I was brought up to believe that “Jesus loves the little children…all the children of the world…red, yellow, black and white they’re all precious in his sight“…yet I watched the nightly news circa 1968 and saw blacks, young children, men and women being attacked by dogs….being hosed down, tear gassed, kicked and beaten for no reason, other than the color of their skin.

I sang “we shall overcome, we shall overcome, someday” with my elementary school music teacher, Ms. Parsons, not realizing the impact it held in 1968 America. I remember the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy…the reaction and emotions of my teachers resonated such sorrow; MY country echoed affliction and grief. There was sadness and disappointments…remorse and heartbreak. What an era to grow up in…yet, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s impact and its influence on my life and ideals are immeasurable.

Today…2009…41 years later, we’ve come a long way since 1968. I look in awe at the opportunities and freedoms given to people of color…opportunities that MY SONS will be recipients of because of the fight and struggles of those that paved the way. I hope and pray that they won’t be judged by the color of their skin…but by the character of their heart.

Our country has come a long way…we HAVE come a long way babeeeeee!!! We have come a distance, yet still have a ways to go. I was so proud that Antonio and I voted for President TOGETHER this past November!!! He was able to cast his vote without repercussions or judgment. It was an emotional day for me…yet taken lightly by him….does the youth of today take their freedoms for granted?!

On the eve of Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, as the nation’s FIRST African-American commander-in-chief takes office, I stand proud, hopeful and excited, that MY country will come together and embrace change…embrace a new beginning of leadership, courage and humility. Let his calls from the mountain top bring ALL Americans together; EVERYONE …red, yellow, black, white, straight, gay….cuz we’re all precious in His sight.

Let the festivities begin…….

Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont, Florida

too bad the slideshow doesn’t play…Yahoo 360 sucks…if you want to see it, go to Multiply.

Only in Miami, can I have a flamingo driven sleigh!

ROFL

Last week, I drove to Orlando to visit a friend that was in from out of town. I had not seen my amigo in almost 2 years. Seeing him and spending time with him was wonderful..although things won’t ever be the way they were before, it simply ‘is what it is’…and that’s OK with us. Timing can often be ‘off’ and/or never right…

Cheers amigo…

toasting a mojito with my Ricura. [CLINK]

life on the naked tip….

Wish I could do this ALWAYS!

YUMM-O

I made the most delicious sweet potato casserole today…it was a trial run for Thursdays Thanksgiving dinner. Well, let me tell you that it came out “simply delicioso”

QUE RICO!!!

It will be a 3 day work week for me…and perhaps for lots of other folks. The familia and I will be heading out to Sarasota, FL on Wednesday eve. My dad, sis and her hubby are already there. We rented a time share near the beach so that we can chill and let our hair down. I am looking forward to a quiet, dramaless Thanksgiving.

Things @ home could be better, but it is what it is. I’ve got to take the good with the bad and learn to understand that “this too shall pass” Not going to get into anything tonight, I will save that for another time.

Besos mi gente…

Pics for your enjoyment…

So I guess you’ve heard that Sarah Palin had her Yahoo! email account hacked by the group known as anonymous. (one story here)

But what did anonymous learn from hacking the future president’s email account? There were a few emails that looked like official business, and sure there was this recipe she emailed to a friend:

Sarah’s Polar Bear Fondue
One polar bear, cleaned
10 pounds flour
4 dozen eggs
50 pounds Gruyere
50 pounds Emmental
corn starch
6 bottles dry white wine
1 pound garlic, peeled, crushed
serve with Triscuits, yummers!

But not much else.

So really, Sarah, for shame. And what was your password that they were able to crack your account so easily? baracuda1?