Feeling Like a Nina Simone Song

This is my homage to the life of Ms. Nina Simone.

For some reason I was feeling something in the air. The Divine Ms. Nina Simone, The High Priestess of Soul, kept popping into my mind and her music kept randomly coming up in my music player. And when I realized that it was close to the anniversary of her death, April 21, 2003 - it made so much sense.

It was six years ago. I was rushing back to the office after an extra long lunch. I remember it was a beautiful, sunny day. My mind was focused on several projects in progress, knowing my work load was relentless and I would have to put in some serious overtime during the next few days. So I'm hurrying across Broadway when this beautiful sister rushes toward me. Her energy is anxious, but there is also this profound sense of calmness that balanced her. It compels me to stop right in my tracks - which in New York City is highly unusual - because people rarely stop to chat with strangers. She can barely look me in my eyes but when she does, for one fleeting moment, she asks me, "have you heard of Nina Simone?" I'm speechless at first, but I felt the urgent need to respond. And so I answer in one breath, "yes." In my hands, she thrusts a colorful flier detailing the rich life and the passing on of Ms. Simone. Then she says, "I'm her daughter, please come to her memorial service today in Harlem." And after having said this, Lisa Celeste Stroud (born the same year as me) rushes away across Broadway, fliers tucked securely beneath her arm - an intense woman in pain but in peaceful mourning of her extraordinary Mother. I'm flushed with emotion of what it means to lose someone close to me, particularly my own Mother whose birthday happens to be in April. I cannot even conceive what life would be like without my Mother on this earth-journey with me. I was touched in ways I hadn't felt in a long time. I remember feeling stunned, almost paralyzed as I'm staring at Lisa Celeste's (now known as Simone) back as she moved swiftly down Broadway - me wanting to talk to her, comfort her in some way - like was it even possible? It took me a moment before I could move again, to start walking back to my office. In that one moment in time, I was reminded that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences. Seldom do random experiences stay with us - but that is one forever imprinted on my soul.

The 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll

An Experience I will Never Forget....

When a friend of my partner asked whether or not our family would be interested in attending the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll with the First Family - we jumped at the opportunity. We were even more inspired once we learned that there was a certain amount of tickets reserved for LGBT families to participate.

We arrived Easter Evening. Having made reservations at a nice restaurant within walking distance of our hotel - we enjoyed a fabulous Easter feast. Tyler was thrilled at the prospects of meeting President Obama - constantly asking us "will President Obama be there? Will he be upset if we're late tomorrow?" The only thing that could relax him was the nice hot chocolate "made from Verona chocolate" the host of the restaurant gave him as treat for dessert.

The next day we eased into the morning after having breakfast, flipping thru various channels featuring segments of the White House Easter Egg Roll. We couldn't help but feel the excitement - especially for our little one - who could envision the possibilities that he too, could possibly become a World Leader some day.

The White House was a nice walking distance. As we stood at the front of the White House - a motorcabe roared through - I couldn't help but to feel a rush as I gripped Tyler's hand tighter in my own. It was hard not to be in awe being this close to greatness. The crowds were thick but patient and respectful. The lines? Long and laborious but one could hardly hear a complaint, lest it was a restless toddler (and there were quite a few).

Once we reached the south lawn, despite the lines for all events from photo ops with PBS Kids television characters, the Egg Roll, Egg Hunt, Egg decorations, Kid's Kitchen, Soccer, Story Telling.......everyone, from children to parents/family members/care takers were on their best behavior as the sun slipped through the clouds ensuring that our special day in Washington DC was warm, civilized and unforgettable. Being this close to The Obama Family in 2009 was an experience we wanted our little one to always remember.

Quote Moment

I love quotes.

So once in a while, I'll post one that I happen to be feeling really strongly about in any given moment.

Anais Nin.....her quotes always move me. This is one of hers.

I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing.