Saturday, December 29, 2007

Buddah's Thoughts

Just some things that have been running through my mind.

  1. I don't make new year's resolutions. I make life changes. And there will be many changes made in the very near future.
  2. Well, it looks like DP and I may be living in the same state again sometime early next year. I'm getting excited! I've missed having him near dearly. Once the dates are finalized I've got to start planning for his return. I can't believe we've been together for a little over two years now.
  3. Don't you just hate office politics? They can put a damper on an otherwise satisfying work experience. I do my best to avoid them at all costs. I keep all my personal business to myself. Cause the worst thing you can do is tell it to the wrong person. It'll spread around the office quicker than the speed of light. And people can use it against you.
  4. Considering recent events, is the nation (and the world) really ready for the U.S. to have its first black president? With all due respect to Barack Obama, I'm just not convinced that it's his time yet. Of course, the primaries and the general election in November (and events thereafter) will tell the story.
  5. Hell, is the nation (and the world) ready for Hillary Clinton to be president of the U.S.? With all due respect to rapper/actress Eve, Hillary Clinton is the "real pitbull in a skirt." Need I say more?
  6. I liken Huckabee, Romney, Giuliani, and even McCain to revolving doors. They swing more ways on issues than a bisexual in the bedroom. Now, there's nothing wrong with changing your mind. There's nothing wrong with broadening your perspective. And there's nothing wrong with changing your opinions or views on certain issues. There is a problem however, when these things are changed to gain the support of a group people for votes. If people can't except you for all of your glory, excess, foolishness, and pain, it's their loss.
  7. After reading about Benazir Bhutto's assassination, I had an eerie feeling that some real serious shit is about to go down. Everybody beware.
  8. If I hear about another celebrity being arrested for a DUI I'm going to go on vigilante campaign to exchange celebrity driver's licenses for chauffeurs.
  9. Looks like Paris Hilton got cut off. Grandpa is giving 97% of his fortune to charity. See what happens when you show your ass and dirty up the family name?
  10. I love Mya like the next fan, but seriously, what's going on? She's been pushed back more times than a Kelly Rowland record. She called her new album Liberation and now she's like a caged bird that nobody wants to hear sing. Now, her single "Ridin'" was okay (at best), but "Ayo" and "Lock U Down" were garbage. Come a little harder next time Mya.
  11. There were some really great releases in 2007 for music. I was really surprised. Some release days I just went for broke. I was like a kid in a candy store. I couldn't decide whose album I wanted more so I just bought everything.
  12. If I had to tally my favorite R&B/Soul releases from male artists this year, the following would be on the list: Rahsaan Patterson (Wine & Spirits), Musiq Soulchild (Luvanmusiq), Ne-Yo (Because of You), Mario (Go), Trey Songz (Trey Day), Tank (Sex, Love, & Pain), Chris Brown (Exclusive) and Joe (Ain't Nothin' Like Me). Though they lean a little more on the jazzy side, I can't forget about Will Downing (After Tonight) or Raul Midon (A World Within A World). Hope I'm not forgetting anyone....
  13. Aside from the singles already released on Jill Scott's latest album The Real Thing, I love "Crown Royal," "Epiphany," "All I," "Whenever You're Around," "Come See Me," "How It Make You Feel," and "Just Wanna Be Loved."
  14. I love the new Janet song "Feedback". It's very different. Totally left of what's expected of her. I must've listened to at least 100 times since I got it. Can't wait to hear the new album Discipline, to be released February 26th.
  15. 2008 looks like it could be a banner year with new releases from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Madonna. Mary J. Blige has set the tone quite nicely. If all goes well, it'll feel like 1993/1998 all over again. Looks like they're about to put all the divas-in-training back in their place!
  16. 2008 will also mark the return of several other noteworthy favorites such as: Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Teedra Moses, Van Hunt, Lenny Kravitz, Faith Evans, and Mos Def to name a few.
  17. Isn't it funny now how all the pop artists want to be down? Seems like every pop tart wants to make urban album with urban producers. I'm not hating but....YAWN!
  18. I absolutely love Phyllis Hyman (and I mean love!). She's legendary. Which is why I was so happy when I came across the website for the book Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story. This biography was written by Jason A. Michael. I'll be checking this book out real soon.

And finally, have a very happy new year! May the year ahead be everything you want and more.

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond
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Now playing: Joss Stone - Bad Habit
via FoxyTunes

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Simply Wondering

Lately I find
You coming across my mind
More often than I’d care to say
It’s been some time
Since we’d last seen or spoken to each other
So it should be okay
If I care or wonder how you are

For a short, but significant moment in my life
You were the one
It was a love we shared
That I’d never experienced
Or could compare to anything before or after
I’d found happiness
In a new and exciting way
I’d found another way to spend my time
Without worry or apprehension
I didn’t mind making
Time for you

So when our lives shifted us into other directions
I was saddened
Deeply hurt
But I knew it was best
For both of us
We had to move forward
We ended on good terms
But since that time
We lost touch
And I was simply wondering
How you were
What you’ve been up to
And if I could still call you a friend

Though I may not be in love with you
Forever, I’ll love you

~ BuddahDesmond

Happy holidays! Be safe. Enjoy!

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Now playing: Keyshia Cole - Give Me More
via FoxyTunes

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Tag! I'm It....

Sean Stone tagged me. The rules of the game are:
  • Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
  • Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
  • Tag 7 random people at the end of your post.
  • Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
1) Contrary to popular belief, I’m very shy. I’ve always been. It’s not as bad as it was when I was a kid though. When I’m in a new environment or in a group with people I don’t know well, I sometimes have a hard time opening up and reaching some level of comfort.

2) My shyness may have something to do with anxiety. Though I carry myself in a confident manner, I can be self-conscious. I don’t want to make a fool of myself or say the wrong things. So I’m very careful of how I conduct myself.

3) Since I was a kid, I’ve had prophetic dreams. These dreams have included visions of future life events with people and in places that I’ve actually encountered. And when these events happen, it’s like déjà vu (“I’ve been here before….”).

4) I’m oblivious to the attention I get from people when I’m out. It usually takes people I’m hanging with to say that someone is checking me out or trying to get my attention before it registers.

5) Though I went to school for IT, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. Though many of our favorite technologies have become modern day conveniences, they lose their luster when you find out those who created them failed to consider the negative impact and disadvantages when these technologies are used for malevolent purposes. And those who feel the fallout from this the most, tend to be us, the consumers. With technology, the focus should be less on money and prestige and more on value, quality, security, and usability. (I could go on and on about this but I’ll save this topic for another day and another post! ☺ )

6) Since I was 11 or 12, I’ve written close to 900 poems, songs, short stories, and other prose pieces. I’m not one to boast but this is an astounding feat even to me. The issue I continue to have is figuring out the proper avenues for my work and the best route to go with publishing – independent or mainstream. I’d love to devote more time to this but the regular J-O-B is taking all of the limelight. ☺

7) Looking back on how much of my life has been devoted to performing, writing, and art, it’s much easier for me to express myself creatively than otherwise. It’s definitely a divine gift. I’m the vessel through which the creativity and the artistry flows. It’s not me—it’s through me. And I’m eternally grateful to the Creator for that.

Tag! You’re it!

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Now playing: Millie Jackson - All The Way Lover
via FoxyTunes

Sunday, October 28, 2007

H-A-P-P-Y

Happiness seems to be a fleeting thing as of late
The closer I get to it the further it seems to move away
I know you can't find it in others
And it rarely, if ever, can be found in tangible
     possessions
It's a right we all have
But many seldom find

In my case
It's a longing and loneliness that haunts my existence
That nothing seems to distill or quench
I hunger for things I have to wait for
I thirst for a time in my life when I'm completely free
     of the past's pull and society's bite
I'm yearning for something I think is simple

I've got a history of high expectations and asking for
     too much
And it's even surprising to me when the conditions
     are met
But this is simple in a conventional and spiritual sense
Nothing too complex
     (or so it seems)

I guess I'll just have to dig a little deeper
Look inside a little longer
Till I find all that adds up to being
     H-A-P-P-Y

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Annie Lennox - Primitive
via FoxyTunes

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Relax, Relate, Release, Regroup!

It's about that time. I feeling the need to get rid of some dead weight. I don't need the start of the new year to signify change. It's just a feeling that you get when you know you're veering off track. You've been led astray and you're trying to get back to where you need to be. Somewhere amidst graduation, the new job, the relationship, moving, traveling, and all of the family/personal drama - I got lost. I got caught up. I lost focus on what I set out to achieve. I let everything (and everyone) dictate what my existence should be. But no more! Never again. As the saying goes, "I may be down but never out!"

I know this is shorter than my average post, but sometimes being concise is the only way to get the point across. I'll be back with another post within the week. Hope everyone in the blogworld is well. Until next time.... Peace, Love and Many Blessings!

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Now playing: Teena Marie - Ooo La La La
via FoxyTunes

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Current Loves (of Music That Is)

The state of music today is.... Uhmmm...... Hmmm... It's.....? For one of very few times in my life I am speechless. But I will say this.... If you're listening to mostly mainstream music, then it's understandable when someone says no one makes good let alone real music anymore. But the truth is people are still making real music. The problem is exposure. The crop of real singers and musicians only get airplay on certain stations and video channels. If they've been in the industry for a little while, it's a miracle if they're even getting any airplay. So if you're looking for substance, you need to look under radar. Here's a small sample of what I'm digging right now.

Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity
Teedra Moses is one of the most underrated singer-songwriters in the game. She's written or co-written songs like Christina Milian's "Dip It Low," Mary J. Blige's "So Lady," Macy Gray's "Finally Made Me Happy" and Trina and Kelly Rowland's "Here We Go" to name a few. She's released several mixtapes. And her music's been featured on Noah's Arc. She has a funky, sassy, and soulful style that manages to be both sweet and street (think Cherrelle or Pebbles meets Mary J. Blige). Her music sits somewhere between hip-hop soul and neo-soul. She holds nothing back lyrically (especially on songs like "You Better Tell Her" and "Backstroke"). And she's no slouch vocally either. She uses her smooth, sexy, flexible soprano to great affect on songs like "I Think of You," "You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" and "Outta My Head." Having been released in 2004, it's a shame this record failed to get the attention it truly deserved. But no fret here. Word of mouth, her songwriting, and live performances are helping to get Teedra Moses where she needs to be. With the next release The Young Lioness upon the horizon, johnny come lately exposure is never a bad thing.

Urban Mystic - Ghetto Revelations II
You can't help but to feel this brotha. It's all in the voice. A voice that evokes the spirit of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett. He has a raspy baritone that's raw, passionate, and soulful. He's able to make you feel every word. It's everything your favorite soul singer is capable of. Urban Mystic is an old soul who easily mixes the old school with the new school on songs like "It's You," "Where Were You?" and "Let's Make a Change." He's at his best on gospel-tinged ballads like "I Refuse," "Your Portrait," and the Sam Cooke remake "A Change Is Gonna Come." He's not your average male R&B/Soul singer (thank God). His talent goes much deeper than many of his contemporaries. Now, only if he can get a few platinum records.

Chrisette Michele - I Am
I love Chrisette Michele. Absolutely love her. I think I've listened to her music everyday for the last month-and-a-half. Aside from Teedra Moses, I have to admit--I haven't felt this way about a female R&B/Soul singer since Jill Scott came along. If you aren't familiar with her name, you've probably heard her beautiful voice on Jay-Z's "Lost One" and Nas's "Can't forget About You," "Still Dreaming," and "Hope." If you've lost all faith in R&B/Soul music, it will be restored after listening to I Am. She has a voice that evokes Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Natalie Cole. Though she has an admirable range, she doesn't need to resort to vocal acrobatics to emote (a lesson that many of her contemporaries need to learn--well the ones that can sing at least). Aside from the singles "If I Have My Way" and "Your Joy," standouts include "Is This The Way Love Feels," "In This For You," "Golden," "Work It Out," and "Be O.K." She'll be in DC this weekend at The Black Cat and I'm going to do whatever I can to be there.

Vikter Duplaix - Bold and Beautiful
There are so many adjectives to use to describe this Philly brotha's music. Vikter Duplaix is a singer, songwriter, producer, musician, and DJ. He composed the score for the DL Chronicles and has produced music for Vivian Green, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu. His music is what I'll call, electronic chillout, lounge soul. It's lush and can be very sensual (Duplaix will definitely set the mood right). Using both electronic and organic elements (and his sexy voice), it mixes hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, Afrobeat, and drum 'n' bass. Duplaix's music has the versatility and otherworldly appeal of Sade and Andre 3000. If you like them, along with Esthero or Lisa Shaw, then you'll more than likely love Duplaix's music. Highlights include "Stimulation (with Ms. Saigon)," "Fade It," "Another Great Love Gone By (with Esthero)," "Nothing Like Your Touch," "I See The Sun (with Tye Tribbett & GA)," and "The Way That I Feel.

Amerie - Because I Love It
Ok. You're probably thinking, "Something here doesn't quite belong." Well, I can't help it. Everytime Amerie releases a new album, I seem to fall more in love with her. Because I Love It is her third release, only available on import in the US at this point. Like Kelis, she's on a label that has no idea what to do with her and she seems to get more love overseas than in her own country. This album also is the first without production from longtime collaborator Rich Harrison. Amerie wrote, arranged, and produced much of the album herself. It's actually quite good. She channels her love of 80s music on many tracks like "Some Like It," "Crush," and "Crazy Beautiful." She also includes more ballads and mid-tempo tracks this time around like "That's What U R," "Paint Me Over," "When Loving U Was Easy," and the inspirational "All Roads." And you know she couldn't stray too far from her signature sound--aggressive drums, heavy percussion, layered vocals--on tracks like "Hate 2 Love U," "Gotta Work" and "Make Me Believe." Because I Love It does a pretty good job at showcasing the many sides of Amerie and her love for her art. The real kicker here will be seeing if this record gets an actual release date here in the US and decent marketing. And once it's released, how well it will do in setting her apart from her contemporaries.

Robin Thicke - The Evolution of Robin ThickeI agree with Jill Scott in that soul comes in all colors. Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Osborne, Janis Joplin, Bobby Caldwell, Hall & Oats, Teena Marie, Lisa Stansfield, Swing Out Sister and Jon B all have/had soul. Robin Thicke is another name to add to that list. Who would've thought that Alan Thicke's son would grow up to be a soul singer? Well he did and turned out to be a pretty damn good one. It's apparent that Thicke grew up listening to a lot of soul music. You can hear shades of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Prince, and Stevie Wonder throughout. However, it's remarkably his own effortless style. (Take note Timberlake.) There is not one bad cut on this album. It's sung, written, arranged, and produced very well. I'm willing to go out on a limb and say The Evolution of Robin Thicke is a modern masterpiece. He's going to be around for sometime. And the music, I'm sure, will only get better.

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Now playing: Chaka Khan - The Drama
via FoxyTunes

Saturday, July 28, 2007

If I Had My Way

Another month gone by as the summer of 2007 is jockeying for the title of "fastest summer ever". Next thing you know everyone will talking about XMAS shopping. That is the very last thing I want to think about. So what's been going on in Buddah's world? Not a lot and I'm enjoying it that way.... Well, at least for this moment.

After being the dynamic duo at work, my supervisor and I, we are now a team of four. We've welcomed two new team members who are very intelligent, creative, and enthusiastic. I think they'll do very well. We'll be able utilize our resources better and accomplish a great deal more. I'm looking forward to the prospects.

After gallivanting through the streets nights and weekends for the last several months (like a gypsy with no home), I've taken reprieve. This is probably the second weekend in some time where I did absolutely nothing. Isn't nice to chill out for a change? I'm sure all of that will change next month. The calendar is beginning to fill up with engagements. More on that as that in other posts.

I also spent some time at home. My mother has been experiencing a lot of pain lately due to osteo-arthritis in her legs and bone spurs in her lower back. I had to help set up the office so she would be able to work from home. She's loving it and wishes she could work from home until she retires. If you had to deal with the b.s. from the cunts that she works with on a day to day basis you'd prefer to work from home too. She's been working from for about a month now. She experiences some pain every now and then but she doesn't let it stop her. She's always in good spirits. And she's been through a lot. She had her last chemo treatment at the end of April and the cancer is in remission now. She's been a trooper through it all. If there is anyone I can look to for inspiration it's my mother. Because of my mother and the example she's set I know that anything is possible. I'm happy she's still with us.

As for things between DP and I, they are a lot better than they were six weeks ago. We've worked through our issues and we're going to be fine. I didn't want to walk away from what we have and neither did he. We just had to get over ourselves and be honest with each other. Things happen. There's always a reason. Nothing is ever perfect. And this was our latest test (many more to come I'm sure). Of course things would be better if he was here permanently. If I had my way - he would be here. We would physically be together. But anything worth having is worth waiting for. The date of his arrival is set for sometime in November. And the anticipation and excitement continues to build....

And here's to two years of blogging! "On and on. And on and on. My cipher keeps moving like a rolling stone." E. Badu couldn't have said it any better. Until next time.... Be true. Appreciate what you have. Let the blessings flow.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Back to the Middle

It's me again.... I'm back after what seems like ages. Like TV..... It seems like I go through more mid-season replacements than ABC. I can't make any promises the next time, cause who knows what will happen in this show called "Buddah's Life." I can say that life has been exciting these last several weeks. Exciting, entertaining, depressing, scary, emotional, extraordinary.... You get the picture. I attended and volunteered at DC Black Pride (my first time doing either and I had a great time), went to a special screening of the DL Chronicles (acted, written, and directed very well), attended a conference in Austin, TX (met some really nice people while roasting alive in that Texas heat), and had a very brief rendezvous with someone I'll call QD. For anyone who's been reading over the past few months, you're probably wondering - well isn't Buddah in a long-distance relationship with DP? Are they still together? Did Buddah cheat on DP? Well, yes, yes, and no.

We're still together. As much as we've been trying to make it work, it hasn't been easy. We were doing fine but the distance has been taking its toll on the relationship. (15 months and counting, 5000+ miles away, 5-6 hour time difference depending on the time of year--you get it the picture?) I don't care but after a certain period of time - talking on the phone isn't enough. You need something a little more substantial. At a certain point, we started talking about having our cake and eating it too while we're away from each other. DP said that because of our situation he wouldn't feel bad if I had my fun on the side as long as I told what I was doing and when. He said he wouldn't be mad as long as I was honest with him. I found this hard to believe. In the back of my mind I knew this was a big test. Well as I hinted earlier, something did happen (with QD). Wasn't planned or expected (and damn if it wasn't GOOD!!!). Guess I failed the test, huh? Oh well..... So I told DP about it and, as I had expected, he flipped. We fussed, fought, and argued and things just haven't been right since. I'm like Faith Evans (without the coke) trying to figure out where we stand.

Will we come to our senses and get it together? Will we take a break until we're at least back in the same state? Or will we be like that famous jazz standard and call the whole thing off? Stay tuned for this is an episode in "Buddah's Life" with multiple parts. Until next time, don't be as wild and crazy as I've been. Second thought, be wild and crazy. Just try to get back to the middle. As a very dear friend told me, this is your time. It's time to do for you. Do what makes you happy. Don't let anyone steal your shine!

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Something Is Better Than Nothing

Well it looks like I'm on the one post a month plan. I really wish I could post on a (semi-) regular basis but with all that's going on (and with my ADD-LOL!) it's difficult. There's always hope for the future. So how have I been? Ok, I guess. Busy as usual. Seems like I'm always playing catch up.

Work is good. Duties are increasing. I've been doing a lot of planning and preparation for the next round of user testing. It looks like we'll be staying put for this and the other testing projects in the queue. If we do any traveling it'll probably be sometime this summer (or early fall). In June I will be going to a conference in Austin, TX though. It'll be my first time going to TX. I'm excited. This will be yet another great networking opportunity in a great location. I can hardly wait. I'll be sure to pack comfortable clothes since it will more than likely be HOT.

Family life has been eventful to say the least. For the last several months, several of members of my family have been ill. Some in and out the hospital. My mother recently finished with chemotherapy and after being out for six months, will be returning to work soon. My grandfather was in the hospital for heart and kidney problems. My grandmother just got out of the hospital this weekend for heart issues. And I just got word today that my great-grandfather is in the hospital for what may have been a stroke. (And my other grandmother was in and out of hospital due to illness as well). As my grandmother said earlier today, "When it rains-it pours." All we can do is hope and pray that all will be well. Whatever The Creator deems necessary is what will be.

I'll be taking some vacation days around Memorial Day weekend (finally). Though I'll be staying the DC area, I'll be attending and volunteering at some of the DC Black Pride events. This will be my first attending (and volunteering) at a Pride. I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I just know that I better behave myself since I'm already spoken for (LOL!). If nothing else, I'll have some fun and meet some new people.

I've also been trying to get reacquainted with the DC area. So much has changed since I was away at school. What used to be so familiar has become quite unfamiliar to me. It would probably be a little easier to navigate if I had as many friends here as I did when I was at school. It seems like I had to start all over again in the social department of my life. I'm not sure that I'm like this aspect too much right now.... But I guess I just have to keep rolling with the punches. Maybe the social butterfly will have returned by summer.

DP and I have seem to be having quite a few disagreements too. We've said some things too each that we didn't mean to say. You know how that goes. I know I've been more hot-tempered than usual. I think it's due to us being away from each other for so long. This long distance thing is killing me. I'm beginning to see why long distance relationships don't last and why people avoid them at all costs. Long distance relationships are hard work. It's so hard, so very hard. It's so easy when you have easy access to each other (when you live in the same city or at least in the same state). But when you're thousands of miles apart it's rough. When you really need or want each other you can't be together. And that's probably the hardest part of it all. Sure you've got phones, emails, IMs, text messages, videos, and pictures. It's not the same and it will never add up to the real thing. In the same breath, I guess it's better than nothing. We haven't killed each other or broken up. These trials will only make our relationship and us that much stronger..... As I continue to yearn for DP's love and anticipate the next moment we'll share together....

Check out my reviews at Pictures and Frames Magazine. Until next time, peace, love, and many blessings! Be safe!

Friday, April 06, 2007

Coming Around Again

Hello All! It's been too long. Life is crazy busy right now. I just back from a business trip last night and may be going on two more trips within the next month or so. There are several releases coming up for new applications at work so it looks like I'll be working a little later and traveling more. With the schedule filling up and time not being my own, I ask myself one question.... "When am I taking a vacation?" And the reply, "I have no idea but it better be soon!" I have no idea where (or when) but I hope it's somewhere far from the east coast. I would really love to leave the country.... Maybe go to Paris, London, or Capetown.... But lack of planning (financially and otherwise) puts this temporarily on hold. If I go anywhere it will probably be somewhere within the 48 contiguous United States.

Though work has been busy it's been going very well. We recently had performance appraisals and I found out that I got a raise. My boss told me that he was very happy with the progress I've made. He went on to say that my work has been excellent and that I have exceeded expectations in several areas. And if my progress is any indication, he anticipates event greater things from me in the future. Hearing this made my day! I was very proud (and grateful for the validation).

Aside from work, I've been hanging out with a few people from work and catching up with friends. Despite the various mode of communications we have today, I am finding it increasing harder to stay in touch with folks. Emails, voicemails, text messages, IMs, blogs--it's starting to be a bit overwhelming. There's only so much my attention span can tolerate before experiencing communication (and information) overload!

There's a lot more going on but too much to discuss for this post. Until next time, I hope you have a happy and safe weekend! Peace!

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Normal?


What is normal?
This question has popped up a lot lately.

Is it pink hair, tattoos, body piercings, and dark clothes?
Is it oversized hoodies, baggy designer jeans, Timbs, and over-the-top bravado and swagger?

Is it the $900,000 condo in a metropolitan area?
Or a cookie cutter single family home in the suburbs?

Is it blue collar or white-collar work?
Or how about a get-rich-quick plan?

Is it traditional? Or is it conventional?
Is it revelatory? Or is it revolutionary?

Is it the big house with seven bedrooms, six full baths, a picket fence, Lexus GS, two kids, and an American Bulldog?
Or is it an unashamed, refusal of the American dream?

Is it conservative or liberal?
Is it republican or democrat?
Is it capitalist, socialist, or communist?
Or is it apolitical?

Is it mainstream or underground?
Is it male, female, or trans?
Is it straight, gay, bi-, multi-, or asexual?
Is it married, common law, or a civil union?
Is it Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or atheist?
And is race, class, or culture a factor?

Wait a minute …
Does normal even know what normal is anymore?
Let’s face it:
We’ve come a long way…. Or have we? (Okay; that’s another poem for another day!)
We’ve evolved into so many different things
With a variety of tastes, likes, dislikes, desires, wants, needs, and dreams.
But the more things change, the more things stay the same
If you look a little bit closer, we tend to be more alike than we are unalike.
So instead of forcing people into what we think is right,
Or how we think people should live
(Translation: what we’re comfortable with),
Just let people be.
And remember—just because it was right for you don’t mean that it’s right for everyone else.

© 2012 BuddahDesmond