30 June 2009

“Michael Jackson was an exceptional Human Being. He was gifted, deeply compassionate and brought joy to the lives of so many. He loved his family dearly, and above all, his beautiful children.

In addition to being my employer over the past 17 years and entrusting the care of his beloved children to me, he was my dear friend. While our friendship had challenges, as do all friendships, he was loyal to the end. I cherish and honor his memory.

I am shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me, in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I “routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs”. I don’t even know how to pump a stomach!! In addition, I have never spoken to the Times Online, the original source of the story that has now been picked up worldwide. The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalize tragedy and smear reputations for profit.

I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to Prince, Paris, Blanket and the entire Jackson family. The pain and sorrow I feel over the loss of Michael pales in comparison to what has been taken from them forever.”

- Grace Rwaramba

Trust yourself. Listen to your own voice. Pay attention to what you are attracted to. Always receive since you are equally worthy to do so.

~GRACIE’S POEM~

In the evening’s glow outside tonight

Under stars, the sky, a moon so bright

I walk with wind tossing my hair

“Hey God” I ask, “Are you still there?”

*

Stars twinkle back like eyes so clear

I hear a voice whisper “Child, I’m always here.”

So who are these people I’ve come to adore

God says with a smile, “Please tell me more”.

*

Night after night I stare at the screen

Laughing and typing on this dusty machine

Conveying emotions through smilies and letters

A chat with these peeps makes the day all that better

What’s this connection for how we relate?

*

Based on love and acceptance, so different from hate

A home of our own we’ve created this space

With secret identities-I hide behind Grace

Alone in my study with no one around

*

I chat with these strangers so blessed to have found

“So what are your questions” God asks with a grin

I’m a little confused but I’ll try to begin

I want to believe that all this is real

*

And truly acknowledge what my heart really feels

I laugh and I smile, I blush its all true

I thought you could do that with only people you knew

“Well” God whispers through stars and the moon“

*

There is more to learn than what you assume…

My love is endless for all to endure

So connecting with others goes beyond door-to-door

Take not what you know but what I provide

*

The joy that is felt is simply no lie

I send yellow to all in no one size

Some of which is not seen by the eye.

You see my child there is no easy way

*

To describe the interactions I create every day

If you embrace all my love with a warm open heart

You will find love in others, my definition of art.”

“So true” I ponder as I look to the sky

*

Our bonds are like artwork that money can’t buy

Rich colors on canvas-computer-like screens

Beauty is seen through these (hu)man-made machines

Well thank you God, it was no little mistake

*

That I came to this site where connections aren’t fake

I’ve been given so much and here’s one more blessing

A way to relieve all the work that is stressing

“Anytime my dear, and know I am here

*

If you ever need to talk or just know I am near

Share the yellow that is real with no doubt

That after all is what life is about

And now kiddo I say “Peace out!”

Life is very fragile – yet you fought with the most amazing strength-and taught us to never give up. Vaya con dios – rest in peace-love and light…

Sleep little one – we send you love and light…

Whadda mean i have to smile too?

Be well soon…  ;)

Sending lots of love and light to Pammers and her boy Riley whose been under the weather – prayers are very welcome…

Riley after a bit too much turkey…

Compassion is the radicalism of our time. - Dalai Lama

I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it. - Thomas Aquinas

Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need for my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it allows me to survive, and better than that, to thrive with passion, compassion, and style.

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.

At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.

I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.

Children’s talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.

Self-pity in its early stage is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.

Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.

Practice unconditional love – unconditional compassion and forgiveness for others and yourself…

Peace is not the absence of war; it is a virtue; a state of mind; a disposition for benevolence; confidence; and justice. – Spinoza

Think i would actually like to be in Hawai’i…

such a long day – too soon the sun will rise. when did i start not liking the mornings.

enough already – sleep is calling and won’t shut up!…  I’m so done.

Toby passed away today after complications this last week with a tumor on his heart ventricle which caused bleeding in the sac surrounding his heart. He went quickly today on the way to the emergency vet.

He was a devoted companion to another friend Randy for 7 years. He will be missed by many. Fly high, Toby, Fly High – you were loved and will always be missed.

Mitakuye Oyasin — we are all related…

Still I Rise – Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don’t you take it awful hard

‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise…… “