"Love is not a feeling, it's an ability"

I am at a coffee shop right now editing my major paper for school. It's exciting, and long, and filled with grammatical mistakes. I love it. And I hate it.

I am going to Southside Family School this afternoon, to give Susie a look at what I've been writing.... and to talk to the kids about all the sweet work happening at Penumbra. The mission at Southside is very similar to the mission of Summer Institute, so I'm gonna take some time today to rap about it. I'm excited! It's my first official "in class visit" where I'm promoting the Summer Institute program. Woot!!

Anyhow, as I was reading through my essay, I came across the following, and felt the need to share it. Here ya go! Oh...and it's from "week 1" at Southside, two years ago.


That day, there was a saying written on the board that read, “Love is not a feeling, it’s an ability.” To me this was a sign that the atmosphere at Southside, specifically in Susie’s classroom was one that we would be able to love and learn together. It reassured me that whatever the students would bring next week, in terms of questions and directions to guide the following month and a half of exploring New Orleans, it would be out of love and a sincere desire to learn with one another and grow together.

no schedule? no shit.

Just got back from therapy. Lady says I need a schedule.

I'm trying to graduate this year.... by the end of the summer.... initially I had hoped for this fall, but that got pushed back to spring, which has now slipped (past may) to summer.

Maybe I do need a schedule.

The problem I have (with schedules) is that "shit happens", things come up, sometimes it's too cold to go outside, what if I don't feel well?

What happens when I run out of excuses?

I like to study.... scratch that. I like to read, and I like to learn. I also like to do well (in school, and everything that I do). When I don't do well, I feel shitty (about myself) and frustrated (with myself). So why don't I do better? Because I've learned to get by (with high marks). And I'm great at sabotaging my future.

Therapy lady told me to write a song about it.... I tried last summer, but it didn't work out the way it was supposed to.... because I sabotaged it. Duh.

I need to get down with a schedule, or a routine of sorts. Sleep has always been an issue for me, and as much as I'd love to be a "morning person", I think I have been wired for action after the sun has set.

A schedule that I need to make and start to follow will have to do with schoolwork/studying. I need to spend a couple hours, several times a week....on the grind, nose in the books, putting stuff down and out.

I went to the Y with Nicole yesterday....it was great. I need to do that more often too. I'm trying to build my strength, so I can do a good job with Books. I've been sick the past week, driving myself (and others) mad.... and I need to focus on recovery and rebuilding.

Now is a good of time as any to start. Why wait till the start of a new month, or a new year....time is too precious to waste. And I've been wasting time, energy, money, and myself to unflattering limits recently. It's time to grow up and git er done. Or at least git er done.

pre-schedule(d)

Hip-Hop Studies Diploma

Okay, my boy, Mr. Toki Wright has done something amazing. Actually, he's done many amazing things (just google his name), but his latest has moved mountains from hip-hop to the academy (something you don't see too often).

Last thursday, february 26th, Toki announced the country's first ever "Hip-Hop Studies Diploma" program, which he is coordinating, at McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, MN.

Taken from the music industry report I quote:

"Students will develop creative writing skills, learn techniques in beat production and engineering, as well as undergo hands-on experience in the art of DJing and turntablism. They will also get an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes aspects of hip-hop in the music business. Hip-hop has a monumental global impact on television, cinema, alternative media and more."

And if you think this is some kind of "easy A"... see this (also from music industry report):

"As part of the Hip-Hop Studies Diploma program, graduates will complete a final project that includes a recording project, a live performance and a portfolio that includes a business plan. This final project will bring together each of the different areas of expertise in the hip-hop business learned through the program."

To you, Mr. Toki Wright, my friend and inspiration, I say thank you for your hard work, and for your commitment to youth, hip-hop, and academics. You are an amazing man, doing amazing thing, and the twin cities community, the hip-hop community, and the larger community would be several steps behind if it was not for the love and dedication you continue to put forth.

toki and i enroute to a "masquerade ball"