Gratitude Wednesday

I'm grateful for....

1) Our constant journey together and solving the forever hoping for perfection but okay with mistakes

2) Moma's retirement party- and the poem I'll do just for her

3) Seeing family & friends this weekend-I always seem to miss them more right before I see them

4) New poems!- To be posted tomorrow

5) Good grades on papers and exams I'm glad I did as well as I did

6) Being interviewed and recognized by the Txstate news paper for my poetry (I'll try an post it Friday)

7) July 7, 2007

8) A New JOB to start on the 12th (Things only to get better and not worse)

9) Plucker Thursdays with the both of you

10) My Creator-Thank you!

Bonus: Baybid's impression of 3Times...truly HILARIOUS!

Weekend Report

Friday

I awoke to thank you Lord's and opened books-Shakespeare is a mother. I ran a few errands, ate some breakfast tacos from a little Spanish spot on Oltorf, then headed to my interview. It is actually my second and I feel that I did very well-no worries confident as I should I expect to hear from them by next week for sure. It's Angel's Birthday! I thought about her and how much money she may have won-could you donate to the Wedding Fund? (Lol) I later continued to read and catch up on my assignments. Talked to Kimmie-man I should've went with you to SA because we did what? Absolutely Nothing! David and I had to work it out & get back on track (thank you for the peace offering). I talked to Z who calmed me a bit and things were okay again. I cooked spaghetti...and read Shakespeare to sleep....

Saturday

I awoke to David's kisses goodbye as he traveled to San Marcos for a Mason meeting-why the hell do you have a suit (Lol). I got up and got right into my books, knowing that my distraction would be wanting to hang with Baybid today. He came back and fixed me breakfast, cleaned up a little, and we headed to the track. I myself did not run on it, but I did sit in the truck and feel the breeze as I read more of Shakespeare and watched Baybid blow the wind in my hair. Once done we headed to Round Rock and I met his cousin Andrea who lives in Florida. A pregnant one she is cute! More normal than the the others-smile. We chilled over there for awhile, but we can only stand so much so we headed back down south to walk the Barton Creek mall. I myself was looking to buy some shoes since I forgot that one of my gift cards for Christmas was for Payless! Nothing there though. We shared pretzels, laughter, and hands. Later we caught a movie: Daddy's Little Girl. It was really good-much better than the Ghost Rider we saw last week. I just love the QT either way. Writing in my journal and furthermore reciting poetry...for my mom's retirement party this weekend, the slam(s) Tuesday & Wednesday, and just for my peace of mind. So now I lay me down to sleep, cuddle in his arms-feel safe enough to weep...

Sunday

Seemed like it was going to be a long weekend at first but in actuality it wasn't! I once again awoke to thank you Lordies and Shakespeare (Othello by the way). I searched the web, wrote a proposal for a class, and worked on my poetry. We drove to the Greenbelt and walked the trail. David and I were stereo-typed he is a NFL player and I'm a video hoe (just not in those exact words). WHATEVA! We took pictures-Tee we need ya let us know when you can take them...? And KayDee we may need some help with the website...? Enjoying the breeze from there we went to the fitness center to work out-I've actually been slippin, gotta catch up with Auntie (smile). It went well though, just gotta stay consistent. I talked to my mom always more than enough....I love you. I went to the Business Center to print out assignments and a picture of a dress for my sister to wear in the wedding-which I think will look awesome on her! Hell I hope she lets me borrow it (Lol). David cooked Talapia and we (more like I) watched the Oscar's and waited on the phone call from Angel-where you at!? In the mean time I'll work on my blog, American Sign Language, and fallin asleep....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL!

Thank you for always being a good friend and sister

For checking out books for me to further my education

For your wisdom and smile

We love you!

Win BIG!

Also, I mentioned in my Weekend Report last week that one of my friends sounded down when we were on the phone. So I decided to write a poem to her-just for you:

I heard tears in her voice,

with swallowed back pain in her throat.

I hung at the gloom of her face,

imagining that your heart hurt...

so mine did too.

To my friend-I ask of you,

Questioning what is it that you need for me to do?

I may not can fix it,

But I swear I'd try if you'd let me.

Confide in my touch...

Offering my t-shirt as Kleenex,

my shoulder as comfort.

Adding my spirit into yours,

transforming confusion-

Living with our mistakes,

Heal with me.

And I know your closer to her than me,

but I'm no stranger to loving you just as much.

I too place pedestals before your feet...

hoping that when your ready-and realize your worth

you'll step on it for me to view you better.

Save those locks for me to identify distinguished beauty,

Prolific poetry

And engaged friendship.

Grow with me.

I saw her grin smile,

with unbalanced happiness hiding behind her teeth.

She breathed confidence & insecurity at the same time-

you have to know her in order to see her this way.

Traveling down highways,

mirroring life the way its composed,

guiding her into our bridge of friendship...

Where I pretend that she will never have bad days-

And still produces rainbows after the rain.

Until the next storm hits,

Coast with me.

ebstewart,2006
sweated techniquespublishing
all rights reserved

Late & Still Grateful

for....

1) Him kissing my feet in loving gestures

2) Him and Her in the crowd with them as I featured

3) Her home cooking, kisses, and constant financial support (thank you paying on my dress)

4) Me rocking the hell out of the slam and getting it all on DVD (by my Spike Lee)

5) Promises from you that I hope you keep (please don't let me down)

6) Ordering my dress-and being so nervous about how he'll think it looks on that day

7) July 7, 2007

8) My family, friends-you mean more to me than you know

9) Job interviews on Friday! & Patience to deal with unruly children and ignorant parents while subbing!

10) My Creator and savior of my world-please continue to bless me

Bonus: Thoughts of my first dance with my father EVER in life on the day that I am no longer his last name-Thoughts of kissing you for the first time EVER as Mrs. Braswell-Thoughts of my mom walking me down the aisle into your arms (she gives this woman that she made away)-Thoughts of me being at my most vulnerable state and being okay with displaying that to the world.

Weekend Report

Friday

Pop tarts with milk for breakfast on my way to Oak Springs Elementary to finish my subbing assignment (I was there on Wednesday and it was actually easy because the kids had a Valentines party that day). But today! No party just unruly children! They know me because they've had me as a sub before...so what do we know about Miss. Ebony? "She don't play!" says Xavier...and I'm so for real about it. I kicked a few out of my room the first half-get the principals and parents involved because most parents don't like to be called about their child acting up at school. Second half of the day was actually easy! They worked hard for me so they could have free time at the end of the day-able to talk and play for about 30min. Staff walked in and told me that I'm a really good teacher and that I had them under such control-that made me feel good. Got off and headed to the salon, let Dora hook me up (thanks D!), talked to my friend some (after playing phone tag a bit)-I heard tears in her eyes and voice, never found out what was wrong, but I will say that I was worried about you and I hope that things are okay...I know it just be that way sometimes. On the road with Baybid headed to Byt. Heaven lies in the arms of my mother, she is so what I need at times. We hung out and talked. She cooked spaghetti and green beans w/corn bread (but I don't eat corn bread-so David got down). Fell asleep to the Cosby show it's good to be home...

Saturday

Wake up moma! We have to go to Mon Cheri bridal to try on gowns! I manged to get some reading done, and David spoke to Q from Iraq (he was happy to hear your voice-we miss you). Riding with her always takes me back to my adolescents and how fast she used to drive trying to get me everywhere on time because she's always running late. We arrived and they got me started with the two dresses that I had narrowed them down to. I tried on the first one (the less expensive out of the two) looked in the mirror....but wasn't sure. Put on the second one (the one that I knew my mom would flip out about the price)...both they had to pin on me and clamp me in because of the size difference (10 & 12). Still I asked my mom which one she liked better, because it was such a hard decision for me. She didn't wanna say, but in her own way said that the more expensive one was definitely more me! And I'm not the girly girl type, but I do like the bling! Take this off, put that back on, try on the veil, place the tiara on top, look in the mirror and that one was the one! WE ORDERED MY GOWN!!! MY MOM PAID HALF DOWN AND I WAS THANKFUL FOR HER AND ALL THAT SHE'S EVER DONE-AND CONTINUE TO DO (I LOVE YOU). She, my sister, David, and Kimmie was right-everything did workout with the dress situation. We headed back home, but stoped by Valda's (my cousin whose always upset if I don't see her when I come home)...I told David of my gown, but he doesn't want the details, he wants to be surprised-so no real discussion took place about the gown. All three of us headed to Target & Wal-Mart to pickup a few things to cook. I am sometimes jealous of people who are the same age as me who walk up and hug my Alice! As if they could ever love her more than I do-get outta here! I walked around running poems in my head, my featured night was like 4 hours away. Got back to the apt and I stayed in the car to finish my practice. Got dressed and practiced, then headed to the event. It was a great experience! The crowd was kinda-no the crowd WAS dead, no blame placed fully I knew they had never witnessed a real Slam before. Some of my family represented, my best friend Jennifer showed up, and of course my mom & David thought I did very well. I got feedback and everyone thought that I was awesome-I was just glad that I was given the opportunity. They presented me with a bag of goodies and the check is in the mail-so YEP it went well. I got feedback from other poets there, and they wanted me to give them feedback on how they could do better. I invited them to Neo-Soul during Spring Break-so they could see the real deal! All in all, I kept it moving! And I'm glad that Neo-Soul and friends have encouraged me and keep making me a better poet. Back at the apt my mom talked about how good she thought I did and how much I inspired those that were there...I fell asleep on the floor to her voice....

Sunday

Holaluya Holla Back (LMAO)! We went to church and I sat between the two most important people in my life. Many asked about the show or told me that they enjoyed it. I talked to the pastor to make sure our wedding date was reserved to use the church. I didn't get to the cake, but I have some time for that. My mom cooked me into a comma with her smothered pork chops, rice and gravy, with beans and mustard greens on the side! You have no idea! Dang if I could get home cooked food from her on the daily I'd be such a nicer person (smile). I woke up to The Wedding Planner and David working on his business, my mom holding convo with my aunts. Baybid and I went for ice-cream then to the movies. Long talks before the movie-I want to marry you because game...the movie was OK, but should have been a matinee. I stayed up talking to my mom about school, got comfort from David, then fell asleep as the babygirl in my mom's bed-afraid to move because any move you make wakes her. Thank you Lord for this comfort (and for always making a way even if I didn't see it before).... I didn't get to see my Pizza or my Ky. She's sick and he's working crazy hours at the plant. I did get to see all my little cousins-walk it out! I love ya'll no doubt. I miss you all dearly, and it's always good to come home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY HAMBONE "KLARK KENT" THOMAS!

I love you so much

Gratitude List-Valentine's Day Style

HIM, HIS, HE:

is my valentine everyday

the love letter he wrote to me

the call of my name just to say "I love you"

the scent of him when I enter the room

I'm grateful for...

1) seeing my mom this weekend-her arms, her kisses, her love (irreplaceable)

2) my best friends understanding my study habits & forgiving me for being busy with school

3) bestfriends-close friends-associates-and enemies who all play a special role in my life thank you

4) getting the opportunity to shine this weekend

5) PATIENCE! the little bit I have and the more I gain

6) getting some wedding stuff done this weekend! Pick the cake, the dress, and talk to the pastor

7) July 7, 2007

8) STRENGTH! to do all things even when I doubt myself

9) Ham-Bone's (my Klark Kent) bday on big Monday! I love you boo

10) my creator & savior for seeing me through (thank you)

• Boooo, I did have plans on slamming tonight! But Happy Vday to that damn Neo Soul! Love ya'll

• Big Ups to my boy KayDee who made the flyiers!
• Thank you to Kevin Wade for the invitation to be featured poet.

Weekend Report

Friday

What'dyou think-head in books! Still reading! I can say that my reading is getting faster. But I was saved! They called to go hangout. PLUCKERS fried pickles-damn i was full. Off to see Norbit. A few funny scenes but not that funny. Still I was in good company-Thanks guys! My shirt is greatly appreciated and I thank you again-very thoughtful. Back to the crib to just chill and put my face back in a book. Start practicing for that slam and for my first featured poet set this weekend! Poems drift into my dreams...

Saturday

Awake to 'thank you Lordies' and read a book! Yo I'm tired dude, but I gotta keep it movin! I got a few phone calls from my Bone...crazy Klark Kent. He's coming to see me this evening-it's convenient to come by since he's going to the Kappa party (but it's okay, I'll just be happy to see him). We gathered clothes to wash, with Baybid always working out we wash clothes a lot! So we hit up the in laws to kill two birds with one stone. Still with my face in a book from time to time, we ate pizza. I talked to my mom about her invitations and gave up to please her and allowed her to make her own...well kinda (lol). So I canceled the order at Kinko's and headed back to the apt. We hung out some more and studied some together, then worked on the business. HamBone and his crew came through...that's my boo! He looked so cute. Him and I always seem to fall right back into it-my little big brother. And I was proud that he wanted his friends to hear my poetry...so we put on the DVD! He showed me a little of his shimmy (Kappa/Hambone style). They went out and we went to sleep...about 3 in the morning I got a call to lock the door-said i love yous and they were gone to be mannish (smile).

Sunday

Thank you Lordies, a few tears-some stress of the wedding, and watched Life Time (I've been forgetting about that channel lately). I practiced more for the slam/feature. Baybid came back from his run and comforted me. I talked to Bone to make sure he made it back safely. We went to get a few things from the grocery store, and i got some more comfort from my moma-thank you to them both (David & my mom)...i started to call You but I didn't want to burden you with it. We came back to the apt, ate lunch then went to the fitness center to workout. I'm up to 30min on the bike (thanks to my book), and I'm up to 600 crunches! Back to the apt to do some more homework and search the web (which is how I got here), watched the Grammy's!!!! Chris Brown and the little boy dancers did that! I was waiting to see him slide on his head though...and his James Brown impression was damn good. Christina Aguilera did that too! Yea they put a white girl up there and I can't think of any black singer who would've done it better-damn she was real. David and i came up with some more ideas for the business...then I fell into his arms...now i lay me down to sleep....

Late & STILL Grateful for....

1) Him putting me first more than I give him credit for

2) Him giving me the privilege to makeup the name of his new workout/training business (you ready Angel?)

3) Invites to Auntie's house for superbowl parties, food, and JJ!

4) Bad dreams that have me to check on my mom-she's safe (thank you to my creator)

5) New business cards for up coming featured poetry in the Bay

6) Getting my school work done!

7) July 7, 2007

8) Making my dad cry just from him reading my Daddy piece-thankful for him reaching out to me

9) Family, Friends, and Sisterhood through those closest to me (I love ya'll)

10) Norbit, the Grammy's, Tyler Perry's new movie, The Rider-all movies and shows that are coming up next week that I HAVE to see!

Bonuses: She got me something-WHAT IS IT? I'm so excited-and I feel the love!

A guy from my school named Jimmy tried out for American Idol, so now I have a reason to watch the whole show!-He was supposed to sing in our wedding, not sure if that'll happen, but I'm still happy for him!

Weekend Report

Friday

I spent most of my time in a book from every class I'm currently attending! School is actually not so bad, I'm just overwhelmed with the books i have to read...From ghost stories to William Shakespeare and John Grave's Goodbye to a River! What's really good? I talked to my mom who was having sinus attacks (poor moma). She had plans of surprising me, but her sinuses surprised her. It's cool, I'll see her soon enough-making her laugh and hearing her voice still made my heart beat a little bit stronger. David decided to make me a house wife asking me to wash clothes, and Auntie called to invite me to a movie that I really wouldn't have minded to see...but dirty clothes rule my world at the time. I mailed a payment that went towards our catering, checked out a couple of movies (one for class, and one for personal view), and did a quick workout. Later I watched the movie called Miracle Works for my American Sign Language class-which is actually a cool class. The other movie I'll try an watch this weekend...Now i lay me down to sleep....

Saturday

I awoke to thank you Lord's and more of my face in a book! What's good? I feel like I'm getting things accomplished by being so obedient to my school work. Texted my cousin Ree early (I love you-and often forget our friendship). We went for Mexican Breakfast down the street...umm yea it was good! Still reading....later to eat and read some more. David joined me...we both studied some, as he got distracted by starting to work on his business and leaving silly phone messages (lol)...and I think that you know that! I'm proud of him for wanting to do what he loves and is good at, so i didn't bug him about staying on task. We got dressed for Ms. Brown's sobriety party which was really nice! My first-no one in my family have bowed to sobriety, but just party (lol). No but really the evening was nice. The lady is a coworker of David's. She looked really cute in her purple-nervous and all. A few ladies told me I look like a little doll-which is really funny that I will be hearing that more than once this weekend. Another lady kept staring at me and not in a pleasant way...but because we were around people David worked with I decided to act right (?) and just smile at ever ugly stare i received...slowly rolling my eyes after a few. After food was served we headed 2miles down the road back to our apt and fell asleep...

Sunday

No church, but a little reading and listening to church music-the ones that make you think of your grandmama's church. Changed into workout gear, and headed to Town Lake only to run (as in jog/not sprint) for the first time in about a year! I was ummm what do you call it calling my own bluff in doing so...David not even breathing heavy soon realized that my lungs aren't as big as his (lol). We headed back to the house...head back in books...BREAK: watch Gridiron Gang...David working on his business...then leaving to Auntie's for the Superbowl party! It was good shit! Lot's of food, good company, and Jesus Juice!!!! Oh yea, and the game on big screen. The game was pretty week, but the family/friends was cool. Erica did that-her and her dad on the food...Kim did that as a hostess...I finally got an invite to see the upstairs (smile). Man stuff was lovely on Sunday. Another drink of JJ, more skinny girl jokes (whatever), Black Stassney Barbie names, and laughs to last. Thanks for a good one dude.