About Me

My photo
Washington, DC, United States
I'm a naturalized Caribbean immigrant in the grand old U.S.A. I live in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7 and I'm a forever-journalist. I started my first career as a magazine editor and I haven't been able to give it up. When I started this blog, I was knee-deep into my fourth career as a government public relations specialist. However, I have been heading up my editorial staffing company, Invisible Colours LLC out of my Ward 7 neighborhood. I'm expanding my company's brand by offering video production and other social media technologies for clients. This blog follows my journey as a 40-something-year old in Washington, D.C. Married for several years, I have three kids--a boy and two girls. I am blessed, and I'm loving all that God has given me. I have a master's in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's of arts from the University of the West Indies. I hope I can offer a little insight into my life and my experiences. Writing serves as a catharsis for me. It is what I do best. It is what I love. It is who I am.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

On Moving Forward

One foot in front the next. One foot in front the next. That's how you have to keep it moving. Take a deep breath and keep your feet moving, one in front the next.

I write this post on the 12th anniversary of one of the most somber moments in this country--Sept. 11. I remember the madness of the day because I covered it for the Washington Afro. It was a day where Antonio's and my only thought was to be reunited, despite the gridlocked traffic. On that day, many of us felt discouraged and unable to make sense of it. Yet, here we are, 12 years later. The attacks led to certain actions and changes in the world that may have led to the election of this country's first African-American president.

Today, I was talking to one of my very young colleagues, whose friend was supposed to have been on the Pentagon flight. He was a student at Leckie Elementary (or Backus) and his mom was called to get him in, and she missed the call. When she returned the call, she was told that his slot was already taken. Note I wrote this in passive voice because I don't have first-hand knowledge but this colleague is a great source. But it's incidents like these that remind me that when things do not happen as I want them to, sometimes they weren't meant to be. Imagine if that child had gotten to go on that trip on that fateful day, Sept. 11. Imagine if his mother joined them? Devastating.

That's why my new attitude is "I'll do what I can do, Lord, the rest is up to you."
I refuse to keep fighting for what isn't for me.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

As Another Big Day Rolls Around

Today, June 16, is the start of 40 plus 2. Or as someone told me yesterday, I turned 25 for the umpteenth time. I'm not really sure what to make of 42. It's not such a big special birthday to me as 40, 45 or 50. But it has its own special place that means I've made it through another year. That my life continues and that I'm able to continue making changes. Influencing others. And having those moments that take my breath away.

Last week at a kid's birthday party, some of us parents were musing on when we should stop birthday parties for kids. One mom said point blank, I love birthdays. I'm not stopping the celebration. Loved her attitude. So positive. So much possibility. So much money.

What I do love about having my birthday on June 16 is that I get to share it with the late Tupac Shakur, the superstar rapper-actor who was killed when he was in his 20s; and talk show host Joe Madison, the Black Eagle. And I get to share it with some other friends from Facebook. It's not mine alone but I do get to share. And that's what it's about. Having the ability to share and to give of your time and your efforts or your finances. What is the point of accumulating all this knowledge, grace or forgiveness and not sharing it with others. Earlier this week, I spoke to my priest, Father Jim and he said too many people are poor. They're poor in spirit. They are where they are but by the grace of God and we need to recognize that. Turn a blind eye to judging others. And open up to help feed the soul of others. I do want to come down on the right side of humanity, and give as I can give, and then some if I can.

So to my other June 16 birthday sharers, here's looking at you, kid. Have a great one.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

On Dealing With Anniversaries

My daughters are among
the reasons I have to keep
 moving forward.
I'm really going to have to do better about posting on this blog. Just noticed it's actually May 15 now not May 14, the anniversary of my leaving the government agency.
 
I feel stronger and more in touch with myself, my writing. However, it still tinges a little that I'm not part of that team. Every now and then I find myself reminiscing and kicking myself for mistakes that were made. Not sure this will actually do anything.
 
Well, here I am. I am woman. Hear me roar. Still writing. still standing. I've added the certificate of field technician to my DCTV television producer certificate earlier this month. Now's the time to return to that dream and goal of working in electronic media. The media landscape has changed since I earned my master's in 2000. Now, we're doing video on the Washington Informer and on Asian Fortune. More important, I can start something on YouTube. I want to explore them all. 
 
Lots of opportunities, many possibilities. But I feel stuck. Stuck on Stupid again. Not sure if I'm moving forward or if I'm moving back. The uncertainty is scary; but I have to keep it moving. 
 
Peace. One Love.