FREE enough to be real... love you BUT

WHEN it's really more about who you are, as an individual, than who he OR she is... 



I love: genuinely; sincerely; accommodating *within limits* faithfully; exclusively; firmly; non-traditionally; *that ole school type of commitment* confidently; passionately...

In respect to who you are as a man -  I love the way I do - because of who I am as a woman... ... it's merely an added plus - when you ARE one of the cream of the crop!

Footer: (although it's in the middle of the pg - rather than the end... hehe) I am not a 'man bash-er' | I don't advocate 'man bashing' | nor do I participate!... 

THAT outta the way... I have to say from my experience... men OR possibly peeps in general [I can only speak from my perspective] seem to think he is one of heavens greatest gifts when his woman loves him on a level that is above the average level he is use to receiving... ... And hey, that's cool, he should be made to feel paramount, in my opinion, that's part of my j.o.b... but please don't get it twisted... I love the way I do; primarily though not solely; because of who I am... ... ... And I don't waver in character. what you see is what you get. I've learned to BE comfortable enough to be open. And free enough to be real.

NOW back to the matter at hand... LOVE you!!!                                                                                                               
                                                            

ONLY on contingency... The Engagement.

==============================================

WHEN someone else's expectation differs from your own...

==============================================



they had discussed marriage but she felt there were things they must workout BEFORE saying "I do" he felt "love could conquer all"

when we tie ourselves to someone - FOR LIFE - we should darn well be certain we are tying ourselves to something (someone) who will be worth the sacrifice | the commitment ... He wanted to marry; she was leery. He asked; she finally said "yes BUT only on contingency." 

people thought she was crazy... they said "you've known him most of your life; he's a good man." they said "he has a nice home. And he's a solid provider." they said "he is so "handsome. And sexy too; ya'll look good together." girl" they said, "what's wrong with you?" 

'Love Jones' is one of my absolute favorite movies. One of the many memorable quotes from the movie is: "physics this sh*t aint"   *hahahaha... I love it* but um, I beg to differ *smilin* webster's partial definition of physics is: 'the science of matter and energy - and of interaction between the two - grouped in traditional fields'... SO why not apply 'webster' to the relationship?... 

he & she are, of course, the matter... And obviously the energy is the composition (the vigor; strength; power) between the two in relation. IF the balance is OFF, which she realized it was; greatly OFF; why would you commit your life to an unbalanced relationship?...

another quote from 'Love Jones'... "It's not supposed to make sense... love... passion... it is what it is..." in my personal opinion, WHICH of course this is what this is, passion is an essential element in a relationship (it's yummy, I always say, eat it up) but when the passion is removed - the relationship has to be layered with something (more than one something actually) that is just as powerful... ... ... a true desire to commit. for life!... commitment is another key element. be honest. say "no" IF you have NO desire to commit. it will save both parties a lot of headaches & heartache.

nope. nah. nada... IT (he) was a wonderful guy for someone else. she cared for him greatly BUT he was not her match... after about 1-year 1/2, of trying to work it up down and all around, she gave him his ring back. she decided there were just too many things she did not want to contend with. for life! 

don't allow someone else's mediocre expectation of Life... Love... be a disappointing end to your great anticipation. Life... Love... we only get one try at this thing (a cliche I know but whatever)... STAY open welcome and willing but don't haphazardly give your Life... Love... away to someone else... I just couldn't. *wink* he or she is getting the absolute best. shouldn't you???

my beautiful flower dat sunday mornin'...

"EASY like sunday mornin"
                         lionel richie. thx!






Q: what do YOU think of  when you think of sunday mornin?...





____________________________________________________________
SOME men may think of golfing or lounging around in sweats and a tee AFTER washing the car and/or mowing the lawn and THEN for a leisurely day of sports (perhaps the play-off) while washing down an ice cold beer 


                                                                         THERE are some, however, who extend the workweek by crunching numbers and reviewing stock options...

____________________________________________________________
SOME of us recollect sunday school | followed by morning service | followed by chicken dinners & bake sales | often followed by a visit to another ministry *OUR pastor already in the pulpit - lightly patting away beads of sweat from his brow* smiling and nodding while proudly eyeballing HIS choir JUST before they rise - in unison - And march to the visitor's section choir stand | choir robes swaying | bibles toted - then THE hymn - followed by the word And finally home.

                                              

____________________________________________________________
WE have the ole school grandmothers who look forward to preparing sunday dinner WITH their children and grandchildren gathered around the dining table... the unmistakable aroma of collard greens | corn bread | oven baked mac & cheese | pot roast | green beans | potato salad AND the sweet smell of banana pudding | and german chocolate cake filling the house and permeating up & out the front door greeting US and every passerby-er 

____________________________________________________________
MANY ladies have purposed this day to catch up on laundry and household chores *the scent of fresh linens rotating in the dryer* an occasional sip of wine | the "temptations" "gladys knight", OR perhaps a little more recent, "mary j. blige" playing in the background
                                                                                       

____________________________________________________________
new york-ers ARE possibly already preparing for NEXT sunday brunch - a good meal And really good convo - IN dressed down yet slightly high fashion... s/o to my baby girl "cateredbycoffey"
                            

___________________________________________________________
i pressed pause - took it easy - And thought of my mom (my beautiful flower) the other sunday... ... the; tragic; short of my mom's story is:  sadly!... she was kidnapped on her way to work one morning; violated; and murdered... ... Uh, tho she left us WAY too soon... ... my memory of her is as soft and sweet as a nice slow summer breeze on an easy sunday mornin!  ripp my beautiful flower

That Tummy | AND what's really important :)

Rather than looking in the mirror, smiling, And loving the beautiful reflection, no matter the shape size or color, that is shown back @ us - many of us - for one reason or another ARE not pleased with what we see... 

Truth: || What is on the inside is a heck of a lot more important than what is displayed on the outside" Coming to terms, for example, with the fact that perhaps your tummy is not going anywhere And reflecting on the realest truest fact... 

Fact: || You have successfully carried and nurtured your child [children] And each child was brought forth strong happy & healthy.

Real: || That pouch, when uncovered, displaying evidence of an expanded womb that had been prepared for childbirth – perhaps displaying marks stretching from one side of your tummy to the other  –  has indeed served its purpose And has served it well. Congratulations!

Footer: NOW on the flip side of that... Please don't get me wrong. We should always maintain our appearance; maintenance is definitely important!... Eye candy for my man?... NO doubt... Pleasing him; pleases me... sooo I'm on it. I'm just saying - we should operate within our own security. And not look to a man for TOTAL security. Looking to him(s) & them(s) will offer only a 'blanket security'... THE real stuff is within.

p.s. I Love you...

I Love you...

how can a Mountain be removed and you not miss it?...

how can it stand in the midst - being of considerable magnitude - And you not admire its splendor?

It's BEAUTIFUL. It's beauty is undeniable.

     My Father was such a Mountain...

A man who, for anyone who knew him, stood massively greater than all the hilltops surrounding him

- his Conviction | his Integrity 
- his Stature | his Strength
- his Passion | his Humor
     
ALL stood alone.
     And though I shed tears, I am not forever saddened

I realize... ... I am encouraged!

... though my Mountain has been removed...

I'm thankful that his lineage has been passed on...

... Passed on to his children; his children's children; And their children after them

Yep... I am encouraged And forever grateful because I am John Coffey

I wrote and read this piece at my dad's Service.
At the end of the reading EACH of his children | his grandchildren | and his great-grands - one by one - ;the eldest child (my brother Lamarr) to the youngest great-grandchild... stood to their feet AND proudly proclaimed "I am John Coffey"

THEN something surprising and totally unplanned happened... other family members, and family friends, rose to their feet - one by one - and repeated the same!... ... it was an unexpected very moving and very deserving tribute to my dad.  rip Daddy

I AM NOT my environment... ||Marvin Gaye "what's goin on"

Sadly there were/ARE some amazing talents NEVER realized... 

In a Marvin Gaye's "what's going on" type of mood                                                 

"Society would have him to believe that his absolute stateliness is nullified because he was born and raised in a City Housing Project or low-income community. Not so. His environment is evidence of the place in which he resides only. His state and presence of mind will determine the route and flight of his destination."  Excerpt "Having Tea with My Sisters"

IF effectively communicated - IT could make a world of difference! 

Oan I greatly admire those who give a portion of themselves - giving BACK to a particular community JUST because!... 
Giving from sustenance is greater than any $ amount NO matter the portion OR the gift... *Thinking of the high crime rate in Chicago*  Poodle

Love | MEET The Joker...

love is a funny thing... It doesn't matter how solid or how high your wall *you know your protective barrier* when you fall in love it will be penetrated. 

Like an organized body of troops has just stormed and invaded your private space, it will be penetrated.

I thought I was ever so careful but when it was all over I was unable to. And, at some point, I had stopped caring about protecting my heart And I did get hurt; pretty badly. But hey, as one of my childhood friends (Atty Andre Grant) would say, “Such is life.”  Excerpt from "Having Tea with My Sisters"  ... Smile when you can STILL love past the hurt and/or past the person who caused the pain :) Um yep!... happy I can STILL extend and receive love. Poodle

Footer: Seems we don't talk about TRUE love as often these days... possibly because we've matured And love (and falling in love) isn't quit as important as we once fantasized it was OR have we kinda given up on the idea of love ??? OR are we simply becoming more and more desensitized to various forms of intimacy ??? Afterall, there are a whole lot of life issues that are primo right NOW; for example the economy... lbvs

sometimes LOVE is like "throwing caution to the wind"

Remembering when LOVE was like "throwing caution to the wind"







being in love | loving someone | And having someone love you back | while being present in that moment... Whew... It's a beautiful thing... it's | luscious | delicious | delightful | delectable | palatable | tantalizingly intense | And altogether lovely.

Eeeeeeeevery once in awhile we connect with an individual And it's magical... it's all of what magic encompasses And so much more!... it's | mysterious | enchanting | fascinating | charming | captivating | refreshing | exhilarating | alarming | passionate | powerful | consuming | SOFT | gentle | And oh so tender.

It is that eternal, very real, type of connection that is shared, and understood, solely between the two in relation. Simple... FREE of inhibitions And instinctively undeniably indescribably natural... Almost as IF - he - was birthed for she And - she - birthed for he. ~ ahhhh... young love. poodle

Chocolate covered candies... ||Relationships?...

we all have our own personal way of consuming a yummy box of chocolates...

I, for example, quickly scan the box; cautiously inspecting each piece before picking up and biting in... I have in the past, quit accidentally, been caught off guard; reluctantly biting into a chocolate AND receiving an unexpected creamy filling. Exactly the reason I became cautious in the 1st place. And so I have no desire to bite into a piece of chocolate that has... an um... THICK gooey maple flavor "Yuk!" or a soft creamy raspberry flavor "Nope!" I don't like the crisp minty flavor "Unt Uh"... I don't want chocolate with a crispy cookie inside... No assorted nuts... No deep chocolate... No toffee or coconut filling... No vanilla...*deep breath*
I mean, at the risk of sounding prudish, "I personally don't like assorted flavored chocolates." And "Nooo" trust me I don't wanna try "this one" just because you really like it AND you're certain I will too. No thanks.
Actually the only flavor I do like; is chocolate covered caramel. When I bite into it *the caramel filling* there is an added level of enjoyment - possibly because there were SO many others to choose from... ... SOME of which I really wasn't certain of. I mean, after all, some of them looked very similar to the one I like... And then there were a couple I was certain weren't caramel BUT they looked kinda interesting. I often chose to pass on those too. Why?... because there's nothing like expecting one thing AND - after taking a bite - realizing it's not what you expected at all *insert sound effect of birds chirping here* 
SO when I do choose the right piece... And after tasting it... ... ... I'm certain of it!... it is caramel... I relax a bit more ... take a 2nd bite ... mmmmm ... chew on it nice and slowly... savor it for a second... And then... I devour it. "Yes!"

You know I've thought... why not simply purchase a box of caramel covered chocolates?... that way there is no chance of biting into anything other than caramel... hmmm... BUT there is something about having a variety, made available to you, AND still choosing your preference over all the others... as I said it offers"an added level of enjoyment"
                                                                                                    
- There are those who, just as I prefer caramel, prefer the assorted mint flavors. They too scan the box; pick out the ones they want. Do an 'about-face' and off they go. Not hard to please at all.

- There ARE some who prefer the crunchy brittle nutty covered pieces. Those pieces are usually easier to spot. The surface is quit jumbled/lumpy. And easy to distinguish from the others.

- There are those, HOWEVER, who will try the cream fillings... Chew on um for a few secs. Finish um off... cont'd below

 
... And then move on to the coconut covered chocolates which happen to be in total contrast to the cream... ... BUT these folks are open to different flavors and textures.

- And then there are those who will take a bite of EACH piece. Toss it around in their mouth. Decide they don't care for it. Return the uneaten portion to the box. And move on to the next piece. Toss IT around a bit. Shake their head "no" *they give a head shake because they still have a mouth full of the other chocolates* And again put it back. Moving on to the next inviting piece. WAIT!... they kinda like this one... wait... wait... hold on... ... nah... They suck on their finger tips and keep it moving on to the next nice piece. 
They casually leave behind the residue of their uneaten portions *their leftovers* for someone, anyone else, who wants them. I guess these peeps like variety BUT have no real genuine regard for delectable chocolates. 
Rationalizing... "The chocolates were right there in my face - so - why not try um" they say. Just Greedy! lol

                                                         



Q: How do you prefer your chocolate?......
Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini *wink* possibly the best option of all 

Oan I'm getting ready to watch 'Love Jones' Lovey!... one of my ALL time favorites *should be considered a classic*... ... ... my schedule will be crazy full in a day or two BUT perhaps... I'll write a little about the movie later in the week. Dream Sweet.  Poodle

Mother To Son by: Langston Hughes @ my 8th grade graduation

MOTHER TO SON by: Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you...

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it. And splinters,

And boards torn up. And places with no carpet on the floor - Bare.

But all the time I'se beenA climbin' on. And reachin' landin's. And turnin' corners.

And sometimes goin' in the dark WHERE there ain't been no light.

So boy. Don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps

Cause you finds it's kinda hard. Don't you fall now - For I'se still goin' honey

I'se still climbin'. And life, for me, ain't been NO crystal stair.

 I absolutely LOVE this poem. I'm not really sure why BUT this poem was the first piece of material, I read, that actually leaped off the page to me. I was able to visualize each word.

8th grade graduation: 

I was asked, by Mrs. Taylor - my 8th grade teacher - whom I also loved, to recite "Mother To Son" @ my 8th grade graduation. I was honored. I obliged.

I can remember as I approached the podium... ... ... my long skinny legs were trembling... ... my knobby knees were my ONLY body parts shaking *almost uncontrollably*

I thought, for certain, the mic would pick up this distraction AND the sound would somehow be magnified and carried throughout the entire sound system *lol* FUNNY how a child's mind works *smilin*

I finished the poem without catastrophic incident... Everything after that was blur.

Note To Author: 
Poetry as vivid as a beautiful painting; it carries a sultry rhythm that one can almost dance to... Mr. Hughes, thank you for your legacy. Your rhythmic style of  writing has inspired generations. Respectfully Poodle ONE of many you've inspired.  r.i.p. 

Yes... that She is Me!

She | Her | Me:

Who is "She"?... "She" is me... Who am "I" you ask?... weeeell... "I" am she.
my LIFE journey; enthusiastically and at times unapologetic; moves forward toward completeness AND so I move forward relinquishing unneeded emotional and intellectual baggage as part of this process. In other words... I take ownership of my own personal properties - which by the way - does not leave much time or space for me to stand in the doorway of my sister's property - gawking and passing judgement - on her development. ijs  

...connecting with my essence is essentially - acknowledging the undeniable *wink*
... it's simply realizing and exuding what is within...
- Admittedly, I am a flawed individual BUT one thing that does not come into question - is the 'core' of my being... 
- It's simple... IF my 'core' (my innermost part) is beautiful... what, then, does that make me?... Ummm *assertively raising my eye brows* beautiful!!!
- Even simpler... IF ones intent is of ill will - their 'core' THEN would be the opposite of beautiful...
- Question then :: should I be reserved in expressing something that is undeniable?... Undeniable specifically, and most importantly, to me?... Should I "hide dis TRUTH under a bushel" ???
- Question compounded... Should I hide my flashlight underneath my garment in an attempt to decrease its brilliance?... Nope. Never. 
Never haughty or contemptuous... distributing and receiving effective communication IN love! Poodle 

Today's Flow *pressing pause*

...living abundantly ...conscious opulence
1st mention: @ OR, about, age 6  I wanted to marry Micheal Jackson... 

2nd mention: my twin (Mella) & I cried when we watched "Ben" a movie he starred in (Ben, the rat, was Micheal's best friend)... 

3rd mention: I often sat on our front stoop waiting to hear the slooooow churn; loud and often outta tune; - irresistibly enticing merry music - coming from the blue & white ice cream truck as it slooooowly passed by our way "ICE CREAM!!!" we would scream as we scurried to the truck... ;my favorite was chocolate & vanilla swirl *smilin*

4th mention: @ OR about, age 6  I wanted to put all my thoughts together in a book... 

5th mention: I had written a portion of my first song "money man"... the song was about the large white pollen that softly, almost effortlessly, floated through the air during Chicago's hot hazy summer days...

6th mention: I regularly wrote in my small pink (key-locked) diary... *clearing my throat* Today "diary's" are more commonly referred to as 'journals'
I've accomplished 1 of my 2 desires (Having Tea with My Sisters) my 1st book *wink*And RIP King of Pop obviously I won't become Mrs Micheal Jackson  

Choking the life outta living || Dear Puppet Master...

Dear Puppet Master why ARE you always pulling my strings?..

She (the puppet) woke one morning to the simple truth that She was allowing her emotional state to determine her current state of being; of subsisting; of existing... She realized she was choking the life outta living... NO matter how fleeting, or to what degree, her emotions would dictate her mood for the next: minute | hour | week | month | year... yeeeeeears! *whew*

- IF She was in love... She loved the world... Mmmmmuah *hand toss to the sky*
- IF She was mad... the world was gonna know it AND you better get outta her way
- IF She had been hurt... She might lash-out @ those who were unspecting and undeserving
- IF She was sad... 'Sorrowful' was her make up artist... She wore it all over my face
- IF She was afraid - her fear was over-shadowed by a multitude of additional negative emotions = > - > - > unsafe | unsure | neglected... She THEN opened the door and welcomed = > - > - > unhappiness | apprehensiveness | unworthiness | self-doubt

Ummm... @ 'a time' the "She" I'm speaking of was me...

Pleeeez believe, dear heart, life has so much more to offer to you AND you have so so so much more to offer the world. Be your own school teacher... within the confines of your own home... LEARN to live not just exist. Start with making a commitment to *yourself* to not fake happy BUT live happy... to not fake joy BUT be consumed with joy... to not seek peace BUT to create your own peace... look wide and deep *search yourself* be honest with what you find AND apply a sincere unshakable unyeilding work ethic toward improving those areas YOU determine to be in need of redressing... Believe me... I've been there; done that ; ) Good Morning Beautiful... HavA fantastic friday *roll up your sleeves | WAKE UP your true spiritual being AND live life* Thank You Creator! Poodle

MY Inspiration(s) | up close and personal *slightly nervous smile*

Crazy FULL day today... so I will just share with you a collage of Inspirational pics; pics of personal memories, visions, hopes, dreams, and loves: 1) Gorgeous Sunrise "Good Morning World" 2) Idyllic Waterfall (my emotions dis morn: happy | peaceful | eeeeasy) 3) Pink Padlock Heart (private) 4) Identical Female Silhouettes: one black | one white (image of color blind sisterly love 5) Amazing 'Treetop' (my son) 6) Beautiful 'Butterfly' (my daughter) 7) Strong 'Mountain' (my dad) 8) Beautiful Flower (mom) 9) Display of pink stacked tea cups (Title of my book: "Having Tea with My Sisters" soon 2b released | pink: ONE of my fav colors | stacked: money 10) Company Logo: Lovey Thanks Tiffany 
*Thank you Creator! Tremendous Thursday All! Poodle

   
   
   
   
   
Hold up! Wait a minute!... JOY! Baby Damir - he is every bit of it - and whatever he leaves behind, fills-in my other available spaces. Yep! he fills me up with JOY.

Damir Dakota=Joy

Fried Cabbage... Northern Style (Chicago)

 

I am a "leafy" veggie lover!... Fried cabbage w/smoked turkey & turnip in the mix. Yum!

* Recipe serves 3-4 peeps
* All produce should be rinsed thoroughly
* My daughter is the chef 'CateredbyCoffey' | NYC | not me - so I'm not as detailed as a chef might be. Anywho, here we go:

*Turnip Greens:
1-bundle

- "Pick" turnips thoroughly (remove much of the stem and/or toss each damaged leaf)
- Lay each leaf atop each other (after stem is removed) | roll leafs tightly (tight vertical roll) | thinly slice roll (horizontal slices)
- Wash | Rinse turnips thoroughly... double tub Wash | Rinse 6-10 x's - contingent on necessity
- Place turnips in med size pot | 2-cups water |
- Season turnips with garlic powder (or FRESH garlic cloves) | "greens" seasoning | 1-sliced FRESH jalapeno (remove seeds to lessen spiciness according to your taste) I personally like my meals spicy ; ) | 1/2-Spanish (or white) onion (cut into 4-6 sections)
- Cook 1-1/2 hour or until turnips have reached your desired texture (sample taste)

*Cabbage:
1-large head
1-pckg of smoked turkey parts (meaty is best)

-  Place turkey in large pot (cast iron if avail) | 4-cups of water | turn heat to med high
- Seasoning: garlic powder | black pepper | (lightly)
- Cook turkey parts for 1+1/2-2 hours OR until turkey is tender | falling off bones
- REMOVE as many bones as possible
- PN: there should be no excess water... IF there is drain OR turn heat to high until there is virtually no standing water remaining inside the pot
- Cut cabbage into 4-sections (1/4) | cut each 1/4 into half's
- Place cabbage inside pot | heat should remain @ med high | place lid atop pot
- Stir | Mix cabbage & turkey thoroughly | turn heat to med low
- Steam approximately 10-12 mins
* Cabbage will create moisture when steamed (NO need to add water)
* Smoked turkey will create natural oily juices (somewhat similar to caramelization)
- Stir | Mix cabbage & turkey thoroughly | turn heat to high (while rapidly stirring - to avoid sticking)
- Allow all water, created when steaming cabbage, to evaporate *literally* (cont stirring rapidly)

Finally: ADD turnips to the mix (cont stirring rapidly) | turn heat to med low | cover with lid | allow to saute' 5mins. Finger lickin' good.
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Q & A

Q: How did your dish turn out?
Q: What, if anything, would you prepare differently? 

Intrinsic... "it ain't ALL good | but it ain't ALL bad either"

  

Cheerleader for damage control... Yes, ma'am... you better believe it ; )

It's surprising how some of us can go through life not hating ourselves but not really loving ourselves either. IF/when we allow some *real self-introspect* what we discover will not be all good but it won't be all bad either. In my humble opinion, one of the first steps to self improvement is realizing the areas, in our life, that are in disrepair AND then sincerely work toward improving those areas for no better reason than SELF.

The Trick: WE may have people in our lives who we should naturally look to for encouragement [approval & support] and direction [guidance & instruction]... but instead... we're greeted with fault-finders and criticizers - or - WE may have come out of a relationship that did not have a 'happy ending' and we are left alone damaged and hurt.
... There are a multitude of people and/or life situations and disappointments that may instill seeds of uncertainty and self doubt!

*SO for some THIS may serve as a reminder... for others THIS may be a medium of enlightenment*
  ... Dear heart, yooooooour intrinsic beauty is not found in someone else's opinion(s) of you | of who they think your are | or of whom they think you will become!... Nor will it be found in the negative devices of another individual... your | our | beauty is found internally AND just as a door, when opened, swings outwardly SO should our beauty. Love it | Live it | BE it! xo Poodle 

"Has It Always Been" | *GIVING youA sneak peek*

 
... Chowin’ down on some good ole collard-greens and hot water cornbread - fried crispy - but not too thin

- My own reflection in the mirror ~~~~ 

… My favorite dress fitting me just right

- The anticipation of being with the man I adore

On, in, and all through the night

- Some “Down Home Country Blues” You see I’ve always liked the blues

- Walking on a cool tile floor [toes painted pretty] I have on no shoes.

   JUST some of the things that have always turned me on...

the above is a snippet (a portion) of a piece I wrote several years ago "Has It Always Been"... *written expression* I looooove it!... my absolute best form of communication; the art of painting a vivid picture with my words | putting pen to paper | FREE flowing expression... HOPE you enjoyed that piece of my piece. Poodle

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Q & A

A: I started writing very early-on in my childhood; it was my way, of um NOT *escape BUT my way to *expand... ... My first published piece was written when I was in grade 6. "Depression... a state of unmistakable anguish" (I would actually like to know where there piece is today) I was trying to tell SOMEbody | ANYbody...
Parents listen with your eyes and ears!... allow your eyes and ears to be a loud unyielding relentless vociferous voice for a silent child; abused children often cry within the reflection of their eyes. The tears come later.

Q: How do you expand (my word) YOUR word maybe escape?...