Funhouse

Funhouse, funhouse, funhouse....runs 'round rampant like a broken recording. A constant reminder of all the world’s ills outside this windowsill.  Vivid in my mind like flashing neon lights, running mascara, and warped faces in the frothy swirls of my morning coffee creamer…but I’m a dreamer steady hoping against hope, against ticking of the tock as people beating the clock, crawling up and down these inner city blocks…it’s a minstrel show. Aye, turn that conscious shit down and turn up! Lo behold there goes Sambo on yo' radio but like LL I can’t live without it. The beat hits them chakras...surrounded by show stoppers and pill poppers –  I call ‘em Lohans. Meanwhile, Sam I am in these trenches steady Willy Lynchin' next to booby traps promising the biggest booty so niggaz be like I got mines…clowns don't realize the jokes on them.  Signs of a time when children kill, grown men squeal and women endure madmen for rent money and cheap thrills. Blind leading the blind so the love is lost but fuck it I’mma BOSS! It cost to be. Funhouse, funhouse, funhouse…her nose is red like October with lashes longer than her lies, meanwhile his heart is in the trap steady laughing hysterically at their own demise. Huffin' and puffin' running through this maze just to huff an puff after a long day in a purplish haze. Yet, the shit got me wound up….so I pops up outta this box and startle everyone passing through. They told me keep calm, relax, and pass the time away...ignore the view. Snatch the needle off the wax. 

The Everlasting

Though time goes on, memories are ever lasting...imprinted on life and played in our hearts as we reflect on things past -- a smirk from a familiar stranger across the room reminds me of that friend (gone too soon), a sweet aroma lingering like grandma's timeless perfume (leaving a gentle comfort), or the way that glad child squints his eyes and smiles the way her father once had (as if he's there smiling back at you). Those are things that will never fade...everlasting impressions of those who remain...alive in our hearts and minds...living on and on in our spirit as do they...ever here...immortal in the memoir of time. Though their soul has transcended just beyond the veil...forever here and always it is through us the beauty of their spirit remains -- within the memorial of your heart.

Random Muse: In Remembrance of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Rollingout.com: 10-black-child-geniuses-you-should-know

Reflection: 2012

In theory, mankind is indeed experiencing a Revelation - literally and figuratively. From bitter political agendas, 'end of the world' prophecies, to the tragedies of Sandy Hook Elementary and Chenpeng Village Primary School in China -- 2012 (likewise the recent years before) has been tumultuous throughout.  As many expected, namely Christians, the world as we know it did not end. In regard to the Bible, I'm personally reminded of the seven seals. Seems the pale horse is riding, as hatred, greed, selfishness, and all manner of reckless abandon continues to metastasis throughout humanity -- trying to make its way into the heart of man.

I recall a quote I read recently in light of such events: a man by the name of Fred Rogers (1928-2003) once said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Her words are profound in its simplicity. These are dark times. Yet, remember for every shadow formed there is light. Just as Jesus himself wept -- crying out in misery on the mount -- many mourn and ask God why. Even so, at the dusk of ages God has not forsaken us.

Last but not least, as 2012 comes to a close I'm humbly reminded of how precious life is. Each day I attempt to guide my own soul through Christ who strengthens me, resist negative influences, and not allow the blinding bitterness of evil to dumb me down, kill my spirit, and cast it's shadow in my wake. I pray for discernment and the courage it takes to seek higher ground. As cliche as it is, it really does begin with the man in the mirror. For those of us still here, our purpose is not complete. If we want to better our family, neighborhood, schools...let's strive to be the positive change we'd like to see in the world, next year, and years to come.

Casual Bloggers Anonymous

Ahem *clears throat* um, my name is Cheryl and in case anyone hadn't noticed (cry for attention) I haven't written in months. OK. All jokes aside, this 30-something chick is back into the throws of college pursuing a new career. So with all that entails...long story short, blogging has taken a backseat to the books...err, as in third row in the mini van to be exact. At times I've felt guilt (direct your attention to exhibit A) about being a card carrying member of Casual Bloggers Anonymous...and then there's that novel I've written a whopping 3 pages into...but I digress. Overall, my main goal is to finish school so that's where 90% of my focus lies these days.  And who knows? I may even start a 'casual' blog about it! *wink wink* Meanwhile, I received an impeccably timed invitation to guest blog (I was hype) from one of my favorite bloggers! Tampa's own Clark Brooks is not only a darling but writes a witty blog guaranteed to start your day off with a laugh or two.  Be sure to check him out, along with a few words from yours truly. Ridiculously inconsistent trickle of consciousness: Today's guest author: Cheryl Williams