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Black Like Me

“I hate you! I hate you!” I repeatedly said to the reflection in the mirror as I continuously scrubbed my face with a cloth doused in bleach. It didn’t matter that tears were running down my eyes from the strong smell of the bleach because those eyes reflected a vision I hated. It didn’t matter that I had spilled bleach on my grandmother’s bathroom rug and was probably going to get a spanking for it because I’d had spankings before and I knew it wouldn’t hurt for long. The only thing that mattered on that day in 1974 was the fact that I was only six years old and I would have done anything to get out of my black skin.

How did a beautiful, smart child who should’ve been out picking flowers and berries, worrying about absolutely nothing come to develop such a negative self image at the tender young age of six? Why, in the year of 2008 when we see so many positive developments in the black community are so many of our black children still falling prey to the “Willie Lynch house n!gg@, field n!gg@ syndrome?” And why does it hurt me so much? Because the people who did all the damage and are still too blind to realize it are BLACK LIKE ME!

My mother used to dress me beautifully. I would always have on the cutest clothes; ruffled dresses, lace bobby socks and patent leather shoes. My hair would be pressed within an inch of its life and sporting ribbons and bows galore. I would walk into church and some well meaning church lady would say, “Ooh, that’s a pretty little dark skinned girl.” But instead of hearing “pretty little girl, all I’d hear was “dark skinned girl. “ I never understood why I couldn’t just be a pretty little girl. Why did my skin color always have to come into play? Why was my chocolate skin always a factor? Why didn’t someone, anyone tell me back then that it was OK to be BLACK LIKE ME?

I grew up determined not to involve myself with men who were as dark as me. Sadly, I did not want to give birth to any children who would have to go through what I went through. I remember my younger sister telling me, “Tammy you’re prejudiced against your own color because all of your boyfriends are light skinned.” At the time I denied the accusation because I didn’t’ want to admit to myself or anyone else that I was being a hypocrite but…yes; Today I can say without hesitation, I was a hypocrite of the worst kind because I didn’t want my children to be BLACK LIKE ME!

After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl whose complexion was as close to white as it could be, 17 months later I had a little chocolate drop of a baby boy with the biggest dimples I had ever seen. I immediately fell in love with this little boy and fussed over him constantly. It was then that I realized that being black like me was beautiful; oh so beautiful. Yet, still I felt compelled to protect him from all the prejudices of the world. Whereas I let my daughter go places and spend time with my family members and friends, I kept my son close. I worried that his life would be harder and things would not come as easily for him as they would for my daughter whose light skin effected oohs and aahs everywhere we went. In hindsight I don’t think I told my baby girl enough times that it was OK to be light like her and ironically, she ended up longing to be BLACK LIKE ME…

It is a hurtful feeling when you hear someone say things like,”You think you’re cute with your little black self, or ooh you’re a little darkie.” Never mind they would follow it up with, “but you’re cute to be dark skinned.” Take it from a “former darkie,” the damage is already done. There’s no cleaning up ignorance when a child is involved. I guess I was one of the lucky ones, huh? At least I was “cute.” Imagine those who society just casts aside because they don’t fit the norm? What’s going to happen to them if nobody tells them it’s OK to be short like me or tall like me? If we don’t tell them, how are they going to know that it’s OK to be Caucasian, Chinese, or BLACK LIKE ME?

As I ponder the events that cast such negative shadows on my reflection of self, I go through an array of emotions ranging from anger to hurt and shame. My heart aches for the little girl that I was. But mostly I feel an obligation to speak out and tell as many people of color that it’s not OK to joke about and degrade children or anyone because of their skin color. Stop making such a big deal out of what color a person is. Skin color does not make them a better person. It only makes them different from you. We’re living in a country that some call, “The Great American Melting Pot, “and I say to that, “We all don’t want to be shaken, stirred and melted down to look like, act like and be like the next person. DIVERSITY IS A WONDERFUL THING!

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me…That is one of the biggest lies ever spoken. Words are potent and have the power to evoke change. They can build up or they can tear down. It is time to start building our children up by first solidifying their foundation with a strong sense of self! We have to teach our children to love themselves coming out the womb because we know anything built on a rocky foundation is sure to sink sooner or later.

Today, July 20, 2008 as I look at my reflection in the mirror as I did 34 years ago, I see the same dark skin and the same eyes staring back at me. But instead of trying to erase the shame of being dark skinned with the stench and sting of bleach, I relish the sight of my beautiful, chocolate brown skin, and eyes that don’t define me as much as they reflect my journey to now. I am a strong black woman who loves the person I have become and who rejoices in the diverse shades of beauty of my people of color. I want the whole world to know it has been a long road but I have arrived at that wonderful place where I am confident, comfortable and simply loving being BLACK LIKE ME!

Tamara Pray Frazier is a freelance writer and author who likes to write true life stories that often uses her very colorful life as a reference tool. She is the author of one book titled, In His Own time

Twelve Things You Never Knew About Christmas

1. Instead of the wonderful electric lights that we have on our Christmas trees, our fore fathers only had candles to light their trees with. Water was always kept to hand in case of fire.

2. There is a tradition of having a Christmas tree on display at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Workers in the construction industry are credited with placing an undecorated tree at the site in the early 1930s.This is how the tradition started.

3. The National Christmas Tree Association has maintained a presence in the White House for over 40 years. It has donated a Christmas tree to the First Family since the mid-1960s.

4. Manufactured Christmas tree ornaments were first sold by the former Woolworth department store in 1880.

5. After the use of tinsel was banned, because lead was used in the production, plastic became the main material in the production process.

6. In the late 1830s John Calcott Horsley from Britain, R.H.Pease from Albany,New York and Louis Prang a German immigrant all started to make little cards that had seasons greetings on the inside and a festive scene on the outside. Sending Christmas cards in the United States and Britain became popular about 10 years later when a new postal delivery started.

7. The Greek word ‘Xristos’ which means Christ is where it is believed the term Xmas comes from. In Europe it has been popular since 1500 to shorten Christmas to Xmas.

8. White candy canes were the only ones available for two hundred years until the 1950s when according to the National Confectioners Association, a machine was invented that could produce the traditional red and white candy canes.

9. The 26th December is a national holiday in England. It is called Boxing Day there are several different tales as to how the name came about. One tells of how it started with boys who would collect money in clay boxes. Another belief is that the term is originated about 800 years ago in the Middle Ages. Church collection boxes that had collected donations of money and gifts were called ‘alms boxes’. Alms churches would open their ‘alms boxes’ and give the contents to poor people on the day after Christmas. Yet another theory is that it comes from when servants received their Christmas presents from their masters. Their Christmas presents were in boxes received the day following Christmas day.

10. Even before Christianity started people believed that evergreens had the power to ward off witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. In winter evergreen trees had special meaning to people. Those who worshipped the sun god were reminded that when Summer returned all the green plants would grow once more and the sun god would be strong again.

11. In ancient times, people celebrated the Winter Solstice because they believed that the sun god had fallen ill and that was why there was a winter but he was recovering. So they worshiped him in December every year, many people worshiped the sun as a god in December because they thought winter occurred yearly because the sun god had fallen into ill health. The winter solstice was a sign that the son god would begin to recover his health and once more be strong again.

12.In 1659 to 1681 ,when Christmas celebrations were prohibited in Boston if anyone was seen observing or participating in any event or activity related to Christmas they were fined five shilling.On Christmas Day in 1789, legislators in Congress did business because following the American Revolution it became unpopular to take part in or observe English customs.

Jayne Waldorf lives in Cheshire,England,with her husband. She has been an internet marketer for over two years.If you would like to learn more about Christmas or see some great Chritmas gift ideas please visit Jayne’s website Waldorf Christmas

Claddagh Rings - Facts and Legends

Claddagh Rings - Facts and Legends

Several stories have grown up around the mystique of Claddagh rings. Some are obvious legends due to the mystical nature of the tales, yet all have some elements that are probably true or that can be confirmed by known records or facts. Part of the fun of wearing these rings dating back to the mid 1700s is choosing which version of the origin of Claddagh rings will you tell. The popularity of the rings today cannot be disputed. They are given as friendship rings, as engagement rings and even worn as wedding rings.

Richard Joyce

The connection with Richard Joyce as the originator of the Claddagh ring is probably the most likely and contains the fewest components that are unlikely at best. Young Joyce fell in love with a fellow villager in the fishing community of Claddagh and set sail to the West Indies to seek his fortune so as to be able to afford to marry. On the way, he and his ship were captured by pirates and he was carried into slavery in Algiers where he learned the jewelry trade. While there, he created the Claddagh ring to commemorate his love. Later released, he returned to his true love and presented her with the ring. They married and lived happily ever after.

Margaret Joyce

The Margaret Joyce story is still fairly plausible. She was said to be the widow of a wealthy Spaniard who left her his fortune. The Irish member of the Joyce clan returned to her home grounds where she later met and married the mayor of Galway. The woman used her considerable fortune doing charitable works and helping to upgrade the infrastructure of the area. She was much loved by neighbors and residents. The remaining feature of this Claddagh ring legend becomes a little less believable, because it states that– in recognition of her good works–an eagle flew over and dropped the Claddagh ring in her lap.

The Prince and the Peasant

A third popular legend is that of a prince who fell in love with a commoner and went to her father to ask for her hand in marriage. The father believed that the prince had intentions that were less than honorable and refused to approve. The prince then commissioned the ring for the girl and explained the lovely symbolism in the Claddagh ring. When the father heard these sentiments expressed, he approved the marriage. The Claddagh ring became a wedding ring for the happy couple.

Common Themes

Regardless of the source of the legend or how popular it has become, the legends of the Claddagh ring have common themes. The concept of being true or loyal to a commitment is often mentioned. However, the commitment in the case of most of the legends is to remaining true to one’s love. The Richard Joyce legend for example reflects a fourteen year separation during which he had no reason to think that he would ever see his lady love again. The woman in question had no way to know that he was even alive, yet she remained loyal to his memory.

Claddagh Rings are a culture cornerstone of Irish History. Enhance your education about Irish Claddagh Rings at Irish Indeed.

Christmas in Central and South American Nations

In Central and South American nations, which have a fairly large Christian population, the Nativity or Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at Christmas time.

In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also be set up in some homes along with the Nativity scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also be as simple as a branch cut from a special type of tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally decorated. The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada. It is a religious procession that dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place for Jesus to be born.. During the procession, the participants carry images of Mary and Joseph and go from house to house seeking a place to stay. During Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del gallo or ‘rooster’s mass,’ those in attendance sing lullabies to Jesus.

On Christmas Day children receive gifts as well as candies that are stuffed into a pi

Christmas in African Nations

Christmas celebrations in African nations are characterized by much outdoor activity because the season often occurs during a time when the weather is pleasant. Using palm trees and participating in processions are also characteristic features of activities related to Christmas in many parts of Africa.

In South Africa, activities that occur outside during Christmas include the usual caroling, but also the unusual ones of swimming and camping. The beach and mountains play an important role during Christmas in South Africa because the season occurs during the hottest time of the year - summer.

Given the pleasant nature of the weather during Christmas, families also take advantage of it by often going sightseeing in the countryside on a relaxing drive in the late evening of Christmas Day. A rich and sumptuous menu that includes a suckling pig or roast beef, turkey, mince pies, yellow rice, vegetables and puddings usually makes up the traditional South African Christmas dinner.

To create a festive environment, decorated pine branches and fir, sparkling cotton wool and tinsel are used in homes and businesses as decorations.A similar decorative pattern of using evergreen, palm trees and lighted candles are also seen in countries such as Ghana and Liberia.

While South Africans gather at the beach during Christmas time to enjoy the warm summer waters, people in other African nations often gather outside at in town squares and in the streets to march, sing and enjoy an overall feeling of merriment.Despite the seemingly general similarity in activities, however, countries have their own individual style that makes Christmas celebrations unique.

Of all the celebrations in African nations, Christmas activities in Ethiopia stand out for their difference in when they are celebrated and how it is done. One of the features that make Ethiopian Christmas different is that the main celebratory event occurs on Jan. 7, around the time known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day in North and South America.Given the general modest economic financial situations of a significant number of the population in many African countries, Christmas celebrations also tend to occur over a shorter period of time, compared to activities in wealthier countries.Another difference in celebrations of Christmas in Ethiopia is the participation of various people who take part in a pilgrimage and converge on the capital city during Christmas Eve. These wanderers fill the night air with a din of praying and chanting and create a multicolor spectacle when they gather on Christmas morning to have a religious service. But retaining a similarity with other African nations, Ethiopians enjoy a Christmas dinner that includes a meat stew. Stews, rice, root vegetables such as yams, breads and soups often are part of the menu of traditional Christmas day dinners in African nations.

Christmas dinners are likely enjoyed by families outside, where everyone shares the meal while sitting in a circular pattern outside under the shade of a sprawling tree, instead of sitting in a formal setting at a table. Africans also enjoy exchanging gifts. Popular items that are exchanged as Christmas gifts include cotton cloth, soaps, sweets, pencils and books, all very practical items that can be readily used. Again, this may be related to the modest financial resources of up to half the population in many African countries, as well as to cultural norms. Individuals aren’t able to afford extravagant gifts but they still want to surprise children, family and friends at Christmas with an unexpected gift.

The generally pervasive cultural norm of humility and modesty that exists among traditional African peoples also plays an important role in not having overreaching extravagance at Christmas.

Jayne Waldorf has been an internet marketer for over 12 months.Her new website Waldorf Christmas combines two of her greatest passions - the internet and Christmas.She lives in England with her husband and has two grown up sons.If you would like some great Christmas gift ideas or to learn more about Christmas please visit Waldorf Christmas today.

American Toys: Past and Present

American toys have been around for as long as we can remember. In the beginning American toys were simple items such as balls, dolls, cars and trucks and believe it or not these American toys are still around today. When you think American toys; Barbie, matchbox cars, Legos and GI Joes instantly come to mind. If you purchased one of these items when they first hit the market and kept them in good condition they are very valuable today. When you think about American toy manufacturers Playschool and Mattel are at the top of the list. These companies have been around for a very long time and many people grew up playing with them, they have produced one great toy after another and still continue to do so.

American toys have evolved with time just like everything else in this amazing world. They have to be of interest to kids today in this high tech world. You can now send Barbie on amazing adventures through your computer, or play fashion designers with her many outfits. Her family has expanded and now includes friends, siblings and pets.

Matchbox cars has also created an online presence, they have changed the design of there vehicles to offer some really far out cars and trucks. Cool racing vehicles and vintage automobiles are always going to be popular. GI Joe is now nearly extinct which probably makes him one of the most valuable American toys you can own. Legos now have cool themes like pirate, knights in shining armor or sci-fi creatures.

Although these classic American toys are still available many more have been added to the list. Step inside any American home with children and you will find Legos, video games and plenty of high tech toys to amuse your child for hours. Some children even have there own computer. Many American toys are modeled after characters on popular televisions shows like Barney and Dora the Explorer. These characters often come and go and the more popular ones become collectors’ items, like GI Joe and Barbie.

If you want to have a special toy that you will keep as a collector’s item, the best idea is to keep it in its original wrapper. That will usually make it more valuable. Yet the real fun of American toys is that children love to play with them and use them to the fullest extent. To handle this, you can get one toy for collecting and an identical one for play. Another option is to get great, sturdy American toys that will hold up to any kind of use your children dish out.

There certainly has been a wide variety in children’s toys, both in the past and in the present. Children enjoy playing make believe from an early age, and continue to do so long after they are sometimes willing to admit. In fact, some parents even have been known to get on the floor and play with Tonka trucks or baby dolls with their children. It often appears that they are having as much fun as their children. That is one way American toys are a part of a happy family.

Ray Subs works with Heirloom Wooden Toys as a public relations consultant, more information about American toys can be found at www.heirloomwoodentoys.com

You’ve Bought Your Spanish Property… Now What?

Property acquisition on mainland Europe has become increasingly popular over the recent years. People from the United Kingdom and various other places are looking to relocate or invest in these properties. From Spain to Bulgaria to Croatia – these properties offer the investor a secure investment. It is an attractive proposition for the purposes of utilizing the properties for retirement living.

Making the decision of purchasing a house has enough pros and cons around the actual purchase, never mind deciding to buy a house in a foreign country. Should you purchase a house in Spain, it would be highly recommended that you actually learn Spanish. Main reasons for this is to be able to comfortably settle in the new region you will inhabit, but also should you be purchasing a fixer upper you will have to be in contact with the local contractors and service providers.

The benefit of learning Spanish and being able to communicate with your service providers will definitely go a long way in terms of your desired outcomes of what you intend doing with your newly purchased house. It is always very easy for someone to turn around and blame the communication that seemed to be inadequate and therefore avoid taking the blame – you know the usual ‘pass the buck’ scenario.

By learning Spanish, you are effectively embracing your new lifestyle, which will make the transition from leaving your comfort zone, where you could communicate freely and clearly, to your new habitat, which may prove startling at first whether you can or cannot speak the language. The process of learning Spanish has become so much more accessible with the internet and the globalization of the world as a whole. Should one desire to proceed in learning Spanish the options are varied; these range from purchasing Spanish cds, or enrolling for online Spanish classes, or even purchasing Spanish learning books. It is all dependent upon your preferred method of study, or what you believe to work the best for you. It has, however, been researched and proven that the traditional method of learning a second language is not as effective as initially thought, and a combination of learning or studying techniques is advised.

It is therefore recommended that you look at a learning Spanish course from a viewpoint that is going to provide you with the most interactive methodology that you can find. This would include pronunciation and grammar exercises when learning Spanish. You really don’t want to mispronounce instructions to your service providers; they will probably take full advantage of the mistakes that you might make.

Either way, you will most likely command more respect from these individuals when they see you are making an effort to converse with them in their own native language. Subsequently having decided to learn Spanish, or having learnt it already enables a much smoother transition into your new lifestyle and hometown. Shopping and going out will be easier and a lot less frustrating than without learning Spanish, and attempting to wing it on your native language.

Fast Learn Spanish, uncover the real value today of learning to speak Spanish, this course will give you the edge to become fluent in speaking Spanish, this is guaranteed to teach you within 8 weeks Online Spanish Lessons.

A Holiday For The Hopeful

Let’s be honest. This year has been tough – tough on bank accounts, tough on employment, and overall, tough on our emotional and spiritual well being. The result? People who have saved a lifetime have lost their hard earned money as Wall Street numbers continue to plummet. People who have devoted their lives to an employer have been laid off without severance or financial security. People who have been able to afford luxury can no longer afford necessities. And, more importantly, people who have devoted their lives to helping others are finding it difficult to survive themselves, much less provide and assist the less fortunate.

Unfortunately, when times get tough and people are down and out, morale suffers and hope is lost. Spirituality goes out the window and remorse is a thing of the past. The consequences of this downward spiral are often drastic – crime increases, stress increases, and happiness decreases. What a way to enter the holiday season!

Because I, too, have felt the effects of a dwindling economy, I’ve struggled to grasp the positive among the negative in society. I keep thinking, “We’re not ready for the season of giving – I have nothing to give.” Therefore, how do we embrace this upcoming season of giving and hope without any hope at all? How do we refrain from self pity and sorrow that overcomes us on a daily basis or from paycheck to paycheck?

Maybe, just maybe, we all need an epiphany. For some reason, though, epiphanies occur when we least expect them to. I discovered another today. As I walked along the cobble stone street that led to my parish, I found some inspiration and a glimpse of hope, literally. Peering out behind the trees, almost invisible with the overgrown bushes, was a Celestine angel statue. Among a trail of religious statues, this little angel was hiding, hoping, and waiting for someone to recognize the beauty she possessed.

I found it to be an ironic sight. Catholic statues are typically in clear view, well maintained and visible to the naked eye. However, this religious statue was hidden, tattered, and sporting a broken wing, just like many of us trying to survive in the world today.

Religious statues, whether broken or in gleaming form, can bring back the hope of the season when the majority has lost all hope. Just like that broken angel, the season of giving, renewal, and birth can bring back something that has been lost – not money, not job security, but rather a sense of peace, serenity, and community togetherness.

When all is lost – whether from the stock market or the job market – look to garden statues peering from behind a bush or in plain sight for the inspiration so many need to find this time of the year. In faith, we find hope. And with the birth of our savior, comes renewal. Renewal can bring change to society and change to our souls. When all feels lost, take a closer look and see the beauty that is hidden. Embrace the lost and find the hope this holiday season.

Brook is an avid writer and outdoor enthusiast dedicated to educating those interested in benefits of landscaping. Looking for more landscaping ideas? Come visit http://www.PlazaFountains.com for more information.

Why Irish Jewelry Pieces Are Great Gift Ideas

If you are looking to give a friend, relative or loved one something unique and special to match that equally special occasion, why not get a piece of Irish jewelry for him or her? Irish jewelry pieces are considered as one of the more popular pieces of jewelry that are available in local jewelry stores and over the Internet. From earrings to wedding anniversary bands, here are a number of reasons why Irish jewelry pieces are now considered as one of the great gift ideas regardless of the occasions:

Meanings behind the designs

Unlike other pieces of jewelry, Irish jewelry pieces are not just intrinsically designed. The designs that have been used by jewelers crafting these pieces of jewelry have meanings behind these symbols. Oftentimes, those who are considering in getting Irish jewelry pieces for their friends or loved ones would often base which ones they would get on the meanings behind these symbols. For example, if you are looking to give your niece a graduation gift, you may want to consider getting a fancy bracelet designed with spirals that spin in opposite directions. The design symbolizes balance which could be a beautiful way of reminding her that when she steps into college, there is going to be a time for work and a time to party hard.

Available for both genders

Another reason why Irish jewelry pieces have become extremely popular is that most of the pieces are unisex. This means that it could be worn fashionably by men and women alike. While there are some designs that could tend to be a leaning more on the feminine or masculine side, people are given more options in their selection. This is great for those who are looking to give a unique gift for a friend who is expecting a baby. Since you are not sure whether the baby would be a boy or a girl, giving a special gift that can be used by either gender would be a great idea.

Timeless

The different designs and symbols that are used for the different kinds of Irish jewelry have their roots in the ancient times. Very minimal changes have been done to these designs yet they remain to be in fashion to this day. As such, Irish jewelry pieces that have been given as a gift can turn to a treasured family heirloom which will be passed down from generation to generation. With it, the fond memories of your friendship and love will be carried and passed on as well.

Priceless craftsmanship

Majority of the pieces of Irish jewelry are made by hand. Although this has made these pieces of jewelry be quite expensive, the fact that this is meticulously handcrafted has also made this extremely priceless. Each piece of jewelry crafted in this manner is one that has been given careful attention down to the smallest detail. In the end, what you will get when you purchase your Irish jewelry as a gift for your love one is one that has been developed out of a labor of love, making this all the more special.

Irish Gifts can be many things, such as Irish Jewelry. You’ll want to be an informed consumer when shopping for Irish Celtic Jewelry online however, so that is why Irish Indeed sponsored this guide to Irish Jewelry.

Irish Gifts of Brass to Delight the Eye and Ear

Looking For Door Knockers to Add a Little Something Special?

Door knockers are a wonderful item to give as a gift and these Irish Gifts bring a touch of Ireland home for you to enjoy. These Irish Gifts are a wonderful way to welcome visitors to your door. With sayings such as Cead Mile Failte which means literally “A thousand welcomes” and the traditional symbol of Ireland, the Claddagh symbol to welcome your friends and family with friendship, loyalty, and love. There are also Cead Mile Failte door plates that can also be used in conjunction with these door knockers for a wonderful Irish welcome to whoever may come to your door! Welcome anyone to your home by using these wonderful door knockers from Ireland.

How About Brass D

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