Rest in Peace, Daddy

My Dad was buried yesterday. It was a beautiful service; very dignified, royal, succinct, yet powerful. My father, William, was an Air Force veteran; he serviced the aircraft.
To see the pomp and circumstance of the flag folding and presentation ceremony was spell binding. The regalia and the precision of it all left me awestruck.
The playing of TAPS brought tears to my eyes. It's such a mournful song that evokes so much emotion. When I hear it from now on it will have a special meaning in my heart.
I never saw the picture of him that was placed next to the urn. My sister, Tracy, provided it. But what a picture it was. Dad was happy, healthy, smiling, robust, handsome. He was my Dad. But he's at rest now.
His passing just confirms my, your, our, mortality. Each day is a gift and each day should be lived the best we can possibly live it. At least, we should try.
Rest in Peace, Poppa. Rest in Peace.
Life is good and it's going to get better.
Peace and Blessings.

My Dear Old Dad

I saw my father yesterday. It's been a while and I felt the need to check him out. You see, he has Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing facility for almost 3 years now. Seeing my Dad isn't the hard part; although, it is difficult. It's getting to his room that's causes discomfort for me. Passing the elderly in their various states of degeneration is hard. It makes me sad because their demise could be mine...or yours.

I walked into my father's room and there he was slumped in his chair dozing. The handsome, robust man is no more. Yes, I see the vestiges of who he used to be...but the operative words are "used to be." I brought him his favorite soft baked cookies but he wasn't interested. Did he know that it was me - his daughter? I doubt it. He looked at me and I gave him my best smile and said "Hi Daddy. It's me. Robin." There was a glimmer of recognition but then it faded away as fast as drops of water on a hot skillet.

The nursing staff brought in his lunch and I fed my father. I placed the spoon in the mashed potatoes, made sure they weren't too hot. I placed the spoon to his lips and he chewed. That made me feel really good.

I sat with him for about an hour and a half. I listened to him hum. I talked to the nurses about his right hand that's bothering him due to arthritis. Then I kissed his forehead and told him that I loved him and would see him again soon. And I will.

If you have your father or your mother, please acknowledge them and tell them that you love them. Yeah, they might get on your nerves. What parent doesn't at some point? But if they are still alive you are very blessed. And be grateful for that.

Take it easy.

Peace and hair grease.

It's been a long long time

Check it out people...I did something last night I haven't done in years. My heart was racing like a big dog and I was sweating like Miss Piggy.
Nooooo, it wasn't what you think it was; although that would not be a bad thing. What I did was I worked out to a Billy Blanks TaeBo tape for about 45 minutes. It kicked my arse but it was rejuvenating and I liked it. My plan is to do that at least 3 times a week, coupled with walking on my treadmill. That regimen should help me get some of this blubber off my butt. It's not a good look and it's not acceptable, so I'm on a mission. Springtime is just around the corner and I want to be fresh to death...again. I know that's an old school term but I don't care.
Now I'm going to buy a pair of workout shoes.
Take it easy y'all.
GO SAINTS!!!!

One Year Ago Today...

A year ago today my journey began. I suffered three aneurysms, spent 3 weeks in the hospital (Dec. 19 - Jan. 13) and was off work until March 3. A lot has transpired since my "situation." I am so grateful to be alive and I give thanks to Him daily for giving me another chance to get this thing called life right. I'm still recuperating and trying (desperately) to get my sexy back. But it seems as though she's hiding and won't come out. But it's cool...she will come back to me. I will see to that.


Parts of my head are still tender to the touch but that's to be expected considering my skull was cut open with a saw and then stapled back together.


To commemorate this anniversary I made it a point to have solid plans for this weekend. Last night I went to the Dave Koz concert at the Radisson - Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun and Brenda Russell rocked the house. But you wouldn't know it based on the folks who were sitting near me. You would've thought they were watching a piano recital at an elementary school. Talk about dead beats. But I didn't give a damn. I paid $65 on my ticket and I was there to enjoy myself; which I did. I hollered, screamed, clapped, danced in my seat - you know - the things that most (non stick in the muds) do at concerts. According to these losers I "ruined" the show for them. Hmmm...me, one woman with that much power. Yeah right...whatever.
I told them all to kick my ass. For real.


Anywho, I digress. This afternoon I'm checking out the matinee of "Precious." I was going to see "Avatar" but I'm not interested in standing in line. I need to see "Precious." I read the book twice and the reviews have been stupendous. It's the subject matter that gives me pause. But I gotta take it like a woman and see it. Afterwards, lunch and drinks.

Remember: Life is good and it's going to get better.


Be well, be happy, be blessed and know that each day is indeed a gift and not to be taken for granted.


Have a very Merry Christmas.

A Little Too Early For Me

And what is she talking about, you ask? Well, I ma tell you. A week ago (November 1) I was in The Dollar Store to pick up some candles (I burn them every day) and I almost ran out of the store screaming "Nooooooo" when I heard Anita Baker singing a Christmas song! Halloween wasn't even cold yet and here I am inundated with Christmas songs, decorations and trees! Yes, I saw a Christmas tree the other day. I tell ya, it's too soon. I'm old school, and back in the day Christmas didn't begin to rear her head until the week of Thanksgiving. And only after the bird was carved were Christmas ditties played on the radio and on the tele.

This Christmas is going to be a bit bittersweet for me as it will be the one year anniversary of my "event." I'm already beginning to feel a bit melancholy. Frankly, I'm still in awe at the awesomeness of God's power and His sparing me. There are parts of my head that are still tender to the touch after having being sawed open and put back together with staples. It's a trip, y'all. Just please be grateful for each day and know that the next day (or minute) is not promised.

Eat life and love laughter.
Peace and hair grease.
BTW, pick up my book "Chocolate Lemons and Peppermint Tears: The Bittersweet Life of Xena" if you haven't had a chance. It will be a good and fast read over the Christmas holidays.

This Is It

I saw the film yesterday and first and foremost there is absolutely no reason why Michael Jackson is not alive today. From the footage I saw he was robust, completely in charge, friendly, gracious, generous, happy, funny and definitely in his element. His dance moves were stellar and his voice sounded strong and experienced. Watching him "do what he do" and do it so well was uplifting and inspiring but it also left me sad even though I could've sat in the theatre all night and watched him.

Michael's moves also reaffirmed to me that the man had soul - oodles and boodles of it. I'm talking about eating BBQ in the backyard, playing spades, and listening to James Brown type of soul.

I was mesmerized from beginning to end. Kenny Ortega did a stupendous job of conveying the magic that is Michael. The tour, that sadly was never meant to come to fruition would have been an "event." Words cannot describe the vision that unfolded before me on that screen. When Mike sang "Earth Song" it was all I could do to not fling myself down the aisles of the theatre. That would not have been a good look and besides it wasn't about me, it was (and still is) about Michael.

I was hoping that the movie would bring me some sense of closure; but it has not. I'm still so sad and in a state of disbelief. Hearing him referred to in past tense sounds so utterly foreign to me. It's akin to hearing another language and not understanding what you're hearing. But he is gone. Forever. And I pray that he has finally found the sleep that evaded him for so long.

Rest well, King of Pop. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Hello Gorgeous,

I want to thank everybody who showed up at my book signing on Saturday, Sept. 26 @ underground books in Sacramento. It was a fabulous turnout (about 30 people) and all books (sans, one) were sold. The vibe was so comfortable and the folks in attendance truly and sincerely wanted to be there. I felt the love big time and I am soooo thankful for the love and support. I read an excerpt from my debut novel (Chocolate Lemons and Peppermint Tears: The Bittersweet Life of Xena), the reaction was fabulous and I was cheesin' from ear to ear. Laughter is a good thing, yes?
Although, my morning started off wobbly; for some reason, I was full of melancholy and was getting ready to open up shop for a "pity party," but I shut that down quick and in a hurry.
No way was that going to happen; especially not on my wonderful day. A big shout out to Belinda for helping to talk me down off the ledge. Love you, B.
Once I got to the book store - which is quite beautiful and comfortable inside - it's akin to being in your living room where you want to throw on the sweats and the big socks, sink into a big sofa and read, read, read - I knew the day was going to be a good one. Mother Rose is the bomb diggity and I really appreciate her and her venue.
It was so good to see lots of friendly faces and some that I hadn't gazed upon in many years. A big shout out to my former St. Mary's of California class mates. Good looking out, y'all. '-]
The day was even more special when I was able to hold precious little Emery. He's about a month old and as precious as he can be. Thank you Kalimah (and Karla) for bringing the little Prince to the book signing. I am willing to hold him any time.
I'm thrilled and I'm looking forward to more successful signings and hopefully a best seller.
Friends, family, love and support are necessary components to having a life that thrives and moves forward without (too) many hitches in the get-a-long.
Be well, be happy, be blessed and again, thanks a million for showing a sista some love.
Peace and hair grease.
xoxo
Robin