Polygyny, well kinda...

R&B artist Max's wives-That's Maxwell to you.

This is me and my good girlfriend Stephanie. Stephanie and I lived parallel lives in New York with minimal interaction at best, since grammar school. (She was coincidentally present for the slaying of Carol Hom; Spelling Bee phenom.) That is, until we each found ourselves living in Arizona's West Valley and married to the same man!

At some point during one of our usual phone conversations, the subject of love came up and we waxed and waned about this special man of ours; his voice, his body, his smile, his gift, his ...well, you know where I'm going. She wanted several of his children (The numbers varied from 5-10, depending on when you'd ask.) I just wanted to practice making them (I'm done with intra-uterine operations management.) And, it was decided that we should just share. There's enough Maxwell fantasies for both of us.

So, last night we set out to spend some quality time with our man. Giggling like school girls we phoned back and forth, periodically doing wardrobe and hysteria checks until show time. As usual, he did not disappoint; a melodious, riotous, lascivious evening was had by all.

As an aside, if you're looking for a new artist with an old soul, I found Laura Izibor; the opening performer, thoroughly enjoyable and she'll find her way onto my play-list. Maxwell's Black Summer's Night CD drops July 7th.

Peace and Polygyny...well kinda

Not Quite Twitter 3: The Vacation Edition

Well, it's that time again folks! Yes, I have been delinquent in my blogging and now must condense a full week's worth of debauchery into one post of bite-sized highlights. Shall we?

Last week we kicked off our summer of fun with a hike of the Grand Canyon's south rim. And, an at times horrifyingly slippery hike down in the RAIN! Good blogger that I am, I snapped a shot in case...well you know! Shudders at the thought.

Next stop Sedona, where we stayed at the vacation resort property we purchased for our last wedding anniversary. We did some nature trails, gallery tours, gift shoppe shenanigans, celebrated Father's Day, Yael's 10th birthday, took a bazillion photos, had a mood swing or two.

Seriously, I don't know what all of those kids are pouring in her jug, but it's quite obviously stronger than my beer if she's still bursting with glee!

Then we escaped- the Favorite Guy and I, for some children-free time, and I made a wish for more of the same.

I love this man.

And we are home, but I am hardly settled because, it is almost time for the next adventure-say it with me now, "Maxwell". If and when I make it back-providing I have not been chosen to rise to an older, browner Courtney Cox type fame, it's business as usual. There will something, somewhat special planned for this blog's anniversary.

Peace

We Are Here

The first day of Summer, and the beginning of our annual season of fun! Summers are a busy time for us; in the next 45 days we will celebrate 3 birthdays, this blog's second anniversary, our 18th wedding anniversary and our label's 4th anniversary!

First stop: a hike to the Grand Canyon's South Rim
[Image courtesy of Planetware] We are here but, my camera's USB cord is there. Grimaces.

I hope all of my blog friends are fabulous, let's get together again soon, okay? Until then...

Peace, fine lager, sun, fun and relaxation!

Random Thought Thursday

Pride or Prudence?

Giant Condom Wrapper Pillow with Giant Fabric Condom by Little Elk on Etsy.com

So, a couple weeks ago (yes, I've been thinking this one through) I'm having an arbitrary conversation about kids and kid stuff; trends, friends, the usual fodder. I mention that the Mighty Pubescent One is dating and silence befalls a once fluid conversation. The conversation resumes- albeit spasmodically, "Oh no, St. Pious The Divine (name changed to protect the probably not as innocent as his parents believe) is not allowed to date and when he goes out, if girls are there, I send Sister Chastity the Beloved. She'll tell me if he talks to any girls." The young people of whom I am referring are 18 and 16 years old. And, no these are not faith-based restrictions; which I respect even if I disagree.

I then ask, The Exalted Commander of Hormones if she believes that fear and forbidding are a formidable opponent to human nature, to which she...well, I blocked the ensuing nonsensical tirade from recollection. Let's just say she was quite certain that fear and forbidding conquers all. I then ask, "Well, do you discuss methods of disease and pregnancy prevention just in case an errant erection eludes you"? She uttered a vehement, "no".

Now, one thing I've come to understand about myself is that I have a very difficult time accepting when my friends and/or associates are: 1. Ignorant 2. Cruel to animals or children 3. Not fans of the Dave Matthews Band. So to rule out any of the aforementioned, I try my probing questions technique. "Do the children ride bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and the like? Do they wear helmets? Does the donning of said helmet somehow encourage the children to propel themselves from high buildings in front of motorized vehicles or careening down rough terrain at high velocity?" The discussion lightened a bit. I think I even heard a "Girl you's crazy as hell!" Then, I went in for the kill. Dropping an octave or so, I asked, "Isn't protecting our children's lives and quality of life the prudent choice? I mean, this really isn't about pride and expectations, or is it"? What are your thoughts?

Peace and Protection

Black, Gay and Brilliant

I saw this film on Sunday and was moved on more levels than this post alone can capture. Being Black and different carries a uniquely burdensome stigma within the Black community. Without sounding exclusionary, and writing only from my own experiences of being Black and different, I found this film a head-noddingly accurate depiction of the seldom bespoken caveats.

Brother to Brother is the semi-fictitious narrative tale of friendship between recently denounced art student, Perry and the now homeless Richard Bruce Nugent; famed Harlem Renaissance pioneer. The fortuitous union of these two brilliant minds is where the story begins; at the base of the stairs of a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York.

A story rich in history, art, culture, love and character. Each of its characters replete with pride, rebellion and joie de vivre; Brother to Brother toggles seamlessly between the present and the past, the real and the imagined. The film dissects and sheds light on the struggle to find the delicate balance of acceptance between two worlds; Blackness and homosexuality. Then and now, the names, faces, and places change but the struggle remains the same.

Wallace Thurman, Langston Hughes, Richard Bruce Nugent, "Perry", and this film: Black, gay and brilliant!

Peace and Netflix

Greatwill!

Before

After:

$8 can of Dutch Boy enamel in "Dried Palm"

Madera Gold stain, and textiles were from my personal stash

Have I told you how excited I am with the results of my $10 Goodwill finds?! I am over the top excited with my $10 Goodwill finds; recycled, refinished, remarkable! Have a great week, all.

Peace and sustainability

Congruence

"In Congruence" by Ginny Gaura available at GinnyGaura.com

In 30 days I'll be 36. Somewhere along the journey this birthday business grew in complexity; it isn't about cake flavors anymore. Nope, it's about reflection and expectations, accomplishments and accountability.

If I had to sum up the last 335 days, I'd say my 35th year was all about change. Thirty-five has seen the seasons of friendship, love, anger, healing, disposal and renewal. None of which has been particularly easy, but all of which is in/directly responsible for where I stand 30 days shy of 36. I am in a state of congruence.

I am spooning with the Universe! I think 26 was the last time I felt this harmonious, the year Yael Rose was born. Now with that pesky uterus aside, I am bursting with hope, faith and promise for the birth of something magical within.

Where are you today?

Peace and harmony

Tales of Trash and Treasure

My latest local Goodwill finds

These little lovelies are my latest Goodwill finds and current WIPs (progress pics to follow). Whilst out back stripping, sanding and, replacing hardware, I got to thinking. Oh no not thinking, again!

I wondered, who owned these two pieces of furniture? What are/were they like? Why'd they donate them, did they belong to a great aunt who transitioned? Was the funky little chair with the General Store decor-which was handmade by the way, a grandmother's favorite chair, did she clip coupons and sip her morning coffee there?

Through the years and the moves, we've parted with more than a few pieces of furniture. At a time when sustainability and frugality were oft-unspoken and seldom heard. Where is my paternal grandmother's chiffarobe, our first sofa in all its orange, brown and mustard splendor? And how about my nursing chair; is a sweet, new wee one nursing there?

Have you any Tales of Trash and Treasure?

Peace and renewal

Random Thought Thursday (on Friday)

[Click] image for credits

What's Your Disclaimer?

There have been a few happenings in the news and in my life that have brought to light what I've often thought to be true, but seldom outwardly acknowledge-the disclaimer. We all have them, some clearly more egregious than others like Pro-Life Murder, but we all have them, just the same.

Take me for example, there's no mistaking that I've committed myself to walk the eternal path of enlightenment; yoga: yamas, niyamas, the Vedic teachings and more. Yet, I swig, swear and, scoff in the face of authority, conformity and discipline. My disclaimer: I'm a practitioner; the path-much like my practice and progression (and occasional regression) is never ending. I am a work in progress.

And you, what's your disclaimer?

Peace and pensiveness

The Gift

"Tuesday"-T.Allen Mercado 2009

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.

We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.

~Albert Einstein

Settles in, sips Chardonnay and wipes brow. Wow. I'm riding the magical waves of possibilities. You know, the waves that rush in to wash away the sting of misadventure? Yes, those waves.

It began last week as I was reunited (by the wonders of the interwebs) with a dear friend and fellow wordsmith. The two of us waxing on about life and family, time, trials and triumph, love, love and, love.

I've been miserly with my musings since the fast, so it was a cautious catharsis, initially. However, once we found our old familiar groove it was on. Literary techniques abound, we were jamming the long distance phone lines with sweet, cerebral music. In the end, a friendship was rekindled, a spirit repaired and a project propagated in a word; love. It's all I can see, speak, think these days, and you; what have you been up to?

Peace and love...