ECHO

Wisdom

2012-01-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Note: My good good sistafrienddaughter, Michelle Wilding, left this for me on my FB Page today. It made me smile! So, I wanted to leave it here for you as well.
-be at peace

**********

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." – Mother Teresa

2012 Shows! Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice

2011-12-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned because Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice will be presenting 2012 shows. I will keep you posted re dates and times. its funny because I had actually given up all hope of staging my play again. And then not long ago The White House called to thank me for writing the play! I had sent them info on it a long time ago. A young lady names Kristen (or something like that!) called and said that Pres. Obama had reviewed all of the info, he couldn't come to see the play (I believe that he will see Echo one day. I have already prayed for that occurance. And the issue of sex trafficking is on his heart as well. Selah.) and that he wanted to thank me for staging it. The thing is this...Pres. Obama is big on community and community coming together for a greater good. And this is how the play was staged...with a group of passionate peeps volunteering their time. In sync! So, anyway, I thought that the White House calling was fab and it put wind in my sails to get going again. I love how God works! Very cool.

So, stay tuned. Here's to bringing awareness!

PeaceD, Reg

Yistrut Etsy Store Now Open!!!

2011-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to leave the link to the new Yistrut Etsy Store! So here you go: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Yistrut

Also please be sure to visit the Yistrut Blog: http://www.yistrut.blogspot.com/

You can keep up to date about Yistrut happenings including Styling Services info and our Yistrut Parties!

And please come over and hang out with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yistrutvintage

Lastly, if you have any questions please feel free to email me: yistrut@gmail.com

Thank you so much. It has been so much fun and the support has been amazing! love it! -Yistrut

****

Strut-a-bility Factor: The difference between trying and being. Be the all of who you were created to be. Simply you.

Yistrut on Etsy!!!

2011-12-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

(Lil Afro Girl Pic, by Diana Broeders)

Yistrut: And we have lift off!!!!!!

2011-12-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was YLD (Yistrut Launch Day!) and so we are now operational! Please visit the Yistrut Blog: http://www.yistrut.blogspot.com/ to view and purchase your items. We use Paypal!

Also, as of December 14, 2011 the Yistrut Etsy Store goes live and as of that date all my items will be sold there. You will still be able to viewpics and get updates via my blog and Facebook!

And don't forget to LIKE Yistrut on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yistrutvintage

At Yistrut we are all about vintage, second time 'round, costuming, vintage fabrics, and creatively inspired clothing items and accessories.

Get Your Strut On!!!!

(Lil Afro Girl by Diane Broeders)

zinggggg!

2011-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

thankful that i am a buttafly. This was not always the case. Many peeps have suggested to me that i was not grounded. today i am happy that my spirit leaps jumps flies and somersaults. no i am not grounded. never have been and never will b cus my destiny is sky high. and i can only reach it in the embrace of flight. BE YOU. CELEBRATE LIFE.

-peaceD

life is....

2011-09-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

beautiful!

ain't that grand?

leaning in to

a scrumptious

waterfall of yes.

my, my. MY!

peaceD

love rant

2011-08-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

i am dreaming again about many things: writing, designing. colorfully loud beauty. brilliant creative strokes. the fascination of wisdom.......

....well, i had to "86" several people from my life to be able to get to this release space and i encourage you to do the same if need be. i think sometimes we are afraid to do such a thing. but, i believe that there comes a point in life when and if there are those around you who bring an unending negative impact then you need to "untie the rope" (as Tyler Perry wrote once).

look, you have only one life. this is not a dress rehearsal. its the real deal and its your gift! your life was bequeathed to you by the Divine. each and every life deserves to feel the beautiful touch of joy and love. so surround yourself with those who will love you unconditionally, those who will help you heal and mend, with those who make you smile and laugh, and those who you can grow with as you traverse the horizons of life.

let life love you. journey more and more into the heart of love. it is how it is supposed to be. here's to learning creatively and openly receiving. love.

peaceD

to the left.right.

2011-08-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

lookin' in real close to see what makes my soul laugh, learning the what's what of ticklin' the soles of my feet till they sing out a long chuckle, wanting to know what makes my eyes flicker out a stroke of beauty. finding me. swaying me. to the left. right. and back again. -peaceD

speech.less

2011-08-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

i feel speechless. i'm losing my breath. this is a good thing. god is "strumming my heart with his fingers". i'm falling like goodness to the deep red earth... -peaceD

kiss

2011-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

the dawn spoke an introduction

and i met my love, again.

at the line of this new day

we shook hands. and

decisively it spilled forth

to place a lavish cooling kiss

upon the soles of my feet.

an occurence that i have desperately missed

for some untold years now.

as it unfolded in wisdom

across the bend of my soul,

i felt a seeping kindness

invade and hijack the cracks of my heart.

as if to shore up the ditches and

valleys left by past blistered marks

of grief's pain.

gently it sang out an operatic verse

of compassion. penned

uniquely for my open pure hearing.

it then reached upon the sky,

grabbed a white feather crayon and

swam out a "thank you".

for waiting patiently

in tears.

for still desiring

its touch.

in that moment

humility brought the horizon

to dusk. and mercy promised to

hold me forever.

believing in the forever certain
of such a thing grandly caught me

by beautiful surprise.

it felt of the taste of melted blended

buttery chocolate on a breezychilled day.

in rested response,

my delight fullness bowed back in awe.

and eternal grace led me

in a dance for the ages of time

to come.

peaceD

movement

2011-08-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

after 5 years of yearning for calm....life has finally brought me my own oasis living space. as i was going to my new place to spend the night for the first time i was just overcome with tears. the last five years have been brutal in many ways. it has been pointedly especially fire-like in terms of having a calm living space. that was pretty much non-existent. far far and far away far from the being of calm: i have been homeless twice, lived in a flea bag motel (with some pretty scary occupants, i might add), lived in homes of friends and family who really did not want me there (and made that abundantly clear. daily.), have been turned away by friends and family (who, again, made it very abundantly clear...). it has been an interesting five year process.

i will say this however. i. am. stubborn. during these years i have written 3 poetry books (published two), wrote/directed/produced a play (imagine doing that while being homeless...), am still walking and growing with Christ, have met some really cool people, have developed some deep lasting friendships, helped organize a short film festival for women, volunteered for many programs, taught creative writing to homeless youth, have become very comfortable with not caring about what people think of me or how they misjudge me (because i have learned that no matter what...life goes on...and so will i....selah...) , have become more courageous, etc, etc.

none of this could have possibly been done in my own strength. mad crazy props to the Divine Trinity. yes and amen. i write all the above to say this only: sometimes when life is hard we have a tendency to look only at the hard part and rest upon those. but, if we really stopped to think about it all we will find so so so many things that have been amazing during these times. these are the gems that we should hold onto. its all about the lessons. so, yes, acknowledge it all. but take from it what you need to continue you on your journey as you traverse your life's horizon. and be sure to bin the rest.

life is a "lil bit o' alright" (as the Aussies say!) and i am looking forward to part two.

peaceGRACE

poem: you know

2011-08-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

dear Lord

where have my eyes been

where has my spirit rested

how could I have denied myself

the delight of loving you

i have no words

but, yet

you know.

i wake in the day’s dawn

loving you

completely

sending kisses

towards the heavens

as my lids shut

to the night’s darkness

boldly in love

yes

you know.

dear Lord

do you hear the love

in my heart

can you see the desire

in my eyes

are you sensing the delight

in my soul

i ask you

do you know

you know.

is my love

for you definable

please understand

i ache to know you

to see the beauty of your grace

do you know

dear Father

you know.

the love of my heart

is profoundly

beyond thought surpassing comprehension

it is the peace of

resting in your

gentle wing

the sweetness of your

warm embrace

do you feel the depths

of my love

for you

i can give you

nothing

in comparison to the

love, joy, mercy

that has been placed in my

being

yet

you love me so

how wonderful

because

you know.

amen

My Beloved One is Mine, St. Teresa of Avila

2011-08-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

I gave myself to Love Divine,

And lo! my lot so changed is

That my Beloved One is mine

And I at last am surely His.

When the sweet Huntsman from above

First wounded me and left me prone,

Into the very arms of Love

My stricken soul forthwith was thrown.

Since then my life's no more my own

And all my lot so changed

That my Beloved One is mine

And I at last am surely His.

*read more of her poetry here: http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/T/TeresaofAvil/index.htm#PoemList

something good

2011-08-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

"got love on my heart, gigging in my mind, blinkin' my eyes, singin' to my lips, and plucking my spirit. just generally. no specific target. it feels psychedelically atmospheric. yes. and i've decided that this time i will let it stay and grow (cus, ya know...sometimes we do like to do a runner from the caress of love...). so excited to see the new poetry that will flow forth. like a river that twists through the sands of time. gosh, its great to be alive."

-peaceD

red ruby slippers

2011-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

today feels historic. i am not sure why but it feels as if the earth has been cut in two. top to bottom. revealing a beautiful golden wing of wisdom. and i am to climb upon its softness away (and beyond) to another space and zone. ‎a place where i have never been. but it knows my name. it has been waiting for me. for many moons. patiently clinging to hope and wishing for my arrival. so, here i am now. at the threshold of another another existence called part two. I am as ready as i will ever be. -peaceD

*i posted this thought this morning on my facebook page. it really resonated with some of my friends. so, i thought i'd leave it here on my blog as well. it is my closing thought for the day!

The Yellow Brick Road

2011-08-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely fallen in massive adoring love with The Golden City. And it loves me back. I never thought that it would be the city to bring me my hearts desire. Sometimes its a great thing to follow the yellow brick road! You never know where you will land. Selah. Stick to your own destiny and journey. It loves you!

peaceD

Anthem

2011-08-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Words from my fav Poet Singer, Leonard Cohen and my closing thoughts for the day.

(Anthem Lyrics)

"Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in..."

peaceD

(you can watch him perform the song at this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e39UmEnqY8)

the saint

2011-08-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

i met the most beautiful man a couple of days ago. just by chance. his presence felt like a gift and he absolutely took my breath away. some individuals walk upon a horizon of love. he was of that "world". i felt a shift within me that opened up a well of creativity that was previously lying dormant. sometimes the brush stroke of life swoops in upon us within the delicate palm of a beautiful spirit. and we are lucky enough to be drenched with its sweetness. such was the case with the one who stood before me for a tock of time. the saint. i don't know if i will ever see him again. something within me knows that it doesn't even matter. the beauty of the moment was "the matter". absolute perfection. and something so powerfully divine that it left my whole being running through joy. and back again.

peaceandwritingAnew

two

2011-08-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

last night i danced inside the smile of twilight

while my fingertips touched out a new sway of convergence.

in that symphonic note of timelessness

the infinity of me realized that it was time

to sketch upon the waters a swelling concerto.

a rising tide.

in deference, i began to conversate calmly with my heart's flow.

we spoke only of beauty and her offspring.

the conclusion of the matter?

we decided that i am lovely.

as are you.

life, it has its way.

-peaceD

From the poetry book "Not Igual", by Regina Y. Evans

untitled

2011-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

** this is a quick write. it has no name. but the feel as i wrote it was this is: flowing. i hope it makes sense as i dare not change it. sometimes words just flow. the poet's life.-peaceD

i speak this:

lead me as if i am just a child

and i will walk behind you

in your shadow

hold me as if there is no tomorrow

and i will melt into your heart

love me with wild and reckless abandon and

i will kiss you forever and 'round again

cover me in your protective grace and

i will lift up and twirl inside of

your profoundness

take my breath away and i will

remember to arise and conquer

the all of what you have destined me to be.

simply, in this moment i desire to arise

and sit within the center of your love.

love me clearly, Divine Father

i. am. your.child.

peaceD

Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved, Regina Y. Evans

From the poetry book "Not Igual", by Regina Y. Evans

No Limits

2011-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

" You will begin to touch heaven, Jonathan, in the moment that you touch perfect speed. And that isn't flying a thousand miles an hour, or a million, or flying at the speed of light. Because any number is a limit, and perfection doesn't have limits. Perfect speed, my son, is being there."

fav quote of the moment......

2011-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

"...the path to peace does not consist in climbing towards the light in search for power, recognition and greater and greater influence. The path to peace is in the descent towards people as they are with all their limitations and weaknesses." - Jean Vanier

Peaced (Part Two)

2011-05-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm shouting my VOICE!

is here and it's mine!

Always say thanks to The One!

Selah.....

Eagles. They do walk, ya know. We fly, we walk, etc, etc, etc

Believe it. believe who GOD says you are. I do!

Bringing dance back to my soul!

"God. He knows bike secrets!"

Love. Love. LOVE!

Just because this is beauty beautiful.

Love. Again. You can never give or get enuf.

Lifting my voice. VOICE. Ya heard??? Yea....

My bestest matey. -peace

I am.....Sho nuff...

Surprise!!!! Found these in my garden this morn! Ahhhhhh!

Ha.ha.HA. ha. HAAAAA!

And, I am off! *whoooosh*

peace

peaced

2011-05-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

peace stepped in

and sat right down

in my lap.

grabbed my face

between its letters,

blew something i didn't

know into my eyes

and started laughing!

it was really chuckling, rolling

around on the ground like

a lunatic in joy. it was, well,

something to see.

i was perplexed.

couldn't figure it

out for nothing in the world.

just cus i didn't

recognize this flow.

didn't know that peace

knew how to have fun or

even tell a joke. let alone

be bent over in the middle

of waves of guffaw-ing.

then in a lil while i saw

this lil glimmer. right

in the middle of peaceful's

eye. it started to spread out

like a grand eagle walking.

and then all the sudden
all i could see were wings
opening up into
a
WHOOOSH!

it was a mighty sight to reckon.

then it had the nerve to speak!
said, "join me."

all the sudden

this uncontrollable urge

to blast out a down right

raucous and fancy

long riff of laughter

coursed through my

belly.

left me all topsy turvy

and back up again. then

rolled me into a ball of

shaking joy.

i tell you, as moments go?

it was a real stunner.

and the kicker?

its still going on in my soul. everlasting.

now, ain't that something?

delicate

2011-05-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

love stretches its fingers

across the rising of the sun.

desiring to plant itself inside

a bundle of sweet peace rays.

finding its core nestled upon

the backneck of delicate hope.

it reaches. lifts up.

to wipe the shine of

humility's justice across its brow.

settling in as a lighthouse for the

brutalized shattered souls.

their feet broken. yet,

trekking towards wholeness.

love splashes upon an ocean

deepened by a multitude

of twirling sails. singing a siren's

song of faith. sweet delight gingerly

riding on the caressing waves

of curled beauty. morphing into

a harvest of psychedelic

golden streaked crowns. to be

worn by the downtrodden beloved.

the saving grace of beautiful.

finally, the horizon has issued a healing

call on behalf of the lonely.

they shall know truth's joy as

they rest in the arm span of life.

love knows.

Poem: Called

2011-04-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

a voice called her

to the place of decision

a precipice of the journey

of her life

she answered with her everything

stretching and fashioning her body

flat across filthy grounds

a compassionate covering for the

need of those who required a soft

foot map, bridge, guider

to their destiny

day to night

and in between

found the bend

of her back

uniquely built

for the multitude of

the many whosoever

and there she resided

with the painfully

vast stoop over of her own soul,

for so long, so many

passing times

and the lesson of it all

somehow morphed

into a gift of life

allowing for the

reach down, search into

the forever

dank gutters, icy caves

of lost hope and despair

she recognized

and yet she remained

patient and hope filled

smiling slightly as her hands

tossed up the

bruised hidden souls

that languished in the darkness

of empty, no care

she travailed and silenced their wounded ness

upon her heart,

drying everflowing tears

with an apron made of the rags

of her own life's minutes

but serenity surrounds her day graces

as her beautiful knowing touch softly strokes

the terrain of need filled faces

hunger soaked spirits, yearning minds

yes, she is the one,

agape's progeny,

servant to the invisible,

lover of the unloved lovely

the crown belongs to this

blistered beauty, she

who perservered with a

single jeweled thought:

the necessity to love

she is queen of

the forgotten no one

no ones

maid of love

*************

A Writing: Tough Skin, Soft Heart

2011-04-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

When life presents an opportunity for healing, you should desire to jump right in with joy. Don't worry about the outcome. Well, as luck would have it healing oftentimes rides upon the back of surrender. Truth. Allow me to tell you a once upon a time story. It is the ironic tale of the revealing of a broken heart. Mine. I say ironic because usually brokenness tries to hide. Not me and my brokenness, apparently. We's just love chillin out in da lite of day. We just sit, in a chair, for all to see. Embarrassing ourselves. With many things, I am a jump off a cliff kinda gal. I might be battered and limpin' but imma still try to fly off that mountain. With my half o' wing flapping furiously. But, in matters of the emotions? Now, this is where my heavily concealed shyness kicks in. Lets turn the page. My heart would not be still. Couldn't stop its constant fluttering for nothin' in the world. I got caught up in the liquid pools that were eyes and in the softness of a smile. Lordy, Lordy me. "Really, God?"

Anyways, so I had a choice to make. Was I to remain in a constant state of silence where my heart beat so quickly that it hurt, or was I gonna run swiftly and fall off a precipice of emotional transparency? Neither of those choices seemed savoury. It was to be a Very. Hard. Gut. Wrenching. Twist. My. Eye. Balls. Out. Of. Their. Sockets. And. That. Would Be. Less. Painful. Than. This. Kind. Of. Choice. Oh, what to do. What to do. Early one morning, as the night woke up the dawn, I came to my decision. Sleep had held my eyelids open one too many nights over this annoyance. Sometimes you just want to sleep. So you make your choices out of necessity. I found my mouth whispering wearily to surrender, "Okay". It was time to play my hand.

My decided approach was a direct indirect hit that was, by all estimations, pretty indirectly direct. Like standing in the near distance with one's arms open. Fingers wrapped around and holding onto a fragrant bouquet made of the blurry letters of love. My thoughts were to be "all cool" about it. But, the thing about it was this: I am not "all cool". I am more of a "blurt-er out totally not cool" type of person. My mouth goes and my brain catches up later. Hey, like I said earlier, I am.a cliff jumper. And now I was cliff jumping with my heart. A thing I vowed to never do. I am learning that one should never say what one is never going to do. It is a lightening rod for actually doing "the never". If that makes sense. My actions were all so out of my usual that I had to stop and breathe in some sense for a minute. Or two.

For those who know me well, if they are reading this, they are probably fainting from the thought of me doing such a thing. I suppose they think that the world has flipped upon its very head. I can hear them saying, "Who Reg? The same Reg who says stuff like she ain't neva gon give her heart to no man? That's the Reg you talkin' bout?" This followed by a recipe of varied laughter and unbelieving head shaking. Ah, well.

You see, like many women, over the years I have endured a high level of hurt, pain and rejection. And eventually my heart just shattered into bits and bits. And then the bits and bits began to freeze over. What an utter mess! Do you know how uncomfortable it is to walk around with crushed ice inside your soul?

Deciding to put myself out there so openly was a scary and frightening thing. The whole scenario felt like a slow and unnerving death. And yet, I went. Scribbled out my heart. Sure did. Just jumped, eyes closed and holding on to my fuzzy clump of flower love letters. Things were going well. Mid-air and half way out, I caught a breeze under my half wing! Behold me, world! All I can remember singing out was this: "This is awesome. I am flying!" I know that some of you are thinking "She is such a silly silly thing". (Keep reading and you will find out that perceived silliness is the beginning of wisdom. Yep.)

I felt as if God Himself had tapped on my shoulder and carried me gently into the ability to do such a thing. It definitely had to be in His strength and love. Because on my own? It never would have occurred. Sacrificing your emotions to what could be death is never appealing. Nonetheless, I was zooming in the wind. Free. I just had to keep breathing. Breathe. Fly. breathe. Flap flap.

(A Lesson Mid Flight: In the course of all the flapping I began to realize that Christ had jumped off that cliff along side of me. How did I know? Keep reading.)

As life would have it - Well, after all that not sleeping and jumping and flying and hearting beating, I never received a response to my transparent directly indirect direct telling. Never heard a chirp. Unreal and surely I had now entered an alternate universe. It was as if the hand of silence had twisted the sound tap extra hard to ensure that not a droplet would reach the atmosphere. At the speed of light, I went from "This is awesome. I am flying!" to "Oh crikey, I am falling." Felled.

Its an interesting thing when you hit the bottom of a canyon. There is a moment when you know for sure you are dead. You simply say "I am dead." As I was speaking these dire words into my spirit, all I could feel was an impression upon my heart that said "No, you are alive. Alive." In that moment my heart was finally stilled by a balm of peace. This was all very strange. Very. I concluded that I must have fallen upon the back of Christ, and rested there for awhile (with the remainder of my burdens). I think that I finally fell asleep. In His arms. He's so good that way.

Yes, I wept a little, sighed a little, hurt a little. But then something else beautifully profound happened. I smiled. Strange, one would think. Not really and here's why: I began to know that, in the process of it all, I had received a gift from above that no human could have possibly bequeathed to me. It sang out loudly in unison with the extraordinary symphonic notes below:

Ezekiel 36

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷ And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. ²⁸ Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

All things are as they should be.

The thing about pursuing your softer heart of love is that there is an action of "double dipping" which takes place. A "two-fer" of sorts. Like this: 1) personally you are less bound, and 2) you can more freely serve others who are hurting due to an increased place of understanding and compassion. And that is the ultimate wisdom that begins its flow from the perceived silliness of surrender. Selah.

So you see, it is the heavenly outcome that is supremely significant. In fact, it is the heart of the matter (pun intended). Christ. Seems like He was just seeking to do the impossible "we can rebuild her" with my heart. On the face of it, it appeared to be a weird methodology. But, my ways are definitely not His ways. I would have taught such a lesson from a completely different book.

Perhaps, Christ couldn't get my attention long enough so that I would just sit still while He gloriously melted my heart. I suppose He just wanted me to wearily place my head on His chest, listen to His heart beat out unfathomable wonders, and soak in His all embracing love. Yes, I suppose this is a possibility. I did hear Him knocking at my heart more than once, ya know. Finally, it was my time to answer. It just so happened that He presented me with an opportune occasion to do so. At the bottom of that canyon. Cus, all I could do there was look up and barely breathe. I was in semi-shock. And yet. I repeat (cus Christ is good). And yet. Healing began to blow over me. From dusk to dawn. And back again. It was in the "back again" time that I realized my own healing would allow me to speak out love and compassion to those around me in a stronger manner. Healings and blessings are similar in this way: they are both rivers of life.That much I know, and it was now time for me to take a long drink in both streams.

Life is beautiful.

And she lived happily ever after.

The End

Copyright 2011 Regina Y. Evans, All Rights Reserved. From the forthcoming book: "Lessons" by Regina Y. Evans

i am my brother's keeper....

2011-04-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

...and i am learning when God is in the midst of it all you are able to lay yourself aside for the good of another. and this indeed is a very frightening thing. however, you should surrender. God's love is beyond the borders of your being. it is not to be contained by your discomfort or fear. truly, your life is not your own when you walk with Christ. selah

my witness...

2011-04-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

i'm not gonna cus it ain't supposed to be that way. my witness is my walk. and my walk says otherwise. my feet don't even know how to step that way. said memory has been canceled out. deleted. my road map has changed. or maybe the Terra shifted. one or the 'tother. or maybe my feet got redemption, along with my soul. i can certainly speak this truth though, they both (my soles, my soul) are now sitting in my realization pond named a very deep "I am a gem worth the wait and the search". i know this is the real deal cus today the pearl of great price himself (i'll tell you more about him later) whispered in my ear that he knows my name. and i echoed back a love song filled with amen notes and high five choruses. and with all the beautiful commotion my eyes finally started hugging my own reflection which spilled forth from the pearl's magnificent lustre. I suppose that makes me more than a lil bit of alright. how wondrous cus yesterday i had to breathe in a real deepness deep just to find a lil pinpoint of the understanding of my own beauty. today i found myself, finding me. and I like her. selah.

the beginning of my worth finding. it all started happening on one of those days when the sun and the breeze hold hands and rule the motion of the clouds. child, i knew this particular day was gon be something keenly special cus the sun was also kissing the hand of a psychedelic rainbow. that's rare, i'm told. as unique as my soul finding my exquisite pearl friend. pearl friend (that's his name) sat me right down for a spell and offered up endless moments of love. then, and i'll never forget it, pearl friend placed all them moments of love right upon my palm. i got a good look. remembered them all. then shut my hand closed tight. didn't wan't to lose even a pinch of that goodness. pearl friend is really more of a teacher, truth be told. on that day, he taught me that i am worth the expanse of the skies coupled together with the rolling blue seas. plus some of eternity. no doubt. just this morning he told me that he would swim the rivers, scale the mountains, race the wind to hold my hand. and to make his point he gave his very life for my heart. and that sho nuff got me to thinking. must be sumpthing to this notion called worth. and i am loving its touch. i tasted rest for the first time in years.

(an important aside: all this treasuring hunting and finding the me of me has made me tap on my brain for a bit and ponder this: how was I ever going to tell young girls that they are worth being loved on, admired, treated queenly and i couldn’t and didn’t expect nuthin for myself, and of myself? don't seem ta make no sense to my way of thinking. what you think? I ain't wrong. I ain't wrong. just staring down truth.)

pearl friend's essence always hangs in the air of my life. he's like the morn that dawns again ( it always does. you should always remember that truth nugget.). anyway, today's morning saw me looking out of my crystal clear window only to find sweet singing out a story about the preciousness of me. at first, i thought i was being punk'd. then I realized that this was a story of oldishness old. I was just formerly deaf to its telling and call. In newness my soul looked up, saw the sky wink out a confirmation of loveliness. it landed my way, and the sun blazed out in agreement a beautiful joy across the atmosphere. i watched intently as my own me song played out loud and right into the heart of the matter. my ability to see me as a glorious creation. one worthy of love.

this notion named worth really isn't too hard to miss. even if ya gotta squint. so imma sit with the priceless beauty of me for awhile. cus i ain't going through the "backdoor of the wrong way" no more. meaning, my feet aint swinging out first. right has to walk my way. its the only way to fly when one is a gem queen. sometimes as women we yearn so much for words that will soothe, arms that will hold, love notes that will ease away our life pain. here's the skinny though: i have learned that a man who won't sacrifice and step to me initially really ain't gon be for me at the end of the story. he can't soothe, embrace or sing my song. sacrifice isn't about compartmentalization. it is a lifestyle. what you won't do upfront and in the beginning, fo' sho' you won't do over the tocks of time. so best get it right at the foundational outset. good soil. (this good stuff here, ain't it? all compliments of the school of pearl friend. hey, i reckon every girl need a pearl friend to breath life into her dry bones and fire into her eyes. no joke.)

speaking of fire, let me flame something like truth out your way. queen esther. you know 'bout her, right? lil girl from nowheres who rose up to be queen. saved a people from death's handshake with her sass and spunk. i was thinking about the coolness of her and i don't remember her begging. i remember her courage. i remember her knowing her worth and authority. i remember that she made her presence known. and without a word she just stood. there. in all of her queen-li-ness. and she was offered her destiny. i want to roll like her kind of royalty.

lets conclude with this: single ladies, put your hand up! (you know the tune.)

the thing is, when women step to and embrace a "backdoor of the wrong way" move in regard to their life choices it often yields a smashed field of dreams. hopes and desires lay dying like a burned crisp right at the threshold. how. sad. and another thing that i know is this: what goes in the back don't wanna to fit out the front way in a rightly fashion. most times by the time it gets to the front its all shredded and in loss of its glow. and, in the process, it has stolen a bit of your "iluvemeselfworth" shine.

uh oh, single ladies, put your hand down cus you just lost your some of tune. out of sync.

there used to be a phrase. went something like this: "i am woman hear me roar." i will go you one better. check this out: "i am woman and i am worth the courage that it takes to step ta me which is what you gon' haveta do if you wanna know my roar. that's the that. what?! you heard and yes lawd!".

really, this is all about something simple.
letting love, love you.
the righteously worthy way.

and that's the truth of me (and of you).
solid. precious. worth every drop. you are something to behold.
pearl friend. he taught me that.
best believe.

-peace

Note: Ladies, know your worth. I can say this honestly and through the pain of not to be repeated trials. So,run your race. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Have fun, laugh loudly. Breathe!

my own me

2011-04-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

last night i danced
my own me
my beauty reigned in my sway
my own me
realized that it was time to sketch my song
my own me
conversated with my heart's flow
my own me
we decided that i am lovely
my own me

life, it has its way.....

peace

Copyright 2011 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

signing off

2011-04-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

i watched and watching

as watch looked up

watching not watched.

what?

the best i can tell is that

this kind of madness

happens when watching

watches what don't watch

watching watch. or watched.

confused?

me too.

so, you see why

i gotta chase my peace?

been watching watches

not watch the watching

of the watched. watch

for too long.

in fact....

the cow done watched

itself jump over the moon

which was watching

the sheep count

themselves while

rip van winkle decided

to watch his own winks

wake up and go back

to sleep again. on my watch.

i'm all watched out.

peace be still.

selah

just a thought (encouragement)

2011-03-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

what is for you will not pass you by. it is a blessing bequeathed to you. yes, for you. and YES, for you to utilize as a tool of hope for others. be wise. pray right. forgive. love.

you have to really know and understand that what God has for you is for His purposes. for His reasons. and absolutely nothing can stand in opposition to the will of the Father.

you have your momentum. take flight.

welcome to your destiny.

its time.

peace

my MY

2011-03-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

looked out the window

this morning in joy

wanting so much

to soak in

the rain's kisses

have 'em drip upon

my heart. needed

the cool river to

course across my sigh

got myself a surprise though..

had to squint, blink quick

squint some more

cus my eyes had

caught a glimpse of something

running, tripping almost

seemed like

it was movin mightily fast

trying….

looked like a, a grin

yes, it was....

and it was slyly glancing

back at me as i was

peering at it

i had to pause

compute why that grin

was. grinning. wiped my eyes

clear and zeroed in.

then noticed that grin thing

was walking off with

all my MY.

"when dat grin been

in my house", i pondered?

couldn't remember

decided it musta been that time i forgot

to put my faith on lockdown....

i sucked my breath in

ever so hard, girded my feet

opened the window sassily

looking at that grin like it was crazy.

jumped up and out
like superwoman

on a mission

ran after that grin so smooth

that i gave it a big fright

so much that it turned itself

into a shrillmouth scream

Lawd Jesus! i tell you that

thing threw up its hands and ran

like a lie always does. trying

ta find some cover.

that was more than

alright with me

yes, yes.

i waved it a good, good-bye.

found myself happy

cus in the course

of it all that grinturnedshrill had released

my MY. dropped it right on the red earth

there is was. all tussled up, in a heap

i let it be for awhile

wanted it to be free to turn over, into

the truth of the matter

before i picked it up again

in a lil while i stooped over

and collected it all. piece by piece.

we embraced. i looked up

arms around my MY

all the while.

held my face to

the tears that

was drippin' down

i felt them sing.

started my journey back inside,

grabbed a hold

of my wayward faith on the way.

found myself crossing

a threshold of peace

as my soul,

sighed rightly

and i smiled
at the reign
of things to come

my, my MY

peace

note: hold on to your promises...your my MY! trust that the Lord loves you enough to bring it all about. and when the day happens? rejoice! and use your blessings to drop some sunshine into the lives of those in your sphere of influence. pray, forgive, forgive yourself, love, trust. trust. your God day has smiled upon you. today. selah.

kissed

2011-03-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

and the river began to flow

somewhere between the tick of the midnight hour

and the dawn's light

didn't you feel the source of faith

racing through the all that
you are destined to become?

i did

and it kissed your name
upon my very wrists

********************

note: for the broken sex trafficked beloved. you are not forgotten. we are coming after you. God. He knows your name. selah.

agape

2011-03-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

today i did something
completely selfless
i let go of "my"
and glory stayed

her moment is over
His has begun

thankful

turtle (or a paint brush)

2011-03-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

right now i wish that i were either a turtle or a paint brush.

if i were a turtle then i could pull my legs and head into my shell, read a book in peace, eat m&m's endlessly, and not worry 'bout brushing my teeth. i'd ignore the telephone, sip my fav tea, and think lots about stuff. nothing in particular. just about things that don't try my soul. i'd sleep soundly like i didn't have a care in the world. and then everything would be totally beautiful.

if i were a paint brush i would dip myself into a river of heaven-made colors. then leap up as far as i could go. hang onto a sunray for awhile. then i'd dancetwirl across the sky. stroking it with the most vivid of hues for the whole wide world, and beyond, to enjoy. i'd paint that big ol sky so full of joy and love that it would have no choice but to drip down upon the souls of mankind. and then everything would be totally beautiful.

turtle or paint brush?

peace

**********************

it and just that

2011-03-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

if you stop short

that ain't love

its just....

something else

cain't explain it

but i know

love

delights

in the all

not the you

could never

because of

the "it"

"it" don't count

when love

begins to wave

her wand

all borders

melt away

into the

what can

necessarily be

just that.

peace

note: love should fly freely. look around. there are plently of broken folks out there (including you, me, us) that need the embrace of love's unending warm touch. be that. forget the "it" and run like the wind. unhindered.

the what's what of sista friends

2011-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

self esteem. an elusive and hard to corral wild beast of a bird. such is the case if one does not possess the inner road map that leads you to the ability to rest your being upon its soft color filled wings. and what she warrior is birthed with the jewel called self esteem in her heart? apparently all of us and let's define it as self love. from beyond time, did not the almightly whisper to us "i formed you, i fashioned you. you are mine. and i love what is mine." so we can conclude that the highest form of love roams within us from before the beginning. and, hence, shouldn't such a beautifully blended love letter be enough to lead us into the ocean of loving oneself. if the creator of all and all and everything's thing love's us, we should follow suit. comon sensical thinking. nevertheless, many feminine of this world know that for a long yard while of our lives such words take up residence only within our ear drums. sitting and travelling no further. unable to muster up the courage of flight. and this reticence leaves us with a choice: stay inside a slow death of unknowing the known of love or leap with no expectation of landing into knowing the known of love. free will.

life. well it has its way of choosing around your fear. so does the divine. thankfully. eventually that rare treasure of love happens upon us through the course of traversing up and down (and sideways back again) the dusty streets of life. and eventually, eventually, we spy it and are invited to stroke its back in joy. we are lucky. for this reason: as we run, twirl, frolick within life's ticks and tocks, the divine bequeaths to us sista friends who take on the mantle of holding you up until you determine that your being is going to grab a hold of love's brass ring. these beauties are there for you until, and even after, you see your way fit to hug loveliness. until and even after.

sista friends. they are the stuff that gorgeous-ness is made of: mosaics and recipes of love. if you lift up the lid and peer into their souls you will find quite a mixture: tell you off in a minute mouths, hold you when your man acts up arms (and when you act up, truth be told..), feed you when you only have saltines and mustard hands, and give your weary head a place to rest mentalities. and the ultimate: they often send their joy your way because they know that on your own joy is having a heck of a time getting an audience with your spirit. selah.

ah yes. sista friends. they are a state of mind and to be found all over the globe. even in far away places such as australia. i found such beautiful treasures in that land. my second home referred to as the land down under. or as one of the first white settlers called it: terra australis del espiritu santu. in english: the great south land of the holy spirit. to aborigines it is the land of the dreaming. for aborigines the dreaming is when their ancestral beings moved across the land and created life and significant geographic features. dreaming stories pass on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations. through song, dance, painting and storytelling which express the dreaming stories, aborigines have maintained a link with the dreaming from ancient times to today, creating a rich cultural heritage.**

so, i felt extremely lucky to have the divine bring me to such a land to live. filled with the spirit, the dreaming, cutural richness, storytelling, dance and song. yes, i loved (love) that land. and it loved (loves) me back. it can only be considered a blessing of massive proportions to count amongst my very own gaggle of sista friends some amazingly wise aborginal women. i felt informed and molded by their zest for life and love. they taught me. i listened. i felt a great connection. like a braided rope of eternity. our generational lines had much in common. many were the progeny and echoes of rape. my own american ancestry screams from the core of the earth that very same wail. they come from the tree of oppression and subjugation. strange fruit. it knows the name of my people too. and their blood knew something about suffering under the "curse" of you are denied, not seen, not heard, and just go over there and shut your mouth chile cus you are worthless (worth less...). oooo wee! now, i know my momma's momma's momma knew something of such things. yes, she sho' nuff did. once, i heard her tell me about it all in a dream. like a warning. trying to help me to wade through the muck until i could learn how to stir the waters.

these aborginal sista friends understood. and they began to teach me the goodness of me. they started me on a "journey of me" and i began to discover something important. simply this: i am enough. they spoke into my life the things of inner peace and grabbed me by the arm, setting me firmly on a course of healing. through their sweet songs and joyous dance. my feet learned a new kind of strength move. release. and my vocal chords sang out the songs of their heritage and culture. it is said that the word rapha, in hebrew, means to mend, to stitch. i believe it because it seemed that the almighty jehovah rapha was patiently, through creativity and love, teaching my heart that it was okay to be free from hurt. i was learning. yes, these brown sista friends from another terra were fascinating. indeed.

i must admit, however, that their words of peace and of being enough took years to sink in. i was a hard nut to crack. all anxiety dabbed in fear. but they were relentless. patient. like neverending drips of water upon a rock. eventually it bursts open. eventually i burst open. love. it gets you every time. years later i have learned to sit still, to be at peace, and to tap into the divine. i am still learning that i am enough. i am much closer to a fuller realization of this, however. and, i believe once my spirit grabs onto the notion that God is enough...i will be off and running.

many things i don't know. but one that i do know is this: anytime the almighty walks beauty onto your path...you always come out on the winning side. your very being awakens to the possibility of your own spirit swimming in the same warmth. and beyond.

so, dance a little, sing alot. hold on because he is doing a new thing. in you.

its all a matter of love and that is the what's what of sista friends.

selah.

**********

**information on the dreaming via: www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au

Poem: Steep Traverse

2011-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

He ribboned the hues of His heart

into the hope of your promise

blew into your fingers the techniques

of compassion

covering your very being with the strength

to stand

and then one day He determined,

called you to traverse upon the ladder

placed upon the earth's vertical wall

your toes responded
the waters drew back

drying their tears as you tipped into

their rocky river bed of dangerous faith

your each step reverberating out

the cries of perserverance

dotting the blazing horizon with

the covenant of life

the open seal of the graceful blue above

sponging your crown

the fascination of rebirth

the strength to walk long

the journey of a precipice

birthed during the climb

create

Poem: Stage Right

2011-02-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

he danced
and i rested
in awe of the simplicity

of his movements

peaceful in the wash of his taps

i reached for his right hand

and he stenciled my heart

into his palm

twirling me into the

place where freedom

runs forever

he taught me

the possibilities

from the spoken end

to the

certain beginning

and all

because my desire

lite a candle

honoring

the surrender

of yes

KING

2011-01-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Champion of peace, Prince of love

Trumpet player of the beautiful notes

of non violence.

"Silenced" by evil attached to

a bullet of indifference.

Rest In Peace"

*******

Courage

2011-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

"If we are going to make any kind of progress then we are going to have to squeeze the slave out of ourselves."

********

** quote taken from the bigraphical movie on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (showing today on TV One)

My Mom: Singing Her Garden

2011-01-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

Today I had such an amazing experience. I am currently deepening my play: Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice (which brings awareness to how our youth in America are brutalized by sex trafficking/slavery).

Echo utilizes the beauty of African American Spirituals and Gospels. So, I was prayerfully searching out new music to give the play an added "kapow!".

I was listening to a song called "God Will Take Care Of You" and my Mom came into the room and started singing away! She was such a happy little bluebird. Chirping! I had actually forgotten that this was my Mom's favorite church song as a child. She loves, loves, loves this song.

She was just a busy singing...and I was just a busy soaking up the moment. Spirit gliding ("like a 747....").

Truly, it isn't everyday that your Mom stands besides you and sings "God Will Take Care Of You." And then she proceeded to grab the African American Heritage Hymnal book off of the shelf and belts out a flurry of additional songs: Page 127 - Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee, Page 471 - Precious Lord, Take My Hand. I am beginning to see a theme here......

Fantastic!

I recognized the moment for the beauty that soared upon its back. It made me smile in my spirit and at the playfulness of The Almighty.

My Mom and I are very different. We clash a bit. She is holds a Doctorate, is whip smart, perfectly coiffed and attired at 9am in the morning. A former Educator of a whirlwind, take no guff, doesn't suffer fools easily, straight to the point, and all around awesome of the awesomeEST kinda lady. And I, well, hmmm, I am a romantic, creative type, who loves to do my poetic thing in my PJ's at 5am, vintage-loving-Goodwill-shopping, animal lover, writer who has slept on many floors with a blanket (sometimes a coat), and often share lunch with my friend King who is habitually homeless. I love King. He calls me Queen and gave me a copy of Dante's Inferno the first time we met.

In my own defense, I clean up really well, so I've been told, my mirror mirror says so too. But basically I am the most comfortable in a pair of 7 For Humanity Jeans (gifted to me by my Mom as I would have purchased a five dollar pair from Goodwill), my fav low black 1940 style heels (gosh, also gifted to me by my Mom and I am beginning to see another theme here....), black sweater (yes. Mom again.), or a tee shirt (That's from me!), and my $14.99 100 percent black cashmere coat from the 1960's that I treasure hunted at Goodwill.

The coat saga is a whole 'nother story: I basically had to fight my Mom to "allow" me to buy my coat from Goodwill as opposed to the oo-la-la place where she thought I should make such a purchase. It was a great great nano-second when she first saw my sleek looking beaut of a coat. She was happily surprised. I just know it. I saw her eyes smile. Sure did.

In truth, I think the smile stemmed from my stubbornness over it all. You see, stubbornness flows in my blood, gene pool. Throughout the generations of my family's history. African American/Cherokee from Alabama. Sure nuff we are a stubborn lot. Had to. Had to be. Flows through the rivers of Mom's side of the family. My Granddaddy was notorious for standing up for his rights. I've heard stories about guns being drawn between White and Black. White cops, Black Granddaddy. Never a good mix back in the day. Granddaddy was determined to survive. Apparently, he had lots of guns. He was good at eyeballing and standing his ground. Stubborn about being able to feel the flow of humanity's embrace. Mom is the same. Me too. We come by it honestly. Selah.

I digress. Back to wardrobe chat. Lighter fare. Indeed. Mom is more of a Chanel, Louis Feraud, Maud Frizon, Hermes Scarf kinda woman. And funny, those were all gifted from me! Interesting. There was a time in my life where I actually had a booming business/vintage clothing shop. Mom was my perfect target for gifts because she loves (is) beauty. Naturally, I bought her beautiful things. I also learned during this time to send her poetry written on cut out paper hearts. I didn't want her to get too too spoiled with stuff. After all. I think she secretly liked the poetry much better than the ca-ching ching things. The jury is still out on that.

The one thing that Mom and I have in common, besides our stubborn nature, is that we are both passionately tenacious. Oh yes and also we both have a heart for helping kids. And we both have a sweet tooth. And probably we are both bossy (she more than me..of course...) And... And... And.... Differently the same. I suppose.

Whatever the case may be, today God graciously delivered to us the same beautiful moment. A blended love song. Time slices itself into lovely when one hears her Mother sing her own childhood memories. Sweet. I can just imagine her as a little pretty girl: dressed in her Sunday Best, sun kissed glistening choclate drop skin, frocked out in pink, ribbons in her hair, shiny black patent leather shoes, and the prerequisite frilly girly handbag (complete with a hanky, a handful of peppermints, and coins for the offering plate)

Gorgeous little fire child.

Lovely. Cherished.

peace

2011 Copyright ReginaY. Evans, All Rights Reserved (From the forthcoming Book: "Progeny and Me")

unknown (for the sex trafficked beloved)

2011-01-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

*should the sex trafficked beloved remain unknown? think about it. deeply. deep-ish. thank you.

Unknown

notes paced away

from playing my sound,

in tune, out of sync

the empathy of you

floated by

never touching

our stance of blue.

your clouded thoughts

highlighted our weak beats,

desiring not the strum

of our melody in totality.

but next year, day

time will call out to sing

the passion of me,

it will paint my senses

alive with

depth, hue, tone,

until i am complete.

but this second, moment

you never knew.

i am

unknown, unknown.

*******

Copyright Regina Y. Evans 2010 All Rights Reserved ( from The Play: Echo A Poetic Journey into Justice and from the published ebook "Nothing Cool About Ten", available on http://www.smashwords.com/) You can read more about Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice at this blog entry:

http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/05/update-echo-poetic-journey-into-justice.html

poem excerpt: a friend named trust

2011-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

"in appreciation,

i will lift my hands in praise

honoring the free flowing love

which has set my being upon the heights

i will hold my friend named Trust gently as He leaves

a trail of grace and faith upon my heart

forever kissing Him in gratitude"

echo-ing

2011-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

i have been finding some fantastic information as i have been expanding my play echo. i once heard a quote that said something like:

"we don't go into our mother's gardens to find out who trampled it. we know that already. we go in search of how they survived and made it. inspite of all the oppression and degradation."

as i expand this play i find this notion a great comfort. so, i have been reading through slave narratives. again. more closely this time. searching for "the how".

one thing that always amazes me about spirituals, gospel, praises that the slaves offered up was their ability to do so through their life storms. praising and workin the fields. praising and being humiliated. honestly, from where i sit...i don't completely understand the fortitude of such a thing...

what i do know is this: in terms of modern day sex trafficking...those who work as abolitionist would do well to assume this posture. praise and work. be thankful for the lil steps. because even the smallest steps lead us closer to grabbing the hand of a child in sex trafficking. and hugging her (him) into the arms of freedom.

best get back to it......

re.leasing...

2011-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

today i feel burdened. i am re working my play Echo to give it a stronger sense of the supernatural. and with each key stroke it is as if i can feel the heart of the old and new slave crying out for recognition. the recognition of their hurts and pains. i sit. i type. i think. i pray. i weep and i wail. the earth travails back into my soul. i am burdened for my ancestors who were torn asunder by malice. weary for the child that i know is out there somewhere on the street being sold into the wreck of "humanity" called bought by rape. oh....sometimes it is too much to carry. burdened. and yet. i go. i write. because isn't it such an easy thing to do? in comparison. and i am thankful for compassionate warriors like nola brantley, sarai theolinda smith, david batstone, mercy dizon, dawn worwick, nikki junker, lili balfour, elizabeth holmes, etc. all who put their life on the line for the sex trafficked beloved. they love. and love speaks. it says "hang on, baby, hang on. you are loved and we are coming to get you".

peace

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Speak Life Affirmations for Modern Day Abolitionists

2011-01-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

*because the work that the modern day abolitionist does can be quite tramatic i developed this list of life affirmations as a point of encouragement. these are words that i speak over myself and i would like to pass them along to any other abolitionist who is interested in using them. jan 2011 is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. and as such, i also believe it is necessary to encourage those who put their life on the line for the sake of the sex trafficked beloved. so, i pray that these words help. the affirmations are scripturally (Bible) based but put into my own words. i believe that words are powerful. and healing. please feel free to copy for you own use and/or pass along. -peace

LIFE Affirmations for Modern Day Abolitionists

1) I am eternally loved by a divine kiss. (Ephesians 3: 14-19)

2) Joy lives in me! (Isaiah 61:7)

3) I am courageous and powerful. Watch out! (2 Tim 1:7)

4) Hope is my dance! (Hebrews 6:19)

5) I’m holdin’ onto faith and keepin’ on truckin, baby! (Psalm 27)

6) Shield, sword to the ready! I am protected! (Psalm 91)

7) No matter what I am thankful…even when I don’t feel like it. (1 Thess 5:18))

8) Peace is mine. (Phillipians 4:6-7)

9) Justice WINS and is on my side! (Isaiah 40:4-5)

10) I AM BLESSED (Numbers 6:24-27)

*******************

John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life.

Poem: "Free Labor" by Poet Abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins

2011-01-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an African American Poet and Abolitionist (September 24, 1825 -- February 22, 1911). Born free in Baltimore, Maryland, she had a long and prolific career, publishing her first book of poetry at twenty and her first novel, the widely praised Iola Leroy, at age 67.

Surely her words still ring true as we fight the current situation of Modern Day Slavery/Sex Trafficking. Plase find her poem "Free Labor" below:

“Free Labor”

By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

I wear an easy garment,

O'er it no toiling slave

Wept tears of hopeless anguish,

In his passage to the grave.

And from its ample folds

Shall rise no cry to God,

Upon its warp and woof shall be

No stain of tears and blood.

Oh, lightly shall it press my form,

Unladen with a sigh,

I shall not 'mid its rustling hear,

Some sad despairing cry.

This fabric is too light to bear

The weight of bondsmen's tears,

I shall not in its texture trace

The agony of years.

Too light to bear a smother'd sigh,

From some lorn woman's heart,

Whose only wreath of household love

Is rudely torn apart.

Then lightly shall it press my form,

Unburden'd by a sigh;

And from its seams and folds shall rise,

No voice to pierce the sky,

And witness at the throne of God,

In language deep and strong,

That I have nerv'd Oppression's hand,

For deeds of guilt and wrong.

A Question

2011-01-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

do you think it is important that as a nation we pray and ask forgiveness for our part in past day slavery? and do you think that this will have a positive spiritual impact (in terms of it being defeated) upon modern day slavery which is so similar and occurs today? generations later.....

think about it. deeply....

Thank you....

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: JANUARY 2011

2011-01-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

On 22 December 2010, President Barack Obama and The White House proclaimed January 2011 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

"Although the United States has made great strides in preventing the occurrence of modern slavery, prosecuting traffickers and dismantling their criminal networks, and protecting victims and survivors, our work is not done. We stand with those throughout the world who are working eve...ry day to end modern slavery, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors to reclaim their rightful freedom. This month, I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, we can combat this crime within our borders and join with our partners around the world to end this injustice." - President Barack Obama

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/22/presidential-proclamation-national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevent)

Please take advantage of this opportunity to EDUCATE YOURSELF and EDUCATE OTHERS on the problem of human trafficking and modern slavery. The fight against injustice is a long and tedious fight. But victory is possible! In short, education leads to awareness, awareness fights demand, and reduced demand reduces supply.

READ the Department of State's "Trafficking in Persons Report 2010" which included the USA in its findings for the first time.

DO ONLINE SEARCHES FOR ORGANIZATIONS like The International Justice Mission, Free the Slaves, Abolish Slavery (w/ Aaron Cohen), The DNA Foundation, Love146, Amnesty International, Polaris Project, Not For Sale Campaign, Shared Hope International, Loose Change to Loosen Chains, The U.S. State Department, etc. and FIND OPPORTUNITIES to work, intern, and get involved.

READ BOOKS like "A Crime So Monstrous" by E. Benjamin Skinner, "Modern Slavery" by Kevin Bales, "Good News about Injustice" and "Just Courage" by Gary Haugen, "Slave Hunter" by Aaron Cohen, and others.

TELL OTHERS.

SPEAK UP. SEEK JUSTICE. Proverbs 31:8-9.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE TO SPREAD THE WORD!

**(Photo from: http://utweet.it/featured-articles/human-trafficking-combating-it-through-the-dna-foundation/)

(from the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month Facebook Page Administered by Alan Carillo and Gracy Howard)

today, she realized....

2011-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

today she realized......

that she can brush her fingers across the sky,

wrap herself in a cloud of splendour,

sit upon a sunstar named strength,

and hold its rays of joy in the palm of her hand

yes, today, she realized

that she can dance across the top of a hurricane,

never bowing down to its twisty gusto,

in fact, she can reach into its eye,

yank out peace,

grasp calmness,

capture serenity

my, my, my, today, she realized

that she can walk,

deliberately, gracefully, elegantly,

royalty lives in her steps,

faith tickle her toes,

patience caresses her ankles,

and delight entices the soles of her feet,

oooooo weeee, today, she realized

that she is a pearl of great price,

and it is The Father's great pleasure to

pour out the vaults of grace over her being,

she is a Rose of Sharon,

a Lily of the Valley,

the eyes which overwhelm,

praise God,

because today,

this day,

she realized

to Him she is perfection

to Him she is glorious

to Him she is

F.L.A.W.L.E.S.S.

FLAWLESS

today, realized

so, in the morning when I

wake and The Almighty says,

"My darling, you have stolen my heart,

my sista, my bride, you have stolen

my heart."

I will simply smile and say,

"Thank you Father,

and yes, I know because

here, now, today

realize

Poem: Ring! (for the sex trafficked beloved)

2011-01-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

*because every sex trafficked beloved deserves the waves, touches, and beauty that life bequeaths. and I reckon it would feel something like this.....

my hands of splendor pushed up,

grace, unbound

breezing upon the wings of flight

my heart leaping in glorious expectation

at life teaching me

my own unique two step.

twist. twirl. shimmy.....

justice rings!

**********

You can read more about Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice at this blog entry:

http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/05/update-echo-poetic-journey-into-justice.html

Scooter: Poetry for the beloved sex trafficked

2011-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

**During Jan 2011, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I will be posting writings and poetry that brings awareness to the issue of sex trafficking/slavery. The below piece: Scooter is the first installment and is from my play Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice. It is spoken by Woman One as she cries out her pain and finally queries the audience for assistance.

**********

Scooter

living in a cage of brutalized horror,

unblessed space of affliction,

in her sphere nightmares resonant

the falseness of beige kind words,

cooing out dots of confinement, here, there

crooked fingers unmercifully pry rip close

her eyes open with stabs of hopelessness,

inwardly she hurricanes, swirls

stone cold in the stillness of the rape of her being,

sold. dollar girl. bartered for a taste of forced submission,

gutter screams spill forth from her womb,

white fire burn tracks of fear into her soul,

death grins. sniffing the three ring circus

stench being performed, piercing her.

it is Mister. yes, Sir. Misters.

dancing out the sharpness of

evil wants upon the terrain of beauty's being.

will you awaken to my terror?

*****

You can read more about Echo at this blog entry: http://echopoeticjustice.blogspot.com/2010/05/update-echo-poetic-journey-into-justice.html

I Am Sombody's Baby, Somebody's Child (For the Sex Trafficked Beloved)

2010-12-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

let me speak to you
clearly, hear my voice
see the anguish soaked
in my pain

hear me

it is past time for you
lay your life upon the
arc of justice
for your notes of mercy
to float forth from your
throat
on my behalf

i am somebody's, baby (somebody's child)

I want you to speak to the dead
places where compassion
and care are supposed to reside. breathe life
into their bones and raise up a mighty
army of love for me

i am somebody's baby (somebody's child)

can you not see that i am drowning
in the brutalizing place of fear. do your ears
not perceive the tears that drip from my heart.
yearning to be released from the clutches
of hell that have become my prison?

can you not smell the loss of hope that
pervades my world from being shoved in a corner
of specialized terror?

let me tell you something
you listen

I am somebody's baby (somebody's child)

i want you to look me in my eyes and
speak to me that i am not worthy to have the
warmth of your being wrap itself
across my lonely soul
tell me that i am not lovely enough for you to
risk your life for me

i am somebody's baby (somebody's child)

it is cold out here
standing in fear, trembling in unbelief
having to feel, to smell filth
don’t i have a right to life, to live?

i am somebody's baby (somebody's child)

does it not bother your heart that
you lay snuggled in the comfort of
your bed at night
and I’m living in a cage of unending
repeated terror
at the hands of demons?

i wonder?

do you not think about what my days look like?
what the hours, minutes, seconds bring?
that i don't truly know what a blue sky looks like?
because the lenses of my eyes have been painted over
with the sweat of a multitude who breath death into my spirit

that i can't remember how the beautiful touch of
love should resonant through my being. how it should kiss my brow.

why? Do you want to know why? why that is?

its because my soul has been cracked
into tiny shards of brittle brokenness.
everyday, everyday, i am torn by an endless stream of hate.
It takes me over.

so, listen.

won't you hear my cry today?
won't you hug the rivers that leak from my eyes?

Taste my tears?

Will you?

i am somebody's baby. (somebody's child)

And I am yours to love

yours

****

press

2010-12-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

life has escaped

across the divide of

the otherworld

that far awaynear place

i find my dreams

boomeranged

into a u turn

of the probable

impossible

the really here

glistens and swallows

my tears into a gulf

of de lite

renewable peace

fullfilled

poem: the call of the sweet today

2010-12-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

*note: i wrote this poem in 2004 and included it in my book, Nonnie And The Butterfly in 2008. it is about the trials of life, hanging tough through it all, and eventually coming out the other side...stronger and joyous ("the sweet today"). basically it is about looking within, throwing out the crap stuff...and holding onto the good and needed. it is about LIFE.

personally, i am now in the "sweet today" part of my journey (reflected in the latter portion of the poem). i don't say this lightly. life has been a long hard slog/climb/walk/marathon. but today is even sweeter because i made it through the muck and over to the light of love. selah. i am utterly grateful to Christ. i hope you enjoy! -peace

*******

how many years has it been?

how many hours have you spent

waking to the morning light

tossing and turning

happily desiring

the embrace of insanity

walking through your life

as if a ghost of discontentment

carelessly wondering about

that certain unsettling sensation

allowing it to overtake your soul

fear has indeed become your partner

thoughts of past brutality,

harsh memories, lost dreams,

unmet needs cling to your spirit

acknowledgement somehow seems like an unsavory feast

you try to reason it all away

don’t feel, don’t touch, don’t remember

instead you smile, you laugh

you love

no, you don’t love

you don’t love because

you don’t know how to anymore

you are incapable because

you have let death hold your hand

anxiety and worry roam freely inside your heart

you loved like a child once

before the pain

now your love reveals the mark of an empty vessel

draining you into the darkest of oblivion you run on nothingness

nothing to give in truth, clamouring for hope

an exercise in futility

one day you will wake and movement will leave you

you will try to turn and your body will protest

your heart and spirit refusing to drown again

in its continuous state of desperation

because they yearn for peace and calmness

desiring to soak up the forgotten gift of joy

they will turn on you

that is the day you will begin to listen

you have no choice

you belong to them

on that day your heart will yell that it has had enough

your spirit will grab your stubbornness and turn it inside out

enough hiding, enough pretending, enough of the facade

enough, enough, enough
dear precious lord

enough

it is done

you have lost your battle

your rescuer has pushed up through the earth of your spirit

and has planted new seeds of hope upon your dying heart

you will face the known unknown of pain

your soul will screen the horrors of locked away minutes

crashing purposefully into your eyes

you will cry, scream, and suffer

a blessed moment in time

you will begin to realize that the struggle was over

even before you started to deny yourself all of those years ago

the battle never belonged to you

yet, you fought

warring against yourself

will you continue to struggle?

refusing to see the beauty that gracefully lines your face

turning from the loveliness that has attached itself

to your being over the many years

choosing to shut your mind to

the wonderment of lessons learned

through the pain of time

today

fight it if you like

you will lose

today

is the hour to lift your hands to the heavens

and let its gentleness fold into your heart

today

you will find the strength to push through

the searing fire of past mistakes

failed choices

lost and unrealized love

today

the angels will surround you in a glorious ring of freedom

grace and faith clothing you in wisdom

today

you will remember what it is like to live with childlike abandon

surrendering into the arms of the divine father

today

your passion will embrace the life of love

which has been your gift

all along

today

is destined to be the sweetest of all

the acceptance of love

the completeness of

you

******

wake up (for the sex trafficked beloved)

2010-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

so you thought she was
worth zero of nothing
to the Nth degree
cus she was standing
on the track, a corner of blisters?
you believed the lie
that she was just some hussy,
prostitute, hoe, tricked out tramp
trash filled garbage rimmed in filth

thats what you thought?

don't deny it. fess. up.
the heart is a wreck of
a thing, isn't it?

so you passed her by
didn't do nuthin bout her pain

instead you sped past her in your car
(and through her tears she saw. saw it all)
you just sneered, clucked your teeth
her dark offending your purrrrityyy
lawd have mercy (on us all)

so, here is the real deal of the matter,
peep that, understand this
the one you was offended by?
the one you closed your eyes to
cus she made you dizzy just looking
at her out there selling herself?

watch this now, watch....

that girl is12 years old
that's right...
and could be 10 but
you would never know
cus you never stopped even
to hear her try ta breathe

hear me...that child
didn't pop out there on
the mean street by herself!
she got a story, they all got a story
kidnapped, runaway, not cared for,
some sold by they own folks even
(lawd help us!)
lost, hungry, cold, unloved
afraid........

yanked into submission with the
help of complacency's tightly
bound fist, denied access
to your love,

left her walkin 'round
and 'round on top
of blocks of daily rape
for a dollar, invisible

(make my heart moan, ache!)

life tagged her as
money making broken purity
seered at the hands of
a million pimps and johns
and some of them johns
is your husbands, sons
fiances, boyfriends
(Ohhh shut up, shut up!
that's okay, that's
for another poem
anyhow....later....)

but yes, that's her
sitting inside "terrorized"
even so, the mute, deaf, blind
of you wagged its finger
into writing "shame on you."
across her soul, leaving ice

meditate on that. for a bit.

then take the time to recognize this....

she is your lil sista
uh huh, you still with me?

she is your niece
ahhhh, getting good now, close to home?

she is your Grandmomma's Grandbaby
OoooWEEEEEE child now we rockin the truth!

and here is the kicker, the real deal, the key...

she is the reflection of you.
yes, she is you, you are her

divinely connected
by an eternal golden cord of life

now....

thats all i gots ta say
(for the time being)
think. about it.
real hard.
for her. for you too.

peace

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the book Nothing Cool About Ten, available on http://www.smashwords.com/)

called

2010-12-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

a voice called her

to the place of decision

a precipice of the journey

of her life

she answered with her everything

stretching and fashioning her body

flat across filthy grounds

a compassionate covering for the

need of those who required a soft

foot map, bridge, guider

to their destiny

day to night
and in between
found the bend
of her back

uniquely built

for the multitude of

the many whomsoever

and there she resided
with the painfully

vast stoop over of her own soul,
for so long, so many

passing times

and the lesson of it all

somehow morphed

into a gift of life

allowing for the

reach down, search into
the forever

dank gutters, icy caves

of lost hope and despair

she recognized

and yet she remained

patient and hope filled

smiling slightly as her hands

tossed up the

bruised hidden souls

that languished in the darkness

of empty, no care

she travailed and silenced their wounded ness

upon her heart,

drying everflowing tears

with an apron made of the rags

of her own life's minutes

but serenity surrounds her day graces

as her beautiful knowing touch softly strokes

the terrain of need filled faces

hunger soaked spirits, yearning minds

yes, she is the one,

agape's progeny,

servant to the invisible,

lover of the unloved lovely

the crown belongs to this

blistered beauty, she

who perservered with a

single jeweled thought:

the necessity to love

she is queen of

the forgotten no one

no ones

maid of love

*************

Copyright 2008 Regina Y. Evans, All Rights Reserved ( from the book Nothing Cool About Ten available on http://www.smashwords.com/ and appears in my US Copyrighted play Echo: A Poetic Journey into Justice. A play to bring awareness to the horrors of sex trafficking.)

waited

2010-12-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

today feels historic. i am not sure why but it feels as it the earth has been cut in two. top to bottom. revealing a beautiful golden wing of wisdom. and i am to climb upon its softness away (and beyond) to another space and zone. a place where i have never been. but it knows my name. it has been waiting for me. for many moons. patiently clinging to hope and wishing for my arrival. so, here i am now. at the threshold of another existence called part two.

i am as ready as i will ever be.

peace. be with me.

selah.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

precipice

2010-12-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

all has been handed to the spin

feeling the whirl of breath's blow

eyes rested, gripped upon the rim

anticipation beats into the stillness

destiny bequeaths out a white stone

lettered language entangled upon it

a ticket deciphered through love

moment dances
life whispered a blink
time tocked out its birth

release

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the published book Nothing Cool About Ten, available on http://www.smashwords.com/)

my dear poetry....

2010-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

....i so adore you.

it is beautifully quiet

here in the castle.

just you and i together.

so i shall search the pockets

of your wisdom.

your touch is my solace.

pen. paper.

inspiration.

Part One: The Treasure Hunt

2010-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

**i wrote this short story, The Treasure Hunt, many moons ago. it appears in my published book: Nonnie And The Butterfly. i love this story! so have a read (it is in three installments) and i hope that you enjoy it too!

****************************

The Treasure Hunt

I felt a tap of warm love on my shoulder. It was God: loving, tender, and filled with life. It was also about 2am in the morning! You see, God and I are friends. He is my Father, My Protector and My Great Love. But, yes, we have a very special friendship. Truth be told, God is just simply ALL THINGS. And, well, one of the many things that we love to do together is to play games! The beautiful morning hours are our special time together. Yep, just me and God. God and I. The two of us.

Well, this morning was no different from any other...apparently. "Wake up Reggie", He whispered into my ear. "Yes My Lord? I'm awake. I think," I said with sleep in my voice.

"I have something to ask you," He said as He handed me a cup of hot cocoa.

"Thanks God! May I have four marshmallows in my cocoa, please?" I asked.

"Yes Reg. Four?" He queried.

"Uh huh...four! Thank you!", I responded with a big chocolate smile.

As I sipped, God began to speak (well tried to anyway), "Reg...."

"Hey God", I interrupted, "would you like a sip?".

"No thank you Reg but I AM trying to ask you something. Are you listening or are you speaking? The choice of fewer words is always a wise one, by the way," He said. Then He reached to give me a love tap. Convicted with love! The story of my life with GOD.

"Forgive me God, I'm listening," I said.

"Well, I'd like to play another game with you," God stated.

"FOR SURE! Which one?" I asked excitedly.

"Treasure Hunt!" He said.

"Well, that sounds intriguing! I'm in!" I said through big gulps of cocoa.

"Follow me then", He said. He took my hand gently and I skipped after Him happily. Into the living room we went. "Okay, now close your eyes while I put everything for the Treasure Hunt into place," He said. As He was setting up and creating His game, I decided to say a little prayer. Well, I thought that it might give me a boost during the hunt!

I started, "Dear God, I ask you for your strength and wisdom...."

"No cheating!" God interrupted. "You have to do it all on your own."

"What? Why? How? I don't think that I know how to do anything on my own anymore God!!!!" I panicked.

"Just kidding, Reg!" He said as He roared with divine laughter.

"Yep. That's My God. The one with the huge sense of humour!" I said, shaking my head. "Very funny," I thought as He calmed my nerves.

Not too long after, I felt another one of God's love taps on my shoulder. "Open your eyes", He said. "It is time to seek and find your treasure!"

While this game sounded amazingly fun, at the same time, I was a bit perplexed. "Where do I start Lord?" I asked.

"At the beginning." He responded.

"Thanks God, that, was, erm, to the point. You are an Entity of few words indeed!" I sighed.

"Here, grab My Hand. I'll show you where to start. Right here. Start here."

"Okay, Forever thankful Lord", I said.

I looked to my left, then spun around with a flourish, as one does when one has a tendency to be dramatic, and looked right. Flourish or not, I still couldn't seem to find my way. I was lost already!

"Reg, right here," God said. "Look straight ahead and WALK the path which lies in front of you. But be careful as it is a bit narrow. Wise and calm will keep you in good stead."

As God had instructed, I looked, and walked, straight ahead. But after I took a few steps, and being the clumsy girl that I am, I started to tumble. "Whoa! GOD!" I screamed, dramatically, of course. In the blink of an eye, God reached out, stopped me from falling, and placed me back onto the narrow path. "Are you okay, Reg?" He asked as He looked over me lovingly for any bruising.

"Yes God. I am a little bit shaken, but I am fine. I knew you would catch me though! Thank you...again," I said.

I started off again. I then realised that, while I had an idea of what path to take, well, I had NO idea what I was searching for. "God, what is it exactly that I am searching for? What am I seeking?", I asked.

"TREASURE", He smiled.

Yes, He was certainly a God of few words, I thought to myself.

"I heard your thoughts just then young lady. Just remember: Those who have knowledge use words with restraint," He said.

"Please forgive me Dear Lord but one of my favourite verses says: Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge," I said. "Can you please help me a bit more, Father?" I asked.

"Certainly! Ask no further! And, nice one by the way", He said. "You've been reading up on me. Good girl! Here, I will give you five clues of instruction:

1) You are looking for "a peace which surpassed all understanding",

2) you must show me the meaning of everlasting love,

3) you must discover humility,

4) you are to find "the calm in the storm". We will call it "contentment". And

5) you must bring patience to me in the palm of your hand."

"What?" I thought. He has thrown the gauntlet down for sure! What a challenge. Well, there are many things that I know about my God and one of those things is this: He is challenging but He never overloads me with things that I can't handle. And, when I am feeling tired I just simply cry out for a GOD-INFUSION (well, most times anyway!)! Yet in still, I was a little bit worried. I then heard God say "Look up!" And as I did, I read FAITH in His eyes. I was ready to begin. But first, I had somethings that I wanted to say to God. I prayed, "You are beautiful and you are amazing. Thank you ever so much for the lessons that I am sure to receive. Please open my heart, Dear Lord so that your knowledge, wisdom and compassion may freely flow into me. I love you. AMEN."

"I know that you love me, Reg", God said. (That made me smile. AMEN)

"Off you go then! Find your special PEACE!" God shouted gleefully.

(con't in the next section below...)

*******

Part Two: The Treasure Hunt

2010-12-14T08:05:00.001-08:00

I held my breath and began to believe that I could find my Godly treasures. My eyes were suddenly directed to the living room couch. There I saw my visiting Mother sleeping soundly. I walked over to her and looked down at her beautiful face. She looked like an angel. A small and delicate woman with a heart of gold and fire in her eyes. I placed my hand on her tummy.

"Here," I said to God. "Here it is....my Mommy's womb. It is where you created me. It is where I first remember feeling that "special" kind of peace: protected, loved, not afraid, bold, and free. You built this space, for me. With your Hand, God."

I said, "She used to sing to me you know?".

"Yes she did. A voice of an angel," said God. "Do you remember the song that I taught you to sing while you where in your Mother's womb?" He asked.

"Yes Lord, I remember. Everyday at 6am, I think it was, you gave me a singing lesson! I would wake and you would sing in the most beautiful and calming of voices: If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." I said. "It is still my favourite Psalm."

"So, yes, God, my mother's womb. I think it is the peace that surpasses all understanding. Am I correct?" I asked.

"You have done well Reg." God said with a kiss. "Now onto your second task: everlasting love."

"Oh, everlasting LURVVVVVE!" I said as I looked off dreamily. I looked over to find God shaking His head in amusement. "Reg, the everlasting love that you are seeking in this Treasure Hunt is NOT of this world." He explained. "It is a love that does not require a return, it is free flowing, seeking and wanting only the best for another. It is selfless and giving. It is patient and kind. This is the love that you are seeking." He said.

"Oh!", I said, a bit startled. "I was thinking that you were speaking about the kind of love that you see in the movies! You know...passionate kisses, strolls in the park, candlelight dinners!"

"No Reg. I'm talking about AGAPE. My love. It is the kind of love that is unconditional, spontaneous, and continual. No strings attach. An IN DWELLING." He said.

"Oookay!" I said, trying desperately to look as if I understood.

"Don't worry Reg" God said. "I think that you will do just fine Let's begin."

At that point, I started twirling for some reason. Twirling, twirling, and twirling some more. Waves of childlike laughter overwhelmed me. I was just having the best time! When I became dizzy...I stopped. I stood right in front of a picture of a lil gurl with God in her eyes. "SARAH!", I yelled out! That's why I was twirling! Sarah was THE PRINCESS OF TWIRLING! It was her favorite thing. Sarah could twirl ANYWHERE. At the beach, on the Opera House stairs, in stores, and on sidewalks. It was all the same to her! And she did it with a smile filled with laughter. Nor did she care if she fell over into a joyous heap!

Well, there she was, smiling back at me in the most beautiful picture that I have ever seen. I picked it up and kissed it. Let me tell you something about my friend Sarah. The fruit of The Spirit? The beautiful characteristics that we see in Christ? Yep, she has them all (well, as much as any human angel could have at least!): joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Her whole being exuded the LOVE OF GOD.

I caught my breath. Could it be Sarah? Was SHE everlasting love? "GOD! I found it! Everlasting love. It is here! Right here in my lil angel friend Sarah! " I said.

"Sarah is the treasure. AM I right God?"

God looked at me, smiled and we both cried ot together "ITS ALL LOVE!". I fell into His arms bent over in laughter and joy! I had found it...everlasting love. Not candlelight dinners and walks through the park but TRUE LOVE. God's love!

And there I was holding a picture of the little girl who possessed the spirit so profoundly and deeply AND I was in GOD'S arms! A very delicious moment in time.

After a while, God gently guided me to the middle of the living room floor again. "What's the next treasure to find God?"

"Humility." He said. "And I'd like for you to search in here."

I looked over and saw Him placing, on the floor, the most beautiful treasure chest imaginable. It reminded me of one that a Pirate would have been happy to find as he sailed the deep blue seas on his journey. "What is this, God?" I asked.

"It is where I keep my very special mementos," He said. "Here, have a look. See what you can find. Just be gentle. You will find that humility is delicate in many ways. However, at it core you will find true and great strength."

At that point I saw a beautiful light in His eyes. "Wow" I thought. "Whatever I am looking for must be truly special to God. And loved."

I began to search through God's very own personal momentos. Tucked away in the corner, at the bottom, I saw a glowing beautiful cloth. I picked it up and proceeded to unwrap it. What was inside took my breath away. It was the most loving pair of eyes that I had ever seen. I took them out of their protective covering and placed first one, and then the second one on the palm of my hand. I raised my hand to eye level and peered into them. They were strikingly deep of in colour. Like God's night sky with twinkling stars. Kind, meek, gentle, and strong. Humility pervaded them. Yes, this is what I was seeking. Humility. Right there. In a pair of eyes which looked like the sparkling dark ocean's surface. A Pirate's delight. A true treasure.

I turned to God, knelt on my knees, bowed my head, and lifted my hand to Him so He could view the eyes. I said softly, "Lord, I think that these are the most humble eyes that I have ever encountered. Is this the treasure?"

"Yes, Reg, and aren't they beautiful?" He asked.

"Yes Lord. Please take them. These eyes should be with you always." I said.

"Yes Reg. You are correct. They normally are. I placed them in your path so that you could partake in their beauty. So that you could "see"." He said.

With that, God gently picked up THE EYES and placed them in His heart.

"There Reg, now they are in the proper place and you had a chance to know of their humility and beauty too." I am pleased.

"Me too, God. Me too."

(con't in the next section below...)

*****

Part Three: The Treasure Hunt

2010-12-14T08:04:00.001-08:00

Then, just as suddenly, the wind began to kick up a great fuss in the living room. A mighty storm was brewing in the ceiling above! I looked around to find God but He had disappeared. No matter, I knew that He was still with me. I felt myself being tossed to and fro, back and forwards, and side to side. I tried to scramble under the table but the wind tossed it over and onto on its top. BOOM! A crash of thunder! Lightning and rain filled the room. The wind began to toss me toward the glass sliding door strongly. I was frightened.

"GOD! HELP ME! PLEASE!" I screamed.

"Stand up." I heard a calm voice whisper.

"WHAT??? No way. I'm scared!!!"

"STAND UP!" the voice repeated itself. This time a bit louder.

So, I attempted to stand...wobbling uneasily to my feet. Eventually, I stood. Upright and stable. Right in the middle of the worse storm that one could ever experience in their very own living room!

I began to feel a calmness envelop me. The winds were still raging, the thunder clapping, and the rains pouring. But there I stood. Tall, fearless, and unbowed.

I STOOD STILL. "Yes, I see" I said. "This must be contentment." There is was. Right in the middle of the storm. "Is this it, God?" I yelled over the storms loud clamour. "Is this contentment?"

In an instant the storm subsided. "Yes Reg, contentment it is. Never forget that serenity can be found in the most difficult of times. Just call My Name. I am always with you." He then looked through my eyes and said, "It's simple, lean on me always. My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness."

Then God said, "One more Reg. And My will be done. It is time for you to seek PATIENCE."

"Oh no!" I groaned. "God, really, I don't think that I can find patience."

"Have you learned nothing my child? No, YOU can't find patience. You have tried for 43 years. Your power lies within me. It is there that you will be able to find patience. BY MY SPIRIT," God boomed.

"And by the way, your grumbling is becoming a little bit annoying regarding this issue of patience. I am teaching you a lesson because I LOVE YOU. It is not my intention to hurt you. THAT, in fact, is impossible." God gently then gave me a love tap. Convicted with love. AGAIN!

Truth be told, I still had a grumbling spirit as I went off in pursuit of patience. It had eluded me for most of my life. Why should it be any different now? And, really, I just didn't "feel" like trying to find it AGAIN. Well, as they say, FAITH is not a feeling. It is just something that you do. So I decided to stand on faith and upon God's grace. He had been so good to me. What was there to lose? And besides, He was the BEST playmate that a girl could EVER have! Straight ahead I walked. Onto the narrow path.

I searched high and low...for hours. I looked under the couch (trying not to wake my mother who was still fast asleep.) searched behind all of the books on the shelf, and looked behind all of the pictures on the wall. Well, PATIENCE was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. I searched again. Over and over. EVERYWHERE. I even called it's name, "PATIENCE, come out, come out, where ever you are." It kept hiding.

Much like a spoiled child I stomped my foot (twice, even) in frustration, and plonked down on the floor. Right in front of GOD. I gave Him my best scowl-arms-folded-one-eyebrow-up look.

"Lord", I said exasperated.

"Yes", He of few words replied.

"I simply can't find it!" I pouted.

"Well, what do you do when you can't find something, Reg?", God asked.

"Umm, pray?" I answered.

"Yes, and...."

"OH, and ask! But not before praising your Holy and blessed name, of course!" I said with excitement.

"HALLELUJAH!!!" God roared.

He then reached for my hand and placed PATIENCE right into its palm!!! There it was. Staring at me. Right in my face!

"LORD?" I said.

"YES." He replied.

"Well, no disrespect meant, but it seems kinda' small. In fact, I can hardly see it." I said, humbly, of course.

"Yes, my love. You must believe Me when I tell you that a little bit of my patience goes a very long way!" He chuckled (for some reason). "It is all that you need. It is much like having a mustard seed of FAITH."

"Of course, Lord. Thank you ever so much."

Then God picked up all of my treasures that He had bequeathed to me, tied them together with a big purple bow, and placed them into my heart. (You may remember that I had previously lost my heart to God during another round of game playing! He has been lovingly growing it ever since.)

Well, I was spent. God gently picked me up and placed me in His lap. He said "I love you and you have done well!"

"And you, my child, are one of MY treasures." He then rocked me back to sleep.

ps There is no moral to this story...but I do have a suggestion. Should God come to you with a cup of cocoa at 2am in the morn, make sure that you jump out of your bed with joy and happiness. After all, who knows what GODLY treasures you may find? And don't forget the marshmallows!

amen

Copyright 2008 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved, from the published book Nonnie And The Butterfly

beloved (for the sex trafficked beloved)

2010-12-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Every valley shall be raised up,

every mountain and hill made low;

the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.*

for her
the beloved

the never
will be
forgotten

loved
lovely

*Isaiah 40:4

You Came, Too, by Nikki Giovanni

2010-12-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

I came to the crowd seeking friends

I came to the crowd seeking love

I came to the crowd for understanding

I found you

I came to the crowd to weep

I came to the crowd to laugh

You dried my tears

You shared my happiness

I went from the crowd seeking you

I went from the crowd seeking me

I went from the crowd forever

You came, too

**this is a most beautiful poem. I have always loved the feel and texture of the love of freedom that runs wildly through it.

Source: http://www.afropoets.net/nikkigiovanni19.html

Poetry: Shifted

2010-12-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

he shifted me to a new space

place of love and quiet yearning

for him

in this area i can only see

the abundance and firm

grip of his i am upon my soul

truly, it is the only feel that

i desire my spirit to recognize

the overflow, downpour

the smell of the powerful

reign of his soft presence

i have decided to stay

upon this magic

carpet ride

called the day’s dawn.

loved and loving

with open arms

*i really love this poem and what it says to me. i wrote it some time ago. but, sho nuff it is singing in my ear..in this moment! i m currently enjoying (really enjoying) reconnecting with my family. restoration. dancing into a new space. i feel loved and wanted. needed even. it is so funny how we as individuals bloom into the whole once we soak in the life of being loved. knowing love. it feels sasfe. and i also feel like i have room to flap my creative wings. gratitude. that is what is roaming within me. gratitude.

plain and simple.

clicking my heels

2010-12-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

writing on wings....

designing while in flight....

music for the eyes of my heart.....

photography that lives on the breath of forever....

painting with an unusual brush stroke....

dancing up a storm.....
lyric writing with a pen of a butterfly.....
poetry....ahhhh....poetry.....
playwriting for social justice......

this is my lover.....

on and on....

everlasting....

creating what is inside of me.....

realizing.....

my poetic.....

is vastly forever...

and dangerously compassionate...

And For No Reason, by Hafez

2010-12-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

And

For no reason

I start skipping like a child.

And

For no reason

I turn into a leaf

That is carried so high

I kiss the Sun's mouth

And dissolve.

And

For no reason

A thousand birds

Choose my head for a conference table,

Start passing their

Cups of wine

And their wild songbooks all around.

And

For every reason in existence

I begin to eternally,

To eternally laugh and love!

When I turn into a leaf

And start dancing,

I run to kiss our beautiful friend

And I dissolve in the truth

That I Am.

****************

Hafez. Such a wonderful poet. Read more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafez

just some "reckonings"

2010-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

reckoning 1

crystal vision

birthed out of

the backside of a storm

stellar sight

in play

reckoning too

bright tears streaked in wonder

because, alas, she didn't miss

instead, she saw, understood

beauty in motion, faith in bloom

reckoning III

compassion's journey

relentlessly found me

yes, i

reckoning for

four corners of the winds

blowing the breeze of

sweetness in my face.

covering my crown.

grace of gifting flowing

reckoning five

tune in the micro speck

of relevant existence

hoo

ray

**from time to time i will post reckonings. these reckonings are lil glimpses of my poetry. all the above have been taken from bigger pieces of my poetry and tweaked a bit. basically, whatever catches the eyes of my heart in the moment. there are 5 reckonings for today. five is the number of grace. today i just feel like smiling.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved

Daily Thoughts from Jean Vanier - 12/01/10

2010-12-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Trust

A child needs to find security in the trust of another who is there to protect, guide, affirm and love him. This trust forms the foundations of his personality and it allows him to develop self-assurance and confidence. It gives him stability, strength and a set of beliefs which allow him little by little to welcome and integrate reality, to discover who he is and what are his roots, language, religion, values and family traditions. Knowing who he is, he can then discover who he is called to become. - Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home,p.84

smile

2010-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

what was and

i used to reside
have passed away
those spaces are naked now
bare, soundly forever asleep
because
i simply grew tired
the yearning, the worry
the weariness, the edge

so i lullabyed darkness to its death

but i will fondly ponder those play rooms
they deserve such an honored remembrance
afterall, they were the mid wife of my destiny
the birther of an elongated horizon

because

it was always meant

to be

*this is one of my fav poems. i wrote it quite some time ago. maybe a year or so. still love it. i included it in my book!

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans, from the book Nothing Cool About Ten, by Regina Y. Evans. Available on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31349

This Thing: Choice

2010-11-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

today i am just thinking about how much does someone love. ever gotten weary of "loving?" i have. from head to toe.

i woke up thinking about this lovin' thing and then read a post from my friend JOY (that's her nickname cus she is awesome!) and that just confirmed it. i have made choices in love, friendship and life to lay myself bare. and ya'll know what happens when you assume that posture. you are a magnet for it all: the good and the bad. and often the downright ugly. and so many times the gorgoeusly sweet! so, yes, i've been poorly treated and i have been amazingly loved.

in my older age, i fasten on tightly to the notion of choice. i have a choice to walk away from someone's bullshit cus "they tripping". or I have a choice to stick around and see what kinda crazycrap or compassionatezeal has taken up residence in their being. or to just stay and learn love and be love. or just leave and learn love and be love. choice. its a trip, isn't it?! either way, i learn about myself. my failings, my strengths. whatever the case may be. it is a time of growth.

i have recently begun a journey of reconnecting with my family. and this is a journey that i choose willingly to remain upon. through it all. good. and the aweful! so we will see! my choice, i chose. wisely. blood is blood.

yesterday my big sis gave me a new pair of shoes. as she handed them to me she said "You will be able to walk long distances in these. They are very comfortable." And, yes, they are comfortable and quite fabulous to look upon. So, why the shoe story? Well, for me it was a beautiful moment. Something I would have missed out on if i had made the choice of "turning the key" in another direction. And, big sis/lil sis minutes are just special. everyone knows that!

is there a moral to this story? yes...sometimes you gotta know when ta hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. know when to walk away and know when to walk long. In your sister's shoes.

live your life.

peace

** Watch out every Tuesday Morning for my new series called This Thing. The series is on "the truth of the matter" of life. This is the first installment. Feel free to leave thoughts, comments, or impressions.

Nuff Said

2010-11-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt

peace

Poetry: Pas de Deux

2010-11-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

the moon dances around the star at night

into the early morning hours

it keeps its distance

never far away

shining brightly

lighting up patches of the black sky

upon a stage of graceful clouds

a divine eternal boundary

the two tango

at arms length

resting between songs

connected by God’s sufficient embrace

the Father rests his finger on the sky’s stage

changing the painted scenery

refusing to dull

the delight

of the dancing partners

pas de deux

pirouetting across the sky

one

then the other

never long in the same position

in God’s territory

bowing and leaping at faith

the star seeking reason and purpose

the light of God’s chosen moon holding it steady

beauty in the motion of dance

an unfamiliar troupe of stars

danced for the Father one night

a performance of wonderment and fear

searing into the star’s soul blinding her gaze

leaving weary steps

forgotten taps

uneven spins

the morning is forgiveness

dawn teaches

a new clarity of graceful twirls

a knowing “two-step”

death to life

pain to joy

the evening stage begins to beckons

in the light of darkness

the star and the moon dance

once more

for God

pas de deux

amen

**dedicated to Miriama. To whom the moon and the star has been bequeathed. Selah.

Big J's Place

2010-11-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.bigjsplace.com.au/

Check out my friend's, Jason Stevens, Australian television show! What a trooper! I have know Jason for some time now and can vouch for him that he is an awesome kinda guy. One of Australia's gems for sure. I am so inspired by how he has held onto his dreams until fulfillment. The show also features his beautiful wife Beck (who is awesome in her own right and together they make a WOWZAA gorgeous and talented team!) They also rock because they have both stepped up as a team to aid in the fight against sex trafficking. Jason and Beck helped to bring the movie Call and Response (a movie bringing awareness to sex trafficking) to Australia. I believe that they hosted an awareness event/fundraiser for the movie. Also, I believe, that they are involved with additional fundraising efforts on behalf of sex trafficked victims.

Check out the first Big J's Place show at the link below:

http://www.bigjsplace.com.au/

Want to know more about Jason and Beck Stevens? Check out the links below:

Big J's Place Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bigjsplace

Jason'sTwitter: http://twitter.com/bigjstevens/status/2856748352274432

Website for Beck's business: http://www.pinnacleofpretty.com.au/#/beauty-consulting/4541190811

And to check out the Movie Call and Response go to the link below:

http://www.callandresponse.com/

just you

2010-11-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

if you could

what would you sing?

and would it matter if no one

heard, saw, knew

your tune?

sing

you

let

heaven

generations

2010-11-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

i saw Hope standing

on top of a beautiful ladder

she was touching

the heart of heaven

and she smiled

i yearned to do the same

to experience the flutter

i began my climb

to step up, stand up

in an instant moment of

the history of my generations

i found myself floating

in the circle of a restful hurricane

called the embrace of Love.

we decided to stay

Quote Of The Decade

2010-11-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight." e. e. cummings

******

I came across this quote on a tweet by Chad Hymas. Now here is a man, I reckon, who has an amazing journey and knows a bit of the things of life. Check out part of his bio:

"At the age of 27, Chad Hymas' life changed instantaneously when an accident left him a quadriplegic. Since that time Chad has been recognized by the state of Utah as the Superior Civilian of the Year. He is the president of his own communications company and an internet marketing company. As a member of the National Speakers Association Chad travels as many as 150,000 miles a year speaking to hundreds of professional and civic organizations such as Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T, Rainbird, IHC, American Express, Prudential Life, Vast FX, Zion Securities, and others."

Full bio and website here: http://www.chadhymas.com/bio.html

Follow Chad Hymas on twitter at: http://twitter.com/chadlhymas

What a treat is was for my heart to read such a quote from a man who has overcome incredible odds to be who he was destined to be. Be encouraged.

Fly wild.

peace

ps i placed the picture of the eagle walking because we love the whole idea and symbolism of eagles soaring but i also find it fascinating and unique (because we don't see nor think of it much!) that eagles can actually walk strong too! and the fab MC Hammer always says: DO THE EAGLE WALK! Regina translation: Keep on truckin! in spite of!

Nothing Cool About Ten, by Regina Y. Evans

2010-11-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

A collection of my poetry and short stories.

Available on Smashwords. 10 dollars! Also, you can sample ten percent of the book for free!!

Click on the following link:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31349

Thank you for your interest and purchase!

-peace

My fav (of the moment) Winnie the Pooh quote

2010-11-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

"There is something you must always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Pooh

****

*I saw this quote on a To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) tweet. Check out the organization. TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Here is their website link: http://www.twloha.com/

Such a funny thing....

2010-11-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

No matter how many bumps or bruises. No matter the heartache and pain. Life bequeaths to you a certain set of giftings and talents. And those things are unique to you. They can never be stripped. I find that quite fascinating.

Oftentimes as I am going through a healing process, when I am completely and utterly raw...I turn towards my giftings: writing and designing clothes. For me, these places are a calm space of worship to Christ. Because He placed those things uniquely in my hands. For me. And they will flow through me in my own Christ inspired way. Always.

I reckon that is cool. Seems like there is something rather warm about TEN.

peace

Broken Cistern

2010-11-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

You budda", she spoke.

I looked up to see a girl tryin' ta act like what she thought a woman of today should be actin' like. Tough, armour on. The words street cred come to mind.

"I beg your pardon?" I stammered out.

"I said you budda." she said a bit louder with drawn out vowels. As if the elevation of sound would trigger the knowing.

I stared at her blankly, searchingly.

She then cranked out a larger than life laugh and said, "I like what you wearin'. Budda. You budda." She shrugged.

"Oh. Umm, thanks. Budda. Yes." I gulped.

Conversation sprung forth cus of "budda". Right there. In a Harlem grocery store.

She seemed a bit young to be out in the middle of the day. So, my mouth said what my mind thought.

"Why aren't you in school? Don't you go to school? Its 1 o'clock."

"Did I just say that?" my brain mused.

Well, it was too late to back it right up. I stood my ground. I stared intently. Right into the swimming pools of living waters that she knew only as her eyes.

In query's moment I was sure that I heard a crack.

"Was that her heart?" I wondered.

Shift. Answered. Yes, it was.

Soft terseness spilled from her face.

She spoke, "Well, I, well, my Momma don't worry about it so I don't neither. Why you care anyway? What's it to you?"

I paused a moment. Wondering "Truth. What was it to me?"

Don't blink.

"I care because I care about young beautiful girls who should be taking advantage of ALL their opportunities in life. How else do you plan to rule the world? You can't do it on fumes! You need to go to school!"

More softness of face.

Side stepped. She imagined.

"You live around here?" Her.

"Yes, when I am in the country." Me.

When you in the country?" Her, again.

"Yes, when I'm in the country. I spend most of the year in Australia. Ever been there?" Me, last shot.

Bingo.

Seed planted.

And with that the newness of a relationship was birthed. Whenever I stepped to the Black Mecca called Harlem, Budda (me) and Budda's friend (her) would spend many evenings sittin' on my Brownstone stoop. Engaged in life. Relationship.

She brought her friends. I brought the chips and red soda. Laughter, questions, stories, passions, dreams. Revealed. Healed. Our individual broken cisterns mended a bit more by the touch of hands. Fingerprints of life. Required.

Be budda.

Note: Sometimes in life, in a split second, we have the opportunity to dive head first into the heart of the matter. Love. May you run like you have never run before and chase like you have never chased before. Discover her. Discover you.

Me And Miss Charlotte (Tea for Two: One Loving Racist and a Black Girl)

2010-11-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

I can remember the first time my eyes set upon the crevices and valleys of Miss Charlotte's face. It was 1996 and I was hanging out in one of Sydney's posh lil areas called Double Bay (or Double Pay as it is cheekily known locally). Double Bay. An area of try-hards as far as I could tell. Littered with "fashionistas" wearing the latest of the lately thing that only those in the know would wear. As of late.

I found myself captivated with Miss. Charlotte. I yearned to know "the reasons why" of her being. I wanted to know how she learned to sip her tea with her lips pursed so delicately. My own tea sipping always ended with wet dribbles down my chin and onto my slightly wrinkled tee shirt.

Intrigue grabbed my spirit and whispered, "Perfectly coiffed, extraordinarily turned out, who/why/how is that lady?"

I could not walk past her table without searching her out. Or could I?

Did you know that sometimes feet have a thought process of their own?

Off I zoomed. Over to her table. I stood. Said bravely "Hello. Ummm, I'm Reggie and I was just wondering who you are? Are you a model or something?"

There. I had introduced myself. I watched her as she watched me. Watching her. A slow smile drew up the corners of her mouth. Silk unfurled out of her mouth, "My name is Charlotte and, no, I am not a model. I am 82 years old. And, darling, that is two years past the cut off age for modelling these days."

The air stopped dead in its tracks.

"Would you like to join me for a cup of tea?" she asked. Head ever so slightly tilted to the side.

Sometimes in life God sends you an angel who won't highlight the silliness that floats out of your mouth.

"Of course. No I meant...were you a model......when you were young....."

"Would you like to join me" she repeated.

I sat. Still.

That was our first meeting. Over the course of the years Miss Charlotte and I spent a gorgeous amount of minutes together. Chatting, sipping tea (she taught me her non dribbling techniques), laughing and shopping. I learned of her years as a youngster growing up in Germany. I was caressed by the chapters of her life spent in America. She was a lover of passion. A world traveller. She reigned before her time. No man ruled over her. She went where she wanted to go and did what she wanted to do. The sky was her very own canvas, playtoy. A woman after my own heart. Selah.

I loved her smile and the twinkling blue stars which floated out of her irises. She was prone to tottering to the left a little bit as she walked. So, we often found ourselves strolling down the streets of Sydney arm in arm. Resting a bit of her weight upon my being. I felt protective.

She and I, Miss Charlotte and me. We enjoyed each other. The sublimeness of good company and friendship. Joy.

But, there was one small issue. A tiny glitch. Perhaps some would refer to it as a problem. I will leave that for you to decide. You see, I learned early on that Miss Charlotte had a habit of saying such things as "Reggie darling even though you are dark black you are very beautiful". And it continued "You have such big fluffy lips." And the dreaded "Your behind is rather large. Round. Very round. Is that common for Negro girls?"

Gasp.

To make matters worse it seemed that in her sunset years Miss Charlotte would often forget that she had already spun me dry with her series of queries and "compliments". My visits to what I quietly nicknamed "The Black Ditch Of Miss Charlotte" left me quizzical. But, I went. Many times. I answered. I responded. Again and again. "Thank you for complimenting my chocolate drop colored skin, Miss Charlotte" Over and over. 'Yes Ma'am my lips are gloriously full." Round and round again. "Yes, black women are world renown to be beautifully curvy, Miss Charlotte."

My mouth's work burned my ear drums. Everytime.

Here is the thing.

I had really grown to love my beautiful friend. I ran head first into the details of her kaleidoscope exploits. I could not get enough of her stories of she-strength. I learned. I breathed in a new slice of existence because of Miss Charlotte.

So, what was I to do?

Sometimes one has to take life for what it is. And what it was...was this: A beautiful woman, loving and kind. That was one hand. And then on the other hand she possessed this, this...thing called prejuidice.

My decision. My choice.

I chose life. Relationship. In spite of.

We met. Together. On common ground. A place of High Tea, Life Journeys, Anticipated Chats, and Afternoon Strolls.

And, yes, more than occasionally we criss crossed and danced around each. At that place.

"Sometime in life we have to hold each other's hand through all the bullshit and just go for the gold."

Miss Charlotte. She taught me that.

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the book "Nothing Cool About Ten")

BishShup!

2010-11-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mean ol cuss. Meaner than a rattlesnake.

thought he was all dat.

Him and his 99 dollar suits,

plastic croc shoes, rented vehicled.

All fake false flash and wouldn't no' character.

Thought he was it, the one.

talkin' bout "i's a Bishshup,

i's called. yes Lawd!"

Called you what?

Try hard. Wanna bee.

buzz zzz. swat.

Prada, Gucci, but sportin' those twins Poly and Ester,

which, by the by, is okay, fine, great, who cares?

But squish thinkin' i'm stupid, not with it,

cus i shop thrift, old, secondthirdfourth hand.

Sport an afro, natural gurl.

Not into the big red church hats

and they ain't into me.

I'm just doin' my thang.

Searching, finding, securing

the who of who i am.

See me? See.

dude tried ta mentally beat the me outta me.

i Jet. ted. faster than wind blows.

not as gentle tho.

Yo! Bishshup! Bishshup!

You don been

Queened.

Check. and. Mate.

*Haha! Well, my book has a section on the guys that I have dated. i reckon I was pretty pissed off when I wrote this piece! Gosh, I know how to pick 'em, eh?? Welcome to Da Bishshup. And here's to growth. His and mine. Can I get an Amen?

Oak Leaves, Mothers, and Legacy

2010-11-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a special day. Sounds cliche? Well, here's the deal. Thanksgiving 2010 was a day that my family came together after many years of being fractured. This after many prayers whispered into the ear of heaven from healing friends with names such as Bev, Rellie and Cassandra. So, yes. A miracle. I reckon. The afternoon found me helping my Mom prepare her "stuck her foot in it" candy yams for some of the homeless and hungry beloved of our city. Later, we floated over to a beaut of a restaurant to dip into a magical evening of shared laughter and fine dining. My family was not alone at the table. Somewhere during the beginning of the dining adventure Joy sat down and unfolded a menu of delight. The pleasure was all ours. Alas, we saw, up close and personal, that there is indeed room at the table. For All and Whomsoever. Selah.

For me, one of the most amazing gems of the nuit was the venue. A gorgeous restaurant which sits upon the shores of the beautiful lake in our city. And, wondrously so, the restaurant is the former site of the old Lake House. From back in the day. I'm talking history, now. Willie Brown and Ron Dellums as young men, back in the day. A place where the Alpha's and Aka's, Deltas, Omega's used to gather and have dances (and other community events). For those of you who know the history of Black Greek organizations you will understand the feel of that statement. My Mom told me that it was the place where my Dad courted her! My Dad was the president of his undergraduate chapter of Alphas when they were in college. "The Black, Black and Old Gold!"

So, there we sat, soaking in the lovely view. And an extra bonus? I was able to step upon a bit of my Mom's own personal legacy. Literally. You see, the restaurant is owned by the city. And run by an amazing restaurateur. Because it is owned by the city, several organizations pitched in to help develop this slice of beauty. Two of those organizations are Goodwill and Rotary. My Mother is the first woman and first non white person to Chair (Internationally) Goodwill. And she is very active in Rotary in our city (heading its finance committee at one time, amongst other committees).

As we walked down the steps of the restaurant to our family Thanksgiving dinner she stopped us and pointed to the pavement. The pavement has plaques in the shape of oak leaves that have the names of people who helped to contribute to the restoration of this restaurant and its surroundings. And we looked. And there I saw my Mom's name: Dr. Rosemay S. Darden. It literally took my breath away for a moment.

I suppose to some this seems like a small thing. An oak leaf with a name. My Mom, afterall, has conference rooms across America named after her, her name appears on the slate of funders for Berkeley Black Rep, she is friends with several African Dignitaries, has broken ground on huge complexes all around the USA, briefed President Bush, sat with President Obama at a "thank you for donating all of your whole lotta money" type of event in San Francisco (An aside: One is best advised to not speak ill of our esteemed President in my Mother's ear shot. She cried when he was elected. She still is, afterall, a lil black girl from Mobile, Alabama. On the inside. She remembers the times that she was told "No, you can't." She never listened. Neither did President Obama. They are kindred spirits. Apparently.)

Anyway I digress. Back to the point. My Mother. Her achievements (and the oak leaf). My Mom is "that chick". Tenacious, like fire, a do-er, quietly compassionate. Success.

So, there I stared at this plaque. In the shape of an oak leaf. Small in comparison to her many achievements. Why was I smiling like a child with a handful of special lollipops?

One word. Legacy. Left behind in the city where I was born. My city. My Mom's oak leaf represents a place where I can always go. And remember. I can remember her strength...against the voices who told her she was not to be. Her perseverance against all odds. And I can smile. Because, as wild as she is, the Lord carried her over and above. She is a feisty eagle.

Yesterday, I realized that I am the continuation of my Mother's flight. Like the extraordinary Aviator Amelia Earhart my Mom's life has been filled with challenges and adventures. And like Earhart, shecontinues to live a life that believes: "The most effective way to do it, is to do it."*

Yes. Yesterday was special. Historic even. Because I heard differently and perhaps for the first time.

"Welcome home, Regina." Yours truly, the Oak Leaf.

peace

*Quote source: http://www.squidoo.com/amelia-earhart-quotes

Copyright 2010 Regina Y. Evans All Rights Reserved (from the book, "Nothing Cool About Ten")

The Funk, by Nikki Junker

2010-11-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

What is The Funk? The Funk is real... If you don't know who Brother Cornel West is you need to google him and figure it out because he will change your life. I learned about The Funk from him... How does he describe The Funk? Brother West talks about The Funk as real life, from "the womb to the tomb" he says... to paraphrase him he speaks that we are born in the funk (the womb) and we return to the funk (the tomb) but spend our entire lives trying to get away from the funk...and ain't that the truth? We spend our entire lives trying to avoid real life... we look away from the horrors of the world, pretend they don't exist, buy perfume so we don't smell the funk of our bodies, straighten our teeth so they are aesthetically pleasing, keep our children from seeing the homeless, hush conversations about addiction and use words such as passed away rather than died.... "they" say this is part of being human..civilization if you will and yes protection from the elements is important for health, life and happiness, but have we gone too far? It feels like nothing is real anymore.... and people cannot handle The Funk.... We need to get back to The Funk... real life...REAL LIFE... R E A L L I F E ... I want to take every adolescent whose eyes are glazed over watching My Super Sweet Sixteen and take them to the streets of Harlem.... Hell.. the streets of South East San Diego and show them this is not real life... real life is eating breathing sleeping surviving and loving...we must not forget the loving.... loving is living but I don't think anyone can truly know what it is to live or to love without experiencing the reality that is The Funk.... What really separates you from the man on the corner who has no home, no teeth and is dying for enough money to catch his next fix? How long would it take to change all of those things? Can you appreciate the fact that you have not been there without knowing just where it is that he is? I am not even sure this makes sense....and I know it takes people a lot of time being with me day in and day out to understand what I feel The Funk is, but wow...it is powerful and I am so thankful to Love for showing me. You have experienced The Funk and it made you alive... it keeps you surviving...it is like a deeper understanding of "when S**t hits the fan".... puking when you hear the words "Your Father is Dead" isThe Funk.... having an area to pee and a separate one to eat in a 3rd world country is The Funk.... Slicing down instead of across is The Funk... Dancing like no one is watching is The Funk... Realizing you do not have food to eat to feed your child or any way to obtain it is The Funk...War is the Funk.... The sun on your skin is The Funk.... Watching your lover stick a needle in their arm because they are powerless over addiction is The Funk... Sex is The Funk.... Changing your Grandmother's diapers is The Funk.... Drum rhythm is The Funk..... Birthing a child is The Funk...The Holocaust is The Funk... is it pain? is it beauty? is it good? is it evil? no...it is none of these things and all of these things...IT IS THE FUNK.....

** This is such a great read by an amazing young lady, Nikki Junker. She works (like myself!) as a Modern Day Abolitionist in the fight against sex trafficking. So, be sure to check her out. Please see the following:

Nikki's organization's website at: www.morethanpurpose.org

Nikki's Blog at: http://morethanpurpose.blogspot.com/

Nikki's twitter at: http://twitter.com/morethanpurpose

something

2010-11-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

something about cool crisp mornings

awakened sun, owning the sky

something about the dawn's newness

stimulates fingertip's imagination, senses

half sleep, half wake

something about cool crisp mornings

dancing, swirling

air, breathe

something about freshness comes to mind

something about you

(Poetry inspired by my friend, Sidney Coulter)

Picture from www.thebrooklynnomad.com by Andrew Hickey

copy kat

2010-11-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

wus wonderin if you finding

your own stride

or you still tryin ta co-opt mine?

you know why you

always runnin out of breath?

cus u never suckin in ur own breeze

alwayz reachin for

somebodie elses wind

and it keep tippin back to its owner

rightfully so

but time gon come round

tomorrow though.

for you especially.

gon bring you an

hour and a half of courage

for a start

so g'wan now

rite writely

bes bold

cus its a beat
out there
slumbering
in need
of your stroke

scribe on

(Ack! It just really annoys me when someone deliberately copies my writing style. Seriously, shouldn't folks at least say "Hey, such and such has been a help to me in terms of my writing." For goodness sake! it is such a precious space for me...and it feels like a violation. It also saddens me because creativity is such a God given gift and we should all work to develop what has been placed inside our own unique spirit. There is a reason why it is there! Well, you can try to wear someone elses coat...but it will never fit or fly. Just the way it tis. Cus what is meant for you? Its for you to birth. Gotta come through your own womb. So, don't be afraid of your own true giftings! There is beauty in the uniqueness of that!)

Ithaka, by Constantine P. Cavafy

2010-11-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

As you set out for Ithaka

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

angry Poseidon-don't be afraid of them:

you'll never find the things like that on your way

as long as you keep thoughts raised high,

as long as a rare excitement

stirs your spirit and your body.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

wild Poseidon-you won't encounter them

unless you bring them along inside your soul,

unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope your road is a long one.

May there be many summer mornings when,

with what pleasure, what joy,

you enter harbors you're seeing for the first time;

may you stop at Phoenician trading stations

to buy fine things,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony.

sensual perfume of every kind-

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

and may you visit many Egyptian cities

to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you're destined for.

But don't hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

so you're old by the time you reach the island,

wealthy with all you've gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.

Without her you wouldn't have set out.

She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,

you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

*This is one of my favorite poems of all times. I love the lessons that Cavafy renders in the beautiful text. I hope that your life knows wisdom. In full measure.*

on stage

2010-11-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

he danced

and i rested

in awe of the simplicity

of his movements

peaceful in the wash of his taps

i reached for his right hand

And he stenciled my heart

into his palm

twirling me into the

place where freedom

runs forever

he taught me

the possibilities from the spoken end

to the

certain beginning

and all

because my desire

lite a candle

honoring

the surrender

of yes

I am (A Conversation): Poetry Excerpt

2010-11-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

"He has been beautifully healing my heart,

my spirit, my soul

through grace and unfailing mercy

i am changed by love

and I am taking back my vision

watch me scale the heights see me sit upon the mountain top

cus it is time for me to soar

into my God given dream"

God’s Playin’ Games with My Heart, Again....

2010-11-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

I keep losin’.

It was 1am and I was restless.

So, I asked God if He wanted to play cards.

“Sure,” He said.

“But we are going to play with My deck.”

“Your deck, it is then!,” I responded.

We played 21.

He had me beat on the first go ’round.

“I won,” He stated plainly.

He looked at me. I looked at Him.

We both looked down at His winning hand.

There was something in His eyes.

“What is it God?,” I asked.

“21!,” He cried out!

“Hand over a piece of your heart.”

No longer one to quibble with God,

I gave it to Him.

Next, He wanted to roll the dice.

“My dice,” He said. “You go first.”

I rolled a two and a three.

He rolled 2 sevens.

2 sevens?? “God, how is that possible?,” I asked.

“Through Me all things are possible.”

“Of course!,” I chuckled.

“Hand over another piece,” He said gently.

“Gladly, God!,” was my reply.

Then, I said “Let’s play Monopoly!.”

“Ah yes, Monopoly! Now there's a game!,”

He laughed.

I sat back, a bit anxious, excited even.

God seemed particularly calm and cool.

“Ha! He thinks He’s gonna win…again!,”

I thought to myself. Well, alas, He ended up with everything

that I owned and all of my money.

This time He didn’t have to ask….

I handed to Him another piece of my

now rapidly disappearing heart.

I must admit, at this point I was gettin’ a bit weary.

These games were taking forever!

And they were never as easy as I thought

they were going to be. Somewhere at the halfway point, well,

there always seemed to be a “twist.”

I said, “God, are you tired yet?.”

He looked me dead square in the eyes and responded,

“No. And you aren’t either. You have my strength.

Break out the Backgammon Board!!.”

So, I did.

“Now, this is really my game!,” I smiled to myself.

Analytical. Complicated.

I was energized!

An hour later, my pieces were positioned

nicely on the board.

I was winning!

Well, there was one teensy weensy problem.

It was God's turn to throw the dice.

And one of my pieces remained

on God's side!

Would He knock my piece out with one throw?

Could He? (Silly question, I would surely realize later in life.)

I held my breath.

“Well, what could I do?,” I pondered.

Absolutely nothing. The dice were in Gods hands.

Amazing! He landed on my last piece!

“How does He do that?,” I said, out loud and to no one in particular.

“Simple,” I thought to myself.

“His hand never fails!”

How extraordinarily simple.

It is the only way with Him.

“Well, God,” I said, “Here’s another piece.”

I looked down at my heart’s resting place.

It was then that I realized that I had just given Him the last lil’ bit.

I thought that I saw Him smile.

I am sure of it.

He looked through my eyes and asked, “Are you worried?

Your heart is mine now, you know..”

“I know. And, no God, I’m not worried. You won fair and square. I

would

be happy for you to keep it forever,” I said. “Okay,” He said. “Time

to rest. I will wake you in the morning.

You have a big day ahead of you.”

“Really? What’s going to happen tomorrow, God?,” I asked.

He responded, “You will see. Just be content for now.

I have it all under control. It’s in my hands.”

So was my heart.

I slept peacefully.

amen

*please be so kind as to read this as a metaphor. gosh, i've had a guts full of the "God doesn't play dice comments!" it. is. a. metaphor. to me this poem is about pride, its about wisdom, faith, humility, its about our search for God, trying to get to know Him the best way we know how. and then He steps in to help! in His way. His timing. its about God's love and patience. and how He overrules, gently and one piece at a time, the crap in our own hearts. for the good of the individuals, for others. commune. with the God of your destiny!*

yesterday

2010-11-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

there was a time

yesterday

when i thought that

the joy of an embrace

would melt my soul

i hungered for a glance that would

see the beauty of my eyes, my lips

i dreamed of the day

yesterday

when i could wake and

gently kiss the

eyelids of my lover

walking my fingers across

his soul

brushing the curve of his back

with my spirit

this morning

today

my heart yearns to see the

face of the

divine Father

His pure presence

the simplicity of His love

leaving me awash in

unfathomable delight

here, now

today

my soul wishes to know

the beauty of my Master

to free fall into His spirit, wrapped in His arms,

safely nestled under His wing

fully aware that He is

incapable of not loving me

yesterday, today, tomorrow

i belong to Him

amen

*i wrote this poem such a long time ago now...2004....and then included it in my first poetry book in 2008! i still love this poem. it keeps me focused on what is necessary, what is true, what is right. love. true love, its necessary*

the garden life

2010-11-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

i was listening to a sermon by td jakes. for some christian folks they will know him as a prominent preacher. well, i don't exactly go to church..much. pretty much never anymore. so i kinda know him as the "youtube" preacher! he has some really great sermons. anyway, i was listening to this sermon the other day and he said this "there are those of you who have grown to despise your own heart." and as those word floated out of his mouth they pinged me in my spirit. hard.......

.....he said that those with a huge capacity to love often feel weak..because they get knocked over, abused, betrayed etc, etc. i know all of these things...as do many of us. i have wanted to be a warrior kinda chick. but in truth i am not. i am not the "imma pray against you" type of chick. I am more the "im gonna pray for you and help you even though you tried to screw my life up" kinda chick. and truth be told...that is a painful posture. however.......

.......when i heard those words...it just felt so great. so i have decided to stop despising my heart of love and to stop wishing for a warrior chicks heart. i don't have it. i have really tried. ive been extremely angry that i dont have that kinda heart, in fact! however, as i ponder...wow...am i glad that i am not burdened with such a thing. hearts like that can be prime territory for pride. ive seen it. up close and personal. a terrible beast it can be. even seems like strength. but doesn't Christ say "my power is made perfect in your weakness?" so, hey, i reckon that He, Christ, is on to something and i rather flow in that river.

....so in my attempt to not wanna entertain a beast in my spirit...i've decided to LOVE my heart of love. to delve into it more. see what this thing in me is all about. i reckon the best place to do so is in a beautiful garden.

stay true. to you.

everything thing gon be alright.

the heart should always remember to laugh and smile. it is what it is. love.

LOVE