Morphological Confetti

I had a chance to go back to my roots this weekend in North Carolina. It’s always a good trip because I am always able to learn something new about my people and about the state. Did you know that there is an area near Durham, NC known as Hayti? As a matter of fact, it was the first documented use of the name Hayti; the name was found on a land deed in 1877 for a lot sold on the southeast end of the city to a group of African American citizens. I’m sure you recognize the resemblance in spelling to the Independent Island nation of Haiti or Ayiti (Land of Mountains). The origin of this obvious dedication and admiration to the Island nation of Haiti is unknown, but it should be noted that US map makers as early as 1867 referred to all black settlements as Hayti. Some historians also feel that the newly freed Africans in America felt a kinship with the people of Haiti in their continued fight for freedom and independence. Definition: arbre de la liberté (Liberty tree) Information Source...

Robert Johnson, Terraplane Blue 2001. Stephen Bess Watercolor, pencil, and ink on paper Terraplane Blues "And I feel so lonesome you hear me when I moan (x2) Who been drivin my terraplane for you since I've been gone I'd said I flashed your lights mama your horn won't even blow I even flash my lights mama this horn won't even blow Got a short in this connection hoo-well, babe, its way down below I'm on hist your hood momma mmmm I'm bound to check your oil (x2) I got a woman that I'm lovin way down in Arkansas..." Lyric Source: © (1978) 1990, 1991 Lehsem II, LLC/Claud L. JohnsonAdministered by Music & Media International, Inc.

One cool brother on H Street (Click photo to Enlarge) I haven't posted any of my photos recently, so I decided to share this one today. This is the Washington, DC I know. Perhaps you have seen this photo before, but it is worth showing again. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Peace~

I came across a great meme on Geoffrey Philip’s blog . Geoffrey asked selected bloggers to name five songs that they would have in their iPod If they were stranded on a desert island. Now, I’ll admit that this is a very difficult selection process; however, I was able to come up with some old favorites that I can listen to over and over again. First on my list of songs is, Oh happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers . This is a song that I’ve loved since I was a child. It’s a song that expresses joy and perpetual gratitude to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for washing our sins away -- Oh Happy Day! Second on my list is the song, Love is Here , a beautiful 70s Soul ballad sung by a group out of Philadelphia called, The Futures . This was also my wedding song. There were only a few people at my wedding who knew the song because the song is over 30 years old. Also, over half of the people attending my wedding were from Africa and the Caribbean. Some of them know American Soul music very...

"Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal." -- T.S. Eliot This quote by American writer, T.S. Eliot intrigued me when I read it today. It caused me to question my own writing style, and if I am an imitator or a thief. Well, I thought about and I've decided that I’m definitely a thief. I say this because I take, take, take, and take some more from the world around me. I store it in my brain or write it down on pieces of paper. Then, I use all that I have gathered and I make an attempt to create something beautiful or just meaningful. How about you? What's on your mind today. It seems like I've been gone so long. I just want to catch up with you to see how things have been. All are welcomed. Peace~ Photo source: National Portrait Gallery