Annotated Bibliography for Children
In 2010, I was in a "Native American Youth Literature" class that exposed me to the works of some incredible Native American writers. But, the class also gave me the opportunity to explore how writers across all culture backgrounds could connect and influence the lives of multicultural children. For my final project, I decided to create an annotated bibliography that presented themes of inclusion and diversity while encouraging children to embrace who they are. As I reflect on this project, from the standpoint of a mother, I truly appreciate the works even more. Back then, and even more so now, there was a plethora of works to choose from that shine light on these themes, but some of these stood out for various reasons in my college mind. I thought I'd share them with you.
Babe Ruthless and the Art of Being Predictable
A satirical piece describing predictability in dating :)
I'm a Mother F*#%in' Catch!
Picking up good habits from horrible people!
Pirouettes.
You get dizzy when you spin too much too fast. And you will surely get dizzy when you drink too much too fast. The worst kind of dizzy is when you love too much too fast.
Sure. You can sloppily pirouette your way through life, dizzily spinning, collapsing with full force and spinning again once you've barely regained your balance. And that dizzy feeling rushes back into your brain, sometimes your throat, all too quickly.
The best pirouettes come from focusing on one point, spinning, keeping that spot in view as long as possible, letting it flicker only slightly out of view and returning to it with intention.
(Originally Posted in 2011)
Sure. You can sloppily pirouette your way through life, dizzily spinning, collapsing with full force and spinning again once you've barely regained your balance. And that dizzy feeling rushes back into your brain, sometimes your throat, all too quickly.
The best pirouettes come from focusing on one point, spinning, keeping that spot in view as long as possible, letting it flicker only slightly out of view and returning to it with intention.
(Originally Posted in 2011)
What's a Girl to do?
Read about how a young woman systematically changes her life forever in this satirical, step-by-step piece.
Diary of an Empowered Black Woman
Question every answer,
Don’t let them see you sweat
Take on every opposition,
They’ll know that you’re a threat.
Defeat the undefeated,
Read a book or two,
Brown skin doesn’t make a woman,
But it sure as hell makes you.
Cast away the stares,
Walk with grace and beauty.
Knock out every label,
Living life's your only duty.
Stand up for what is right,
Listen to your heart.
Know that as a black woman,
Nappy hair is art.
Distinguish truth from fiction,
Have attitude and wit,
Pick your circle wisely.
Know when it doesn’t fit.
Dress like you know you're worthy
Even when you think you're not.
Don’t always ask for more,
Be thankful for what you’ve got.
Develop an opinion,
Back it up with speech.
Follow my example,
I have more to teach.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
Don’t let them see you sweat
Take on every opposition,
They’ll know that you’re a threat.
Defeat the undefeated,
Read a book or two,
Brown skin doesn’t make a woman,
But it sure as hell makes you.
Cast away the stares,
Walk with grace and beauty.
Knock out every label,
Living life's your only duty.
Stand up for what is right,
Listen to your heart.
Know that as a black woman,
Nappy hair is art.
Distinguish truth from fiction,
Have attitude and wit,
Pick your circle wisely.
Know when it doesn’t fit.
Dress like you know you're worthy
Even when you think you're not.
Don’t always ask for more,
Be thankful for what you’ve got.
Develop an opinion,
Back it up with speech.
Follow my example,
I have more to teach.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
Rant
Expecting the unexpected is difficult for some. Personally, I love to plan, I love to see it coming, and I love to call the shots. But really.You gotta take life as it comes at you, right?
Life has taken these wickedly wild turns lately, and things I thought I knew have punched me in the gut with surprise. People have hauled off and proven me wrong... or right depending on how I want to look at it for the time being. 'Tis life.
The spiraled, vacillating path of the future terrifies me. You can't jot down the uncertain days to come in a planner, color code them with various highlighters and fit them into time slots. Just roll. As much as it hurts, I don't have full control. An important person in my life once told me, "The universe provides, and I abide." So, Universe, "Do your worse, for I will do mine" (The Count of Monte Cristo).
With that, I welcome the uncertainty, the darkness of unknowingness, the vast desert of vagueness. But I warn the future to come, I will be Ruthless.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
Life has taken these wickedly wild turns lately, and things I thought I knew have punched me in the gut with surprise. People have hauled off and proven me wrong... or right depending on how I want to look at it for the time being. 'Tis life.
The spiraled, vacillating path of the future terrifies me. You can't jot down the uncertain days to come in a planner, color code them with various highlighters and fit them into time slots. Just roll. As much as it hurts, I don't have full control. An important person in my life once told me, "The universe provides, and I abide." So, Universe, "Do your worse, for I will do mine" (The Count of Monte Cristo).
With that, I welcome the uncertainty, the darkness of unknowingness, the vast desert of vagueness. But I warn the future to come, I will be Ruthless.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
Incoming
one coded connection
traveled lines and waves
our souls mingle
whispered wants
Desired senses
Discreetly concrete
Silently, Simply, we know
we urge, More
reminded of what awaits.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
traveled lines and waves
our souls mingle
whispered wants
Desired senses
Discreetly concrete
Silently, Simply, we know
we urge, More
reminded of what awaits.
(Originally Posted July 2011)
Burned Out
A woman becomes what she had always hoped to become.
