What's Your Definition?

"When you judge me without knowing me, you don't define me, you define yourself."
Goodvibe

I had a whole blog written in my head. I knew exactly what I was going to say and then I had an epiphany. I hate when I have epiphanies that ruin my best-laid plan(s)! I was going to write about how I define myself and how defining yourself doesn't necessarily mean "blocking" yourself in. Blah, blah, blah...Then I had an epiphany about myself that would have made me a hypocrite if I would have written what I was going to write. It all started after reading a Tweet from someone that I didn't agree with and the debate, regarding that tweet, with my Eldest daughter that ensued. I have never lied to myself about my faults(or I have tried not to)I don't pretend to be on a "higher plane" than everyone else or a person that walks around calling herself an "empath" or "Healer." Can you dub yourself these things? And am I the only one sick of people calling themselves this? (insert eye roll) I do suffer from impatience and this has been a thorn in my side since, well...forever. But with all of my obvious imperfections, I did believe I was a great Instructor or teacher if you will. WRONG! Not only am I a Gaw-awful teacher, I expect people to know certain things by a certain age! This horrible epiphany has ruined my wonderful illusion about myself! This tweet, from a woman asking to be educated about Black History Month and Historic Black People, rubbed me the wrong way. Why? Because in my world, I was raised to know things about other peoples Culture. And by a certain age, I do expect you to be well read enough to where you don't expect me to be your "Cultural Mammy." I know that Google exists! You don't even have to leave your home anymore to go to the library! As a child, I was told to read about everything and everyone. As my Mama would say "Only fools speak about what they don't know" and I never wanted to be seen as a plum fool, so I read.  It is arrogance to expect anyone, of any culture, to break down their cumulative history in...tweets? To give a quick summary for your benefit because you are unwilling to learn on your own. By the way, I shan't do that for anyone. To know your history and the history of others is to know yourself. So, yes, my Daughter is right, I have no patience(Duh!)and I am not a good teacher. She said except for Personal Training and Group Fitness. Thank you! So, my definition of Self has changed and I am humble enough to acknowledge it. I shall leave you with a word of advice: Be aware of the differences around you. Respect them. And if you can't or are unwilling to do that, be quiet. No one knows a fool is a fool until they speak(or Tweet!). Wishing you peace and love, but mostly, Peace. 

To Hold You! To Touch You!

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” 
― Groucho Marx

Last week was Library Week and I was happy to know I wasn't the only one excited! My love for books is not something I hide( I DO hide behind books though:) There isn't anything like getting a book, new or used. The weight of a book in your hands, priceless. No electronic device can compare! The moment we book lovers all wait for: When you have finally picked out the book you want, after wandering through the stacks(Library aisles) for probably hours(That would be me!)and gently pull the book from the shelf(never by the top of the spine!)open it slowly and then stick your face into the pages and inhale deeply, heaven. I only have three other smells that I love more. 1. The top of a baby's head. 2. Coffee 3. Popcorn and the honorable mention, baking bread. But I digress! Books are life. "Oh, the places you can go!" Yes, I am quoting Dr. Suess, but who(hahaha!)wouldn't? One of the greatest Writers that ever lived. Did you not read "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" to your children? That was the book I used to teach my children how to read. See, that is another thing books do, they help you create wonderful memories with your children. They remember the trips to the library in all the States we have lived in(Navy Brats). They and I, remember the Librarians that sat with them and read to them. I remember Mrs. Shapiro, the Jr. High Librarian where I went to school. Before Jr. High was turned into Middle School when we still had to write an end of the year paper and learn the Dewey Decimal System, YUCK! On Winter Break everyone had their required reading list, I had two! One from my teachers and another from Mrs. Shapiro. She allowed me to take extra books home because I read a book a day. Mrs. Shapiro fostered my love of books wholeheartedly and so did my Mama. Her rote answer to me was "Go to the library!" Mama, I am bored! "Go to the library!" Mama, what does this mean? "Go read about it. Go look it up!" I would say she just didn't know herself, but I am pretty sure she did! Reading helped me become a better communicator. Because what you don't know, you look up! Reading expands your vocabulary. As my Mother used to say "Read and learn so that no one can talk 'over your head.' Reading expands your mind and helps with memory, which will keep you young. Reading can take you out of some of the worst situations. When your home life isn't so great, young or old, pick up a book, find a corner and 'travel.' There are still books that I can't even bring up in a conversation because of how I wept! I laugh, I cry, I scream! Books are like a really great movie, except fifty times better! The Godfather is a great movie. But the book!? A Masterpiece! Oh well, I have waxed on. I do hope that you all make your way to the nearest library, find a book and a comfy chair and immerse yourself in another world. Wishing you all love and peace but mostly Peace.