Her eyes...

...see the world
as ones that have felt no pain
Eyes never heart broken
Eyes knowing only love and compassion

Her eyes
See the world
In a way lost to me
With wonder and amazement
With beauty and splendor

Her eyes
Study every object that passes by
Each capturing her imagination
As she studies them intently
Deconstructing what they see

Her eyes
Look at me…
…so intently
Peering into the very depths of my soul
Learning me
Speaking to me
Deconstructing me
Showing me what I cannot see

Her eyes
Command, no demand attention
Not to be ignored
But they do even this so gently
As they look at me so intently

Her eyes
Hold such beauty
That sometimes they blind me
They Inspire me
Challenge me
to be more than I ever thought I could be

Her eyes
Say love me

Her eyes
love learning

Her eyes
Speak volumes to me

Her eyes
Desire to see

Her eyes
Comfort me

I wish you could see
What I see
Through
Her eyes

© 2009 Harvey M. Christian

Winter's Shades of Gray

 

 

  

 

 

all photos © 2010 Harvey M. Christian

Theme Music

During my morning commute I listen to NPR’s The Take Away. During today’s show Celeste Headlee stated that hiring managers are asking a new interview question. The question is, if you had theme music and walked into a room what would people hear? My initial thought when I heard this question was why would that question be relevant? After some thought, I concluded, while I do not know their reasoning behind the question, while unorthodox, it does make sense to me. I believe how the person answers may provide insight into how they view and feel about themselves. An example would be if a person responds their theme music would be, Pusherman by Curtis Mayfield. I would immediately think I may want to pass on this candidate because he/she my see themselves as a dealer or pimp. Which I would only view as a positive if I were hiring them for a pharmaceutical sales position, I jest. While this is an extreme example it does illustrate how the question can have relevance.

My next thought, what my response would be if the question were ever posed to me. The short answer is I do not know. You see, from my perspective the question asks what one song defines you. The issue is that no one song defines me. I really think that my theme song would change based on the situation. What do I mean you ask? If I walked into work my theme song would be different then if I walked into my home. Quite honestly, my theme music might vary based on the day of the week or time of day. I am after all made up of many layers and each of these layers can be represented by a different song. I am composed of many tempos. Sometimes I am instrumental others acapella or something in between. I have moments where I am Soul, and times where I am Classical but I am always House. There are moments when I am country and yet others where I am Rock and Roll yet always Gospel. So to pick a single song is impossible and would not do me justice. I could only say that I am always music.

I wonder how the hiring manager would analyze that response. Would they think I am being less than truthful? Would they try to back me in a corner and force me to answer? Would my inability to give them an answer disqualify me as a candidate? If you were interviewing me what would you think?

and…

If someone posed this question to you, what would your theme music be?

What -vs- Who

Someone I love dearly is sitting for an examination very soon. This will not be their first time taking this exam. A year ago, just prior to taking the exam the Lord put something on my heart to tell them so I passed it on. While I do not remember exactly what I said the gist was… The examination is simply a means to an end. You are blessed that you have found something in your life that you love, are passionate about and can make a living wage doing. So, go into the exam with that understanding and have fun. Don’t let this exam steal the love you have for your chosen vocation. The adversary attacks us where we are most vulnerable. He has identified this area in your life. So, go in to the exam with a different attitude. That is it, have fun. My loved one said they had never looked at it that way and thanked me.

Fast forward a year…Time is fast approaching for my loved one to retake the exam and they recently asked me if I could provide any words of encouragement. To be honest I have been at a loss. It was not me who provided the words the last time after all. I was simply a vessel. The journey of listening for a new message did bear fruit. While this is not a message for my loved one it is a message from which anyone can benefit.

In this and many other societies we treat examinations as if their outcome is a referendum on who we are. When in fact they are at most what set the tone for what we are. Their outcome may say if you are a doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher or engineer. The mistake we often make is to think that what we are defines who we are (I know I have been guilty of this on occasion) but who you are cannot be defined by a single exam but by how you live your life. Are you kind, gentle, selfless, loving, thoughtful, amiable? These things are what truly define who you are. What does it mean to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer or nurse if you are mean spirited, shallow or narcissistic? I personally would rather be remembered for having been a loving, selfless, kind, God loving janitor as opposed to a mean spirited doctor. So, while an examination may affect what you become they have no bearing on who you become unless you allow them. Allowing what you are to define who you are will have drastic consequences to who you are if you can no longer be what you want.

Does what define you?

Summer Longing- a Pictorial

 all photos © 2008, 2009 Harvey M. Christian

______ If you do-______If you don't

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 9:35 a.m. my phone rings. The number is unfamiliar and I am busy so I let voice-mail answer. No message is left. 12:30 p.m. the phone once again rings. It’s the same number. This time I answer. There is a recorded message, d@mn what are they trying to sell me!? I quickly learn this is not a solicitation call. No on the contrary, this is a collections message from my friendly local energy company (FLEC)! It states that my account is “seriously delinquent” and I have been sent a shut-off notice. I think to myself, it most certainly is not! I am on the budget plan…

Before I continue let me give you a little background. I was laid off February 2008 and did not find employment until August 2009. I am not complaining because I know people that have been unemployed much longer but I digress. During that period I received unemployment benefits. I was also on FLEC’s “budget plan”. Funds were tight as one might imagine because my income had fallen to 1/5 what it was when I was employed. I contacted all of my creditors and informed them, including the FLEC. One month my utility bill came due 2 days before I received my benefit deposit. I pay the bill on day three of my delinquency. Said company informs me I have defaulted on my contract and removes me from the plan. They also demand payment in full! I am angry and frightened. Angry because I was doing the best I could. My situation was at no fault of my own and I was in this arrangement because of my financial situation. I felt they were kicking me while I was down. I am frightened because if I cannot produce this large sum of money my wife, son and daughter will have no electricity. What kind of man am I? So, I do as I always do, I pray and I thank the Lord for working this out because I sure can’t! God moved and the lights stayed on! However now I am out of the plan for 12 months. My thought, Lord you are going to have to work this one out too! I am thankful that he did.

Now back to the story…

I have spent my year in the prescribed purgatory and have now added my account back to the budget plan. God is good! I even made a payment to my account during that conversation even though I was informed I did not have to do so. So, why in the world am I receiving these calls!? To add insult to injury the computer continues to call me once per hour until 6 p.m. and I of course cannot get a live person because it is not a business day. So, I wait…

Monday morning arrives. I call FLEC. Once I make it through their automated system and receive a live person, I explain the situation. The CSR asks me to hold. When she returns I am informed that the issue is that I made a payment before they added me back to the “budget plan”. As a result the computer essentially did not accept me back to the plan. I think to myself I have been kicked out again but this time because I made the payment too early!? This has to be a joke! Once I process this information, I repeat my thoughts to the CSR and ask her if that is correct. To which she simply responds, yes sir. She then tells me that she will “reset” my account and the calls should stop. I most certainly hope so!

Let us recap. I was removed from the budget plan because I was laid off and did not receive my unemployment benefits until two days after the due date. While I do not agree, I do understand this practice. The contract was technically broken. However, how do you then kick me out of the “budget plan” before I am actually re-added because I was early with a payment? Is it just me or does this give new meaning to, you are d@mned if you do and d@mned if you don’t?

Statuesque

She stands tall
Tall as the goddess she is
Her color that of honey
Her Eyes filled with love and pain
Her smile as beautiful as a sunset set
Yet as rare as an eclipse

She is statuesque

Her neck invites you to kiss
Her breasts full
Full with the nectar of life

She is statuesque

Her waist is that of a woman
Her hips wide and wonderful
They sway with purpose and rhythm as she sashays
Leaving her erotic aroma in her wake
Beckoning you to take more then a glance

She is statuesque

Her thighs thick
Thick like caramel
And just as sweet

She is statuesque

Her calves are perfectly suited to her
Strong
Soft
Beautiful
Magnificent

She, is my wife
And
She, is statuesque

© 2008 Harvey M. Christian

Strings of Life live- a Classic Reworked

Techno and more specifically Detroit Techno is a form of music that was born from the hearts and souls of the youth of Detroit. Her energy is industrial and soulful, her rhythms infectious. Her sound is uniquely electronic, until now. Recently a Techno classic has been adapted for performance by a live orchestra. Normally, when you hear the words “adapted or remade” you are immediately suspicious, especially when the song being remade is a classic. So, when I received a link to “Strings of Life” by Rythim is Rythim I cringed. “Strings of Life” is after all not just a classic but in many ways the song that defines Detroit Techno. This one song may have launched the genre internationally. Released in 1987 on the Transmat Label, "Strings of Life" was an instant classic. 23 years later the track continues to inspire. This became very evident when I clicked that link. The adaptation by the Kindred Spirits Ensemble not only pays tribute to a beautiful piece of music but to the genre and her pioneers. The arrangement is true to the original track and marvelously different at the same time. It is an incredible fusion of Detroit Techno, Jazz and classical. When I close my eyes and listen I hear both the original and orchestral versions dancing together. It is simply wonderful! I now share with you “Strings of Life” as interpreted by the Kindred Spirits Ensemble. Sit back, relax and let the sounds and layers envelop you. Allow yourself to be transported to another space and time...


Kindred Spirits Ensemble - Strings of Life from Kindred Spirits on Vimeo.

the Wedding, the Snow Day and the Lesson

Part 1- the Wedding

Yesterday, I arrived home to my always jovial son jumping in my arms asking me how my day was. He then proceeded to tell me in typical Noah fashion, “Dad the wedding is tomorrow. I get to go to the wedding!“ You can imagine my shock and bewilderment. I respond, “What wedding are you talking about Noah?” Nonchalantly Noah states, “You know dad Q and U stick together like glue!” Huh? I am even more puzzled than before. Noah proceeds to tell me that he has an invitation and it is on the fridge. I look at the fridge; low and behold there is an invitation. It states, “Let’s get together for the wedding of Q and U, Wednesday from 12:00-12:30 @ the Lighthouse Village!” Now it all made sense, not! Nicole steps in and explains that as part of a kindergarten phonics lesson they are witnessing the union of Q and U. A light reception will follow. Now it is clear...


Part 2- the Snow Day

I woke early this morning, around 4 a.m. I laid in the bed listening to the radio anxious and excited. You see, today I am hoping that Noah will have his first Snow Day! I listen a little closer every time the newscaster gets to Wayne County and even closer once they hit the letter U! When they finally say, University Prep my heart almost skips a beat. It is Noah’s first Snow Day! I can’t wait to tell him. We all know snow days are what kids live for! To see the look on his face…The appointed hour soon arrives. I lift Noah up and take him to the window, “Dad look at all the snow!” He is excited and I am excited. Now is the time to tell him", I think to myself. “Noah, school is closed today. It is a Snow Day!” Noah’s joy quickly turns to sorrow. “But daddy I want to go to school. I have to go to the wedding!”


Part 3- the Lesson

I looked at my son and initially thought, is he kidding me, really!? Who wants to go to school on a Snow Day? Then it started to sink in...The fact is I wanted this Snow Day for Noah. All Noah wanted was to go to school. Today, I projected my dream on my son, lesson learned. I consider myself blessed because many parents never learn this lesson. They spend their lives trying to make their children live their dreams. As parents we all make this mistake whether it is a snow day, a wedding, a career or a hobby. Yet, I am sure I will do it again. I just hope when I do I remember Noah’s first snow day.


Update-
I am happy to report that even though he cannot go to school Noah is making the best of today as he does everyday.

Unsung

In today’s society the heroes are athletes, actors, singers and the like. What happened to the days when we adored people in our communities? We idolized teachers, business owners, doctors or our parents. We looked up to the garbage man or the landscaper because they worked hard, lead by example and took pride in all they did. Truth be told they still do. So, ask yourself, what has changed? My personal opinion is that hard work and honor have been supplanted by all things perceived glamorous and fast. This is compounded by the breakdown of the American family and my priority the Black family. The images that our youth are bombarded with on television, movies, music and their cell phones are a constant and overwhelming influence. They see their family struggling to make ends meet while it is perceived athletes, actors and singers have it made. The saddest thing is that many of their parents are either too busy working to counter those influences, are not active participants in raising their child(ren) or are feel the same way and reinforce the sentiment. So, honor and hard work are no longer what a hero make…

How can we counter these influences…one child at a time. Tell your child the value of hard work. Teach them to put no one on a pedestal because people in high places fall. If however they are going to aspire to greatness, aspire to be a great person first. Aspire to be that aunt, uncle or cousin who whether their financial means are meager or vast are rich in spirit, kindness, generosity, love and wisdom. These are riches that no one can ever take away. They are what make a hero. Teach them that real heroes serve. They serve their communities, their families and their churches. They do good works because that is who they are, not simply for a tax deduction. As adults we must also share the stories of our heroes. We must point out the heroes in our community. We must show them the diverse nature of those heroes. Real heroes must no longer be unsung!

So, I start today by lifting up and acknowledging three of my heroes, my uncles, Arthur C. Christian, Dr. Harvey M. Day and Michael Christian. These men are great to me! You see, when my parents divorced each of them whether they knew it or not stepped up and stepped in at times in my life that I needed the guidance of a man. Whether it was teaching me how to drive a manual, having me work with them in their garden or simply taking me to a movie, they are there. Yet, even more important is they each led by example. An example that showed me what it is to be a good son, brother, husband and father. Their example showed me what it takes to positively contribute to my community and society. They showed me the value of hard work and sacrifice. They showed me how to give honor and praise to God not simply in words but by deeds. Their example showed me what it takes to be a man. I thank them and I thank God for them!

I have another hero, well in this case a shero, my mother, E. Jean Christian. She is my shero for more reasons than I can list but in this context because she was wise, humble, loving and obedient enough to know that if I was going to grow to be a man I needed to have strong male influences. She knew that while she could raise me to be a good person it takes a good man to make me a man. Her strength and sacrifice define shero!

So, I ask each of you to go to a child that you have influence over and challenge their outside influences. Show them that they do not need to look to the NBA, PGA or even the White House for a hero. If they want to find a hero they need only to go to school, talk to their parents or watch the mail man come down the street. Let the real heroes be unsung no more!

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Rediscovery- an Old Friend

Rediscovering music is like reconnecting with an old friend
Familiar and new at the same time
And both comfortable and exciting

You know the feeling

As you are enveloped in its' sounds
Your foot taps and head sways
As the rhythm penetrates
There are times when it is like you are meeting for the first time
Yet, if that were the case
You would not know each other’s melodies and memories
Involuntarily moving to the their sound
Singing each syllable of every word or note

You know the feeling

Your eyes close briefly
As you are transported to the place and time
You first felt the track that is "now playing"
Like sitting with an old friend
Listening to them retell a story from your collective past
Reliving each moment together
You return from your brief excursion euphoric

You know the feeling

As the conversation fades you are saddened because it has ended too soon
But then the next track starts
And like the next topic in a conversation with that old friend
You know this track like you know your old friend
Understanding what each crescendo or awkward pause in your conversation means
Your connection to the music reaches depths that allow
Each of you to complete the other's sentences

You know the feeling

By the time the album is complete
It’s as though you and your old friend never lost touch
For each song brought you closer
Just as each topic in the conversation with your old friend

You know the feeling

At the end of the day you part company
Vowing to keep in touch
Yet, knowing if you don't
When you meet again it will be like you never left
You and your old friend

You know the feeling…

© 2010 Harvey M. Christian

Inspiration

dictionary.com defines inspiration as, "a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul."

As I embark upon this journey, this exploration, this experiment I am already asking myself how I will stay inspired to write and post something relevant and interesting each day. You see, I struggle with consistency when it comes to all things creative. I write in spurts, shoot photos in spurts and I DJ in spurts. It has been a year since I recorded a mix CD, 2 months since I shot and quite some time since I wrote a stanza of prose. Yes, I know that is sad but I am not being lazy. It is just my creative process. I have tried to analyze this and concluded the creative side of me gets buried in the daily grind. Yet, over time it builds and builds like steam in a pressure cooker until God says, son it’s time for you to release that pressure. Before I know it I write, shoot or mix until the steam stops flowing...So, now my God has directed me to blog. Which means the pressure will be released a little at a time instead of all at once. Since He directed me to this form of expression I know he will help me along the way but honestly this whole thing is scary. It is scary to put myself out here where the whole world can see. It is scary to change, yet to be successful with this experiment I must change. The creative process that I have come to love must change. And my discipline must change. To be frank change can be terrifying. So, I will do as I always do; I will listen; I will pray; I will trust. Simply put, I will stand on my faith. I will have faith that He will direct my thoughts and order my steps. This is a journey after all…

Lets go on ahead and see what the end will bring…

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrew 11:1 KJV

an Open Book

I thought this a fitting way to start...

I am an open book
My pages are my actions
My pages are my feelings
My pages are my words

I am an open book
My eyes are a window to my story
My heart provides the feeling
My mind is the narrator

I am an open book
My story echoes yours
I live
I love
I laugh
I cry

I am an open book
My story is differs from yours
I cry
I laugh
I love
I live

I am an open book
My pages turn
Still being written
Stories untold
Watch my story unfold

I am an open book
The plot that is me thickens with each turn of the page
My story takes the twists and turns of a winding road
Weaving a story whose conclusion is unknown even to me

I am an open book
If my story intrigues you
I invite you to
Continue to read my story
Because I am an open book

© 2008 Harvey M. Christian

and so it begins...

Today, I rose early, the house so quiet her silence was almost deafening. I sat in front of my computer as I do every morning. I skimmed the news, checked in on the alternate reality also known as Facebook and ended up reading a post from someone’s blog. I had no idea what the next hour would bring…

You see, while I am a true nerd, a huge fan of technology, I am notoriously skeptical and resistant to it in many forms, especially social media. While I know it self righteous of me, the whole seen so oft feels self indulging even narcissistic. Yet, I understand that in many ways Facebook, Blogspot, Twitter and the like are nothing more than journaling without the lock. I also know that it provides many talented people who would otherwise have no way to share their gift from God an outlet. So, I indulge myself as well but I do not over indulge.

I have been told many times, by many people over the past year (or two) that they think I have something to share and I should blog. I just told you me feelings on that. So, I resisted but did I? The truth is I am an active Facebook member. I post status updates regularly but not daily. Surprisingly, the feedback has been positive. I told myself this is not blogging. While technically true, in reality it is “blogging lite”. I am a walking, talking, blogging contradiction but I digress.

Where was I? Ah yes, “I had no idea what the next hour would bring.”

Here I sit reading someone’s blog and I find myself clicking that white “B” in the orange block. You know the one. I then follow those simple steps and BAM, I now have blog! Once I see the words that state I have created my blog I am directed to the “New Post” page. I’m still in denial so I go to “Settings”, then “Layout” and finally, “Monetize”. Unable to accept that any company would ever want to sell their products on my blog I end up where I started, “New Post”, d@mn!

The questions are now unavoidable; does this make me a narcissist, will anyone read what I write and why do I care? Then there is the big one, “What will I say?” So, I simply do as always, I just start typing.

“and so it begins…”