Rainy days and James Baldwin

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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen-(Hebrews 11:1)


It is a rainy day here in D.C. Work is slow and I am thinking about what I want for lunch. I have the radio playing quietly at my desk. Al Green is singing about love & happiness. I glanced out the window to see if the rain was still coming down and fell into a gaze. In that moment of gaze James Baldwin crossed my mind? Well, hello Mr. Baldwin...sir.

Comments

the prisoner's wife said…
i love JB. he is probably my greatest literary influence. his honesty and courage (and just straight up fierce writing) is what i strive for.
Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:35:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
P.Wife-
Yes, I know from your profile that he is your favorite. I admire him a great deal as well. His commentary on the world and the media was outstanding. It would've been great to shake his hand and to say hello.

note: I have this great magazine cover piece from Time Mag that I need to frame of him. He's cool.
Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:40:00 PM
Salsa said…
Find how our mind can take us to another place and time. Also funny--how much some folks complain about the rain, but some of us find a sense of peace.

--I love the rain!
Thursday, May 11, 2006 2:47:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Groove-
Dig it...this planet would dry up like a raisin in the sun without it. Everybody should love it. I know I do. :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006 2:51:00 PM
the prisoner's wife said…
Stephen,

come cypher at my spot. drop a poem or somthing :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:06:00 PM
Anonymous said…
You must be from the country-side Stephen. Most countryfolks have that keen sense of appreciation for rain. I guess because of their deep-rooted African roots!! Peace, Rain, and Prosperity are the things Africa and its people cherish the most. Well, as for me, a nice steady drizzle makes me wanna go to bed :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:48:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Tryphina-
My roots are in the Carolinas. Yeah, I'm feeling that going to bed. Especially, if the weather is not too cool. Then, you could leave the window open and allow the breeze to come in as the rain lulls you to sleep. Yeah, nice. :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:52:00 PM
Anonymous said…
I agree the rain is peaceful, and makes you want to sleep. That is the best when you can open the window when it is raining! The only time I complain about the rain it when it rains for days in a row, then I start to get a little depressed and miss the happy sunshine. But other than that I also love the rain. I love it when it is a warm rain in the summer and you can go out and play in the rain! I am ready for that. We here are COLD and RAINY. Like 20 degrees below normal. 40's for highs... that is not right for May. Oh dang, there I go complaining again. Sorry about that. I love the rain, hate the cold! (I know I live in the wrong state for that!) :) Have a great rest of the day!
Thursday, May 11, 2006 4:21:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Faith,
It sounds like you need to be here in DC or maybe even the Carolinas. That would be your climate. :)
I hoping for seasonal days for you real soon. Thanks! You enjoy the rest of your day too.
Thursday, May 11, 2006 4:24:00 PM
Anonymous said…
It's cold and raining in Chicago today and it is uncomfortable. I think I'm in the wrong state too because I love the rain on a warm day...
Thursday, May 11, 2006 7:11:00 PM
Stunuh Jay said…
Hehehe! Suffer. I feel no shame! It's been wonderful weather in the UK (yes it has been documented!) So nice I went go karting :D
Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:05:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
cynthia-
Yes, Chicago has extreme weather. This is especially true in the winter and summer. I love the place though.

poi-
Find the light!! Go towards the light!!

stunuh j-
Haa haa! Rub it in! :) Well, today looks good so I'm not mad. The sun is shining and it's FRIDAY!!!
Friday, May 12, 2006 8:41:00 AM
NML/Natalie said…
OK, now I *really* like you! I LOVE Al Green! I play the Best of Al Green a lot!
Friday, May 12, 2006 5:58:00 PM
Uaridi said…
I love the smell of the earth at home when it rains, like you could just eat it all up. I like being out in the rain - reminds me of that old hymn "..showers of blessings..."

PS I have linked you
Friday, May 12, 2006 7:29:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
nml-
Oh wow! I love Al Green! We grew up listening to all of that good Southern Soul. You would really trip if you saw my collection. I like you too friend. :)
Monday, May 15, 2006 9:06:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Uaridi-
I'll bet that it does smell wonderful on that good, rich African soil. I have fond memories of the rain as well. Thanks for linking me. :)
Monday, May 15, 2006 9:07:00 AM
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