Why?

http://www.black-network.com/whyamiblack.htm

I have always identified with the poem.It reminds me to always see the good in who I am and what I want to accomplish. Sometimes, we only see the negative aspects or life. We only see the worst features of our body. The horrible responses of others always seem to echo in our ears, and the sun never seems to shine on our life aspirations.However, this poem reminds me that God has a plan for our lives. He's in control. He made me the perfect skin color...the exact weight. He gave me the best grade of hair. No matter what anyone else says or thinks, I have a mission here on earth and I can have all that I put my mind to accomplish....

CAR·PE DI·EM (kär'pĕ dē'ĕm', -əm, dī'-)

Today, I heard a young boy was found dead. After being kidnapped for three days, his body was found on the side of a road. News stories such as these, make you see how precious life truly is. How can someone be so cruel as to take a young child's life before it even begins? What would that child have become? Perhaps, he would have been a doctor or a NBA star? Now, we'll never know....Sometimes, we take life for granted. We take the sun shining in on our face to wake us in the morning, or the joys of taking a warm shower for granted. Instead, we should count every minute of every day as a gift from God and rejoice. The next day isn't promised. So, we should seize the day and do those things that please us the most. Also, we shouldn't be so selfish. We should give to those that are less fortunate than us. Just a thought...what do you think?http://www.answers.com/topic/carpe-diem

Bridges of Madison County

Last semester, I think I had the best reading assignment ever. He asked us to read the Briges of Madison County and to write a reader response...you know, like the ones that we sometimes see on book club sites, etc. So, here's my response to the novel:"Robert Waller’s Bridges of Madison County is a true testament of love. For everyone who has ever been in love or hopes to be, this book will definitely change your life.Upon Francesca Johnson’s children’s request, Robert Waller does his best to present this breathtaking story of Robert Kincaid, the maverick photographer and Francesca Johnson, Iowa farm wife and mother of two. Waller magnificently paints a portrait of a love affair that could never be, but will magically last in the hearts of millions of Americans for years to come. This story verifies that love happens to everyday people like you and me. I’m convinced that Waller took this into account in his writing. He is careful not to write overly romanticized or dramatic monologues and passages. Instead, he presents a real story in a real setting.This alone makes the book so much more meaningful and genuine. Waller is careful to suggest that love isn’t perfect (as identified in this affair) but however it is always worth it. Although the couple only met and fell in love in a short four days, their love endured years of the everyday obligations of life and even went with both of them to eternity. Though the couple didn’t see each other for fourteen years after their first encounter, time did not diminish the power of their affection. This, the Bridges of Madison, is a true American love story—if there ever was one.[**Note: I think of Radway’s Romance novel audiences as the ideal Bridges of Madison County readers]I would recommend this book to two specific audiences. First, I would recommend the book to young adults ages 12-18. As, I believe young adults are just learning the meaning of love (or what some may believe to be “puppy love”) therefore I think that this would be a delightful read for them. Additionally, I think that women ages 25-40 (single or married) would be able to relate to this text. But, more specifically, I think that married women in this age group might relate to Francesca’s character. Nonetheless, I’m almost positive that both audiences will enjoy this piece.] "What do you think???

Goodbye Athens! Hello, World!

I know that several of my family members and friends are wondering how I'm doing over here in Athens. Well...I love it! Although Athens is a very small town and there isn't that much to do, I've truly grown to love it and I'm sad that my time is almost up. As I am beginning to prepare for graduation, I'm learning just how much I've enjoyed my stay here. I'm truly going to miss certain aspects of the city (the excitement and beauty of downtown Athens, reading books by the fountain, going down to the Tate Center for a quick snack) and several friends that I've made here (the friendly faces of Park Hall, having last-minute dinners with my friends, and lunch with my co-workers).

Though I've almost come to the end of the road here in Athens and find myself missing it before I even leave, I am looking forward to what lies ahead. I'm anxious to know where I'll finally "rest my hat", where I'll work and make new friends....We'll see...