I WONDER WHAT SHE IS DOING

Not just wondering, because I want to be there
but I have to stay away, but you must know I care.
If I wasn’t in love, why am I so crazy about you
I’ll get you ack yet, For what we had was true.
I wonder what she is doing, I wonder all the time
At one point I never wondered, For I knew then you were mine.
The pain is easing, but I am still mad
I miss her love, and I miss it bad.
She came to me, she fel from a star
Now is that a distance, For some say it is far.
Most ppl say man, you are still in love
And they are so right, because dropped from above.
He placed one of his angels, in my hands
I had to give her up, when I wasnt feeling like a man.
Still in love with you, even this very day
because if I wasnt, I wouldnt stay away.
The last two lines, she wont want to understand
but soon I will go back, and once more we will walk this
-land-
p+s
Eary in the morning, I am wondering about you
Fr this last past year, there was nothing esle to do.

Lar 9-23-80
you are making me the true man I am.
Just by once knowing you Love you 4-Ever LAR

Top Secret

the information is vital, I guess it’s true
that I the kid Larry, has fell for you.
Keep it to yourself, dont let it leak around
the information is vital, est news in town.
When we meet togehther make sure you ook aout
Someone might be following, they might find out.
I move very gentle, I tiw when I walk
I wanna find out, the latest news or talk.
I was livining in my world, my private affair
but then came you, someone who cared.
The water is rising, my temperture is hot
hold on to me girl, you are all I got.
If you are ashamed of my face, pt a ag over my head
If you d that, It will hurt, and I would want to be dead.
If leaving would make you happy, I’d leave today
I’d cruise the whole country, I’d move away.
If I’d have to damn the world, to get you
thats’s just what I would do
Forget all the people it’s just me, and you

9-14-77
LAR

I Wonder If

I wonder if, this is it
will I finally e allowed, to come out of this pit.
Thinking somewhat clear, and I’m feeling much better
my life has these seasons, I keep changin with the weather
I wonder if, It will turn out right
will my hapiness be restored, and my skies shine right.
All season long, how I remembered sunny days
something went so wrong, and the rain just came to stay.
Five years later, I will get another try
Im comming ack fr you, if its just to say goodbye.
How can my heart, still hunger for you
When a little while back, you thought that we were through.
I’m sorry if you seem happy, I just have to come amd see
For if you ARE so happy, I can finally be let free.
I loved you more, than I knew you could understand
I had to give you up, I wasn’t feeling like a man.
With your love so sweet, and a body so pure
I put you out there, I knew you would endure.
Happy that we once met, if we ever meet again
We can always look bac at, when me and you were close friends.
p+s
with all my love, and some help from above.
LAR
10-02-84

Bryson’s first birthday was a blast all the kids played outside and jumped on a trampoline all day.

For the Rehearsal Dinner. They loved it.

Two cakes I did for a boy and a girl baby shower in 2009.

Hey guys this is the first wedding cake & I wanted to share it with you guys.

I would like to introduce Greg Pitts an Artist, Screen Writer, Photographer, and Actor. I discovered Greg on Twitter. It was accidental, he was tweeting a friend of mine, they were having a great conversation and I joined in. He is always interesting, and inspirational. I enjoy his art and his contributions to African American Art history. Greg Pitts an African American Artist who is ascending rapidly in the art and entertainment industry in the south Florida area. I got a chance to speak with Greg about his work, and life. Below is our interview, and examples of his work. Enjoy.

Greg Pitts Bio taken from his website http://bit.ly/qphDl :

Born to a single parent family, Greg Pitts started out life at a disadvantage. Growing up without a father figure made life less than ideal. He did not meet his fater until the age of 12. As a young teen, he exhibited artistic capabilities, however the lack of understanding and from his family lead to discouragement. He continued to strive to express himself artistically. He purchased his first camera on lay-a-way from a camera store in his hometown of Lima, Ohio.

His artistic eye and fashion sense while a senior in high school lead to him was offered admission to a prestigious fashion design school, but because of stereotypical attitudes, students at school would call him a nerd and at home no one would assist him in the application process, stating that “that kind of stuff is for sissies.” Discouraged, he graduated without any formal plans.  Later, he joined the Army in order to provide for his soon to be born son. Despite a difficult start in life, he continued to express his artistic side.

Eleven years ago, Greg Pitts began to pursue a formal career in acting and photography.  As an actor he has appeared on several national and regional programs.  Most recently he was seen in “Transporter 2” as a US Marshall. In efforts to further pursue his career, he moved to South Florida in 2004.  Mr. Pitts is also an award winning filmmaker, having directed and produced five award winning short films with his most recent accolades to include one of his films, “All Rapped Up” screening at the Miami Underground Film Festival in March 2007 and “All Night” a music video spoof of Sean “P Diddy Combs’ hit song “Last Night:  That music video screened at the Miami Underground Film Festival in 2008.

He is a member of the International Freelance Photographers Organization, the Broward Art Guild and ArtServe. His artwork has been compared to that of abstract impressionist artist Jackson Pollock.  He was featured artist of the month for February 2009 with Elements of Art.  His photography and abstract artwork have been exhibited at Etra Fine Art Gallery and Ornare in Miami, FL., Gallery 6 at the Broward Main Library, Art Expressions Gallery  and ArtServe in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

His artwork has been compared to that of abstract impressionist artist Jackson Pollock. He was featured artist of the month for February 2009 with Elements of Art. His photography and abstract artwork have been exhibited at Etra Fine Art Gallery and Ornare in Miami, Fl., Gallery 6 at the Broward Main Library, Art Expressions Gallery and ArtServe in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

When and how did you first become interested in art? When did you decide to make art your profession?
I Became interested in art about 7 yrs ago when i was buying some frames for my photography and seen oil paints on clearance at 75% off. I ended up using that paint to do a selp portrait. that was later used for a comedic joke book I wrote.

Who were you early influences? And what role would you say the Harlem Renaissance plays in your art if any?
Oscar Micheaux, Gordon Parks, Andy Warhol.  None because I feel the Harlem renaissance had more of a contribution to literature than it did to the visual arts.

What artists could you compare your style to? What message should your art convey? What point of view does your art come from?
I’ve been dubbed THE BLACK JACKSON POLLOCK by some of my early clients.  But if I have to be compared to him I would like to think that I put my own personal spirituality to it. Andy Warhol because in the last 2 months I’ve done over 15 recycle pieces that’s getting great reviews from my V.I.P clients.  Life’s challenges and how we react to them especially an African American artist.

In your opinion how much should educators incorporate art into the curriculum in school?How can art benefit the average person?
No comment, because my art teacher in high school gave me a failing grade. I view art as a form of self expression and how can you grade someone on how they choose to express themselves.

Where can we find some of you art work? What are some of your most popular pieces?
Bridges Aderhold-Gallery Director 305-200-5347
G.A.B Gallery in Wynwood Art District., Miami, FL.

http://fineartamerica.com/artwork/tag/greg+Pitts

Popular pieces include– SANGUINE- CHINA TOWN-LEVI- TRIBE, INNER TURMOIL. BENGALESE. My glass table top art is becoming a favorite.

Bengalese

Sanguine

How would you describe your journey as an African American artist? Please describe some of the highs and lows you experienced.
The journey has been beautiful. Art has no prejudices it respects all colors equally unfortunately humans have not been able to obtain this quality across the board. High’s- Having an exhibit with jay Lonewolf Morales and actually planning to paint a piece together for charity. Also winning Honorable mention for THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE an event in Miami for the prevention of AIDS. THE PIECE WAS TITLED ‘GOD SHALL WASH THEY SINS AWAY’. Another High was actually sketching LIVE at the G.A.B gallery while Jay Lonewolf Morales and his DRUM TROOP PLAYED and to actually give the piece to him and he accepted it with love was an awesome feeling.

LOWS- Being using by local art guilds just so that my membership and exhibition fees can fund their coffers, and my art work being rejected time and time again after my checks cleared the bank.

What motivates you?
Life

Are there any tips you can give to new artists starting on the same path as you?
Have thick skin, be resilient and write positive quotes all over the place and encircle yourself around positive people.

Describe the perfect piece of art?
Is the one know one in the world couldn’t imagine not having.

You have three colors left in the entire world, what colors are they and how would you use them?
Black, Red, White..  I’d use them to draw a path to save all mankind.

If you had to tell a story with your art, what story what it be ( you can choose a song, movie, play, tv show, book, etc).
Phil Collins- In the Air tonight.- Stylistics-People Make the world go round these 2 songs I use often.

What legacy do you want to leave the world?
My ART, I want people all over the world to know what I did for those less fortunate.

What can we expect from you in the future, and how can we contact you?
To see my art in some capacity all over the world.  Contact info is 954-253-0288 Fax 954-389-8219 email blkjacksonpollock@bellsouth.net

View art and make purchases here: http://bit.ly/cMwg3g

I finally broke my fast food habit. It all started as a college kid. When I lived at home my mother didn’t believe in fast food. She ate primarily salads, fish, and fresh ingredients. I guess that’s why she looks as good as she does (not hating, just saying).

 Once I got to college there were restaurants surrounding campus with signs that advertised $2.99, $3.99, $4.99 meal deals. I got used to skipping the cafe to order pizza, or Chinese, or going to a drive thru. I never looked at it as a habit until I realized I cooked once or twice a week. I also noticed I was always tired and irritable after lunch.  So it didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that what I was eating was making me sick. So I pledged to go 30 days without any fast food, and I have nothing coming from a drive thru have passed these lips in more than 30 days.

Fast Food is no longer a staple in our house hold. In the process of weaning my self I have weaned my family as well. Since I am the primary chef in the house, I guess everyone followed my lead.

The benefits my child doesn’t grow up thinking this is how what he should eat. The family experiences a variety of food. I have stopped being so sluggish during the day, and I don’t have to sleep mid day. I am less irritable, because I am less tired. My skin has cleared up, less blemishes. Finally I experienced a sense of pride because I am actively taking control of my health.

I now plan my meals 1-2 days in advance. I have diversified my son’s meals with different fruit and vegetable sides he enjoys. Finally I save MONEY $$$$ Something everyone can benefit from. This was a life style change not DIET. I am in control of what happens to me, so I have no one to blame if I make the wrong choices. I am informed and I must use my education to make the best life decisions for me and my family. Thank you to everyone who took part with me. I appreciate you, and salute you effort. I hope you feel as good as I do.

Feel free to leave me a comment letting me know what worked for you, and how you felt.

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Article Courtesy of Gazette.net

A hip living art scene with Wi-Fi Internet access, a tournament venue and more parking options are among suggestions from community members for a planned mega-skate park at Cosca Regional Park in Clinton.

The skate park’s planners invited residents to give their input on the facility Jan. 21 during a community meeting held at Clinton’s Stephen Decatur Community Center to present preliminary plans for the park.

Planners and architects with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission said the facility, which could open by spring 2011, is expected to cost $500,000 and is planned to be a “larger than normal” 18,000-square-foot park with up to three skate “bowls” and a picnic area.

During the meeting, residents and community members peppered M-NCPPC representatives with suggestions and questions about the park. Some residents said they wanted the park to be a revenue stream for the facility by charging entrance fees, hosting tournaments and selling skateboards. Others wanted to know if parking would be expanded at the park so nearby neighborhoods will not be overrun with traffic.

“The main concern is the parking situation,” said Anne Reynolds, president of the Boniwood Homeowners Association, a 740-home community that sits adjacent to the park. “Currently, Boniwood gets overrun with traffic [from the park].”

Shaymar Higgs, 22, of Clinton has been campaigning for the skate park since last year, when he and other young skaters petitioned state legislators to match a $250,000 grant the project received.

“I live next door [to the park], literally,” he said. “I don’t think there is anything that will impact the community more than a skate park.”

Jeff Newhouse, a landscape architect for the commission, said he is hoping the facility will be operational by spring 2011 to meet time constraints to use funding for the project. The project, he said, is moving faster than normal to meet grant fund deadlines that require the money to be used by 2011.

“The schedule is a little more aggressive than usual,” he said. “This is going to be a lesson in building things quickly.”

During the meeting, Higgs and other skaters complained that south county residents must travel to Waldorf, northern Virginia and Mount Rainer to access skate parks. Residents hope that the park will become a regional draw.

“The community is lacking activities geared toward what the youth is interested in today,” said Catherine Taggart-Ross of Clinton, who helped secure funding for the project and is also a candidate for the District 9 County Council seat.

 

 If you are in the DMV you need to know about Dugee F Buller Check out his new joint Million Dollar Mission Play Million Dollar Mission. Leave me a comment or Get at him on twitter http://twitter.com/stupidheavybong .

 

Meet Jesse Muhummad also known as Brother Jesse. Energetic, inspiring and effective are just some of the words audiences have used to describe the works, writings and messages delivered by writer, news reporter, motivational speaker, artist, publicist and photojournalist Jesse Muhammad.The theme of his motivational talks is “Mediocrity is Not in Your D.N.A”, to show that no individual was born to do anything mediocre but instead has the power to be extraordinary in everything that they do.

Brother Jesse is a staff writer for the Final Call Newspaper, a highly sought after motivational speaker, co-founder and senior editor of for Youth Teens and Young Adults (FYTYA.com). In addition to speaking and writing, Brother Jesse presents a multitude of workshops that target the youth to be great.

Here a few work shops he offers: Mediocrity is Not in Your D.N.A….So Why Do We Settle? Get your S.W.A.G. on? Stop Wasting Abilities & Gifts. Be a L.E.G.E.N.D. (Let Every Goal Evolve Not Die) . Leadership vs Management. I Am M.E.D.I.A.: The Power of the Pen. TAKS Test Motivation: Don’t Let It Stop You. Education is Your Torchlight. How to be an A-student and B-active too. Preparing Mentally For College Life. Pull Up Your P.A.N.T.S. (Personality, Attitude, Niche, Technique and Success: For Males Only) Financial Literacy: Avoid the early credit traps. Career Choices: What is my purpose? The Power of Focus: Got Goals? Internet Marketing: Where is Your Online Buzz? Click here for complete bio and press kit .

Get to know Brother Jesse : Brother Jesse Twitter ,   Brother Jesse Final Call , Face Book Brother Jesse ,  Global Grind Brother Jesse ,  You Tube Brother Jesse , Myspace Brother Jesse .

Below is an awesome interview with Brother Jesse Muhammad .

“Mediocrity is Not in your D.N.A” I first saw this in a tweet and it stood out to me. It caught my attention. And that’s when I started to notice and interact with you Brother Jesse. You have an amazing energy about you that can be felt, even online. How did you realize that Mediocrity was Not in your D.N.A? What motivates you?

I honestly came to realize that mediocrity is not in my D.N.A. being raised for a certain amount of years under the roof of my now 80-year-old grandmother. She actually used to punish me for making B’s in school as an elementary student. She told me that anything less than your best was unacceptable in her house. I carried that with me.  Then I had my mother always pushing me to be the best I could be. My siblings always have and still is my biggest cheerleaders, as I am theirs.  But all of this was magnified once I heard the voice of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and started learning for the first time the ancient history of Black people. After coming into that knowledge, I knew for a fact mediocrity is not our nature but mastery is.

Love is my motivation. Love for uplifting others.

Before you became a speaker what career path were you on? What was the catalyst that brought us the motivational speaker Brother Jesse?

I grew up desiring to be a world renowned artist. It was in high school that I actually got an interest in engineering so I decided to major in it in college. But deep down I always wanted to be a professional artist. Well I went from working engineering jobs to teaching in the public school system. I have also done public relations, marketing, and graphic designing. How I got turned on to motivational speaking was actually when I joined the Nation of Islam. Believe or not, I was a shy person growing up! But when I became a part of the NOI Ministry class I started learning the mechanics of delivering a message. So I have been speaking since 1998 and learned to hone my skills by speaking at Prairie View A&M University events. Since, I have been speaking throughout the country and within the last three years I have been getting paid to speak to various audiences. But it’s not just speaking to me, it’s service. I love it!

Your focus is often the community around you, and how you can help out. What made you decide to focus on empowerment, education, and bettering others opposed to developing and marketing a product marketed targeted towards those who you inspire?

My grandmother started me out at an early age getting involved in my community via politics and grassroots organizing. Plus my mother has always taught us to give. She is a very giving woman. All that to say, serving my community was put in me naturally. But the magnitude to which I strive to do it now came from joining the Nation of Islam. I joined right before I got to Prairie View A&M and I was involved in so much. Since then, every year I strive to increase my service to the community.

As for not developing and marketing a product, I actually do have a product. That product is service. For years I spoke at events and schools for free and I still do. But now I also get honorariums for speaking – but I don’t cancel if people can afford it because I love to serve. And I am a firm believer that the more you give, the more you shall receive. It’s not a cliché, it’s a lifestyle. But I have some products coming in 2010 and I hope you will at least buy it, if others don’t. (Laughs)

In addition to being an awesome motivator you are a great journalist. You stories are well thought out, researched and presented in a timely manner. Where did you learn your research and journalism techniques?

Ok, I have to be honest. I stumbled into journalism. I always considered myself a good writer because I was a poetry type man. My friends used to hire me in high school to write love notes for their girlfriends. I used to write speeches for my friends running for office in college. But I never saw myself as a journalist. Then at PV I did my very first article for the campus newspaper titled “Will the real leaders please stand up?”. It was an outright attack on what I deemed weakness on the part of student government. From there I never wrote again.

Then in 2004, I got this bright idea. (Laughs) I desired to see more articles about the great works of Houston in The Final Call Newspaper and so I starting writing success stories about some of the local members and our community. I looked up one week and one of the stories got printed. Whoa, I went crazy! So naturally I kept writing and I soon was asked to come on as the Southwest Regional Correspondent. I did that for six months and then Hurricane Katrina struck. It was in my region, so I was given my first ever cover story. Boy I was nervous but with the guidance of the then-Editor Dora Muhammad, I nailed it!

I say all that to say, I did not go to school for this. The root of my research for stories stems from my love to help people, inform the masses and inspired them to action. So for the first several years I did the best I could. I then started studying journalism books, listened to the critique of more experienced journalists, read the various styles of others I admire and stay up a lot of late nights just reading data. So I have learned multiple ways but at the root of it all I want readers to walk away raised one degree higher.

I believe that your ability to remain in touch with pop culture and the youth broadens your appeal, and aides in your ability to communicate and make a difference. Who are some of your favorite artists (actors, musicians, writers, etc).

Now you’re going to make me give away my secrets! (Laughs) But seriously, I am a huge Hip-Hop head. Before many of my speeches I could be found listening to artists like Jay-Z, Nas, Common, Bun-B, T.I., Lupe, Andre 3K, Jasiri X and others. I can list all day. As far as the queens I adore Sade, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and can somebody please ask Lauryn Hill to come back.

I don’t really have a favorite actor per se but man I love mafia and war movies. So I can be found watching The Godfather, Gotti, 300, Gladiator, etc over and over. But I gotta mention that “Martin” is my silent enjoyment. Shhhhh.

Who are people that influence and motivate you?

There are so many but the first that comes to mind is my family. Without them being my constant cheerleaders, I don’t know where I would be. So I thank them all. And of course the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the man who became a father to me.

In 2009 you had a busy and productive year. What are few things that must be accomplished in 2010?

Yes, I was blessed with an awesome year. The top priority is to continue to improve my service to our people with all of my gifts and talents. I plan to expand my blog, release my first two books, host a photography and art exhibit, speaking in more cities to youth and the list goes on. I also have a new Brother Jesse website coming soon. But I am not one to share too much, I prefer to say it with my actions. So, just keep watching.

I want to talk about your experience with finding your father. There was an amazing article on Global Grind about your search. You kept us updated from the beginning to the end of your search. You admitted that you had an attitude of  “I don’t need him anyway” and that attitude was an act. Secretly you longed to know who he was after you discovered that the man you thought was your father was not your father. What would you suggest for young men who are experiencing the same attitude as you had about your father? What are some things you can suggest to overcome these emotions? My Most Memorable Moment of 2009: I found my biological father…he’s deceased. But lives in me.

That has been one of the most emotional and rewarding experiences of my life. My advice for young men who may have that same attitude is to face the fear of finding out the unknown. I had to be honest with myself that my “I don’t need him anyway” attitude was only masking my pain, fears and yearnings to know the truth. It was tough to face that reality and it was tough to humble myself. But I could not do it alone so I would encourage anyone to get a support network because I needed that to execute this desire.

I honestly still quietly deal with the emotional weight of discovering that my biological father is deceased. I pray and meditate on it daily. It’s not easy but it was necessary. Everyone who desires to do it, I say go for it.

How do you feel now that you have found out who your biological father is? And has this strengthened your relationship with your family?

I feel free because now I know the truth. As stated before, I still have my up and down moments. I think it will be a while before I totally overcome the emotional sting. It has definitely strengthened my relationship with my family. All of them have been so supportive, loving and encouraging. Plus this was not only closure for me but this was closure for my mother, who did not know either until this moment.

Bonus Questions for the ladies. Is Brother Jesse a Married or Single Man?

Smiling. Yes I am married. I am married to Sister Shareefah Muhammad whom I have known since high school. We’re not high school sweethearts because we met as members of Muhammad Mosque No. 45 in Houston. And having girlfriends and boyfriends is forbidden in the Nation of Islam so we knew one another as workers in the mission of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership of Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Sister Shareefah is a school teacher and studying online at the Clayton College of Medicine for a degree in Naturalpathic Medicine. God-Willing, July 19 will be our 7^th year anniversary. We’re also the proud parents of a 3-year-old daughter Kalimah Muhammad, who amazes us everyday.







Here a few of my favorite blog posts he has done :

5 Ways To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

Raising Boys Documentary

In 24 hrs, I will be homeless in Houston for a cause. Can you spare some \”CHANGE\”?


Through the Lens of Brother Jesse: \”My Hands. Your Braids. One\”

Motivation~Ryan Leslie in the lab….It\’s not a game. What drives you?

\”Dear Debra-A Letter to BET\” by Jasiri X….we interrupt your regularly scheduled Hip-Hop buffoonery