The Real Housewives of Atlanta or “Keeping it Real in the ATL” is what it should be called because of the “down home and scrappy" way Bravo perceives the ladies. Their agenda is to keep it real to keep us watching. Bravo’s way of presenting the ladies of Atlanta is as bourgeois princesses who jump form house to house, have public fall outs with friends, back stab, and wreck homes. This is not acceptable and not the least bit cute. Is this what Atlantan women are really all abou? Is this some new kind of crazy? Ah, but that’s life. We hate to see it in our face, but week after week we tuned in to see what the reality chicks were doing that might make our own lives seem a little more perfect.
Here’s a play by play of the final episode in case you missed it. Sheree’s fashion show a la Dwight went off without a hitch. Dwight insisted that he knew best. As it turned out, according to Bravo, he did. Without his staging vision combined with his gi’normous talent for displaying all things beautiful, Sheree’s show might not have met her own expectations. She thanked Dwight and Dwight reciprocated by walking on stage with her to present her with flowers. I think his ego wouldn’t allow the public to think that Sheree had done it all by herself.
Kim needs to give that man his ring back. It’s only a ploy so he can keep playing. And by the way, why is Kim portrayed as the victim of wrath by NeNe et. al. I can hear NeNe now, “unfair, unfair”. And Kim, how dare you boast about changing wigs every day to the tune of $12,000 a month! Take that money and buy a couple of clues.
NeNe wants Greg to be okay with her wanting to bond with her alleged father. Greg empathically says “No, I’m not going to be okay. ” Hold on NeNe, hold on to the bird in the hand.
I wondered how the show would treat the passing of Kandi’s financee, AJ. They showed clips of a Mother’s Day gathering with Kandi’s and AJ’s people. Kandi’s mom was very cordial to AJ and finally accepted him as Kandi’s choice. It was important that we have that lasting memory of the two of them.
And finally where is Lisa in all of this? She’s being a fabulous cupi doll, dressed and ready to impress at Sheree’s fashion show. But the eyes tell it all.
Enough of the housewives, I have a life to get back to.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
When the Rubber Hits the Road
What is it about men and their sneakers that would cause such a ruckus. I'm so sick of this my stuff, your stuff, stay out of my room. If you want it then you shoulda put a lock on it. (Sung to Beyonce's "Ring On It") Over and over, I tell them to put a lock on your closet door if you don't want anybody in your stuff. But then that didn't keep me out of my sister's closet. The door was so warped, all I had to do was push it in and reach in and grab what I wanted to wear that day. Was it right? No, no, no. But for me, a person who was not working but wanted to look fly everyday of my senior year, getting into my sister's closet was the best way to make that happen. And yes, we had many a knock down drag out about it all. It all comes back to haunt me! Mama said there'd be days like this. Hoo, boy!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Book Signing
You're Invited to a Book Signing @ Just Churchin, 6116C Covington Hwy., Lithonia, GA 30058 August 1, 2009 @ 11AM - 2PM. Looking for the Promise? Purchase your book online or get one while you're there.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Creativity - Chapter 9
The population at Monroe College included a mixture of rich and working class kids. The atmosphere of the campus was very independent. The students were allowed to explore their creativity without the blemishes of other campus problems like racism, ratios and government funding. Anyone with a speck of creativity was worthy of attention. Marva was revived on this campus after her breakup with Robie.She sat in classes that lit her creativity. Her poetry class was inspiring, dance was invigorating and her journalism class taught by another one of those old dudes who took a
liking to her would ensure an easy ‘A’.
Marva loved traveling back and forth to campus. The 40 mile commute on the train gave her ample time to study, write and just be alone. She didn’t mind that there was no man who was the center of her joy. She proved that she could have something all her own. She had a life now that allowed her to make her own decisions. This metamorphic time of her life was exhilarating.
In class the instructor often had the students read from their portfolios. “For critique,” he would say in his British accent. She wrote:
“Morning gently touched her. It held big surprises
And a walk toward the ultimate goal.
Everyone watched as she danced to her own lilting music.
One could hear the chimes as she tinkled along.
She was giddy to the point of being obscene.
She was weaving out of the
darkness, dawn was just ahead.
She was clear, she had purpose, and she could do it.
She would close the emotional closets
Side step the distractions
Her stone crested heart would dissolve
Get free, release him She heard a whisper.
The bitterness and pity would be gone
No more of the other woman’s scent or spirit
Its lingering failed No more, wasted nights by the telephone
No more, willing the telephone to ring
No more, wee hour calls
No more, late night visits.
She released him, now awaits the surprises
They came in various shapes and sizes;
Box 1—Happiness
Box 2—Independence
Box 3—Self Worth
Box 4—New Friendships
A huge box of success and prosperity awaited
But sadly there were no packages to give him
They had already been opened and used
For once she was selfish
All of the new packages were wrapped and labeled
To My Beloved, A Very Special Me”
As the writing group sat around critiquing Marva’s selection, she was content that she could just breathe. She had walked into an atmosphere of peace. She had cancelled the pain from a lying, cheating man. After Robie, Marva didn’t date much. School, work and friends kept her busy. Several instructors had come on to her and she wondered if she wore a sign around her neck declaring her fondness for older men. SBF SEEKS OLD DUDE TO ROCK HER WORLD. The pattern of hanging out with older people had not died. She found herself hanging out with men her senior purely for the cama50 Looking for the Promise raderie. On more than one occasion she attended a party with one of her professors. She discovered the professor’s dark secret.
At the party she found the men hanging onto the men and the women onto
the women. Marva thought maybe they were clustered because the men were
talking sports or politics, something of which she could converse when she
wanted.
One dark sister with yellowy eyes got in her face. She smiled and danced
around Marva trying to woo her into the circle of her opened arms. Marva was no
fool; she knew it was devilish lust and that it was time to ‘ease on down the road’.
The sick feeling that overcame her devastated her for weeks. If she couldn’t tell
if a man was gay and not in to her, well she would just have to swear off men for
awhile. She stayed away from the class the remainder of the quarter. She knew if
she went back to this professor’s class there would be some issues. She was not a
part of the homosexual crowd of which he apparently wanted to induct her. Now
she understood why one or more of the gays in the class were so fond of him.
She knew if she went near him or his friends she would break their code of
silence, especially if one of the gay women in that office approached her. She
needed to not worry, they were as much afraid of her as she was of them. They
were still in the closet.
Marva never had a clue that her professor was gay. Well, she could kiss that easy grade goodbye. She would have to earn it the old fashioned way. She would also drop the course he taught and repeat it during the summer semester. She was homophobic.After that experience, moving on to a more traditional school was pretty appealing. Creativity had its price but she would not be paying. She thought about what she would be giving up to transfer to the university her brother attended. Marva had made friends at Monroe, her sorority sisters were like true friends. She would miss them but knew she had to pursue her higher degree.
At Preston University she met other like-minded women with similar goals.
She began to hang out with her sorors from that campus. They would sit around
and laugh about their individual pledging days. It was something to laugh about.
Marva and her new friends Lauren, Jeanette and Litrese became the four musketeers.
Gamma Beta was like the other sororities, infamous for pledging the girls hard
in an attempt to build a bond of sisterhood. Trying to decide if she wanted to
face their brand of humiliation was a no brainer. Getting her rump roasted at
every other meeting and being subservient was not her idea of sisterhood. What
was she thinking? She had blood sisters and she didn’t have to fight with them.
Her line sisters called every night begging her to stay on line. They found out when they would be made full-fledged members of Gamma Beta. Marva was stubborn and once again told them no! She had had enough of the rough stuff. When all of her pledge sisters showed up at her door looking pitiful and explained that they wouldn’t be inducted without her, she gave in. They crossed the burning sands together and were bonded by eternal sisterhood.
Now on this campus with new friends and new goals she realized that her life
had become too fast for her. She needed a temporate place to slow down. Marva thought
about the years she had spent under her father’s roof. He had given her some lessons
about life she would not forget. One pleasant thing about being at home was that guys
tended to not take advantage of you. There seemed to be more respect when a dad was
in the picture, not to mention brothers. But now it was time to move out of her father’s house, she had a different perspective and wanted to be responsible for her own life. She would remind herself that she didn’t have to live life as someone’s ‘piece’. She was tired of giving the milk away for free.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Appreciating the Words
An interesting thing happens when you share your thoughts and words with others. Some are moved, some are nonchalant, some are expressive and appreciative. The Meet the Author event held at D'lor Salon and Spa in the Atlanta Cascade area, was just the trial for Looking for the Promise. How do you know when someone appreciates your work? The discussion was very mellow as attendees responded to excerpts from the book, Looking for the Promise. It was hard to not get caught up in the insightful exchange of comments from guests.
Words, Words, Words
Patrice reads an excerpt from the book, Looking for the Promise, and the ladies are amused. "Can I get a witness?"
D'Lor Hosts Meet the Author
The Gracious Ms. Cindy opens her doors at D'Lor Salon and Spa in Atlanta to Meet the Author event.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Being Silly with Greg and Steve
I was in a music classroom the other day "pitch hitting" (code for substituting) for a teacher. She left explicit instructions on what music to play, which kids to watch, and pretty much how to clone her methods in her absence. Well, ya'll know me. As soon as she was out the door (she came right back to see what we were doing and to thank me for coming) we got right to work. Work, its a music class! Yeah boy we had so much fun singing and playing silly games. Yes, I can be silly too! One of the songs she left was "Muffin Man" by Greg and Steve. Its days later and I can't get that song out of my head. Ugh! Pre-school parents know what I'm talking about. It was on. We went marching around that room making silly faces, strutting to the rhythm, jumping and hopping. It was so much fun. Then we got quiet by listening to BB King. That reminded me of wonderful story of meeting Mr. King and I had to share it with the class. Storytelling is a great way to get a class back under control. They were hanging on every word as I teased them about when and how I met him. I described the room, the tour bus, his body guards, my friend's beautiful silver-gray hair. I had them in the palm of my hands. We had a great afternoon and I repeated the exact same thing for each class I saw that afternoon. Guess I must have lost some much needed weight that afternoon.
About the Author
A segue from the classroom as an early childhood educator has found Patrice Baylor Leigh committed to following her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. As an education consultant and creative writer Ms. Leigh finds time to share her early childhood education experiences with the public via radio, print media and as a consultant. After beginning her work on a PhD in educational leadership, she discovered with the help of colleagues that her best career move would be to pursue “a career [that allowed for growth] and room for invention and free expression of ideas. Making a career move within a heavily bureaucratic organization would appear slim.”
Patrice Baylor Leigh’s creative works include published songs: The Master’s Plan, This I Know, Looking for the Promise. She frequently writes for magazine publications and is currently compiling a work of poetry. “Looking for the Promise” is her first novel.
Ms. Leigh holds a B.S. in Education, a Masters in Leadership and Policy and has begun work on her PhD. She resides in Atlanta with her husband of 28 years (who is also her pastor), and two adult sons.
Patrice Baylor Leigh’s creative works include published songs: The Master’s Plan, This I Know, Looking for the Promise. She frequently writes for magazine publications and is currently compiling a work of poetry. “Looking for the Promise” is her first novel.
Ms. Leigh holds a B.S. in Education, a Masters in Leadership and Policy and has begun work on her PhD. She resides in Atlanta with her husband of 28 years (who is also her pastor), and two adult sons.
Looking for the Promise
The story of Marva Stewart Shepherd is told in a series of flashbacks dating back to her teenage years. Marva, an attractive forty something year old woman has lost her charismatic edge due to a series of unfortunate incidents. She looses herself in the process of caring for others. The ill treatment she receives from the men in her life causes her to take an extended vacation at the family's summer retreat. Alone she can reflect on the status of her life and marriage.
While on the beach the story of her life plays out and what happens as a result of her past involvements is cause for laughter, tears and possible victory.
Marva's desire to escape her circumstances brings around old friends who spark memories of life in the promiscuous lane. Having come from a large family, Marva's ultimate goal is to leave her parents home to pursue her life's dreams. Her way of life is threatened when the one she thought would fulfill her longings is caught up in his own issues of infidelity and theft.
When Marva interrupts her vacation and returns to her home in the city, what she finds sends her into a rage. As a result her life takes her on a very interesting journey. Buy It Now!
While on the beach the story of her life plays out and what happens as a result of her past involvements is cause for laughter, tears and possible victory.
Marva's desire to escape her circumstances brings around old friends who spark memories of life in the promiscuous lane. Having come from a large family, Marva's ultimate goal is to leave her parents home to pursue her life's dreams. Her way of life is threatened when the one she thought would fulfill her longings is caught up in his own issues of infidelity and theft.
When Marva interrupts her vacation and returns to her home in the city, what she finds sends her into a rage. As a result her life takes her on a very interesting journey. Buy It Now!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Possibilities Become Realities
On the Brink of All That Is Possible
I’ve been troubled in the spirit for the last two days and didn’t know how to shake this feeling. It comes always while at the brink of a tremendous opportunity. Blame the enemy, which that small voice said. No, this feeling will have to be overcome with the knowledge that God is in control and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. It is acknowledging that what is about to happen will upset the status quo and all involved will be catapulted to the next level in Him. Why then can’t people see this new phase and congratulate and capitulate. Last night while slipping into slumber Joel Osteen was broadcasting a message that was good to the soul. “God is setting the table in the presence of your enemies”, he said. That’s what’s up? Yes, the table has been set and the “dinner bell” is about to ring. What an awesome pick me up. As he closed with prayer, I turned off the TV and went silently to sleep with the knowledge that my future is secure and that He will show me how to walk in the presence of enemies.
I’ve been troubled in the spirit for the last two days and didn’t know how to shake this feeling. It comes always while at the brink of a tremendous opportunity. Blame the enemy, which that small voice said. No, this feeling will have to be overcome with the knowledge that God is in control and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. It is acknowledging that what is about to happen will upset the status quo and all involved will be catapulted to the next level in Him. Why then can’t people see this new phase and congratulate and capitulate. Last night while slipping into slumber Joel Osteen was broadcasting a message that was good to the soul. “God is setting the table in the presence of your enemies”, he said. That’s what’s up? Yes, the table has been set and the “dinner bell” is about to ring. What an awesome pick me up. As he closed with prayer, I turned off the TV and went silently to sleep with the knowledge that my future is secure and that He will show me how to walk in the presence of enemies.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Dear Niece and Nephew,
In the movie Jerry McGuire the character is unable to sleep because he has had an epiphany. His conscious is shaken and he writes a memo to his co-workers expressing his thoughts on the new way the game should be played. Well, as I prayed for my household this morning I too had my ah ah moment! The lord began to speak to me concerning you and so I also prayed for you. I asked the Lord to make you the head and not the tail, to not allow the enemy to use you as the scapegoat. His tricks are very divisive, subtle, and cunning and they come in many forms. The plan is to enslave you so that your potential for greatness will be thwarted. I pray that you will be loosed in the Holy Spirit in order to see all of the things God has prepared for you. He has set before you a table and you can feast in the very presence of your enemy. This morning as I write to you I want to first encourage you to be strengthened in your faith. The triumphs are not coming, they are here. If you take your eyes off the prize all of your blessings will be blown away like the sands into the sea, drowned. Hold on to what you know is right. Don’t let others persuade you that you don’t have the tenacity, knowledge or grace to move to your next higher calling. It is in you. You are destined for greatness, you are of a royal priesthood a now generation for a now time. Take hold of your day and command great things unto yourself. As he makes your pathway bright and your steps ordered, acknowledge that this help comes from the Lord. May you find yourself wrapped in His loving arms as he unfolds your bright future. Be encouraged and exalted in Him.
Love you much,
Aunt P
In the movie Jerry McGuire the character is unable to sleep because he has had an epiphany. His conscious is shaken and he writes a memo to his co-workers expressing his thoughts on the new way the game should be played. Well, as I prayed for my household this morning I too had my ah ah moment! The lord began to speak to me concerning you and so I also prayed for you. I asked the Lord to make you the head and not the tail, to not allow the enemy to use you as the scapegoat. His tricks are very divisive, subtle, and cunning and they come in many forms. The plan is to enslave you so that your potential for greatness will be thwarted. I pray that you will be loosed in the Holy Spirit in order to see all of the things God has prepared for you. He has set before you a table and you can feast in the very presence of your enemy. This morning as I write to you I want to first encourage you to be strengthened in your faith. The triumphs are not coming, they are here. If you take your eyes off the prize all of your blessings will be blown away like the sands into the sea, drowned. Hold on to what you know is right. Don’t let others persuade you that you don’t have the tenacity, knowledge or grace to move to your next higher calling. It is in you. You are destined for greatness, you are of a royal priesthood a now generation for a now time. Take hold of your day and command great things unto yourself. As he makes your pathway bright and your steps ordered, acknowledge that this help comes from the Lord. May you find yourself wrapped in His loving arms as he unfolds your bright future. Be encouraged and exalted in Him.
Love you much,
Aunt P
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hiding the Evidence
Coming home from dinner with my husband and grandson, I couldn't help but drive cautiously. I was on the road where days before a fatal accident took the lives of five people. The accident was a hit and run. New evidence has surfaced pointing to a young woman who had recently graduated from college. She had only come forth today. My mind wandered and I was reminded of that car sign that read, baby on board. I often wondered what displaying the sign meant to the driver and what statement she might be trying to make to the other drivers on the road. My little passenger has brought it to light. Baby on board, I'm driving cautiously slow. Baby on board don't cut me off or otherwise hinder my driving, says the big invisible balloon hovering over my car.
Well I wonder if Mrs. Delisia Carter or Ms. Tracey Johnson had ever driven with those signs in the window of their vehicle. On Easter Sunday both were victimized by a driver who caused a chain reaction accident that killed five people; Mrs. Carter's entire family and Ms. Johnson's daughter were killed as a result of this accident.
As I stared at the picture of the young woman so joyous and free I couldn't help but remember that broad smile she continuously flashed as two rooms of her home were being redesigned by Vern Yip of Deserving Design. How fortunate! What a worthy young person. She was launching her broadcast ministry, working as an inspirational speaker and loving life. She had also recently married her second husband, Robert Carter and had a given birth to a son, Ethan Blake. Her daughter Kayla was featured in the Deserving Design broadcast as well.
Had those signs ever appeared in Delisia or Tracey's car windows? Baby on board, stay in your lane, stay alert. That afternoon when they were out for a drive they were impacted by another driver who was making an ice cream and cake run for the family gathering at her home. Easter Sunday will never be the same for the scores of family and friends who were directly or indirectly impacted by this tragedy.
So full of joy and life but cut off on this significant day. As I viewed the program I thought what a great person to honor with a remake of not one but two rooms. She was so happy she started crying and Vern almost started crying too. And one of the rooms which was to be used for her ministry broadcast had all of his signature styles. Perhaps in the time that she was able to use her room for ministry she was able to make a lasting impression on those whom she served. "Carter used her struggles to instruct others. She wrote and lectured on how she rose above abuse she suffered from her father and first husband, according to her Web site." http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/04/13/camp_creek_crash.htm
It's for sure now, there won't ever again be any abuse.
Well I wonder if Mrs. Delisia Carter or Ms. Tracey Johnson had ever driven with those signs in the window of their vehicle. On Easter Sunday both were victimized by a driver who caused a chain reaction accident that killed five people; Mrs. Carter's entire family and Ms. Johnson's daughter were killed as a result of this accident.
As I stared at the picture of the young woman so joyous and free I couldn't help but remember that broad smile she continuously flashed as two rooms of her home were being redesigned by Vern Yip of Deserving Design. How fortunate! What a worthy young person. She was launching her broadcast ministry, working as an inspirational speaker and loving life. She had also recently married her second husband, Robert Carter and had a given birth to a son, Ethan Blake. Her daughter Kayla was featured in the Deserving Design broadcast as well.
Had those signs ever appeared in Delisia or Tracey's car windows? Baby on board, stay in your lane, stay alert. That afternoon when they were out for a drive they were impacted by another driver who was making an ice cream and cake run for the family gathering at her home. Easter Sunday will never be the same for the scores of family and friends who were directly or indirectly impacted by this tragedy.
So full of joy and life but cut off on this significant day. As I viewed the program I thought what a great person to honor with a remake of not one but two rooms. She was so happy she started crying and Vern almost started crying too. And one of the rooms which was to be used for her ministry broadcast had all of his signature styles. Perhaps in the time that she was able to use her room for ministry she was able to make a lasting impression on those whom she served. "Carter used her struggles to instruct others. She wrote and lectured on how she rose above abuse she suffered from her father and first husband, according to her Web site." http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/04/13/camp_creek_crash.htm
It's for sure now, there won't ever again be any abuse.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Obama Dream
What an incredible vision, my parent's home was being flooded and we had to get out really quick. Mom was older than she was at this home, and dad was deceased. We gathered her up and started moving. Mr. and Mrs. Obama came to our rescue giving us shelter. Michelle was very gracious inviting us to sit and make ourselves comfortable. She was preparing dinner, during which I had a chance to talk to her. She listened attentively telling me I must be one of the ones who sees about others. How she knew this I didn't know. When she left the room I started setting the table with her fine china. She liked it. Later while washing the dishes we talked some more. I don't know where my siblings were but they were around somewhere. In another scene I'm tutoring Maliah and Sasha. We're doing an object lesson on measurement so I take them to a fabric store. Low and behold, their dad is there. Look, I tell them. There's your dad. He was wearing a green, ribbed sweater as he stood at the measuring table about to purchase something. The girls smiled at him as we went back to their room to finish our study. This is really interesting because I've never dreamt about the Obamas.
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