Mrs.O's writing room.

Isn't she lovely? isn't she wonderful? This is my god daughter Alessia, looking oooh so pretty. She was born in Philadelphia but is living in Singapore at the moment. Christmas cantata - The Journey, at Watoto church - lovely!! We were taken on the journey of God's salvation plan, from creation, to the birth of Jesus and His meaning in our lives today. Pastor Gary shared the famous speech by Dr.S.M.Lockridge. Here is a small excerpt. I wish I could describe Him to you. But He's indes... Wooah, yeaaah! yeaahh, He's indescribable - yes He is ! He's God. He's, He's indescribable, yes, He's indescribable. He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. Well, you can't get Him out of your mind, You get Him off of your hand, You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witness...

It’s a little unsettling when your anesthetist begins to hum “nearer my God to thee” while preparing you for a surgical procedure. William was extremely talkative, he liked singing too, before putting me to sleep he said a prayer and my last words were “Amen” – scary huh?! I went into a deep sleep. 2 or 3 hours later I was woken up by the nurse who said “wake up Mary, Sam sends his regards” – that got me up for sure. The sleep was so “peaceful”; I can’t exactly blame MJ for wanting that drug each night. Only problem is you never know what is happening around. I didn’t see my doctor before or after the procedure so; anyone could have done anything to me. He eventually came round to check on me, said the operation was successful (I know have a cerclage round my cervix), I will see him again in 10 days. I was on bed rest for 2 days after the operation, my doctor I can resume normal activities, nothing strenuous. Thankfully Sam and my sisters were there the entire time - the joys of being...

Going in for the surgical procedure tomorrow. Hold my hand precious Lord.

Surviving. Energy is 30%. Alarm goes off at 5:30am, I struggle out of bed, take a shower by some miracle and drag myself to work. I do my 8 hours in office, manage to put on a smile and get work done – absolute miracle. Can’t wait for the clock to strike 6pm so I can head home, have my dinner and hit the sack.

"And the parched ground shall become a pool." Isaiah 35:7 We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that Satan comes in with his temptations, and we are apt to say it is no use to go on. Instead of the vision becoming real, there has come the valley of humiliation. "Life is not as idle ore, But iron dug from central gloom, And batter'd by the shocks of doom To shape and use." God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience. Think of the enormous leisure of God! He is never in a hurry. We are always in such a frantic hurry. In the light of the glory of the vision we go forth to do things, but the vision is not real in us yet; and God has to take us into the valley, and put us through fires and...

I was on a diet. I tried tucking my tummy in but it bounced right back like a balloon. It’s the mango season right? So I packed some mangoes for desert but apparently this raised eyebrows. A work mate insisted I had a story to tell, but none that I was aware of. I hadn’t seen the moon though but I figured it was due to changes in the weather and stuff. Curious about the moon’s disappearance,I found the nearest clinic and asked for those little testers. The lady at the reception pointed me to another room in which I found 3 men stacking little parcels into boxes. They were excited to see me, then I felt embarrassed asking for the packets. I kept my hands in full view, to show off my rings, just in case they thought I was doing things illegally. “Madam, you feel free, for us we are here. You tell us everything”. That cracked me up. They took great delight in explaining how to use the little gadget. “Now Madam, it is simple. When you go to the bathroom, preferably early in the morning, yo...

I woke up early and lay in bed, enjoying the warmth and debating on how soon after the alarm went off I should drag my legs onto the floor. When I finally dragged myself to the shower, I was almost wide awake. By the time I was ready to leave the house, it was 7:15, the marathon was scheduled to start at 7:30. I grabbed the first bodaboda and got to the starting point just in time to see the tail end of the multitudes that were stampeding and pushing in the name of running. So this time I wasn’t able to get good snap shots. At around 7:50 I heard people shouting “he is back”, “cheer him on”. I thought that was just wrong, did the man take a short cut? Did he forget the route? The marathon had just began, how could someone be back so soon? What drug was he on? I put my ignorance aside and acknowledged that some people are road runners, the guy did make 10km in less than 26 minutes. I love the mood stirred by marathons –a spirit of unity, solidarity, and purpose, the pickpockets and thie...

I was eagerly anticipating the MTN marathon when one amazing event stopped me in my tracks. So, I let go of the baton but hope I will be there to cheer friends on. Run the race my friends, put every hinderence aside and press on to that goal for which you run - health, fun, money, prestige... Do it with all your strength.

He is a short, well built, Musoga man. Very soft spoken, hardly says a word except when he is greeting. He is one of the first to arrive in office and probably the last to leave in the evening. When I met him 5 years ago, I was impressed with how neat he was, he kept his office clean. One of the few men that wears a T-shirt underneath his shirt. In most offices his job is handled by a woman, so that makes him unique. John is our tea man. Every morning he washes the flasks, boils water in the heater and makes tea for an office of about 30 people. Whenever we have office meetings he will make special preparations – tea and snacks depending who is attending the meeting. He will also supervise the distribution of flowers for the offices. He has done this for over 6 years. His profession is belittled but when he is off duty, his absence impacts us severely. We start the day with a daily doze of coffee or hot cup of tea courtesy of John. But as selfish human beings, we are never keen to re...

Robert is an energetic, hard working young man that I met 5 years ago. He is one of our office cleaners. Whenever we need an extra hand, Robert gladly chips in. He runs a thousand and one personal errands; paying electricity and water bills when staff can’t leave the office, he is sent for food, he cleans, he photocopies, and he prints, never complaining. Office would be lacking without him, he is a link in this chain without which, progress would come to a halt. When I came home last year, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from him. He wanted to know how I was – amazing! When I returned to work 2 weeks ago, with a glimmer in his eyes, he informed me that he is a senior 6 candidate. I was elated! He is in his early 30’s, he works 7am to 5 pm, as soon as he clocks out, he dashes to school for evening classes which end at 10pm – talk about resilience. I’m totally inspired by him. Today is examination briefing for all senior 6 candidates. He took the day off, but I was surprise...

When I last posted about events in my life, I had a helper called Apolot. She has long since returned to her village in Atteta. Apolot and Mich were hissing, purring and barking at each other like cats and dogs. Having enough issues to contend with, this was not one to add to the number. She didn’t quite appreciate life in the city. When asked to clean the bathroom, she would stare at me as if to say, “ you’ve got to be kidding”. Her cleaning patterns were a little odd, she insisted on using a brush instead of a rug to mop and evidently the floor didn’t sparkle, in fact at times it looked worse. Thinking I was a little too particular I let her settle in. Out of a burning curiosity I asked about her cleaning strategy, and found out she had never cleaned a tiled floor before. She’d lived in a mud hut all her life. To clean a mud hut floor, all one needs is a local broom, do not make the mistake of using water , unless of course you are planning to create a mud puddle. For a new look, ...

The “THIS IS IT” rehearsal video is amazing! An adventure, showing people excerpts of Mj's life that we had never seen before. The large crowd that walked into Cineplex seemed anxious, like they were going to watch a live concert. The silence was deafening, no phone’s going off as they usually do, and everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen. Michael’s passion is such an inspiration. The manner with which he swerved his body and wiggled his toes seemed like music was literally flowing through his veins. His rehearsals were like the actual presentation, he poured out his life. He was very articulate as to how every note should sound, when he wanted a loud bang and when he wanted the music to simmer. As though he’d seen the concert before. It was great to see Jackson unveiled, a side to him that had always been shielded. To listen to him talk, rebuke and guide his crew in a cool manner. The words “I love you” and “God bless you” flowed steadily from his lips. His talent was t...

Two days ago, Mich asked me to feel his shaky tooth. He said when it fell out, he would place it on top of the fridge so the rat would find it (a school theory no doubt). Then as though he had an aha! moment he said – “mummy, we shouldn’t kill rats because they will not be able to bring our gifts”. So, that is the new campaign in our household. Once, my grandma in Serere told me about a huge rat that crept into huts and snuck off with utensils. Over time, cups, plates and ladles were noted missing. The rat would dig holes in the ground where it would hoard its loot. I don’t know how the things were traced but I imagine in folk tales, the rat would be caught and asked to lead the villagers to the hot spot. Mich has no clue what he is asking for. And now to the real stuff that is making me boil. You see, in Africa, when a man is caught in adultery, tress passing or in some kind of wrongful activity, we get upset, we raise our voices but it’s soon forgotten. When a man is caught stealing,...

Eyes mirror the soul. Many have trained to disguise their emotions, but ordinarily our eyes tell on us. I have therefore concluded that this city is on heat, excuse the language but I can’t find a more polite phrase. It’s the way men look at women, women smile coyly and then meet at strange locations at weird hours to quench their lust. Old men defile little girls, older women sleep with younger men; it’s about black mail, love affairs gone bad, the devil – the reasons are endless. It’s probably been this way since before, before, but now I see the issues with new lenses. As I interact, I sense the forces in control -; “sleep with her, just don’t get caught”, build my house, get the latest car, wiggle a way in to the CEO’s good books for a promotion, crave status, hang with the “right” crowd, date the pretty young thing, have an affair with the married lady – “she’s been on my list for a long time, besides her husband doesn’t pay her as much attention”. Study ACCA, MAT, CAT, AAC, AMT, ...

My driving license expires in a week. No better time like the present to have it renewed right? I drove to Uganda Revenue Authority office in Nakawa and begun the hustle. I’d have been happy to have someone else run this errand but there is no one else, so the “ponky” landed on me. The chaos in that place is hard to describe; - 8 o’clock on Monday morning looked like 12pm, Thursday afternoon - lots of people standing around, gazing at cars, and conversing. I walked passed a man squatting by the wall, trying to catch some sleep. I don’t know if he was succeeding but his eyes were shut and he was rocking slightly, with the wall as a support. The office/warehouse, which is excellent for cargo and animals but nothing else, was stuffy and crammed. I had to guess my way around, figure out which forms to fill, where to take them and whom to talk to. Meanwhile men were staring, taking long glances at my paper to see what I had written. I occasionally heard, “Njagala okukyusa numba puleetti” an...

Aah! You look stunning! I’m enthralled with the way your clothes fit perfectly; defining a man with purpose and vision, a man with style - dignified and playful all at once. It’s refreshing to see your smile. You bend ever so slightly and wrap me in your arms. Your cologne - subtle and crisp, smells heavenly. As I lay my head on your shoulder I wish time would hush, make no move, stay forever in this moment. You whisper – “I've missed you” I respond, breathless, “me more”. The strength in your hand as it envelops mine, firm but gentle confirms – “I care about you. I want to protect you” My heart skips a beat, our eyes lock in a knowing gaze and we smile when our favorite song plays on the radio. We own the moment! Nobody feels the way we do. Fireworks and lightning engulf us at the same exact split second - simply blissful! Just you and me baby! Just you and me.

Chap-chap! Just like that, 2 months have wh iz zed passed since coming home. I have done my share of complaining and now life goes on. It is almost down to a routine; Crazy boda-boda men putting their lives on the line, the pushing and shoving, heavy traffic, numerous holidays. The riots came as a surprise welcome home package but clearly some Ugandans are burning with rage and there is dynamite waiting to explode. I love the predictability of the weather, when it’s scorching hot during the day; I know showers are around the corner. I know that since the UMA show is on, it’s going to rain; at least it has been that way for many years. I love the cool breeze and I’m glad I don’t have to drastically change my wardrobe to suit the weather. I miss fall colors but not the cold winter nights, wrapped up, sipping on a cup of coffee every hour. Hustling with Sam to turn up the heat and he turning it down because much as I need the warmth but he can’t take the bills. I love mu...

Like grasshoppers drawn to light, they are drawn to money ventures. Like ants in line, stopping to greet each other and ferrying chunks of food to the anthill, their sense of community and hard work is evident. They are spread out all over the globe, from the dingiest dark corners to hoity-toity palaces. They multiply like mushrooms; they creep into areas and take over. They are successful business owners, when they spot fertile fields, they ship family, distant cousins, neighbors and local touts by the hundreds. Woe is yours if they employ you - getting fair pay is like squeezing juice out of a dry mango seed. They almost always carry packed lunch to work and will not leave until they must. They own shops’ in villages’ on the outskirts of civilization, yet the villagers will know where they are located because of the reasonable prices. While the rest of us buy expensive cars, they drop children off on simple scooters. When there is a fuel crisis, guess who is still on the road? 2 grow...

Curious about the tent peek-a-booing outside our gate every Sunday morning, we decided to check it out. For starters it’s conveniently located. It’s full of young vibrant men and women who pray with urgency. It’s been a while since I prayed so fervently and for so long. People pace the floors, rumbling, groaning and rocking to a rhythm. Sermon;- Knowing whose you are The next Sunday we travelled to the centre of the city’s hustle and bustle (only less intense on Sunday). Located on Luwum Street, opposite Mutassa Kafeero plaza; up a flight of stairs, up another flight of stairs, up more stairs and more stairs yet - finally at Calvary Chapel phew! It’s got a familiar feel, probably because 3 quarters of the members shifted from Watoto Church. The choir is energetic; they have a young pastoral team and a semi international congregation. To be investigated further. Sermon; You must be born again The Sunday after that, we travelled up Makerere hill to St. Francis. It’s over flowing with stu...

Land cruisers’, Ipsums’, SUVs’, Pajeros’, trucks, Rav 4’s, Nadias’, Carinas’, name them, they are all here bumping up and down Uganda's roads. Maersk, Transaami and every other shipping company or car dealer in town is loaded with vehicles in the bond - all the way to Mombasa. Ugandans are importing cars by the minute. Meanwhile the Kikumis' (white Toyota Corolla AE100) that once jammed the city are extinct. Ugandans are doing well financially. Economic Crisis? What’s that? Strolling through the malls and super markets, I notice more interracial couples. White men with black wives/girlfriends, “Kyots” on arm or tucked in strollers. Uganda is becoming international. The days when the sight of a white man walking with a black woman stopped traffic are long gone. In other news, what’s with organizations all going yellow? Once Yellow was a bold color that only MTN, Shell and Bell lager dared to use. I could spot an MTN kiosk/logo/banner from miles away – now? It’s jumbled up in all...

As Sam and I conversed one morning, Mich eagerly awaited a chance to slot in a word, but his dad was still in mid sentence, so out of frustration he said “But daddy, you don’t have to use all your words at once”, that cracked me up. Anyway, we begin the 3rd week of school and the adjustment process is uphill. Our regular morning wars to get out of bed;- Mich crying about his dream being cut short or how he is still tired, then we face the concept of adding a helper to the equation. I have been mopping the floors, burning my dress in the kitchen and making sure he has washed behind his ears, so Mich doesn’t understand why someone else has to do these chores for me, (apparently I was getting good grades). He views the helper as an intruder and is always telling on her or giving the instructions. I have over heard commands like “Apolot, you need to wash my clothes”, “Apolot! Apolot! That is not the way they clean the bathroom”. All over a sudden he is extremely authoritative. He is harsh ...

Internet in the market? You’ve got to be kidding! I found an internet café in our local market area. The sign post was my only hope that I was not hallucinating. Passed the tomato and matooke stalls, down a dusty path, opposite the charcoal sellers and in a corner - there it is! I was curious and skeptic all at once; the prices were fair for starters. The connections are slower than a sick snail but it’s busy. I strictly check mail. One can spend an entire day there, in an attempt to surf in its true form. Majority of the clientele are passionate face-book teens. However slow the system is, they hang on, to send the next message or update their profiles. My market café even has webcams, cool ainit?! Today I sat next to a girl who had jazzed up her looks for some web talk. I was minding my own business (for the most part) but how the eyes love to wonder. She was on a chat site scanning the profiles of bazungu men. I thought it was silly; first the page takes forever to open, then i...

On Sam’s first visit to America, he walked into a fast food outlet and placed an order. The guy at the counter - “forherretogo?” Eh! Sam is trying to figure out what the man is saying. Guy at the counter – “Sir, forherretogo?” Sam – “what?” Guy at the counter (gives him a puzzled look, then emphasizes) – “Sir, would you like it here or to go?” Sam finally figures it out – “here”. Kati why didn’t the guy just ask if he wanted “takeaway?” Anyway, I concluded that “Takeaway” is a code only used in Uganda. When fast food was still a new phenomena in Kampala, Bon appétit brought it home. The chips and chicken, fish fillet, kidney, liver and fried cassava defined take away, that is until Ugandans got into a frenzy, thinking they would die if they all didn’t set up their own “take away”. Now Kampala is drowning in fast food restaurants. Even in this sea, Bon appétit remains top on my list of fast food stops. I like the potato chips (most of the time), I even dreamed of them when I was subject...

As I look around for someone to pay me to tell stories, and to avoid being idle and disorderly, I went visit a former lecturer at Makerere University. I took a taxi to Wandegeya with the aim of using the famous “gate” in front of University hall. The area is buzzing with kiosks in all sizes and shapes. What was once a tiny rack of second hand shoes for sale is almost a full blown shoe store - without the four walls. I couldn't find the gate. It was either uprooted or trampled, but the remains are evident – two strong poles, bits of mesh sticking out of the ground and a worn path. University hall looks horrible; the filth, broken glass and worn window frames are hanging on by some miracle. These buildings haven’t been renovated in over 20 years and to think the halls are churning out graduates by the minute... What will be left for those little boys and girls who are dreaming of coming to the famous hill? Is this the destiny of all government institutions? The arts faculty and pre...

I’m not a fashion guru. In fact I'm not fully aware of the current trends. When shopping, I look for clothes that flatter my shape and are comfortable, whether or not they are the latest styles. The Ugandan trend is - “ If it’s in - wear It !” Never mind that it doesn’t suit your size or shape. As I walk on the streets of Kampala, I see ladies in ill fitting clothes all in the name of “keeping in style” and I’m embarrassed on their behalf. It’s particularly unpleasant when one has a big bust and an extended tummy, with a butt that’s heading in the opposite direction. All the curves and contours are emphasized, it’s not cool. Blouses and dresses with low cuts at the front have invaded the city too, no problem! Who am I to dictate what ladies wear anyway? Issues arise though in taxis - when they have to bend over to get in/out/or shuffle over to let someone pass. Twice I have watched men get totally disorganized, either because “the girls’ are in full view or they are about to fall ...

“Desperate times call for desperate measures” or so they say. In our quest for a school, we made an appointment with the headmaster of a recommended primary school in town. The secretary ushered us into his office where we begun our plea. He shook his head and said, “I don’t know what to do for you”. We sat humbly, looking at him with pleading eyes. Again, he shook his head and repeated “I don’t know what to do for you”. After a brief silence the conversation went something like this: Headmaster- “I’m going to conduct interviews tomorrow, so if you pay 100,000 for the admission forms, I will interview your son. But it is not a guarantee that he will be admitted”. My husband- “I’m sorry but we didn’t come with that kind of money” Headmaster- “Where do you live?” My husband- “Ntinda” Headmaster- “That is not too far away, I’m going to be in office until 3pm. If you are really interested in the place, you can go get the money, I will be waiting” Silence My husband- “Thank you very much s...

I quickly forgot my peoples’ ways. Once, I mocked bazungu who wore flip flops and less than descent clothing. I thought they were making an effort to fit in, how wrong I was. You see, Americans for the most part are not snazzy dressers, except in New York and Dallas but don’t quote me. Smart is relative and I seem to have adopted the culture too. I’m embarrassed when I step onto Kampala’s streets with a rack sack and sandals and everybody is dressed as though they were attending a function; high heels, trendy clothes, suit and tie eeish! It’s hot, it’s dusty, it’s muddy, lighten up people! My rack sack makes life easy, I throw what I need in there, but lately it has caused me trouble. A guard in Nakumatt would not let me in, boy! That ruffled my feathers. He couldn’t give a good reason why I had to leave my bag at the check in desk except that it was the rule, well, I insisted. Something about exposure to efficient systems doesn’t allow me to settle for less. 20 minutes later I saw a m...

Ugandans’are breeding with urgency! Women are pushing out babies at an alarming rate, alas! Our schools are filled to capacity. No wonder the women’s section in the New Vision is constantly addressing pregnancy and childbirth. I once brushed off stories of parents’ registering their unborn children on school waiting lists. Because excellent schools were readily available in Texas, all one needed was to find a house in a good school district. Now that I’m home, I face the Ugandan reality - there is no room! Day care centers are packed, pre schools are jammed, primary schools are overflowing and since Mich has not been in the system, squeezing him in is proving to be harder than uprooting banana stumps. Apparently children introduced to learning abroad (America, UK) find it difficult to embrace the Ugandan system. Ugandans are steered by rote learning while the American system is based on the Psychology of the child, his state of mind and his emotions. One school had the head teachers ...

A woman emerged from the shell of a child. She was once a little girl, now, I can barely fathom the curves and dips of her frame. She sways from side to side as she walks, lifting her legs like 20 tons were attached to each ankle. I tilt my eyes slightly upwards to capture her face and my head moves from the left to the right to engulf her entire form. She ogles, follows, and traces my movements in an eerie fashion. If she could stop all the intensity I’d relax, but with no sisters, and a mother who is least likely to entertain a needy daughter, I end up being the scapegoat. She grunts nearly all the time. I wonder what runs the course of her mind for she seldom speaks. Not that she is shy, no! She will raise her voice at the slightest provocation, making her more cryptic. With her big, round, expressionless eyes looking straight at me she says, “I need to talk to you”. Before I brace myself or compose my thoughts, she unburdens her heart. Casually opening a can of worms, and pulling s...

After narrowing our house hunt to 2 locations, we picked the one with easier access to town and to public transport. The house is not ideal, but it works. When I expressed our interest to the landlady’s son, I told him he would never find better tenants; this was his only chance to salvage his mom’s house from disrespectful, filthy, ungrateful tenants. He put in a word for us when his mom got back; 2 days later we met to discuss the tenancy agreement. Madam Landlady was very chatty, being my parents’ age mate she was typically loaded with advice for any young ears willing to listen. She was articulate about her expectations, but also appreciated our need for privacy and space. I hope it turns into a long term cordial relationship. We are moving in slowly, should be done by early this week. Eachtime we pass by, the land lady is cleaning something or the other. I'm concerned that house inspections are going to be serious business. I'm Glad we finally found a place to call home.

I have been reacquainted with Kampala’s nooks and crannies, I’ve driven on the dusty roads of this beloved city in desperate search of a place to lay my head. Finding a house in Kampala is rather draining. If the house is not too small, then it is too far out, if the finishing is not shady, then the house is too expensive. The rooms are ill proportioned; landlords squeeze 3 rooms in a space sufficient for 2. Now that everyone has woken up to inbuilt wardrobes, instead of curving a space that sinks into the wall, wardrobes are built in a protruding fashion, making the room even smaller. Some landlords’ think because they have plastered a few tiles into the house it’s justifiable to charge exorbitant rates, even when the light fixtures are crooked. One broker was so excited to show me a house because it had a sitting room and a dinning. Uh … isn’t it standard to have both? Apparently not. One can get a house any where depending on the location and price. 100, 000/- can get you a hole in...

My page has collected dust and cobwebs these past couple of weeks but I haven't the time to keep it fresh or updated. I am in over my head; folding and stashing,shopping and packing,discarding and donating. I have walked for miles in department stores, barely aware of the passing of time - that was the fun part. The stress and strain engulfed me when I had to make trade offs, when my eyes were bigger than my pocket, when I was spoilt for choice, trying (in vain for the most part) to decipher between needs, wants and would be good to haves. "Now, if only I could have all 3 dresses". "These shoes are great! and so are those, and these and the others". "Mich would love this toy, I've got to get him those DVDs,the books are awesome too, what about the arts and crafts?". "I have just seen the most amazing pillows, they would look lovely in the sitting room, with those curtains,that rug ..." "Just look at these cooking pots, they would la...

In America: Chicken lays golden egg! Next day: Kansas chicken lays golden egg! 20 minutes later: Farmer Brown’s 5 week old chicken laid golden egg in upright position Next: Chicken with golden egg ate grain from Mr. Murphy Silentspoon’s store. Then next head line : Chicken tinted with blue feathers, had never laid eggs before . And the next: Chicken linage traced back to Cleveland Ohio. Chicken is given special care, it dies of old age and is placed in a museum. In Africa: A chicken lays an egg which is golden. Next day: Chicken dies It's eaten and that's it. Americans’ uncover everything they can find on a story. It’s discussed, analysed and broken down until you are fed up. They will scrutinize the words spoken, the way they were spoken, the possible thoughts, moods, expressions – every angle. The public is either satisfied with no further questions or wonders what other twists and turns could be included. Federal judge Sotomayor , nominated by President Obama to be next Supr...

June 22nd It’s rejuvenating to escape from the hustle of my mundane life, put my feet up, fold my hands behind my head, take a deep breath, close my eyes and smile. God is good! My life is upside down, I don’t know what tomorrow brings, not sure where I should be at this point in life but in spite of all that, it is well with my soul. From whence my source comes ? – I haven’t the slightest clue. How my life will span out? – I really don’t know. Not that I care less but I can’t deny that this higher power, the force that spoke the world into existence is reshaping my life. I’m living in a beautiful Hyatt hotel in Phoenix Arizona. I never imagined that I would be persuaded into driving 15 hours to any destination let alone this amazing, desert-ish, cactus infested land. But here we are. I don’t get to cook a meal for a whole week – awesome!! Feels like an ice cold coke on a blazing hot summer day. I’m having some serious one on one moments with Mich - aww! Listening to his articulated th...

I mourned MJ longer than I had anticipated ; now, I get up and dust myself off. When my grand children ask how I got nicknamed "Mjay", I will enthrall them with my tale. When they say - "Fo shizzle grizzle?" (For sure granma?) , I will delight in humoring them. '09 has unveiled some over the top events that have left my eyes spinning in my head. ~ The recession turns the tables all over the world upside down. ~ U.S innaugurates its first black president - whoa! ~ Owino catches fire ~ Maddof, fraudster of the century, is exposed by his sons and sentenced to 150 years in jail - He got it coming! "Give us back our money you scammer you!" ~ Air France plane crush;- 228 aboard, 228 fatalities - my heart goes out to the families ~Susan Boyles' becomes an internet sensation in her 40's - Good for her. ~ Mzee Kakamega dies, Mugabe Kaijuka dies, Michael Jackson dies, Billy Mays dies, Farrah Fawcett dies, David Carradine dies... former South Korean presi...

Today, the shell of the shy and soft spoken guy will be lowered 6 feet under. Where is he? - A priceless question, no doubt. He worked hard, did what he did best and captivated the crowds. They pursued him in a passionate stampede, trampled him, and while some remain to mourn, others rush passed, eyes transfixed on their next victim. Musings from King Solomon in Ecclesiastes : - He arrived naked from the womb of his mother; He'll leave in the same condition—with nothing. This is bad luck, for sure—naked he came, naked he went. - When I realized that my fate's the same as the fool's, I had to ask myself, "So why bother being wise?" It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. The smart and the stupid both disappear out of sight. In a day or two they're both forgotten. Yes, both the smart and the stupid die, and that's it. - I hate life. As far as I can see, what happens on earth is a bad business. It's smoke—and spitting into the wind....

My efforts to capture 4th of July fire works on camera.

I didn't see this coming. I'm watching Mich trying to spin around and moon walk (backslide) - really hilarious. He had no clue who MJ was until today, now he is asking whether Michael Jackson will come back. Why he is so famous, what he did, if the whole world is going to be at the LA hospital. My memory of Michael is stuck in the time of Jackson 5, "Beat it", "Thriller"and "Off the wall" - Billie Jean, The Girl is mine, Fever, Bad - man! the list is endless. I'm thinking - shiny white socks and pulled up sleeves and how we tried to imitate the look, yeah! even the girls. Reminds me of the day Princess Diana passed away, the chaos, the questions, the confusion, the media buzzzzzzzzzzz. These are events that stands out in my mind - leaving me speechless. Michael was a weird guy, but he did amazing stuff in the music arena and boy! those dance moves will always be BAD! So long King of Pop.

June 21st The clock chimes It strikes another hour Another year ends – begins Wrinkles and scars on this ebony mark a path Each with a story Of Sacrifice and love Of errors and errands Yesterday, I danced playfully to nursery rhymes Today, the steps are intricately sophisticated Sometimes the music blends with my heart beat Sometimes I’m flustered and I lose my step I’m still on the dance floor, mastering this skill called life Drummer, play on Beat the drum, so that I might pass on the rhythm Play on till I can sway no more. I'm a year older today, funny that it's fathers day too. Double celebration in the "O" house hold.