"Plant a Seed Now" - 5 new articles
Movies and Books.Precious
I read the book in 1997 and purchased a copy for my mom immediately and recall writing something in the hardcover jacket like "Thank-you for being a wonderful mother and grandmother." When I read Push in 97'; I felt as though I had grown up in such a sheltered life at the time I didn't know anyone with a story as tragic as Precious Jones. I debated on whether or not my daughter should see the film due to the abhorrent physical abuse in the book. I actually suggested that she read it some months back because she is an avid reader, but she declined. Anyway, I finally decided it was an important story for her to see as the character Precious Jones is around her age. In my opinion, Lee Daniels did an excellent job and the casting director deserves much praise by doing a phenomenal job in adapting the book to film. The writer of Push, Sapphire did an excellent job of addressing the various factors that play crucial roles in the survival or the deterioration of a child and his/her future. The film specifically addresses failures that exist in governmental/state agencies, inadequate schools, welfare system, inadequate parenting to the cruelty of peers and the indoctrination of self-loathing that defines so many young people. It's an important story that illustrates that no matter what one may face if they look inside, they too can PUSH through. When the film was over, myself, daughter, the two older women beside us and the cute couple at the end of the aisle just sat still. It was extremely HEAVY though hopeful. As we walked out my daughter asked me if I needed a HUG. I could definitely tell that it had a profound impact on her. I think it reminded all viewers of the profound impact you can have on someones life by just simply being kind and caring to your fellow human being. I don't want to give anything away,it was a great film and I definitely recommend it. Regarding any criticism - I'll just say that, I do wish that quality films of color with POSITIVE/HAPPY story lines would garner the same attention/backing/distribution. Good Hair - I enjoyed the film a couple of weeks ago and didn't quite understand the number of people walking out in the middle of the film. As I thought about it later, Chris Rock did give the audience the idea that AA women are the only ones who go to extremes or pay absurd amounts for hair maintenance, which is simply not the case. I always quote, I think Richard Pryor - Make 'Em Laugh and Slip the truth in - but to Chris I'd say let it be a well-rounded, 360' truth. It's an issue that plagues all women putting more value on their external appearance than what's going on internally sometimes. I will say the film made me decide yet again not to revisit the PERM, I just recently put one in after five years but after the "soda can" experiment; I think I'll stay away from it. He showed the ostentatious Hair Show yet didn't touch on the beauty of a Sister Saturday Social at the Salon. I've had two of the hairstylist featured in the film both Jason and Derrick do my hair down through the years and unlike their EXTRA film appearances both are very talented, fun hair stylist. While in the salon, I've met and exchanged pleasantries with women from all walks of life and it's actually a very warm experience that was absent in the movie. I still say hair is nothing but an accessory and women reserve the right to wear it however they choose. If they are trying or hoping to be someone else then it most certainly deserves some examination. Waltz with Bashir - I rented this film the other night and was unable to sleep after watching. I can't imagine that I could have sat through it had it not been done in animated form. The last minute or so left me paralyzed and overwhelmed with a sadness with the haunting images of the genocide, news footage of victims in Sabra and Shatila during the invasion of Lebanon in 1982. I recommend that anyone reading this watch and think about the devastation of war. Remember that the violence sanctioned by law helps fuel the violence that is not. Latest Books Read 
I thought Elif Shafak's did an excellent job of story-telling by creating very vivid characters and demonstrating fictionally how life can often unravel yet remain hopeful. Although the novel has very heavy themes, genocide (Armenians in Turkey,1900s),familial betrayal, abandonment,loneliness; The author is able to make it somewhat bearable by letting things slowly reveal themselves. All the characters are multi-dimensional, each with something left unsaid. I'm not surprised that the story is a perfect example of the incredible strength of women and the weight that we must carry within society and also how the youth must live with decisions that were made before they even enter the world. I'm so glad I picked up this book. I would definitely recommend it. "The oppressor has no use for the past. The oppressed has nothing but the past." The Shock Doctrine - I finally finished this book, I think I've lost the 41 members that belong to our online Book Club. It's a must read. 
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine  Weekly Address: Progress with the G-20 in Pittsburgh
I still believe.  I love this song!!!!!I've been told it's been made my ringtone for friends and family - How'd they know????  Long Weekend and VMAsFriday started off not so great, wait..rewind...that's not quite true. I awakened my daughter with a nice size goodie bag, a card that when opened played "My Girl" by the Temptations and she was all smiles therefore I was also. Off to school she went with 24 cupcakes in hand to distribute amongst friends/peers in her fav. class or at lunch and I to work. Here's where things change rather quickly. Perhaps it was the enormity of the day, daughter's b-day, remembrance of 9/11, scheduled employee appreciation social, several interviews throughout the day. Have you ever been in a situation where you are always kind to someone(s) and no matter what you do/say they just don't like you? Whenever my friends or daughter have shared such a scenario, I usually respond "Kill 'em with kindness" or "you're only responsible for your actions, so be nice and wear joy." - Let's just say for a few minutes, I forgot that very good advice this past Friday. My emotions went from being upset to actually crying. WTH???? I know. Who knows what really provoked such a reaction...but I felt terrible... That is until I left for the evening packed my car and got on the road headed further south to enjoy daughter's Birthday Weekend and Party with friends and family. My daughter was pampered for the day, she went to N'Seya Hair Salon and got dolled up, met up with friends and later enjoyed a party at Dave & Buster's. Her aunt and cousins spoiled her; they surprised both she and I with such incredible gifts. We just wanted to spend time with loved ones as she and her cousins have celebrated their b-days together since birth because they are only a month apart. The gifts were to her, like the cherry on top of a very perfect sundae. The weather was fantastic and she had a great time. We made it back home to prep for the next day and tune into the VMAs.
 My beautiful daughter will turn 15 yrs. ...My beautiful daughter will turn 15 yrs. old tomorrow and as usual I've been running around trying to make sure the day feels extra special to her. Since September 11, 2001, I've constantly had to remind her that although the world suffered a true tragedy, the day is still a blessed day as it's the day she was born. I went to the store this evening to purchase 24 cupcakes for school. Yes, I still send cupcakes to school. Unfortunately, I never bake them (I only bake w/my daughter). I'm pretty certain, I'll be sending cupcake care packages to college someday soon.
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