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Merry Christmas ... and here's $100

I read this article in the Barber Shop on Saturday, just wanted to share ... Wonderful story.

"Secret Santas spread blessings to folks all over town, from thrift-store shoppers to school employees."

By Eric Frazier
efrazier@charlotteobserver.com

Posted: Saturday, Dec. 04, 2010

The last thing Alana McClendon expected to find when she opened her door Friday morning was a bunch of well-meaning strangers handing her money.

So when the businessmen and women who go around the city each year playing "Secret Santa" pressed a crisp $100 bill into her palm and wished her a Merry Christmas, she hardly knew how to respond.

"It is such a blessing," she said, beaming at them. "Such a blessing."

Similar scenes unfolded wherever the Santas went Friday. The participants, who insist on anonymity, take thousands of dollars from their own bank accounts and give bills to strangers around the city.

Their inspiration is the late Larry Stewart, a Kansas City, Mo., businessman who handed out $100 bills each holiday season. People in other cities now do it, too, hoping to spread the Christmas spirit and inspire everyone to random acts of kindness.

"It's about the pure joy you're able to give people," one Charlotte businessman said.

This year, the fourth time they've done this in Charlotte, the Santas were accompanied by about a half-dozen volunteers from the Charlotte police and fire departments. Even Police Chief Rodney Monroe tagged along.

Armed with newspaper clippings about needy people, they crisscrossed the city, shepherded by police cruisers and motorcycles. Sometimes, the police officers told them about good-hearted people they could help. They appeared on McClendon's doorstep, for instance, when Monroe asked them to stop by the YWCA's transitional housing complex for homeless families.

But they also reveled in chance encounters with needy people. They'd stop driving and hop out of their van when they spotted an elderly woman walking slowly along, or a disabled man walking with a cane.

At the Goodwill Outlet store on Freedom Drive, they found Felicia Adams putting out items for customers. She'd gone to work heavy-hearted because doctors in New York said her cancer-stricken father was dying.

She needed to get up there fast, but she had no money for travel.

When the Secret Santas gave her a $100 bill, she figured she might get to see her father after all. She broke down, sobbing so hard her words came out a hoarse whisper. "I am so happy."

As the convoy passed the Brookhill Village apartment complex in south Charlotte, the Santas spotted Dynasty Taylor holding his 2-year-old son Elijah's hand.

The Santas made a U-turn and gave Taylor $100.

"He's a good-looking boy," one told him. "Buy something nice for him."

"This is a blessing, man," Taylor said. "I'm shocked."

At Thomasboro Elementary School, the Santas gave bills to hard-working teachers, custodians and secretaries.

"I can't work no more today," one custodian said, laughing as she wiped away tears. "They done messed me up."

At the Community Thrift Store on Freedom Drive, they found foster parent Donna Green searching the racks for bargains. She'd been laid off in October from her job at a day care center.

She, too, broke down crying.

"God bless you," she said, hugging one of the Santas.

They moved through the store, passing out more bills. A cashier burst into tears. An elderly woman who said she had no heat hugged another who said she was on the verge of losing her house.

Green moved past them, heading for the door. She was too emotional to continue shopping.

"God is so good," she said. "He sends people in your path to bless you."

Article From The Charlotte Observer: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/04/1886360/merry-christmas-and-heres-100.html#ixzz17HUbtbEW

Get A Boo’ In Your Life

Tis the season! … for break ups. Psychoanalyst would have you believe that holidays are symbolic of change or mark the passage of time. Do folk really want to spend another year with someone when their relationship is sub par at best? Don’t answer, it was rhetorical. Mr.Psychoanalyst has a point but Mr.TramueL believes that folk on Earth have read Seven Radical Ways to Save Money. Page fifteen clearly states “2 is not equal to 3, not even for large values of 2”  Science. Mr.TramueL what does that mean? It means folk don’t appreciate the extra commitments that accompany the holidays. It's a greater investment of time, energy, MONEY and love. Science is true, don’t be misled by facts.… to make ups. Is this relationship worth saving? Will a make up last? Are you ready for a make up? I’ll answer the questions with a question. Did you have a good relationship with your ex before the holidays? Probably not.

Don’t worry Mr.TramueL is a four letter word beginning with L and ending in E enabler. Follow this easy step to surviving a holiday breakup.

“Get a boo in your life”

The Top Five Boo’s of All Time. All Time.

The {Boo}ty call Boo

They put the boo in booty. You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make them think.  Listen, listen, listen ho’ is merely short for honey, I just got lazy and dropped the ‘ney like when they drop to their kne … oh never mind.

The Winter Boo

Historically, more babies are born in the Winter months so you should lay without laying. Check.This one is contradictory, think of this in terms of the actual seasons.  In the summer the sun is high at noon. Hot. The move to Autumn tends to cool things down. Warm. When Winter comes, rather than be left out in the Cold, opt for something warm to lay next too. Sometimes we all just want to be held. That is until Spring when things start to heat up again.

The Work Boo

Most of you know this one as the work spouse, but that sounds more fatal attraction if anything. We spend a great deal of time at work, science proves that we have a tendency to form friendships with folk we encounter often. Propinquity effect. We all need someone to laugh at our jokes, eat lunch with & talk about other co-workers with.

The Standby Boo

The Work Boo relationship is non existent after the hours of five p.m. & that’s when you need a standby boo in your life. These are folk you keep around, they have potential but you keep em’ in the friend zone. Immediate In To Me See is there without the sex or commitment.

The Instant Message Boo

BBM, Twitter, Email, iChat, Texting … Social Media “pushes a Q45” infinite. A network of supportive friend(s) can be valuable. It is important to have others available to call on when the need arises. This is my personal favorite as it teaches us how to stand alone and be independent, or to work through issues which caused trouble in a past relationship before moving in to a new one. Here girls & boys can be willing conduits into the world of men & women. Class.

I see you like to talk, I hear you baby. Get a boo in yo’ life & please feel free to add your boo types in the comments.

Live Well,

Mr. “It’s Winter & I’m so cold” TramueL

Destroy & Rebuild

Alright here we are … As many of you may know {because you care} I’ve seriously given consideration to deleting my Facebook account. Conversations directly & indirectly related to it’s destruction have caused me to have a discussion, albeit with myself, valid exploration.

I tried to ask myself why without offense but naturally I viewed this as an attack & had to defend my position.

Likes & {Dis}Likes in the same breath

I like the fact that social media presents an opportunity for personal & business relationships. I dislike the fact that social media presents an opportunity for personal & business relationships.

Of Likes

Twitter, Facebook, WordPress & the count(ed) number of networking tools that I use have my attention, but not because of some addiction {crack is whack} but because they provide value. I’m able to stay in contact with work friends as we move into different roles & drop a dime on em’ when they call out sick but update their status with “Having fun at the beach! bea(ot)ches!” It also enables discovery, I’ve found many interesting sites that challenge me & inspire my own creativity. I’ve also met very interesting people with whom I’ve been able to engage in mentally stimulating conversations & very silly & fun conversations.

Of {Dis}Likes

In trying to build a network I was guilty of friend hoarding {in the beginning} accepting every request from old classmate(s), every request from local promoter(s), every request for business page(s) There was no way for me to be engaged with so many. I’m pretty introverted & never really post to Facebook that often, however the apps I use provide constant access to my time line so I’m able to see what others are posting … I’ll just say I’d rather be a good “friend” to a few than dis-connected from so many.

Save Deletion | Destroy & Rebuild

Destroy: Transitive and intransitive verb to ruin something or make something useless.

Rebuild: ¹To work to restore something that has been weakened, damaged or ruined ²To make major alterations or improvements to something.

My plan is to destroy & rebuild … this is how I will continue to use Social Media & Facebook:

To have fun, To “Hip” others - make aware of and influence by the thoughts and ideas based on social, economic and cultural background, For Empowerment, To share news & post information for events, To meet other folk with brains, {I is intelligent too} … Hopefully this will spark a thought, a thought will spark a conversation, a conversation will spark a debate, a debate will spark some fun. Slingshot engaged.

Harm None,

Mr.TramueL is the only person to ever ace a Rorschach Test.

Never Trust A BIG Butt & A Smile

Conversation(s) at work range from politics, religion, relationship(s), music & of course sex. Men brag about their storied histories, while women keep their freaky a little sneaky. My “love” would be proud of itself it were a thing that breathed air & drank water. I deferred from the macho bravado, sexual connotations & innuendos leaving those to the imagination “mental pictures, no cameras please.” Simply smiling as others told stories of their sexcapades.

I personally believe in quality over quantity and as these discussion(s) play out, on average most were above average concerning the number of partners they’ve had. I’ll take them at their word but my experience has been a little different.

***Disclaimer***

The following account, for all intensive purposes is for your entertainment pleasure only. Any likeness to you or your representative is purely coincidental. I have omitted a few hundred of the random women I’ve smashed beautiful ladies from my past as I only want to high-light significant milestones on my Love Time-Line.

Mr.TramueL’s “Love Time-Line” set to MusiQ Titles & Lyrics

“You & Me”

I never thought on the first night You would bare what you hold so dear to life And share with me all your innermost fantasies baby And afterwards in my arms you cried Had me feeling some kind of way on the inside Then I knew it was going to be me and you

My first experience was just that, thought we would be together forever. That innermost fantasy involved a chandelier, measuring tape, my naked member & paper napkin.

"Just Friends"

Girl I know this might seem strange But let me know if I'm out of order For stepping to you this way See I've been watching you for a while And I just gotta let you know That I'm really feeling your style Cause I have to know your name And leave you with my number And I hope that you would call me someday If you want you can give me yours too And if you don't I ain't mad at'cha We can still be cool cause

My second “love” was with the most beautiful girl in the world, but I only wanted to give her the bizness. She thought we were more. I mean who wouldn’t after a year of laying horizontal doing the humpty, humpt. I coined the phrase “friends with benefits.”

“BabyMother”

Listen you know people are you know they gonna talk shit So be prepared cause we doing this regardless Of what my mother say or what your father say We just gotta make sure we on the same page Cause this is ours it involves nobody else don't get me wrong we always use a little help But honestly all we got is each other And the fact is im the father and you're the mother Of this kid

Next up was the longest five years of my life & when we were at the end ... famous last words “Can we do it one last time?” Next thing I know I woke up cutting the umbilical cord.

"Seventeen"

I tried to cut her off But she wasn't having it She kept telling me her age didn't mean sh-- And that's when she started to cry Baby I need you in my life And without you I just couldn't handle it So what's a brother to do (Ohh) Either way I lose (So) I could just say my piece Or piss off her peeps And talk it out with the boys in blue Cause when it comes down to it (Ohh) She was just seventeen years old And I was dead wrong from the door (Ohh)

So yeah I met  “Seventeen” somewhere in between “just friends” & “babymother” but refused her advances because she was too young, I inserted into her here because I hit it, shoot she was eighteen now, five foot seven with light-brown eyes, body built like a woman over twenty-five … Judge me, she also becomes the future Mrs.Tramuel (Notice she doesn’t get the trademarked capital L) Famous Quotes “Mr.TramueL! you fuck*ing with jail bait!” – Seventeen’s Stepdad

"Makeyouhappy" Oh, Hey, girl. Help me know, What is it that really does it for you? Is it about the things that money buys Or a man that loves you? Cause I'm just looking at how good you look And right away I wanna. So how do you want it?

Post divorce. I was free from responsibility & wanted to “love” every woman in the world. I joked about a five (Wo)man rotation. {Insert five names onto the “makeyouhappy” time stamp}

"Betterman"

I got a real good woman now Someone between a lover and a friend It feels good when she's around Cause she's so far from all the others that I've been with

Cause I thought I knew what love was but it wasn't until she came and changed my life And now I realize that

All the love in this world, I wanna give to this girl because she makes me wanna be a better man And all the games I've played are in the pass Because I know this one's gonna last It's crazy how she makes me wanna be a better man for her

I’ll end here because I am a better man, a better man because of what the experiences of my Love Time-Line have taught me. Sexual pursuits uncover the good & bad intertwined in our heart, revealing selfishness or the honorable desires to be loving.

Choose VS Decide … be better

Harm None,

Mr.TramueL may not be right for everyone, please consult your doctor to see if he is right for you.

Shout Out Saturday: Featuring Spoken Words & Thoughts

This week I feature the first strong supporter of my Blog Ms. SunnyDelyte! She is fun-loving, adventuresome & imaginative; qualities that are transferable & present in  everything that she is & everything that she does. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend & Writer.

Sunny is a Taurus, Taurus III to be exact so I thought it would be TramueListic of me to highlight my favorite post based on characteristics of her sign.

_{Taurus III’s are able to give form to their thoughts, to embody in a  service or artistic activity …}

Holocaust VS Slavery (3 Part Series)

_{It’s hard for Taurus III’s to keep a low profile. Craving action & excitement, often unable to keep their strong opinions on those around them to themselves …}

Callin’ Ya’ll Out: Cheaters

_{Taurus III’s are highly sensitive individuals who need to be left free to express themselves as directly & naturally as they wish …}

Love VS Being In Love: Differences

There are soo many more great post, so take some time to browse the archives && check her out! She is on Day 20 of the 30 day blog challenge you can find the links to her most recent post up there, top right … “In the Spotlight”

FaceBook Fan Page

@SunnyDelyte21 on Twitter

Spoken Words & Thoughts on WordPress

Magic Always,

Mr. “Never give up your natural & instinctive approach to life” TramueL

Attack VS Defend

Attack

: a belligerent or antagonistic action

Defend

: to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism

: to take action against attack or challenge

“Why?” “What?” “I think …”

Whether you asked or were asked a question starting with one of these word(s) or statement it will undoubtedly spark a thought & as folk process it, it will lead to them defending their behavior | position.

Law of Human Nature: We hate to be wrong. We will defend ourselves, family & friends even when we know they Debo’d that cookie. The reason(s) why? … man I’ont know. Maybe a need for self-approval? I’ve learned that a compulsive need for self-approval can make a person defensive, self-centered, and stubborn. Maybe to save someone from pain? I’ve learned to be responsible for my own negativity. Translation … avoid absorbing others opposition, stay connected to a sense value in yourself.

I guess we have to understand that when we ask “why”, we are going to get “reasons.” Not the truth, not a lie either but because we feel attacked and because we read on page 506 of the Nothing Is Easier Than Fooling Ourselves Handbook where it clearly states avoid saying “I’ont know” or “I can’t really explain”  … we answer quickly, building a foundation to construct that reason && we won’t stop, can’t stop. #BadBoyBaby #TakeThatTakeThat

Mr.TramueL’s Corollary: When we we yield our mighty axe & axe ask someone “why”, we are going to get reason(s) not an effective answer. I have none & therefore offer no solutions, I'm just an observationalist. Hopefully, you the reader can offer some advice.

:: Side Note :: Some of you are vain & will probably think this post is about you, won’t you? You’re right … Communications with September, B’Q, Dwayne & a random lady in line at Costco sparked a thought, a thought sparked a thought process, a process sparked a theory … It’s amazing how we can be separated by age, distance, education, socio & economic backgrounds but have the same thoughts & warring ideals.

Unite,

Mr. “A theory is always better than its explanation” TramueL

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry

Shout Out Saturday: Featuring Blaq Daisy

♬♫♪ Shorty I'm there for you anytime you need me For real girl, it's me in your world, believe me Nuttin make a man feel better than a woman Queen with a crown that be down for whatever There are few things that's forever, my lady We can make war or make babies … ♬♫♪ ~Meth

♬♫♪ Like sweet morning dew, I took one look at you And it was plain to see, You were my destiny With you I'll spend my time, I'll dedicate my life I'll sacrifice for you, Dedicate my life for you … ♬♫♪ ~MJB

Hey! It’s Me … Mr.TramueL and welcome to another week of “Saturday Shout Out!” Today I have the pleasure of shouting out Ms. Blaq Daisy. I chose the musical introduction ‘cause I knew all of you would be bopping your heads as you rap & sang the verse(s) ♬♫♪

That’s the style of Ms. Daisy(s) post, lyrics {words} imbued with intelligence, wit & literal integration that keep you nodding yo’ head ♬♫♪ Nodding to the rhythm, the flow & content.

“Tracklist after the jump.” {Following the theme of music, I don’t know what it means but hey, let’s roll with it.}

"Cause I Wanna Live!": 5 Things I Don't Do Because of Slavery

The Roxy Sequel: When Sexting Goes Right

It's My Anniversary!!: 12 Enlightening Lessons Learned

{☟You have to read this one! Absolute Madness!}

<—“picture has nothing to do with nothing ... just thought I should say it ;)”

I’ve listed a few of the post(s) I enjoyed because of the humor, however as you dig deeper, most will cause you to investigate and integrate the lessons into your world & that’s her peace.

Interpretations: A Lesson on Walking Away

Make her smile, read her blog

Follow @BlaQDaisy on Twitter

Magic Always,

Mr. “First build a strong ego, then get rid of it” TramueL

:: Drops Mic. Shouts Out. “Are you not entertained!?, Is this not why you are here!?” Rips open shirt. Exposes Bare Chest. Ladies Scream. Fade to Black ::

Reading is {Fun!}damental

When I’m not sharing my random observations about nothing and yet everything, I read. I read books but due to the constraints of a paperless environment at work I’m unable to enjoy the crease in the small of her back. Enter the skill’s I’ve acquired with appearing to be working, I read Blogs.

I like to spread them out, I’ve got twenty-two inches baby. Double monitors at work allow me to keep the bizness on one screen & my favorite Blogs on the other.

I’m Mr.TramueL and I read ‘em & you should too …

Ask Willie Stylez

blog.askwilliestylez.com Black 'n Bougie

blacknbougie.com

BlaQ Daisy

blaqdaisy.blogspot.com

Citizen Ojo

thedesultorylifeandtimes.blogspo...

Daily ANTicipation

dailyanticipation.blogspot.com

Enigma

much2inspired.wordpress.com

Goddess Intellect

goddessintellect.com

iKeish

kanestyleoflyfe.wordpress.com

Inconsequential Logic

inconsequentiallogic.com

Je'Tara

jetara.wordpress.com

Life Skills with iHustle Nation

ihustlenation.com

Mason Says

masonsays.com

Miz's Write For Life

readingwritingblogging.blogspot.com

Ms.Nikks

nicoledanique.wordpress.com

Multi Culti Cynti

multiculticynti.wordpress.com

Mz. Sporadic

mzsporadic.wordpress.com

O Hell Nawl

ohellnawlblog.com/newohnblog

Reads 4 Pleasure

reads4pleasure.com

Spoken Words & Thoughts

sunnydelyte21.wordpress.com

Super Blogettes

superblogettes.com

The Curvy Gurl Chronicles

curvygurlchronicles.com

Up 4 Discussion

up4dsn.wordpress.com

Mind of a Diva

mindofadiva.wordpress.com

Minus The Bars

minusthebars.blogspot.com

My Mind… Opened

missxtraordinary813.blogspot.com

Perspective: Life through My Eyes

25champ.blogspot.com/?zx=7414839...

Restoration

missxtraordinary.blogspot.com

Read Well,

Mr. “I taught my German Shepard to read Spanish” TramueL

I Keep Forgetting {Every Time You Are Near}

I keep forgettin we're not in love anymore

I keep forgettin things will never be the same again

I keep forgettin how you made that so clear

I keep forgettin every time that you are near

-       {Lyrics} Michael McDonald

Random Post About Not Having Anything To Post

RE:Post

Mr.TramueL’s Top Ten List of Things He Would Write About ‘Cause They’ve Been Sitting in His Drafts Folder For a Year.

I know that’s an extremely long title for a list … anywho

10. My Fascination With My Teeth After Every Dental Visit. I’d write about this except for you all already receive the spammed texts, Emails, tweets & links to “How to whiten your teeth for free”

9.  Happy Valentines Day! I would write about this one except for funds were low this year (as they were last year)  & I didn’t feel like haggling with the authorized resellers of baskets along the side of the road. The snow didn’t even stop these guys this year!

8. The Realest (Insert Explicative) I Ever Wrote. I’d write about this except I want to do a VBlog {The Reason I keep playing with Youtube Video’s & Editing them} … except then it wouldn’t be “The Realest (insert Explicative) I Ever Wrote” … it would be “The Realest (Insert Explicative) I Ever Recorded and that doesn’t sound as sexy.

7. Eff a Quote, Tell Me What You Know. I hate when people (RE)Tweet, Update their status or e-mail me intuitively obvious quotes from famous people. “If you put on your shoes in the morning without putting on your socks first then today you will be without socks.” –Anonymous … I’d write about his but it must be true ‘cause Rev Run Wisdom wrote it.

6. Social Media Beef. My Ex-Wife, Baby-Mama mother of my child proceeds to tell all of her Facebook friends that I was an absentee father because of something that happened between her & my son {What did I have to do with it? … Nothing.} She is Bi-Polar mistaken, we were all together days before that on a road trip home to VA, days before that she called ‘cause she broke a nail & couldn’t drive him to get a haircut for ROTC. Yeah I would write about that except for they won’t find her until the leaves blow away ‘cause I’m not raking til’ Spring.

5. The Disconnect. I’d write about this but I would need years of research and it’s already been proven that Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Have you ever worked with, dated, met, held a conversation with someone where you’ve just looked at them and said … well, nothing? I’ve learned that there are two kinds of people who don't say much: those who are quiet and those who talk a lot.

4. What I Wanna be When I Grow Up. I’d write about this except I don’t wanna grow up. Be more childlike and less childish.

3. Little Known Mr.TramueL Facts. You all know why I can’t write about this … it’s all relative and according to the general theory of relativity t!his  would cause a Black Hole. {Science}

2. I’m the Best You’ll Ever Have. I’d write about this ‘cause every woman I’ve ever dated be on that same ole’ bullshyt  “They are the best I’ve ever had” & that I’ll wish that I’d stayed with them & eventually at some point I’ll want them back but it will be too late. Out of all of the random women I’ve smashed beautiful ladies I’ve dated it hasn’t happened yet. Note to Self: Mr.TramueL One. Beautiful ladies Zero.

And the Number 1ne Thing Mr.TramueL Would Write About ‘Cause They’ve Been Sitting in His Drafts Folder For a Year ………….

1. Women are Manipulators, Men are Controlling. I would write about this one except “she” said “If you don’t get off of that machine and come get on t!his …” but I chastised her for not using the or-else clause.

Heavy Verbal Traffic

Between my kids, their mother, my mom & sisters not a lot of time is spent on the phone or talking. The terrifying acceleration of interpersonal communications is uglifying the hope for human psyche ... so I text, e-mail & you know {Insert all & any other social media tools for communicating} There is on occasion where you get a call, for me it's normally someone needing to dump. I love the opportunity for a good conversation but sometimes I have to find a quiet place inside & sharpen my sleeping listening skills.

Make a greater effort to be understood, put down the phone & send me a text or go fall off a cliff so you'll have some new stuff to talk about.

I'm sure to take notes on all of your talking points! As a matter of fact ... let me write that down in my things I don't give a eff' about notebook

Thinking outside the box <--- It's 2011 no one says this anymore & what the eff' did this even mean.

At the end of the day <--- If I hear another person say this phrase I'm gonna pull navel lint out of your belly button with a sharp pointed object.

The labor pains <--- Show me the baby.

Harm None,

Mr.TramueL

Saturday Shout Out! … Up 4 Discussion

“The purpose of Up 4 Discussion is to allow ALL readers the opportunity to Speak Up & voice their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on various important topics that are rarely discussed openly and/or publicly.”

It’s Me … Mr.TramueL! Welcome to another Shout Out Saturday, this week I’m featuring the man behind the movement. J’Sin’s sparkling thought, allows each of us to cultivate personal as well as social awareness …

@Up4DSN

Follow J’Sin / Up 4 Discussion on twitter & watch him “go in” on one of the trending topics or watch & participate as he gets one started!

No doubt the blog gets the discussion jumping, the purpose stated above does just what it says … allows the readers to examine the topic, comment & explore solutions via an informal debate. My personal favorites are highlighted below, visit the Blog to discover yours!

Up 4 Discussion recently added Video to the arsenal, now your speakers can go hammer … bringing the discussion to you. Visit the official YouTube channel!

"Do Women Really Know What They Want in a Man?" ... Find out

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEkAUas1nFk&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

Magic Always,

Mr. TramueL

SPARE CHANGE

It would be unbelievable for someone, anyone to tell me that they’ve never heard  “The Approach” … “Hey, do you have any spare change?” usually followed up with a long story about how or why they are requesting a hand out.

Just show me the baby, I don’t need the labor pains

Labor Pains

I work in uptown Charlotte, live in East Charlotte and  I’ve been exposed to every part of this city through one medium or another; bars & night clubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping, volunteering, entertainment & events. “No matter how hard you try you can’t stop us now” should be the motto ‘cause it doesn’t matter where you live or where you’re from, it’s truly where you’re at … no one is prone from “The approach”

::True story::

Over the course of a few days, time spent conversating conversing with “she” after work I happened to be in different parts of the city where “she” witnessed first hand the approach …

Uptown leaving work while talking to “she”

Dude - “Say brother, I’m starving, can you help me out so I can get something to eat?”

Mr.TramueL – “I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash.”

Dude – “What about that water?”

Mr.TramueL – Blank Stare. Blink. Blink. “You want my water? You’re welcome to have it, but I’ve opened it.”

Dude – Takes water.

Rivergate {South Charlotte} talking to “she” in line at a drive thru. Keep in mind it’s around 12:30 a.m., windows down, dude approaching. Mr.TramueL is a lover not a fighter, but I’m also a fighter so don’t get any ideas.

Dude – “Yo, I’m trying to catch a bus do you have any extra change?”

Mr.TramueL – Grabs change out of ashtray.

“She” – “Is the city full of homeless people?! Lol! You’re like a bum magnet.”

Mr.TramueL -  “This is all I have, you’re welcome to have it.”

Dude – Counts change. “You don’t have another {Insert whateva’ amount he was short} ?” “It cost {Insert whateva’ amount it cost for CATS}”

Mr.TramueL – Blank Stare. Blink. Blink.

::Side Note::

It’s amazing how much a part of my spirit “she” is. There is not one day that passes without a thought or a reminder of her. That’s all I’ll say about that. The End.

The Baby

I often joke about how I should respond to folk on the street requesting a handout … “Man, I was bout to ask you for a few dollars … I’m trying to pay my child support.” In the five plus years I’ve told that story, not once have I ever done it. I usually without thought reach into my pocket and whatever spare change I have, I give graciously to the requestor. Well, that is until yesterday when I thought let’s have a little fun, dude was hype & I wanted to match his intensity. Judge me.

Dude – “Hey! Which one of these stores you going into?

Mr.TramueL – “What’s up dude! ‘bout to grab a sandwich from Subway.”

Dude – “I’m out here on these streets, been out here for ‘bout five years man, I was in the {insert long ass story about love, job loss, glory years & pain}

Mr.TramueL – About ten minutes later “Dude? show me the baby, I’ont need the labor pains.”

Dude – “Huh?”

Mr.TramueL – Blank Stare. Blink. Blink.

Dude – “Whatever you got to help a brotha’ out would be appreciated.”

Mr.TramueL – While reaching into my pocket to grab the two singles I have … “Man, I was just about to ask you the same!, It’s the end of the month & folk want child support, rent is due & gas prices are ridiculous.” “One hand in the air if you’ont really care”

Dude – Blank Stare. Smirk. Frown.

This exchange was over heard by someone going into Subway & when I get inside another exchange ensues. I’m going to sum it up for you though …  It was thought that I was encouraging dude by giving him the money. It was thought that he would drink his food. Followed by a bunch of scriptures & their interpretation of said scriptures.

:: Blank Stare. Blink. Blink ::

“My old nature vs Experiencing God” = “Arrogant vs Thankful of ALL of His Gifts in Me”

The moral of the story folks …

Live truth instead of professing it, GOD sends no one away except those who are full of themselves.

Harm None,

Mr. ”Spare Change” TramueL

SATURDAY SHOUT OUT! … MIND OF A DIVA

Mind - That which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings.

Diva - A woman who is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and push her limits to do something different; with confidence, attitude, and moxie.

The definitions above are synonymous with the post you’ll find on her Blog. Here is a sampling of her latest post …

“… Even though I know this about valuing what is given to you, it hasn’t made waiting on anything easier. It has only given an explanation to it that I can respect. Maybe this will help someone deal with the anxiety that comes with being patient, but I still have a way to go.”  - Give it Time

Follow Mind of a Diva on Twitter @MindofaDiva

Take a look inside of her Mind & Blog Mind of a Diva

Magic Always,

Mr. “All Treats. No Tricks” TramueL

{RE}Post - BARBERSHOP PHILOSPHY

Another morning in the Barber Shop.

For as long as I can remember the neighborhood barber shop has been a community gathering place. People who visit for a haircut also have the benefit of the in-between talks during the hair cutting sessions. What I like to call “Barbershop Philosophy”. The rational inquiry into the principles and truths of being, nature, knowledge, conduct, etc. of course from the black perspective.

THE BARBERS

The Owner / Barber

Wouldn’t know it to look at him but this guy is filthy! As in filthy rich. Nice house owns a small real estate firm, summer house & used auto-dealership in Jamaica. They say you are a product of your environment … well he has a lil’ bit of each of the barbers, characters and customers rolled up in his personality. The owner is very nice with the clippers, to him haircutting is an art and has to be mastered like any other profession. Once you rise up from the chair you feel as if your personality has been polished. You stand a lil’ taller and speak a lil’ louder.

The Reverend

Never has any customers but prominently post his shop hours. He also runs auto-parts for Napa. {Note to Rev this sign is 10 years old}

The Homey

“Ayo! What’s up son?” Better city in America? According to Homey … not fucking likely. That’s right Homey is from NYC the transplant that cut hair out of his home for 10 years came down south to school these country ninjas in the art of barbering. Took him 3 years to get licensed but Ayo son! … He did it his way.

The First Chair

Fresh out of Clown Barber College, he ends up with the walk-ins and the small kids. He’s nice with the clippers, although I did see him patch a dude up once. {Keep practicing on those small kids}

THE CHARACTERS

The Coach

No one knows what he actually coaches, he has on the gear, looks the part and he just stops by in between practices (which happen to be year round). You can’t leave without hearing one of his motivational quotes. “Big B, listen my man before you go … If everything seems to be going well, you obviously do not know what the hell is going on.”

The Retiree

Yep, meet Mr. Me Too. He will not be outdone. You’ve run with the bulls in Spain? Well he’s run butt naked with the lions in the Serengeti. Forgot a little piece of the city’s history? It’s okay; he remembers the city when it was just a dirt road.

The Hustle Man

You never see him actually in the chair, but his hair is always cut. Not your average “hustler” he’s not about the illegal acts, but about anything that will make him money. He’ll shampoo your carpet if you rent the machine, pick him up and drop him off at the barber shop when he’s through. His favorite line … “I know a guy” and he will invent a word for anything*

The Player: “What’s up fam!? Man, I just lost a hubcap” {Did this ninja say hubcap? Where tha’ 22′s at playboy?}

Hustle Man: “I know a guy that can get you 4 brand new capo’s* for the cost of one.” {What the eff’ is a capo?}

The Player

This guy. Always looking in the mirror at himself before, after & during his cut. The thought bubble above his head reads …”Man I’m so attractive” He actually believes any woman would be blown away if they sat down and had a chat and got to know him.

THE CUSTOMERS

The Soccer Dad

So busy with family stuff, I mean if he could just clone himself life would be grand. “I gotta get outta here ya’ll lil’ Nathaniel William Edward Burghardt Du Bois III has T-Ball practice and I have choir practice at the church.

The Gay Guy

You never know he’s in the shop cause his head is buried in his iPhone. I always admire what he has on, great style ~ {No Homo} & Ohhh Mmm Gee the whip! CLS5500! When he’s done & drives that thang’ *Pause* out of the parking lot all heads *Supa Pause* turn and this normally starts the discussion on cars.

The Educated Brotha’ From the Bank

Comes in on his lunch break with the same bullisht every time. “How many I got in front of me?” Like his life is much more important than ours. Hustle Man likes to eff with him.

Hustle Man: “Ayo Educated Brotha’ From the bank? You work for Bank of America right? What branch do you work at?”

Educated Brotha’ From the Bank: “I’ve told you that I work in Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities not at any of the retail branches.”

Hustle Man: “My bad, let me get a loan then?” {Shop erupts in laughter}

The Young Lady

Comes in to get her eyebrows arched and neckline shaped. I think she’s crushing on homey.

THE DISCUSSION TOPICS

Sports

Conversations about home town heroes like Chris Leak and why none of the NFL teams picked him up. The Bobcats, The Panthers, Independence High football dominance. Everyone in the shop is a Sports Analyst giving their take. The sports conversation is generally tame but it is without fail. “Well you know he dating that white girl” … which takes us into the next discussion topic

Women / Sex / Marriage / Relationships

This topic brings out the comedians.

On Women

Physical Properties: Found in various states from virgin metal to common ore.

Chemical Properties: Most powerful money reducing agent known to man.

Common Uses: Very effective cleaning agent.

Hazards: Illegal to possess more than one, although several can be maintained at different locations as long as specimens do not come into direct contact with each other.

Religion

No arguments or heated discussions here, faith is respected in the shop, where the conversation lives is the “service” of the church and the role it plays in the community concerning; drugs, homelessness, outreach and youth services. Always surprised at how well folk know the Bible or Qur’an. The interpretation is where it gets lost. The most revisited topic tithing; if you should at all, what the bible says, ten percent before or after taxes? {Never ending debate. I’ve been going there for 10 years & this never gets old to us.}

Politics

Currently “we on that” Health Care debate. Always on topic … What’s missing from the debate, which has the better philosophy and is Michelle & Barack breaking in every room in the White House.

Cars

The Charlotte International Auto Show was last week and “we on that” Porsche Panamera

This list is not even close to half of the characters, personalities and topics discussed in the Barbershop. I didn’t mention the fish fry lady or the bootleg music and dvd hustlers. They are out there in yo’ shop!

Who are some of the characters at your shop & what they be philosophizing bout’?

Check out this video directed by Nelson George A Barber’s Tale

Truth & Honesty Imbued With Poetry

“Dirty water pooled beside the faded blooms of summer. I wet my toes. I knew better but I wet my feet. I knew better but I wet my legs. I knelt and wet my thighs. Dirty water warmed my skin against the cooling wind. I touched my cheeks. I knew better but I touched my lips. I knew better but I touched my eyelids. I touched my ears. Dirty water dried to muddy stains among the silk and cotton. I sat and prayed for rain.”

-September

I believe the author and I are on some Virgo-Libra Cusp type tip, because we always seem to be in tune with our thoughts.

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

I know what inspired this writing and we discussed that off line, but I was compelled to post it because it shared a common theme with a few of my latest post; self-nurturing, truth and honesty.

When its difficult for us to feel harmonious & peaceful, it’s usually a battle in our head. A battle between two negative brothers or sisters … aggression and passivity {My money is on them being sisters} These two generally play bad cop, good cop. Aggression comes in the form of a reprimand, imputing blame or guilt and harassment. We allow her unwarranted & irrational thinking because her sister passivity is a smooth talker and plays the role of good cop, she brings self-doubt, separation from self and the belief that we will not completely evolve.

Most of us figure it out, realizing it's really bad acting and we discover our true self, which is the realization of our goodness and our value. That self awareness is what allows us to live in harmony & to be at peace with our decisions and all of life.

Live Well,

Mr. "God, if I can’t have what I want, let me want what I have" TramueL

Check Please!

Stop waiting for the balls you are juggling to fall, be proactive ...

"Sooner or later the bill will have to be paid. Avoidance may only create greater difficulties. Take care of things now. Own up to your responsibilites."

- Pay the Bill

Saturday Shout out! … 25Champ

Grounded Skill & Feeling.

This is my opportunity to “shout out” a member of the Blog family. The above statement rings true when you read the post(s) on Champ’s Blog. I also follow him on Twitter & it’s evident in his Tweets too.

Here is a snippet of his latest offering …

Live Your Life For you: Understanding Ethical Relativism

“I’m 30yrs old now and I’d have to say that I pretty much know what’s best for me by now.”

“I’m not implying that I know everything, but I’ll judge be the judge of me and you be the judge of you.”

“I have absolutely no right to judge your beliefs and you have no right to judge mine.”

“What’s the point!”

“All beliefs and ethics are “relative” anyway!” …

Follow Champ on Twitter @25Champ

View Champ’s Blog Perspective: Life through My Eyes

Magic Always,

Mr. “we like the breeze flow straight out of our lids” TramueL

The Gift & The Opportunity

“Every Christian should gift this book to another Christian”

Red+Blue=Purple

He offers hope that has been tested.

“This world temps us to give up. Sometimes you want to give up. No matter how deep your faith, life can throw some hard pitches at you that you aren’t prepared for. And life gives you no sneak peeks at what’s to come; it offers no “coming attractions” to prepare you for those unexpected pitches.

People can be cruel, and things change quickly. Everything you count on today can be gone tomorrow. Often you live feeling either pissed off or pissed on. So we need hope. Not hope in just anything, but hope in something tried, proven, and true. Religions come a dime a dozen. Some people worship lettuce – until they get hungry. Some people worship money, until it loses value. Others worship themselves. And we all know where that leaves us – full of ourselves and full of it. So when you face a mountain of despair, and the pressure of life saps every bit of your strength, you don’t need a god who’s hot with Madonna this month; you don’t need the god whom the rapper thanks win he wins an award for his explicit material. You need the God who isn’t impressed by the material girl, the God who has proven himself worthy. The God with a record.

You see, hope left to itself is just an emotion. And that emotion will connect to anything that pretends to be worthy of it. If a figure named Santa Claus presents himself as one worthy of hope, then people – especially children – will put their hope in him. But since Santa isn’t real, hope invested in him is hope wasted. So I don’t just need someone to place my hope in, I need someone worthy of that hope. Someone for whom the evidence has come in, evidence I can sink my teeth into.”

- Kirk Franklin “The Blueprint” … A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms

My previous post “15 Minute Freestyle” for all intensive purposes was a way for me to satisfy my commitment to posting at least once a week. Without any preconceived notions I set out to write whatever came to mind, something easy and fast. In retrospect I understand where each thought was born and truthfully I wasn’t expecting much of a response. I did however receive five one off emails, text, & dm’s from friends who didn’t want to comment on the Blog. Whether directly or indirectly related to any one of my thoughts the common theme was about hope.

The reason I four letter word beginning with L and ending in E The Blueprint is because it’s real. Mr. Kirk Franklin talks from experience and presents his{tory} in away that’s not stuffy, preachy or degreedUP. “♬ ♫ ♪ far from hood but still understand the streets ♬ ♫ ♪”

That excerpt is power{Full} because it reinforces what we already know; We have resorted to using strength according to the wor(l)d rather than according to the word, putting too much hope in man. What it taught | teaches me is that we should counsel from God’s word because it is the truth.

Truth = Honesty. One of my thoughts from the freestyle concerned awareness about self-honesty. I hope everyone received what they needed from me {through Him}, I would like them to know that what I received from them {through Him} was even more valuable.

Deep Bows,

Mr.TramueL