Happy 15th Birthday Morphological Confetti!

Today, on April 4, 2005, I joined blogger as a way to start a web journal. I thought that it would be a great platform to not only express myself but to sort of record my ideas, and it has proven true. I started with just my thoughts for a particular day. Soon, it morphed into a way to write and share my photography. Then, it morphed into a way to share my poetry and prose. That led to me meeting other writers, not only here in the United States, but writers and bloggers from across the globe. This blog has taken me from New York City poetry events to celebrations of  African descendant culture in Uruguay, South America. It has been a blessing. So, today I celebrate this platform, and I hope to celebrate it for many more years to come. So much has changed since my first post 15 years ago. It will be interesting to see what God has in store for me in the next 15 years. I'm excited! Well, before I end this anniversary post, I'd like to thank all of you for supporting this blog and for sharing your thoughts in my post. It has added so much flavor to many a conversation about various topics. The journey has been almost as sweet and tasty as this featured cake. It was so yummy. 😋 Well, take care, thank you, and stay safe. Peace~ 

Here is my first post from April 4, 2005:

This is my first day on Blogger! I am very excited about blogger and my future postings. Also, today is the first Monday after Daylight Savings and I am still a day late and a dollar short. Peace~

My Thoughts On Writing

Photograph: Erhan Dayi / Alamy/Alamy

Note: This is a post that I wrote 10 years ago on writing. When I read it again, I realized that the same feelings are true 10 years later. I wouldn't change a thing. There is still power in the pen!


It is a peculiar thing… this desire to pick up the pen.

Perhaps, it is born out of the desire to interpret or create life through the people that we’ve met or people that we’ve imagined. Franz Kafka spoke of his torment in writing and how difficult it was to produce a story at times. Ralph Ellison would write for years just to produce one American classic, Invisible Man. Zora Neale Hurston continued to write long after her celebrity had faded; there were dozens of manuscripts found in her personal trunk after her death.

This congenital impulse in me was conceived through the Black oral tradition. My grandmother, Eunice, was the family griot. I would listen intently to the stories that she would tell me as a child. These were stories passed down to her by her elders and she was more than willing to pass them on to me. I was an inquisitive, bright-eyed little boy with dozens of questions about who we were and who we are. She sometimes marveled at the seriousness of my questions that involved the existence of God and the purpose of man. She would usually share these stories while cooking or while she relaxed in her favorite chair. The images that she painted on my imagination were wonderful. I could see all of the characters vividly in my mind. I imagined how they looked. I imagined their lives. I imagined their hearts. These were my people, and I loved them through the stories that I heard about them.

Eventually, I picked up the pen in college and soon realized its power to communicate. I’ve always imagined that a pen is to a writer what a paint brush is to a painter. The words represent color. Honorable mention: Toni Morrison can paint the most beautiful images that I’ve ever seen on paper. These words can evoke emotion and stir the soul to take action for change. There’s power in the pen!
Still.

It is a peculiar thing…this desire to pick up the pen.

Reflections and Projections

First, this painting by artist, Jonathan Green ("Horizon"), is a direct reflection of my who I am. I cannot tell you how often I am enamoured by the clouds and birds in the sky. The lovely azure scenery always grabs my attention, if only for a moment. It is God's splendor - His creation. How can I ignore it?

Well, this semester is coming to an end, and I'm getting ready for summer. Students are dropping off their final papers and I am listening to either their accolades or their worries. Meanwhile, I am thinking about writing for the summer. Even writing on this blog has been a new accurance in the past couple of days. Overall, this year has been good. Of course, I have my loose ends to tie and relationships to nurture and build, but it has been good. Every year, my goal is to become better as a teacher; so, I must read and study. That's the thing about teaching - we are perpetually a student. I love it though.

I have plans to further my studies with another degree. I'm looking into different programs here in Maryland. My goal is to do something that I find interesting. At first, I considered going into Education and Leadership, but that wouldn't hold my interest. No, it has to be about the things I love, which include literature, language, and culture. Besides, that's all that I have discussed on this blog. That's what Morphological Confetti is all about. Anyway, I have something in mind, but we will see. I'll keep you posted.

Well, today's weather is unseasonably warm and the skies are clear here in Maryland. As the song writer said, "...I think I'll go outside for a while...to take in some clean fresh air." Take Care and enjoy your day. ~Peace

Wednesday's Forecast: Reflection

Today was productive in other ways.  I didn't get any writing done today, but I attended an informative workshop and cleaned up the office at home.  Early this afternoon, I had a cup of coffee as I watched the rain in reflection.  Rain has that affect on me; it causes me to think about my life, where I want to go, where I need to go, and where God will lead me.  Ultimately, He directs the steps of those who seek Him and I seek Him.  Anyway, the rain was lovely as I looked out my door.  Now, the rain has stopped and I will soon head to Bible study.  Tomorrow, God willing, I will have a post about my progress in writing.  Enjoy your evening.  Peace~

Photograph and Poem

Reflection and Memory

The day is cool and misty like memories

I am uncertain about what lies ahead,
but

my sunshine is my faith in the Creator,

and His Promise of a Love Supreme

Photo Source:  Dupont Circle Subway (Wash., D.C.) by S Bess

Reflections on the Day of my Birth

Today is the anniversary of my birth, so I am writing this as a journal. As I reflect on this past year and how much I have accomplished, I thank God. My faith is renewed and I am on my desired career path. When I think about what has taken place in just the course of one year, there is no telling what things will be like next year this time. I am expecting great things. I expect great things because I plan to fix my mind and attention on things that matter most in life. They are God and family (In that order). There will be time for helping and loving others, but if I concentrate on these things then I am sure to be all right.

I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to all of the August babies. I would like to give a special Happy Birthday shout to a friend from my old DC neighborhood; her name is Stephanie Paris. She has since passed away, but her memory and her smile still lives in my heart.

Well, enjoy your day everyone. Today, I am not going on any elaborate vacation or 5 star restaurant; instead, I’m going to hang out with my wife in Annapolis, MD. She has a meeting and I am just going to chill. I am good at chillin’. I can chill like you’ve never seen. Take care. Peace~

Message for the New Year

I am so so happy that the holiday season is here. Can you tell? I mean, just look at my body language. A burden has been lifted; my spirit has been renewed and there are new and wonderful things on the horizon for 2008! For now, I sigh and give thanks to God for sustaining me and hearing my prayers.

By the way, my first semester teaching at the community college was interesting. I didn't fail anyone; they did it all alone. *smile* I am going to continue teaching as an adjunct in the evenings when time permits. As for January, I have other things to focus on. I am very excited about the new year. I expect great things for all of us. Keep your eyes on the prize and I wish you PEACE & PROSPERITY in the new year. Now, click here for Happy Holidays!!

Peace~

Stephen Bess
Morphological Confetti

Tag: 10 Points I Like About Myself

I was tagged by Cergie on the ten points I like about myself. This was fun, but not easy. It's sometimes difficult to think of the things I like about Stephen. It became difficult after number five.

1. First, I like that I have a good spiritual base. Some of you may know that I am a son of preacher (PK, Pastor’s Son = Bad boy). Well, that spiritual base from the beginning has drawn me closer to God as an adult. Now, I don’t have to be asked to go to church or to pray. As a matter of fact, I can’t make it without it. I know, I sound like one of those rappers after they receive a Grammy for an award winning song like, “Whoop that Trick.”

2. I like being a husband and a father. It’s been really rewarding and I’ve seen so much growth as a man.

3. I like that I have great manners. Yes, old people love me. They tell me that I have manners to spare.

4. I like that I’m a good listener. It’s not always easy, but I take pride in it.

5. This leads me also to my patience. It’s something that I continue to work on and it gets better with time. I like that I have good patience

6. I like the love that I have for culture. This passion drives me to learn so much about this world in which we live and the people in it.

7. I like my love for the arts. It makes life so much more interesting and very colorful.

8. I like that I am well groomed. I take pride in the way I look. It’s a lay over from my active duty days in the military. I still like my mustache trimmed and my shoes polished.

9. I like my bald head or “Chi Cha.” I love the feel of light rain on my head. It soothes and cools me during the summer months.

10. Finally, I just like me. If I could step outside of myself I would be my own best friend.

I'll tag anyone who wants to participate in this tag. Have at it. Thanks Cergie!

March Meme

This is a March Meme from crzytxbull. I'm tagged!

The questions were fun and inspirational because they forced me to write down some of my goals for the month. Thank you and I extend this tag to anyone who wants to participate.

1. What main lesson you learned in the month of February?
My lesson for the month of February had to do with use of my time. I had to really sit down and have a long talk with myself. I fell that I got through.

2. What bad habit you want to rid yourself of this month?

Procrastination (See # 1)

3. What are your favorite muses?

Blogging, Poetry Readings, Book Readings, My wife (no particular order).

4. Name one thing that stand out UNIQUELY DIFFERENT that you recently discovered about yourself?

I haven’t discovered anything “uniquely different” about myself lately. If I had to guess it would be my ability to adapt to most situations in reference to class, culture, etc.

5. What is your definition of passion vs intimacy?

Passion is anything that causes your deepest emotions to rise to the surface. Intimacy is a conscious effort to bring something closer to you in thought, spirit or the physical realm.

6. What are you vibing too? (artist/group/ or song)?

I'm always listening to Classic Soul (Stylistics, Enchantment, Phyllis Hyman, Black Ivory, etc.). I have a collection. Over the past couple of months I’ve been really feeling some Township Jive. That is South African Jazz from the township. There is a local group here in DC called, Mahala that still play this music that is slowly fading from the South African music scene. Otherwise, I am on Blues right now. I diggin’ anything from the Delta through Chicago.

7. What are your favorite gadgets?

My camera and the movie software on my home PC.

8. What would be a perfect date with the person you're thinking of right now... A night of spoken words, comedy club, quiet restaurant with dim lights, walk on the beach at dusk, an evening at home?
The perfect date with my wife right now would be a walk along the beach in Pretoria, South Africa. It’s been a long time since she has been home. We hope to go this year. It will be my first visit.

9. Last book read?

Caribbean Race Relations a Study of Two Variants (Galaxy Books) by H. Hoetink

10. What would you re-name it based upon your perception of the storyline?

It was mostly in the form of a text, but based on the information I would call it: Africans in the Americas.

11. How many times a day do you look at your blog or the blogs of others?
Dozens!! I have to consciously pull myself from it so that I can get work done.

12. Who's your favorite blogger or spot you find yourself lurking around most often? Honestly, there is no one blogger that I visit more than anyone else. I have many favorites. Then again, perhaps there are stats on this and I am just not conscious of it.

13. If you were to live the opposite sex for the day what name would you give yourself?

Kafele (kah-FEH-leh) It’s a Southern African name that means: “Worth dying for.” *Smile*

14. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives?
Cultured~ This is due to my exposure and experience with different cultures through friends and family. This also has to do with my travels (not in recent years.).
Inquisitive~ I’ve been this way since I was a child. I have all sorts of questions that will take a lifetime to answer.
Facetious~ I can be very quick on my feet when it come to wit. I am becoming more and more skilled with age. My wife tells me that I have a way of saying “go to hell” in a way that will cause you to pack your bags and look forward to the trip. J She said that her Abambo (father) was the same way. This is [one] of the reasons she is so crazy about me. *wink*

15. One goal you set for yourself for the month of March?

Find a new JAY-O-BEE. Find another job. Wish me luck.

Ontological Tag

I was tagged by author/poet, Cathy Delaleu for the questions listed below. It was a lot of fun. Check out Cathy's page. She has a wonderful new book of poetry titled, Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain. Thanks Cathy!
1. I HAVE NEVER WANTED TO SEEKLove as a younger man until Love found me and I've been hooked ever since.
2. WHEN I WAS 8 years old, I BELIEVEDthat my grandmother knew everything. I asked her questions that only the creator could know. She would give all the credit to God, so then I started asking her questions about him: "Grandma, does God have a brother or sister and do they have their own world to look after?"
3. IF I WAS MY OWN BEST FRIEND, WHAT I WOULD ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT SPENDING TIME WITH MEis that I could just talk about Writing, History, Literature, Poetry, Photography, Art and Culture all the time. Fortunately, I have a wife who loves to talk about all of those things. She's my "Bess" friend.
4. IF THE STORY OF MY LIFE UP TO THIS POINT WAS BEING PUBLISHED TOMORROW, IT WOULD BE TITLED"Bess, Pull it together!" My wife says that to me all the time.
5. WHEN MY TIME ON EARTH IS OVER, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVED ME ARE REMEMBERING ME, IT WOULD PLEASE ME IF THEY SAID
[Preaching of my eulogy]
Stephen Bess was a peaceful man who loved his family. I said he loved his family! He loved his people. He loved his people all over the Diaspora. Uh…brothers and sisters... Stephen Bess loved Humanity! He was a man who felt that history and culture mattered. He believed in a set of values that some felt were old fashioned and antiquated. Again, Mr. Bess loved History. We often tell one another not to live in the past, but...Uh....brother and sisters Stephen loved to talk about it and analyze it. He felt that it could answer some of the questions that we ponder today. [Still Preaching] Now, Stephen is somewhere yonder...UH.... talking to the likes of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, 16th Century poet John Donne, Martin Luther King, Jr., and, of course, Marvin Gaye because Stephen still wants to know "What's Going On." Can I get an Amen!
I'm a day behind on my tags because blogger was down yesterday. I have one more to complete. Please, no mas! No, mas!

Precious moments

Good morning!

It was a little difficult getting up this morning. I got in from North Carolina around 10:00pm and once I got settled in I slept clean through the night. It was a great little getaway despite the circumstances. I went to North Carolina to show support for my long time friend, Anthony, whose mother succumbed to Cancer last week. It's amazing how those tragic moments in life can bring about such pleasant ones in return. I got a chance to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen in years. They were all there to support our friend who needed us. We hugged and embraced as we all met at Keisha's house. We talked about our lives and marveled at how much we've changed and how much we haven't. We listened to music, ate pizza, drank and laughed. It was at that moment that I realized my life and how precious it is. I appreciated seeing my friends, but I also appreciated the fact that I've evolved since High school. I'm not the same insecure teenager begging for their acceptance and friendship. I'm no longer part of group of kids competing for senior favorite. I stood there as a proud individual. I realized my manhood. Yep, it was that serious. :)

The best of that time in North Carolina was spent with my 86 year old grandfather. I got up yesterday morning and fixed him breakfast. I usually take over that task when I visit because my aunt does it all the time. He gets up at around 5:30 am and turns on the Western channel. Hip surgery has retired him to a chair in front of the television. So, he sits in front of that TV in his green lounge chair and he watches Westerns all day. It's funny because he could be the commentary on a Western DVD. He'd make little comments about individual cowboys and he even mentioned how early settlers eradicated the Native Americans that lived on the land. In between the mascares and bar fights on the televison we would have conversations. They were mostly about his life and his accomplishments. They were not huge milestones, but they were special to him and I respected that. I have so much to thank him for as a man. Well, it's time for my 10:15 am tea. Peace~