2011: The Year In Review (Kinda)

I'm not going to sit here a type out a dissertation on what the year 2011 was to me. Truth be told, I suspect that this year, the few exceptions here and there, probably had the same impact on me as it did on everyone else.

The thing that stands out the most in my mind is the ending of two major friendships. One was an ex-girlfriend; while I truly have no regrets that we were no longer a couple, her friendship to me was truly invaluable. The other was another female acquaintance who sadly revealed her true colors over a major difference of an opinion. I have never been disappointed in a person in all my life.

The rest of 2011? Hmm...I truly don't know what to say. There's one thing that occurred recently that I will not publicly discuss that really put a damper on the earlier part of the holiday season. I will say that things seems to be moving in the right direction. Still, there's a lot that remains to be seen.

Other than that, I've had my usual high points and low points. Perhaps the only major milestone is that I started wearing prescription eye wear for the first time in my life. There were prospects of contract work along with full-time positions, but the talks latter on became just that...talks. Thankfully, the good out-weighted the bad by a considerably margin. In the overall analysis, I have no regrets and I thank the Lord for bringing me through and being better to me than what I truly deserve.

What does the year 2012 hold for Mike Walker? Heck, I dunno. I like I decided to do in the last quarter of 2011, I'm gonna go with the flow and not worry. I'm not gonna force things to work; if it was meant to be, something will happen. I'm gonna do what is required of me and whatever I cannot do, I will put it in the Lord's hands and go from there. It worked out good in 2011.

Here to the wonderful year that 2011 has been, and to the mysteries and challenges that await us in 2012.

Lord help us because we sho'nuff gonna need it.

Dream On, Part 1

I had the strangest dream...

I dreamed that not only it was Christmas Day, but we were celebrating the birthday of Brian Eldridge. He was here in my pad with his wife Dene' Donley Eldridge to participate in the festivities we were about to have. For some odd reason, were comparing the frames of our eyeglasses.

As I was going to my kitchen, I say Sister Mary Ella Proffitt from my former church walking around. I then decided to go to my living room to see the other guest and there were a lot of people there. I knew these were my friends, both online and off, but the only one I recognized was Monica Jones and she was holding a conversation with my Mom.

I went outside to see even more guests and I saw First Lady LaKindra Harkins and the Chairman of the Deacon Board Johnnie Proffitt, both from my former church home as well.

In any case, the get together went well and we apparently had a good time. The really odd thing was that my floor was leaking water, which in itself was covered in Cheerios.

My alarm went off. I really need to talk to the doctor about these meds.

You Agreed To The "Terms Of Service"

Allow me to begin by stating that I am in no way an apologist for Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook, or any other social network. With that said...

The above image involving Zuckerberg and Julian Assange inspired me to write this blog. I saw it posted on a non-connection's page on Facebook, and below it were many comments that were complaining about the sites privacy policies. They were also lamenting the fact that there were also some censorship issues in regards to Facebook.

Folks, I'm like this: If you don't like it, no one is forcing you to stay.

I am very much a supporter of freedom of speech, but sadly I feel there's a lot of individuals out there who truly do not where freedom of speech begins or ends. Web sites have certain guidelines we as users, especially of a popular free social network, have to to follow. Contrary to popular belief, we cannot do and say as we please on these sites. To put it in a simpler perspective: If you live in your own place and and you have guests, they have to follow your rules. If you are a guest at the home of someone else, you have to follow their rules.

What in the the hell makes this so darn complicated?

Look, there have been a lot people who have complained about Facebook's policies and such. The thing that befuddles me is that despite all of the discontent, they remain there with there membership account intact. No on putting a gun to their head or anything like that. They remain there for whatever reason(s) they have. I guess they're afraid they might miss out on juicy gossip, drama or something.

Social Networking Stuff...

The new settings that are on Facebook are rather wicked and a bit confusing to some degree. I mean, If you would have to adjust your postings so that certain people CAN NOT read it, then why bother connecting with these folks in the first place if you're going be like that.

Also. it seems that Facebook has increased its status character limit to 500.

Hmm...these changes are very similar to another social network...

I would say that in light of this obvious "stealing of ideas" that Zuckerberg & Co. and shaking in their shoes, but I doubt.  Concerned, yes; but scared? Not hardly.  

You see, Google+ has what it takes to be a serious game changer in the social networking game as well as becoming a viable threat to Facebook's dominance.  However to quote PC World writer Tony Bradley, "Ultimately, the similarities are a problem for Google+ because users are already established and invested in Facebook, and Google needs to provide people with a compelling reason to switch."

So true, so true.

If you think think that quote is a bunch of baloney, let me remind you of another game changer that Google introduced to us not to long ago...

Let's hope Google get it right this time.

NY Cops Wilding Out On Labor Day 2011: Daggering On The Parkway! (Grinding And All)

Makes me wonder were things like this during the slavery of American-Americans.  I'm just sayin'...

Letting It All Out

Sometimes I set back and truly wonder that, after it's been all said and done, what is going to be the apex of my life. What's even more terrifying is the distinct possibility that I may have reached the so-called high point in my earthly existence. If the latter proves itself to be true, then Lord have mercy on me.

For all of my nearly 42 years of life, I have overcome plenty of adversity. There were times that I knew it was nothing but the Hand of God that brought me through those trials and storms of life. Yet, for every victory I've had in this game called life, there were at least four disappointments. Was the Lord still there with me in the midst of those letdowns? Of course He was. We just have to understand and accept the fact that God is sovereign and His will must be done, and sometimes that can be a very bitter pill to swallow.

Curious As To Why You're Disliked?

Here's something to consider...


If there seems to be a growing number of people who dislike you, challenge them to provide you with a legitimate reason for the ill feelings.


Ask them to provide to you, in detail, what you may have done to them personally to cause the rift that exists.  Five dollars will get you 50 that not only you can't/won't get an answer, but most likely they're just being lemmings and following the crowd.  


Keep your heads up folks!  Now, who'll join me for some cheesecake?

Cyber-Friends? Cyber-Backstabbers More Like It!

I Give Up by Kris Heuer

I think I've just about had it when it comes to so-called cyber-friends. These individuals with whom I've had a very long online association with over the years are working my absolute last nerves. I know, I know...friends in the real world can disappoint you as well, but I've just about had it.

For the past five years I've been having fun social networking, and during that time I encountered some interesting people. Naturally, I hit it off with several ladies online, which let to friendships, which in turn lead to closer friendships and eventually we end up being in an long-distance relationship (LDR).

This is where I make my biggest mistake. An online associate once said that online friends should remain just that...online friends.

...and truer words have never been spoken.

K'Jon - On The Ocean

When my graphic arts business have its slow days, this is a constant reminder that things can and will look up for me.

Bag Of Potatoes: The Gift Of Forgiveness

One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to class. For every person we'd refuse to forgive in our life, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of our bags, as you can imagine, were quite heavy. We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for one week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work. The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget, and keep leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty slime. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and while that's true, it clearly is also a gift for ourselves!

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Matthew 6:12-14 (KJV)

Author unknown.

Prenuptial Agreement?

I've been thinking about marriage and the difference between back in my grandparents days and the present. Back then, most marriages went without a hitch and believe or not, love was the bond that kept those couples together. Of course the man had to be the provider and all, and maybe I’m incorrect for this, but I don’t think money played too much of a part in marriage back then.

Fast forward to today. Folks are still getting married and besides love, there’s the other factor you have to consider before attaching yourself to your potential mate: Money. Check this out, though: What if one of the parties were independently wealthy prior to the marriage? What if the individual wants to protect their fortune?

What if one of the parties asks for a prenuptial agreement? Is the requirement for a prenup is a wise decision or a very severe lack of trust and faith in the longevity of the pending marriage?

Hating Tyler Perry: Why Does He Raise the Ire of the Black Intelligentsia? | The Atlanta Post

Hating Tyler Perry: Why Does He Raise the Ire of the Black Intelligentsia? | The Atlanta Post

‪PSA "64" promo for short film "Father's Day?"‬‏ - YouTube

"64" is a promo for upcoming Short Film "Father's Day?". The promo focuses on the heart wrenching 64% of African American children in the U.S who grow up without fathers.

Amy Winehouse (1983 - 2011)

I hate to be so cynical and all, but it was just a matter of time in her case. Be prepared for more deaths.

My deepest sympathies to her loved ones. R.I.P. Amy.

You Put It Out There!

Not too long ago, there was this young lady I was highly interested in.  Physically, she was a very attractive female with a very nice backside.  She had taken several photos of herself where said backside was the focus of attention.

As time went on, I was expressing a strong interest in her.  I also complimented that nice butt of hers.  As a result, she accused me of wanting a relationship with her on the basis of her physical attributes and nothing else.  Now, while I was impressed with what she was working with, this was far from the truth; I truly liked her for who she was in the inside.  That nice booty was just a bonus.  Needless to say, a relationship did not come to fruition due to unrelated issues that I won't go into.

My point is this:  If you don't want men to just focus on your assets, then don't present them in a way where we can't help but to notice them.  

If you have a nice butt and you're wearing tight jeans with your shirt on the inside, we're gonna look. 

If you have very ample breasts and you knowingly wear an item with a plunging neckline, we're gonna look.

If you have a fantastic shape and you decide to wear a very form-fitting body dress, guess what?  WE'RE GONNA LOOK!

Ladies, this kinda thing works both ways.

To Catch...a Cheater?

It's been reported that Chris Hansen, host of 'To Catch a Predator,' the controversial 'Dateline' show that uses hidden cameras to trap would-be perverts in sting operations, has been caught cheating on his wife ... in a sting operation using hidden cameras.

The 2011 BET Awards after-party...

There's no particular reason why I posted this picture.  Really...

Love or Lust?

Greetings!  I’ll start this off with a simple question: Have you ever had a Love Jones before?

Allow me to clarify my definition…

You meet a person and you two truly feeling each other. Things get so deep that you two actually “go there” . Then after you “go there”, you begin to believe that this person is “the one” for you.

Okay, let me put it to you this way…

Have you world ever been rocked before to the point you didn’t know how to act?

I will say that I have been in this situation at least twice in my adult life. Keep in mind that I was in my late twenties/early thirties when this did occur. Maybe back then I didn’t fully understand what true love was (and to be honest with you, I’m not sure I fully grasp it now). I always had the trouble of differentiating between true love and lust blindness & sensuality. I am a wiser now, but I have to admit that sometimes that line can be blurred at times.

So…

Have you ever mistaken lust for true love?

Peter Falk, 1927-2011

Rest in peace, Lieutenant...

Friday Stuff Memories

Friday Stuff! was a blog I did every Friday on the now-defunct social website Yahoo! 360°. A wanted to blog about things that would help my online friends unwind at the end of the work week. There were pretty good topics and for the most part everyone had a good time. Still, I wanted to do something even more different... interactive perhaps.

It was during on edition of Friday Stuff! that I decided to have a guest blogger in the Monni and the rest is history. The experiment was an unexpected hit and it seemed like folks were anticipating the guest blogger edition that my actual edition!

The photo above is a collage of the Friday Stuff! logos which includes the variations of my kisser, but also every single guest blogger, all in chronological order.

Please enjoy!

Home Cookin'

I had a home-cooked meal prepared for me by my lady-friend this evening.  It felt good to have someone else do the cooking for a change.  LOL!

I won't lie though; things are getting very serious that it has me frightened to a degree.  Then to add to the zaniness, ex-girlfriends and former lovers are coming out of the wood works, which to be honest is no surprise.  Of course there are those whose green eyes of envy are shining through.

Is she the one?  Right now she seems like it, but only time will tell.

Man robs bank for $1 to get health care in prison

Man robs bank for $1 to get health care in prison

Tuesday - 6/21/2011, 8:48am  ET

Richard James Verone says he hoped to receive medical care in prison for an undiagnosed growth and two ruptured disks. (Photo Courtesy of WCNC)

Alicia Lozano, wtop.com

GASTON, N.C -- A North Carolina man suffering from an undiagnosed growth on his chest and two ruptured disks walked into an RBC bank and handed a note to a teller demanding $1. He then sat by the door and waited for police to arrive.

Richard James Verone says he needs medical attention and hoped that by getting arrested, he would have access to health care in prison.

"I'm sort of a logical person and that was my logic, what I came up with," Verone told WCNC. "If it is called manipulation, then out of necessity because I need medical care, then I guess I am manipulating the courts to get medical care."

Fat Ho Burgers

No Communion Without Tax Refund

(courtesy of PraisePhilly.com)

Pastor John Goodman of the Houston Unity Baptist Church in Texas told some of his congregation that they could not participate in communion on Sunday without seeing their tax refund information.  The Pastor claims that the building fund is lacking, and he needs the congregation to step up and donate some of their money to rebuilding the parking lot.

Pastor Goodman wants the congregation to participate totally instead of only getting donations from the same few people so this is why he is making such a hard stance on the situation. Would you give your pastor your income tax return information???

Pastor Calls Flock Devils, Demons: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Broken Mirrors

This the cover I designed for the book Broken Mirrors by author Warren K. Wrencher, Jr. If I were you, I'd seriously keep an eye out for this young man. Copies will go for $10 apiece.

Channy B's

Here's a label I did for a beautiful client of mine. It was already drawn by her aunt; all I did was add the color and the lettering to it.

Remember, it's 100% whipped with love!

One More Time...

I attended the funeral of my ex-fiancée's grandmother with one of my best friends, Darryl. We all had a wonderful time (if that's even appropriate to say about homegoing services). As expected, it was a packed church, and while my former local assembly is not a mega church, it's not small either. The order of service went without a hitch and we even had a few laughs. All in all, it was definately the way "Big Mama" would have wanted it.

On a side note, not only was it nice to see my former church family and pastor, but it was really nice to see my ex-fiancée once again. Yes things ended on a sour note between us several years ago. Still, that rascal was very much there for me and my family when my sister passed away in late 2007. I won't lie, it felt good to be in each other's arms once again. Nonetheless, I will not go down that road again for reasons I won't even post even on this blog.

All in all, this was a good day, despite the fact that one particular plan has fallen through. I'll just enjoy the rest of this evening and prepare for morning worship tomorrow.

Have a good one.