thejourney

     There are several dictionary definitions for the word catalyst. Though I am a bit of a word connoisseur, there are many terms in the English language and their corresponding definitions that capture my complete attention and challenge me to dig deeper into their meanings. One of those terms is catalyst. As I sat contemplating my introductory post for 2009, this word came to me. Among the several defintions that I found was one that has become the subject of this prose. According to dictionary.com, one meaning for catalyst is :

4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

     I have always thought of the word catalyst in terms of chemical reactions. This is usually an agent that is introduced to a particular solution which, once combined with that solution, causes the chemicals to respond. Throughout the year I evaluate myself as I constantly strive to imporve upon what God has given me. At the culmination of the year, I perform an overall analysis on my interim findings throughout the year, and take steps to make personal improvements. In my personal comprehensive examination this year, I discovered that I must strive to be a catalyst and incite others to join the catalyst nation. This world is aching for a catalyst revolution. In 2009 I will strive to contribute as much as I can to this societal need.

     As I make this declaration, I wonder how I can go about accomplishing such a seemingly daunting task.  Due to devastating circumstances being faced in this economy and the state of our nation as a whole, attempting to make my personality shine through any negativity inflicted upon me by another is truly challenging.   Though this year is still young in age, I have already been able to benefit so much from it. I have learned that, though seemingly impossible at times, being a catalyst is an attainable goal. Therefore, in 2009, I will strive to reach this objective and possibly surpass it.

     I have always considered myself to be an extremely friendly person, so officially adopting the life of a catalyst will not be that great of a challenge for me to continue. Then there is the second fold portion of my goal which involves creating a catalyst nation. After careful consideration, I have decided that the “pay it forward” method will be the best for me to pursue. Therefore, in 2009 I will strive to be a catalyst and recruit for the catalyst nation.

     I pray that all are blessed and higly favored as 2009 continues to unfold. Be the catalyst and “pay it forward.” We need to create a catalyst nation and have a catalyst revolution. Join me in the fight!!

 FMH,

Shiri

It always amazes me how powerful songs are. A good song can transcend the hard outer core of any situation and get to its nucleus. Once there it penetrates and that singular song molecule multiplies and spreads throughout your entire body. I thank God each moment for the gift of being musically inclined. Music gets me through so much. Its indescribeable. Life just wouldn’t be the same without the ability to create and share it. One of my missions in life is to do this a lot more than I do it now. I will allow God to guide me in the method which I should disperse my musical gems, but I do intend to share them with people more.

The factor about music that has inspired this random rambling of my mind is the relevance of a song. It has always amazed me that no matter how much you love a song, it doesn’t resonate as much until you’ve either experienced the events it speaks of, are currently in that situation, or have just come out of that scenario. For example, a love song just isn’t a love song until you hear the words and actually pray that God allow your emotions to travel to the person for whom they’re felt.  It’s monumental to have a tangible equivalent to the intangible beauty that is a song.

I have recently been confronted by many songs of old that I grew to love dearly in my youth. They now take on new meaning. I can better relate. I am now fully engaged in their realms. I am completely overcome by their current relevance. Life is so very short. It is often far shorter than we realize. In the blink of an eye, you’re sitting in the midst of friends taking your turn on the “i remember when” train. I am determined to fill my train with passengers worthy of travel through my mind. These passengers consist of but are not limited to God, family,friends, love, laughter, fun, diligence, freedom, respect, and several others. Tomorrow is not a promised day. The past remains to be itself while the future is yet to be seen. All I have is now, so I will virtually stock my IPOD (which I intend to purchase one day) with a soundtrack appropriate for the passengers on my train to indulge in.

FMH,

Shiri

     It is a beautiful spring morning. I am sitting on my front porch, scrapbook in hand. I am reminiscing on my life. There are wonderful times that I would repeat if I could. And then there are challenges and disappointment that I dare not wish to relive. A young child is seated at my feet, listening to every word I speak. She is galvanized by my tone and disposition. She was me in my youth. As I look into her eyes on this beautiful spring day, I feel as if I am staring directly at summer. Her youth and uninhibited courage remind me of my earlier days. I smile and she reciprocates. I am old, she is young. I have dreamed and lived the dream(s) while her dreams still percolate and take form in her youthful mind. As I hold up a document that marked the change of our nation, she stares in silent amazement. Though her young mind can’t fathom the steps of evil that were tread through to get to this good, she is in awe. She stares at me and asks, ” Nana what’s that?” And with tear filled eyes and a boldness that could rival the bravest lion I say to my granddaughter, ” Baby girl, this is a picture of the first black president of the United States. No matter what you do or where you go in life, NEVER let anyone tell you NEVER!!”

     As I sat watching the election results come in, this image flashed through my head. I have heard stories from the elder members of my family about the days of slavery and of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They would tell me the struggles of the past and the difference between the past and the present. My grandmother (God rest her soul) would stroke my hair and say “Ressie I used to pick cotton and we used to have to kill our own meat to cook.” And now, as I sit here, I will be able to say that I lived in the time of and voted for THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  Now, one thing must be said. Barack didn’t win my support merely because he is black or a democrat. The truth is that there are some aspects of the Republican theory that I do support– in theory only.  The idea that we, as a country, can basically govern ourselves is an idealistic notion. Nevertheless, the actuality of this method of government working for the broad spectrum of America has yet to be proven. Giving more to those with more rarely results in a trickling down of anything. Those that have tend to keep and want more. That is just the human nature of greed. For some people, there never seems to be enough.

     From this moment forward, we as a country will never be the same. There is hope. There is joy and the possibility of anything. There’s nothing impossible when unity is present. Believe and do not fear your dreams. There will be challenges, but NEVER SAY NEVER!!!!!

FMH,

Shiri

     This is just a snippet of last night’s fabulousness!!! ENJOY!!

     I had the pleasure of ingesting this film this past weekend. Despite my attempts to find the book (which I know I own) within my personal library, I wasn’t able to read through the entire literary masterpiece prior to seeing the film. No matter, I’m sure my reaction to the detail which I will immerse myself in as I read the pages of this book will equal, if not over power, my appreciation for this movie.

     I will not go into extreme detail with this post because I wouldn’t want to ruin it for anyone that is contemplating viewing it. I believe the trailer that I have included gives a good depiction of what the movie is about. There are several suprises, which may incite extreme emotion in the watcher. I have a system that has yet to fail me in determining a film’s worth. If I rise from my seat at the end of the film with the notion of wanting to purchase the movie on DVD for the sole purpose of delving deeper into its realms, then I know that this movie will probably end up on a nomination list some time in the near future. (I should be a movie critic!!)  Look out for this one. I’m sure the theater is only the first stop on a long journey for this movie.

     As a writer, I am always astonished at the ability of other writers. Sue Monk Kidd came up with this amazing story. My mind wanders to what her setting was in the midst of penning this amazing prose. Was she sitting on her porch in the midst of deep thought and the sudden sight of a bumble bee buzzing past inspired this best seller? Who knows? And then for Gina Price-Bythewood to come along and compose the second proposed screen play (the first was not well received by Fox Searchlight pictures) is fascinating to me.

     As I begin this public writing journey, I wonder where I will travel. I feel like I have quite a few novels in me. This world is longing for substance. We need prose to make us think and reflect on those things of the past, present, and future. Only God knows, but I’m excited that anything is possible.

FMH,

Shiri

     I have always considered myself to be an optimist. In my mind, there is always a silver lining to every dark cloud. There is always a yes when a field of  no’s seem to strike like lightning. Despite taking this position in life, I am often rendered speechless by some of the occurences in my life and the lives of others. I tend to be extremely private with the inner workings of my mind and my personal life. There are only a few that know and understand the plights that have come my way. Nevertheless, there are stories which I’ve collected over the years from people that sincerely have brought me to tears. I don’t intend for this post to be entirely somber, but before I illuminate its darkness, I must first acknowledge it. Simply put, sometimes life is hard, unfair, and the verb “hurt” is sincerely an understatement.

     Music and writing have always passionately embraced in my eyes. They do this amazing dance in my mind. By some divine intervention, they often appear on a page or tape recorder and make my rough days a little more bearable. I thank God for blessing me with that artistic relief. In many ways I can say that it has saved me and allowed me to develop into the person I am today. I want others to know this freedom. The simple freedom to acknowledge whatever your emotion is at that particular moment, and move forward without dwelling is unbelievably liberating. In compliance with my newly adopted life moto, I just want everyone to know the feeling of being free.

     Wherever your life has taken you and despite the road you still have to travel, remember that there is always HOPE. There is always a reason to smile. Life is still a legitimate cause worth investing in. If no one else has said it to you today.. or ever, I understand how fickle life AND THE PEOPLE IN IT can truly be. I also understand what an amazingly thrilling ride it is. At the end of the day we are just the sum of our experiences. We are mere flowers with a story to tell. Without down, there would be no up. Without bottom there would be no top. Without pain, there would be no room for love. Without total confusion, there would be no room for clarity. Have faith that God truly knows all. He will never leave nor forsake you. Even in those moments when you feel like your unfairly dealt hands will have no end, there is peace in knowing that the best is yet to come. I absolutely love this song!! Listen to the words and allow them to soak in. I pray it helps you as much as it helps me.

     Even as I sit here typing these words as they come to me, I am inspired and comforted. Stay on your path. Look neither to the left nor to the right at anyone else. Make no comparisons. Shine through it all as the soundtrack of your life continues to be composed. One day….one moment at a time.

FMH,

Shiri

    When faced with decision making I have always found that there are several categories to choose from. There is the logical path, which is frequented by many. In today’s fragile society, it is often the “sure thing” that reigns supreme when it comes to decision making.  At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the dream. This is the decision that typically only makes sense to you and, with some fortune, a few people surrounding you. Comfortably nestled in the middle is what I refer to the “might as well” decision.

     Now, the “might as well” decision can be extremely intricate in nature. It can ellude the decision maker on many planes. This complex has the ability to appear as the perfect logic/dream combination. Unfortunately, it’s not and can’t ever be the dream. Nevertheless, it’s often too close to the dream to abandon on a whim. In analyzing the situation, the decision maker carefully internalizes all of the facts and, with a sigh of uncertainty, exhales a hopeful “might as well.” There just aren’t enough reasons to say “no.” There is too much sense in the “might as well,” while the dream promises nothing.

     This issue has perplexed me for some time now.  All too often I hear about people who settle for the might as well. Their decision often stems from several ever present fear factors that are often too overwhelming to bear. ”If I pursue my dream, will it come true?” “If I let this opportunity pass will I ever get another chance?” “What do I have to lose?” After weighing all of these and many other questions in my head, I have determined that trying for the dream is necessary. If you never make an attempt to reach your ultimate goal, your mind will be plagued with the aforementioned questions forever. If you try and don’t quite reach the dream, then at least you can record the journey in the scrapbook of your mind as an amazing, and sometimes tumultuous, adventure.

     No matter what the dream is, TRY!! Your logical and “might as well” paths will be there while the dream escapes into oblivion. Pursue it with all you have and remember that your dream need only make sense to YOU…. and you alone.

 FMH,

Shiri

      Today is the last day to register to vote. I know that by the time many people read this the registration deadline will have come and gone.  Therefore I will focus this post on the importance of voting and a few of the issues at hand.  This election is so important for so many reasons. I think that the concentration of most minds has been on the fact that, for the first time in history, an African American male has an amazingly great chance to win this election.  There is also the possibility that a female will hold the office of vice president. For a few moments though, I would like to focus on a few of the issues looming over our heads.

     1. Global Warming- If you haven’t had the opportunity to see Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” I would strongly suggest adding that film to your collection. He touches on so many different points which illuminate the trouble our Earth is in. I think that we take all of that information for granted because we can’t see its direct effect in our everyday living. The Earth hasn’t gotten to the point YET where you walk outside and scorch your skin from the trapped infared rays. Nevertheless, those days are no longer mythical, but inevitable if we don’t take sincere and immediate action.

     2. Health Care- This issue has been a constant fight in our society. It amazes me how a life can be equated to dollars and cents. In foreign countries there is FREE HEALTH CARE. There is no consideration of whether or not a person can afford it. The provision is made and, despite economic status, health care is available to EVERYONE. What is so different about our country? Why is inadequate health care coverage often the reason that many people waste away in emergency rooms?

And finally…….

     3. Education- Where did we go wrong with this one? There was a time when I was told as a child that one of  the most important things you could ever achieve in life was an adequate education. Now, there is so much more focus on other issues that are not as pertinent to the future of our nation. Teachers aren’t adequately compensated. This is often a deterring factor for many who could make an enormous contribution to the world of education, but refrain from doing so becuase they are concerned about their ability to support themselves or a family sufficiently.

     These and other issues should be the basis on which we vote. Listen to the candidates. Let’s force them to talk to us and tell us the realities. It’s time to be less concerned about the personal lives of these candidates and more involved with what they WILL do for this country. No matter who you decide to vote for, these factors should be taken into consideration. Get out there and VOTE!!!!!

 FMH,

Shiri

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     Upon birth we are thrust into the world with certain elements which are unique to us. These elements often go overlooked and unnoticed, yet they are among the most important physical identifiers that we have. I’m sure my parents breathed a spirited sigh of relief and thanked God when they realized that I had all 10 fingers and all 10 toes neatly in place. I’m sure they also had all types of dreams of who they wanted me to become.  During my stay in the hospital after my birth, there was a lot of medical information recorded by the doctors about my body. Length…. weight…width…. bloodtype…gender… time of birth.  At some point they even dipped my small foot in black ink and pressed it against a white page. This would come to be known as my footprint.

     Since that first black imprint of my appendage, I have made many others. Of course they were not all due to the process which was accompanied by my initial birth, but each footprint I’ve created in my life has been heavily due to several different births. There was the birth of my curious mind at a very young age which caused my parents to have to put stoppers on the cabinets because I would constantly rummage through them and bang the pots and pans together. Along with the footprint I created in doing that, I got a few hand prints to accompany it. Then there was the footprint I made after winning a writing contest in high school, being featured on the news, and receiving scholarship money to go to college. Now, at this stage in my adulthood, I have been given the opportunity to make another footprint. Yet again, I am experiencing another birth. It is the birth of my thoughts on an Internet space that I can truly call my own. I am and have always been a writer. Now, I will have the opportunity to truly share my thoughts and all of my footprints.

     This is the beginning, but there is no end. Thoughts tend to travel the speed of light and formulate in clustered quantities that rival the most populated nations of the world. I am willing and very eager to let those thoughts spill over onto these cyber pages in hopes that my footprints will somehow allow others to do the same. Thank you for visiting my little space, please tune in often, and please leave comments and let me know what you’re feeling. There are no guarantees as to what will flow through my mind and onto this canvas. The only thing I can say for sure is that each keystroke will produce thought provoking and genuine FOOTPRINTS. Welcome and enjoy…… the journey.

 FMH,

        Shiri