Black Ballet

I love the ballet! I love it even more when I'm not distracted by whispers behind me or cell phones ringing and surely without attendants telling folks "pictures are not permitted".

I love the ballet! I love it because 2 sentences in a brochure comes to life for several minutes, often times without words.  Most times with the addition of lights, music, stillness and other theatrics.  Their movements being poetic while silent or perhaps lively with a pulse!  Altogether...being indescribable and evoking sporadic emotions.

I love the black ballet and I love my black people sitting with me at the black ballet.  It makes my heart beam when the little girl

in a tulle skirt with Afro-puffs is twirling in the walkway and squeals with anticipation.  I also understand that she might be chatting in the second act and not know when to clap or speak at all...to be honest sometimes I forget 'proper' etiquette too!

But some things are simply common courtesy in all situations: cell phone lights and sounds really ruins an experience, unrelated or ongoing conversation can ruin it too. So adults-remember to lead by example.  Remember to pour into our children and when able, expand their horizons. Remember to be patient with those around you, young and wise.  Don't forget to support fine arts and keep them "fine" by showing grace.  And lastly, continue to support people who look like us because that is what turn dreams into goals. 

HomeOwner Chronicles #2

The second lesson I've learned is: although sellers and communities provide full disclosures, and you even have an inspection of the property;  there will be a learning curve between the homeowner and the property itself.  

In the first couple month I'm still learning things about the community; specifically about my neighbors. Some are friendly and actually speak, a few are awkward, and a couple appear to always be home (living "the life" and yes I'm a little jelly). I have one neighbor that parks behind my driveway EVERYDAY- I'm trying to decide if I should have a chat or not; not trying to have bad blood with others so early...so the jury is still out on that one but stay tuned.

I'm also still learning things about the house itself! Most things are minimal like the way the drains in my bathroom sink are super stubborn and that there is a lose wooden plank in my downstairs bathroom.

These things are small- but there has been one major adventure: my garage door lock is (was) busted! So it took several nights before I parked in my garage; partly because I had trash in there from moving as well as kitchen appliances I was selling. But mainly because I was cutting a few corners with buying a garage opener online!

Once it arrived my pops got it programmed and the very next day I was ready to park my "Mazarati" in my garage. It was late, and the door to the house was being extremely stubborn; I brushed it off and took the literal 7 steps to my front door which I had entered and exited numerous times. I then walked from the inside of the house and used the wall unit garage opener button to close the garage.  The door from the garage to the house was still being stubborn so I slammed it shut and went to bed (did I mention it was late and I was tired).

The next morning I am ready to walk out the door conjoining the house and garage when to my surprise...the door won't budge; I notice the door knob won't turn at all; I realize the lock won't unlock! I immediately begin to panic then bully myself as I quickly recount the struggles I had with the door the night before: Why did I park in the garage? Why didn't I notice something was wrong with the door before? Why did I wait until the very last minute to leave for work? What do I do now- I can't get me car out!

I was panicking mostly because I legit did not know how to get my car out.  The car was in the garage.  The garage door opener was inside the car, that was in the garage.  The door from the house to the garage was stuck/jammed.

So....I called my dad; who didn't answer.  Then I called my mom who didn't answer. Then I decided to unscrew the lock! I figured let me just take it off, that should work.  Long story short my parents did call me back, but only moments before I needed to call my coworker to pick me up for work; I had an AM client/appointment.  I called a locksmith who told me I was on the right track; he basically told me that I would need to destroy the lock with whatever it takes but not destroy the door frame.

After my appointment; my co-worker and I were up to the challenge.  We grabbed a toolbox and went to work.  I tried not to get discouraged and not to be too gentle and after about 15 minutes finally I could see my car! I reversed her outta there so quick it would have made your head spin.

Since then I have replaced the locks on all entrances to the house and ordered another garage open to keep inside the house for special situations AKA emergencies.  I've also parked my car inside the garage and feel confident this scenario won't be a repeat!

Hope-ship

I have often times chatted and written about relationships.  No wonder why nor should it be a surprise as relationship are what I've found to be an integral part of being more than just a simple human. And when I think of the variety of relationships that exist, I'm truly mystified as there are multiple levels and combinations ranging from relationships between friends, lovers, co-workers, colleagues, and more.

In recent conversation the topic of hope within these relationships emerged. Through the scope of success, employers hope that their staff can comply with their demands  and requests; through the scope of failure perhaps these same employers hope their weakest link will resign or self-elect for an early departure.  Employers really "think" these are likely outcomes.

In regards to friends, some friendships appear less balanced as one side is more needy or draining vs stable and giving.  It appears that over time, this relationship becomes filled with hopes too.  Often times one friend hoping that things will get better, ultimately hoping this friendship can and will soon appear more comfortable- like it used to be.  These individuals really "think" this is possible.

Perhaps something similar is the case with romantic relationships as well; one partner feeling drained as the other goes unaware. Or perhaps one partner feeling overwhelmed while the other has no idea. And similar to the hopes revolving around friendship; someone hoping there is more depth between the duo, with additional fleeting thoughts with hope at its center.

The unfortunate part is that while these hopes are floating around- the relationship itself is deteriorating.  The relationship is becoming more and more lost at bay, getting closer and closer to reaching a breaking point, or being overfilled with so many burdens it simply capsized. 

So instead of hope in these relationships...I suggest communication.  Communicate and work towards solutions; because all relationships are important.  No more walking on eggshells or treading lighting; no more whispers to others who aren't effected but bring you comfort as you continue to hope.  It's sure to be difficult, but all things worth having weren't easy to obtain; so talk about the issues and be about the solutions.  After all- hope floats but not without a little extra😊