"I'm a star. How could I not shine?"
Paige rolled her eyes and braced herself for what was next. This was her third class of the day and the third time the teacher made her stand in the front of the room to introduce herself. She recognized a few of the kids this time, eyes rolling the same way hers were.
The first time had been such a disaster. Paige had stood up proudly, confidence from her popularity at her previous school clouding her better sense. She gave a spiel about her general awesomeness, listing off extracurriculars and talents she'd accumulated her freshmen and sophomore years. She even gave a shout out to her previous high school. Paige had ended her monologue with her most dazzling smile. A smile that faded as the other kids snorted and chuckled.
The second time was better but still not actually good. At least the other kids didn't laugh at her. Because she barely said anything. Just her name and where she used to live. Then she scurried to her seat before she could again make a fool of herself. But once seated, she was a bit ashamed of herself. She remembered the new kids when they came to her former school, the way they would mumble and look embarrassed. The way she always knew those were the weak ones.
So this was the third time and she had to get it right. Because Paige knew it was either third time's the charm or third strike and out. Paige walked directly past the teacher, sat her books and backpack down in an empty chair, then joined the teacher in the front of the room. She waited patiently while the teacher quieted the class and gave her "let's welcome the new girl" spiel. Paige took a deep breath, turned towards the fidgeting kids ogling her, and gave it her best.
Her best, which ended up being brilliant. Paige mocked herself, pointing out the few kids from her first class and giving a parody of her first introduction. Spurred on by their genuine laughter, she pointed out the kid from her second class and mimicked her mumbling mess. Again, laughter. And she stopped the humor there, determined to act like a normal, sane teenage girl. After the few laughs died down, Paige calmly introduced herself with a genuine smile. Paige Woods from Indianapolis, has two parents, one kid brother, and two dogs, plays tennis, and, like all teenage girls, loves the mall.
Paige settled into her seat feeling victorious. It was reasonable to be nervous on the first day at a new school, but she was glad that was over. As class started, a couple of the girls introduced themselves and Paige began to really feel at ease. Things here were going to be just fine. Why was she ever worried?
Showing posts with label Kanye West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kanye West. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
roses
"Cause with my family, we know where home is. So instead of bringing flowers, we the roses."
There they were. Betsy, Darlene, and Little Ann. Betsy was the oldest. And she had always been the busiest. Today she was in her usual pattern of directing then doing. She would literally go tell you to stir the cake batter and then 30 seconds later come take the bowl right out of your hand and stir it herself.
Darlene was the middle child yet somehow had managed to be the star of the family. She was always certain to be the center of attention. Today she was talking endlessly about the tiff she'd had at the grocery store last week with one of the stock boys. And as usual was busy making herself look busy, but not really doing much.
Little Ann was the youngest, hence the "Little". She was a quiet, gentle soul. She never complained and always smiled, an amazing feat with these sisters. Today she was vigorously peeling potatoes and patiently nodding to Darlene's long-winded tale.
My aunts. My dad's sisters. He had been the oldest of all, and he often talked about how he had helped raise them all after their father died. Dad was only 15 years old. Me and Dad were kind of alike in that sense. Except my mom left us when I was 13. Today he sat in the living room with the aunts' husbands, watching some predictable old movie. Probably Shaft or something Pam Grier related.
And there were more. There were cousins and baby cousins out in the backyard and all through the house. My little brother had just called to tell me when his bus arrived. I came in with my arms full for my aunts. Needed items from the grocery store that I had to stop at before driving my rental car to the house.
Today everything seemed normal. We were all in our usual patterns. But everything was about to change because Little Ann's husband had been diagnosed with a terminal cancer. His first treatment was tomorrow and we knew they both needed us.
There they were. Betsy, Darlene, and Little Ann. Betsy was the oldest. And she had always been the busiest. Today she was in her usual pattern of directing then doing. She would literally go tell you to stir the cake batter and then 30 seconds later come take the bowl right out of your hand and stir it herself.
Darlene was the middle child yet somehow had managed to be the star of the family. She was always certain to be the center of attention. Today she was talking endlessly about the tiff she'd had at the grocery store last week with one of the stock boys. And as usual was busy making herself look busy, but not really doing much.
Little Ann was the youngest, hence the "Little". She was a quiet, gentle soul. She never complained and always smiled, an amazing feat with these sisters. Today she was vigorously peeling potatoes and patiently nodding to Darlene's long-winded tale.
My aunts. My dad's sisters. He had been the oldest of all, and he often talked about how he had helped raise them all after their father died. Dad was only 15 years old. Me and Dad were kind of alike in that sense. Except my mom left us when I was 13. Today he sat in the living room with the aunts' husbands, watching some predictable old movie. Probably Shaft or something Pam Grier related.
And there were more. There were cousins and baby cousins out in the backyard and all through the house. My little brother had just called to tell me when his bus arrived. I came in with my arms full for my aunts. Needed items from the grocery store that I had to stop at before driving my rental car to the house.
Today everything seemed normal. We were all in our usual patterns. But everything was about to change because Little Ann's husband had been diagnosed with a terminal cancer. His first treatment was tomorrow and we knew they both needed us.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
good life
"I always had a passion for flashing. Before I had it I closed my eyes and imagined."
Mattie dreamed big. She would sit on the concrete blocks her family used as steps outside their trailer home. She would close her eyes.
In summertime she dreamed of beaches. Palm trees, ten feet tall. Soft, thick sand that her feet sank into as she walked. An endless ocean in front of her, and the salty sweet smell that accompanied it.
In winter she dreamed of snow-capped wonderlands. She pictured herself at a ski lodge. The fresh smell of snow surrounding her. The startling bursts of wind. The invigorating rush as she skied downhill.
And on particularly bad days, Mattie dreamed about the home she would have. Luxurious carpet and ornate rugs in every room. Cathedral ceilings. A kitchen with two refrigerators. Jacuzzi bathtubs in every bathroom. A library and an office.
A walk-in closet. And, yes, Mattie imagined the clothes. Couture gowns. A wall of shoes. Silk and cashmere. Purses and totes in every size. An outfit for every occasion. Jewelry dripping in diamonds, rubies, emeralds.
Mattie had big dreams. She lived quietly, as her dreams and her determination grew together. She would sit on her concrete steps and imagine the adventures she would have. And then she would walk inside her trailer, sit at the tiny desktop in the kitchen, and make her dreams come true.
Mattie dreamed big. She would sit on the concrete blocks her family used as steps outside their trailer home. She would close her eyes.
In summertime she dreamed of beaches. Palm trees, ten feet tall. Soft, thick sand that her feet sank into as she walked. An endless ocean in front of her, and the salty sweet smell that accompanied it.
In winter she dreamed of snow-capped wonderlands. She pictured herself at a ski lodge. The fresh smell of snow surrounding her. The startling bursts of wind. The invigorating rush as she skied downhill.
And on particularly bad days, Mattie dreamed about the home she would have. Luxurious carpet and ornate rugs in every room. Cathedral ceilings. A kitchen with two refrigerators. Jacuzzi bathtubs in every bathroom. A library and an office.
A walk-in closet. And, yes, Mattie imagined the clothes. Couture gowns. A wall of shoes. Silk and cashmere. Purses and totes in every size. An outfit for every occasion. Jewelry dripping in diamonds, rubies, emeralds.
Mattie had big dreams. She lived quietly, as her dreams and her determination grew together. She would sit on her concrete steps and imagine the adventures she would have. And then she would walk inside her trailer, sit at the tiny desktop in the kitchen, and make her dreams come true.
Monday, March 30, 2009
through the wire
"But I'm a champion. So I turned tragedy to triumph. Make music that's fire. Spit my soul through the wire."
So what if he's cocky? All rappers are. But instead of having confidence about his ability to sell drugs on the corner, he is sure that he is smart, talented, and worthy of being listened to. Is he wrong?
To most of us, he emerged on the rap scene after a near-fatal accident. His first hit was recorded while his jaw was still wired for recovery. And we all knew it was amazing.
He followed with songs that made us think, laugh, and celebrate. He changes moods between lines. He creates beats with moods. He is attempting to revolutionize hip hop.
And he has. He is mainstream but real. His music is catchy enough to grab the attention of the thug. But his songs are a reflection of my life. He talks about identity crisis, religion, and the pitfalls of fast-living. Then he talks about club-hopping and reminisces on college days.
Yes he is a bit rough around the edges. He knows he has a voice, and I suspect he's still learning how to express that voice appropriately but uncensored. But he gives his soul every time he opens his mouth. I think its encouraging, and wish I had more of his confidence.
So what if he's cocky? All rappers are. But instead of having confidence about his ability to sell drugs on the corner, he is sure that he is smart, talented, and worthy of being listened to. Is he wrong?
To most of us, he emerged on the rap scene after a near-fatal accident. His first hit was recorded while his jaw was still wired for recovery. And we all knew it was amazing.
He followed with songs that made us think, laugh, and celebrate. He changes moods between lines. He creates beats with moods. He is attempting to revolutionize hip hop.
And he has. He is mainstream but real. His music is catchy enough to grab the attention of the thug. But his songs are a reflection of my life. He talks about identity crisis, religion, and the pitfalls of fast-living. Then he talks about club-hopping and reminisces on college days.
Yes he is a bit rough around the edges. He knows he has a voice, and I suspect he's still learning how to express that voice appropriately but uncensored. But he gives his soul every time he opens his mouth. I think its encouraging, and wish I had more of his confidence.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
never let you down
"I'm talking to you, my many inspirations when I say I can't let you or self down."
I wake up every morning. I go to work. I work hard and come home. And sometimes its easy to get lost in the daily shuffle and then become discouraged by the monotony of life. I don't get lost.
I wake up with focus. There are people I adore that I am determined to make proud. There are people that I love that I want to take care of. There are people I respect that I want to impress. There are people that I work with that rely upon me. And there are things I want for my life that I have to work hard to achieve.
And I'm not saying those days don't come when I struggle to get out of the bed. Especially when its cold out. But I always get up. And I make the decision to face the day with enthusiasm, and to believe that each day brings new challenges and opportunities which strengthen us.
I wake up every morning. I go to work. I work hard and come home. And sometimes its easy to get lost in the daily shuffle and then become discouraged by the monotony of life. I don't get lost.
I wake up with focus. There are people I adore that I am determined to make proud. There are people that I love that I want to take care of. There are people I respect that I want to impress. There are people that I work with that rely upon me. And there are things I want for my life that I have to work hard to achieve.
And I'm not saying those days don't come when I struggle to get out of the bed. Especially when its cold out. But I always get up. And I make the decision to face the day with enthusiasm, and to believe that each day brings new challenges and opportunities which strengthen us.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
number one
"You can't say I don't love you just because I cheat on you."
I know its not what you expected. I'll keep this brief since its tardy. But I'm a heartbreaker. Its my well kept secret. And we have all cheated and been cheated on. But let me let you in on a little secret. Cheating doesn't automatically mean that the cheater doesn't love, adore, and respect the cheatee. It means they don't know how to love. They aren't sure how to express their frustration. And so it happens just they way Ye says..
I know its not what you expected. I'll keep this brief since its tardy. But I'm a heartbreaker. Its my well kept secret. And we have all cheated and been cheated on. But let me let you in on a little secret. Cheating doesn't automatically mean that the cheater doesn't love, adore, and respect the cheatee. It means they don't know how to love. They aren't sure how to express their frustration. And so it happens just they way Ye says..
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