FIND YOUR PALM TREE

A Jamaican co-worker, whom I'll call Fritz, told he could complete an entire business plan just sitting under a palm tree. "There is no need for me to have a fancy office. I can work under a palm tree." Fritz was simply passionate about his career. He was able to harvest herbs of various types and create teas. After bagging and labeling, Fritz would sell his products to the local markets.

Interestingly enough, Fritz did have a lavish office in mid-town Manhattan. One appointed in fine furniture and creative artwork. As well as an ever present bottle of "Ting" grapefruit soda. He was always aware of his work ethic and not the material results.

Once, I had an idea, but was miles away from my office cubicle or MacBook Pro. At the next available opportunity, I pulled to the side of the road and began writing a business plan. I usually have a blue legal pad in the car. Then I heard the voice of Fritz. It was like a quiet memory, but loud enough to be audible. "I can work under a palm tree." There I was in my Jetta writing guidelines for my next plan of action. I had discovered my "palm tree." The feeling of joy was welcomed.

(c) 2008 Aquarian Dream Ink

JEANS SAG LOW

I watched the young boy as he was running on the sidewalk. He was pinching the sides of his jeans like he was a young maiden holding the sides of her skirt. His pants would have fallen if his pace was a tad bit faster. I think it would be hard to have high self-esteem when your jeans are low. Too low. The 15 year-old trend of wearing loose jeans is an unattractive fashion. Seeing men in their 30's and 40's wearing low-riding jeans is harsh on my eyesight. For it usually comes with a belly courtesy of Heineken beers. Young boys are now belting blue denim slacks below their buttocks. Lately, the boys have been wearing the low garments like it's an urban game of the Caribbean limbo. "How low can you go?" Thus, making colorful underwear a necessary part of their outer fashinon statement.

In the near future, like one minute from now, it would be grand to have men pull up their pants. Ideally, a group of males could be leaders and promote personal pride, by wearing the slacks at waistline.

(c) 2008 Aquarian Dream Ink

I'M FIENDIN'

Okay, I'm addicted to thinking about a life I've always wanted. For many years, I have thought about being a writer. A screenwriter. A media critic. An author. A poet. A songwriter. A lyricist. A playwright. Maybe I had an idea or three about being a comic strip writer, but that didn't last. At the end of each day, my prayers included something to the Universe about helping me become writer.

Recently, I took a job with less hours than an account executive so I could pursue my divine intentions. While working at the youth center there are a group of tweens who feel it necessary to categorize me in their small view of the world. "Hey she looks like Macy Gray." Initially they chuckled. Then they went into full-blown laughter. They were taunting me. "Yuck, she does look like Macy Gray." I ignored them. Afterwhich I calmly internalized their comments.

What I decided in regards to my hair, yes I've been having fun with my color. Thanks to my perfectionist of a hairstylist, my "light-skinned hair" is now a fun brownish red. I am creative. I am an artist. Like Macy, I try to be the best I can. Macy seems to be kind. I not only like her style of singing, but her humanitarian efforts. She was one of the first entertainers to reach-out to the victims of hurricane Katrina.

I now find I can no longer walk away from the feelings of wanting to be a writer only to walk right into them. There is no need for me to attempt to bypass my destiny. I am a writer. Thanks to the lovely children of the youth center, being a professional writer is my first choice of a career. It will no longer be something, I'll get to someday.

(c) 2008 Aquarian Dream Ink

O' REALLY

It is interesting for the 1984 vice-presidential candidate to say Senator Barack Obama has only succeeded in the current presidential primaries because he is black.

She was angry when it was reported that her husband, a real esate agent John Zaccaro was allegedly affiliated with organized crime. Her cries were because their surnames ended in a vowel doesn't mean they were part of the Italian-American mafia.

As in 1984 and now the message to the American public is change and freedom. Presidential hopeful Obama is promoting new leadership. This is a theme that should resonate with Ms. Ferraro. Is Obama lucky to be this far in the primaries because of his skin color? The answer could be "yes." Just as EVERYTHING Mr. Obama does is a result of his skin color. He is an African-American. So whether he shaves, jogs in the morning or runs for president of the United States he will always be black.

Let us understand this is not an affirmative-action election process. Not one of Barack Obama's wins is part of "set-aside program." Mr. Obama is a graduate of Harvard Law. He is charming and intellectual enough to articulate his message to the registered Democrats who voted for him. When Ms. Ferraro graduated from Fordham University School of Law, was she thinking, "I have only been successful because I am a white woman of Italian descent?"

Please during this election, let us get beyond skin-color and gender. Both Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama should remain focused on capturing the title of Democratic Presidential nominee and beat Senator McCain.

(c) 2008 Aquarian Dream Ink