Natural.

1. not having any extra substances or chemicals added: not containing anything artificial.

It's a sight to see when a person has the ability to make something seem so routine, so normal. The sight is even better when the one who does it is truly modest about what they do. It comes from the heart, comes as simple as the breath they breathe, or the steps they take, as smooth as the touch of their skin, as firm as their handshake. Dare say...it looks easy.

But it can't be; no way. To make the mark that you make, it takes work, requires passion, needs enthusiasm. If it was that simple, everyone would do it, but they don't...which is exactly what makes you unique. It gives people a smile, a pick-me-up, a source for inspiration even if it's been ages since you shared a neighboring seat.

There are other ways to describe the effortlessness in which you make a mark, the ability you have to create a spark, and the fashion in which you inspire others to do something as simple as pick up a pen and write a few paragraphs and several dozen words...words that can't begin to describe your ability to do special things, and even though all of these words pale in comparison to your ability to leave a lasting imprint, it's still worth a try. There's a passion inside that comes out every now and then....every once in a blue moon, but it would be a lie to say it's anywhere close to being as natural as you.

3/7/14 @ 11:46 P.M.

Two Words

It ended with a "good night"...two simple words to cap off an evening full of peace, fun, and a pleasant escape. To say you thought it would end this way would be optimistic, at best, especially since company with this person had never been shared before..but after those two words, you couldn't wait for the next day to come, so you could do it some more.

Laughs, stories, quick anecdotes and the required silence to process each other's thoughts were all in the midst; if any nerves were present in the beginning, they were gone right away. The hands on the clock flew by so fast, which is what tends to happen when good times are being had; motives went out the window, which left neither party suspicious or mad.

After a while, you feel like you've heard it all and, in a way, this particular story has the usual parts, but it still has its own identity, its own feel, its own ingredients that make it singular and stand alone...and even though the words were said to end the night earlier and plans were made to do it again, you still want to pick up the cell and dial their number on your phone.

For now, those two words will do, along with the acts that preceded them, all of which were first-rate...and to think, the fun has only begun, because we have yet to go on our first ever date.

4/29/12 @ 10:54 A.M.

Tranquility

1. a disposition free from stress or emotion.

2. an untroubled state; free from disturbances.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right combination at the right place at the right time.

In the case of what’s in front of me, at this time, it brings a sense of peace, joy, tranquility…simple, relaxed…just perfect.

A moment captured in time…something to pack in my bag, put in my wallet, or hang on the speedometer of my car. Something that’s so strong, you’d swear it’s close, despite the fact that it truly isn’t and is very much afar.

It would go as the perfect compliment in a frame on the desk, or serve as the perfect pick-me-up and inspiration while taking on life’s daily tests.

For a picture to be worth a thousand words, it only takes a single word to sum this one up…

…beautiful.

11/15/11 @ 10:21 P.M.

Inspiration (for K.A.F.)

You wrote about kisses, and I gotta admit, the words turned into images, and the images came to life. That's the sign of something good, something authentic, something real. It's evidence that your words aren't said for the sole purpose of looking good; they're mean to move your soul and be something you absolutely feel.

Whatever the intent was, just know it exuded intimacy, genuineness, and the ability to make me smile...and even though the trip to your side was unplanned, I'm glad I ended up there and decided to stay a little while.

4/16/11 @ 12:06 A.M.

More doubt, new challenges, and other randomness

Well, you know that whole doubt thing? Yeah, it's still there. Granted, it's not at the level that it was the last time I posted about it, but it's still there. I'm making one last-ditch effort to see if the road I'm heading on is the one I'm supposed to be heading on right now. If so, great. If not, then hey; I'll live. Lemme stop lyin'. If this doesn't work out, I'm gonna be beyond devastated.

In the meantime, I'm picking up Spanish. For one, I've wanted to learn for quite a while, and if there's one thing I have a lot of, it's time. Two, it'll help just to know another language to shoot the breeze and have conversations with even more folk. I've been at it for about a week and a half now. I don't really have a time limit as to when I wanna have it down. Hell, the way I see it, there are still words in the English language I'm learning every day.

I've been posting a lotta love/romance songs lately (Facebook), but that's because KSOUL and KRNB jam, and, outside of ESPN Radio from 2-6 P.M., that's pretty much all I listen to.

The older I get, the more I'm fascinated about the simple things about women (her walk, look, non-verbal cues, etc). The normal stuff doesn't do it as much for me anymore, and as much as I love a big butt and nice chesticles...that's really all they are now. If my attention isn't captured by more than that fairly quick, then hey *shrugs* Yup, I'm getting more boring by the minute.

It also means that some may not know how to respond to my brand of conversation. Granted, there is some flirtation in there, but there isn't much else I wanna do these days other than make a woman smile, and go on about my day.

2/23/11 @ 1:09 A.M.

Clear (Thoughts from the Lake)

It took something that comes rarely to realize how much I'm truly at peace.

At one time, the sight of something so rare would have pushed thoughts of you to the surface, and had my mind scrambled, just to say the least.

Sure, thoughts came, but it was more of a signifier that things are cool now, sights can be seen, and they can be done with no trepidation, doubt, or fear.

It's never felt better to have complete and total harmony, with everything in place and my outlook and soul totally clear.

12/21/10 @ 2 something in the morning.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Biggers

Defeat

WTF is wrong with me? No pair of contacts or the eyeglasses are necessary to see...that our time has run out.

Gotta learn to let go, and keep my dignity in the forefront. There's no need to point fingers or blame her for pulling any particular stunt.

It's merely a case of actions speaking louder than words, and once you've lived long enough, you realize pointing fingers is not the way to go. She's on my mind constantly, yet it's not the same, which our recent meeting and subsequent lack of interactions show.

To sum it up as infatuation would be cheap, but to define it as love may be a lil' too much, even with the moment being what it is. Just by this admission alone, humility is being shown...loud and clear. Just like D and The Root, it's safe to concede complete and total defeat is finally here.



10/18/10 @ 7:48 P.M.

Intimate

Embedded...laid up together, with scant sounds. The scene's too vivid. This can't be real...and even though it's not in my visual, it's something I can still see and totally feel.

Sounds of The Root playing in the back, while you lay between my legs, nestled close, your glass of wine on the side, and hair grazing the bottom of my chin. If I was to fall asleep, it would only be to wake up and experience this feeling all over again...

The most intimate time, you with something in your hands, with things even lighter gliding between your fingers...me behind you with one of my own, allowing this to last forever, while every detail lingers.

The sounds of pages turning are the only other ones next to the music and our respective breaths. It truly is something to see. Never have I been more eager to relax, release, let go...and just read.

7/27/10 @ 2:35 A.M.

End to the Beginning

A kiss is how we departed, with our collective word that we'd see each other again soon, and even when the elements are different, our times together carry the exact same tune.

Before that, we hold each other close, embracing, arms and hands around each other gently, but in no hurry to let each other go. There can't be a better feeling than to be holding you close, and if there is, it's one I have zero desire to know.

Words were exchanged throughout our interaction, along with laughs and that ever-present smile. It's safe to say this feeling hasn't been experienced with anyone else in quite a while. Steady thankful it's present, and right here in this place, yet the potential for it was evident from the first time I ever laid eyes on your face...

12/2/09 @ 2:33 A.M.

Simplicity at its Best

Two kids walking each other home from school, a boy and a girl.

Takin' a trip back then reminds me how those times were some of the best spent in the world.

No worries about broken hearts, false words, or the potential of things going wrong.

And even though the times have changed, the desire remains to write a familiar type of song.

...it's just about finding the right muse.

11/7/09 @ 3:09 A.M.

Your Eyes

Everyone has a set of 'em, yet they don't possess the powers of yours. One look from you can make the most trifling of man pick up a variety of chores; they can make someone who's already motivated pick up their hectic pace, and feel the urgency of needing to do more. They can help someone who can't swim and stuck in deep waters find the strength to make it back to shore. On top of that, they bring light to darkness, and allow a simple sight to be the complete opposite of a bore.

Maybe it isn't your intention to possess this kinda juice, yet I wouldn't blame you one bit to apply them for any kinda use. Whether its to spark conversation, or keep all attention squarely on you. Truth be told, if others had the ability, they'd do the exact same too. It's impossible to look into them and even attempt to tell any kind of lie; those reasons above, and more, are precisely why I love your eyes.

10/13/09 @ 2:13 P.M.

Fly

By your own admission, life is a comedy, and as long as anyone has noticed, you always enjoyed a good flick. But there's a reason why you've always been more than meets the eye, simply because there's no particular way of knowing exactly what makes you tick.

To some, you're the lady behind the bar, keepin' people feeling good by fixing 'em a drink. To others, you're the woman who keeps makes folks experience a variety of thoughts and emotions, simply due to their admiration of how you think. It leaves 'em speechless, or simply with their tongues tied. They know you mean business, whether they like it or not, and know what you say can't be confused for a lie. That smile, demeanor, and loyalty all contribute to what's before their sight, yet they also know you'll be blunt in a second, and always remember that your bark is nowhere near as lethal as your bite.

There's plenty more about you that meets the eye, and tryna sum it up briefly would be impossible, and with that, maybe they'll be more to see. For now though, continue to be that free bird that stays flyin' high, that a majority of people only wish they could be.

9/22/09 @ 4:56 P.M.

Love-Making

The last time love was made, it was unreal, beautiful, mind-blowing; safe to say, this man was hooked. You coulda been cuffed right there on the spot, and taken to the authorities to be finger-printed and booked. There's no doubt you're the one who served as a reminder of how love is truly made, and if I had to rate it on a scale, there's no doubt you'd get the highest possible grade...

They say good things come to those who wait, and that's exactly what we did. The temptation to do more never overruled the importance of waiting until the time was right, and once it came, the acts were so intoxicating, we were at it from dark all the way to daylight.

Our souls came together as one, as slow jams moved to OUR BEAT, and not the other way around. Our bodies were in sync, with ruffled sheets, infrequent moans, and the fan above us contributing to the sound. It was void of lust, yet filled with passion. Not since then has anything remotely come close, in no particular form or fashion. We'd be drenched by each other's thoughts, and washed with our words; we'd rinse off with laughter, and dry off using the smiles we were able to lure...hell, I can't even look at showers the same! 'Cause ever since then, whether it's the face wash, shampoo, or the soap, whenever I step in, all the bottles spell out your name...

7/28/09 @ 3:23 A.M.

Photo by Thomas Hopson

Just Thinkin' About You/Hope All Has Been Well

It's amazing how a simple message can set off a deeper emotion. It's exactly why, in this case, it's hard for me to subscribe to this particular type of notion. We know each other well enough to realize it isn't a quick check-up, or just to drop some kind words. Once those words have been exchanged, the door will soon open, and into it, we've both been lured...

But maybe it was just that; a quick check-up, and nothing more. Then again, there was date number one, two, three, and even number four. There was Barnes and Noble, and Half Price Books, on a Saturday night at that. A couple of chairs and the occasional foot-stool is where we sat. It was definitely a first, and a story we didn't have to wait for time to tell. It's instances like these that'll trigger a simple message that I'm...

...just thinkin' about you/hope all has been well.

Books were read together, word-for-word, and we'd soon discuss what we saw. Then we'd go find the movie version, and get pissed when the script and the author weren't on the same page at all. To share that kind of connection was unique, something I enjoyed all too well. It's instances like those which trigger the simple message that I'm...

...just thinkin' about you/hope all has been well.

We laughed when he was poplockin' on stage, but remained captivated as he went through song-after-song. Then he came in the crowd and held his tune, while we grooved and sung right along. The same couldn't be said about the dudes servin' food over at Spring Creek. It was pretty much agreed that if they were to take their act on the road, there's no way it would even last a week. Plenty of other events were shared, but I think you get the drift. And through it all, time spent with you was the most priceless type of gift. It's safe to say a simple gesture has always been much more, and this, you can plainly tell. And even though things have changed, this one remains a fixture, when the message comes across that reads...

...just thinkin' about you/hope all has been well.

7/1/09 @ 1:15 A.M.

Photo by Collins Metu

R.I.P. (for Chane`)

Radiant...will forever be the way you're remembered by me and others who had the pleasure of being in your presence, and seeing your face. Smiles and laughter were always shared, no matter the time and no matter the place...

Invaluable...is your worth, the time we had to share. I can be at peace, knowing you're in a special place and will be protected with care. Even now, there's joy in my heart, despite fighting off the urge to cry. It's evident you lived your life the right way, and knowing that assures me you're always going to be alright...

Prodigious...in knowing there's only one you, and forever will be. Your indelible mark has been left on countless others for the entire world to see...you're simply amazing. My friend, club, sands...and plenty more. You'll be loved always, from the front of my being, to the deepest parts of my core.

3/29/09 @ 4:00 P.M.

Light of Hope

My light of hope continues to burn...

despite the recent events that have taken place, the unexpected result even though it was caused by a very familiar face, and even though it seems like I'm running against my emotions in an endless race...

My light of hope continues to burn.

And even though it's burning dim, there are bound to be better days ahead. This setback won't be able to keep me down, and it won't be allowed to fester in my head. Days will continue as always, with nights allowing me to lay peacefully in my bed, and before you know it, my storybook ending will take place, just like the many others that have been seen and read...

As my light of hope continues to burn...

The loss certainly isn't mine, that's for damn sure. My desires, hopes, and love remains untarnished and 100% pure. Even though I'm at peace now, there's still that desire for more, and with it, my soul and heart will stay alive and continue to yearn, and it further lets me know everything will eventually work itself out...

...while my light of hope continues to burn.

3/8/09 @ 9:41 P.M.

M.V.P.

Memorable....are the moments we share together. There should be more, especially given the fact I want our time to last forever. No other times, with any other person could possibly compare, and even attempting to make 'em do so...is completely and utterly unfair.

Valuable...in terms of your own being, your entire essence. Outside of God and family, there's noone and nothing else that comes close to the place you hold in my everyday thoughts. Without you, I'm convinced life would be much more confusing, and I'd most likely be lost. The sun seems brighter, grass is a lil greener, and it's much easier to wake up at the beginning of each day, and it's all because I know the mark you make, in your own special and unique way.

Personal...in the sense that, even though others read the words, the only ones who fully understand this are you and me. It doesn't matter how much is exposed, and how much anyone else can see. The bond we have will never be broken, and can't be purchased with any amount of money, or any type of fee. From now and til the day we're dead and gone, you'll forever be my MVP.

3/3/09 @ 1:14 A.M.

Photo by Collins Metu

S.M.I.L.E.

Serenity...anytime your presence is felt. It has the capability to make any person's mood change for the best. Just a glimpse of it allows any negativity to be put to rest. It's perfect for any occasion...

Magical...when your lips part, and your teeth begin to show. It's the most versatile tool and strongest weapon anyone could ever know. Everyone should be a witness to its remarkable and unmistakable glow. It's that real, that genuine, that...pure.

Influential...the effects, long-term and short, it possesses and can hold. From the first time you flashed it, I was completely and totally sold. If a day is going good, seeing it makes it become great, and when needed at a crucial time, it's never been late.

Love...radiates from your soul to others, just from the act of something so commonplace. The results of it are constantly etched and permanently written all over my face. Thing is...it's not just me; it's anyone who's had the pleasure to see it, whether from afar, or up close. It's safe to say it's this particular quality that people cherish about you the most.

Extraordinary...all these qualities add up to nothing short of remarkable and something that I hope stays around for much longer than a short while. It's the one thing worth more than any amount of power and wealth; it's the value of your smile.

2/22/09 @ 3:26 P.M.

24/7

Words do you no justice; there isn't a way they can be put together to describe your effects. Maybe it's already been done by now, and even though I'm not totally certain, I've already chalked it up as one of my few regrets...of not being the first one to tell you how beautiful you are, and how kind your heart is; how my mouth breaks into a smile upon hearing your voice, watching you walk, or just taking in your scent. Enough time has gone by to realize its been some of the best that's ever been spent.

Even when there are no words exchanged, the thoughts still remain. It goes through my body, and flows through every single vein; it's evident in my speech, and it's the fast-acting relief for any type of pain. Who knows what'll happen in the future, and it's no one's job to try and predict it; that's not even close to my style. Right now, you consume my thoughts 24/7, and I'm cool with that...whether it's long-lasting, or only for a little while.

7/30/08 @ 11:36 P.M.

Photo by Shannon Mowling

K.I.S.S.

Kindness... is evident before we even touch each other's lips. You could be on the other side of town, and I'd still feel your pull, and their tips. I gotta have you close to me, and have my hands wrapped completely around your hips...even if it's only for a moment. We have a way of making something so brief...last a lifetime.

Intense...feels TOO good to me, so I never want it to end. It's the song on my personal soundtrack, that I can listen to over and over again. Your taste is addictive, stronger than any drug known to man. It has effects that should cause it to be completely and totally banned. Even if it was, I'd still break the law...just to get it. It's that real.

Seductive...enticing, alluring. It's both of these things, and more. Even in its simplest form, it's impossible to get to the core...of what makes it what it is. It's so powerful, it could be considered lethal. Even with that, in your possession, it's strangely beautiful...like something regal.

Serene...even with its other elements, there's a level of peaceness that comes everytime it's exchanged. It can be quick and brief, or filled with length, with a surreal amount of range. Long or short; drawn-out or brief. It's something that, as soon as we depart, I already miss. Something so simple to others, means the world to me, and it's the feel...of your KISS.

7/24/08 @ 10:56 P.M.