Hello! Here we go again...sista got a lot on my mind. You know what that means, right? Yep, got a lot of ground to cover. Let's see where to begin. Okay, let's start with the job thing. I worked for the Census Bureau for a total of 3.5 weeks. Can you believe that crap? 3.5 weeks! Seriously! Well thank goodness, I did not make any concrete plans to spend the money before I earned it. It was so nice to see a check or 3 with my name on it but it would've been nice to see several more. The work itself was relatively easy. I had to locate a home, knock on the door and inquire as to how many people resided in the home on Census Day(April 1st for those of you with no clue). Once I determined that I was talking to an of age person who resided in the home on 4/1/2010, I had to conduct an interview to ascertain basic information about people in the home. I got paid hourly and for mileage. My chief complaint would be this, the damn paperwork. You know the Federal Government..........Bureaucracy is king! I met some very interesting people and overall, I had a good experience. I think it helps that I am a people person and I have no problem talking to strangers. Some of my colleagues didn't fare as well as I did. So, now I am back to the grind, sending out my resume again. I liked making that little money. It helped insure a week would be well spent in Mexico! Yea me and my family!
As of this post, we have lost Gary Coleman, Rue McClanahan, and Coach John Wooden. Wow! Heaven(or hell) is claiming what seems to be a lot of folks this year. I loved The Golden Girls. Blanche(Rue's Character) was too funny, always throwing herself at a man. I watched Different Strokes as a kid but Arnold(Whatchu talkin bout Willis?) got on my nerves. Sadly, Gary Coleman died estranged from his parents and there is a current problem getting him buried. Coach Wooden, led UCLA to ten national titles, died at age 99. May they all rest in perfect peace.
I am going to be brief on the BP oil spill. The effects of that disaster will be felt for a long time. If you live in Louisiana, I think you might want to consider a change of locale. Seems like God might be trying to tell you something. BP should be fined and the fine should be huge. I am sure the CEO is thinking, "Damn! I thought that the government might let me screw America over, just like AIG!" Not! Obama is realizing that you privileged individuals don't do right by common folks. You have a lot and you want no responsibility for your errors. I have no pity on you! It is time for you to man up!
Kate and her brood of children are back. UGH! Need I say more. I mean a lady has gotta work and feed her children, right? Right! Let's keep it movin! I guess that would be Shaunie O'Neal's excuse too. Do we really care what basketball wives do all day. No the hell we don't. Any woman can be a lady who lunches. It really is all about your character and what you do for the community at large that matters.
I am sick of media whores. Is Gary Coleman's ex-wife crazy or what? She is trying to sell pictures of the man on his deathbed. Seriously? That is pretty low. I guess she is in dire need of cash. The sad thing is some rag will pay a hefty penny and publish them. She can take pics of a man dying but she couldn't help him as he was bleeding on the floor of their home. Yea, she's a gem!
Summer is quickly approaching. I can't wait for the kids to get out of school. I know I will revamp this statement come July 1 but for now, I am sick of the routine. What are your plans? Do you make your children do educational tasks during the summer? My children have to read for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. They also have to do some form of math. They hate me for it but hey who cares. They can play videos and hang out at the pool most of the rest of the time. We do visit the library and they participate in whatever the summer reading program too.
Welcome to the latest addition to the Thorpe family. Julius Luciano Torres has blessed us with his presence and we are excited for his lucky parents, Dennis and Tiffany. Can't wait to meet him in person. The family continues to do big things. My husband, Dmitri, has begun a travel agency. Check it out, http://www.dreamydestinations.net/. We hope you will give us the opportunity to help you achieve your travel dreams come true. If you are on Facebook, register and check out the page. If you are in Texas, my brother, Gerald, has a great gospel showcase coming up. If you are in Northern Virginia, my brother in law is sponsoring poetry nights on every Tuesday of the month in Manassas, Va. I will post details in a separate post. Finally, if you need to get yourself in shape, my sister is a Beachbody coach. If you need products for working out or an eating plan, she just might be able to assist you. There are links for each of them. Support Black businesses, heck support American businesses for that matter.
Of course I have so much more to say but I will end for now. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I am going to do better with my post. I have been lax lately. I have a million things floating in my head and I have little pieces of paper with topics to blog on too. I initially committed to writing two blogs a week, so I am going to get back on my game plan. Watch out everyone, I have a lot to say. Till we chat again, be a blessing!
Copyright June 9, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Happy Birthday to Me
Today is my birthday. Yea! I have no special plans but I am still excited. I think a little retail therapy is in order. Yea, that would be a good start. For me, no birthday is complete without an ice cream cake from one of my favorite places, Baskin-Robbins. YUM! Can't wait!
I was born in Detroit at a time when riots were occurring and my parents were not allowed to install a telephone. They had no car either. Yep, I arrived in the midst of craziness. My mother really was praying that I'd be born on June 7th. Had I been obedient, I would have shared a birthday with my grandmother, aunt Ruby, and cousin Gwen. Have you noticed that June 7th is a very popular birth date? Some of my favorite folks were born then such as Prince and L.A. Reid, and Nikki Giovanni. Ahh but if you have kept up with my blogs, you know that I am my own person and I hate following the rules. So I share my illustrious birthday with Anderson Cooper and Josephine Baker.
I am enjoying my 40s. Life really does begin then. I am pretty happy with who I am. I have had great life experiences and I feel confident with who I have become. I have learned to tone down my opinions but I still can't always control my facial expressions. I am working on it! As far as my friends are concerned, I must say that I have a diverse group of friends who are living all over the place and doing all sorts of things. I am thankful for all the places that I have lived because each location has provided me with great people whom I will forever cherish. I love meeting people and I think I have some great friendships as a result of being open to new places and things.
My life has had its share of ups and downs but I would never trade my experiences for anything. I have gained wisdom and insight from every situation. I remain committed to being a Christian and having a relationship with Christ. I am open to new experiences. I realize that life is pretty simple in a complex way. You are the sum of your experiences so you should have as many of them as possible. Fear will hold you back but faith will open doors. People come and go and there really are some seasons that simply must end. Life is meant to be embraced and lived to the fullest. None of us were issued a manual on how to do life and God didn't promise us that living would be easy. What makes all the difference in the world is how you view it. Each day you get to choose. Hopefully, you choose the positive but even if you don't, tomorrow is another day to get up and try it all again. We are all works in progress.
So enough of me and my view on life. I got a Diva Dialogue coming up because I have random thoughts rolling around my mind and you know they are dying to be shared. LOL! The best gift for me is peace. Now that's not to say that I wouldn't like a whole lot of money....but peace of mind is very important. God probably knows I might not be ready to handle a great deal of money so I will wait...Hehehe! Another great gift is simply having the love of family(and friends) who support, encourage, and pray for me. God has blessed me abundantly! Note, I did NOT say materially(although I probably have plenty). For that, I am grateful. I am pleased that I am sane and healthy and so are those near and dear to me. I have pretty much everything I need and most of what I want. I am not what I want to be but I am not who I used to be either. I am constantly changing and evolving. I want to inspire you to be the best you that you can be. Define yourself and your legacy. Don't let others impose their woulda, shoulda, couldas on you. They got one life to live and if they are doing that right, they have no room to impose their agenda on yours. That said, it is now time to celebrate me! Happy birthday to me! Peace and love to you all. Till next time, God willing, we will chat again!
Copyright June 3, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Family Matters & Forgiveness Does Too
Hey Y'all! I had a wonderful weekend! After celebrating our 14th Anniversary, we moved on to the Memorial Day weekend festivities. Guess who came to dinner? My mom and my brother made a quick dash from Cleveland. Yea me! I hadn't seen my brother since March, 2007. I was missing him like crazy. I just needed to lay my own eyes on him to know that he really is okay. He had surgery last week and I was concerned.
It was a chill weekend but we just had a nice time. Anything we do involves food and so this weekend was no exception. My brother grilled and my sister and I hooked up some sides. We threw down(as usual!). I'm sure you all had your own fun times but you know I think time spent with family is priceless. Moreso, when everyone is scattered all over the place. I think that I've mentioned that I hate that my kids are not growing up near their grandma, I lived next door to mine and I can't imagine life without that experience.
All that aside, family matters. Those are supposed to be the people with whom you can best relate and be yourself. I encourage you to keep the family bonds as tight as you can. Trust me, my family is and can be dysfunctional. Do you know any that are not? If you do, I think it is a facade. Everyone has some stuff, some secrets, and some issues that keep things interesting. Shit happens but it is best to resolve the issues and move on. It makes no sense for years to pass without you speaking to your mama, sister, cousin, and even your friends. Seasons can end in friendship but not in families.
No matter what, your family determines some of who you are(even if you turn your back on them). We are all the sum of our parts. That includes the good the bad and even the ugly. It is the choices that we make that will determine its impact on our lives. So what have you chosen? Really, it is all about forgiveness. I know I am sounding somewhat repetitive but forgiveness matters. Life is too short to hold grudges. Most of the time, people don't even remember why they are angry. If you call yourself a Christian, I challenge you to think about this; Christ died on the cross to blot out every sin-past, present, and future, that we would commit. I think it would pain Jesus to have given us this precious gift and then we turn around and can't forgive someone for wronging us. Surely, you are no better than Jesus!
It doesn't take much to be civil. You don't have to be friends. You should have each other's backs. A family function shouldn't cause the host to stress out about how folks are going to act. Ahh but I've digressed yet again. I just wanted to share how much it meant for my brother who flew in to Cleveland from Texas to celebrate the nuptials of his best friend to drive to Virgina to see little ole me. It's a lengthy drive for a less than 48 hour visit. I am worth it though. Despite the brevity of the visit, there is just something about being together with those you love, that makes everything okay.
It is simply comforting to just be with your family with no agenda. Memories are created in those moments. The moments are precious because life is not promised and things change moment by moment. Who wants to live with the guilt of some petty unresolved issue. In the words of my dad, "Life to the fullest! No regrets!" Wouldn't it be a shame for something to happen, and you did not forgive someone? Wouldn't it be worse for something to happen to someone and you live in the same city but hadn't spoken for several years? I certainly think so but it isn't about what I think. I hope it is what I've inspired in you. Hint:Forgive, resolve, and move on! I am out of here for now. Peace!
Copyright June 1, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
It was a chill weekend but we just had a nice time. Anything we do involves food and so this weekend was no exception. My brother grilled and my sister and I hooked up some sides. We threw down(as usual!). I'm sure you all had your own fun times but you know I think time spent with family is priceless. Moreso, when everyone is scattered all over the place. I think that I've mentioned that I hate that my kids are not growing up near their grandma, I lived next door to mine and I can't imagine life without that experience.
All that aside, family matters. Those are supposed to be the people with whom you can best relate and be yourself. I encourage you to keep the family bonds as tight as you can. Trust me, my family is and can be dysfunctional. Do you know any that are not? If you do, I think it is a facade. Everyone has some stuff, some secrets, and some issues that keep things interesting. Shit happens but it is best to resolve the issues and move on. It makes no sense for years to pass without you speaking to your mama, sister, cousin, and even your friends. Seasons can end in friendship but not in families.
No matter what, your family determines some of who you are(even if you turn your back on them). We are all the sum of our parts. That includes the good the bad and even the ugly. It is the choices that we make that will determine its impact on our lives. So what have you chosen? Really, it is all about forgiveness. I know I am sounding somewhat repetitive but forgiveness matters. Life is too short to hold grudges. Most of the time, people don't even remember why they are angry. If you call yourself a Christian, I challenge you to think about this; Christ died on the cross to blot out every sin-past, present, and future, that we would commit. I think it would pain Jesus to have given us this precious gift and then we turn around and can't forgive someone for wronging us. Surely, you are no better than Jesus!
It doesn't take much to be civil. You don't have to be friends. You should have each other's backs. A family function shouldn't cause the host to stress out about how folks are going to act. Ahh but I've digressed yet again. I just wanted to share how much it meant for my brother who flew in to Cleveland from Texas to celebrate the nuptials of his best friend to drive to Virgina to see little ole me. It's a lengthy drive for a less than 48 hour visit. I am worth it though. Despite the brevity of the visit, there is just something about being together with those you love, that makes everything okay.
It is simply comforting to just be with your family with no agenda. Memories are created in those moments. The moments are precious because life is not promised and things change moment by moment. Who wants to live with the guilt of some petty unresolved issue. In the words of my dad, "Life to the fullest! No regrets!" Wouldn't it be a shame for something to happen, and you did not forgive someone? Wouldn't it be worse for something to happen to someone and you live in the same city but hadn't spoken for several years? I certainly think so but it isn't about what I think. I hope it is what I've inspired in you. Hint:Forgive, resolve, and move on! I am out of here for now. Peace!
Copyright June 1, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Self Speak
Today, I read a devotional and it spoke to speaking truth to self. Wow! I thought about the things that run through my mind and I was really convicted. So many times the messages that play in our head are so very contrary to God's Word. It really is important to know the Word of God and let it become more than head knowledge. It needs to be come heart knowledge too.
We get bombarded by so many messages from so many places. We have well meaning friends giving solicited and unsolicited advice. We have the media shaping our thoughts and then we have our own thoughts, based on our life experiences. All the messages serve a purpose but many of them probably leave us a bit confused. So how do we know which ones are accurate? Well I'm convinced that we have to see if they line up with the Word of God. Did God say that or did it come form somewhere else?
I am a constant thinker and sometimes, that is NOT a good thing. My thoughts run wild at any given moment. Often, I find myself thinking something and wonder where the thought came from. The longer I meditate on it, it becomes real. Therein lies a problem. When I am doubting myself, I really need to be thinking that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (ref: Psalm 139:14) When I am worried or in need, I should be "asking, seeking, and knocking." (ref: Matt 7:7-8). The list goes on and on.
So what is the real lesson in this? The directive is clear. Measure your thought life up against the truth of God. Once you do that, you will have no choice but to change the tune. Why, you might ask. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NKJV) God has given His Word to correct and instruct us so that we might be complete. He wants us to be whole and He wants us to be prepared for the purpose that He has for us.
This is a daily challenge for everyone and I am no exception. I know God wants us to rely on His truths. He doesn't want us to give in to the false messages that we are bombarded with. Child of God, listen to Your Daddy. He wants the best for you! Don't let the mess you may have been feeding yourself for years keep you from moving forward. Post notes in your bathroom. Speak truth to yourself and others. Choose positivity over negativity. Take it one day at a time. Whatever you do, keep your thought life lined up with God's word and things will change, not only in your mind but also in your life. It can happen one thought at a time. Till next time, peace and blessings!
Copyright May 27, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
We get bombarded by so many messages from so many places. We have well meaning friends giving solicited and unsolicited advice. We have the media shaping our thoughts and then we have our own thoughts, based on our life experiences. All the messages serve a purpose but many of them probably leave us a bit confused. So how do we know which ones are accurate? Well I'm convinced that we have to see if they line up with the Word of God. Did God say that or did it come form somewhere else?
I am a constant thinker and sometimes, that is NOT a good thing. My thoughts run wild at any given moment. Often, I find myself thinking something and wonder where the thought came from. The longer I meditate on it, it becomes real. Therein lies a problem. When I am doubting myself, I really need to be thinking that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (ref: Psalm 139:14) When I am worried or in need, I should be "asking, seeking, and knocking." (ref: Matt 7:7-8). The list goes on and on.
So what is the real lesson in this? The directive is clear. Measure your thought life up against the truth of God. Once you do that, you will have no choice but to change the tune. Why, you might ask. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NKJV) God has given His Word to correct and instruct us so that we might be complete. He wants us to be whole and He wants us to be prepared for the purpose that He has for us.
This is a daily challenge for everyone and I am no exception. I know God wants us to rely on His truths. He doesn't want us to give in to the false messages that we are bombarded with. Child of God, listen to Your Daddy. He wants the best for you! Don't let the mess you may have been feeding yourself for years keep you from moving forward. Post notes in your bathroom. Speak truth to yourself and others. Choose positivity over negativity. Take it one day at a time. Whatever you do, keep your thought life lined up with God's word and things will change, not only in your mind but also in your life. It can happen one thought at a time. Till next time, peace and blessings!
Copyright May 27, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thankful Me
I am sitting here thinking that I am really blessed. I can't tell you how many days I walk around forgetting that fact or acting like there aren't so many more people less fortunate than myself. Honestly, I am a half full kinda girl. I am positive and extremely encouraging. Some folks may think I am perpetrating a fraud. I'm not. My life is not perfect but my outlook makes a ton of difference in me and those around me.
When I worked, I sat in a cubicle with a woman who was extremely negative. She hated that I always looked on the bright side of things. She was draining. She was always trying to make things work in her favor by manipulating circumstances. I sorta went with the flow and tried to do the right thing. I prayed and I moved on. She couldn't stand it. The other two women in the cubicle were rather positive so I am sure we annoyed the hell out of her. She just didn't get it. I tried to tell her that if she was at peace with herself and God, things would work out the way they were supposed to. Favor is not fair but God grants favor to whomever He wishes. Most things work out for me, not necessarily in a predictable way but God has always worked everything out. I know it is God's plan not mine because I'd work out every situation to be less painful and easy to get through. That has been proven in my friendships, finances, and marriage.
As I've matured, I realize that everyone can't handle you or your stuff. You really do need to choose your audience carefully. Some folks don't deserve a front row seat in your life. Some don't even deserve tickets to be a part of the audience. We need to be careful and discerning about who speaks into our lives. Everyone has their own agenda and sometimes their plan for you isn't the plan God designed for you. We need to measure what people say against God's Word and determine if it accurately reflects His character and will.
Ahhh...I have digressed but I guess this was the message meant to be given. I started out talking about being thankful. I am thankful for the life that I live. I am blessed with a husband who does prioritize providing and protecting his family. I am blessed with two beautiful but extremely different children. I am blessed with a loving and encouraging mother. My family has longevity. I am grateful to have grown old enough to appreciate the wisdom and quiet nature of my grandmother. She is strong despite her quiet demeanor. I am very thankful that God saw fit to bless me with a diverse group of friends. The common thread in each of those friendships is a belief in God and a supportive nature.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I have wronged and I have been wronged. Forgiveness is the highest compliment you can give or receive. Just think if God had not been a forgiving and loving God. Where would we be? We'd be lost. I am thankful that I am not who I used to be. I am thankful that I am not all I'm going to be. I am simply thankful for each day that God gives me to wake up and try to be a better example of His love and grace. I am thankful for this season, while not always easy or pleasant, apparently necessary, for something He wants to bring about in me, for His purpose. Be ready because whatever it is, it is gonna be awesome. So my friends, I challenge you to be thankful for the little things. If you aren't thankful for those what are you going to do with the big blessings that come your way. To whom much is given, much is required. Thankfulness is a a small thing with a huge impact. When you can learn to thank God for the trials and pain, then you are really doing something. Praise is easy when life is going well. I wanna see you when you're going through something, that's a testament to who you truly are. I gotta go. I would love to know what you are thankful for right now. Ciao!
Copyright May 25, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
When I worked, I sat in a cubicle with a woman who was extremely negative. She hated that I always looked on the bright side of things. She was draining. She was always trying to make things work in her favor by manipulating circumstances. I sorta went with the flow and tried to do the right thing. I prayed and I moved on. She couldn't stand it. The other two women in the cubicle were rather positive so I am sure we annoyed the hell out of her. She just didn't get it. I tried to tell her that if she was at peace with herself and God, things would work out the way they were supposed to. Favor is not fair but God grants favor to whomever He wishes. Most things work out for me, not necessarily in a predictable way but God has always worked everything out. I know it is God's plan not mine because I'd work out every situation to be less painful and easy to get through. That has been proven in my friendships, finances, and marriage.
As I've matured, I realize that everyone can't handle you or your stuff. You really do need to choose your audience carefully. Some folks don't deserve a front row seat in your life. Some don't even deserve tickets to be a part of the audience. We need to be careful and discerning about who speaks into our lives. Everyone has their own agenda and sometimes their plan for you isn't the plan God designed for you. We need to measure what people say against God's Word and determine if it accurately reflects His character and will.
Ahhh...I have digressed but I guess this was the message meant to be given. I started out talking about being thankful. I am thankful for the life that I live. I am blessed with a husband who does prioritize providing and protecting his family. I am blessed with two beautiful but extremely different children. I am blessed with a loving and encouraging mother. My family has longevity. I am grateful to have grown old enough to appreciate the wisdom and quiet nature of my grandmother. She is strong despite her quiet demeanor. I am very thankful that God saw fit to bless me with a diverse group of friends. The common thread in each of those friendships is a belief in God and a supportive nature.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I have wronged and I have been wronged. Forgiveness is the highest compliment you can give or receive. Just think if God had not been a forgiving and loving God. Where would we be? We'd be lost. I am thankful that I am not who I used to be. I am thankful that I am not all I'm going to be. I am simply thankful for each day that God gives me to wake up and try to be a better example of His love and grace. I am thankful for this season, while not always easy or pleasant, apparently necessary, for something He wants to bring about in me, for His purpose. Be ready because whatever it is, it is gonna be awesome. So my friends, I challenge you to be thankful for the little things. If you aren't thankful for those what are you going to do with the big blessings that come your way. To whom much is given, much is required. Thankfulness is a a small thing with a huge impact. When you can learn to thank God for the trials and pain, then you are really doing something. Praise is easy when life is going well. I wanna see you when you're going through something, that's a testament to who you truly are. I gotta go. I would love to know what you are thankful for right now. Ciao!
Copyright May 25, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Top 10 Reasons that I love My Husband
My husband and I are quickly approaching our 14th Anniversary. May 25th to be exact. We married after a year of dating but we had been friends for 10 years prior to going on our first date. We have had our share of ups and downs, and I will be the first to tell that marriage takes work. It also takes compromise and candid communication. Quality time and a lot of sex only help the situation. As I grow older, I know that prayer is also a necessity. Personal prayer and the prayers of other believers. Can never have too much of that. So all that said, a good friend of mine challenged several of us to list the top ten reasons that we love our husbands. I told her that I would publish my response as a blog.
I started this blog several weeks ago and while I was gung ho, initially, Satan stepped in and had his way. He caused a little havoc in our marriage and then I wasn't feeling writing about my husband nor was I feeling marriage at all. So I got writer's block and set the whole blog aside.
I'm back! Tomorrow is May 25th! 14 years have gone by since we said our vows before God and about 135 witnesses. The havoc has subsided. SN: Despite the valley experiences that we share, Dmitri is the love of my life and there is no one I'd rather take this life journey with. So here you have it, the top ten reasons that I love Dmitri Jean Anthony Thorpe. This list is no way conclusive and it is definitely changeable. I love him for different reasons at different times. Also, the list is in absolutely no particular order.
1. Dmitri is always gonna have my back and protect me fiercely, even if I am wrong.
2. Dmitri is extremely loyal to me, his children, and his convictions.
3. He makes the best Bar-B-Que dishes and we share a love of good food and wine.
4. He makes me think and he challenges me on a deep level.
5. He always makes me his number one priority.
6. He is a serious competitor no matter what. Family game night is serious in this house, so is miniature golf, and anything else that can remotely resemble a competition.
7. He makes me feel beautiful on my worst day, in my ugliest moments.
8. He is my biggest champion and supporter, no matter what it is I've decided to undertake.
9. Although he hates to shop, he always chooses nice clothes for me and he gives excellent gifts.
10. He accepts me for who I am, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.
I could go on and on. We have two children and he is good to both of them. He wants the best for them and me. He provides well so that we can experience life to the fullest. Remember, I believe exposure is everything. Our love story is not special or rare but it is OUR story and each day we get a chance to add to it and enhance it. No one can tell you how to be married but if you are or were, you know there are many hills and valleys. You have to be committed to each other to get through both. You need support and prayer to make it, too. Mostly you need love and a commitment to that love to deal with the problems that you face. Sometimes you might even need therapy but remember, what God has joined together, let NO MAN put asunder!!! With that said, "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!!"
Copyright May 24, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
I started this blog several weeks ago and while I was gung ho, initially, Satan stepped in and had his way. He caused a little havoc in our marriage and then I wasn't feeling writing about my husband nor was I feeling marriage at all. So I got writer's block and set the whole blog aside.
I'm back! Tomorrow is May 25th! 14 years have gone by since we said our vows before God and about 135 witnesses. The havoc has subsided. SN: Despite the valley experiences that we share, Dmitri is the love of my life and there is no one I'd rather take this life journey with. So here you have it, the top ten reasons that I love Dmitri Jean Anthony Thorpe. This list is no way conclusive and it is definitely changeable. I love him for different reasons at different times. Also, the list is in absolutely no particular order.
1. Dmitri is always gonna have my back and protect me fiercely, even if I am wrong.
2. Dmitri is extremely loyal to me, his children, and his convictions.
3. He makes the best Bar-B-Que dishes and we share a love of good food and wine.
4. He makes me think and he challenges me on a deep level.
5. He always makes me his number one priority.
6. He is a serious competitor no matter what. Family game night is serious in this house, so is miniature golf, and anything else that can remotely resemble a competition.
7. He makes me feel beautiful on my worst day, in my ugliest moments.
8. He is my biggest champion and supporter, no matter what it is I've decided to undertake.
9. Although he hates to shop, he always chooses nice clothes for me and he gives excellent gifts.
10. He accepts me for who I am, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.
I could go on and on. We have two children and he is good to both of them. He wants the best for them and me. He provides well so that we can experience life to the fullest. Remember, I believe exposure is everything. Our love story is not special or rare but it is OUR story and each day we get a chance to add to it and enhance it. No one can tell you how to be married but if you are or were, you know there are many hills and valleys. You have to be committed to each other to get through both. You need support and prayer to make it, too. Mostly you need love and a commitment to that love to deal with the problems that you face. Sometimes you might even need therapy but remember, what God has joined together, let NO MAN put asunder!!! With that said, "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!!"
Copyright May 24, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Friday, May 14, 2010
Lena Horne Remembered
Another legendary individual has left the earth. Lena Horne was a beautiful woman who epitomized grace and class. Ms. Horne first achieved fame in the 1940s, became a nightclub and recording star in the 1950s and made a triumphant return to the spotlight with a one-woman Broadway show in 1981. She might have become a major movie star, but she was born 50 years too early: she languished at MGM for years because of her race, although she was so light-skinned that she could've passed for white.
In 1945 the critic and screenwriter Frank S. Nugent wrote in Liberty magazine that Ms. Horne was “the nation’s top Negro entertainer.” In addition to her MGM salary of $1,000 a week, she was earning $1,500 for every radio appearance and $6,500 a week when she played nightclubs. She was also popular with servicemen, white and black, during World War II, appearing more than a dozen times on the Army radio program “Command Performance.”
In 1945 the critic and screenwriter Frank S. Nugent wrote in Liberty magazine that Ms. Horne was “the nation’s top Negro entertainer.” In addition to her MGM salary of $1,000 a week, she was earning $1,500 for every radio appearance and $6,500 a week when she played nightclubs. She was also popular with servicemen, white and black, during World War II, appearing more than a dozen times on the Army radio program “Command Performance.”
“The whole thing that made me a star was the war,” Ms. Horne said in a 1990 interview. “Of course the black guys couldn’t put Betty Grable’s picture in their footlockers. But they could put mine.” Touring Army camps for the U.S.O., Ms. Horne was outspoken in her criticism of the way black soldiers were treated. “So the U.S.O. got mad,” she recalled. “And they said, ‘You’re not going to be allowed to go anyplace anymore under our auspices.’ So from then on I was labeled a bad little Red girl.” In the early 1960s Ms. Horne, always outspoken on the subject of civil rights, became increasingly active, participating in numerous marches and protests. Thia led to Lena becoming blacklisted in Hollywood.
In 1943, Lena was lent to 20th Century Fox for “Stormy Weather,” one of those show business musicals with almost no plot but lots of singing and dancing, Ms. Horne did both triumphantly, ending with the sultry, aching sadness of the title number, which would become one of her signature songs. In 1978 she played Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wiz,” the film version of the all-black Broadway musical based on “The Wizard of Oz.” That is one of my all time favorite movies. She never stopped singing.
Returning to her roots as a nightclub performer, Horne took part in the March on Washington in August 1963, and continued to work as a performer, both in nightclubs as well as on television, all while releasing well received record albums. Horne announced her retirement in March 1980, but the next year starred in a one-woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which ran for more than three hundred performances on Broadway, and earned her numerous awards and accolades, and she would continue recording and performing sporadically into the 1990s until disappearing from the public eye in 2000.
Born on June 30, 1917 in New York, Lena will be remembered as a trailblazer for years to come. She was a beautiful woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. Her lagacy opened doors for African American women. There are rumors that a bipoic is planned with Alicia Keyes in the starring role. Originally a biopic was going to be produced with Janet Jackson as the star but it was nixed due to the wardrobe malfunction during the SuperBowl in 2004. Lena Horne died on May 9th after months of failing health. From her legacy, we can learn much. Be true to who you are, but whatever you do, do it with style, class, and of course grace.
Copyright May 14, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
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