tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91960232024-03-23T12:33:04.505-06:00Analog Girl in a Digital WorldMusings of a young dame making it in this Texas-boy controlled world.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-31543524557230748792009-07-01T02:57:00.002-06:002009-07-01T03:04:47.462-06:00I Feel Like Music Died With You[This is nothing like what I had written down. Caught a wave and decided to ride it. Not a day has passed since I heard that I've havent shed tears. I've cried for the loss of such a talent. I've cried because one of my childhood, adolescent and hell, adult heroes is gone. I weep when I think about how he was ridiculed and remained such a gentle soul. I'm filled with profound sadness when I think about how he was marketed. Literally, sold.]<br /><br />Michael,<br /><br />I can't do like most people and pinpoint a certain time when you became an influence on me. For as long as I can remember, you've been there. Your songs, your moves, your voice. The moonwalk was (and still is) the coolest dance ever. Thriller was always the ultimate scary video. On weekends, my friends would gather at my house to watch Thriller and "Are You Afraid of the Dark?". Thriller was always scarier. Your signature dance moves were what everybody in my dance classes tried to imitate when it was freestyle time. You were at every family function. Showed up when it was time for the Soul Train line at the summer BBQs. Like the members of Immature were all my boyfriends (which one depended on the day), you were my aunties' boyfriend. And they fought over you. There's a hilarious story in my family that involves my two aunts, a poster of you and a red leather jacket. Let's just say it ended with my grandma's belt getting aquainted with both of their rear ends. Everybody in my family had a story about you. You were just <em>there</em>.<br /><br />I'm an 80s baby so when I came of age, American had already began to witness your change. All the things that made you "weird" to the world were already in place. Your skin was already lighter, NeverNever Land was just your house to me & The Trial was over by the time I turned 9. But then, even though I was never familiar with the brown faced boy who sang "ABC" and "I'll Be There", I started noticing a change in you. How you looked, even the way you spoke. I was so upset with the change that I asked my mother why that was "happening" to you. She told me your changing appearance was because you didn't like being Black. At that moment I understood you. I, too, didn't like being Black. I didn't understand myself. I grew up in a neighborhood where the only people that looked like me were the ones that lived in my house. And both my parents were old, so Black kids for me consisted <em>of</em> <strong>me</strong>. I was on exhibit every time I went to school. At one point in my life, I looked my mother straight in the eyes and said "I want to be white." So to hear that I wasn't the only one that thought dark skin was wierd didn't make me think you strange, it made me feel understood.<br /><br />As I got older, old enough to purchase my own music, I got your "Scream" single on cassette. The B-Side was "Childhood", and it came with an insert with a picture you had drawn on it. It was a little boy, crowding in a corner, holding his knees to his chest, with the words "Have you seen my childhood?" written on it. I must have drawn that picture 15 times. Then I understood you even more. I was a sensitive artist child too, who constantly felt misunderstood, especially by my parents. Soon after, my daddy purchased the two disc HIStory CD and I stole it. Each and everytime my parents would upset me I'd storm to my room and play "They Don't Really Care About Us". I'd listen over and over to you scream "<strong>If Martin Luther was livin', he wouldnt let this be!</strong>" The outrage in your voice as you sang about equal rights and treatment resonated with me. I'd be lying if I said that song didn't influence my interest in African American history. (And anyone who knows me knows how HUGE that is.)<br /><br />Then, it wasn't cool to imitate you anymore. Your dances were only done for laughs. The only songs it was ok to listen to were your older ones. I transformed "You Are Not Alone" from a song of comforting reassurance to a mocking endless joke. Your arms-open-head-thrown-back long scream was no longer epic, it was silly. Your flooding pants and white socks? Not vintage chic, they were aging pop star geeky. So I tossed you to the side. I still jammed when you came on the radio, but I now no longer held whole-CD-singing-into-a-broom sessions by myself. Even my mom didn't think you were cool anymore. I played "Heaven Can Wait" for her, marveling at the lyrics and she said it was "ok". When people would make jokes about you, I remained silent. I didn't agree with them, but my silence may have very well lead them to believe I did. And I did nothing to persuade them otherwise. I stopped pulling out my dad's Thriller vinyl to stare at you in your angelic white with the cute baby tiger. You were a forgotten about Woody to my shiny new Buzz Lightyear of New Jack Swing, SWV, Boyz II Men and TLC.<br /><br />I grew up and renewed my love of all things you. The fashionista in me declared your jackets cool again. As I took back to dancing, the way you stopped on a dime coming out of your spins was amazing. The lay-outs and the jazz dance influence in the "Bad" video made you ahead of your time. Your lyrics were simple, yet uniquely worded, studying them helped me learn to write songs. Your crystal clear tone sent chills when I'd listen intently. Your cape was back intact. I was back in love with all things King of Pop.<br /><br />Love is a losing game.<br /><br />For five whole days now I've been in an emotional spiral. I switch from station to station creating my own endless stream of your videos. Reveling in your genius. Wallowing in my sadness. I've been crying like I personally knew you. I've been asking myself why I've been so consumed with sadness. I've told myself it's because I'm mourning such a unbelievable talent gone so unexpectedly. Said it's because although 50 is not young, it's not old either, my parents are both past that. Told myself that it was because of how shameful the way the world/media treated you in your final years was. How they made you more punchline than human. The truth is, I'm mourning for all those reasons and more. The reality is you are a hero. And heroes don't die. Heroes may grow old, they may retire and rely on stories, exaggerated as they're told, to maintain their greatness in people's minds. Heroes are even allowed to get down and out, so when they rise, people believe that they, too, can overcome any situation. Heroes do a lot of things. But they don't die. So I've been trying to think of way to keep you alive. Because that little girl in me that sang "Man In the Mirror" and believed a girl like her in a different country was being kept warm by the coat she gave to Salvation Army, that girl, she won't let you die. She'll forever live in a world where there is Michael Jackson, where every awards show holds the possibility that you'll pop out onto the stage and bust out your signature dance moves; where there is still a chance that you'll release another album. That stubborn little girl won't move from the place where, after you finish your 50 London dates, there's a chance that she'll be able to finally see you in concert in the USA.<br /><br />As for me, I know being an adult consists of accepting things I may HATE and may not understand. Adults offer justification like "it was his time." So I'll accept that I'll never see you Moonwalk in person. I'll accept that I'll never been in a huge crowd full of people and hear you sing "I want to love you, pretty young thang" and feel as though you meant those words for only me. I'll accept all those harsh truths and more, but I still won't let you die. Your message of love resonates in me. And I've got renewed determination to love better. To love more, harder, more abundately.<br /><br />Somewhere underneath these tears that curtain my eyes, there is an understanding. I know you wouldn't want people to mourn your death. You would want people to hug their daughters and sons more. You would want parents to think before "playfully" making remarks about their children's still developing faces. You would want childlike love to reign in the hearts of all those who say they are touched by you. So I'll try my best. You're a big part of the reason I believe in the power of music. You can actually say you changed the world through song. That's awesome, as were you. And I'll make sure nobody I know forgets it.<br /><br />Renewed,<br />Ashley E.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-26314128486600636842007-12-02T01:44:00.000-07:002007-12-02T01:49:06.300-07:00Where Do We Go From HereI have never felt so unfulfilled in my life.<br /><br />My job is so meaningless, just a way to pay the bills and keep money in my pocket.<br /><br />I meet the most beautiful little boy today. He couldn't have been older than 4. His eyes were so bright and receptive to everything the world had to offer and I could tell that he had yet to witness the cold realities life too often serves up.<br /><br />As almost always, I'm at a crossroads.<br /><br />More later...my hands hurt now. Damn sidekick.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-8197123085579227782007-11-20T21:26:00.000-07:002007-11-20T21:34:15.560-07:00Just MeIn the past week or so, I've had like 5 customers tell me that I can't possibly be from stl. And while that gives me some reassurance with the knowledge that I don't say "hurr" and "thurr", it also makes me wonder why I never seem to fit in.<br /><br /><br />I always feel out of place, everywhere I go. I always feel like I am the only one who thinks like I do, the only one who feels like I do and generally like people just cannot relate to me.<br /><br />It's funny how it was never cool to be different and now that is all anyone wants to be.<br /><br />Random musings posted from the new sidekick.<br /><br />I can only be me, like it, hate it or misunderstand me, but I will not change for the world.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-30364064106177793562007-11-04T01:03:00.000-06:002007-11-04T01:10:43.432-07:00General Classroom Building no longer....I've had a few proud moments in my life, but something happens to me everytime I think about this:<br /><br /><a href="http://atmizzou.missouri.edu/aug07/Stickland.htm">http://atmizzou.missouri.edu/aug07/Stickland.htm</a><br /><br />The fact that within the last few months, I've lost two excellent black leadership mentors, pioneers on the campus where I spent my last two college years is a hurtful reminder that we're not here forever.<br /><br />How many of us get to do something, be a part of something that actually MATTERS?<br /><br />The first.<br /><br />It's the FIRST building on a 168 year old university to be named after an African American.<br /><br />A BLACK MAN.<br /><br />The FIRST. A choice word that implicates more to come.<br /><br />And I can say I was a part of that.<br /><br />Accomplished isn't the word.<br /><br />I imagine this is what the term labor of love exists for.<br /><br />I'm overwhelmed.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-27065081902358055382007-11-01T23:58:00.001-06:002007-11-02T00:07:50.637-06:00Closer.There's a quote that's been stuck in my head for a few days now.<br /><br />"It is when we are not afraid to fall that we fly the highest."<br /><br />It's a moral that I should have taken away when I read one of my favorite books, Johnathon Livingston Seagull.<br /><br />It's the same sentiment the Coach Carter-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">catapulted</span>- Marianne Williamson quoted-Nelson Mandela credited- "Our Deepest Fear" speech holds.<br /><br />But I like it better.<br /><br />Once I accept that falling (and also failing) <em>is </em>an option, although not THE option....<br /><br />maybe,<br /><br />.....I can write again. <br />Without fear that words will fail/leave me. Write without fear that my words will betray me and show things I never meant to display.<br /><br />...I can love again.<br />Without fear that I will give myself, my all to a man/boy who doesn't deserve it. Without fear that pain and love will once again become so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">synonymous</span>, so intertwined that it takes me years to decipher between the two again.<br /><br />....I can achieve.<br />Without fear that I won't perform up to my standard. The one I hold myself to. The ones others hold me to.<br /><br />Maybe, just maybe....<br /><br />When I quit looking down and remembering how the ground looks, I'll be able to appreciate the vastness of the sky.<br /><br />Maybe when I realize that once it hurts, that's all it can do.<br /><br />I can live.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-62997458832088181022007-10-27T01:22:00.000-06:002007-10-27T01:32:40.503-06:00North/SouthHe inspires me.<br /><br />He believes I'm great and I don't want to let him down so I try to be great.<br /><br />I've always had a thing for people who are openly flawed, probably because I try so hard to mask my own imperfections. He is in such an internal struggle and I'm rooting so hard for him to finish on the side of good. I see such potential in him. It's amazing how he inspires me even while he fights to become the man he wants to be. His environment is against him. His friends are a hinderance. And while he's not yet completely free, I feel like he's no longer entrapped. Funny thing is, I feel his partial freedom began due to his physical confinement.<br /><br />As always, I find myself placing distance between us simply because the pull frightens me. The last time I saw him it was hard to leave.<br /><br />It's so easy to not write back, to not call. But how do you disconnect someone from your mind?<br /><br />Why am I always running from good?Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-84073669935007681632007-09-23T22:49:00.000-06:002007-09-23T22:54:16.557-06:00Still hanging in there...This is not so much an entry as it is a reminder to myself to actually write an entry.<br /><br />Things are so slow and yet so fast at the same time for me right now.<br /><br />There's so much to talk about, so much to say, and I will in time...<br /><br />I need to write in order to sort it all out, but right now I really don't have time.<br /><br />I'm only at this computer because Larry (<a href="http://www.larrylyons2.blogspot.com/">www.larrylyons2.blogspot.com</a>) has got me entranced with this damn Jazmine Sullivan song, "In Love with Another Man".<br /><br />I'm taking my LSAT this Sat and I'm scared. I've never been afraid to take a damn test, but for some reason this feels so different.<br /><br />I'll be back.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-74680974350489450092007-07-09T23:17:00.000-06:002007-07-09T23:31:07.279-06:00Well, damn.........ya'll made <strong>sure</strong> I was held accountable.<br /><br />The thing is, I've been sitting around, pondering, how to return to blogging.<br /><br />Should I reintroduce myself? Start with my life where it is and let folks fill in the blanks? Fill people in on folks that are no longer in my life? Am I to the point where I can mix my real life persona with my blogging name? Will people read this damn thing anyway? This is why it's taking so long....I'm working on answering these questions though.<br /><br />But aside from all that, I am here.<br /><br />22. Brand new college graduate. Gearing up to take the LSAT and hopefully kick ass in somebody's law school. Still playing with love.<br /><br /><br />Here are the basics as of today, July 10, 2007 (I have to give the date, because you know shit is subject to change at ANY moment!)<br /><br /><strong>LOVE:</strong><br />There are some old characters, some new. For those of you all who may remember, Slim and I didn't work out. We're still friends though. As of right now, I'm still really enjoying this playing the field thing and just can't see myself settling down anytime soon. *shrug*<br /><br /><strong>POETRY:</strong><br />I'm so caught between two worlds, I don't know what to do. I've been having a really hard time this past year with deciding how to balance activism and art. It's a complicated mess that leaves me stressed (no wack rhyme intended). More on that later....<br /><br /><strong>FRIENDS:</strong><br />Some great ones, some not so great. It's really interesting how a simple event like graduation can show you who will be in your life for the long haul.<br /><br /><strong>BOOKS:</strong><br />I always read a lot, but as of lately (last 4 months or so), the way in which completely (seemingly) random books can be related to my life and its happenings are CRAZY. It almost seems more than coincidence, which leads me to....<br /><br /><strong>FAITH:</strong><br />This is my fight. Going to a liberal college did not help. It seems almost impossible to be both an intellectual and a believer. Trust me, I'm not aiming for controversy here, this is just my experience.<br /><br />So, I've got a LOT to talk to you guys about. Wow, I feel better after typing this entry....<br /><br />It's official.<br /><br />LOL<br /><br />Oh, and if you read and/or comment, could you do me a favor and leave me a link to you? Thank you.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-62831078712630056402007-06-15T02:13:00.000-06:002007-06-15T02:15:09.195-06:00I'm coming...It is so crazy to go through old comments and blogger friends and see how many people are still consistently blogging.<br /><br />It's going to take me a little while to remember to come and write in here, but I am determined to do so.<br /><br />My life has changed so much since I began blogging.<br /><br />My life has changed so little since I began blogging.<br /><br />As you can see, I'm still a contradiction.<br /><br />I plan on revealing myself.<br /><br />Stay tuned.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-85255312129345293972007-05-21T23:48:00.000-06:002007-05-22T00:03:25.169-06:00Mr. WineUsually, I run towards things I don't understand.<br /><br />Things are aligning themselves in my life that I cannot understand right now. People are re-entering from the margins of my life experience. People I would have never thought would play the role they do today.<br /><br />Then there are those that are leaving.<br /><br />When I checked my cell phone around midnight for the first time today I had numerous messages from folks back at school. I hit redial to the last caller and recieved the bad news.<br /><br />One of our founders, the one whom we were closest to, passed on.<br /><br />He helped create the organization that defined two years of my college experience. His contribution led to the creation of the largest student leadership conference in the nation. Along with several other Black students he paved the way for the rest of us.<br /><br />He challenged me. His presence made me work harder to uphold a legacy that he started.<br /><br />A legacy he never gave himself credit for. He <strikethrough>thinks</strikethrough> thought that anyone would have done it, given the chance. He never allowed himself to see how impactful his actions were.<br /><br />He is part of the reason there is a Black Culture Center on my campus. The reason incoming Black freshman get 4-year scholarships. The reason Black programming can occur on campus. <br /><br />His death I don't understand.<br /><br />Death, I don't understand.<br /><br />Just a few months ago, he was talking to me about his humble beginnings and how Africa helped him better understand life.<br /><br />I had so much more to say, so much more to listen to.<br /><br />And the fact that I no longer have the opportunity to boggles me.<br /><br />I just hope he realizes what he did. How he affected me. How he affected us. What his actions said and how they still speak today.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-34680771441243863572007-05-15T23:41:00.000-06:002007-05-15T23:42:43.391-06:00360Lots of times in life we return to things that felt good.<br /><br />Places we were happy in.<br /><br />Things that made us smile.<br /><br />Here I am.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1126252715368350612005-09-09T02:56:00.000-06:002005-09-09T01:58:35.373-06:00Losingshe keeps half necklaces with the word "friend"engraved on them<br />handing over the "best" part of herself<br />in hopes that this will be the one<br />who sees<br />that she is what he needs<br />she's losing<br />she's constantly misplacing<br />her faith<br />her love<br />entrusting it with men<br />who throw her memory deep into their pockets<br />only to be recovered during a lonely night<br />she's ready to give<br />so willing<br />that she doesnt concern herself with receiving anything<br />right now<br />not realizing<br />that if she keeps handing out pieces of herself<br />with no reciprocation<br />soon there will be<br />none leftLiza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1126137787701979512005-09-07T17:49:00.000-06:002005-09-07T18:03:07.706-06:00Now Boarding: Flight 5127BIf you are going to lie to me, fine.<br /><br />Just please don't expect me to believe anything you ever say again.<br /><br />This doesn't mean that if you tell me it's raining outside, I won't bring my umbrella. However, when it comes to real matters, serious matters, you will no longer be in my book of people to listen to.<br /><br /><em>"Why?",</em> you ask? <strong>"That's the way it is",</strong> I reply.<br /><br />"<em>But Aries, don't people make mistakes?", </em>you say. <strong>"Sure" </strong>is my response.<br /><br />However, it's been my experience that people will ALWAYS take advantage when you give them the chance. Set a bowl of free peppermints on a table and folks will always take more than they really need. Well I refuse to have my trust be treated like excess freshmints, thrown into the bottom of purses and pockets, only to be discovered in the washer or dryer, then thrown away. (Like dat analogy? lol...)<br /><br />I don't give people second chances very often. And I think it's fair. I'm (obviously) an Aries, therefore making it very hard for me to forgive and forget. Personally, it's almost impossible for me to fully forgive those who have done me wrong. So rather than trying to rejuvanate a relationship on a rocky foundation that has been jackhammered with lies, I would rather throw it all away and start fresh - with a new somebody. <br /><br />So don't take it personal when you get demoted from "close aquaintance" to "this nigga I know". Just know that your lies wrote you a one-way ticket out of my tight circle of people I actually care about, and more importantly, TRUST.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1125724454150570932005-09-03T01:00:00.000-06:002005-09-02T23:16:06.610-06:00Thy will be doneWhat can I say that hasn't already been said?<br /><br />I don't have a TV in my dorm room so I hadn't been able to watch the footage. And maybe that was for the best. I just got home today and I've been in front of the TV. And now I'm sick. Sick to the heart. It just...HIT.<br /><br /><strong>I feel so helpless. So small, so useless. </strong><br /><br />I've lifted my hands to my Lord and prayed that his will includes saving as many lives as possible.<br /><br />I've joined efforts at my new school to raise money for the victims.<br /><br />I'm working on a plan that will have people from my school use extra money on their meal accounts to buy ready to eat goods for the victims. We'll box them along with cases of water and send them to Houston's dome and to shelters in the area.<br /><br /><strong>But I feel like I can't do enough.</strong><br /><br />These are people who look like me. Who talk like me. They pray like me. They cry like me. <strong>They praise like me</strong>. They could very well be me.<br /><br />And it hurts my soul to see them treated this way.<br /><br />Living in Third World conditions in what is supposed to be the best country in the world.<br /><br />Thrown back into a time where we were considered 3/5ths human. What's the difference between then and now? They just found new ways to kill us. Neglect is just as bad if not worse than taking an active role in the deaths of so many.<br /><br />Where is our humanity?<br /><br />Where is our compassion?<br /><br />Where is our sense of community?<br /><br />I feel like I need to touch these people. Literally hold hands with them, reassure them that not all of us disregard their lives just because they are poor. Let them know that a lack of money does not mean that their lives lack meaning or value.<br /><br />But my hands feel so small.<br /><br />My efforts so little in the face of this enormous tragedy.<br /><br />I don't want to seem dismal, but I'm in a state of disheartenment.<br /><br />Lord, let your will be done. All I can is pray that your will includes saving as many lives as possible and letting us, and by us I mean ALL humanity grow from this.<br /><br /><br />Lord, I know my hands are small but I vow to use them in a MIGHTY way....I'll do my best. I'll do what I can. Cast your grace upon New Orleans. They need you, they need you in a big way, at this moment. They need you to work miracles, and Lord......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>I know you can.</strong>Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1125545503820085652005-08-31T21:16:00.000-06:002005-08-31T21:31:43.830-06:00Am I A Bitch?I know my last post was about my "Northern Disposition" (Thanks, X.) and how I wish that sometimes I could be a little more full of that southern hospitality, and I don't mean to harp, but I've been wondering....<br /><br />Am I A Bitch?<br /><br />I realize more and more each day that my number of friends is very few. And the thing is, I'm ok with that. I've never been one of those people that felt that I needed to have a WHOLE lot of people around to depend on and lean on and all that good crap. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've always had people I could call when I want to kick it, folks to go places with and have good conversations...but as far as a die hard friend? I'm seriously lacking in that department...<br /><br />(SideNote - This BLANCO chick is in the computer lab with me talking on her cell phone like she is at home. I really need her to shut THE hell up so I can focus.)<br /><br />Anyways, like I was saying: <strong> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I don't think I have a really GREAT friend in my life</strong>. The one chick that I call my best friend really won the title by default of: 1) there being no one else contending for the title, 2) being one of very few people I've kept around since moving to STL. Our relationship is funny. I know that she will do anything for me but we don't have that typical "best friend hugAllTheDamnTimeCallEveryday relationship that comes to mind when most people think of girls being best friends. And maybe that's ok. But maybe it's not. <br /><br /><strong>I know I keep people at a certain distance</strong>. I share different aspects of my personality with many different people but seldom do I show ONE person ALL of me. I don't know why...I used to say I was afraid of someone knowing ALL about me, but I don't think that's it anymore. Maybe I've just seen so many people be hurt by those they let in really close that I choose not to let anyone in that close. But like I said, I really don't know. It's just something I do.<br /><br /><strong>I can cut people off without a second thought. </strong>People that think they are really close to me usually aren't. And sometimes I just feel like certain people aren't serving their purpose anymore and I let them go. And I'm ok with that. The exception to this is if I REALLY like you. And I don't find myself REALLY liking people that often so usually it's snip snip - goodbye.<br /><br />Do these add up to me being a bitch? Some people have said that it's good not to depend on people because they will almost always disappoint you. However, isn't it more human to do so? Isn't life about making connections with people? Having good times with those people? Making special memories? <br /><br />I'm not lonely. I really enjoy my own company and know that if I need anything, I can look within myself and find it. And I love that about me. But sometimes I wonder how it would feel to just break down and have someone beside me to help pick up the pieces. Because right now, I can't afford to.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1125177386577403872005-08-27T15:03:00.000-06:002005-08-27T15:16:26.583-06:00G.R.I.T.SAlright...RBG is the only one who called me out. Which means either you all don't care...*sniff sniff*...or you've given up on me because of my blog vacations....*sniff sniff*....Either way I'm sad....please give me a moment to compose myself..<br /><br />Ah well! I'm back. None of ya'll black behinds betta come around and be talking about..<em>"Why I ain't linked...Damn...Aries been coming to see me for like a year and she still ain't put me up..That's that bullish..."</em> Nope...none of that....<br /><br />I have this newfound jealousy for Southern girls. Blame Erykah Badu. I just found her song - "Southern Gul" again and she made me realize that REAL...wait, let me say that again...REAL Southern girls are raised with such culture. Georgia peaches and ish...know how to be sweet with a switch of a button. Raised with hot kitchens and even if they don't cook, they probably know how to do it. Cornbread bodies and sweet accents. Down home hospitality. I've been called a bitch more times than a lil bit and I think it may be because I'm from the North. We're cold up there, literally and figuratively. You gotta be. I'm not charming....I'm funny, I'm nice when I wanna be, I'm entertaining, but I'm also very straight-forward. I'm not one of those people who will give you a sweet smile when you are acting an ass. I'm the chick that's gonna look at you like you're a disgrace to your mother's ovaries, swing my neck around and literally turn my back on you. Sometimes it's cool to be brash, but other times, I wish I had that down (south) home training that told my ignorant side to just <em>smile and nod, smile and nod. </em> Eh well, i am who i am...gotta be me. That's just the thought of the day.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1124855986688384422005-08-23T22:57:00.000-06:002005-08-23T21:59:46.693-06:00UpdatingYes, kiss mu ass (you gotta say it like Michael Blackmon...the African dude off Comicview? Ahh yes...) I realize I need to change my links something terrible. So if you see that I don't have your name to the list and you can rightfully say "dammit, I should be there!" or "That bitch comes to see me on my blog all the time!" or some other shit along those lines, shoot me an email and let me know because I'm entirely too lazy to go through and figure it all out my damn self. <br /><br />SmoochesLiza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1124682954493181432005-08-21T22:55:00.000-06:002005-08-21T21:57:07.003-06:00I'm the New Kid On the Block...Again.OK, there is one guarantee in this post:<br /><br />It will be random.<br /><br /><br />- tomorrow marks my first day at my new school. I'm not excited like most people (I guess) would be, however I am ready for a fresh start. Let's see how it goes. Wish me luck.<br /><br />- People are entirely too needy. We are all users. We use this girlfriend for shopping, this one for talking, this one for working out, etc etc etc. And LAWD, don't let me get started on how we use those of the opposite sex. That is a whole 'nother post. It's ok to use people, we ALL do it. Just make sure you give some to other people as well and that you don't use someone so much to the point where they question your motives.<br /><br />- Once again, I think I will have a problem with my roommate. I will dig up some old entries in a few days to show you all the problems I had freshman year with my roommate because I think that this year will pose some of the same problems. Black parents and white parents MUST have two totally different "Home Training" guides. Is it too much to ask that your panties not be EVERYWHERE? On the floor, next to the sink, hanging off the shower door...? Is it too much to ask that your guests throw shit away in YOUR trash can? I don't wanna empty nobody's trash but mine and the people I have over. Is it too much to ask that you pick up your clothes after you take them off, or at least throw them on your bed? DAYUM......<br /><br />- Pineapples still rock.<br /><br />- Cereal is the BOMB shit when you are hungry and broke. Especially Honey Nut Cheerios.<br /><br />- I'm learning not to think the worst of people because people keep surprising me and doing the right thing. Or maybe I will continue to think the worst so that way I will never be let down....HmMMm...to be continued.<br /><br />- I really need to title the new spot. (Some of you know what I mean....)<br /><br />- Aulelei Love's poetry is still amazingly healing. Check out the website if you don't know - sheflypaper.com<br /><br />- Religion may be the most EXTENSIVE subject I've ever encountered.<br /><br />- Black people are beautiful. Through all our downfalls and f%$%ed-up-ness, we are still the most beautiful people on this planet in my eyes.<br /><br />- RateMyProfessor.com is awesome.<br /><br /><br />See ya next time! Updates will FINALLY be more frequent now because I am back at school and will once again have a computer in my face at almost all times of the day.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1124399395779321192005-08-18T15:00:00.001-06:002005-08-18T15:09:55.786-06:00Crap List #1I HATE packing. It sucks...<br /><br />Matter of fact here is a list off the top of my head of things that suck:<br /><br />- Gas Prices<br /><br />- Bush (the whole DAMN family)<br /><br />- The Source<br /><br />- Concert Fees<br /><br />- Tart Plums (nothing worse than biting into a plum, thinkin it's gonna be all sweet and gettin hit with the taste of a lemonhead)<br /><br />- Breaking a nail<br /><br />- <i>R U The Girl?</i> (I <i>loved</i> TLC. Still do. They entertain me everytime I see this show. However, the idea is shitty, the girls suck and the first 4 weeks have been bullshit stretched out episodes.<br /><br />- People who do poetry with profit as their main motivation. (A big middle finger to you.)<br /><br />- Having to pay for textbooks that you will turn in at the end of the year and get less than half your money back for.<br /><br />- Ebay (I got outbid in the last 3 seconds of my auction. I felt like this dude on our cable company's commercial. Homeboy is sitting there, watching the auction, he's the highest bidder on a throwback and then suddenly, he refreshes the page (with his dial-up modem) and sees the auction's ended and he's been outbid. Bullish....I got a cable connection and STILL got outbid.)<br /><br />That's all I can think of right now. I'm upset because I REALLY REALLY hate packing and everything in my room looks a mess right now....excuse while I go throw more crap into suitcases....Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1123631918243318472005-08-09T18:56:00.000-06:002005-08-09T18:01:20.793-06:00I'm Sensitive About My SHIT....A recent <a href="http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=22&topic_id=30957">disagreement</a> on okayplayer has got me thinking...How responsible are artists for the works they put forth into the universe?<br /><br />If you don't read the whole link...here's a synopsis of what went down:<br /><br />1. <strong>Ms. Wright aka Apples aka Erykah Badu</strong> posted on okayplayer with the title F$#% the police. Apparently she said that at a recent date on the Sugar Water Festival Tour and the New York Post decided to write about it. A tad upset that her words were taken out of context (she said it after performing "Danger"), she came onto okayplayer to offer the explanation that her 45 minute set wouldn't allow her to.<br /><br />2. <strong>Folks start questioning</strong> her motives. Ok, is this some publicity shit? She mentioned 3 parts of a song, did she just post this to get some ideas from us? Has she ever even lived within the rules of the GAME?<br /><br />3. <strong>ONE poster called BULLSHIT</strong> and compared Badu to the ministrel character "Mantan". Said she was basically pimpin the hood for profit.<br /><br />4.<strong> Others chose the ride the bandwagon </strong>and took this as their opportunity to start questining Badu on her ever-changing image.<br /><br />1st - peace and light. unity. Africa. Incense. Herbal Tea. Headwraps. Ankhs. Five Percent Mathmatics. Candles.<br /><br />2nd - Dreadlocked weave. Africa. Earth. Peace. For the PEOPLE.<br /><br />3rd - Big ass Afro Wig. Torn Jeans. Dead Prez T-Shirts. Fuck the Police?<br /><br />Is this evolution and growth? Is this her expressing her different sides? Or is she cashing in on what sells at the moment?<br /><br />One thing that kept sticking out was how in the hell can she go around singing about the GAME and FUKK THA POLICE is she doesnt experience the hardships? Shouldn't her art be her life? Art is supposed to be a reflection of life, but does it have to be YOUR life? Some OKPlayers said they need to see Ms Badu out on the front lines with the likes of Sharpton and Jackson before they believe she holds "fukk the police" attitude to heart.<br /><br />So if art is a reflection of life, does it always have to be the life of the creator? Why are we so quick to want "positive" artists (Jill Scott, E Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli...etc) to do EVERYTHING in their lyrics, when if some not so positive artist did all the shit they claimed in their lyrics, this world would be 178973 times more messed up? I know, for myself, I've written poetry about things I've never experienced, yet have watched some people go through. Is it illegal to view a situation from an outside perspective and then write from an inside perspective if you've never actually experienced it? Or are there just certain circumstances and situations that are too sensitive and if you haven't been there it looks like explotation? Ya'll gotta talk to me about this one because I'm confused. For (an extreme) example, if a white person wrote a song about being black from a first-hand perspective, they would probably be BLASTED, because living this life with generous amounts of melanin is a precious and complex experience. However, plenty of people wrote about 9/11 from a first hand experience and didn't know anybody from Jersey, let alone Penn, Ney York or DC.<br /><br />So basically my questions are:<br /><br />1. What situations, if any, cannot be touched by those who haven't lived through it?<br />2. To what extent (if any), should we hold (ALL) artists responsible for the lyrics they present as their truth?<br />3. If you haven't actually BEEN THERE, are you pimpin it, even if your INTENT is just to shed some light on the situation?Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1123482151202563762005-08-08T00:06:00.000-06:002005-08-08T00:56:04.600-06:00This is the meme that never ends.....Ok, so i decided to do a Diggs-type move and have two blogs. Analog Girl in a Digital World will carry on as scheduled, however, those of you that have the other blog address can still visit me there as well. Over there I will be posting more personal entries, per se. So join me at both, enjoy me at one or just leave dammit!<br /><br />Now onto the blog entry....<br /><br /><br />LAST...<br /><strong>Movie you watched</strong>: My cousin and I watched "Tears from the Sun" on Thursday.<br /><strong>Movie you bought</strong> : Oh my...I cannot recall. I just bought the first season of Sex and the City, can that count?<br /><strong>Song you listened to</strong>: Right now I'm listening to "Simply Beautiful" by the Queen. Latifah. But I guess the last song I listenED to would have to be "Otherside of the Game" by E. badu<br /><strong>CD you bought</strong> : Leela James - A Change is Gonna Come<br /><strong>CD you listened to</strong> : Live - Erykah Badu<br /><strong>Person you've called</strong> : Craig<br /><strong>Person that's called you</strong> : Nia<br /><strong>TV show you watched </strong>: America's Next Top Model - vh1 had a marathon<br /><br />DO...<br /><strong>You have a crush on someone</strong> : Can't say that I do<br /><strong>You wish you could live somewhere else</strong> : Almost always<br /><strong>You believe in online dating</strong> : Nahhh...<br /><strong>Others find you attractive</strong> : They betta.<br /><strong>You want more piercings</strong> : I've played with the idea of a tongue piercing, but I dun know....<br /><strong>You like roller coasters</strong> : Yessir<br /><strong>You write in cursive or print</strong> : Both, depending on how I feel, more often a mixture of the two. (You have to see it to understand)<br /><br />FOR OR AGAINST...<br /><strong>Long distance relationships</strong> : I'm not against them but I'm not for them either. If it works for you, more power to ya.<br /><strong>People</strong> : I'm for my daggone self. Everybody else is on the "maybe" list....<br /><strong>Gay/lesbian relationships</strong>: Whatever floats your boat, but a stick will sail my ship...catch my drift?<br /><br />HAVE YOU...<br /><strong>Ever cried over a boy</strong> : Too many times<br /><strong>Ever cried over a girl</strong> : Ain't no bitch worth my tears<br /><strong>Ever lied to someone</strong> : Numerous times<br /><strong>Ever been in a fist fight</strong> : *smile*<br /><br />WHAT...<br /><strong>Shampoo do you use</strong> : Whatever kind I grab, right now it's pink Herbal Essence(s)<br /><strong>Shoes do you wear</strong> : ALL kinds!!<br /><strong>Are you scared of</strong> : Insects, death<br /><br />NUMBER...<br /><strong>of times I have been in love?</strong> : Once.<br /><strong>of times I have had my heart broken?</strong> : Repeatedly, by the same negro<br /><strong>of hearts I have broken?</strong> : I've been told a few, but I don't think I've broken any<br /><strong>of times my name has appeared in the paper? </strong>I don't count. I've been in THAT THANG though....<br /><strong>things in my past that I</strong> <strong>regret?</strong> : I can think of a few, but what's done is done. I'm learning that regret is a wasted emotion<br /><br />DO YOU THINK YOU ARE...<br /><strong>Pretty</strong> : From the top of the longest hair on my head to the bottom of my feet.<br /><strong>Funny</strong> : I guess. I don't really try to be. I'm a natural nut though.<br /><strong>Hot</strong> : Yessir.<br /><strong>Friendly</strong> : Ehhh, depends on the day<br /><strong>Amusing</strong> : Does this look like some Bamboozeled type shit to you? I'm not here for your amusment!<br /><strong>Ugly</strong> : In behavior sometimes, yes<br /><strong>Loveable</strong> : I would sure like to think so<br /><strong>Caring</strong> : For certain people, extremely<br /><strong>Sweet</strong> : Ehhh.....<br /><strong>Dorky</strong> : Slightly, but I hide it WELL....<br /><br />FAVORITE...<br /><strong>4 letter word</strong> : Mine <br /><strong>Actor/actress</strong> : Angelina Jolie<br /><strong>Cartoon</strong> : I don't watch cartoons. But if the Boondocks cartoon isn't all kinds of shitty, it will be my fav.<br /><strong>Cereal</strong> : Frosted Flakes<br /><strong>Chewing gum</strong> : Polar Ice Extra<br /><strong>Color(s)</strong> : Green, grey, black, pink and brown<br /><strong>Day of the week</strong> : Saturday<br /><strong>Least fave day</strong> : I love all the days I get to live<br /><strong>Flower</strong> : I used to say white roses, but it's been so long since I've gotten any, or seen some that I don't know anymore<br /><strong>Jelly flavor</strong> : I'm not really a jelly kinda girl<br /><strong>Jewelry</strong> : My diamond ring<br /><strong>Summer/Winter</strong> : Ugh....both extremes....I don't know. There are things I love about both and the Cleveland girl in me will NOT allow me to say summer....<br /><br />WHO LAST...<br /><strong>Slept in your bed</strong> : Me<br /><strong>Saw you cry </strong>: Can't recall<br /><strong>Made you cry</strong> : Slim almost did, but since that doesn't count...I can't really remember<br /><strong>Yelled at you</strong> : Can't remember<br /><strong>Sent you an email</strong>: Anton<br /><br />HAVE YOU EVER...<br /><strong>Said "I love you" and meant it?</strong> : With everything I have inside<br /><strong>Kept a secret from everyone</strong> : Yes<br /><strong>Cried during a movie</strong> : OMG, plenty of times. I'm such a damn sap now it makes NO sense...Green Mile, Titanic, Sometimes in April, Love Actually, Eve's Bayou....etc etc<br /><strong>Planned your week based on the TV:</strong> not a whole damn week...maybe an hour or two...ok, a day...but never a damn week!<br /><strong>Been backstage</strong> : I'm backstage all the time in my mind<br /><strong>Been to New York</strong> : Yes<br /><strong>Been to California</strong> : Naw son<br /><strong>Hawaii</strong> : Nope<br /><strong>China</strong> : Nuh uh<br />C<strong>anada</strong> : when i was two, but does that really count?<br /><strong>Europe</strong> : eh eh<br /><strong>Asia </strong>: No<br /><strong>South America </strong>: Nope<br /><strong>Africa</strong> : In spirit. My body will reach the soil of Africa one day<br /><strong>What time is it now?</strong> : 1:35 am<br /><br />This or That?..<br /><strong>Apples or</strong> <strong>bananas?</strong> : Apples...<br /><strong>Blue or red?</strong> : Country ass colors....blue<br /><strong>Walmart or Target?</strong> : Target<br /><strong>Spring or Fall?</strong> : Both...naww, spring....that's my birth season and I LOVE the rain....<br /><br /><strong>What are you gonna do after you finish this?</strong> : lie in my bed, play guitar and then sleep<br /><strong>Was the last meal you ate?</strong> : Eh? WHAT was the last meal I ate? Lunch/Dinner at about 3pm<br /><strong>Are you bored?</strong> : Naw, I got wild things running through my mind right now.<br /><strong>Last noise you heard?</strong> : Queen Latifah and Al Green singing<br /><strong>Last smell you sniffed?</strong> : My pineapple air freshener in my car...aHhHh<br /><br />Friendship/Love...<br /><strong>Do you believe in love at first sight?</strong> : HELL to the NAW<br /><strong>Do you want children one day & if so, how many?</strong> : Yeah, but I wish them suckas could just pop out without the weight gain or pain...dammit Eve!!!<br /><strong>Most important thing to you in a friendship is</strong> : Loyalty<br /><br />Other Info ...<br /><strong>Do you speak any other</strong> <strong>languages?</strong> : a little EspaƱol, various Swahilli words<br /><strong>Last book you read?</strong> : I'm reading the Prisoner's Wife by asha bandele<br /><strong>Thing in your bedroom you like?</strong> : My laptop<br /><strong>Your Nickname(s)</strong> : Dia, Lizbeth<br /><strong>Initials</strong> : AEY, kid!<br /><strong>How old do you look?</strong> : 20, I think.....<br /><strong>How old do you act?</strong> : depends on the situation....<br /><strong>Glasses/Contacts</strong> : Contacts<br /><strong>Braces</strong> : Never<br /><strong>Do you have any pets?</strong> : If you count my kid sister...nah...just kidding<br /><strong>You get embarrassed</strong> : Hardly ever<br /><strong>What makes you happy?</strong> : Children, Music, Good poetry from the soul<br /><strong>What upsets you?</strong> : Lotsa shit...too much to list here<br /><br />Finish the sentence...<br /><strong>I Love to...</strong> write a poem that makes me feel purged<br /><strong>I Miss... </strong>sitting in my dorm window and making fun of folks<br /><strong>I Am Annoyed by</strong>... people who think they know me...jealous folks that claim to love you<br /><strong>I Want to be...</strong> a more peaceful person<br /><strong>I Would Never...</strong>shit...i can't think of anything...is that bad or good?<br /><strong>I Am Tired of...</strong> disrespectful people who don't bow down before me! Don't they know I'm royalty??<br /><strong>I Will Always... LOVE YOOOOOUUUUUU!! </strong>*pats self on back* dammit, I sound just like whitney! Say I don't!<br /><br /><br /><br />Damn, that thang was long! I stole it from sunnchine. she's got a new spot, but i'm too lazy to link. head to "the essence of..." and find her that way. peace and light to all ya'll. it's 2 am and i'm going to bed. this was something to get me back in the swing of typin and bloggin....no more promises of returns, i'm just gonna come back on dat ass!Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1122509346320009672005-07-27T18:07:00.000-06:002005-07-27T18:09:06.326-06:00DipsetI'm outta this piece...moving to another place. <br /><br />If you want the addy, leave a comment with your email or hit me up at soulfularies AT gmail DOT com and I will hit you up. My answers to the questions will be posted there and well as my tag from Suezette, even though she may have to explain that thing a little bit more so I can make sure I did it right.Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1122354075110181482005-07-26T01:00:00.000-06:002005-07-25T23:01:15.123-06:00Barbie and Ken 101If you don't watch Def Poetry Jam, don't beat yaself up, because it's been so commercialized most of the time it's pointless. But every now and then you get an episode like last night. They straight brought back Beau Sia, Lemon, Flaco, Shihan (who is SO damn fine to me), Ursula Rucker AND Sonia Sanchez in ONE episode! That THANG was slammin!! Here's a poem from that episode by a young cat named Rafael...his delivery is sick but the words still fare well on the page. Enjoy.<br /><br /><br />Poem: "Barbie And Ken 101"<br />Poet: Rafael Casal <br /><br />sometimes I feel like I'm sittin' in the back row of Barbie and Ken 101<br />a class we are all in, but never seem to learn from<br />Some general ed requirement for<br />Students of American culture<br />A GE that convinces even the brightest<br />of young women that sex is survival of the thinnest<br />and I'm sick of this education that doesn't serve our best interests<br />my teacher has no face<br />she is every Revelon model women have ever chased<br />her lectures come through magazines in beauty shops & add campaigns,<br />shit<br />just turn on your tv<br />this just in, a skewed perspective for todays youth y'al ladies aint thin enough, fellas aint trim<br />enough, wanna be sexy?<br />Y'al don't go to the gym enough, cut to commercial, common just come tune<br />in to our maintenance team, convince you're ugly then tell you how to fix it with maybeline<br />Perpetually started by these dolls marketed in the late 50's named<br />Barbie and Ken<br />hence the<br />class I'm in<br />Are you following?<br />Shit didn't end<br />They keep moldin' Barbie to fit new trends<br />next maybe they'll have club hoppin' Barbie<br />With thongs as accessories<br />video hoe Barbie<br />abusive boyfriend sold separately<br />underaged Barbie<br />Cobey Bryant included<br />or 9/11 victim Barbie<br />and Ken is proud to get recruited<br />problem is all these teachings are womans decay<br />and I'm startin' to worry cuz my girl is up front and she's getting an A<br />this is where I start getting pissed off ok<br />when the f**k did it become all about<br />tuckin' in the gutt I gotta get the bigger breast<br />shit I wanna fit a little better in a dress<br />so let me get a little skinny gotta fit into an itty bitty<br />size slimmer so I livin up the chest<br />please<br />teacher teacher I wanna give my oral presentation<br />cuz I have a problem with the class, and matter of fact, I have, a fat ass grudge with the<br />whole administration<br />you're the reason my girl won't eat in front of me in restaurants<br /><br />the reason that she thinks she's overweight in over ten spots<br />less gut less pudge less lunch less real, more looks more love more Barbie<br />appeal?<br />f**k Barbie and Ken<br />My future daughter will never play with them<br />you're the reason bleedin' 15 year old girls arms are slit<br />You made 12 year olds think skinny was a compliment<br />And now it's too late<br />I can't write my way through this bathroom door<br />So I raise my hand in class cuz I can't stand it any more<br />Teacher teacher your lectures all backwards<br />You got mothers and daughters forgetting what matters<br />Cuz above tits, ass, lips, legs, and ugs<br />The most attractive women are the ones who don't give a f**k<br />So screw your teachings your lessons and plans<br />You skewed sick distant relative of the man<br />Your plan for brainwashin' my baby I reject<br />I'm walkin' out of this class, and I will proudly take, my FLiza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1121232577990855552005-07-12T23:27:00.000-06:002005-07-12T23:29:37.996-06:00Yes, this is a replay.Blame it on this crazy new hot song I'm listening to - "Pon De Replay", or just my laziness (probably more of the latter)...but I'm feeling in the mood for a 3 question and answer thingy. <br /><br />Ya'll know the deal, make me feel loved, shoot me some questions, nothing is too personal or too trivial. Challenge me!<br /><br />Peace ya'll..Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9196023.post-1120106647988671332005-06-29T23:43:00.000-06:002005-06-29T22:44:07.993-06:00Yesterday was good, but today will be better.I'm inspired every time I hear Donny Hathaway's voice.<br /><br />I'm inspired every time one of the kids at my program gives me a hug and tells me that today is going to be better than yesterday. (something I ask them everyday)<br /><br />I'm inspired by Leela James' song - "Music".<br /><br />I'm inspired every time I see Slim's lips, kiss him and he moans my name.<br /><br />I'm inspired by people who are not afraid to care.<br /><br />I'm inspired when I encounter people with gentle souls. (I wish I could be more like them.)<br /><br />I'm inspired every weekday morning when I hear my kids sing <a href="http://www.lyricsondemand.com/l/labisiffrelyrics/somethinginsidesostronglyrics.html">Something Inside So Strong</a>.<br /><br />I'm inspired by those who love me and challenge me to give them that same love back.<br /><br />I'm inspired when I think of how many people I can possibly encounter and touch in my lifetime. <br /><br /><br /><br />I'm really trying to keep up with my blog, but I've been worn out lately. I'm still around and kicking though, so don't forget about me. I just recently caught up on my regular reads too, so I'm workin on it....Liza Valentinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03285435094026120275noreply@blogger.com10