Staying Positive in the face of Racism!

Hi Guys,

Just a quick blog to let you guys know about something disturbing that happened to me via this blog. Yesterday I wrote a post about the civil unrest in the country called “Call to Action”. This post was my way to release some of my angst about the situation in our country today. On this blog I try to remain positive while expressing my opinions because no one can hear you when you are angry and yelling. Plus I am trying to do better in my life, and anger is something I am working on.

When I wrote the article, I figured there would be people who had varying opinions, but I thought we could discuss them in a mature manner like adults. I never expected it to escalate to the point where I would be attacked by someone spouting racist mantras, and threatening to take out the “Black Trouble Makers”. Now I refuse to allow the negativity and hatred of others to change my positive attitude. I also do not want it to taint my blog. As a result, I blocked the comment and will not allow it to infect the rest of my readers.

I wanted to address the person who made the comment. My blog is a place of peace and positivity where all people are accepted and valued. Racism will not be tolerated, but can be cured here. I have nothing but LOVE for you and I will pray that you are healed from your racist and hateful mind. Peace and Blessings!

Curvy Girls – NaBloMoPo #24

Do you hate me because I jiggle when I walk?
That just gives you something to talk
About last night when your man was eyeing me.

Look a little harder, it’s not hard to see
He checks me out from the corner of his eye
Ashamed of me in public, but his heart can’t lie.

He fantasies star me and all of my fat
Don’t worry he’ll stay put cause
I wouldn’t do you like that.

Curvy girls are cute, Curvy girls are fine
Just watch us blow your mind.

Do you hate me because I make you uncomfortable?
Is it that you see yourself wanting to be
As free as I am?

Not afraid to eat or have fun with my man
Does it bother you that I am care free?
Yet you seem to be locked in a prison
That only you can see.

Curvy girls are cute, Curvy girls are fine
Just watch us blow your mind.

Do you hate me because I’m sexy as hell?
My curves fall just right
And put you under a spell.

Do you really hate me?
Or is it you that needs the work?
Because I don’t get attention by having to twerk.

Curvy girls are cute, Curvy girls are fine
Just watch us blow your mind.

The next time you see me on the street
Take the time to talk instead of judging me.
We may not have the same body,
But we share the same space
I’ll gladly meet you any time, any place.

Curvy girls are cute, Curvy girls are fine
Just watch us blow your mind.

Photography 101 – Landmark

Landmark

For the photography challenge today on Landmarks I chose the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Downtown Tampa. The building itself was so striking I was compelled to take a picture and the museum was just as intriguing. I could spend hours on the second floor reading all of the wonderful books on photography and art.
If you’re ever in Tampa I highly recommend taking a peek.

Finding My Authentic Voice – NaBloPoMo #5

With the one year blogiversary of Rebirthoflisa coming up this month, this prompt about finding my authentic voice is very timely. It is a time for reflection and self-discovery. I started this blog because I had a need to be heard and I wanted to build my readership to allow more people to read what I have to say. I intended my blog to be a place where I could narrate the goings on in the world that interested me, but never thought of sharing my own guarded life with strangers. I thought of it as a means to an end because I wanted to be a writer and the only way to do so is to actually write. I never expected for it to grow to what it has become. I started with one follower, my sister and wanted to expand to others, but didn’t know how. Somewhere along the way I learned about networking and linking up with other bloggers and found that I am not alone. Everyone wants to be heard and I am now open to hearing those voices in conjunction with expressing my own.

I have come across some great people who share the same views as I, as well as some who are totally opposite in their thinking. I have tried to be fair and not pre-judge people by their profile pics, which we all do either consciously or subconsciously, or by their choice of topics. Keeping an open mind has allowed me to read some very profound poetry and get excited about writing my own. I have read about suicidal thoughts and been brought to tears from reading the brutally honest rantings of people in pain. All of these experiences have allowed me to tap into my own voice and express my deepest, most personal thoughts to the world. I found vulnerability in writing that I never had before and I love it. At first it was uncomfortable and I did not want to write, but I pushed myself and the results were pieces of work that I am proud to share.

As I celebrate my first blogiversary on November 22nd, I realize how much better I have become at expressing myself on a personal level. I look forward to my continual learning by participating in more challenges and courses. I cherish the relationships I am building and I am excited to host my own events on my blog. One such event was an idea I learned from a fellow blogger, Eclectic odds n sods, just today. I am planning my first Blog Party Event to coincide with my annual celebration and the countdown has started. Only 17 days left until the Big Day and I hope you will join me. Keep an eye out for more info on my blog…

Friday Happy Dance

It’s time for the Friday Happy Dance! This week I am showcasing Meghan Trainor’s “About That Bass”. I heard this song yesterday for the first time and it instantly made me happy! Enjoy…

Unwatered Flower?

Writing 101: Day 18 – Don’t Stop the Rockin’
On this free writing day, remember the words of author Anne Lamott: “I don’t think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won’t be good at it.”

Today is a free writing day. Write at least four hundred words, and once you start typing, don’t stop. No self-editing, no trash-talking and no second guessing: just go. Bonus points if you tackle an idea you’ve been playing with but think is too silly to post about.

I read somewhere that “the black woman is the most unprotected, unloved woman on
earth…She is the only flower on earth that grows unwatered.”

Well I say we are not unwatered because we make our own water. We may grow
crooked and sometimes we have stunted growth, but we are the only flower that
waters herself!

We are strong and stable because we have to be, not because we want to be. We
have dreams to fly, but will set them aside so our children can live theirs.

We raise those same children often times alone…. no man of our own. Playing
the role of mother and father puts a strain on the resources of our community
and causes a shift in the quality of care. Forced to work or starve, we are
hardly there…to raise the ones we love the most.

In our attempt to be the head of the house we lose our true selves, but still
manage to survive. We know we can’t raise a man so our sons suffer in the
process. What choice do we have?

We water ourselves with tainted water, but we are watered just the same. It’s
called doing what we have to. Say what you want about us, but one thing stays
true, us sisters always keep up with our dos.

Sharp as a tack you see us walking, riding the bus or rolling in our whips. And
don’t forget that swing in our hips. We’re known for having some junk in our
trunks. Fashionistas at heart that keep it crunk. Our haters are always looking
to us for inspiration.

Black women are one of the most BeaUtiful creatures on the planet
We just don’t know it.
Too busy worrying about the next one
Instead of lending her a hand
We talk about her because she has
Something that’s missing in us.

We need to complement each other and validate
Our worth before anyone else will.
We are missing out on a huge opportunity
To build the self esteem in our sisters

Brainwashed by the world
Never seeing our own value.
Leaders, innovators and admirable souls
Regal in our natural state
There’s no need for disguises.

I believe if we use our powers for good
That is; stop hating on each other
We can become super heroes we were always meant to be
And save the world!

Save the Black Woman, Save the World!

I Am Who I Am

I may not look like Halle
I may not sound like Chrisette
I am beautiful in my own wright
On this you can bet!

I may not write like Maya
I may not dance like Debbie
I still get down in my own way
Don’t you think that’s heavy?

My legs don’t look like Tina’s
My breasts not plump like Pam’s
I make my man happy
And make him scream out DAMN!

My eyes aren’t green like Erykah
My frame not thin like Kelly
I have curves that feel like heaven
Never mind my big fat belly!

I’m not young & spirited like Keke
I’m not older and wiser like O
My life is free and open
Meet me once you’ll never go!

I’m not any of these people
I’m just trying to live how I feel
Sometimes guarded and reserved
Always growing and being real!

So if you like what you see, fine
If you don’t that’s good too
I won’t judge you for opinions
Because you’re just being you.

Lisa W. Tetting

Writing 101: Day 6 – A Character Building Experience

Today, you’ll write about the most interesting person you’ve met in 2014. In your twist, develop and shape your portrait further in a character study.

Today’s exercise has put forth a great challenge for me because I am so much of an introvert that I have not really met anyone interesting this year. I am not the person who seeks attention; in fact I shy away from it. If I meet someone new, it takes a while for me to get to know them because I don’t trust easily. I have not met anyone in person that I would deem interesting. That being said I have one person that I have know only a few months, but I think is more interesting than most.
Her name is Zora Langston and she’s a 9 year old girl from North Carolina. Of all the people I know, little Zora has suffered greatly, but what makes her so interesting is that she does not let these tragedies affect her outlook on life. She is the most optimistic and loving child I know. She sees life as a gift and wears her scars as a badge of honor. Zora is a special kind of child who needs love, understanding and craves true friendship. This child has survived the loss of her father, rape, and physical/mental abuse from her mom. She has true grit and determination and her will to survive stems from her roots in the church and her kinship with God.
I met this young girl while I was on a path to self discovery. You see, she is a figment of my imagination and the main character of my upcoming novel, “The Mistreatment of Zora Langston”.

Blogging 101: Day 4 – Dream Reader

Today’s assignment is to publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it.

When I first read this assignment I sort of panicked. I had never attempted to identify who my reader would be. I just needed to express myself and I wanted everyone to read my blog. Then I realized that you are “supposed” to have a specific genre and reader in order to reach people on certain levels. At least that’s what they teach in writing classes.

I don’t agree with the idea that when you write you have to speak to one specific audience and that’s it. I had so much trouble with this assignment because I write from the heart and I am the type of person who tries to see points of view from everyone. I can’t shut off who I am and I don’t want to so I have concluded that my writing will continue to reach out to all people one article at a time.

That being said let’s get to the meat and potatoes. This blog is a sort of therapy for me, but I have also found it to be comforting to people who have gone through the same or similar events in their lives. The topics I choose are sometimes taken from my past, the headlines or based on the lives of family and friends. Like most writers, if I observe something I deem as interesting I will let it marinate in the columns of my mind and then cook up what I hope is a great tale.

I am not vain enough to think that everyone in the world will love my style or content, but I know eventually I will run across a specific topic that will touch them. Maybe I can open someone’s eyes to a subject they never thought they would care about. Maybe, just maybe if the planets are aligned I can help someone who needs to hear that one thing God planted in my brain to share. I pray I can be a light to someone. I may not reach a specific type of reader on a regular basis, but I hope to be able to open the minds of readers and help them walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes. Change their perspective if you will. This blog is designed to be a sort of Rainbow Coalition of blogs where everyone is welcome, where you can find topics that seem familiar and ones that may educate you. Everyone is welcome and even if you don’t agree with my point of view, we can agree to disagree.