Show Yourself Friendly

So you may have noticed by now that this blog is dedicated to things that I experience first hand. I try to jot down things as they happen so I won't forget and this little saying was in my notebook.
It makes me think of a few people in particular. I live in what some would call "the hood". I just call it home. I've been in this neighborhood for twenty... Wait, let's not get technical but I've been here quite a while (lol).
My father is known by EVERYBODY in this neighborhood. When he had his Garage open he would open the gate every morning, stand outside and say hello to every one as they were going to work or taking kids to school. At first some may
Have thought him strange but over the years he has become somewhat of a fixture in this neighborhood. People would come to him for advice, and help and he always there ready and willing. Definitely friendly.

I definitely do not stand outside every morning to greet everyone that walks by but all of us (my parents kids) have a habit of speaking when we enter a room, greeting even strangers when we make eye contact and respecting elders. Friendly.
There is one particular gentleman that we all speak to although most other people don't. His name is Mr. Ernie. At first glance he looks like a crazed homeless person and quite scary. But over the years we have learned more about him. He is a
Viet Nam Vet who lost everything after the war. His wife, kids and his mind. He flips out sometimes and drinks so he doesn't remember. He has never asked me for anything but I always give him a smile and a wave. Respect him by calling him Mr. Ernie
And may even hold a short conversation. Friendly.

I sometimes travel late and alone and like I said before I live in the hood. Not always the safest place to be by yourself. One night I was coming home from Manhattan. It had to be about 2:30 in the morning. It was very dark and quiet. This guy (very drunk) comes
Out of nowhere and starts following me. I got a little anxious and started to walk faster. This made him very mad and he started cursing and moving faster. Out of the blue comes Mr. Ernie. I won't repeat what he said or did but needless to say the
Man didn't bother me anymore. When I tried to thank Mr. Ernie and asked him where he came from he told me that he's always watching for me and my family and not to thank him because we're friends.

Think about it.

whew, long week

Ok, Ok,

I missed a week of blogging but OH what a long week it was. Very sorry guys!

My brain is a bit scrambled, frazzled and any other word that would describe overworked but I dare not miss another blog date! I love this stuff!

This week I'll write about something that doesn't require me to think at all....

Miyah

The smartest, most beautiful, fantastic 4 year old you could ever imagine. Why is she noteworthy? If you met her you wouldn't have to ask me that question. She is truly an amazing child that I am blessed to be caregiver to.

I want to write about her because our situation is a little sad. She is the daughter of my late sister, Tamecha Lyvette Morgan. My sister, mother and I have taken over the care of Miyah since my sister died in March of 07. I heard someone speak a few weeks ago saying there is no way someone who didn't actually birth a child could actually love a child the way it's mother does.

I have my own feelings on this but would love to hear yours and then do a follow up.

email me: astocks84@gmail.com

wheew rough week..

I wasn't going to post today but I refuse to be a slacker! This was a very tiring week for me and it's just about to get crazier. I'm 27 and starting school again (Not Fun!), working full time, churching, and have a four year old in pre-school with homework and germs...

But that's neither here nor there. This is going to be a very short post but I just wanted to put something out there for you to think about.

Friends vs. Family

You know the old saying "blood is thicker than water" and everything but is that really true? I personally have some of the best friends (I think ) in the world. These are people who have been there for me through thick and thin (mostly thick, never really been thin) and stood strong. And then there is family...::sigh:: they found me on facebook.

Think about it over this week. Remember I'm talking about real friends. ABC's if you will. Want to take this moment to shout out my ABC (Ace Boon C... ) Wanza, BFF's Bev and Mark and the semi-disbanded Hey Y'all Crew: Charline, Corrien, Cindy, Meika, Tasha, Marquita and Thelma. Love you guys and trust there is nothing thicker than our bond!
-Anna

wheew rough week..