe that the decision was correct and that an innocent man was spared jail time. On the other hand, if he really is guilty my heart goes out to his victim(s). If that is the case I can only hope and pray that this trial sent a wake-up call to the singer and that he will seek the help he needs.
Where do you stand on this verdict? Do you believe he is innocent? More importantly have the accusations affected the way you view him not only as a man, but as an artist? Will you support his music? I'd love to hear your reactions. From what I have read on other websites and internet communities, opinions are divided. Many people try and separate the man from his music and say he is a genius which has nothing to do with his personal life. On the other hand, others feel that supporting his music is equal to supporting his alleged problems.
Please feel free to email your comments or call the radio station listener lines. This is a topic we will visit again.
Love,
J
Wow, where do I begin? First let me say that this subject relates to gospel music because R Kelly has penned some major hits for several gospel artists. Trinitee 5:7's first hit, "God's Grace" was written and produced by the R. Yolanda Adams covered his Grammy winning hit "I Believe I Can Fly" both as a solo and a duet with the late R&B singer Gerald Levert. Bishop T.D. Jake's Potter's House choir also covered an inspirational Kelly song. Kelly has long been known to mix raunchy lyrics and religion on his albums.
I have very mixed feelings about this verdict. I want to believe that the decision was correct and that an innocent man was spared jail time. On the other hand, if he really is guilty my heart goes out to his victim(s). If that is the case I can only hope and pray that this trial sent a wake-up call to the singer and that he will seek the help he needs.
Where do you stand on this verdict? Do you believe he is innocent? More importantly have the accusations affected the way you view him not only as a man, but as an artist? Will you support his music? I'd love to hear your reactions. From what I have read on other websites and internet communities, opinions are divided. Many people try and separate the man from his music and say he is a genius which has nothing to do with his personal life. On the other hand, others feel that supporting his music is equal to supporting his alleged problems.
Please feel free to email your comments or call the radio station listener lines. This is a topic we will visit again.
Love,
J
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Girl Talk Part 1 - Cosmetics!!!
Hello Blog Buds!!!
I hope you all enjoy this post, but this one really relates to the ladies. When I do public appearances for the radio station and at other events, I always get questions about make-up. This is a topic I love and once I get started I can discuss cosmetics for hours. :-) First let me address another question as it relates to cosmetics and Christianity. Do I think wearing make-up is a sin? NO. I am not here to tell you what to believe and I feel that you should go with your personal conviction regarding make-up or anything else for that matter. As in all things there is something to be said of modesty. Personally I can't wear too much make-up or I tend to look "tranny." (LOL)
What are my make-up must haves? I usually only wear the following: foundation, eye liner, lip liner and lip gloss or lipstick. As most women of color can relate, finding a good foundation can be very frustrating. I have yet to find the perfect foundation that will give me great coverage and feel light on my face. I have problems with foundation giving me a red or orange appearance, especially in warmer weather when the face sweats. I have an old faithful that offers great coverage, but it tends to try and go greasy on me. Oh well, one of these days I will find the winner. You can find great bargains on other make-up, but I say don't go cheap on your foundation. If there is one thing not to skimp on, it's your base. If you are fortunate enough to have flawless skin, you can go without foundation altogether or can find good drug store brands. For the rest of us, find what works even if it seems a bit above your budget.
As for eye liner, I mostly go basic black. I love eye liner because it really makes my eyes pop and I don't really need eye shadow. I like eyeshadow, but once again if I wear it too dark or too light I look trannylicious. Eye liner is one area where you can save and find something reasonable at your area drug store. I prefer eye liner that does not smudge or run.
Now for my passion.....lip gloss!!! Lipstick is great but lately for me it's all about the gloss. Play and experiment with color. You might be surprised what colors look great on you. For example, I never thought I would wear pink lip gloss, but I have recently rediscovered this girly color and I love it. It's all about finding the shade that works for your skin color. I think golden peachy colored gloss looks good on just about everyone. For lipstick I usually stick with a classic brown or a reddish color or plum. Some reasonably priced brands I like are Revlon glosses and Glazewear from Avon. Higher end brands I love are Dior, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, etc. I love shopping online at http://www.sephora.com/. I could spend hours on this site! LOL Go check it out yourself, you will be in cosmetics heaven! I also love to shop Sephora for fragrances, but that is another Girl Talk post for the future. I wish we had a Sephora store here in Peoria, but until then the website will do. Once you know what colors work for you, you can shop any site. Another website I love is http://www.maccosmetics.com/. MAC lipglass is good.
I think that gives you a little taste of my love for all thinks make-up and this is definately a topic we will visit again. Please share your must haves and great make-up finds!! Have fun with your make-up and don't take it too seriously. (And if your spouse raises his eyebrows at how much you spend, follow my example....give him "the look" and gently remind him that he has his toys and you have yours!!!!! LOL)
With Love,
J
I hope you all enjoy this post, but this one really relates to the ladies. When I do public appearances for the radio station and at other events, I always get questions about make-up. This is a topic I love and once I get started I can discuss cosmetics for hours. :-) First let me address another question as it relates to cosmetics and Christianity. Do I think wearing make-up is a sin? NO. I am not here to tell you what to believe and I feel that you should go with your personal conviction regarding make-up or anything else for that matter. As in all things there is something to be said of modesty. Personally I can't wear too much make-up or I tend to look "tranny." (LOL)
What are my make-up must haves? I usually only wear the following: foundation, eye liner, lip liner and lip gloss or lipstick. As most women of color can relate, finding a good foundation can be very frustrating. I have yet to find the perfect foundation that will give me great coverage and feel light on my face. I have problems with foundation giving me a red or orange appearance, especially in warmer weather when the face sweats. I have an old faithful that offers great coverage, but it tends to try and go greasy on me. Oh well, one of these days I will find the winner. You can find great bargains on other make-up, but I say don't go cheap on your foundation. If there is one thing not to skimp on, it's your base. If you are fortunate enough to have flawless skin, you can go without foundation altogether or can find good drug store brands. For the rest of us, find what works even if it seems a bit above your budget.
As for eye liner, I mostly go basic black. I love eye liner because it really makes my eyes pop and I don't really need eye shadow. I like eyeshadow, but once again if I wear it too dark or too light I look trannylicious. Eye liner is one area where you can save and find something reasonable at your area drug store. I prefer eye liner that does not smudge or run.
Now for my passion.....lip gloss!!! Lipstick is great but lately for me it's all about the gloss. Play and experiment with color. You might be surprised what colors look great on you. For example, I never thought I would wear pink lip gloss, but I have recently rediscovered this girly color and I love it. It's all about finding the shade that works for your skin color. I think golden peachy colored gloss looks good on just about everyone. For lipstick I usually stick with a classic brown or a reddish color or plum. Some reasonably priced brands I like are Revlon glosses and Glazewear from Avon. Higher end brands I love are Dior, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, etc. I love shopping online at http://www.sephora.com/. I could spend hours on this site! LOL Go check it out yourself, you will be in cosmetics heaven! I also love to shop Sephora for fragrances, but that is another Girl Talk post for the future. I wish we had a Sephora store here in Peoria, but until then the website will do. Once you know what colors work for you, you can shop any site. Another website I love is http://www.maccosmetics.com/. MAC lipglass is good.
I think that gives you a little taste of my love for all thinks make-up and this is definately a topic we will visit again. Please share your must haves and great make-up finds!! Have fun with your make-up and don't take it too seriously. (And if your spouse raises his eyebrows at how much you spend, follow my example....give him "the look" and gently remind him that he has his toys and you have yours!!!!! LOL)
With Love,
J