We Need to Talk

I’m a writer and reluctant “Warrior Woman” with an open and compassionate heart. I will never stop asking the hard questions. If I have an opinion, I’ll express it. Observe something wrong; I’ll stand up and fight against it. If anyone causes trouble, it’s probably me. I believe a painful truth is better than a lie. I hate secrets when, ultimately, they serve no purpose. I push against denied doors and won’t say, “That’s not fair.” unless I’m willing to do something about it. I’ve learned not to worry about things I can’t fix. Better to save your energy for those you can. I like to see results.

 

Bold and Dangerous Risks

I’ve soared and hobbled through rough and scary places. My life has been full of zigs and zags. At times I’ve spent time in horrifying darkness, overwhelming hurt, as well as experienced kindness, adventure, fear, heartache, love, and madness. I have a story to tell, and this blog, I hope, will give me a platform to share mine. 

I am my Mother’s daughter, and Margaret wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She taught me how to defend myself with style, grace, and words. My Mother took hits for her five kids. As a single Mom, I did it for mine. Black Women do crack, and she paid a high price for her life. She died too young from Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease. No kiddin’ stress is the number one killer of Black Women.

I started writing at a very early age. Later I became an activist, a print, and a broadcast journalist. As Director of the Women’s Department and Director of an 18-month radio apprenticeship program at KPFA Pacifica Radio in Berkeley, California taught all aspects of Radio Production, including sound recording, audio editing, mixing, news writing, interviewing, and documentary production. 

I expanded my creativity to Egyptian Belly Dance and studied both American and then the ” Science and Art of Authentic Classical Egyptian Style” and eventually opened my studio. I taught students in the technique, performance, and choreography, as well as an understanding of history and culture—all with an emphasis on women’s empowerment. 

I taught in several settings, from large universities to private and community venues. My students came from various students, from teens to adults bringing knowledge and passion to women who never believed they could become dancers. Traveling down the Nile River in North & South Egypt, I had the opportunity to stay in Luxor, Nubia, a village on the Red Sea (where I almost drowned), and Alexandria on the Mediterranean.

My Mother would take me to the Boston Museum. It was one of her favorite places, and as I grew up, I would sit in the Egyptian Room; when I became a Belly Dancer, it was imperative to travel and spend time working and study there. I lived in Cairo for two years and rented out a small apartment in a village in Upper Egypt near Luxor just over the “ridge to Deir el-Bahri with a fantastic view of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. I can still remember wandering in the mountains there, sit with a woman and her son making bread in a clay rooftop oven as we waited for our henna to dry. 

After a year apart, I met my husband in Cairo and moved together for two years to get to know each other. During that time, I was hired as a reporter and editor for PC World Egypt, tutored English, and became a TESL Instructor at American University. 

We got married twice. Once in a civil ceremony in Cairo, the other was a traditional Sudanese wedding when we traveled to his home on our way to the U.S. Twenty-one years later, and we can’t imagine being with anyone else.

I love working independently, and I thrive being part of a group. I’ve lived in the SF Bay Area most of my adult life. Moving to Arizona feels bleak by comparison. I have found a love for the desert, especially the sky, the mountains, and the warmth. 

I am Resilient.

• I don’t always research before I shoot off my mouth. However, I’m willing to be corrected. 
• I’m logical, compassionate, and thoughtful. 
• I’m eager to take another look at my beliefs. I hope my writing will have some impact. 
• I take sky pictures, collect rocks and crystals, and practice Reiki. 
• I have spent time in Mexico, China, Europe, Sudan, Dubai, and South Africa. I hope to visit Ethiopia, New Zealand, Tanzania, and Antarctica.

I love hearing people’s stories.

To me, every person and everyone’s experience is unique and of value. I’m curious to know who’s really behind that smile, external presentation, and mostly their words. I strive to find common ground. I am open-minded and believe everyone has the right to be who they want to be. I’m not always patient, can be opinionated, but I’m willing to look at the entire picture. While I project a tough exterior, I have compassion for those who have less than I have, an open heart, and a taste for new adventures. 

 

Sometimes I wish I didn’t know what I know.

I despise blatant ignorance and intolerance. I cry uncontrollably or laugh until I can’t catch my breath. I’ve been close to the edge bunches of times, but, somehow there was always something or someone to pull me back. Like most women, I’ve often neglected my wants, needs, or desires. But I’m still here.

Fire Kiss

 

😉Like a wildcat, I’ve managed to land on my feet. I am tired of fighting the same battles over the same issues over and over again. 

😔Unlike some people, I don’t believe we will ever solve racism, classism, or sexism. We’ve done a better job with homophobia, disability rights, and language differences.

😱I always manage to hear the pain of the voiceless women and girls who can’t speak up for themselves.  

👍🏾As a disabled woman (I fell and ended up with a Brain Injury), I understand how difficult it is to live in an intolerant and impatient world.

Despite the challenges, I am not afraid. Please give me a piece of your mind.