Family,
In the last seven calendar days since we broke bread, I began feeling anxious about blogging and a bunch of other stuff. My last blog was well received by the blogging posse with which I roll. I worried that whatever I wrote this week would not measure up to my measurable evolution from last week. I still don't know, but I can as a book title I saw and maybe read said...."Feel the fear and do it anyway..."
I actually hate confrontation...of any kind. When we hear the word, we often envision some dreaded friend, family member, enemy or colleague we have to set straight (assuming we are on solidly on the side of right).
I am however beginning to realize that 98% of life is confrontation. Everything is pretty scary until you actually do it again and again and again and again....Confrontation comes in the form of new jobs, new schools, new relationships and a multitude of other things that there isn't a enough space here to begin to address.
Confrontation is still however people, places and things I dread that simply cannot be avoided....forever. My status on facebook read about a week ago, "Why is the inevitable so inevitable?" On the day that I wrote that, I was confronting the MA in Education situation by researching a Universtiy's program. By the way it was a University that I was avoiding and thought that I could circumvent attending. The MA in education was also another "avoided" target.
I have spent the last 20 years of my almost 41 years on the planet realizing that what you avoid most is what you are INEVITABLY forced to face. I have read this in books and been subjected to similar quotes, but gosh there is nothing like hitting your head on a brick wall to be certain that the wall is in fact ...hard.
I honestly found the truism myself by ending up in what I call the concentric cycles of life. I have found myself going round and round through the linear progression that is everyday life only to discover the same couple of lessons at the center everytime. I believe I get hung like my favorite scratched CD because the various tracks sound different, but they are in fact all on the same disc. It could also be my unwillingness to see it for what it is when it shows up. Phoebe Snow sang it best "Can the thirsty stay sane?"....uh no
I realized today that if fear, lack, impatience and greed guide my decisions I end up in that concentric cycle. Though unintentional, too many of my decisions are made steeped in those very principles I go to the church house trying to avoid.
Faith is an awesome concept and if I could calm down from the panic of fear; the fear of lack and the greed that sticks to impatience like "white on rice", I would be alright. I just honestly stay a bit panicked. Time is the variable that complicates things for me.....the "live your dream ....the money will come thing" starts to swirl as I watch a crease or two form around the edges of my smile.
Last year, I embraced 40 with very open arms. My mother only lived to be 39, I felt on that birthday and today still feel it an honor to begin facing years she never saw. My 41st birthday is in 16 days and gosh it got here fast !!!! Time just feels like its kicking my ass. I often feel like I am running in place when it comes to trying to accomplish my goals, but I am thinking that its possible I don't know what "it" ("accomplishing my goals") really looks like. (This is that unrecognizable Pinnacle Leslie Williams Boissiere wrote about in her blog "Modern Age Mom" at http://modernagemom.blogspot.com last week.)
I am also committed to certain outcomes even though I know better. As far as outcomes go, I think my job is simply to have the Faith and then keep the Faith.
It all however takes work ...lots of work no matter what the outcomes are. "Getting up the nerve", you know "confronting it" is the hugest part of it. It is critical to step out give it all you have (on that day) and keep it pushing.
I realized that I don't always "get up the nerve" or "muster the courage". Honestly I believe the nerve actually gets me up. What I am all to well acquainted with is the consequence of not "getting up the nerve". Better than suffer those darn consequences that can't be controlled; I would rather just do my level best to face it on my own terms even it means closing my eyes, holding my nose, holding my breath and jumping in the deep end (maybe 6 ft not quite 12 ft).
Tomorrow is a day where I have some dreaded phone calls to make and courageous conversations to have. Confrontation I believe must always be negotiated. So I press with faith, patience and love as my guides along with some hubris and chutzpah tossed in for good measure.
I just know that I am growing and my growth as a mother, filmmaker and educator and that one good nerve are what lead me out of these damn concentric cycles of life.
BTW
There were only 4 baby bird eggs...one hatched and despite some screeching and squawking, she went on to see Jesus on Saturday...
and btw again...
I don't want to mix topics that don't make anything when they come together like say mixing green and brown which make boo boo ....anyway .....I just wanted to add that Q Tip is my new fantasy boyfriend and I recommend HIGHLY getting my boyfriend's CD, The Renaissance ...its FLAWLESS
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
There is a Blog God ....Passion v Profession
Family,
I was trying to post that player in a sidebar not in the body of the blog. "Gigya" said it would be a sidebar, but it wasn't.
I have had lots to share, but not enough focus to sit and share. Time is always a problem, but I am going to change the way i look at it. If I ever do meet mother or father time, we are going to have a talk about why they are soooooooooo unforgiving.
I will say this...
Yesterday when I dropped my son off late for school, the crossing guard who was getting in her car to leave was still around. I talk about her on Facebook because I believe God's Abiding Love rest with her. It is therefore critical for me to see her every day and get the hug and the "I Love You Darlin' " that my beloved mother and grandmothers are no longer here to provide.
Shortly after connecting with her I saw a former student from teaching Adult School at Crenshaw High School. I asked him what he was up to these days. Despite my urgings for him to get it together, he did not demonstrate promise. He is now studying some entry form of Nursing in the Vocational Curriculum of another Adult School. I admonished him to get to college and try 4 year college nursing school. I think greatness is in all of my students and I push, poke and prod them hoping they will rise to the occasion or at least give it some thought...
He knew my name, but I could not remember his. I hate that about teaching and aging. I feel like a Rockstar in the moment because I see students everywhere (grocery store, traffic and Target) and they yell at me and chat me down and I cannot always remember their names. They know mine which is what makes me feel like a rockstar, but after not interacting for a year and despite the love in my heart for these young people I just can't remember all of their names.
The rockstar thing is great because I deal with some profound self worth issues and between running into students and breaking bread with "Mama Crossing Guard" I am lifted just enough to make it to work where I begin dealing with another round of self worth concerns. I believe I hold onto these self worth issues because I am a Swan who has to have a song whether it is blues, jazz or uptempo R&B.
I am a full time teacher who loves instructing mathematics, but have no love for classroom management which sadly is more critical than instruction. That said everyday that I go to work I'd simply rather do something else. I'd rather sell T-Shirts at the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson (or Crenshaw and 57th), because up to and since November 4th it has been big business. I believe I am suffering some post election world don't-have-to-campaign-no-more blues. I am now forced to deal with my own realities, lesson plans and grading papers.
I recently read Shavar Ross' blog about being a Jack of all trades and master of none. It hit so close to home that I still have a black eye. I actually saw this fate coming while I was in college, but felt powerless to stop it. I am blessed for the folks around me who love me, listen, console and admonish me out of LOVE and support for my crafts, but also out of the belief that I will "get it together". (Shout out to Leslie Boissiere)
I am just not sure that I can get it together. Does anybody else have this problem? I have the determination, but the will falls short. I gmail chatted with Shavar about this blog because we both aspire to write, produce and direct films. He however after a life in front of the camera as a wonderful actor Shavar has decided to go back and get his BS or BA.
I have a BS, but would like an MFA or an MA. I am as Leslie knows torn between the life that it takes to raise a son alone, the time, the money and the resources to go to Graduate school. I had taken it off the table, but rolling admissions and the desire to remain gainfully employed at the current establishment have put it back on the table. It has returned because the MA that is tied to Profession impacts the very near future (next school year).
The MFA which is tied to Passion requires one that I get accepted to a desired school. Acceptance requires a competitive GRE score, a competitive undergraduate GPA and a compelling story. I have the compelling story and one out of three did not work with a school I won't name here. I however press. I believe a real GRE prep course and work on the compelling story could would put me on the right track. I am headed for that track.
The tug of war between Passion and Profession rages on. I am sure many deal with it daily. I just find it often renders me fearful and immobile. As I have said I would daily rather be doing something else. Something besides catching up lesson plans and feeling bad for not connecting with the process of inputting grades. I would rather be doing something else than driving over here to work after I drop off my son.
I would rather be writing, reading (books and other blogs), coordinating the event of life, booking guests for my radio show, blogging or updating my status on Facebook, Twitter or Myspace and learning songs on the piano to help my son learn them. I learn them and then challenge him to piano duels to keep him encouraged (I love it because it works).
Responsibility however demands that Profession be my priority so that life goes on. Passion however invigorates my spirit. An invigorated spirit has to be lighter than the burensome spirit I feel like I am doomed to carry until I figure this all out and "get it together".
As a 40 year old "Jane of All Trades" what will I do about this....they say that if there is enough FORCE, there will eventually be movement so I am pushing, praying and doing whatever it takes to keep whatever this is moving. I am also summoning the strong but quiet internal forces of strength, courage, patience and wisdom to be my guides for the external forces that will bring about movement toward the passion of what I believe is my calling....
Profession has Passion on the ropes for now, but stay tuned for Passion's next move...
I was trying to post that player in a sidebar not in the body of the blog. "Gigya" said it would be a sidebar, but it wasn't.
I have had lots to share, but not enough focus to sit and share. Time is always a problem, but I am going to change the way i look at it. If I ever do meet mother or father time, we are going to have a talk about why they are soooooooooo unforgiving.
I will say this...
Yesterday when I dropped my son off late for school, the crossing guard who was getting in her car to leave was still around. I talk about her on Facebook because I believe God's Abiding Love rest with her. It is therefore critical for me to see her every day and get the hug and the "I Love You Darlin' " that my beloved mother and grandmothers are no longer here to provide.
Shortly after connecting with her I saw a former student from teaching Adult School at Crenshaw High School. I asked him what he was up to these days. Despite my urgings for him to get it together, he did not demonstrate promise. He is now studying some entry form of Nursing in the Vocational Curriculum of another Adult School. I admonished him to get to college and try 4 year college nursing school. I think greatness is in all of my students and I push, poke and prod them hoping they will rise to the occasion or at least give it some thought...
He knew my name, but I could not remember his. I hate that about teaching and aging. I feel like a Rockstar in the moment because I see students everywhere (grocery store, traffic and Target) and they yell at me and chat me down and I cannot always remember their names. They know mine which is what makes me feel like a rockstar, but after not interacting for a year and despite the love in my heart for these young people I just can't remember all of their names.
The rockstar thing is great because I deal with some profound self worth issues and between running into students and breaking bread with "Mama Crossing Guard" I am lifted just enough to make it to work where I begin dealing with another round of self worth concerns. I believe I hold onto these self worth issues because I am a Swan who has to have a song whether it is blues, jazz or uptempo R&B.
I am a full time teacher who loves instructing mathematics, but have no love for classroom management which sadly is more critical than instruction. That said everyday that I go to work I'd simply rather do something else. I'd rather sell T-Shirts at the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson (or Crenshaw and 57th), because up to and since November 4th it has been big business. I believe I am suffering some post election world don't-have-to-campaign-no-more blues. I am now forced to deal with my own realities, lesson plans and grading papers.
I recently read Shavar Ross' blog about being a Jack of all trades and master of none. It hit so close to home that I still have a black eye. I actually saw this fate coming while I was in college, but felt powerless to stop it. I am blessed for the folks around me who love me, listen, console and admonish me out of LOVE and support for my crafts, but also out of the belief that I will "get it together". (Shout out to Leslie Boissiere)
I am just not sure that I can get it together. Does anybody else have this problem? I have the determination, but the will falls short. I gmail chatted with Shavar about this blog because we both aspire to write, produce and direct films. He however after a life in front of the camera as a wonderful actor Shavar has decided to go back and get his BS or BA.
I have a BS, but would like an MFA or an MA. I am as Leslie knows torn between the life that it takes to raise a son alone, the time, the money and the resources to go to Graduate school. I had taken it off the table, but rolling admissions and the desire to remain gainfully employed at the current establishment have put it back on the table. It has returned because the MA that is tied to Profession impacts the very near future (next school year).
The MFA which is tied to Passion requires one that I get accepted to a desired school. Acceptance requires a competitive GRE score, a competitive undergraduate GPA and a compelling story. I have the compelling story and one out of three did not work with a school I won't name here. I however press. I believe a real GRE prep course and work on the compelling story could would put me on the right track. I am headed for that track.
The tug of war between Passion and Profession rages on. I am sure many deal with it daily. I just find it often renders me fearful and immobile. As I have said I would daily rather be doing something else. Something besides catching up lesson plans and feeling bad for not connecting with the process of inputting grades. I would rather be doing something else than driving over here to work after I drop off my son.
I would rather be writing, reading (books and other blogs), coordinating the event of life, booking guests for my radio show, blogging or updating my status on Facebook, Twitter or Myspace and learning songs on the piano to help my son learn them. I learn them and then challenge him to piano duels to keep him encouraged (I love it because it works).
Responsibility however demands that Profession be my priority so that life goes on. Passion however invigorates my spirit. An invigorated spirit has to be lighter than the burensome spirit I feel like I am doomed to carry until I figure this all out and "get it together".
As a 40 year old "Jane of All Trades" what will I do about this....they say that if there is enough FORCE, there will eventually be movement so I am pushing, praying and doing whatever it takes to keep whatever this is moving. I am also summoning the strong but quiet internal forces of strength, courage, patience and wisdom to be my guides for the external forces that will bring about movement toward the passion of what I believe is my calling....
Profession has Passion on the ropes for now, but stay tuned for Passion's next move...
BTW
The eggs have not hatched so we don't yet have baby birds. I am tired of taking care of the birds and the turtle. My son got a pass because he was sick during the break, but he's on punishment with no TV (I am really trying to wean him off so much of it) so he will be stepping up the care of his pets.Check out my trades...
www.cafepress.com/
www.cafepress.com/
www.cafepress.com/
www.cafepress.com/
and radio
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
Please Disregard...Bad Blog Day
I wrote the blog....edited the blog and saved the blog ....only to find that I was logged out of Gmail and my changes were not saved....I logged in and re-wrote the blog and took out the humiliating stuff at the bottom and saved several times edited and corrected and reread and published and somehow the draft from 11:20a which is awful is saved instead of the 1:37pm draft ( a re write to one lost an hour earlier at 12:37 which was a correction of the 11:02am blog that won't go away)...please disregard ...I have blown my lunch doing this and now I am starving and have to teach
danna
danna
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Notes from a Baby Mama ...We Got Birds.......and they are having more birds....
Time keeps on slipping into the future...
I blog or leave Notes because I feel compelled to share the journey of everyday life with anyone who will listen, I am also intrigued by life as lived and find more humor than sorrow in any of it
10/28/08 The Blog I started but didn't complete......
Ali was taken to the Slauson Mall (bka Slauson Swapmeet) on Sunday (10/26) by his Dad. Upon my return to pick him up I was greeted by Ali, Dizzy and Jimmy. Dizzy is the girl, African Finch and Jimmy is the boy African Finch.
They are small white birds that aren't nearly as exciting to look at as the blue, green and yellow parakeets that have all gone to heaven, but they are AFRICAN Finches and I have decided that because they are AFRICAN Finches, they are automatically more intriguing to me. To that end they are more driven and ambitious than the last lot. This is evidenced by the fact that there was a box of white grassy stuff inside the cage and a small empty nest. Within a week they were pulling the stuffing from the box and placing it in their nest. These two were in fact nesting in their nest.
The first set of parakeets were provided a nest they wouldn't have to fill with a thing. All they had to do was get in it and peck through the filling stuff that was already inside. They never did. They would cuddle together in the food compartment "thingy" and "nest there. They spoke no english so I couldn't tell them. I tried with hand motions, but to no avail. The girl froze to death and the boy eventually bit the dust.
I gave the details on the demise of the 3rd solo parakeet. It is still too painful to relive by telling the story again (see 9/30/08 Blog Post). Suffice it to say we are rolling forward with the AFRICAN Finches whom Ali's father warned would lay eggs and today we discovered they did ....5 eggs to be exact. For now I am not building out the garage or the back house to accommodate the clan. I have other fires to hose down, our new arrivals will have to take a number ....I am however proud to say...
We have Birds....
Ali told me recently, "My birthday is April 25th and I am inviting friends and those who RESPECT me!"..I of course was floored
Coming up....
I am certain that God's Love abides with the Crossing Guard at Ali's school who every morning says to me "I Love You Darling".
I blog or leave Notes because I feel compelled to share the journey of everyday life with anyone who will listen, I am also intrigued by life as lived and find more humor than sorrow in any of it
10/28/08 The Blog I started but didn't complete......
Ali was taken to the Slauson Mall (bka Slauson Swapmeet) on Sunday (10/26) by his Dad. Upon my return to pick him up I was greeted by Ali, Dizzy and Jimmy. Dizzy is the girl, African Finch and Jimmy is the boy African Finch.
They are small white birds that aren't nearly as exciting to look at as the blue, green and yellow parakeets that have all gone to heaven, but they are AFRICAN Finches and I have decided that because they are AFRICAN Finches, they are automatically more intriguing to me. To that end they are more driven and ambitious than the last lot. This is evidenced by the fact that there was a box of white grassy stuff inside the cage and a small empty nest. Within a week they were pulling the stuffing from the box and placing it in their nest. These two were in fact nesting in their nest.
The first set of parakeets were provided a nest they wouldn't have to fill with a thing. All they had to do was get in it and peck through the filling stuff that was already inside. They never did. They would cuddle together in the food compartment "thingy" and "nest there. They spoke no english so I couldn't tell them. I tried with hand motions, but to no avail. The girl froze to death and the boy eventually bit the dust.
I gave the details on the demise of the 3rd solo parakeet. It is still too painful to relive by telling the story again (see 9/30/08 Blog Post). Suffice it to say we are rolling forward with the AFRICAN Finches whom Ali's father warned would lay eggs and today we discovered they did ....5 eggs to be exact. For now I am not building out the garage or the back house to accommodate the clan. I have other fires to hose down, our new arrivals will have to take a number ....I am however proud to say...
We have Birds....
Ali told me recently, "My birthday is April 25th and I am inviting friends and those who RESPECT me!"..I of course was floored
Coming up....
I am certain that God's Love abides with the Crossing Guard at Ali's school who every morning says to me "I Love You Darling".
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
We Did It !!!!....We Really Did It !!! (Got the Pics this Time)
This is us at Obama Rally in Vegas where as my son puts it "I saw the real Obama"
Like 8 days its taken me to get here and I should be writing lesson plans right now....but I want to take a quick minute just to say the tears about what we did together haven't stopped...
This morning I watched the new Will I Am "New Day" and then it just rolled into "Yes We Can" and the tears came streaming and....well I have no words
despite running my bank account into the ground in two weeks by going to Vegas and Canvassing for Obama, then running to homecoming in Tuskegee (I am c/o '93) and seeing all the beloved People I went to school with and realized I have so much love for even if it is just sitting the "new chicken coop at 1am" and eating 3 wing specials with drunk friends hollering at and hugging more skegee folk coming through the door while trying to find some semblance of a party.. (Love you Steve Cephus and "Bran") it was really all so good!!!! ...it is the spirit of love and unity that Life has to be about.....
Together We Are Stronger (shameless plug please shop at my www.cafepress.com/ObamaRoad ....
The picture is my Dad (Tuskegee Institute c/o '65 with my son and my girlfriend's son (who is mixed))...Everything I did in the campaign was for Ali (my son) and Baine (my girl's son) who hopefully are future TU grads (despite the fact that my girl went to Savannah College of Art and Design) (up and over to the left was one of my Fave's in school Angela Bell , left and her younger sister Nancy, right)
For real...it has just been an amazing 8 days filled with LOVE and LAUGHTER and not enough drinks....and for me I haven't danced like I wanted so meet me at Zanzibar this Friday here in LA...
(below is me and line sisters Deitrea and Tammala)
All I know is that I Love my son and I Love Obama and his family and that he has been elected ...the new First Family is Black ...what do you think about that?....there is this Dark and Lovely print ad that reads...."My Black is Triumphant" ....it sure is !!!!
(this is Breuna and I (Baine is her son....note cafe press bag in myhand :-)
I hope people will now buy my stuff from Cafe Press
www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady2
www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady
www.cafepress.com/InaugurateObama
www.cafepress.com/ObamaRoad
What Next !!!!!! ..... I am ready to start campaigning for 2012 and please listen to my radio show
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
I am just really out of words on Obama.......I believe my actions and deeds over the last 16 or 17 months have actually spoken the loudest.....and yes I will at some point change my outgoing messages and outgoing greetings which all say "Vote Obama" to something as soon as I figure out what.
all love
danna "that one" kiel
Monday, November 3, 2008
We've Come This Far By Faith....Most Meorable Moments of the Campaign
When responding to the ladies of the Kitchen Table about the most memorable moments of the campaign ...my testimony went like this...
Dr. Harris Lacewell explained "she called it" when making a prediction on CNN in the 15 minutes of pre commentary preceding the Speech in Philly on Race...
"I called it" too and there are too many moments to name but when I learned that he won the Iowa Caucus I was returning to Los Angeles from Christmas Holiday in Birmingham, AL and I called my twin sister and simply said in a message (in my "Best Man" movie imitation of the pimp who comments "that fool 'bout to fall" as Taye Diggs character was being held over the balcony by Morris Chestnut's character) ....."This Fool 'Bout to Be President!"
(I couldn't believe I still had friends at this time about who to support in the primary)
My first time watching the Yes We Can Music/Speech Video ...a campaign that raised that level of artistry was Beautiful too me...I am musician who only played clarinet for 2 years (in middle school :-) but my parents exposing me to the joy of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder (and all things 70's soul) when I was YOUNG did something to me...music has for me filled gaping holes left by sorrow (the death of my mother when I was 11) and reading the excerpt of the speech used in the song brought me to tears and floored me all at once. I hold back the tears as I type because there have been so many moments personal and through the media that makes what I believe will be triumph tomorrow almost pyrrhic....I believe the joy of destination will be beyond measure, but this campaign... what a journey ...
We Have Come This Far By Faith...
Danna
Dr. Harris Lacewell explained "she called it" when making a prediction on CNN in the 15 minutes of pre commentary preceding the Speech in Philly on Race...
"I called it" too and there are too many moments to name but when I learned that he won the Iowa Caucus I was returning to Los Angeles from Christmas Holiday in Birmingham, AL and I called my twin sister and simply said in a message (in my "Best Man" movie imitation of the pimp who comments "that fool 'bout to fall" as Taye Diggs character was being held over the balcony by Morris Chestnut's character) ....."This Fool 'Bout to Be President!"
(I couldn't believe I still had friends at this time about who to support in the primary)
My first time watching the Yes We Can Music/Speech Video ...a campaign that raised that level of artistry was Beautiful too me...I am musician who only played clarinet for 2 years (in middle school :-) but my parents exposing me to the joy of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder (and all things 70's soul) when I was YOUNG did something to me...music has for me filled gaping holes left by sorrow (the death of my mother when I was 11) and reading the excerpt of the speech used in the song brought me to tears and floored me all at once. I hold back the tears as I type because there have been so many moments personal and through the media that makes what I believe will be triumph tomorrow almost pyrrhic....I believe the joy of destination will be beyond measure, but this campaign... what a journey ...
We Have Come This Far By Faith...
Danna
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Newest Blog...
The current blog .....
is under the old one because I started it first but published it last....please scroll down to read it ...when you see the Purple Gye Nyame .....you've arrived
coming soon the my blogspot....
"I Know What This Is !"
I just drove my 87 Volvo through the High School Homecoming Parade at Crenshaw and Slauson for the Sophmore Class ..."Class of 2011 Rocks the Vote" was our theme...details and more coming soon
all love
danna
is under the old one because I started it first but published it last....please scroll down to read it ...when you see the Purple Gye Nyame .....you've arrived
coming soon the my blogspot....
"I Know What This Is !"
I just drove my 87 Volvo through the High School Homecoming Parade at Crenshaw and Slauson for the Sophmore Class ..."Class of 2011 Rocks the Vote" was our theme...details and more coming soon
all love
danna
Thursday, October 9, 2008
My response to an awesome blog !!!!!
My Blog will make sense as long as you read the following...
A blog by Dr. Yolanda Pierce from www.princetonprofs.blogspot.com called the Kitchen Table that I highly suggest you subscribe to... She and her partner typically address their blogs to one another so here is an excerpt ...Dr. Pierce writes ...
Melissa,
I had a wonderful, but brief conversation with a colleague this morning. As a political progressive, he was joyous in his opinion that we are looking at an Obama/Biden win in November. He was very thoughtful in his analysis of both the benefits and the limitations of a Democratic presidency after 8 years of Bush. As we were parting, he added that the greatest benefit that will come from an Obama win is that it will strike the deathblow against racism in this country.
I paused in my tracks. I said to him that an Obama presidency will surely strike ONE blow against racism, but we've got to keep the hits coming. Racism's deathblow is a long way off. We cannot afford to let down our guard against racism, overt or covert, in the likely event of an Obama presidency.
...Melissa
I thought I would share my comment on their blog with you guys.....(edited for imnprovement)
These ladies are my sheroes and I believe they have to a good degree received the contemporary torch as passed by bell hooks (my first shero)
As I read their blogs, I am always saying ..."that's what I said" (not always as articulately :-) or "that's what I was thinking".
Here goes ...
I have explained to a girlfriend that despite the deep trenches to which I support and volunteer with the Obama campaign, I am clear what this means for some African Americans, most African Americans and all African Americans or any minority or cultural group that suffers with any of the "isms" listed in this eloquent blog. There is a difference in what it means for each subgroup particularized by class, education and the varying shade of minority you are.
An Obama presidency does not end the white supremacist filter through which many Americans view minorities or the unfortunate lens of self hate steeped in white supremacy through which some African Americans actually see themselves.
I explained to the same friend that while Obama's background was meager his foreground (undergraduate, graduate and professional present) has been anything but humble and we must understand that his opportunities and his choices have made for what we hope on November 4th will be an unbeatable combination. It is this unbeatable combination that Americans en masse appear to be responding to. The first half of the story without the second would draw the same "looking down the nose" response it regularly garners without the second half.
We must all work to level the number of opportunities on the playing field for EVERYONE who is in anyway (nuanced or overwhelmingly) disenfranchised by the current systems and institutions that leverage their persistent racist survival of our backs.
Death to racism can be certain as long as wisdom, patience, passion, intelligence and love are our guides.
all love
danna "that one" kiel
A blog by Dr. Yolanda Pierce from www.princetonprofs.blogspot.com called the Kitchen Table that I highly suggest you subscribe to... She and her partner typically address their blogs to one another so here is an excerpt ...Dr. Pierce writes ...
Melissa,
I had a wonderful, but brief conversation with a colleague this morning. As a political progressive, he was joyous in his opinion that we are looking at an Obama/Biden win in November. He was very thoughtful in his analysis of both the benefits and the limitations of a Democratic presidency after 8 years of Bush. As we were parting, he added that the greatest benefit that will come from an Obama win is that it will strike the deathblow against racism in this country.
I paused in my tracks. I said to him that an Obama presidency will surely strike ONE blow against racism, but we've got to keep the hits coming. Racism's deathblow is a long way off. We cannot afford to let down our guard against racism, overt or covert, in the likely event of an Obama presidency.
...Melissa
I thought I would share my comment on their blog with you guys.....(edited for imnprovement)
These ladies are my sheroes and I believe they have to a good degree received the contemporary torch as passed by bell hooks (my first shero)
As I read their blogs, I am always saying ..."that's what I said" (not always as articulately :-) or "that's what I was thinking".
Here goes ...
I have explained to a girlfriend that despite the deep trenches to which I support and volunteer with the Obama campaign, I am clear what this means for some African Americans, most African Americans and all African Americans or any minority or cultural group that suffers with any of the "isms" listed in this eloquent blog. There is a difference in what it means for each subgroup particularized by class, education and the varying shade of minority you are.
An Obama presidency does not end the white supremacist filter through which many Americans view minorities or the unfortunate lens of self hate steeped in white supremacy through which some African Americans actually see themselves.
I explained to the same friend that while Obama's background was meager his foreground (undergraduate, graduate and professional present) has been anything but humble and we must understand that his opportunities and his choices have made for what we hope on November 4th will be an unbeatable combination. It is this unbeatable combination that Americans en masse appear to be responding to. The first half of the story without the second would draw the same "looking down the nose" response it regularly garners without the second half.
We must all work to level the number of opportunities on the playing field for EVERYONE who is in anyway (nuanced or overwhelmingly) disenfranchised by the current systems and institutions that leverage their persistent racist survival of our backs.
Death to racism can be certain as long as wisdom, patience, passion, intelligence and love are our guides.
all love
danna "that one" kiel
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Going to the Bank...I love it
I OWE.....Before I launch into why I love going to the bank I owe you the following images ...my too pink Michelle Obama shirt, my purple gye nyame which made me feel like a "crayola god"...I couldn't get that pink shirt in a picture...
There is also a conspiracy a "foot" that I wanted to share. It is a conspiracy that only mothers (or whomever buys shoes for the kids and pays attention) I think will understand. I mentioned in my last blog that I bought Ali new shoes from Target for which I was very proud. I always want my child to look like his mother has good sense.
Anyway I find that every time I buy shoes that fit perfectly he grows out of them ASAP like within a month. I find however if I buy shoes half size to big (THE ONLY OTHER OPTION), he never grows into them before they get worn down and it is time for a new pair. Let me know if that happens to you.
The Lincoln Stuff....this is more stuff I owe....FYI...Lincoln did not free very many slaves...
Okay so when the Emancipation Proclamation was handed down to the Union....slavery was already over...it had been abolished....the slaves he would've been freeing were already free...Viriginia and Delaware the 2 northmost southern states were not mandated to comply as Lincoln did not want those 2 states to secede, as well...the Southern States had already seceded ...for a moment in time ...Lincoln was not their president, the Emancipation Proclamation was a federal mandate that did not apply to them as they were all state run and not part of the Union...they had their own crazy laws addressing slavery
The Real Reason I started this blog, and posted a week later ...
Finally....why I love going to the bank....it has nothing to do with the money or that fact that my bank has not bought anybody or been bought...it is the conversations I have with the tellers one of whom is a student I taught, another who aspires to be an actress and is actually going to school (in LA what a concept) and just overall nice folks. Last Wednesday when I walked in I saw tellers whom I'd never seen before. One in particular was a Latino gentleman. He become my teller and waved me over. I was depositing the latest pittance document that the state weekly confuses with something called child support. They even type those words on the check to make me think that's what it is....
I slid my check and deposit slip through the glass and with slight pause but little hesitation my 1st time teller says "this is all you get". Now I am certain all tellers are forced to read what is on checks because they have to key the figures into the computer, but I am sure somewhere in the code of conduct manual it explains that they cannot converse with customers about their economic plight.
I was so tickled and thought "the pretense was over". We quickly launched into the madness that I endured on my court date back in July when the court officer explained to me that Ali's father had worked out a $20 per month payment agreement on the past due child support he owes me and the state. The candidates have been talking hatchets and scalpels and this fool is trying to catch a waterfall with children's motrin medicine cup. Our conversation ended with him telling me, "you are a strong woman and you don't need this anyway." (I get the compliment...but we will always take the money...whatever it is ....it spends)
What a lift!!!!!
Marketing and Promotions
Y'all Know I gotta pay bills and for these airline tickets for me and Ali's trips to Tuskegee's Homecoming and to the Inauguration in January
www.cafepress.com/InaugurateObama
www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady
www.cafepress.com?NextFirstLady2
www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing2
www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing
Anybody who reads this blog....please check out my radio show Change Is Now....live or archive or search"djdannak" at iTunes
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
10/18 Financial Manager and Guru George Thompson
10/25 Alabama Senator Bobby Singleton
11/1 Drs Yolanda Pierce and Melissa Harris Lacewell (check out their Kitchen Table Blog at www.princetonprofs.blogspot.com)
all love
Danna "that one" Kiel
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Trying to get back to you....
(This was drafted last week 10/2)
Back with you .....catching up I sat our deceased bird outside trying to hold on for a burial. Her soul is already in heaven and I finally disposed of her earthly remains last Thursday (10/2). My son doesn't know, I will talk to him about heaven for animals in greater detail today....no I am not exactly sure what I will say. We don't have the African Finches yet, but we are trying. My son's father is trying to research a specific pet store. I am trying to give him reasonable nudges and he seems genuinely on the case.
Most days (actually everyday), I am unaffected by Ali's Father's presence on Earth since Ali's birth. I was shocked that he text me the other night to share that he was watching the Obama Channel on Dish Network(73) and did I know if it would continue running through the campaign. Civil conversation seemed reasonable given the nastiness that followed a July 2nd court date where I would not sign in support of the re-instatement of driver's license that was suspended because of the back child support he owes Ali.
Goin' off with hand on hip... I would not sign because it was predicated on an "awaiting" job for which I saw no material proof existed . Further it was a job for which wages would and could not be tracked therefore disabling the state's ability to garnish, which is how we collect the current pittance that does not resemble "child support". Those are however the words typewritten on the check. It was also based on his agreement to pay the courts $20 per month toward the balance of what he owes Ali and Ali's half brother who is 5 ( that I just learned about the day before July 2nd court date) in back child support. By the way...Ali is 6 years old.
Moving On... it's still been a blessed week...it was payday Tuesday. I am proud to have bought Ali new sneaks last night. Yesterday my order of my own creations arrived from my Cafe Press store, www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady. Its too pink, it didn't look that pink on the computer screen. When creating anything, it is hard to reckon what you want and hope it will look like with what it inevitably turns out to be when UPS drops it off. I also stayed up late last night figuring out and then teaching myself to make colors from the RGB color wheel. After making the perfect shade of purple and 3 different shades of Maroon, I felt like a Crayola god. It was a charge !!!!! I now need yellow ....
Marketing and Promotions.... My other stores:
www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady ;www.cafepress.com/NextFirstLady2 ;
www.cafepress.com/InaugurateObama ;
www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing ;
www.cafepress.com/ObamaRoad (under construction but worth a walk through) ;
www.cafepress.com/kaliahklothing2 (under construction, but worth a walk through)
Obama Road... I participated in a volunteer phone-bank for which I brought two Obama supporters over to the "yes" column for volunteering. We have at the high school where I work an activity called SSR (sustained silent reading) ,that used to be call DEAR, "drop everything and read". Last year I never read. This year I completed "Trying to Sleep in the Bed You Made" and I am on to a self published effort by a friend entitled "Through The Storm". I am a Math Maven by trade and a reader by great desire followed by great effort. This is huge for me.
At Work.... I spent my professional day frazzled by ordering text that I was hoping would arrive soon....my students are making it along without it but we are in fact under murky water and would like to come up for air....
I also had an amazing conversation with my boss today that made me feel like a member of the team...I am bench player of sorts this year trying to figure out my full contribution ...today was a step
In General...
I am striving to be the best mother I can to Ali so he and I can soar together
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Don't call it a comeback...it is actually
Everyday I have these thoughts I want to share. Everyday I don't. I want to share that I am thrilled to be alive in a time such as the one we are in. Despite what the economy and the daily news tells us we have to look to powers of imagination and creativity that are greater than our world's circumstance might have us believe.
I am trying to get Obama elected and my heart aches daily for the women and children of the Darfur region whose plight doesn't crack the headlines or the feeds right now. My 20th year high school class reunion that was to take place 3 years ago (2005) in New Orleans was rained out...if you know what I mean. As we plan for a 25th I still worry about New Orleans. What is the progress on the Crescent City? Katrina's lessons prepared us for Gustave, Ike and Holly I think her name was, but where do we go from here? We keep striving and believing.
I am a lifelong learner currently working as a Math Intervention teacher trying to find my place in the world. Despite my skill area of math my greatest days as a teacher are spent listening to the lectures of History and English teachers who are working to shape thought through the lens of our country's ill written history. They both do an awesome job of aiding standard texts with truth without cracking the framework of the state's content standards or providing top notch instruction. Lincoln freed very few slaves....he's still a genius and inspired others to make change that moved us toward a more perfect union and the abolition of slavery, but I repeat the brilliantly written Emancipation Proclamation freed VERY FEW slaves...
If you have ever read this blog, you know I am driven by the life of my beautiful son who gives his all everyday to life and living even when his bird has died and his mother can't get to the pet store fast enough to buy African Finches instead of parakeet particularly since this is the 3rd parakeet to die and the first for him to actually grieve.
I grieve too this time because I put a lot of time, energy and emotion into keeping this one from the great "Up Yonder" within 2-3 months of purchase (like the others). She seemed to be doing so well. For that matter so was I. I changed water everyday and food every week. I did a big cage clean up about two weeks ago. I felt like I was ushering in a new era for us. Last week I took my eye of the ball, the bird actually. She ate all her food up in a week (which she never does before I change it) and her water evaporated and I missed it.
Between Wednesday and Friday it all went wrong. Friday night upon our return home from the Debates, she was gone. We should be able to get the African Finches this weekend and prayerfully, we will make it to 6 months with them.
I finally made it back to blogging because I was inspired by the writings of Dr. Yolanda Pierce and Dr. Melissa V. Harris-Lacewell (check their blog here on blogspot called "The Kitchen Table" IT REALLY COOKS!!!!), the blogging of Shavar Ross and learning that if you are a procrastinator like me and have not filed your taxes this year....the deadline for filing in time to qualify for the stimulus check is October 15th ...whew I was relieved ....3 months ago a friend mentioned file by October and as I pulled W2's on Sunday the 28th, I discovered the most important 1 (my primary full time job) is missing. I put in a request today to get a copy. I also logged on to turbo tax to get the party started. I am trying to get right...
I also made the decision today to actively pursue graduate studies next year and try to build the Career that I think I was supposed to have... an intersection between African American Studies and Filmmaking....the journey thus far though has been AMAZING!!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Notes from a Baby Mama...
Since I last blogged so much has happened...the days keep slipping away faster and faster...I look at my son and everyday that I look at him I am reminded of the beginning. I found out I was pregnant days before Aaliyah Houghton was taken too soon from us.
I then woke up one Thursday morning in April 2002 (9 months later on the 25th) feeling contractions as I put my foot on the floor. A friend, Theo Von Hoffman, had shared that I would feel it in my back first and I did. I proceeded to shower and dress for an appointment to take my "belly" pictures with a photographer friend anyway. I could not predict the future, but in the event I had no other children; I wanted proof that I carried Ali Daniel Kiel for 9 months and thanks be to God delivered him safely into the world.
Thursday, June 19th, 2008 he graduated from Kindergarden and I sent text messages all over the place with picture attached ...."We Made It !" I was reminded of Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir Live at Radio City and the declarative opening song of that CD "We Made It" recorded shortly after the Towers fell...."so tell Bin Laaaaaadin, we made it!", Hezekiah sings with all power.I was in the early very depressing stages of my pregnancy when the towers fell. In all frankness, I felt like my own towers had fallen...I could list all of the drama from having lost a good job trying to help a "baby daddy" who had more than shown his sorry a-- true colors to more grave errors in judgement about my life as I knew it. My world felt dim and the future appeared even dimmer to me.
"I had to keep the baby", I thought. Would it be the END of everything I dreamed of ? Everything I road a one way USAIR flight from New York on February 12th, 1997 to Los Angeles, CA for ?
There were these reflections and thousands more...but what I now know for sure is that I can't think of much I would trade this journey for....I have a son who knows that "zebras are herbivores, they eat plants" and wants to know "what kind of Car God is driving" and "what kind of toothpaste God uses", as well...
I wish there had been MUCH less heartache, but bitter times make the good times EVEN SWEETER!!
Over the last 6 years I have journaled in notebooks and on the computer. I have also recorded audio diaries in an attempt to capture this journey for my own digestion and maybe to share with anyone else who has a testimony and can wave a handkerchief in the air. The first volume is coming....but keep reading this blog until ....
From the day I saw that blue line ZOOM across that very small space alerting me that Ali was coming to hard days like today when he longs for the attention of a father who simply will not deliver, all I can say is ...we made it and we continue....
For Ali Kiel however ...the best is still yet to come ......
Remember change is now....and it begins with you
dk
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Honk if you love Obama....
I was thriled to be driving my Obama mobile....
just kidding this is locally Black Owned Jackson Limosine's Obamamobile (corrected from earlier post)....My Obamamobile is a humbler than this ...my banner since replaced due to a mishap (new pics coming soon) waves high followed by 2 bumper stickers.
I was thrilled to be driving this obamamobile and to be honked at by a white man in a red civic hatchback motioning toward my flag and simultaneously his own bumpersticker as we both hurried up the La Brea Ave hill one sunny morning in South Los Angeles, CA. I had reflected the week before this Wednesday June 18th, 2008 day that we Obama supporters should be honking at one another in solidarity ....and so it finally was...
PS: My flag fell off Wednesday, July 2nd into 8:00am in rush hour traffic while I was on my way to child support court. After two miserable hours at the courthouse (see upcoming "Notes of Baby Mama" blog for more details about that HELLISH day) , I returned to the scene of my mishap and no flag...I was just restored this past Monday, July 7th (those 5 days felt like an eternity)...pictures of the new and improved Obamamobile coming soon....
Remember change is now....and it begins with you
dk
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Shannon Sanders - Google Image Search
Shannon Sanders - Google Image Search
I am sitting up at a God awful hour in the morning trying to catch up blogs...and learning new ways that it all comes together and learning how awesome Facebook really is
As I listen to 365 radio streaming L& Red Soul Sessions (awesomely awesome), which I learned about from Facebook and real life freind Cushon Bell (Sidra Fulerton's sister)... I am pulling stuff together, but breaking this stuff up because all this internet stuff is soooo connected that as I am posting on facebook and trying to tell Anthony Demby to check out my blog after seeing he has a blog (both of us on Google's e blogger/blogspot) which was after I checked his AWESOME close up and personal Obama pictures. I then typed my URL in a message to him to promote my own. Facebook attached my last blog complete with the video of footage of Ali playing piano...so intuitive.
What I am breaking into pieces and pulling back together is a blog that got beat up on Wednesday (5/21).... Google Images offers you the opportunity to send a link for images directly into our blogs here at blogspot (Google's blog server). On Wednesday I had finished something I was rather proud of but I was disconected before "autosave" saved the most current draft and as I went to publish I had lost about a 3rd of the blog....I have still not recovered, but with pics from Bete's Barbecue, Nikki and Doran Wedding Toast, UCLA's Jazz Fest, Melissa's Barbecue and Battle of the Sexes Round 15 ...I can't let one monkey stop the whole show...
On Wednesday I was blogging about Shannon Sanders, a highly sought after songwriter on the Urban Music scene. In particular, I was blogging about having put in the new Lyfe Jennings CD "Lyfe Change" and specifically that Lyfe sounds like Shannon to me. People who have never heard of Shannon (most of you) think that Lyfe's sound is super unique, but for me he is following a path set about others like Shannon (and even Bobby Womack)who aren't as heralded. I am not a hater, I really like Lyfe's album, but Shannon NEVER got his due and I am just a gatekeeper trying to see that he does...
to that end I am curious about getting the blog page and link directly from Google Images because the picture thing has gotten serious for me (if you are friends with me on Facebook, then you will also note that I have posted 3 photo albums in the last 10 hours, approximately 160+ pictures).
You guys are all still going (anyone who might be reading)..."who the heck is Shannon Sanders???" Well to start he is a Grammy nominated singer songwriter out of Tennessee who with his Southern Way Records release "Outta Nowhere" made a local buzz. He then connected with Motown recording artist India Arie. He had played "Brown Skin" over the phone for me a couple of years before Ms. Arie lit up the national scene with "Video" and "Brown Skin" songs co-written by Shannon Sanders. "Video" made him a Grammy nominated songwriter for "Song of the Year" (she and Nelly Furtado were completely shut out by Alicia Keys and her debut "Songs in A Minor"). With Shannon as her collaborator, the two of them assembled the majority of what could be found on her album "Voyage to India". He also toured with her as her Musical Director.
We will close this out here to get going on Fareed Zakaria
love
dk
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
I am sitting up at a God awful hour in the morning trying to catch up blogs...and learning new ways that it all comes together and learning how awesome Facebook really is
As I listen to 365 radio streaming L& Red Soul Sessions (awesomely awesome), which I learned about from Facebook and real life freind Cushon Bell (Sidra Fulerton's sister)... I am pulling stuff together, but breaking this stuff up because all this internet stuff is soooo connected that as I am posting on facebook and trying to tell Anthony Demby to check out my blog after seeing he has a blog (both of us on Google's e blogger/blogspot) which was after I checked his AWESOME close up and personal Obama pictures. I then typed my URL in a message to him to promote my own. Facebook attached my last blog complete with the video of footage of Ali playing piano...so intuitive.
What I am breaking into pieces and pulling back together is a blog that got beat up on Wednesday (5/21).... Google Images offers you the opportunity to send a link for images directly into our blogs here at blogspot (Google's blog server). On Wednesday I had finished something I was rather proud of but I was disconected before "autosave" saved the most current draft and as I went to publish I had lost about a 3rd of the blog....I have still not recovered, but with pics from Bete's Barbecue, Nikki and Doran Wedding Toast, UCLA's Jazz Fest, Melissa's Barbecue and Battle of the Sexes Round 15 ...I can't let one monkey stop the whole show...
On Wednesday I was blogging about Shannon Sanders, a highly sought after songwriter on the Urban Music scene. In particular, I was blogging about having put in the new Lyfe Jennings CD "Lyfe Change" and specifically that Lyfe sounds like Shannon to me. People who have never heard of Shannon (most of you) think that Lyfe's sound is super unique, but for me he is following a path set about others like Shannon (and even Bobby Womack)who aren't as heralded. I am not a hater, I really like Lyfe's album, but Shannon NEVER got his due and I am just a gatekeeper trying to see that he does...
to that end I am curious about getting the blog page and link directly from Google Images because the picture thing has gotten serious for me (if you are friends with me on Facebook, then you will also note that I have posted 3 photo albums in the last 10 hours, approximately 160+ pictures).
You guys are all still going (anyone who might be reading)..."who the heck is Shannon Sanders???" Well to start he is a Grammy nominated singer songwriter out of Tennessee who with his Southern Way Records release "Outta Nowhere" made a local buzz. He then connected with Motown recording artist India Arie. He had played "Brown Skin" over the phone for me a couple of years before Ms. Arie lit up the national scene with "Video" and "Brown Skin" songs co-written by Shannon Sanders. "Video" made him a Grammy nominated songwriter for "Song of the Year" (she and Nelly Furtado were completely shut out by Alicia Keys and her debut "Songs in A Minor"). With Shannon as her collaborator, the two of them assembled the majority of what could be found on her album "Voyage to India". He also toured with her as her Musical Director.
We will close this out here to get going on Fareed Zakaria
love
dk
www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Keeping up the momentum...
Everything I am is for him .....he teaches me everything I know about Butterflies and even God...
(this picture was taken with the timer feature on my camera. While this is my 3rd digital camera, this was my first time trying that feature out...it works. I don't often optimize such features on electronic gadgets and devices, but in this digital age, such an attitude will get you left behind....I don't want to be behind and I love tinkering with all of my gadgets....it's the way most of us never learned how to record on VCR's)
Started Wednesday (5/21) ...completed Tuesday (5/27) (the new updated single Kung Fu Fighting from the Kung Fu Panda soundtrack (featuring Ceelo Green and Jack Black) comes out today and with my itunes $1 coupon I earned after buying my UCLA Jazzfest through ticketmaster, I will redeem for my purchase of this highly anticipated single today)
Started Wednesday (5/21) ...completed Tuesday (5/27) (the new updated single Kung Fu Fighting from the Kung Fu Panda soundtrack (featuring Ceelo Green and Jack Black) comes out today and with my itunes $1 coupon I earned after buying my UCLA Jazzfest through ticketmaster, I will redeem for my purchase of this highly anticipated single today)
Keeping up momentum...
Can be hard...I had a pretty good day as a teacher and after building great momentum in the classroom, I left the campus to run an erand and stopped to say hello to a good friend. She prepared me some awesome PF Chang leftovers. Despite a few moments in the car to renew before returning to work, I sit at the computer with the greatest intentions. I am sleepy as "I don't know what". I been munching on granola and trailmix looking for a lift, but I am getting sleepier.
I MUST go across the street to wash clothes (so Ali will have clean uniforms for school) and I have to got to the post office and I am sitting here with what feels like concrete in my feet. I have my book in front of me so that I can do my lesson plan, but I am just yawning. I prepared my handouts early and my lesson plans early and the day went smoothly today. I am going for the same effect tomorrow. I still have to do the mean face and the mean voice, but I am still more at peace with the outcome after reasonable preparation
I also have to go get money to wash clothes so my adventure will require that I go to two places which it makes it even less appealing.
I am enjoying the new Lyfe Jennings. His production company is called Jesus Swings (I love it). I think the album is too mid tempo for my sleepy behind. It is an awesome record, but I am not inspired to move any faster than I am moving. He learned to play guitar in prison and basically came out to record deal. He has a real and gritty voice and like Shannon Sanders and Anthony Hamilton has risen among the fray in the current R&B market place to greatly distinguish himself and his sound.
You guys are all going (anyone who might be reading)..."who the heck is Shannon Sanders???"
see the next blog I am breaking this stuff up a little....
On Wednesday when I was writing this and completed it straight off the dome by talking more about Lyfe Jennings, Anthony Hamilton and my man Shannon Sanders and then I slid into a conversation about Fareed Zakaria and his new book Post American World (check out the excerpt at www.Newsweek.com
The "autosave" hadn't hooked up my post and about 1/3 was lost so I am trying to get it all hooked back up as best as I can...I had a busy weekend that has me excited to share ...friends got married, the ROOTS were off tha chain at UCLA below is a picture is of my friend Sidra Belfield Fullerton (I had not seen Sidra in like 5 years) and being out at UCLA closed our gap and to boot in the battle for Facebook v Myspace (for which I am torn, but leaning toward Facebook) this day seeing Sidra and her sistersand then discovering we were all on Facebook and how much her sister Cushon and I love Facebook and how many photos we have tagged and shared in the last 24 hours ...Facebook Cafe is now my official hangout ! (It is Club Facebook after hours :-)
I attended Battle of the Sexes Round 15 (Alicia Yancy, Danna Kiel, Yvette Foy and Battle host Tiffany Jameson)
which was awesome and there are lots of pictures and I am listening to the 365 Radio with L and Red and I am being treated to an awesome version of Golden Brown by some other than Omar here are some picture previews...
which was awesome and there are lots of pictures and I am listening to the 365 Radio with L and Red and I am being treated to an awesome version of Golden Brown by some other than Omar here are some picture previews...I am going to take my tail to bed...I have a lesson plan to figure out for my Geometry class and I always struggle with getting up in the morning...I am a little spun out over personal areas for which I talking to God ....in the meantime everybody remember
Change Is Now ....and it begins with you
all love
dk
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Big Saturday 5-17 (Piano and Parties)
It is Saturday and after a week of standardized testing....I am thrilled to report....I survived !
The week as always was full of highs and lows....HIGH I got T.D. Jakes book "Reposition Yourself" and I am. LOW...the death toll is rising in Burma and is now over 100,000...the earthquake in China...
High....I went to a Bowling Birthday Party for my good friend Ernest Skinner. I had the most awesome time ! My friend Teanne babysat Ali whom I usually take with me, but this year I wanted and needed a cocktail so I could just as the Omegas say "be out" and I was. Two cocktails, simple "vodka and crans"did the trick.
I bowled plenty of GUTTER balls and a couple of strikes. I had cake and a WONDERFUL time. It was awesomely awesome to be with friends Tosha Thomas, Leslie "Big Lez" Segar, Joyce Washington and Nikki Hannah. I reconnected with friend Mika Miller and soror Zhaundra Jones. I connected and hugged sooooo many ...too many to name. I saw my many faces from facebook and myspace like Amber Rasberry, Wendy Rose, Mayeen Bassey, Herb Bohannon and Birthday boy, Ernest himself (of course).
I made new acquaintences and just TRULY enjoyed myself...something I don't often get to do. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.
This saturday morning as I wrap this up ...I am proud to report that Ali's piano teacher, Mr. Lorenzo reported this is the best session/lesson Ali has ever had and gave him $5. We have been practicing and it showed. We started lessons back in October and Ali does well, but today was pretty awesome.
I only regret not bringing the camera which the little voice did say bring (the little voice said bring it to Ernest's party and I didn't I don't have on one of those easy greasy flat light wieght quick and dirty digital cameras...mine is fly but it works me with no handy hand or neck strap). Now that I sense how empty it feels to not have my own pictures I won't ignore the voice anymore.
I am proud to have my son participating in the arts...the practice is hard, but it was worth the teacher's smile and his enthusiastic approval of Ali's progress.
Beacause Ali is reading everything I expalined to his teacher that Ali is reading and singing the lyrics of the songs in the piano book. He sings with the music (the highs and lows of the notes) if you know what I mean.
As I grow more awake and aware (Eckhart Tolle-ism) I can see how meaningful this is to his development as a musician. His teacher was thrilled that he was doing this as well.
ALI GOT 3 STARS TODAY
PS: Ali also drew a fishbowl, he drew it in three dimensions....and drew bubbles from the fish's breathing ...SUCH DETAIL !!!!
More to come .....PICTURES !!!
all love
danna
GO OBAMA GO !!!!!!!!!! (I wear Obama t-shirts or pens everyday)
The week as always was full of highs and lows....HIGH I got T.D. Jakes book "Reposition Yourself" and I am. LOW...the death toll is rising in Burma and is now over 100,000...the earthquake in China...
High....I went to a Bowling Birthday Party for my good friend Ernest Skinner. I had the most awesome time ! My friend Teanne babysat Ali whom I usually take with me, but this year I wanted and needed a cocktail so I could just as the Omegas say "be out" and I was. Two cocktails, simple "vodka and crans"did the trick.
I bowled plenty of GUTTER balls and a couple of strikes. I had cake and a WONDERFUL time. It was awesomely awesome to be with friends Tosha Thomas, Leslie "Big Lez" Segar, Joyce Washington and Nikki Hannah. I reconnected with friend Mika Miller and soror Zhaundra Jones. I connected and hugged sooooo many ...too many to name. I saw my many faces from facebook and myspace like Amber Rasberry, Wendy Rose, Mayeen Bassey, Herb Bohannon and Birthday boy, Ernest himself (of course).
I made new acquaintences and just TRULY enjoyed myself...something I don't often get to do. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.
This saturday morning as I wrap this up ...I am proud to report that Ali's piano teacher, Mr. Lorenzo reported this is the best session/lesson Ali has ever had and gave him $5. We have been practicing and it showed. We started lessons back in October and Ali does well, but today was pretty awesome.
I only regret not bringing the camera which the little voice did say bring (the little voice said bring it to Ernest's party and I didn't I don't have on one of those easy greasy flat light wieght quick and dirty digital cameras...mine is fly but it works me with no handy hand or neck strap). Now that I sense how empty it feels to not have my own pictures I won't ignore the voice anymore.
I am proud to have my son participating in the arts...the practice is hard, but it was worth the teacher's smile and his enthusiastic approval of Ali's progress.
Beacause Ali is reading everything I expalined to his teacher that Ali is reading and singing the lyrics of the songs in the piano book. He sings with the music (the highs and lows of the notes) if you know what I mean.
As I grow more awake and aware (Eckhart Tolle-ism) I can see how meaningful this is to his development as a musician. His teacher was thrilled that he was doing this as well.
ALI GOT 3 STARS TODAY
PS: Ali also drew a fishbowl, he drew it in three dimensions....and drew bubbles from the fish's breathing ...SUCH DETAIL !!!!
More to come .....PICTURES !!!
all love
danna
GO OBAMA GO !!!!!!!!!! (I wear Obama t-shirts or pens everyday)
Life Is A Classroom....
And everyday I am getting schooled...since we spoke last Tuesday 5/6 (11 days ago) I have been schooled about a Chrysalis (a popular record label in the 70's and 80's) by my six year old who corrected me about the development path from catepillar to butterfly - egg, catepillar, cocoon, pupa/chrysalis, butterfly. Everyday though there is just something to learn about ourselves or life and it gets overwhelming if you find yourself awake for it all.
Ceelo Green is singing the theme for Kung Fu Panda. It is a lyrically updated version of "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas one of my favorite songs of the 70's next to "Rock The Boat" by the Hughes Corporation...like my friends know that I am a Raheem DeVaughn fan, some know I am on Ceelo Green's cheering squad as well. I have loved his voice since his Goodie Mobb days. I didn’t lift up the banner for him until after I got a taste of the Soul Machine, his sophomore solo release (I honestly DID NOT pick up on his first solo album, I tried to play it....but it was too far away artistically for me).
Soul Machine was in some ways a little busy for me, but I sooooooooo got it. All of that said, I will thrilled to be watching Nickelodeon or Disney with Ali and catch them running the music video with Ceelo prominently featured and singing with the pearliest white teeth I have ever seen "Everybody was kung fu fighting....." I immediately thought …who will care ? I called my friend Elsa in New York to share my excitement.
Well since last week Obama is now ahead in the Superdelegate race and for my money Hillary just looks sillier than ever. Hillary is also upset with News Reporters declaring Obama the winner and I got my May 19th Time Magazine in the mail with Obama's wide and beautiful smile...the title reads "And the Winner * is" and next to the asterisk below the striking and handsome photo it says "and we are really sure this time".
Since my work as a precinct captain, I had been an "Obama or bust" supporter. I had decided and discussed with friends that I would only vote Democratic if he was the nominee. A few months ago somewhere between the South Carolina Primary, the California Primary, the Texas Primary ; James Carville’s “Judas Iscariot” comment and Hillary’s smug comments after her Texas primary win (not delegate win) “the country is back”; I had allowed the Crazy a** Clintons to really repulse and disgust me.
I was going to vote for Ralph Nader or John McCain if Barack was not the nominee. I was however reading a Washington Post peace last week that said something like ‘George McCain would carry out a 3rd George Bush term’ and in reading it that way…I have loosened my grip on defection from the Democratic party if Barack is not the nominee. It also helps that the numbers, the people and the media are all in his favor. Like NBC said ‘unless Obama falls down or there is an act of God, this race is over’.
Facebook v. Myspace has recently become my debate. I feel like I work daily to find myself spiritually, personally and professionally. I have found myself in the last month or so “hanging out” at facebook. I have been “hanging out” there because it feels like I am in fact hanging out with friends, in particular long lost ones. I am posting “status” updates which as I began to read others posted by friends varied from the personal to the political to the public.
I have with everyday very recently felt a little lost. Yes, lost. It’s not just as simple as insecure or low on self esteem. I have honestly felt lost in finding my way to whoever it is I really am. My book group and I made it through 3 chapters of Eckart Tolle’s New Earth and as controversy spirals into people thinking Oprah’s building a new religion, I have simply found community at Facebook. I find myself anxious to see other status updates and continue explore the community.
I find myself dueling between the two because I was a member at Myspace first. Though your first can honestly be seen as a first draft, Myspace at its best is an extraordinary community artists, friends, tastemeakers, politicos and pundits alike. We can all get together. I somehow did not realize that the nuances that I so love on Facebook are on Myspace, as well. I have begun changing status and mood lately on Myspace, as well.
From my heart though, Facebook is winning. Myspace is more familiar, but something just feels so organized and clean at Facebook and I love "hanging out" there (for long periods).
On Thursday….I went to see a production of Romeo and Juliet set in Vera Cruz, Mexico in the 1540’s like the tale in fair Verona. While I found it enjoyable and reasonably well acted. I was stunned to understand that it was set in Mexico and the leads were Caucasian not Mexican. The cast was incredibly diverse and very entertaining, but I was just surprised that the leads were not Mexican. It just seemed a little supremacist to me.
On Friday the drama class that meets in my classroom finished their generous table read of my feature script. I needed it, but I am feeling the hard work, ahead. The storyline is considered cliché’ (a friend who came and listened expressed that concern) and with what has recently entered the romantic comedy marketplace, I am being beat up by the bat of cliché’…I am therefore nervous…I have worked on this script for quite a while.
Radio Show and quotables….”Life is a classroom”, the above title came from my rocking, rolling and rambling on air. While I wasn’t quoting anybody, I am sure that thought came from something, I read somewhere by someone.
Mother's Day was great and laid back. I did not make it to church. I took Ali to a screen test thing where they were encouraging me to get him involved in Television, Film and commercial work. We will continue to investigate. It has always been a prospect to help with the college fund I have started building recently.
I went to visit friends where Ali was given Thundercats Cartoon DVD's (there is a movie coming in 2 years...I can't wait). "Thunder ! Thunder! Thunder Cats ! Hooooooooooooooo !" Liono used to roar. We were also given a Speed Racer DVD with episodes of the original series. I then took Ali to the theater to see Speed Racer which was overwhelmingly colorful and bright. It was also too much for the eye. Ali sat reasonably still, but the car fight scenes were DIZZYING. It was however well acted and I am in love with the inspector who was a German actor I was not familiar with by the name of Benno Furmann.
I still want to talk about several areas so I will continue this blog later with more to come on...
Dreaming, Fareed Zakaria/Hub and Spoke/What I like about him, Encouraging Global thinking amongst 9th graders, International Tragedies, Ali grew up my 40’s, I am older than my, student’s parents, "they are all younger than I am with children older than Ali", The life of turtles…our turtle “tuck”, New sheets for Ali
Ceelo Green is singing the theme for Kung Fu Panda. It is a lyrically updated version of "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas one of my favorite songs of the 70's next to "Rock The Boat" by the Hughes Corporation...like my friends know that I am a Raheem DeVaughn fan, some know I am on Ceelo Green's cheering squad as well. I have loved his voice since his Goodie Mobb days. I didn’t lift up the banner for him until after I got a taste of the Soul Machine, his sophomore solo release (I honestly DID NOT pick up on his first solo album, I tried to play it....but it was too far away artistically for me).
Soul Machine was in some ways a little busy for me, but I sooooooooo got it. All of that said, I will thrilled to be watching Nickelodeon or Disney with Ali and catch them running the music video with Ceelo prominently featured and singing with the pearliest white teeth I have ever seen "Everybody was kung fu fighting....." I immediately thought …who will care ? I called my friend Elsa in New York to share my excitement.
Well since last week Obama is now ahead in the Superdelegate race and for my money Hillary just looks sillier than ever. Hillary is also upset with News Reporters declaring Obama the winner and I got my May 19th Time Magazine in the mail with Obama's wide and beautiful smile...the title reads "And the Winner * is" and next to the asterisk below the striking and handsome photo it says "and we are really sure this time".
Since my work as a precinct captain, I had been an "Obama or bust" supporter. I had decided and discussed with friends that I would only vote Democratic if he was the nominee. A few months ago somewhere between the South Carolina Primary, the California Primary, the Texas Primary ; James Carville’s “Judas Iscariot” comment and Hillary’s smug comments after her Texas primary win (not delegate win) “the country is back”; I had allowed the Crazy a** Clintons to really repulse and disgust me.
I was going to vote for Ralph Nader or John McCain if Barack was not the nominee. I was however reading a Washington Post peace last week that said something like ‘George McCain would carry out a 3rd George Bush term’ and in reading it that way…I have loosened my grip on defection from the Democratic party if Barack is not the nominee. It also helps that the numbers, the people and the media are all in his favor. Like NBC said ‘unless Obama falls down or there is an act of God, this race is over’.
Facebook v. Myspace has recently become my debate. I feel like I work daily to find myself spiritually, personally and professionally. I have found myself in the last month or so “hanging out” at facebook. I have been “hanging out” there because it feels like I am in fact hanging out with friends, in particular long lost ones. I am posting “status” updates which as I began to read others posted by friends varied from the personal to the political to the public.
I have with everyday very recently felt a little lost. Yes, lost. It’s not just as simple as insecure or low on self esteem. I have honestly felt lost in finding my way to whoever it is I really am. My book group and I made it through 3 chapters of Eckart Tolle’s New Earth and as controversy spirals into people thinking Oprah’s building a new religion, I have simply found community at Facebook. I find myself anxious to see other status updates and continue explore the community.
I find myself dueling between the two because I was a member at Myspace first. Though your first can honestly be seen as a first draft, Myspace at its best is an extraordinary community artists, friends, tastemeakers, politicos and pundits alike. We can all get together. I somehow did not realize that the nuances that I so love on Facebook are on Myspace, as well. I have begun changing status and mood lately on Myspace, as well.
From my heart though, Facebook is winning. Myspace is more familiar, but something just feels so organized and clean at Facebook and I love "hanging out" there (for long periods).
On Thursday….I went to see a production of Romeo and Juliet set in Vera Cruz, Mexico in the 1540’s like the tale in fair Verona. While I found it enjoyable and reasonably well acted. I was stunned to understand that it was set in Mexico and the leads were Caucasian not Mexican. The cast was incredibly diverse and very entertaining, but I was just surprised that the leads were not Mexican. It just seemed a little supremacist to me.
On Friday the drama class that meets in my classroom finished their generous table read of my feature script. I needed it, but I am feeling the hard work, ahead. The storyline is considered cliché’ (a friend who came and listened expressed that concern) and with what has recently entered the romantic comedy marketplace, I am being beat up by the bat of cliché’…I am therefore nervous…I have worked on this script for quite a while.
Radio Show and quotables….”Life is a classroom”, the above title came from my rocking, rolling and rambling on air. While I wasn’t quoting anybody, I am sure that thought came from something, I read somewhere by someone.
Mother's Day was great and laid back. I did not make it to church. I took Ali to a screen test thing where they were encouraging me to get him involved in Television, Film and commercial work. We will continue to investigate. It has always been a prospect to help with the college fund I have started building recently.
I went to visit friends where Ali was given Thundercats Cartoon DVD's (there is a movie coming in 2 years...I can't wait). "Thunder ! Thunder! Thunder Cats ! Hooooooooooooooo !" Liono used to roar. We were also given a Speed Racer DVD with episodes of the original series. I then took Ali to the theater to see Speed Racer which was overwhelmingly colorful and bright. It was also too much for the eye. Ali sat reasonably still, but the car fight scenes were DIZZYING. It was however well acted and I am in love with the inspector who was a German actor I was not familiar with by the name of Benno Furmann.
I still want to talk about several areas so I will continue this blog later with more to come on...
Dreaming, Fareed Zakaria/Hub and Spoke/What I like about him, Encouraging Global thinking amongst 9th graders, International Tragedies, Ali grew up my 40’s, I am older than my, student’s parents, "they are all younger than I am with children older than Ali", The life of turtles…our turtle “tuck”, New sheets for Ali
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I Can Do It At Work....Obama won North Carolina
I am happy to report that OBAMA took North Carolina and he is unfortunately trailing in Indiana (I am mad at Jeremiah Wright). I lead with this info because I went to bed worried that it wouldn't go like we wanted or needed...where we needed.
After my active class day was over I was anxious to get the info....when I went to my trusty CNN.com they were dealing with Indiana and it was bad news for me. They had no numbers or info on North Carolina. I went toYAHOO an hour later to retrieve an important email had a "breaking news" banner where I got the info I needed. "Obama Wins North Carolina !"
We are winning, but our momentum has taken a hit and we just need get steady again...we can and we will !!!!!
I entered this site through my job and found out that the filter is not too high and I can get in despite what I previously thought. It however is not my intention to spend the valuable time at work typing this blog....no matter how tempting....I am proud to be gainfully employed at a Charter School here in Los Angeles, CA and will not be risking me and my son's livelihood.
It is nice to know I can check it though. I also like to show my students the other possiblities of life on this side of higher education.
I just finished an afternoon tutoring session which unfortunately has become more of a hang out for my kids than tutoring. I am stil learning the system for and finding my rhythm inputting grades so my kids are actually doing well and I believe their geometry skill set may even match the grades they currently have in the system (lots of A's).
I struggle daily with focus issues. After a day of engaging and teaching students for 3 1.5 hour periods on a weekly block schedule it is all I can do to grade tests (which some teachers say I should have Volunteer TA do) and then input those grades to see if my kids are really learning.
A lot of them can return the information verbally, but they are all so distracted by what's on their ipod, who's chatting them on their sidekick or even some crazy video on You Tube.
It has however from September to May with 5 weeks left been a evolution of my growth as an educator and a person. With every new day their are tests and trials. I am a better person and striving to be the best mother for Ali through all of it.
I pray that I am not only teaching Geometry and Algebra, but touching their lives in other ways. I gave out Neopolitan Ice Cream today...what an experience. I don't think I will do it again. Some were so gracious and other ("bless their hearts") were so greedy.
Music has always been a flashpoint of connection for my students and I. I played my Raheem DeVaughn for them today. One of my students knew his single "Customer". I am always trying to bring in the closest thing to accessible real music. The competition is great when it comes to the music.
I also listened to a Superhero by the name of Fat Momma who visited the students today to talk to us all about bullying. She was great with her Doughnut superbelt. I will try to find a picture and upload it later.
I have a mountain of papers to grade and I am pushing for tomorrow. I struggle with focus after teaching. It is hard to settle down and stay energized. It has been teacher appreciation week. They have served breakfast goodies and lunch for us this week. Today we got travel mugs. I actually love travel mugs and was very proud and excited to get one. It's the little things that go a long way the older you get. I just christened it and I am taking it home to wash it among my mountain of dishes. I am however CONQUERING the mountain today.
Clearing trash and laundry is next.
I gotta stop hear........I am thrilled and exited to share with you !!!!
all love
djdannak
check me out at www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
After my active class day was over I was anxious to get the info....when I went to my trusty CNN.com they were dealing with Indiana and it was bad news for me. They had no numbers or info on North Carolina. I went toYAHOO an hour later to retrieve an important email had a "breaking news" banner where I got the info I needed. "Obama Wins North Carolina !"
We are winning, but our momentum has taken a hit and we just need get steady again...we can and we will !!!!!
I entered this site through my job and found out that the filter is not too high and I can get in despite what I previously thought. It however is not my intention to spend the valuable time at work typing this blog....no matter how tempting....I am proud to be gainfully employed at a Charter School here in Los Angeles, CA and will not be risking me and my son's livelihood.
It is nice to know I can check it though. I also like to show my students the other possiblities of life on this side of higher education.
I just finished an afternoon tutoring session which unfortunately has become more of a hang out for my kids than tutoring. I am stil learning the system for and finding my rhythm inputting grades so my kids are actually doing well and I believe their geometry skill set may even match the grades they currently have in the system (lots of A's).
I struggle daily with focus issues. After a day of engaging and teaching students for 3 1.5 hour periods on a weekly block schedule it is all I can do to grade tests (which some teachers say I should have Volunteer TA do) and then input those grades to see if my kids are really learning.
A lot of them can return the information verbally, but they are all so distracted by what's on their ipod, who's chatting them on their sidekick or even some crazy video on You Tube.
It has however from September to May with 5 weeks left been a evolution of my growth as an educator and a person. With every new day their are tests and trials. I am a better person and striving to be the best mother for Ali through all of it.
I pray that I am not only teaching Geometry and Algebra, but touching their lives in other ways. I gave out Neopolitan Ice Cream today...what an experience. I don't think I will do it again. Some were so gracious and other ("bless their hearts") were so greedy.
Music has always been a flashpoint of connection for my students and I. I played my Raheem DeVaughn for them today. One of my students knew his single "Customer". I am always trying to bring in the closest thing to accessible real music. The competition is great when it comes to the music.
I also listened to a Superhero by the name of Fat Momma who visited the students today to talk to us all about bullying. She was great with her Doughnut superbelt. I will try to find a picture and upload it later.
I have a mountain of papers to grade and I am pushing for tomorrow. I struggle with focus after teaching. It is hard to settle down and stay energized. It has been teacher appreciation week. They have served breakfast goodies and lunch for us this week. Today we got travel mugs. I actually love travel mugs and was very proud and excited to get one. It's the little things that go a long way the older you get. I just christened it and I am taking it home to wash it among my mountain of dishes. I am however CONQUERING the mountain today.
Clearing trash and laundry is next.
I gotta stop hear........I am thrilled and exited to share with you !!!!
all love
djdannak
check me out at www.blogtalkradio.com/djdannak
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Election and everything else
I just learned to add pictures to this blog tonight and I feel like my blog is taking shape. I am working on my editing still, but I sit here watching CNN and their pre election coverage. I started with Larry King and though determined not to be sucked in...I have been sitting in the same spot for the last hour and a half plus. I am of course getting out emails and have found myself mildly addicted to Facebook.
I am also excited to Blog because there is new stuff everyday. Besides my nailbiting about this campaign and in particular Obama's win, I discovered on Ovation TV a British artist I am officially in love with...his name is David McAlmont. Ovation TV is an arts network that has been recently added to the DISH line up. I have seen some INCREDIBLE programming on there (A documentary on Jazz and Blue Note Records).
It's like PBS meets Bravo meets the Museum meets the IFC Channel..all of which is right up my alley. I love high art, folk art and all things in between....so I get down with MTV, VH1, VH1 Soul, as well as, the Kennedy Center Honors (Loose Ends...You Can't Stop the Rain is playing in the background, I grew up listening to the radio as a lullaby and at times I see a glimpse of that life). Last night I catch a Jools Holland (British Jimmy Kimmel/Jay Leno) marathon I see Annie Lennox being interviewed. I flip forward and back to catch Jools introducing a saxophonist and a singer named David. I had to go to the website (thank GOD for websites) to look up the episode from the marathon listing and find out who the angel of a voice belonged to....
I discovered David McAlmont and Courteny Pine (whom I'd heard of) and an album called Devotion, the song they perfromed was "Bless The Weather" which I then went to I Tunes to hear more and (thank goodness for the web) found his website somewhere in there....but I am at this point just excited to extol the awesomeness of Ovation TV.
Checking into David McAlmont reconnected me with Carleen Anderson (another Black Brit) I have always adored...
the desire to connect and commune with music, arts and people is in my opinion made easier and better by the internet and the beloved communities we People are building...
well until next time ...where I will talk about the Wine Sip I went to with the Bruhs (the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) and post some more pics..I love you all
BE Love
DK
coming soon...what I am actually reading, the pictures from Ali's 6th Birthday and continuing to get next to what I really want to say... I want to talk about men and relationshipss
all Love
danna
I am also excited to Blog because there is new stuff everyday. Besides my nailbiting about this campaign and in particular Obama's win, I discovered on Ovation TV a British artist I am officially in love with...his name is David McAlmont. Ovation TV is an arts network that has been recently added to the DISH line up. I have seen some INCREDIBLE programming on there (A documentary on Jazz and Blue Note Records).
It's like PBS meets Bravo meets the Museum meets the IFC Channel..all of which is right up my alley. I love high art, folk art and all things in between....so I get down with MTV, VH1, VH1 Soul, as well as, the Kennedy Center Honors (Loose Ends...You Can't Stop the Rain is playing in the background, I grew up listening to the radio as a lullaby and at times I see a glimpse of that life). Last night I catch a Jools Holland (British Jimmy Kimmel/Jay Leno) marathon I see Annie Lennox being interviewed. I flip forward and back to catch Jools introducing a saxophonist and a singer named David. I had to go to the website (thank GOD for websites) to look up the episode from the marathon listing and find out who the angel of a voice belonged to....
I discovered David McAlmont and Courteny Pine (whom I'd heard of) and an album called Devotion, the song they perfromed was "Bless The Weather" which I then went to I Tunes to hear more and (thank goodness for the web) found his website somewhere in there....but I am at this point just excited to extol the awesomeness of Ovation TV.
Checking into David McAlmont reconnected me with Carleen Anderson (another Black Brit) I have always adored...
the desire to connect and commune with music, arts and people is in my opinion made easier and better by the internet and the beloved communities we People are building...
well until next time ...where I will talk about the Wine Sip I went to with the Bruhs (the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) and post some more pics..I love you all
BE Love
DK
coming soon...what I am actually reading, the pictures from Ali's 6th Birthday and continuing to get next to what I really want to say... I want to talk about men and relationshipss
all Love
danna
Jeremiah Wright Is WRONG THIS TIME !!!
Hikka Bikka Boo
I AM A COMMITTED Obama supporter who thought the Senator was a little tough on the preacher, but my support will not waver and the senator handled the situation a month ago with a lot of GRACE and poignance and the right dash of professional aggression. The Speech was long, but AWESOME !
Here we are are a month plus later and Jeremiah Wright has lost his DAMN MIND. It's like he forgot that Barack did not throw the baby without the Bathwater, but he clearly did not offer the same loyalty or allegiance to his friend.
It appears he is trying to sabotage the campaign and that he is just being AWFUL. His celebrity is ambiguous and will be short lived....he is ruining his profile and just being a HATER !
Last year I told friends that there are not enough Black People to elect Barack but our "talking" will keep him from getting elected and while I was saying it in response to what my heroes Cornell West and Charles Ogletree were not doing which was getting on board, as well to the fact that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson (both of whom I respect) were talking too much trash and seem to be sipping just a little bit hatorade themselves and there was the stuff Tavis Smiley was saying from the beginning and now look at what the spinners say about him ....
I did not know what form our "talking" would take but peole get tired of this stuff and Barack gets a little mired in "stuff"...with Michele Obama being such a rock last week on CNN, we will weather the storm but let's stick with
REAL CONSTITUENT ISSUES !!!
all love
danna kiel
coming soon.....blog on top 25 things that kiled Urban Music !!! (www.urbannetwork.com website)
I AM A COMMITTED Obama supporter who thought the Senator was a little tough on the preacher, but my support will not waver and the senator handled the situation a month ago with a lot of GRACE and poignance and the right dash of professional aggression. The Speech was long, but AWESOME !
Here we are are a month plus later and Jeremiah Wright has lost his DAMN MIND. It's like he forgot that Barack did not throw the baby without the Bathwater, but he clearly did not offer the same loyalty or allegiance to his friend.
It appears he is trying to sabotage the campaign and that he is just being AWFUL. His celebrity is ambiguous and will be short lived....he is ruining his profile and just being a HATER !
Last year I told friends that there are not enough Black People to elect Barack but our "talking" will keep him from getting elected and while I was saying it in response to what my heroes Cornell West and Charles Ogletree were not doing which was getting on board, as well to the fact that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson (both of whom I respect) were talking too much trash and seem to be sipping just a little bit hatorade themselves and there was the stuff Tavis Smiley was saying from the beginning and now look at what the spinners say about him ....
I did not know what form our "talking" would take but peole get tired of this stuff and Barack gets a little mired in "stuff"...with Michele Obama being such a rock last week on CNN, we will weather the storm but let's stick with
REAL CONSTITUENT ISSUES !!!
all love
danna kiel
coming soon.....blog on top 25 things that kiled Urban Music !!! (www.urbannetwork.com website)
Raheem DeVaughn....raising R&B from the dead
Raheem DeVaughn is tryign to do the damn thing....
As most of us who love R&B music know it has been on and off its deathbed in the mainstream for a while now...On the underground railroad to freedom it is alive and well thanks to the artistry of folks like Eric Roberson, Frank McComb and Ledisi who last year came above ground with her record "Lost and Found". The current Raheem Devaughn album however is OFF THA CHAIN !
Don't misunderstand... as all my friends can attest I jumped on the Raheem Devaughn train when he dropped his first single from the Love Experience (his debut album), "Guess Who Loves You More"....but I am no longer feeling "obscure obtuse so called neo soul artist", his sophmore album is making him to the Soul Powerhouse I could hear trying to come through on the Love Experience...anyway hit me up with your thoughts, JUST GO BUY IT if you don't have it. I even felt moved to post our picture from the Heineken Red Star party last October in my photo album here on the space...R&B music could really be on its way back lead by Raheem's "Love Behind the Melody"....
all love
dk
As most of us who love R&B music know it has been on and off its deathbed in the mainstream for a while now...On the underground railroad to freedom it is alive and well thanks to the artistry of folks like Eric Roberson, Frank McComb and Ledisi who last year came above ground with her record "Lost and Found". The current Raheem Devaughn album however is OFF THA CHAIN !
Don't misunderstand... as all my friends can attest I jumped on the Raheem Devaughn train when he dropped his first single from the Love Experience (his debut album), "Guess Who Loves You More"....but I am no longer feeling "obscure obtuse so called neo soul artist", his sophmore album is making him to the Soul Powerhouse I could hear trying to come through on the Love Experience...anyway hit me up with your thoughts, JUST GO BUY IT if you don't have it. I even felt moved to post our picture from the Heineken Red Star party last October in my photo album here on the space...R&B music could really be on its way back lead by Raheem's "Love Behind the Melody"....
all love
dk
I've Let Three Weeks Go By
Time flies whether you are having fun or not. I am sitting here at an hour when I should be sleeping trying to update the spot. I am thrilled to be blogging but I choose a server that is filtered out at work so during wonderful daylight hours when I am reasonably vibrant and awake I can't update this blog. When the sun goes down, it can be a wrap for me.
I however wanted desperately to check in....
Well I didn't win the delegate race but what a thrill ride for my son and I. We met wonderful new poeple with whom I am going to reconnect as I plan on heading to Denver anyway.
This month I went to 4 child birthday parties, the last of which was Ali's (my own child) and despite all efforts to OVERCOME my CLUTTER so that we could have his party at home and set up his new train table and mega fort I was not as successful as I wanted, We did have a wonderful party set up in the driveway. I reconnected with my friend Onasis who along side friends Jennifer and Charlotte helped to make a beautiful day possible by blessing me with food for our guests and just their blessed faces and friendship energy around. Thanks for the presence of babies Noah, Isaiah and Zoe.
Ali's father and older sister came which was a blessing for Ali, he deserves so much and I am just trying to give it to him and it gets so hard sometimes. I was pretty mean to his father earlier that day. He deserved most of what I was saying, but my timing was not great. My friend Tiffany, her sister April and April's sons Mkhei and Khalil came LATE and we sat out front on blankets and played a wonderful game of K'nex ( a lego like toy ali got for his birthday).
On sunday Ali and I went to the park and played with some of his new stuff....Little Einsteins Pat Pat Rocket and watched some hispanic families fly kites and then on Monday (a special holiday at work and school) we went and tried to fly our kite. Ali was anxious, excited and impatient and I fuss too much but I tried to center myself and be permissive, as well as, encouraging....sometimes I just feel too old to have a 6 year old...Kite Flying though is all about agility and skill and you can really get into it....at least I did
The past two work weeks have been what they always are equally rewarding and draining. I have made it and I am preparing my kids for the standardized testing that is coming up and I am trying to get grades in the system and I am just overwhelmed by this stuff honestly
well I am just trying to get you guys up to speed ....coming soon blogs about
Raheem DeVaughn....Jeremiah Wright....Wine Sip with the QUES (Omega Psi Phi), Big Sunday in LA...David McAlmont...Carleen Anderson...Ovation TV
all love
danna
I however wanted desperately to check in....
Well I didn't win the delegate race but what a thrill ride for my son and I. We met wonderful new poeple with whom I am going to reconnect as I plan on heading to Denver anyway.
This month I went to 4 child birthday parties, the last of which was Ali's (my own child) and despite all efforts to OVERCOME my CLUTTER so that we could have his party at home and set up his new train table and mega fort I was not as successful as I wanted, We did have a wonderful party set up in the driveway. I reconnected with my friend Onasis who along side friends Jennifer and Charlotte helped to make a beautiful day possible by blessing me with food for our guests and just their blessed faces and friendship energy around. Thanks for the presence of babies Noah, Isaiah and Zoe.
Ali's father and older sister came which was a blessing for Ali, he deserves so much and I am just trying to give it to him and it gets so hard sometimes. I was pretty mean to his father earlier that day. He deserved most of what I was saying, but my timing was not great. My friend Tiffany, her sister April and April's sons Mkhei and Khalil came LATE and we sat out front on blankets and played a wonderful game of K'nex ( a lego like toy ali got for his birthday).
On sunday Ali and I went to the park and played with some of his new stuff....Little Einsteins Pat Pat Rocket and watched some hispanic families fly kites and then on Monday (a special holiday at work and school) we went and tried to fly our kite. Ali was anxious, excited and impatient and I fuss too much but I tried to center myself and be permissive, as well as, encouraging....sometimes I just feel too old to have a 6 year old...Kite Flying though is all about agility and skill and you can really get into it....at least I did
The past two work weeks have been what they always are equally rewarding and draining. I have made it and I am preparing my kids for the standardized testing that is coming up and I am trying to get grades in the system and I am just overwhelmed by this stuff honestly
well I am just trying to get you guys up to speed ....coming soon blogs about
Raheem DeVaughn....Jeremiah Wright....Wine Sip with the QUES (Omega Psi Phi), Big Sunday in LA...David McAlmont...Carleen Anderson...Ovation TV
all love
danna
Monday, April 14, 2008
Diary of a Delegate: Caucus has Come and Gone
Sunday, April 13th....My day begin at 4am when I finally had a handle on my flyer for distribution at the Caucus at USC....Nikki, mother of Hannah (my son Ali's BF) took a look at my handy work on a program she offered to support me and the flyer process. I am a big fan of Microsoft Publisher for which I have created a newsletter/circular for shirts I used to sell. Let me back up, I was struggling with Nikki's program, but for the purposes of a campaign flyer her program turned to out to be easier.
After using one of my shiny forehead pictures from Spring Break in NY and fighting the Snap Viewer crop tool to crop it. I was almost ready. I put in text and by just after 6am I was done, but desperate like I am right now for a little sleep. I laid down and got back up and was out the door at or before 7:15am. Fed EX Knko's has a wonderful 24 hur location near Nikki's apt, but the computers are sooooo slow and then all of the USB drives weren't working. I was being charged .25/min but that can grow fast and between slow a** printers and slow a** computers I was just fit to be tied. I was in a rush and every minute actually counted.
I was back at Nikki's soon and I dressed Ali and bathed myself....We packed up our goog gobs of laundry that I did the night before and set off for the Friendship Center for a meeting....came home to another special meeting ....the attendees of my meeting wished me well for the caucus...Ali ate and we went out to the car and then he had to pee pee and boo boo and I had forgotten my cell phone which I had charging because my day would be sunk without it...Nikki and Hannah assured me they would come to USC and though unable to vote would support my endeavor...Wilma Kiel my aunt also assured me she would come out to vote (and she did) and so at about 1:20p instead 1:00pm mind racing, nerves fazzled ... Ali and I were off to USC with my pile of 40 dollar flyers ....black and white and color....side bar...color is expensive and I already couldn't afford it and so I made some color and more black & white and btw brought at least half back home....
well I have to get Ali and go to work...I was out on Friday ...but today is Monday and we have staff meetings and I was on the phone too much yesterday which I realize I am on the phone toomuch a lot so I am working on that....my second mom reminded me while on Christmas vacation ..."he is only acting out to get your attention" ... he voice rings in my head and I am beseiged with guilt all the time but I am working on balance and freedom (I stole that from Algebra Bassett's bio) ....but balance means I must make his lunch and his break fst right now as well as get out our toothbrushes.....with 35 mninutes before we must get out of here...I will pick with the details of sunday and hopefully add the pictures of the day which I have updated my space and facebook with
to be continued
danna aka djdannak
After using one of my shiny forehead pictures from Spring Break in NY and fighting the Snap Viewer crop tool to crop it. I was almost ready. I put in text and by just after 6am I was done, but desperate like I am right now for a little sleep. I laid down and got back up and was out the door at or before 7:15am. Fed EX Knko's has a wonderful 24 hur location near Nikki's apt, but the computers are sooooo slow and then all of the USB drives weren't working. I was being charged .25/min but that can grow fast and between slow a** printers and slow a** computers I was just fit to be tied. I was in a rush and every minute actually counted.
I was back at Nikki's soon and I dressed Ali and bathed myself....We packed up our goog gobs of laundry that I did the night before and set off for the Friendship Center for a meeting....came home to another special meeting ....the attendees of my meeting wished me well for the caucus...Ali ate and we went out to the car and then he had to pee pee and boo boo and I had forgotten my cell phone which I had charging because my day would be sunk without it...Nikki and Hannah assured me they would come to USC and though unable to vote would support my endeavor...Wilma Kiel my aunt also assured me she would come out to vote (and she did) and so at about 1:20p instead 1:00pm mind racing, nerves fazzled ... Ali and I were off to USC with my pile of 40 dollar flyers ....black and white and color....side bar...color is expensive and I already couldn't afford it and so I made some color and more black & white and btw brought at least half back home....
well I have to get Ali and go to work...I was out on Friday ...but today is Monday and we have staff meetings and I was on the phone too much yesterday which I realize I am on the phone toomuch a lot so I am working on that....my second mom reminded me while on Christmas vacation ..."he is only acting out to get your attention" ... he voice rings in my head and I am beseiged with guilt all the time but I am working on balance and freedom (I stole that from Algebra Bassett's bio) ....but balance means I must make his lunch and his break fst right now as well as get out our toothbrushes.....with 35 mninutes before we must get out of here...I will pick with the details of sunday and hopefully add the pictures of the day which I have updated my space and facebook with
to be continued
danna aka djdannak
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