Post Pandemic

Here we are post pandemic and life has changed. I don't know if many of you know, but I am a veteran teacher. I have been in the industry for 25 years, and I am tired. When the pandemic hit, it was like a reprieve. We had to teach from home and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I teach Health, and I had the best time teaching. A lot of the students who did not talk face to face, were involved virtually. They did not have to have their cameras on, and I do believe that encouraged many of the shy students to participate. Sometimes it was challenging to get some students to show up, however, those that did were in for a treat. One of my 8th grade students who was so engaged wrote a play and had the students read parts. She was also very active in class when we were face to face. When we returned face to face, she and her brother remain virtual students.

Returning face to face was a challenge because many of the students were OFF the fucking chain. Apparently during the pandemic they forgot how to act like decent people. Where were their parents during the pandemic? If we were at home, they should have been also. Anyway, the students came back cursing like sailors, and using the "n" word like nothing. I absolutely cannot stand that word. I hate the fact that black people use it as a term of endearment then justify it. I am at war with that word being used, and I think it is time we take it out of our vocabulary.

Black people (I am not African American), will never be able to really move forward until we get rid of that word. I do not care if it ends in an "a" or "er", it is demeaning and totally derogatory. I bet if the rappers took it out of their vocabulary and start saying brother and sister, so will the school children. 

I do believe it is time to start a campaign to get rid of that word. No other group that I know of, has taken a derogatory word and made it a term of endearment. If they have, they must only use it in privacy.

The Teacher

Today is another fantastic day! Grateful to be alive and healthy, and also grateful to have been able to maintain my lifestyle during the pandemic. I don’t know if you all are aware,  but I’m a middle school health and PE teacher! Teaching virtually was not really hard, I just pretended I was a radio DJ talking to my listeners. Only these listeners were able to give feedback and make suggestions. I even  had one of my 6th grade students facilitate her class. She was phenomenal and it was a joy to watch! 

We are now back to teaching a hybrid type class. What does that look like. It looks like you are teaching two different groups. Teaching hybrid is not easy. In all honesty the students who are face to face do get more of my attention. I have kind of let it slip my mind a couple of times that I have to log in online for the virtual students. If there was more time in between my class, I could prepare better for the following class. But alas, we are back to back, so I have no prep time.  Even my lunch time is a rush job! The powers that be act as if it’s going to be easy teaching hybrid.  There’s another name they have come up with but I can’t remember it.  Anyway, the last nine weeks of the school year is almost over and I dare anyone to say teachers had it easy. Try teaching two classes at the same time, calling parents of kids who don’t sign in, calling kids who don’t sign in, trying to ensure you meet the students where they are, doing lesson plans and the list goes on. It’s not as easy as you think it is, because you are not teaching in my shoes. So please, don’t judge us, just like we don’t judge you. 

2021

 It has been four year since I have written on here! To be honest I forgot I had this page until I put  something in google and my pictures popped up! So here I am writing again. Many things have changed in my life. I have been modeling and on a couple of shows. I also got my married in Las Vegas. It’s been almost 2 years and it hasn’t been without it’s ups and downs. I’ll post some pics of what I’ve been doing the last 4 years. 

I'm Back!

I don't know where to begin. I have been away for almost 2 years and a lot has happened during that time, that lead me to a place where I just wanted to be alone. My eldest son and I had a major fight where he had to move in with his father to protect us both. My partner and I had some major issues that I believe we have finally sorted out, I shopped at second hand stores, and I let a homeless mother and her 10 year old daughter move in. Where do I begin?

My beloved eldest (21) son finally graduated from high school about the time I stopped writing. Once he completed school, he figured there was nothing else for him to do except sit at the computer all day. I encouraged him to apply for jobs since I knew he was not college material at this point (maybe later in life). He also had chores around the house I expected him to do. Well he came up with his own plan about the chores and everything else. The plans made no since. He said he would empty the kitty litter box every three days (WTF). I asked him did he flush the toilet every three days. Needless to say, we got in a huge fight. He also said he did not have to look for a job, because he had nothing else to do with the rest of his life. To make a long story short, he is now living with his father, and they have started a commercial landscaping business together. God is good!

My partner decided to move to Philadelphia, and that left us in turmoil, because I did not trust him.
My worst fears were founded, and we had a big fight. I threw away all of his belongings because I was hurt to the point of no return, and I did not want to be reminded of him. Somehow we came through that rough point, and now after five and half years, he said he is ready to commit to me in the manner I deserved to be. He even gave me the password to his phone, the contention of many arguments. I believe the demons have been conquered. We shall see.

The last two years, I shopped at second hand stores, and enjoyed it immensely! My favorite stores, were SoJe Emporium, Goodwill, Park Avenue Thrift, Back By Popular Demand and many more.  I found some of the most beautiful items, and many classics as well. Some people think it's gross to shop at second hand stores, but they don't realize, the clothes they try on, are second hand as well. Someone probably tried them on prior to them. Many of the clothes I purchase still have the tags on them, so my items are just as new as the department store, without the department store price. You should try second hand shopping sometimes, you will be surprised at what you will find.

I am not going to elaborate about the tenant I had. I will say she and her daughter have moved on to bigger and better things. I wish them well. I want to move forward with my blog, and I will try to post on a daily basis. There is so much going on, and I wish to share it with you.

I had a wonderful summer. I visited Philadelphia twice and my good friend lives in this beautiful 1925 house. I took many pictures of the antiques that were built into this house. However, my outfit is vintage as well. The dress was purchased from Park Avenue Thrift Outlet for .25. The shoes came from DSW. I had a blast posing for this picture.

Up My Game!

Okay, so I have been lackadaisical in posting. Sometimes, I wonder why did I even start a blog. I know, because I love to chat about fashion and other things. I guess I should focus on one subject and build on that. However, when one has ADHD, the mind has a tendency to wander. So why don't you enjoy the days post because, you nor I do not know what tomorrow may bring.

Let me first say I have always been in some type of fashion. I started modeling in Savannah, Georgia while I was attending Savannah State College (University now). It came so natural to me, I knew I had found a new career! Or so I thought. Anyway, many of the fashions that I am wearing below are coming back or never went out of fashion! For example, the Kangol hat took off in sales when LL Cool Jay started wearing them. As you can see, I wore them long before LL. The black jumpsuit is very fashionable and popular today. With all the thrifting going on, I am pretty sure you can find one some where. Now how about those peg leg jeans. You know what they are called today? That's right, skinny jeans. They are a lot tighter than back in the day. And, last but no least, the ear cuff is back in fashion. I saw some of my middle school female students wearing them. So how about that. Enjoy!


My first informal photo shoot. Savannah State College
ca1977

Hat: Kangol -  $17.99
Jeans: Calvin Klein - 21.99
Top: Learners
Jacket: Learners

 

My very first fashion show for Jezebel's. I loved that store.
The show was held at a club in Savannah, Georgia.
ca.1978-1979
Jumpsuit: Jezebel's
Tube Top: Jezebel's
Fun Hat: Jezebel's
Shoes: Mine
Gold Rope Chain: Mine

  

I modeled in Savannah for 7 years, and finally moved to New York with my new boyfriend.  I

have many cousins in New York, so I said "why not". The photos below are two of my favorite early pictures.  They were shot for a car calendar that I never got to see.  

 

 

Drape Blouse: Mine
Peg Leg Jeans: Mine
Mr. Seymour snake skin pumps: Mine
ca.1984



T-Shirt: Mine
Ear Ensemble: Mine

 



The photo shoot above was a blast! I got to let the vixen in me come out! I guess it was already in their, but being in front of the camera does that. I hope you enjoy the pics.

Beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Hello,

I vowed that I would be back soon, and I meant that. I have so much to show and tell you. I would really love to hear from those of you who are looking at my page. How can I answer your questions if I don't "hear" your voice. I will continue to post about thrifting and just enjoying life! The jacket I am about to post is from an era long gone. I was not able to pinpoint the exact year it came from, but I do believe it had to be from the 30's - 50's. It is a gorgeous short wool jacket with a mink collar. It can tie in the front or remain loose. The label reads: Fortsmann 100% Virgin Wool. I do believe it was part of a suit, however I wear it with jeans. I found quite a bit of clothing by the company for sale on etsy and ebay, but nothing looked like this jacket.  I purchased this jacket from a large garage sale held in Oakland, California many years ago. I paid $30.00 for it.  As I stated earlier, I have been thrifting for 30 years.

 100% Virgin wool mink collared jacket by Fortsmann Clothing Company

ca. 30's-50's

 

 

Jacket Label

 

I can't wait to put together my ensemble with this jacket. The weather is becoming cool, so I will be able to wear it soon. In the mean time, I will continue to show you the many different looks you can achieve with secondhand clothes.

Uh Oh!

Hello!

I have been so lazy and have not been keeping up with my blog! I vow to do better! I have been quite busy, so I do not lack the material to chat about on my blog. How many of you like a bargain? You do! Well so do I. Have you noticed the newest trend? It is thrifting! I have been thrifting for 30 years, and I still have the first coat I bought at the age of 20. Actually, my sister bought it for me for $10.00 from the Nearly New Shop in Jacksonville, Fl. It is a heavy wool lined gorgeous swing coat with a mink collar and nice big buttons. I still have that coat to this day. Any who, I digress, women are getting on buses and going from thrift stores to consignment stores to hunt for vintage and inexpensive gently worn, designer clothing. I have to admit it, I love shopping at these types of stores. You never know what you will find. In the mean time, let me introduce you to my first thrifted piece I purchased in 1979.

 

Backstage with Lily Tomlin at

the Curan Theatre.

 

 

Backstage at the Curan Theatre, San Francisco, CA

Masako Takahashi, Lily Tomlin, and Pamela Carroll.

We met at the Hotel Nikko, ca. 1987

 

 

My first purchase in 1979. I have had this coat for 30 years.

Mink collar and big cloth covered buttons with a bow.

I can't wait to share with you my latest find at Goodwill. I promise I will keep you posted on how to get quality items at a bargain for you, your family, and your household.

Wow! It's August!

The summer has flown by, and I did not get to enjoy it the way I wanted too. I did get to meet some very cool people while thrifting! Thrifting is a new phenomena that has grabbed the shopping world! I have been thrift shopping for 37 years! I still have the first coat I bought, a black swing coat with a mink collar. Well, the outfits I am going to post were purchases from various consignment shops.

 

Tan leather skirt: Banana Republic $12.00

(from house_of_ubuhle IG)

I.N.C. Lace Bell Sleeve Blouse: $15.00

Designer Consignment (Savannah, GA)

 

 

Royal blue draped front and back evening dress.

100% silk, brand new, original price $159.00,

I scored it for $28.00  from the_chic_pursuit on IG.

Shoes: DSW

 

  

I love shopping, and have always shopped at smaller and intimate boutiques. Consignment shops or thrift stores as we called them are the rave. People are hosting bus tours to consignment shops. Not only are women thrifting, but men are as well. I am now looking to get some items, for the fellas in my life. I am going to try and post more items weekly or every other day. Enjoy your weekend! 

 

Black & White

Here I am going out and about as usual. I love to dress in the finest rags out there. Your clothes do not have to cost a ton of money for you to look good! I love shopping at SoJe Emporium. I guarantee you, every time I go in there, I am going to find something to buy. The outfit I have on below was purchased there last summer, and it still looks fresh! If you are ever in downtown Lawrenceville, Georgia, stop in at SoJe Emporium.

Black Shredded T-Shirt (new) $18.00

Maxi Chevron print skirt (new) $18.00

 

 

We have some of our wonderful Shea Butter Body Mousse

for sale at SoJe Emprium. We also have natural black soap for sale.

Come and check us out!

 

 

I am a happy customer who shops at SoJe

Emporium.

 

Black and White Dress (Honey bought this dress

for me for Mother's Day)

Red Suede Belt (Thrifted)

Purchased at SoJe Emporium

Summer Time!

Hello, I have a new computer, and a new hairdo! I wish I had gotten a pad instead of this big computer. I have been real lazy when it comes to posting on my blog. Instagram has been my form of communication. I need to somehow sync my blog with my phone.

Anyway, I have embarked on a new hair journey. I have Sisterloc's now. What a great decision I made in getting my locs. It has given me a whole new level of  confidence, not that I needed more!
Having sisterloc's is like being in a sorority. I have had my loc's for four months, and the compliments and inquiries have been interesting. I am going to post pictures of my wonderful hair journey. Will you join me?

Red Shirt: Installation

White Shirt: 1st Retightening

Yellow Shirt: 2nd Retie

Multi Shirt: 4th month

 

 

First Re-Tie

 

Fourth Month

 

 

 

As you can see, my hair has grown quite fast! It has been only 4 months. I am Naturalista&Lovin'It! I get my hair done at Salon E11eVen26 +SoJe Emporium in Lawrenceville, Georgia

Ringing in the New Year 2014!

It has been some time since I have been here! Trust me, I have not been idle. I have rung in the near year with a milestone birthday, and boy did I celebrate. Below is the dress I wore to see Ken Ford perform at  Footprints Café. Great place. I have also embarked on a new hair journey, and I hope you will travel it with me. The new hair style I am wearing is called sister locks. I can't wait to share my journey with you, and  I look forward to you sharing your thoughts.

  

Dress: Bebe

Jacket: Cynthia Rowley

Booties: Cynthia Rowley

 

 

Celebrating my birthday. Heading out to see

Ken Ford

 

 

at

 

Footprints Café.

  

I had a blast, I even won one of his CD's. That is

how I spent Valentine and my birthday weekend.

I look forward to telling you how I spent the following weekend.

It was just as memorable.

 

Winter!

OMG! I haven't been on here in forever! My life has been interesting thus far. I no longer work at the school that had the shooting. I am now at a middle school. Talk about culture shock! I am going to try and hang in there. This will be the challenge of my school career. If I can survive middle school, I can survive anything!

Anyway, I have learned how to use #instacollage, and would like to share one of my pics with you.  Tell me how you like it!

Left:: Natural Hair Show, Atlanta, Oct, 2012
Top Right: Cigarette ad audition, New Jersey, 1989
Bottom Right: Jacob Javits Center, New York, 1986






 

THE ARTS REPORTER OCT 30 SEASON 6 EPISODE 2

http://www.youtube.com/v/NKGtchYA_p0?autohide=1&version=3&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=Hg4HO12YEWh_-cYYofjQ5w&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1


Check us out on the Arts Reporter TV show! Love it!

SunDay!

Well fall has arrived and it kind of snuck in. We have had such hot weather here in the ATL, I never thought it would get cool. Yesterday was about 80 degrees. Whew! I had on long sleeves. However, my partner and I did a vending session at a Mother/Daughter event. We did okay, should have done better, but once the play was over, people exited the side door. The house was packed, so if at least half of the patrons had visited us, we would have done phenomenal. Oh well. We sold quite a bit of our shea butter body mousse and crystal bracelets. Below you will see a sample of our Butter, and jewelry.

Whipped Shea Butter Body Mousse. Looks good enough to eat!

An array of chrystal bracelets and Afro Centric Jewelry.

Body Mousse, ready for shipment.

Summer has come to an end on this beautiful SunDay! Now is the time to put away the shorts, sandals, and short sleeve blouses. I look forward to sharing with you my winter wear and how to stay warm and cozy.

I Am Not Feeling It.

Hello. I feel as if I have been gone for quite some time. Well, we never made it to the baseball game. Instead we we to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant and had great conversation. We slurped on our favorite soup and rice dishes, then we came up to chill.

Here is it Tuesday, and wow, my journey at my new school hasn't commenced to three month. Yet, I feel as if I have been there for 3 years. I don't know if I want to get into depth what is going on, but the data is out there. Let's just say......I am not feeling it. More to come.

What If I Had Filmed It?

Well, we decided not to attend the baseball game. Instead we went to our fav Vietnamese restaurant! We indulged in some great conversation. My kids are 18 and 13, and they would rather have lunch with mom than go to a boring baseball game. By the way, the Braves lost 0-4 against San Diego. Now, if I get some Falcons tickets....we will be there with bells on our toes!

Nothing more has come through for us at work, but the bookkeeper is reaping the benefits. I don't think she is going to be returning to work. Hell, I wouldn't either, and I would milk it for all it's worth. I was just thinking about what happened after the incident. I wished I had filmed it, because seeing is believing. I was the last person to talk to Ms. Tuff as we walked back to the school. Prior to walking back to the school, Ms. Tuff was in the police car. The car door opened, and she got out and sat down on the curb. I was standing in the yard behind her and I saw her put her head down in her lap. As I walked down the slope to her, I knew she was crying. As she sat on the curb and cried, I tried to comfort her, by rubbing her back, and telling her she did the right thing. She saved us all. She lifted her head up, and wiped her face. She said I am going back to the school because I want to go home. I told her I was going to follow her.

We took off walking back to the school. I could not keep up with her pace, because I was in pain. That is why I did not go to Walmart. As I walked behind her, she got on the phone and asked a relative if they would come and get her. She told them she would not be able to get her car, because of where it was parked. We walked passed all of the ermergency vehicles that lined the street, and not one officer said anything to us. As we approached the school, we could see the yellow tape around the entrance, and the car that was blown up. A motorcylce officer blocked the road leading to my car, and other officers guarded the front of the school.

I asked the motorcycle officer if I could get my belongings and go home. Ms. Tuff continued to speak on the phone to her relative. He told me no, because it was a crime scene. I was basically tired, stressed, in pain and ready to snap! Which is what I did. I started crying and told that officer I wanted to go home to my family. He told me he would get the Captain over to see what could be done. The captain never arrived, and I became more distraught. I started walking towards the officers in front of the school with tears streaming down my face. As I walked in the street, and officer asked me why I wasn't walking on the sidewalk across the street. I stopped where I was, and looked at the car they had blown up. All of the doors (4) were opened as well as the trunk and hood. I looked at the officer and told him I wanted to go home, and I needed to speak to someone in charge. He also told me it was a crime scene, and I told him where my car is located is not roped off. He said he would find someone for me to speak to.

I turned around and went back to where Ms. Tuff stood, still talking on the phone. I continued to cry, because by now I was ready to go home. I can't remember the time. As I stood there and cried, another officer in plainclothes came over, and asked me if I was ok. I emphatically told him NO, I said I need to go home to my family, and he said calm down, let me see what I can do. I did not know he was the captain, and he was going to let me get my purse and car and go home. An officer employed by the school system, came back with a key to the gym, which he did not need because the doors was wide open. I got my purse and keys to my car, got in my car and headed home to my family. The last time I saw Ms. Tuff, she was standing calmly on the side by the motorcycle officer waiting for a family member to come and get her.

Honored

The country has been there for my school. We have received many phone calls and cards from so many caring people from all parts of the world. I was able to go to a Bob Baldwin concert, get Atlanta Dream tickets (women's pro basketball team), Brave tickets, and there is more to come I am sure. Thank you to all of the people who wrote my school after the "Miracle on Second Avenue." I want to share our celebrations with you.

The banner for our celebration at the school. 

The plaque we received from the school district.

Ticket to the game today.

I have 5 tickets.

My boys want to go to the game. There will be many peoplt there from the school family. Baseball is so boring to me, but I have no choice but to take them since I got the tickets. I will let you know if we attend the game.

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http://instagram.com/naturalista54?ref=badge

I'm Back

Hello,

I have not posted anything since Mother's Day. Well, I am back with a vengeance.  I have started a new year at a new school. As you all know, I am a Health & P.E. Teacher. My new school is Ronald McNair Discovery Learning Academy. We have only been back to school for two weeks, and this week proved to be challenging. Most of you are probably aware that there was a shooting at my school. I am happy to be alive! I do believe it was meant for Ms. Tuff to be at the front desk that afternoon. Funny enough, I was in the front office that morning answering the phones. Apparently, God has bigger plans for everyone in that school including me, and I look to fulfilling them.

The name says it all.

Evacuating through the neighbor's yard

Me standing in the left hand corner not knowing what to do.

I look forward to chatting with you all again. I fail to mention that I have started my own business which will be up and running on the web very soon. I will post items that will be for sell. If you would like to purchase, you can via paypal. Have a Super Saturday! I am!

HELLO!

It has been some time since I have been here. I have embarked on a new adventure, and the majority of my time has been spent on that. I promise, I will update my blog soon and let you in on what I have been doing!

My honey bought this black & white dress for me for Mother's Day! Boy, was I surprised! Can't wait to wear it for him.