Give Thanks '08

Loved Ones,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, it is that time again, time for my annual message of gratitude and appreciation. This year has presented many highs and lows, in my life and in some of yours, as well. Personally, I am experiencing a metamorphosis of sorts, and it has affected me in ways that I cannot quite explain. However, I will say, that I am meeting a new "me", and reacquainting myself with aspects of myself, I feared I had lost. For this, I say hallelujah!

Last year, I encouraged you to create a list of things you wanted to accomplish for 2008. Two-thousand eight is on its way out of here, so how did you do? I was supposed to learn to swim, in order to conquer fears that grip me when its time to take a next big step in life. Those lessons did not happen, so it will be carried over to my ’09 list. The reasons are not so important, so long as I have not given up the desire to learn. I shall swim! I have begun to face my fears in other ways though, and it’s a process but I see the good in it. It frees me up to maximize my potential and share my gifts.

The Creator will allow us to remain in spaces that are difficult and challenging, and sometimes dark, until we learn the lesson(s) for which he has presented the situation in the first place. If you ever wonder why certain things keep happening to you, look within first. It is our nature, to be hardheaded and stubborn at times, and usually, we stand in our own way. This is "blocking your blessings" and if you take a moment, and look within, you are sure to recall times when you have done this to yourself. I say, please stop. We’d be best served, I believe, to name it, claim it, and then move out the way. I'm done lecturing. :)

I am thankful this day, for my family and friends, near and far. I’ve reconnected with some childhood friends and that has been a highlight for me. Today, my parents are in Chicago, as are my Aunt Day Day, my uncles, my brother, and a host of cousins and life long friends. My Auntie Lil' Mama is in Nashville along with my cousin Bertie and other cousins. I will be spending the day with my L.A. family, and for them, I am SO grateful. They, along with my LA friends, offer a sense of belonging and normalcy.

What I love most about Thanksgiving is that it is a reminder that you are never alone. It is a chance to come together with people you like and love to relax and be comforted. We eat ourselves into oblivion and return home with a smile. It is a time to put your troubles aside and celebrate the goodness of life (and watch some games.)

Although we are living in uncertain and stressful times due to the economy, and what seems like a never-ending war, I encourage you to remain faithful, knowing that this too shall pass. We must come together, and support one another in any and all ways possible. No longer can we afford to live in our own cushy bubbles, as if the world outside, around us, is inconsequential. You see where that has gotten us.

I give endless thanks that I was here to witness the election of our first black president. I know I have not spoken much about it, and there aren't too many things that render me speechless, but this is one of them. I must admit, I am STILL soaking it in. It's a proud moment in our history and for our country, and I can't wait to take this journey with the Obama family! I could not ask for a more shining example of manhood, womanhood and family.

As always, I am honored to know you, and blessed by your presence in my life!

With Endless Love,

RSY aka The Maven

A Monday Mind

I woke up this morning and the sun is shining brightly. Praise God!

I hope you enjoyed Easter!

Mondays are rough, but I have a list of things to accomplish and I'm fired up.

I have a Magic Bullet blender and in it I make my morning fruit smoothie. The Magic Bullet is amazing.

CNN reports that Kwame KP has been indicted along with his jumpoff.

CNN also reports that our casualties of war have reached the 4000 mark. I'm still asking, why?

Friday night, I went Steppin'. As usual, the instruction was good, and I had a nice time. My feet were cussin' me, steppin' ladies love to wear cute and sexy heels, it adds to your swagger when you're dancing. Luckily, I had a pair of flats for emergency purposes, and they came in quite handy.

Saturday, I planted Verbena, Alyssum, and some sort of Daisy. The Jasmine and Gardenia are making me anxious. I planted them in November and I am ready for their aromatic bloom. They're still alive so I must be doing something right. Everything else in my lil' garden is hangin' tough. I am happy that my Begonia are coming back. The Lady (Mom) is proud of me. I don't think in her wildest dreams, she could have ever imagined that I would take up gardening.

I also had a nice afternoon with a cousin that I don't see very often. He is planning to attend film school here. He lives back home in Chicago, and we have a substantial age difference (I'm older). We had a nice time. We went for sushi and I think thats the first time we've had an adult conversation.

I found out that my immediate neighbor is moving. This is a bummer because I adore her. She's a lil' old lady who is quiet as a church mouse. Never underestimate the value of a good neighbor. She will be sorely missed.

For me, March Madness has become March Sadness, as my bracket has self-imploded.

Sunday it was 87 degrees. BEAUTIFUL!

I also went to the hospital Sunday to visit one of my tenants. He was groggy and grumpy and basically told me to tear ass. I guess if I were ninety-one and had no family that cared enough to tend to my well-being, I'd be pissed too! That situation makes me sad.

I cooked a really nice Easter dinner. It was delicious. I am getting better at this. I might become a "kitchen bit.ch" one day, after all.

I watched two Trinity Easter services Sunday, live online broadcast. Food for my soul.

The Best Man was on network TV last night. Network TV knows how to screw up a great movie with editing and commercials. Good thing I own the DVD. Terrance Howard is a jewel in this flick!

I'm done. Gotta get back to my grind.

The Maven

My Gift To You

Merry Christmas Loved Ones!

For the Thanksgiving holiday, I encouraged you to pick one thing that has been on your heart and make it happen. I hope that many of you have put your plan in motion. As for myself, this is my one thing! Your words of encouragement about my casual rants have inspired me to create a blog; perhaps a writing career will follow someday. In the words of my favorite character from Girlfriends, Maya Wilks ....."I'm an authoress"!

I am spending my holiday and birthday here in Los Angeles (shout to my Cali crew), and I hate to rub it in, but the weather outside is FAR from frightful! It is absolutely beautiful and fore casted to be 70 degrees today! I must admit that it is a bit strange without bitter cold and snow, but it's nice, and I will spend my morning taking a quiet walk in the park, then tending my garden. My Gardenia and Jasmine are in slow motion, but my Jade plants and Ferns are gorgeous, and my Annuals are in full bloom. I wanted to plant some tulips, but I didn't cop the bulbs in time.

The end of the year has been uneasy for me for several years now. I can't attribute this to one thing in particular, however, I will be one happy chick when this apparent phase passes. I'm a holiday baby, the world celebrates my birthday dammit! I am not supposed to suffer the holiday blues, it's time for them to disappear.

As I reflect on the zero seven, I say rest in peace to my Aunt Robbie who passed away two weeks ago. I must give props to Amy and Peter Rahsu, and Myra and Mike for having me in their beautiful weddings. I have to thank my mentor Monica for holding me down, and sharing her infinite wisdom. I must thank my clients for trusting in me and relying on me to make their lives a little bit easier. I send a special congratulations to my Ebony Dill for completing her doctorate, of this I am especially proud. My brother Sam went to the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup for the second time in his career. I love him for never giving up on his passion to play football. My Cali cousins traveled to South Africa for the first time. This year also gave me the opportunity to spend some quality time with my girls (or my broads as we like to say) in Vegas, Chicago, and Atlanta; I am so fond of you all. You are shining examples of what grown, God-fearing women should be! As for all my boys, what can I say, you keep me on my toes, keep my verbal jabs sharp, and share my love of sports.


I have been steppin' in LA, and the steppin' community here has embraced me with open arms. I love, love, love it (a reference to my fave steppers cut by Donny Hathaway). Thanks to Steppin' B and his entire crew for whippin' me into shape and watching me blossom. B. Merrils, I'm checking for you on the floor when I get back to The Chi!

Merry Christmas to ALL the children. Between my family and friends, there are too many to name, but they are all precious! Thanks to the parents who share pics, the sugar babies are growing by leaps and bounds. Thank you also for sharing their accomplishments.

On the 31st of this month, l will mark my sixth year anniversary of living in LA. Can you believe it? I throw my head back, shed a tear and laugh at the triumph of it all. My journey has been challenging, yet rewarding in many ways. I have celebrated victories and suffered some losses. I've cultivated great relationships, both personally and professionally. I am learning so much about myself, and who I CAN and CANNOT be. Do you ever stop and think about who you CAN be, who God intended you to be? It's a mind-blowing exploration, I tell you. I am certainly looking forward to this new year. Some thangs 'round here gotsta change!

In 2008, I wish you the usual blessings.............optimal health, prosperity, and unconditional love. However, I must also wish you clarity. When you see things clearly, your decision making process is a breeze. Personally speaking, I lament over situations to a fault, I take way too long to make decisions. But, when I seek clarity, and listen to my inner voice, the results are amazing.

I am grateful for those of you who love and respect me, those of you who rely on me, those of you who truly care for me, and those of you that I have shared my life and love with, past and present (mommy and daddy, this especially means you.)

I hope today brings you every little thing your heart desires, and a few unexpected surprises, as those are always nice!


You are hereby invited to become a regular reader of my blog, where I will share my thoughts on life, love, and sports, in no particular order. You might also be treated to an occasional short story as I cultivate my writing skills.



I encourage you to copy, paste, and share the link with others that you know and trust, then bookmark it for yourself.


I'm taking you on a fantastic voyage! Are you ready to roll?

Happy Holidays,

The Maven