A Little Self-Indulgence, Please!

Two More Years before the AARP Card!! WHOO HOO!!!

Happy Birthday to me *everybody sing* Happy Birthday to me, etc, etc, etc!!!!  I would like to thank my totally awesome husband, Tracy for the wonderful gift of him, I LOVE YOU SWEET T!!!!  I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad . . . couldn't have done it without you!  

I would like to thank my family, especially Bonnie my sista (in-law - just a technicality - she is truly my sister and I thank GOD for you) and David, totally awesome brother for being the first to call me and wish me a happy birthday, even though he did not call and Bonnie called but at least he remembered to tell Bonnie to call . . . and that was great.  I know that the rest of my family will call and I will update you as the day goes on and stuff.  I am through, for now!!!!

10:18AM UPDATE:  So I call my mom and reminded her of my birthday and she finally wished me a happy birthday . . . that was great.  10:30ishAM UPDATE:  So our investor guy called and left me a "happy birthday" message . . . that was great.  4:13PM UPDATE:  So then my sister, Shermaine, calls me and wishes me a happy birthday and that was great.  8:14PM UPDATE:  And then my niece, Aura, left me a "happy birthday" message and that was great.  WOW!!  What a great day it's been.  Thank YOU LORD for my wonderful family!  *yes the "investor guy" is family, dang it!!!!*

I would like to thank my friends - I know some of y'all's ends forgot but . .  that's what friends are for, LOLOLOL!!!!

Most of all, I am thanking my HEAVENLY FATHER for the greatest honor of all . . . LIFE.

Everyone that I work with, just go ahead and take the day off in celebration of this momentous day.  While you're at it, cook a big dinner and invite family and friends over . . . tomorrow, do it tomorrow; you will feel more rested and stuff. 

Oh and I asked several retailers to put on sales - big gargantuous sales and some stores said the would open at 3AM on Friday.  I told them it was NOT necessary but, well, garsh it's just my birthday and stuff.  It DOES fall in the middle of the week!  Just go ahead and celebrate y'all.

That's all for now,

Auntie M

Yes He Canned!!!

So just about every year we have a garden.  Really, my husband, Tracy, raises the garden.  He plants tomatoes, bell peppers, collard greens, kale, cucumbers; just whatever we want.  Well, this year we had an abundance of bell peppers.  GOD was truly generous with the bell peppers and so, like our parents and grandparents did with their abundance, Tracy did . . . yep, and Tracy canned those peppers! 

But he didn’t just can those bad-boys; he made chow-chow or pepper hash or whatever you call it in your neighborhood.  I mean he did the whole canning thing; boiling the jars and lids, chopping and cutting peppers and onions; adding the seasonings, filling the jars, just everything.  The man is always cooking something delicious and, this was just like icing on the cake.

My admiration of Tracy just goes beyond the pale of admiration.  I mean, I never even thought of canning before and, well, I am just impressed.  My mom and grandmother used to can all of the time.  It was cool back then and it is even cooler now.  I love going back to the “old-fashioned” ways of life.  That just goes to show you that “old-fashioned” does not necessarily mean “out-of-fashion”.

Yes, my wonderful renaissance man canned!  Tracy, you are truly AWESOME!!!!  Yeah y’all, a real man knows how to can! Now ya know!!!

That’s all for now,

Auntie M.

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

A little history - Tracy Whitaker proposed to me on December 24, 1998.  I had a Christmas Eve party at my place for my family that year.  Tracy came over early to help me with the festivities.  He usually has a cool and calm demeanor but that day he seemed fidgety and restless.  He kept saying, “Can I ask you a question?”  I would say yes and then he would say “never mind” or “nothing” or something like that. 

Happy Anniversary Tracy, My LOVE!

Well, this went on for a couple of hours (or it seemed that long, LOL!).  Finally, he came behind me to give me a hug and I was in the middle of putting something on the table.  I was already pretty irritated at him by that time and my family was going to be there at any moment . . . I really did NOT have time for this! 

But this time, as he was giving me a hug, he said, “Can I ask you a question?”  I yelled “Goodness Tracy, WHAT DO YOU WANT!?!?!?!?”  He said “Will you marry me?” and he had the ring in his hand.  Those who know me might find this hard to believe but I was speechless . . . but only for a minute, LOL!  After many tears and kiss I said “YEEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!!”  We were married on September 11, 1999.  That happened to be the Jewish New Year.  And I figured it would be an easy date to remember - 911 (not that it was an emergency . . . or nothin'). 

I love you my dearest and most wonderful husband!  You are my gift from the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and I will always love, cherish and adore you!  

You can ask me any question you want!!!!

That’s all for now,

Auntie M.

Progress Is Community Driven.

I was watching some past footage of the Katrina devastation and it conjured up those emotions, those very strong emotions of sorrow and, if I may be so revealing, helplessness.  I remember praying with my prayer warriors about the whole situation.  Some of us could hardly wrap our minds around what was happening.  

Hurricane Katrina gave me a somber look at some aspects of America that some would have  liked to remain hidden; but I am glad of the revelation.  It made me aware of the power of prayer and people.  I could focus all day long on the miracles that took place and, well, the bad stuff that happened too but let me move up to the "now" of Mississippi and Louisiana.  

Most of the shows I watched discussed the before and after of the folks affected by Hurricane Katrina (and Rita too, she had her hand in it!).  It was hard to relive the "before" but the "after" gave me a lot of encouragement and great hope.  

These folks truly are renaissance  people.  The community involvement seems to come from all sorts of folks, whether they live there or not.  Sure, these areas have a long way to go but they are still going, and with all my heart I believe they are going to get there (where ever "there" is).  AND if there is one area of the U. S. that seems to embody the "feel" of the definition for renaissance it's these wonderful and innovative citizens of these United States.  *standing ovation goes here*  

That's all for now,

Auntie M

GOD vs america

Couldn't find a
photo of a bucket of
popcorn but Tracy
took this picture and
I think I will watch
what the LORD does
from here!!

GOD wins!!!  HE always wins!!!

I just had to get that off my chest.  What a disturbing time we live in.  I am not sure if I want to dive into the fray or sit back with a very large bucket of popcorn and just watch the LORD work this out.  Hmmm. . . that sounds nice.  That's what I will do. . . for now.  Feel free to join me.

That's all for now,

Marcia aka Auntie M

I Remember When...

we used to go back to school AFTER the Labor Day weekend!!!! What in the wide world of sports does this have to do with being a "Renaissancer"? Well, I'll just tell you. . . okay. . . here we go. . . hmmm. . . It might not have absolutely NOTHING to do with Renaissance Folks but I ain't changing the name of the blog so I am going to continue my observation; please bare with me and let's just see how this develops.

When I was growing up, summer vacation was what you lived for; it gave you that feeling of an ending to one level and for three months you had time to refresh and become revived for the next level of learning. *This is starting to develop into something. Let's keep going.*

At the beginning of the break I would be hanging out with my friends, going on vacation with my family, being absolutely lazy at least one day a week. . . it was wonderful. Towards the middle of the summer, reluctant thoughts of beginning a new school term would try to take up residence in the fore front of my thoughts; but I would push them down with great vigor. . . I would go to the neighborhood pool and pretend to swim. Even the middle of summer break seemed to early to think about the pending school year!

Yeah, summer breaks were awesome and a part of me wanted it to never end. I don't know, it just seemed like I knew when summer time was coming to a close I felt like there was no choice but to change and adjust to the next level of whatever was going to happen to you. For me that change was not always a smooth transition . . . being the new kid in school was not always fun, but I will save that for another time.

Anyway, I brought all of this up because my niece, Lydia (pictured above), and her friends had approximately nine weeks and one day of summer vacation. She has to start back to school August 9, 2010! A full month BEFORE Labor Day! Oh well, I am sure she will turn out to follow in her Auntie M's steps and begin her journey on becoming a renaissance woman.

*This post turned out okay. I was a little worried I would have to change the name of the blog. WHEW!! Dodged that bullet!*

That's all for now.

Love,

Auntie M

The Triple "R's" of Renaissance Folks.

Today I was thinking about all the events that are taking place in our country and I suddenly felt such great appreciation for the United States. We live in a wonderful land. Some may disagree with all that is going on, and that's okay; I mean that's what makes our country so great... they can disagree and all will still be well (as long as they ain't breakin' no laws and such).

But even though we live in America and are able to enjoy the freedoms we have there is always room for the triple "R's:" Revival, Renewal and Refreshment. One of the ways I love to do the triple "R's" is by reading scripture from the Bible, praying and meditating on the greatness of GOD ALMIGHTY. Relishing in the love of my SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST (yeah, that always fulfills my triple "r" needs). I also like to take photos, decorate cakes, read, etc...

The United States is, in my opinion, always in triple "R" mode. I think that's good. It helps folks to stay on their toes. It keeps us ready for the awesome possibilities of our country. Yep, Revival, Renewal and Refreshment should be a constant exercise for us renaissance folks... this is definitely a "bumper sticker" moment... hmmm.

That's all for now,

Auntie M.

Happy Birthday My Dear Sister Shermaine

Today is my beautiful, most wonderful sister's Birthday!! Every time we get together we have the best time. Shermaine is a strong woman who is married to a awesome man and has two beautiful children. In this picture we had just finished eating at the Cheesecake Factory with my mom. It's hard to take a picture without using the timer (we even had fun doing that). She is a renaissance woman too! I love her to pieces and want her to have the best birthday ever!! May the LORD truly BLESS you Sis!

I love you very much!

Marcia aka Auntie M

Happy Birthday AMERICA!

I live in the best country in the world. To me, we are the ultimate renaissance country, especially based on the definition of this blog. I mean, it seems as though we are always in a state of renewal; constantly trying to figure out life and doing it with great vigor. Now, we may not all agree as to how to get to or through these constant changes but we keep trying!

Yes, we will never stop trying to reach that final stage of the ultimate "moral renaissance" and I personally don't think we ever should. "Moral renaissance," that term is a strange part of the definition... Well, anyway, have a great Fourth of July!!!! Please enjoy all the family and friends you can. Celebrate America's birthday with all the bang you can!!!!

That's all for now...

Auntie M

Why?

A few years ago I told a dear friend of mine, Carole Foret (www.caroleforet.com) that I really liked her web site, and I loved her blog. She is a wonderful artist and photographer. She is just one of the most creative people I know.

I can't remember all of the particulars but some kind of way the conversation turned to the question of what would I name my blog if I ever had one. I blurted out "Renaissance Women." Well, here I am, a few years later and I realized there are also some awesome "renaissance" men; some cool "renaissance" teenagers; some potential "renaissance" children; etc, etc, etc!

Yes, there are some folks that I believe are just drenched in "renaissance" drippings (Carole is definitely a "renaissancer," from her head to her toes!). In my world, I consider it an exclusive quality. When properly developed, it can be quite a powerful attribute; yet a very natural part of this person's essence. And a true "renaissancer" can't fake this characteristic; it's just how the LORD made them; just who they are. Some may even consider it a gift.

I like to look for this quality in folks. Won't hate your guts or nothing if you don't have it but, well, I realize that it is of value to me. I mean, for goodness sake, I am married to the ultimate Renaissance Man!!!!

So, let's see how this develops. Let's see how GOD guides this little blog of observation. Let's just see what steps HE will take these personal notes.

That's all for now...

Auntie M.

Beautiful Flower by GOD - Photo by Auntie M

Okay, I am still learning how to blog and now I have learned to upload images...I think. I will get to the part about being a Renaissance person and who qualifies and what this cool word "Renaissance" means to me but you have to get the technical stuff down so folks will think you know what you are doing! By the way, here is a picture of a flower I took with my Nikon P80 Point and Shoot camera the other day. Not bad, eh?!?!?!

The Day Before Summer

Gosh it's hot out here!!! Sorry but it is really hot today and it's not even Summer yet! WHEW!! But I digress. What a day to start my brand new blog, on FATHER'S DAY! And a Happy Father's Day to my dad, LaDale. Happy Dad's Day to you other wonderful papa's out there! Most importantly to me; I love you GOD, my HEAVENLY FATHER!

Be Blessed