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Music- "Take You Out" - Luther Vandross
Sandy Brown
says "I feel invisible when I dance, it is good for the
soul!" -
Mission Statement:
To
provide our customers with professionalism through dance
and pleasure while instructing and performing at our utmost
effort to enhance an atmosphere that is meaningful,
favorable and enjoyable at all events.
January 6, 2010 - Left up for another week
JEWEL’S ADVICE
– “I am challenging myself in the New Year and I
challenge you to join me in doing SOMETHING DIFFERENT in
2010. Get out of any rut. Get out of a box of old
thinking and old habits. Dust off your dreams. Change
your program. Stretch out on faith. Ask for what you
want. Act on your goals. Let go of some grudges,
drama, messy living and false starts. Treat your body
well with better foods, laughter, activity and a
makeover in your wardrobe. Pray and press more to
defeat the trickster and your own self-sabotaging
habits. Go back to class. Get to work on time.
Prepare different meals. Forgive a family member.
Enjoy the company of a new pet or a new friend. Let
someone off the hook that you have been blaming for your
failures and disappointments. Feel, heal and deal with
your wounds so you can start living instead of dying.
Choose to watch more empowering and entertaining TV
programs. Travel somewhere new. Start your web site.
Be more consistent in reusing and recycling. Never be
too ashamed, too busy or too prideful to ask God for
help. Clean out your closet. Volunteer in your church,
neighborhood or nearby school. Drive a new route to
work. Finish what you start. Paint a room in your
home. Talk to a young person and let them know they will
survive tough times because you are still standing.
Procrastination is a thief, so create another stream of
income, even if it is a trickle, just get started.
Stop worrying about what other people think. Be more
of your authentic and real self...no more masks, no more
games. Throw out an old piece of furniture or broken
dishes. Take someone to lunch to really talk, listen
and bond without gossip, complaining, selling them
something or rushing. Work on your shortcomings.
Promote your strengths, passions and creativity. Simply
your life! If you can't pay for it... pray for it.
Confront your challenges one task at a time. Develop a
recession proof kind of faith, joy and courage.
Increase your vocabulary, savings and confidence.
Share about God's glory in your life by telling your
story. Collaborate and spend more time with people
on-the-grow. Make each day count. Continue learning
and solving problems to keep your mind/brain healthy and
active. Remember those who help you instead of giving
energy to those who hurt you. Remember wisdom, good
health, faith, family and friends are more precious than
diamonds and pearls. Wake up the sleeping giant inside
of you and pursue your destiny, purpose and
possibilities. Use your imagination, trust your
instincts and create empowering affirmations for
yourself. The quality of your life is shaped by the
quality of your thoughts and feelings. Be gentle, yet
be more firm with yourself to motivate yourself to win
in 2010”. ~
www.DoNotGiveUp.net
December 2, 2009
ON
DECEMBER 2, 1977 I WAS SO HAPPY TO GIVE BIRTH TO A BABY BOY THAT I NAMED
DEREK. TO THIS DAY I ABSOLUTELY ADORE HIM AND PROUD OF WHAT HE HAS
ACCOMPLISHED. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON AND I LOVE YOU! ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO ALL DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS – TRACY, LYNN, JUDI, CLARENCE, DANIEL, ARRIC,
JUDY, HARLENA, GEORGE, TRISHA, MARY J, GREG AND CHERONDA!!
JEWEL’S ADVICE
– "If you need acceptance, praise, affirmation and a pat
on the back from everyone around you --- then you are
giving your power away. This mindset fragments your soul
and spirit. With every action and decision comes risk or
reward. Allowing others to define your worth and waiting
for their stamp of approval drains your energy and self-
esteem. You cannot get through your life without
disappointing others or experiencing regrets. Get out of
your holding pattern of procrastination and fear. Take
your happiness out of the "lay- away." Find your
strength, integrity and courage. Find your voice. Trust
your decisions. Learn from your choices. Use your
imagination. Trust your instincts. Pray for guidance and
discernment. Explore your ideas. Walk by faith. Action
speaks louder than fear. You are enough!"
SANDY BLOG'S
- “I am worn out! Too many parties, too much
celebrating, too much food, too much shopping, too much
Face book but never enough of praying and giving
thanks! I want to thank the Lord, my family and my
friends for helping me enjoy and receive another year!
I know this is not a very good time for many people
because when I was celebrating life, many lost theirs.
Please keep the family of Charles “Chuck” Cooper in your
thoughts and prayers. Chuck passed away on November 25,
2009 from an apparent heart attack. His services were
today, Thursday, December 3, 2009! RIP my friend, RIP.
My birthday weekend was fantastic. I am not going to
say much about it because it was my fun and you missed
out. The Kliff Klub and Ms. Barbara’s graduation was
great and saw many of the best dancers in Dallas!
Shopping at Sam Moon’s and Pappadeaux on Friday was
fulfilling and a little expensive (my fault but I had a
ball)!!!!! Coaches’ Corner on Friday night was
fantastic, just so good, thank you T!! Razzoos on
Saturday was wonderful and the nap afterwards was
better. My birthday party at DFW 3rd
Saturday Swing was off the chain! I want to thank all
of the Oklahoma folks that joined me and the Jazzee
Jewels and Jems that drove down for my special weekend.
Again thank you! Next road trip is December 18, wanna
go?
I have got to thank everyone that helped with my class
at The Tree Lounge last Thursday when I was away. Thank
you Myra, Evelyn, Lowell, Clarence, Willa, John, Nikki
and Avery for taking the lead and having fun!!! I have
always wanted a class like I have now on Tuesday and I
thank God for allowing me to produce such good dancers
and wonderful friends. Last night we had four classes
going on. There was the ladies’ beginners class, the
men’s beginner’s class, the intermediate class, and the
advanced class. We had a class in every corner of the
gym and I sat back and watch with tears in my eyes (yes,
I cry when I am happy)! Everyone was having such a good
time and we did not have a break for two hours, we just
danced, drank water and sweated! Let me thank my
assistants; Stephanie, Jocelyn, Myra, Tyrone and John
because you are the best and I love you!!
November 12, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANTEE ROLAND,
JORDAN BROWN, BRIDGET CARR,
LANORA PROCTOR, MICHELLE GLOVER, VICKIE COLEMAN, SEAN
LOVE, BRENNA KING, STEPHANIE JACKSON
HENRY, JAMIE GREEN, CATHY
PERKINS ROLAND, CYNTHIA WILLIAMS, MORGAN
STEPHENSON, JAMES THOMAS,
SANDY NELSON, KAY EDWARDS,
RICO RIDEAU, KO OVERSTREET,
TINA SMITH, MY SWEET COUSIN, LONDON
THAT WAS BORN ON MY BIRTHDAY, NOVEMBER 21
(LAST DAY FOR SCORPIO) AND ALL THE OTHER SCORPIOS!!!
CELEBRATE WITH US THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
AT THE TREE LOUNGE, 203 NE 36TH,
OKC. THE GREAT TAJJ BAND WILL BE PERFORMING AND
DJ CALVIN WITH THE LATEST R & Bs! FULL BUFFET
AND THE BEST OF THE BEST GROWN FOLKS! NO
CHARGE FOR MEN BEFORE 9 PM AND LADIES BEFORE 11 PM!!
SEE YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR
JEWEL’S ADVICE
- "To build better relationships, refrain from
criticism. Criticism is dangerous and causes people to
be withdrawn, rebellious, resentful and defensive. When
someone is broken and wounded by criticism they begin to
build fences to protect their pride and self-esteem from
attack. These emotional fences are deFENSE mechanisms
that soon block out any valid or helpful "perfecting
suggestions."
Besides wanting the basics like health, shelter, food,
sleep, sex, money, and safety for one's family, humans
crave a feeling of being important and appreciated. SO
COME TO MY BIRTHDAY PARTY – smile!!!
SANDY’S BLOG
– The Jazzee Js went to Brown Suga Lounge
Grand Opening last Friday and had a great time. I had
to be in Ardmore on Saturday and could not attend DJ
KO’s party so I made up for it on Friday. He danced me
all over the floor, it was all good! Trey and I
introduced the “Super Bad” line dance and had folks on
the dance floor trying hard to do it. If you want to
learn this dance, check me out on Tuesdays at NE High
School small gym, 3100 N. Kelley Ave., 6:30 pm or
Thursdays at the Tree Lounge, 203 NE 36th, 7
pm. This past Tuesday swing/line dance class was
fantastic. There was so much room and everyone was
spread out on the entire floor. I would like to thank
everyone that attended, especially the first timers
because they left with a big smile on their face. I
would also like to thank the Jazzee Js that were there,
Cathy, Tysha, Candace, Pat, Toni, Cynthia, and my staff:
Jocelyn, Myra, Evelyn, Lowell & Clarence. Thank you,
thank you, thank you!!! Hope so see more of you out
(especially MEN!) next week!
*********************************
November 4, 2009
JEWEL’S ADVICE
- "People are often unreasonable, illogical, and
self-centered --- forgive them anyway! If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives --- be
kind anyway! If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies --- succeed anyway!
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you --- be
honest and frank anyway! What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight --- build anyway! If you
find serenity and happiness, many people may be jealous
--- be happy anyway! The good you do today, people will
often forget tomorrow --- do good anyway!"
SANDY’S BLOG
– “I am so tired of haters I do not know what to do. I
wish they would all get together and move to another
planet!! I say to myself every morning “Sandy, be kind
today!” I talk to so many people daily that I have to
be kind, patience and understanding. Why is it so hard
for others to do that? Yes, I get upset at folks and I
tell them, I do not tell five other people! There is
nothing wrong with pulling someone to the side and let
them know how you feel. Believe me, I do it all the
time and at the end of the conversation I give a hug and
let the person know that I love them!!!
*********************************
OCTOBER 28, 2009
JEWELS
BEST ADVICE EVER – “I define a “serial quitter” as
someone who looks for quick fixes, short cuts,
drive-through spiritual fast food and all green lights
on their road to success. They often are running in the
wrong lane towards the wrong finish line. Sometimes
their ladder of success is propped up against the wrong
wall. Have you said “yes” to the right
assignment/purpose for your life?
Once you become clear, determined, diligent, relentless
and resilient... no thing and no one can
stop you. Yes, they can discourage you, but you learn
to overcome restlessness, impatience, pain and
obstacles. Moments of uncertainty and impatience will
come, but they subside.
Have you ever stood in line at the grocery store; the
line was too long, you were in a hurry, someone ahead of
you was taking too long. In your frustration, you kept
changing lanes. You exhaled loudly and complained that
the store needed more clerks. This is a test of your
patience.
On the way to your dream/goal/destiny/task, you will
experience discouragement and delays. It’s a test!!!!
Can you wait without reward? Can you endure waiting?
Can you endure when God is silent in your valley? Can
you enjoy the moment? Patience is one of the fruits of
the Spirit. Patience comes from the Latin word
“suffer.” Worship while you wait. Work while you
wait. Give thanks while you wait. Prepare while you
wait. When there is a delay, faith says "STAY! "Don’t
catch another train because things are not going your
way. Overcome a short attention span. Don’t quit,
stick with your plan. No longer start and stop.
Procrastination is a thief. No more excuses. Instead
of venting your complaints or getting bent out of shape
with impatience, be diligent. Get up and keep the main
thing...the MAIN THING!
My
word of encouragement for you today is to stay in your
lane. Stay on track. Laziness, procrastination, lack of
confidence and lack of self-control are the enemies to
your success. Be diligent in your faith and actions.
“The soul of the diligent shall be made full (blessed by
the Lord and made to prosper.). Proverbs 13:4.
SANDY’S BLOG – “I was feeling absolutely stressed until
I woke up this morning, got on my knees and asked my
Heavenly Father to give me strength, faith, and
patience. He told me to repeat after him “I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me”. I got off my
knees, took a long hot shower and let the water run
through my hair (knowing I should not have done that)
and down my face for 10 minutes while I was meditating.
After I arrived at work, I had a long talk with one of
my graduate who is like a daughter to me and that is how
I came up with the Jewel’s Advice. Friendship is an
awesome thing but love is wonderful. I always tell
people to love others as they want to be loved and I
know better than anyone else, it can be a real
challenge!
October 14, 2009
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY DEAR FRIEND AND JAZZEE
JEWEL GRADUATE, MARGUERITE PAYNE, WHO’S SON WAS
SHOT AND KILLED THIS WEEKEND. TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN
THYLER PAYNE’S 20TH BIRTHDAY! SERVICES
FOR MR. PAYNE WILL BE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009 AT MT.
OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1020 NE 42ND, OKC, 11
AM.
THESE SENSELESS ACTS OF VIOLENT MUST STOP
BEFORE IT IS ONE OF OUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN!!!
WE, THE ADULTS, MUST STOP IT!!!
“Even though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art
with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”.
(Psalm 23:4)
Jewel’s Advice from
V. Jackson
“Quit
arguing with people about the same old foolishness!
Respect their position and keep it moving! Quit
telling people your secrets when you know they are not
going to keep them! And if you keep telling them, then
quit getting mad when they tell your secrets!
Quit trying to pull people on your journey who don't
want to travel with you. Either they believe in you and
value you...or they don't! Quit complaining about
things you can't and won't change! Quit gossiping
about other people! Minding our own business should be a
full time job! Quit blaming each other for things
that in the big picture aren't going to matter three
weeks from now! Talk solutions...and then implement
them! Quit eating things you know are not good
for you! If you can't quit...eat smaller portions!
Quit buying things when we know we can't afford
them! If you don't have self control, then quit going to
the stores! Quit charging things, especially when
you don't NEED them! Quit staying in unhealthy
relationships! It is not okay for people to verbally or
physically abuse you! So quit lying to yourself!
It is not okay to stay in the marriage for the children!
Ask them and they will tell you that they really would
prefer to see you happy and that the misery you and your
spouse/partner are living with is affecting them!
Quit letting family members rope you into the drama!
-Start telling them you don't want to hear it! Quit
spreading the drama! Quit calling other relatives
and telling them about your cousin or aunt! Go back to
#5 minding your own business should be enough to keep
you busy! Quit trying to change people! IT
DOESN'T WORK! Quit cussing people out when you
know that they are just being the miserable and jealous
people that they are! Quit the job you hate!
Start pursuing your passion. Find the job that fuels
your passion BEFORE
you quit! Quit volunteering for
things that you aren't getting any personal fulfillment
from anymore! Quit volunteering for things and
then failing to follow through with your commitment!
Quit listening to the naysayers! Quit
watching the depressing news if you are going to live in
the doom and gloom of it all! Quit making excuses
about why you are where you are or why you can't do what
you want to do! Quit waiting on others to give
you the answers...and start finding the answers for
yourself! If what you are doing isn't working for
you...then quit it! Quit settling and
start making your dreams a reality!- Quit being
afraid and START LIVING YOUR LIFE! CREATE THE LIFE YOU
WANT! If you want something different than what you have
had in the past....you must quit doing what you
have done before and DO something different! JUST
QUIT IT ...... and START DOING something to create
the experience you want!”
SANDY’S BLOG
– “That advice was powerful wasn’t it! Ouch, ouch,
ouch!!! My heart goes out to the Payne’s family.
I could not even imagine losing a child or grandchild.
I know you have to pray for strength, but that would put
me over the edge. I pray the Lord takes me before one
of them. Children and grandchildren of mine, I love
you!
Please tune in to 1140 am (Oklahoma
station) on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 12:15 because
I will be on there with the Wyldchild, Scott Wright.
I’m not sure what he is going to ask me but I promise to
keep it clean (smile!). If you have not purchased a
ticket to the Jazzee Js “All Black
Masquerade 8th Swingout Graduation”,
please do!
July 9, 2009
HAPPY 39TH BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER AND BEST
FRIEND, CASSANDRA! I LOVE YOU SWEETIE!!!
Please keep my friend and swingout student, Anjanet, and
her family in your prayers. She lost her dad on Monday
and after talking to her on Saturday night and telling
her that she needed to get to him as soon as possible.
I am so grateful that she made it to Dallas in time to
see say until we meet again!! God Bless you!
Remembering the Greatest Entertainer in the World,
The King of Pop! The Bio History of MICHAEL
JOSEPH JACKSON began when he was born on the 29th of
August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine
children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito",
Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie,
Janet and La-Toya Jackson
Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the
lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In
these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,
Tito, Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs
and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as
there talents grew and they could compete in bigger
competitions. From these early days Michael would be at
the same clubs as big talented stars of their days, such
as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even
back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers
discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an
audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson
5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first
4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You
Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The
Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo
albums with Motown.
The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting
more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and
signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be
changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to
The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days.
Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and
stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his
place. The Jacksons had a number of hit records and in
total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984.
In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he
starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with
Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this
time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score
for the film. Michael teamed up with Quincy Jones as his
producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The
album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the
world and the first ever album to release a record
breaking 4 No1 singles in the US.
In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest
selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album
produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records,
and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide.
Michael was keen to use music video or short films as he
called them to promote his singles from the album. He
worked with the best directors and producers, using the
latest technology and special effects, for the hit song
'Billie Jean' The short film 'Thriller' used the latest
make-up artists technology combined with fantastic
dancing and choreography, to produce a 14 minute video,
with a start, a middle and an ending. So successful was
this video that 'The Making of Michael Jackson's
Thriller' became the world's largest selling home video
combined with soaring album sales. In 1983 Michael
performed the now legendary moonwalk for the first time
on the 'Motown 25 years' anniversary show. This
performance alone set Michael undoubtedly into the realm
of a superstar.
In 1984 Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy awards in
one night. The awards were for his work on the
'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the
'ET Storybook'.
On December 9th 1984 at the last concert of the
Jackson's Victory Tour, Michael announced he was
splitting from the group and going solo.
In 1987 Michael released his much awaited third solo
album, titled 'Bad', and launched his record breaking
first solo world tour. 1988, Michael wrote his first
autobiography talking for the first time on his
childhood and his career. At the end of the 1980s
Michael was named 'Artist of the Decade' for his success
off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums.
In 1991 Michael signed with Sony Music the largest ever
recording contract and released his fourth solo album,
'Dangerous'. He toured world again in 1992, taking his
concerts to countries that had never before been visited
by a pop/rock artist. Also Michael founded the 'Heal the
World Foundation' to help improve the lives of children
across the world.
In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of
rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for
19 months, as they divorced in 1996.
1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory',
which was a double album, first half new material and
second half greatest hits. Michael toured again over a
legs covering a 2 year period. In between legs of the
tour on November 14th 1996, Michael married for his
second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael
had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder.
Together they had their first child Prince Michael
Joseph Jackson jr born on February 13 1997 and a
daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born on April
3rd 1998. In 1997 Michael released the remix album
'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new
song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film
Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects
and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music.
In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th
anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be
held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney
Houston, Usher, Destiny’s Child, Shaggy and many more
performed their own and Michael Jacksons past songs.
Michael then reunited with all of his brothers performed
their biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo
some of his biggest hits. In October 2001 Michael
released the album 'Invincible' so far releasing only 2
singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Since
the release of this first single the album has been
surrounded by rumors of a rift with Sony Music and a
clear lack of promotion of the album.
Jewel’s Advice: “A sister called me the other day after
her husband walked away from a long marriage, her passed
away a month ago, her dog died and her son moved away to
go to college. She had a crash course in "surrender and
letting go." Sometimes love don't love nobody...it
seems. Yet when you have faith and constantly seek ways
to keep your sanity and self-esteem, the storm soon
passes over. Pain in your life will motivate you to pay
attention to the small things in life and be grateful.
It's a wakeup call to stop putting your happiness in
lay-away to start living. Life is too short and too
unpredictable to wait until everything is perfect in
your life to be happy and content with self. People come
in your life for a reason and for a season. Be happy
now! Be grateful what you have and where you are now!
Follow your dreams now! Do something with your life now!
SANDY’S BLOG – This is the first 4th of July
weekend in 7 years that I was in Okc. I am usually in
Dallas, Las Vegas or New Orleans and this year I stayed
home. I did a lot of soul searching and praying and
came up with, I can do good all by myself and that is
just what I did…good all by myself! Thursday night I
had to teach all classes by myself again since the
majority of my staff was vacationing (thank you Myra for
staying in OKC with me and helping out) but we had the
best time. I do not know what I would do if Okc’s Men
of Swing did not come out to help me. We almost had as
many men as women and it is a wonderful site~! Thank
you guys!
June 17,
2009 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR SON DUSTIN, MAY YOU
HAVE MANY, MAY MORE! LOVE YOU, MOM
One week
after my 7th graduation
JEWELS ADVICE – "On
a regular basis, get off the fast track of working,
going, worrying, chasing love and chasing success. Be
willing to experience the healing sweetness of silence,
solitude, stillness and serenity.
So often a stressful event in your life can seem like a
swift kick in the butt or heart (believe me, I just
barely made it through my 7th swingdance graduation one
day after a close friend passed). Nothing can prepare
you for these painful times. When grief and stress
becomes your unwelcome guest, try not to remain stuck in
your misery. If you spend a lot of energy just trying
to stay well/sober, pay your bills, go to work and just
keep your head above water.....you are in a survival
mode. You have no time or energy to work on your
goals. When you dread waking up, going to work,
answering the phone or even just getting dressed, you're
in a survival mode. If you are constantly looking over
your shoulder with fear, worry and procrastination, you
are in a survival mode. Once you are organized and
stabilized to get rid of or cope with the drama in your
life you can grow into a success mode. Instead of
looking over your shoulder dreading that bad things are
gaining on you, in a success mode you are looking
forward to making great strides of improvement. In a
success mode you pursue your goals on a consistent
basis. When you're excited about getting up and
keeping up with the necessary steps to take your life to
the next level, you are in a success mode. When you
have an attitude of gratitude, a plan for your life,
peace, faith and a proactive vs. reactive mindset, you
are in a success mode. What mode of action are you in
today? If you're in a survival mode, it doesn't mean
you are a failure. You are a success because you are
not giving up. You are doing the best you can until
your change comes. Continued dissatisfaction and
problems in your life will keep you in a survival mode.
Pray for the strength and breakthroughs to get you into
a success mode."
SANDY BLOG’S –
CLICK HERE FOR GRADUATION PICTURES "I just said to myself, which is the best advice I have
given myself in a while,
that
just when I decided to leave the negative, stupid and
toxic habits and people, others want to drag me down and
hold me back. I simply think or say ... "Don't confuse
me with someone who is unfocused, lacking determination
or weak in self-worth or self-esteem. I acknowledge my
priorities and God's power, potential, promise and
presence within me. Therefore, I do not spend major time
on minor things or with minor people. I have learned to
tell all negative, gossipy, critical, judgmental and
dream-stomping people to kiss my positive attitude. I
learned within the last week that if a friend will lie
to you, betray you, or take from you, you DO NOT need
that friend. Let him or her go! I need a long
vacation!!!
Last Thursday in my dance class, my son-in-law’s
wireless microphone was taken and no one seems to know
where it is. My son-in-law was generous enough to let
me use it each week during class as we rehearsed for
graduation and for someone to take it knowing it did not
belong to them, is just wrong (this is called
stealing!). I am putting up a nice reward for the
return or information leading to the microphone. So
good friends of mine, if you see someone in our circular
of acquaintances with a wireless microphone that usually
do not have one, please give me a call and I will be
there to check it out.
Let me thank everyone that came to my 7th
swingout and 1st line dance graduation. It
was held at the Tree Lounge and when the graduates began
to dance on “Smaller the Club, The Bigger the
Party” everyone knew what it meant. There were
more folks standing up, than sitting down. Folks were
dancing and fanning (like in the old days) because it
got a little warm but cooled off after the owner came in
and checked out the thermostat. Planning a big event is
not easy and when it is over, you sleep like a baby!
Let me thank first, the Jazzee Jewels that assisted with
the decorations and food: Jocelyn, Judi, Myra, Patty,
Stephanie, Toni, Carmencita, and Shirley. Towels by
Lorinda, Shoe Bags by Big Smooth, Sly the door keeper,
Smiley, showcasers, Horace and Phyllis, DJ Calvin,
Saxophonist Moe Williams and band, Stephanie G and the
entire Tree Lounge staff, all the Jazzee Jewels and Jems,
Okc Men of Swing, Dallas Dancers, LJ & the Grenadier’s 1st
Ladies of Swingout, Oklahoma SwingDance Team, DJ KO, TKO
Dance Team, Tyrone, Rodney, family and dear friends. We
started graduation with the Jazzee Jewels walking in as
police women doing the Gangster Walk dressed in black
and white, badges, whistles, handcuffs, police/sheriff
hats, and flashlights! As we did a short version of the
Gangsta Walk, the music stopped and we flashed our
flashlights on our dance partner and summoned them to
the dance floor. DJ Calvin then played “Mrs. Officer” by
Lil Wayne and Valentino and we showcased. Showcasers
were Stephanie & Rodney, Shirley & Derek, Judi & Eugene,
Carmencita & Keith, Toni & Darrell, Jocelyn and someone
she flashed (not sure of his name but thanks!) and Larry
& I. I was so busy, I forgot to put on my dance shoes
and just had on bare backs. I would never advise anyone
to showcase in bare backs! Our partners took us into
the diva walk as we left the dance floor. My good
friends Horace and Phyllis, showcased old school fast
dance to show the
audience where swingdancing originated. The couple
danced for our good friend, Willie Young that had passed
the day before. It was an emotional time for me but
Horace and Phyllis tore up the floor! After the Jewels
changed into their jungle attire, I began the
graduation. I was so proud of the first group of
immediate dancers because most had only been dancing for
three months (12 lessons) and the passion was so great,
I could feel it. They were: Patti & Derek, Judy &
Clarence, Rhoda & Larry, Joyce & Keith, and Felecia &
Phillip! Thank you guys so much!! My second group was
the advanced couples who have been dancing for over 3
months, except for Evelyn, only 2 months (8 lessons),
diva walked to the floor were Jamila by Derek, Lalonda
by Eugene, Evelyn by Larry, and Cynthia by Lowell.
After the showcasing of the advanced group we had the
graduation ceremony. The new Jazzee Jewels and Jems were
proud and I am so proud of you all. It was all about the
graduates and they had a great time. When you haven’t
danced in front of people that you do not know or
unfamiliar with me or if you have never danced before,
you get a little nervous and when it is over you feel
like you have conquered the world and that is exactly
how my graduates felt. I hope everyone saw the good out
of this graduation, I surely did! All venues are not
the same and none have the same policy. So for The Tree
Lounge to welcome us each week and let us do pretty much
what we want to during our allotted time, I am so
grateful. The Jewels received, framed certificates, shoe
bags, fans, and earrings. The Jems received embroidered
towels with “Real Men Swing Dance” and
their name, battery operated fans, President Barack
Obama key chains, and my poem titled “There is
Nothing More Beautiful Than a Black Man that Swing
Dance”! I also presented the Tree Lounge with a
certificate for being an official place to swingout and
line dance, bags for the ladies with an embroidered tree
on front, and a 24x30 framed art of a band and
swingdancers! After the ceremony the dance floor was
opened and everyone flooded the floor as the band
played. At 9:30 pm and the Jazzee Jewels and Jems took
line dances to a different level and I could finally
breathe a sigh of relief. Believe me, graduations are
not easy when you do as much as I try to do. It was a
great surprise and shock when Jazzee Jewel Carmencita
agreed to sing with the band after I gave her my famous
speech about following your dreams and all things are
possible because God had her back! She brought tears to
my eyes with her rendition of Nat King Coles’ “When
I Fall in Love” and received a standing
ovation. Good job, Carmencita, you are now on your way
to big and better things!! You made all of us so
proud!!! I’m sorry if I seemed a little quiet and did
not get around giving everyone a hug and saying hello,
but my mind was working faster than my body and at 11:30
pm my body shut down and I had to retire to my bed! All
graduates, I would just ask you to do a small favor for
me…remember to keep practicing, keep dancing and I hope
you will continue to come to class and enhance your
style!!! I hope everyone liked their gifts. I really
try hard!!! Thanks again and I love you! If you want to
learn the latest line dances, please stop by The Tree
Lounge and we will show you how!!
I have a few dancers going to Tulsa on Friday night to
lend a helping hand at my swingout/line dance class. If
you are available and want to get away and enjoy some
Tulsans, come to The Living Room, 2610 N. Yale. If you
would like to spend the night, the Jewels got a $50 bid
on
Priceline.com
for the Doubletree Downtown. All you have to do is name
your own price, choose Tulsa Downtown and bid $50. You
must pay for the bid at that time so have your debit or
credit card ready. The Jewels bunk together so our
stays out of town are minimal. We know how to do the
darn thang! Hope to see you there! Also, remember,
the Langston Alumni Dance-a-thon will be on
Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Langston OKC from beginning
at 10 am. If you are interested in dancing or giving a
donation, please call Derek Dugar at 405-417-0459, you
will be much appreciated. I will be judging a dance
competition at the AEC in Arlington, TX on that
day and will be unable to attend. My thoughts and
prayers will be with each of you. In case you are in
the Dallas area next weekend, please let me know and I
will give you our itinerary!!!
April 29, 2009
PLEASE CLICK ON
PRESIDENT
OBAMA
AND GIVE HIM AN A! HE DESERVES AN A FOR ALL THE HARD
WORK HE WAS DONE TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT WAS LEFT!
If you're feeling stressed or worried
today, do something about it or let it go. Don't confuse
worry with action. Worry doesn't change anything but
YOU. It changes your heart rate, breathing, blood
pressure, peace of mind, sense of humor, faith and
enthusiasm. Worry distorts and limits your vision to see
your way out and through. Open your eyes, ears, heart
and mind to new possibilities and solutions. Tell your
small problems that you have a BIG God. If you have
recently experienced a setback, look for the lesson that
God is trying to teach you. Instead of complaining
about life's sad state of affairs, learn what needs to
be learned, change what needs to be changed, and move
on. View failure as an opportunity to reassess God's
will for your life. And while you're at it, consider
life's inevitable disappointments to be powerful
opportunities to learn more - more about yourself, more
about your circumstances, and more about your world.
Everybody makes mistakes. Your job is to make them only
once and this can be done by learning the lessons of
today sooner rather than later.
No one may know what you are going
through right now. No one may know how many times you
continued to get up even when you didn't have the
strength. No one may know how many times you said "no"
to the enemy of temptation, suicide or addiction. Maybe
no one heard you speak up to your bill collector or when
you were disrespected by a family member, friend or
co-worker. No one may know how many times you have
prayed for help just for the hour. So often your bravest
faith-walking times will happen without a witness. You
will experience private moments of victory without
applause, points, a hug or a pat on the back. But God
sees you and hears you. You are growing everyday in
courage, action and faith. Acknowledge your progress and
walk through your valley of fear confident with the
whole armor of God, the belt of truth, the shield of
faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the
spirit What does it mean to endure? --- To carry on
through with faith and courage despite hardships, to
make the best of a tough situation, to bear, cope with,
to live through, press on, to persevere, to stick on, to
suffer, to go on, to breathe, to prevail, live through,
persist, pull through, ride out, survive, weather the
storm, withstand and "grow" to the other side of your
circumstances. There's a definite relationship between
optimism and faith. Faith provides an enormous sense of
hope, an assurance that even if things aren't going
well, there is a pathway through the darkness. Things
will get better. In order to get from what was, to what
will be --- you have to go through what is. If you
believe you can make it through this --- you will. If
you believe you can't make it --- you won't.
APRIL 22, 2009
Sandy’s Blog: If you are interested in a
swing/line dance workshop, please let me know. The
summer is just around the corner and the Jazzee Js still
have some available times. Be sure and call me at
405-206-0597. Thank you Tulsa and The Living Room
Staff!!
We had a fantastic time is Tulsa during our 3rd
Friday Swingout/Line Dance Class. Everyone was eager to
learn and although we only had one advanced male dancer
(thanks Rodney) the new men caught on real good and was
able to dance with the ladies all night. Hopefully on
Friday, May 15, 2009 we can get more male dancers from
Oklahoma City to travel with us. It is only 1 ½ hour
trip and the class will begin at 8 pm. There are many
women to dance with! WE NEED YOU! I would also
like to thank Stephanie, Jocelyn, Shirley and Judi for
going with me! You know I am the supportive Queen of
Swing, so we decided not to stay for the Cowboys of
Colored Rodeo Dance and headed back to Okc on Saturday
for TKO’s Graduation. The graduation was great and
there were a few Jazzee Js graduates that
graduated with TKO’s class and did a fantastic job. I
was sick with the stomach flu but survived the first and
only dance. The graduation was dedicated to Willard
Overstreet, KO’s brother that passed suddenly. He
was all about unity and supporting one another so KO
asked all the instructors to showcase. The instructors
were LJ (Bridget), KO (Ameka), Tonda (Mark), Derek
(Bridget S.) and me (Rodney). Thank you TKO!
Now, let me give you a few Tips for
Dancing: What to Wear – LADIES,
if you are wearing a dress, please wear spandex shorts.
NO thongs, please. It is nothing more distasteful than
a lady being turned and all you see is buttocks!!! If
swing dancing, regardless of how informal the dance is,
always wear dance shoes. Do not wear sneakers or other
shoes with rubber or spongy soles while turning they can
cause ankle and knee injuries. Accessories like big
rings, loose/long necklaces, and big belt buckles can be
dangerous. They can catch in partner's clothing, scratch
and bruise. Long hair should be put up or tied in a pony
tail. It is difficult to get into closed dance position
when the lady has long hair. It is also not fun to be
hit in the face with flying hair during turns and spins.
Personal Grooming - Shower and use a
deodorant, brush teeth and use mouthwash or breath mint.
Gentlemen, you can carry an extra shirt
with you to the dance, in case you need a change.
Encouraging words for the beginners - Because
there is a wide range of people in the swing scene,
skills and experience levels vary greatly. However,
everybody starts out as a beginner. If you are a new
to dancing, notice that most of the better dancers have
been working at it for quite some time. Try not to get
discouraged. It may take a few months for you to feel
completely comfortable swing dancing. Even then, nobody
ever learns everything. In fact, the teachers spend as
much time as anybody improving their dancing (I continue
to go to the Dallas area to enhance my dancing). Avoid
dwelling on what you know or don't know. More
importantly, please remember that lacking prior
experience does not preclude anybody from enjoying the
dance. This is supposed to fun, above all else.
Who To Dance With - It is 2009 and it is
acceptable for a woman to ask a man to dance!!
It is beneficial to dance with people of all experience
levels. In the context of enhancing your skills, dancing
with more experienced dancers often helps you to
improve. Similarly, dancing with less experienced
dancers is a prime opportunity for you to work on your
lead/follow skills. You can have fun dancing with
anybody and everybody. In short, ask everybody, there is
no point in limiting yourself. How to Say "No"
- Ideally, we would all say "yes" to everyone that
asked. In cases where you wish to decline a dance, be
polite: smile and say "No, thank you." If there is a
reason why you can't dance to a song, give them the
reason. If you are tired and have danced 4 times in a
row, give them the reason. Another reason ladies will
turn down a dance is because the man leads to rough. If
this happens let HIM know. If the ladies tries to lead
(like I do many times), let her know that the man is the
leader. More importantly that many men forget is that
the lady is the picture and the man is the frame.
Showcase your lady as much as possible. If you want to
show off your style, break away and do your own thang!
“One Swing, Many Styles!”
April 16, 2009
I am only going to change my advice for
this week and leave the other information concerning
loved one who passed on and are having a little talk
with Jesus right now. I have attended so many Home
goings lately that I tear up just thinking about them.
Latest information - Charles “Chuckie” Brown, 41 years
old from Chickasha, OK died in a rig tractor trailer
accident on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Chuckie is my
children’s cousin and his mother, Ms. Katherine Robinson
“Apple” is a precious lady that I adore. Please keep
her in your prayers as she goes through the most
difficult time in her life. Also, keep my dear friends,
Mr. George Earl Graham, Mr. Ben Lloyd (my good friend,
Charmaine’s, dad), Ms. Pearl Dade and Mrs. Cecil
Harrison in your prayers as they all recuperate at Mercy
Hospital. I visited them all yesterday and the smile on
their face when they saw me was worth more than a
million words. If you need me to put your loved one on
my weekly prayer list, please send me their names and
other pertinent information.
Advice I live by - It's difficult to let
go of; a marriage, a child, a job, an addiction, a
business, your home, the past or your dreams and goals.
Letting go is sometimes necessary for growth, your
sanity, peace of mind and health. There's a fine line
between persistence and insistence. There's a fine line
between having faith or being foolish. Letting go
doesn't always mean you gave up. Sometimes life doesn't
turn right --- it turns left and you must learn how to
regroup or re-invent yourself, increase your faith and
let go of old baggage. I can remember all too well how I
used to try to hold on to; people, my pain, my past,
projects and dreams. But I needed to let go. It didn't
mean I gave up. I matured. I released. I grew to
understand the wisdom of many teachers. Bishop T. D.
Jakes offers us some insight about letting go. He says,
"There are people who can walk away from you. And, hear
me when I tell you this. When people can walk away from
you, let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk
another person into staying with you, loving you,
calling you, caring about you, coming to see you,
staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone. When
people can walk away from you let them walk. Your
destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
JEWELS
Let me thank everyone that attended class
last week at the Tree Lounge and Rhea’s Club. The Men
of Swing came out in numbers, Hallelujah!!! I love the
ladies that swingout but the men are so few in numbers,
I have to give them the highest praise. Thank you
Avery, Craig, DJ Daniel, Darrell, Derek, Doc, Don Juan,
Eugene, Everett, Femi, Jimmy, John, Keith, Kenyatta,
Lafayette (Ft. Worth, TX), Larry, Lowell, Marvin, Mike
G., Perry, Quinton, Rodney (Irving, TX and assistant),
Terry (Dallas, TX), and Tony (Grambling, LA.) If I left
someone out, I am so sorry. You guys are wonderful and
I love you for supporting me and the dance!!!
There is nothing more beautiful
than a black man that swingdance!!!! We welcome you to
learn this fantastic dance every Thursday, 7 pm, at The
Tree Lounge, 203 NE 36th, Okc and on
Saturday, April 25, 2009, 8 pm, at Rhea’s Club, 5929 N
May, Okc. See you on the dance floor!
April 8,
2009
Sandy’s Blog:
Let me first introduce myself. My birth name is
Rosalind Cassandra Stephenson, aka Sandy Brown
(Brown is my married name and NO I am not still married
but I). Just think about how many folks you know their
nick name but not their real name, so now you know
mine! It has been a touch couple of weeks for my
family, my friends and me but the Lord has put his arms
around us and things will get better. Let’s pray
“Heavenly Father, thank You for working
all things together for my good. I choose to release any
doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past, and
I choose to trust in You. I can do all things through
You who strengthens me.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
All of
our prayers are needed so much. Over the last two weeks
I knew and loved nine people that has passed on and more
recently Willard Overstreet, DJ KO’s
brother. Will passed away on Monday, April 5, 2009 from
an apparent massive heart attack at such a young age.
Please pray for KO’s family and especially their mom.
The services will be Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the
First Baptist Church, 521 N. Central, Okmulgee, Ok
74447. Flowers and cards can be sent to Biglow Funeral
Home, 1601 N. Wood, Okmulgee, Ok 74447 or Ms. Gladys
Overstreet, 1308 East MLK Dr., Okmulgee Ok 74447.
Everyone knows my good friend BoBo, Bozelle Pope,
who passed on Sunday, April 4, 2009 after battling
cancer for some time. Folks would come from all over
Oklahoma to get some BoBo’s Chicken. I have known BoBo
since I was a teenager growing up in Chickasha. Bobo
and his buddies would drive their fancy motorcycles to
Chickasha and take the young ladies for a ride (only one
block) and they loved it. My mom told me not to ride on
the bikes so I asked Bobo if I could just sit on it and
he said yes. I jumped on his bike and the next thing I
remember was jumping off and screaming so loud everyone
came running. My leg hit the hot pipe and you know the
rest. Forty years later the scar is still there and a
few months ago when I visited Bobo, he was ill, but
still apologizing. He was my good friend and he loved
him some Sandy and I loved him. He called me his Angel
and I will truly miss him. His services are pending.
Darrell Hooks, a former student at John
Marshall High School (1984-1988) also passed last week.
Services for Darrell is Friday, April 10, 2009, 10 am at
Plainview Baptist Church, 7105 N. Kelley, Okc, Ok.
Let’s continue to pray for the families of my friends,
Pauline who lost her husband, Maurice Holloway,
Joyce, who lost her husband Don Coleman,
my dear friend Miss Margie who made the
best drinks in town at Horace’s Supper Club, a friend of
so many, Althea, who lost her daughter Jessica
Chane Waldron in Dallas on March 31, 2009, 21
year old Coressa Caldwell, and my aunt
Bettye Adam’s family.
My advice: Many people release stress and
agony in so many ways. Some people cry, some pray and
pray, some sleep, some talk about it, some sing, some
shout, some dance, some ask why, some gamble, some
drink, some shop, some work, some write, some read, some
post messages on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter and as I
am, blogging! Whatever helps you heal, do it (NOT
DRUGS) and remember, God has a plan for each of us and
no one knows when the time will come. That is one
reason I live my life as if there is no tomorrow.
Dancing makes me feel good! It lowers my blood pressure,
keeps me physically and mentally fit, and puts a smile
on my face. Often you may hear, as I do, to slow down
and I always say “I will slow down when I’m in the
ground!” Live, live, live while you have the chance!!
Sometimes you may feel invisible. You may
feel like "what's the use? ... I'll never make it ... No
one cares ... No one sees me, hears, loves me or
acknowledges me." Feelings of hopelessness can only lead
to more hopelessness. These heavy emotions of despair,
loss and loneliness can lead to prolonged depression,
addictions and poor health. Cancel the pity party. Count
your blessings. Listen to some energizing and uplifting
music and dance! Get out of the house. Get out of your
funk. Get out of that valley. Turn off the TV. Turn on
your mind. Tune out the negative inner voices of the
adversary. Get up. Think up. Cheer up. Keep up. Bounce
back up. Look up for your strength and faith. Begin to
pray, prepare and plan for a new start. I love a quote
from the prison movie "Shawshank Redemption" ..."You
either get busy living or you get busy dying." It's a
choice.
JEWELS
March 11 - 25, 2009
NO UPDATE ON SANDY KNOWS
NEXT WEEK!!!
Make a decision to have more wisdom and self-control in
four important areas in your life. As you learn to "yes"
to the right things and "no" to the "wrong" things, your
life will get better. I challenge you to change in four
areas of your life. I invite you to grow to the next
level. If you can tell the truth to yourself about where
you are mismanaging your life in these four areas, you
are ready to experience a breakthrough for peace of mind
and success. The four areas that can take you higher or
take you down are; managing your well your money, time,
emotions and relationships. Live your life under new
management. Make a commitment to live a life of quality,
integrity, peace, love and success. Change is a part of
life. Remain focused yet flexible. If you can't cope
with change or adversity, it will stress you out. Be
proactive vs. reactive. Instead of complaining, look at
your options, stand on your faith and remain optimistic.
You may be discouraged but not defeated. Life isn't
always fair. People and circumstances can change without
notice. I love India Irie's song "Strength, courage and
wisdom." The lyrics speak to my heart and soul. During
troubled times you need strength, courage and wisdom to
make it through. Instead of saying, "why me, why now or
what's next?" develop the strength, wisdom and courage
to endure.
Jewels.
Sandy’s Blog:
On March 11, 1940 a great man was born~! I just want to
say happy birthday MEP and have a wonderful day. What
hurts you the most, words or action? What is your
preference, have someone tell you that they do not want
to date you anymore or see them out with another
person. Have someone tell you that the love they had
for you is gone or stop calling and seeing you. Have
someone tell you that they do not care about anyone but
themselves after being out with you all night? Have
someone tell you that your dress is too tight or let
them walk around with cellulite showing. Have someone
tell you that you need a mint or have folks run from you
all night. Well, I am a words person, so tell me! I am
open and honest and believe communication is better than
action. Sometimes my mouth gets me into trouble and it
has since I was a little girl but I believe folks will
appreciate you more if you are vocal with them. I
believe good communication is the key to a good
relationship. If we communicate well with the people in
our lives, we are able to better understand what the
people around us want, need, expect of us, and what they
are able to do and likewise, they will understand what
we want, need, etc. This includes not just the people we
live with but also friends, co-workers, church members,
partners, etc. The qualities should include being able
to state your feelings, wants, needs, expectations, etc.
honestly and in a clear manner without putting anyone
down or cursing them out. When someone has done this, I
feel it is then helpful to rephrase what you heard so
you know you have understood their meaning clearly. If
you have miss-understood something, this gives them a
chance to clarify what they actually meant.
January 21 - 29, 2009
One day after
President Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the Chief,
Leader, and President of the United States, I still
remember his speech.
“My fellow citizens,
I stand here today
humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust
you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by
our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to
our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he
has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans
have now taken the presidential oath. The words have
been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the
still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is
taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At
these moments, America has carried on not simply because
of the skill or vision of those in high office, but
because We the People have remained faithful to the
ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding
documents. So it has been. So it must be with this
generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of
crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war,
against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.
Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed
and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our
collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the
nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed;
businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our
schools fail too many; and each day brings further
evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our
adversaries and threaten our planet. These are the
indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.
Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of
confidence across our land — a nagging fear that
America's decline is inevitable, and that the next
generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that
the challenges we face are real. They are serious and
they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short
span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over
fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On
this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty
grievances and false promises, the recriminations and
worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled
our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words
of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish
things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring
spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward
that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from
generation to generation: the God-given promise that all
are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to
pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the
greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is
never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never
been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not
been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who
prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of
riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers,
the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but
more often men and women obscure in their labor, who
have carried us up the long, rugged path towards
prosperity and freedom.”
The prayer of Reverend Joseph Lowery ended this
history making event by these words that will never be
forgotten: “And as we leave this mountain top, help us
to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness
of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes,
our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques,
or wherever we seek your will. Bless President
Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little
angelic Sasha and Malia. We go now to walk
together as children, pledging that we won't get weary
in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave
us alone. With your hands of power and your heart of
love, help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when
nations shall not lift up sword against nation, when
tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and
every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig
tree and none shall be afraid, when justice will roll
down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the
saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a
new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day
when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown
can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when
the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will
embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and
love mercy say Amen, Amen, Amen!”
SANDY'S BLOG -
What a glorious day I had and I pray you had the same,
but on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 just one day after
having a African American sworn in as President, I get a
phone call that made my veins pop out. It was a female
parent that was upset because her son brought home a
picture of our President that he had colored and wrote
the words “Time for a Change”. She was sorely
upset because the teacher allowed him to write the
words. I tried to be very professional but after about
10 minutes of listening to racist conversation (she said
several times she was not a racist, yea right it still
exist) I told her that maybe she should sit down with
her 1st grader and listen to him because time
had already changed. I told her my body has changed with
age and time. Old friends have left and new friends have
enriched my life. What used to be so important, no
longer seems SO important. What used to be so
insignificant now seems SO significant. Change is
something I have learned to endure and enjoy. Change is
not always fair, convenient, predictable or controlled.
You cannot always choose the changes that come your way.
But you can always choose your response. Whether you are
facing; an empty nest, life after divorce, a new city,
change in your health, or a change in your job location,
policy and procedures, change in weather or a change of
heart from a friend/lover/ spouse, learn to adapt rather
than be a victim of change. To stay in the game, it's
crucial to learn how to enjoy, endure and embrace
change. I just closed my eyes and prayed for all the
people in the world that still does not get it. My
mother protected me from even knowing about prejudices.
As a young lady growing up in Chickasha, my mom bought
us hamburgers every Friday at Chickasha Hotel (yes, I
said it). I ordered the burgers on the phone and mom
drove me to pick them up. I would always go to the door
closest to the alley, which I thought was a driveway to
park while running in to get the burgers, and asked for
my burgers. Everyone there knew me and I can still
remember them saying “hi little pretty girl”. Well
about three years ago, I was visiting my mother and she
asked where I wanted to eat? I asked if they still had
the good burgers at the hotel and she said yes. As I
pulled up to the door closest to the alley, she asked me
why I was parking back there. It was then, forty years
later, I found out there was a front door. When I was
13, I was not allowed to enter that door only the back
door. I just never knew, never knew!!
Great advice: “We
have every reason to be enthusiastic about life, but
sometimes the struggles of daily living may cause us to
feel decidedly unenthusiastic. Whenever we feel our
energies begin to fade, it's time to slow down, to rest,
to count our blessings, and to have a sensible talk with
God. When we feel worried or weary, a few moments spent
in quiet conversation with the Creator can calm our
fears and restore our perspective. I always remember
the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Take
the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole
staircase, just take the first step."
First let me thank
everyone that came to the Black and Gold party at
the Tree Lounge on Saturday night. It was great,
the food was fantastic and we had over 100 folks and
about 40 knew how to swingout! Thank you, thank you,
thank you!! The men really supported this event and
that is why I love you! On Sunday, I attended church and
the message was about Grace. Grace is God's
unmerited favor. That is, grace is God doing good for us
that we do not deserve. Sunday night the Jazzee Js
attended LJ’s Inaugural Swingout Graduation at
the Grenadier Club and we had the best time. The female
graduates were dressed up looking beautiful and the men
were all so handsome in their black. After the
graduation was over, the band (my cousin, Jamar,
plays the guitar)
S.O.U.L played and
accompanied the contestants for the night at the
Apollo. Congratulations Barry for taking home
the money and sing “One in a Million” for the ladies!!!
Tuesday was a day I will never forget. I watched the
Inauguration and activities with my dear family and
friends during the day and Tuesday night many of us went
to The Inaugural Ball at the Ok History Center,
sorry that so many people did not know about it but we
had three tables of swingdancers and we stayed on the
floor. Let me thank everyone that was in attendance
(too many to name). The Shortt Dogg Band played
“Signed, Sealed and Delivered” and we showcased the
Obama Hustle! Thank you ladies that participated! Last
night, Wednesday, I took my grandson, Brent, to
Drum Line Live at Rose State College. It
was awesome and I am so if you did not know about it!
Live entertainment that all children and adults should
have seen!!!! Music is so good for the soul
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS, STEPHANIE,1/18 and
MY GRANDSON, BRENT, 1/21.ON
JANUARY 20, 2009 WE WILL BE MAKING HISTORY AND IT IS
TIME TO CELEBRATE!! WE WILL HAVE OUR FIRST BLACK
PRESIDENT, BARACK OBAMA AND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING,
JR.’S DREAMS BECOMES A REALITY. FOLKS THIS IS REAL,
LET’S CELEBRATE. GET OUT AND ENJOY AT LEAST ONE OF THE
FESTIVITIES!!!
January
14, 2009
Take a
break before you have a breakdown. Get off your
merry-go-round. The world won't come to an end just
because you take some time off to reflect and
rejuvenate. Ask for help --- delegate duties. Say "no"
without guilt to unnecessary requests of your time or
money. Recharge your battery. Refuel your tank. Take a
power nap. Close the door. Close your eyes. Open your
heart. Relax your mind. Open your hands and let go----
ahhhh Sit, meditate, practice deep breathing, pray and
shake off the stress. Let God catch up with you to give
you fresh water (rest), new bread (ideas) and new fire
(energy). Enjoy a guilt free short break or getaway.
Stepping away from the drama and demands in your life
can do amazing things to restore your mind, body and
spirit. You can't control everything and everybody but
you can learn better ways to take care of yourself
before you snap and stress out. Your health is your
first wealth. Protect it. Remember that stress, worry
and anger are damaging to your health. Lighten up and
let go. Lighten up and smile again. Lighten up and enjoy
your interests and hobbies. Lighten up and go dancing.
Lighten up and hang out with your friends and loved
ones. Lighten up and feel the stress and tightness
dissolving in your back and neck.
God has
big plans for your life, wonderful, surprising plans…but
He won't force those plans on you. To the contrary, He
has given you free will, the ability to make decisions
on your own. It is up to you to make those decisions
wisely. If you seek to live in accordance with God's
plan for your life, you will study His Word, be
attentive to His instructions, and will be watchful for
His signs. You will associate with fellow believers
who, by their words and actions, will encourage your
spiritual growth. You will avoid those two terrible
temptations: the temptation to sin and the temptation to
squander time. And finally, you will listen carefully,
even reverently, to the conscience that God has placed
in your heart. God intends to use you in wonderful,
unexpected ways if you let Him. When you let Him,
you'll be thoroughly surprised by the creativity and
beauty of His plans.
Life
brings unspeakable pain and unspeakable joy. Life is
full of surprises, struggle, success and sadness. Some
things you can't change. Some things you can't control.
Some things you can't avoid. Some things you can't
understand. But there are things you can endure. Some
things you can change. Some things you can avoid. Some
things you can start. Do the best you can with what you
have right where you are. Learn ways to strengthen
yourself mentally, spiritually, physically, financially
and emotionally. Your change and breakthrough can happen
anytime. Just
DO NOT
GIVE UP!
The
Jazzee Js had a great time last weekend. The OU
football party was great, thank you Shirley and
everyone that was able to drop by. On Friday we
attended KVSP’s hand dance competition at the
Grenadier. Congratulation goes to Anita and Marcus for
1st place in Round 1. We had a great time!
Saturday’s class at the Tree was awesome! Ten men were
on the dance floor during class and I am sure some
dancers lost weight!!! The workout was tremendous! I
hope all men of swing will come to the Tree on Saturday,
January 17 for the ladies’ choice party. Be there early
(7:30 or before 8 pm) to get a seat!
Life is not about weathering the storm; it's about learning to
dance in the rain!"
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