Showing My Face: Self Reflection and Thoughts on Writing

Hello friends. I'm just showing my face while I am still in my birthday month of August. Go Leos! Like many, I do an assessment of my life on my birthday; I take stock and think about the necessary changes for myself. For me, it's about getting better and doing better. This year was no different, while I have been sitting at home during this pandemic. I am still finishing up my doctoral studies. I have been doing my coursework since 2018 with a focus on critical pedagogy, and I will soon start my thesis work. So, I am moving forward, but I have been thinking more about creative writing. Currently, most of my writing is academic, but I long to sit and write creatively. I crave it so much that I throw some of that creativity into my academic writing. So, my goal this year is to make more of an effort to publish poetry and maybe some short stories. We'll see. I have made progress in other areas of my life this year, so maybe it is a sign of things to come. Again, we will see. Well, take care of yourself and continue to stay safe. Peace.

-Stephen

 

Gifts and Goals

What can I say? It was a great holiday; I received a few things that I wanted, and I was able to give a few things that I wanted to give - I'm blessed. I feel most blessed as I look back over 2013 marveling at the things I was able to accomplish. I had tremendous challenges in my life but with the help of the almighty God, I was able to keep my sanity. I'm thankful. So, let us get ready for the New Year to come. Let us write down some goals and set our minds to complete those goals.

So, whether you observe this holiday season or not, I hope that your December will be one to remember. I hope that your days to come will be filled with optimism and manifestation of your goals. Take care. Peace in 2014.

Goals for the Month of July

Hey folks.  Sometimes, it is good to get back to good old journaling or blogging.  I started blogging 6 years ago, and it has been more than rewarding in so many ways.  For the month of July, I will posting my daily progress on my summer work. Also, I will, on occasion, do my regular post on history and culture.  This is in an effort to encourage myself to create and execute the goals I purposed in my heart; they were the goals I promised myself back in May.  Anyway, I am holding myself accountable.  Discipline, I feel, is learned and practiced; I'm on the path.  Well, I hope you all have a very nice evening.  Please come and visit.  I will need your encouragement. Be also encouraged.  Peace~

Questions On A Monday Afternoon

Do you ever think about the fact that you don't have total control of your life? Perhaps you do? Oh, we'd like to think that we have it together and that we're in complete control of our lives, but are we? I'm thinking this because I know that there are plans and activities that I have in my mind to execute, but my body and spirit won't budge??? This leads me to believe that there is an opposing force holding me back. Perhaps it's just me?

Me And Baby Brother

I am so happy that it's Friday! I have no plans yet, but sometimes that's a good thing. I have to clear out of my place by the end of the month so I'll be wrapping things up on that end in DC. I've had to make a lot of adjustments for the last couple of months, but things are running smoothly. I've made some important decisions lately conerning my career and school. I've decided that I am definitely going back into the classroom to teach. I was teaching high school English before I started working at my current job (I currently work in publishing and it has reminded me of why I left a corporate setting in the first damn place! What in the hell am I doing here?) Anyway, it is definitely time to get back to what I need to be doing...teaching. I feel that I definitely needed this break though. I've accomplished many of my personal goals while working in publishing. I've also made a solid decision to pursue my writing as more than just a hobby! So, I am looking into applying for a couple of writing programs in the DC metro area. I only pray for the wisdom, strength, discipline and patience to accomplish all that I am meant to do. Anyway, I hope that you have a great weekend and that you are either working on or accomplishing all that your heart is made of. Peace~

Honorable Mention: (Speaking of accomplishments) My younger brother has a spot on MySpace now. He is just doing his thing and promoting his recent cd. He has a different way of expressing himself that I think most of you would enjoy. I love it!

Just A Thought

I hope that everyone had a great holiday. We still have the New Year to celebrate and I can't wait! I just wanted to reiterate what I am trying to do with this blog. I enjoy writing. I enjoy expressing my thoughts or just practicing the art of putting words together. It is my own attempt at art. Now, everyone is not going to agree with what I say in my writing or how I express myself writing and that is fine. I see objectionable material on blogs all the time and I either check it out and write my opinion (a mature opinion) or I just leave that site. Yes, I sometimes say things around family and friends that some would consider objectionable or plain offensive, but that's why I keep it among my family and friends. What I hope for from the blogging community is just constructive criticism that will either help or assist me in my endeavors. I only ask the blogging community to respect that. It's alright to leave a comment, but show some respect. By the way, I'm not going to punk out and erase any "offensive" comments because I want everyone that visits my blog to see how that person expresses themselves. Maybe they will look at as I did and say to themselves..."what in the hell was that all about?" Peace in the new year!

Searchin'...

"Vocations which we wanted to pursue, but didn't, bleed, like colors, on the whole of our existence. "
Author: Honore de Balzac

It's Friday!!!!!!!! Yes, I am like this every Friday. Yes, it's Steve the ultimate soul searcher. Seriously, I do more soul searching than Chuck Brown. There are other souls out there like me trying to find their way and looking for that glimmer of light that will lead them in the right direction. There is one thing that I understand about myself though; I want to create! I've always been an artist at heart. I mean everything from painting, playing an instrument, sculpting---you name it. Now, it's only fair to say that I have never been trained at either of those crafts; however, I am fair with a paint brush. As I grow older I realize more and more how important it is to pursue that which gives you most joy. "Material thangs that I thought had so much val-yah...ah girl I found they didn't really have any val-yah at all..." Sang Lionel! It's true though. Go for yours! Follow your dreams! Look inside your heart and you will find your true calling. Don't be slave to Louie V and Gucci. Don't be a slave to a house that you can't afford with an SUV in the driveway. Ok, that might be easier for me to say because I don't have any of those things, but you know I'm right. :) By the way, I'm not saying that it's not alright to have these things, but you should be able to live comfortably with them. Overall, be true to you and live your dreams. You might as well get what you want so go on and live. Have a great weekend! Peace~