I’m a picture person. Recently, I thumbed through hundreds of photo and recognized similarities between my pictures and my granddaughter’s pictures over the years. It was almost like we were mirroring each other without knowing it! I thought about the powerful poem, “Human Family,” by Maya Angelou. In the poem, she acknowledges superficial differences in …
The United States celebrated its 250th anniversary of independence from Britain on July 4, 2026. This involved the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the beginning of the United States. As a result, the country divided into slave states, primarily in the South, and the others were free states. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 …
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary- the Fourth of July Read More »
I grew up in poverty. Without a scholarship and financial aid, college was impossible for me. Fortunately, I received a scholarship to Tennessee State University and was also awarded financial aid. I stood in long lines with other poor or low-income students. The lines wrapped around the narrow hallway, but we didn’t care. We were …
Recently, a friend invited me to his farm to pick blackberries. We got on his Gator Utility Vehicle and rode deep into the woods. The berries hadn’t fully ripened yet, but we picked some anyway! Picking blackberries brought back childhood memories. Then, we picked blackberries for survival. Blackberries are a nutrient-dense superfood packed with fiber, …
About two years ago, I met a man who became my good friend. We met in ballroom dance class. I’m a dancer, he’s not. That didn’t keep him from coming to class. After class, we enjoyed talking with each other. We had many similarities and many differences. In a world of texting, conversations are beginning …
Recently, a very dear new friend invited me to his place to pick wildflowers. My friend had no way of knowing what joy that invitation brought me. Wildflowers hold a special place in the hearts of many people. They may symbolize love and friendship but also represent hope and new beginnings. Their spring blooms are …
Mystery trips can be like trees. Many trees hold secrets within their roots, and they create an atmosphere of wonder and awe. The ones with twisted branches and unusual shapes make them feel like silent observers in nature. They maintain a profound air of mystery. Recently a group of 73 wanderlusts embarked on an exciting …
When I was growing up, my parents’ spoke highly of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. They were both born into wealthy and prominent families. Despite Mrs. Roosevelt’s wealth, she had a difficult childhood and was insecure because of her plain looks. I bought Eleanor Roosevelt’s book “You Learn By Living-Eleven Keys For …
I believe poverty is man-made. When I published my memoirs, “The Tangled Web: A Little Girl’s Struggle to Understand Racism and Poverty,” and “The Footlocker: A Family’s Journey out Of Poverty,” I made mention of this. Some reader’s asked me what I meant by this. My family and I lived in poverty as a direct …
Live your best life wherever you are! During my life, I had many struggles. As a Christian I know I am to trust, believe, and wait for God’s blessings. Every Christian should have a testimony and willingness to speak the truth to help others. This is my truth. You can choose to succeed in whatever …