Daily Nugget: 26-APR-2012

I am reminded of an old adage

 that says,

"shoot for the sky, it's okay if you don't make 

it all the way there as the clouds 

are extremely comfortable." 

Today, I encourage you to 

aim high, dream big and think freely.

Daily Nugget: 29-Dec-2011

Learn to set expectations for yourself FIRST 

and focus on meeting those. 

People are ALWAYS going to do 

what's best for them, 

whether you expect them to or not. 

When you ONLY focus on 

what you expect from others, 

disappointment will surely find you every time. 

Samuel L. Speaks Some Real "Ish' ; Wake Up!!!

In A Funk; Get Out!

Hello good people of WoodWorkz. I wanted to take a moment to share a little about me that I am sure some of you may be able to identify with. For the past couple of months, I have been on the tail end of A Funk. At first, I wasn't sure what the reason for the Funk, but I think it was the initial shock of moving from a full-time employee, back to a full-time graduate student. What a difference a simple change in your professional and personal life makes. I am always hesitant to identify my moods as a result of change(s). I use the term Funk, over depression and other negative moods, because it is easy to find yourself trapped in depression, etc. But you can quickly get over A Funk. I say to you now, In A Funk; Get Out!

All of us at some point in our life will get into A Funk. For your information, A Funk is a temporary (operative word) state of emotion or phase in your life that one goes through when they are not operating as their normal self. In my Funks, I am not as jovial, talkative, happy-go-lucky and/or comical as I usually am. I spend a lot of time in my Funk(s) examining the current state of my life and trying to figure out how to propel myself out of said Funk(s). Funks are normal, but once you get In A Funk you have to work diligently to Get Out of it. A Funk can quickly turn south and cause you to fall into a state of depression or as a result of your situation you may become extremely unmotivated or worse.  This is my warning to all of you. If you are in A Funk, as I am every-now-and-again, Get Out! Don't let your Funk get the best/worst of you. In A Funk; Get Out---Get Out  Of It Now!!!

Wake Up: So Sad

Sadly, in this day and age you would think that Americans are far beyond these types of inhuman racially charged crimes. I mean.. How could something like this happen? We have an African American president, African Americans are earning more and going farther in the corporate world as well as the political realm. So again I ask, how could something like this happen? How could kids, who have so much, harbor so much hatred?

Reality Check --> Lets be honest, we may have a Black president, but it's still very much a white mans world. So what on earth could those kids have to be so angry and hateful about? I suppose these types of incidents really puts things into perspective about where we truly are as Americans.But whats even worse, as far as I'm concerned, is that in light of these types of crimes against our people and our community, we as African Americans have the nerve to Beef, hate on, and fight with each other everyday. If we treat ourselves and our people harshly, how can we expect others to treat us? I'll tell you how: we don't respect ourselves therefore others have no respect for us.

So brothers and sisters -- respect yourself, respect your family, and repspect your community. Its the only way to teach others.

Lift Up

You know what? People are really crazy. Always trying to outdo one another, always competing – and for what? Just to say I’m better than you or to feel as if they have something you don’t. Really people, is that what life is supposed to be? I think not. 9 times out of 10, people feel the need to belittle or put down the next man because they, themselves, feel low. But that’s not even the sad part. The sad part is, they can’t feel better until they make you feel worse. They don’t see value within themselves so they have to devalue the things around them. These things can be me, you, or the next man, for misery is indiscriminant.

This was the premise of a recent conversation I had with a friend the other day and towards the end he asked me “so what’s the solution?” The solution is simple. We, meaning all of us, need to learn to uplift one another. We must learn to acknowledge the accomplishments of others in a non condescending way. I cannot tell you guys how many times I’ve received a congratulatory comment anchored in condescension. “Oh you think you’re all that because…” or “don’t get the big head just because you’ve …” It’s this type of behavior that creates negativity and disdain amongst people which creates and fuels unnecessary competition. It’s a circular thing!!! Get it! I truly hope so. Either way people, get your mind right, and the rest will follow. I promise.

Be easy….

WOW: Worst rapper Ever... Well, almost...

It's def a tie between him and MC Mean Green.

R.I.P. The Big Hommie Nate Dogg

The Mouth

The Good Book states, "Out of The Mouth, the heart speaks." I wouldn't disagree at all. The Mouth can be a very power, lethal, or deadly weapon. Some people release pure genius out of their Mouth, while others release pure venom. A special group, just releases pure hot garbage out their Mouth, because what they say doesn't contribute positively or negatively to any conversation/situations. Most people think the power is in the tongue, but the tongue most certainly would be homeless and nothing with out The Mouth. As we evolve as a human beings and mature, we have to be more cognizant of the power of The Mouth.

The Mouth, just like time, is a terrible thing to waste. I remember as a kid being told, "If you don't have anything good to say out of your Mouth, don't say nothing at all." I wasn't aware then, but I do know now, why that statement was/is so significant. People say all kinds of things out of their Mouth; some good, some bad, some intelligent, some just plain ol' ig-nant. Others just think because the are who they are, they are privileged to say what they want out of their Mouth (that would be me.) But, unlike some, my theory is this: I never say anything out my Mouth with the intentions of hurting anyone, with malice, or out of the scope of love for my neighbor. True, what I say out of my Mouth, may burn you like fire, but trust; it's all for the good. Or at least I try to make it so. Hey, my Mouth is a problem--I know it.

I think this whole Mouth topic is a wake up call for both you and I. I know I say ANYTHING out my MOUTH, but I am learning that I need a filter. Ok, truth be told, I knew awhile ago, I needed said filter. When I will be installing that filter, is still undetermined. I think its been in my possession for over a decade now. I'll get around to it. Moreover, it has come to my attention lately that some people no matter how I couch it, just can't take my truths. I would like to think the same thing applies to you and your Mouth. So I write today to put us both on Mouth Notice. In the words of my G-Ma, "I would hate for our Mouth to write a check our a$$ can't cash. Plain and simple---Watch your Mouth!

SpotLight: Elon James White & The N Word

Colored Boys: The Beginning

To Whom It My Concern:

Mr. Tyler Perry, now that have won the NAACP Best Picture Award, I write ask you for your assistance. Oprah, you have your own network and enough money to make it rain on a small continent; so I need you aid as well. As a matter of fact, I could use anyone's help that is willing to wake up and face reality. I ask, "is anyone aware of the epidemic going on, right outside your door?" I mean, what is happening to our Colored Boys in this country and around the world is almost a crime against humanity. Oddly enough, as I paraphrase from Doughboy, "either they don't know, they don't show, or they don't give a damn what goes on in the ghetto!" I don't know where you have been for the last century, but the plight of Colored Boys in this country has been spiraling out of control since the ending of the Civil Rights Movement. Sure we can blame music, wars, gangs, movies, money, drugs, sports, and/or lack of fathers for the deteriorating culture of Colored Boys, but it's way more than all of those combined. Something is going on with our Colored Boys, and if no one does anything about it, they will be extinct like the dinosaur in the near and not so distant future.

Sir/Ma'am, I am not a fan of the dramatic, so please don't think I am stretching the truth here. The reality is that being a Colored Boy in America has about as much significance as being dirt. No matter where you are walking or driving, unless you are in Amish territory, you will see Colored Boys. The only time they get any attention is when they are running footballs, dunking basketballs, hitting baseballs, rapping, and a few are acting. But most of the time, those are the few that made it out. Sadly enough, some of them don't stay out. Because their will to be a role model is trumped by their will to have respect in the hood. The Colored Mentality as I call it. Colored Boys are dying, killing, and heading to prison at an alarming rate and no one seems to care.

Just yesterday, a story broke on the news regarding an 11 year old girl in a town outside of Houston who was gang-raped last november by over 20 men they believe. As the reporter was speaking, I was thinking to myself, "PLEASE DON'T LET THE PERPETRATORS BE COLORED!? But of course, that was too much to ask for. All of them, were Colored Boy/Men. Well if you rape a young girl, you don't get to be called any type of Man; I digress. Colored Boys are lost and have no direction. So it is of no surprise that they are shortening their own life span. I remember a few years back a klu klux klan leader said this, "We are officially disbanding our branch of the KKK here in our city. We don't need to walk around in these sheets trying to bring harm, fear, or death to these Ni**ers; they are making our lives better by killing themselves for us." While I hate the thought; it is so true. People, we need help now, before its too late!!! Our Colored Boys need me, you, heck all of us. If not, there will be a tomorrow, where Colored Girls, hell all Girls for that matter will be minus one option for a spouse---The Colored Man.

Please Help,

A Colored Boy

Dr. Covey Knows His Stuff

Deferred Dreams

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

---

What does happen to Deferred Dreams? Do you know? Because even I, the guy with numerous answers, have no idea. However, since I don't know what happens to Deferred Dreams, I strategically and emphatically emphasis the need NOT to Defer any of your Dreams. I know some people may tell you, that you are too old to be this, not pretty enough to be that, or lack the necessary talent to be anything. But ma'am/sir, "if you Dream it, you can achieve it!"

I write simply today to tell all of you, "no matter what happens or goes on in your life, don't Defer your Dreams." Deferred Dreams are lost Dreams. I personally don't care if any one believes I will be famous, because in my world, I am the most sought after celebrity I know. Love, money, time, and/or the lack thereof of all the aforementioned is no reason to Defer your Dreams. You only live once. There is no need to take Dreams to the grave with you. Spend the rest of this life, trying to be who you feel you are, or who you want to be. Just don't waste away your life and leave this place with countless ---Deferred Dreams. That would be sincerely tragic.

Mean & Angry

Why in the h, e, double hockey sticks are people so Mean & Angry. It is like some people wake up upset. Perhaps it is there life or lifestyle, either way it ain't my/our fault. I am perplexed at some people. It makes no sense just to be Mean & Angry for the sake of doing so. It is a tad bit ridiculous that you can't find anything in your mind to say Nyce to anyone or nothing in your life to be Happy about. But, you can always think of something to keep that smile upside down plastered on your face. Mean & Angry people need a hug and a kiss, or to be pushed off a cliff.

Now, I am not encouraging you to try to show them any affection; that might get you shanked! However, I am saying don't take it personal when someone is Mean & Angry at you. Nine times out of ten their disposition has absolutely nothing to do with you. They are Mean & Angry all the time. Don't let there mood impact yours. You have way too much to be Happy about and to live for to allow people who want to be Don/Debbie Downers to negatively impact your life.

This goes out to all you Mean & Angry people out there; get over it! Or go strap yourself to a bomb and dive in the ocean. I know that is kinda drastic, but they deserve it. I am sick and tired of people being Mean & Angry to me, others and especially to children. It's perfectly fine if you don't like the kid, I could care less, but some people really are hurt when you are Mean & Angry. Listen up "Grumpy Smurf," if you are Mean & Angry all the time, perhaps you need to look in the mirror or rearrange some things in your life. We miss the old Nyce & Happy you. Somewhere down the road you lost yourself. If you need help finding that old you again, drop a brutha a line, I'll help you out pr- bono. I bet that probably just made you Mad; SMDH!