From the Battlefield. . . ~~Sisters, Let's Talk~~

Packed and Ready to Go...

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Mon, 4 May 2009 18:13:00 -0500

The location of this blog has moved. I have relocated "From the Battlefield" from Blogger to Wordpress. I’m ready to explore something different and want more visual flexiblity. Thank you to everyone that has subscribed to this blog at the blogger location. I truly appreciate the visits and comments. If you are a previous subscriber to this location, you should have received an email from Feedburner to activate a new subscribtion to the Wordpress location. If you did not get this email, go my new home at http://www.fromthebattlefield.wordpress.com/ to read my latest posts and click "Subscribe to this blog" to get your email updates. If you have any links to this location, please update them with the current address. Hope to see you at our new place. . .

At the Post Office

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:44:00 -0500

Dear Misunderstood,

I don’t have to agree with you, your ideas nor your ways. That doesn’t make me any less stronger or wiser than you. It just means that I have a different way of viewing things. I embrace that; I won’t change that. I won’t bend over backwards to walk a path that only fits into your narrow vision. Your spotlight is an instrument that is way too dim to truly see me. I won’t apologize for what I consider to be my strenths as I won’t accuse you for what I consider to be your weaknesses. I release this burden because it is not my burden to carry. It is not my purpose nor is it my mission to seek to please everyone all the time and according to their standards.

I have the right to cry when I want. I have the right to enjoy what I want. I have the right to love what I want. I have the right to hate what I want.

I will not cling to your judgement of me. Your words do not define me nor do they appraise my worth. Only I can define those things with what I say, what I do and how I do it.

You don’t own me. I am not someone or something that has been placed on personal reserve for you or your agenda. I release myself from you and walk freely without fear of failure by your definition. In life and love I renew my license to feel.

Regards,

Finally Free

Battlefield Showcase: A Work of Art

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:47:00 -0500

With Twitter being the new buzz of today, I thought it would be an appropriate time for me to share with you a little something a tweet led me to. Here you will find an extremely talented black, female artist that has transformed YouTube into her personal art gallery. I truly enjoy watching her blank canvas transform into her final vision. The process engages me and takes me on an unexpected journey as I wonder exactly where I will end up. In the end, I am left with her work of art and the freedom to explore its many possible meanings. This artist's name is Ladessa Sullivan (aka CandyAcidReign). An here is a taste of what she refers to as "speed painting". Enjoy!

Walk the halls of Ladessa's art gallery

Until next time...be blessed

Words to Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 20:35:00 -0500

Art by: Patrick H. Porter Jr.

Seeing the light is not enough. The light at the end of the tunnel will only grow brighter if you take the necessary steps to move towards it.

~Zenobia Porter

Words to Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:49:00 -0500

Hate is not born in the heart. It can only be invited in as a guest. If it overstays its welcome, you may not have ever asked it to leave.

~Zenobia Porter

OSF: When I Was in 10th Grade

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:13:00 -0600

This week's theme is "When I was in the 10th Grade". Let's see, what do I CARE to share about my 10th grade years....I guess to truly depict those days of mine, I'd have to reveal a few of my sides.

The first being: The Romantic. I absolutely loved, loved this song. Everytime it came on the radio (or Video Soul *smile*), the room had to go silent so that the proper amount of respect was shown and I could soak it all in. Truth be told? I still love this jam...

Next, my 10th grade year brought about a lot of classroom distraction. Believe it or not, it wasn't the boys doing the distracting (yet). My love for music did the trick. My friends and I would sit in the back of the classroom trying to sing and harmonize songs by none other than En Vogue. Yes, we attempted the breakdown...who didn't?

En Vogue - New Music - More Music Videos

Then of course, one of the best ways to sum up my 10th grade year would be with the dancing. If there was a dance (didn't matter which school was hosting it), we were there. Of course, we'd get our little moves together beforehand. Those were the days when one need some room on the dance floor. Here's a little "Too Legit To Quit". I know, pretty shameful now...but back in the day....that was the jam that flooded the floor.

I think I'd just better leave it at that...lol...Have a blessed OSF! Until next time...

At the Post Office

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Dear Viewers,

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and saw the complete opposite of how you've been living? It's weird, because when I look in the mirror, I see who I want to be. I see a woman of strength, compassion, love, charity, wisdom, grace and beauty. Yet the life I live does not seem to reflect the same things that my reflection projects. I see women of all types, shapes and sizes walking around and looking as though they have it all together. And I have to wonder, "Is it just me?". Am I the only one (or at least in a minority of women) unable to tap into and dwell within her majestic greatness? Then it dawned on me. I can't grasp what I want while using both hands to cling to what I think I need. I need to take a long deep look at what is standing between myself and my crown, remove them and (re)claim what is meant to be mine.

Regards,

Woman in the Mirror

At the Post Office

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Dear Anonymously Yours,

I can feel you flapping your wings; wanting to be free - you want to fly. Don't worry, you will be free soon

I can feel your tears as they flow over the edges of my heart - Don't worry, you will be free soon…

I can feel the echos of your anger as you shout - enraged by my cowardly decisions. Don't worry, you will be free soon.

I can feel your hunger pains. You hunger for life. I see you dancing, running, helping. I see you. Don't worry, you will be free soon.

I am growing tired. Releasing you scares me; but keeping you restrained weakens me…

Don't worry, you will be free soon.

Regards,

Your Keeper

OSF: Songs by New Edition or members of New Edition

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

It's Old School Friday and I'm back....I hope *smile* What a way to come back!!! The selection this week is *drum roll* "songs by New Edition or members of New Edition". How does one choose??? Well, after laughing, dancing and singing along to my favorite New Edition jams, I settled upon three.

I'm going to start you all off with the song that first made me fall in love with this boy group:

Ok, I know...lol...this isn't very romantic. Hey, I was a baby then. But when they made that train with their arms, it.was.OVER!!!

Now, I loved this next jam by Mr. Ralph Tresvant. The memories on this one. . .hahaha....those were the days when the boys used dedications to "express" themselves. You know? Before we became "shawties". . .

And last but not least, I have to wrap it up with ABC. These little boys put it down!! I can still jam to this. I'm sure my kids probably wish I wouldn't; but they don't know anything about this...

Until next time folks....enjoy your week and be blessed!!!

At the Post Office

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 1 Feb 2009 18:58:00 -0600

Dear People of Judgement:

Through rose-colored glasses, I view the world and realize that pain is the same color without them. I see that cause and effect still exist and that life is a collection of choices. I wear my glasses in search of a different perspective. It doesn't mean that I am naive to the real colors around me. It doesn't mean that I'm trying to escape them. I, like many, am looking for the alternative. In doing so, I may stumble upon truths that the harsh digestion of reality would keep me from. In other instances, the bright red warning signs may appear softer and less threatening - thus impacting my judgement. Either way, I move forward - observing, listening and learning. Sometimes, I feel I understand more than I should. Yet, I walk the fields of battle with my heart completely exposed. Could it be the glasses that make me so careless? Why would anyone subject themselves to so much that is potentially harmful with every vital part left unguarded. Is it a subconscious attempt to self-destruct? Misplaced trust that someone will run up, protect and guide them safely from the battleground? Or are they trying to protect themselves from becoming numb to it all. When you are numb, you can't feel. Is it safer that way? My experience shows that pain or love somehow always manages to seep through. It doesn't matter how strong the wall is.

Sincerely,

A Single Tear

What A View:

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:32:00 -0600

Click the photo for a better view....absolutely gorgeous...

Yes, I did!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 21:25:00 -0600

I grew up in a democratic family. That is what I knew; so that is what I was. I walked around and proudly proclaimed myself to be a democrat before I knew how to spell the word. That's what my parents were and their beliefs were mine.

Each time I cast my political vote, I did it as a democrat and for democrats. I cannot tell you how many times I've participated in presidential elections. My age would reveal that it could not have been that many. The fact that I can't tell you how many votes I've cast combined with the fact that it could not have been that many tells a story. It tells a story of a young woman that ventured to the polls to make a hollow voice heard. I did not follow the elections nor the candidates, I did no research, hell I barely knew who was on the ballot. All I knew was that I was a democrat and if their name had "democrat" next to it, they were my choice.

Although I still call myself democratic, for the first time, I am proud to say that I voted as an "independent". I voted as an independent woman. I voted independent from the beliefs that I had to support a candidate because he was black. I also abandoned the belief that I had to remain loyal to democrats for democratic sakes. I walked into my polling area empowered with the knowledge that I have gained using a filter that I developed via research, observation and numerous debates.

I am overwhelmed with the outcome and the numerous things it represents. I am proud of the vast movement of people that fought through long lines, rain, broken equipment, and intimidation to cast their vote for change. I am proud of my vote and what it represents for me.

When I "spoke" at the polls, my voice was no longer hollow.

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I would like to thank the women that run the blogs listed in the sidebar. They may not be aware of the impact their words and work have on many; but I hope and pray that they continue.

Make Your Voice Heard. .

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 11:01:00 -0600

Wow! It has certainly been awhile since I've passed through here to post. Despite the silence, I have not abandoned this place. But, you know how it goes...Life happens. Anyway,I could not allow this historical moment to pass without laying my two cents on the battlefield. It's quite simple: "Get Out and Vote!" Cast aside any excuse, discomfort and/or frustration and exercise your right. With many aspects of our world be tidily packed into a hand-basket for a short and quick delivery to you-know-where; I would say that now offers a great opportunity for us all to participate in change.

At this point, I will refrain from spewing my thoughts and opinions about the happenings of this election. If I go into that, I will need to drink, pop two pills and call it a day. Sooooo, instead I will simply reiterate:

"Get Out and Vote!"

Until then. . .

Old School Friday: Male Crooners

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

OK! I'm slowing creeping myself back into the existence of my blog. It's been awhile and yes, I've missed a couple of OSF :( But, here I am with this week's theme of Male crooners! Below I am posting a few of my favorites :) Enjoy!!

I'm sorry, but I'm feeling that...bare with me...I need a minute...

And that one is for those looking for ways to avoid the need to sing the first selection. *smile* I'm just saying. . .

One more...I'll bring it to more recent old school years. But, how could I NOT include this one. . .

Yeah, I know...need a minute? Let's just reconvene next OSF. . .

Be blessed!

Old School Friday: Motown

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 19:13:00 -0500

Oh man! I'm so late with this one! Sorry people. I have been so busy that I let time slip past me. I'm sure some have noticed a little inactivity here. Let me assure you, I'm not going anywhere. Life is just requiring me to step away for a minute. So, my posts may appear to be few and far between. But, as things clear up, my frequency in posts will increase. HOWEVER, I simply can NOT stay away from OSF! So, count on THAT!

SO, with that said: Motown it is:

Up first we have. . .

OH.YES.I.DID!!

I know, I know...I didn't give you ANY warning with that. Sorry 'bout that :)

Ok! One more (because I have to let the ladies represent):

See you next OSF!! Take care!!!

Old School Friday - Make Up Songs

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It looks like this week's OSF theme is "Make Up Songs" and I must say, I am glad about it. I've yet to find a new school love/make up song that can top the quality and content of the old school (I am accepting any and ALL challenges on that - just bring it). I'm going to warm you up with one that I absolutely LOVED listening to as a child:

I don't know if ya'll are going to be ready for this next one. I may need to think about this for a moment. . .

Ok, I'll do it; BUT, you're going to need to sit down for this one *smile*

Here's a little bonus for those that can hang:

And with that, I'm just gonna walk away. . .

Old School Friday: Break Up Songs

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:31:00 -0500

It just doesn’t get anymore real than this.

Hahaha! Ya’ll don’t know nothin’ about that. Now, I know that one is hard to top. But, I'm certain that Patti and Michael McDonald are up for the challenge:

Enjoy! See you next Friday

What Do You Think?

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:08:00 -0500

If you could grant your children with only one piece of wisdom to absorb

and/or apply to their daily lives, which piece of

wisdom would you choose?

Old School Friday - Old School Hip Hop

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:55:00 -0500

I saw way too many sisters having fun with Old School Friday and HAD to rush to get in on it. I LOVE music (especially old school) so count me in. Now, bare with me. I have no idea how this thing works. I know most post theirs early; but I couldn't let this week's catagory, Old School Hip Hop, pass me by. So, here are my late submissions.

I'm kickin' this thing off with a little "Ladies First". Don't act like you don't remember this :)

Ok, I originally had Yo-Yo up next, but I noticed that someone else had it up and going. Since I'm late to the game, I'm making a quick change . . .

And with that, we'll see you next Friday. . .

Fox's Attacks Against Michelle Obama Are No Longer Tolerated

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:16:00 -0500

Hat Tip to SjP of Soujourner's Place

Fox seems to have it in for Michelle Obama as they are constantly found assaulting our potential First Lady. The attacks have no merit and hold no weight.

What is about Michelle's honesty and strength that bring out the donkey in these folks??

The ignorance must come to an end. At FoxAttacks.com a petition to stop the unwarranted and insulting attacks against Michelle Obama is available to be signed.

"FOX must stop injecting racism, prejudice, and fear into our political dialogue. We intend to hold FOX, its advertisers, and its personalities accountable for FOX's attempts to smear the Obamas."

People are always asking me "How can I get involved?". Well, click here to join the chorus of voices that are loudly yelling "Leave Michelle Obama the hell alone!!!"

Color of Change will deliver the signed petition the week of July 13th; so, you don't have much time.

If you haven't been keeping up, view the video below for a preview of the ongoing foolishness:

What Do You Think?

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:05:00 -0500

Can love endure the trials of prison?
Do only fools love through bars?
Why or why not?

Video Pick of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I love this video. When I first viewed it, I was overwhelmed. These are some extremely talented men. Can you image what it must have been like to be there? What a feeling it had to have been to not only benefit from the atmosphere that was created but to also watch others be drawn into it.

Enjoy:

Your Voice May Be Heard: Developing the Democratic Platform

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Tue, 8 Jul 2008 22:26:00 -0500

(Hat Tip to Gina of What About Our Daughters)

It looks like the Democratic Party is ready to listen and they are now soliciting our issues. I don't know if you remember my previous posts "Now What?" and "A Movement Has Begun"; but those particular posts addressed the lack of attention our issues as black women receive on the political floor as well as the lack of urgency we have displayed in putting them there.

Well, now an opportunity is staring us all square in the face. It is time to put our money where our mouth is. From July 19 to July 27, Platform Meetings will be hosted all across America. The purpose of these meetings is to "develop a specific position, recommendation, or policy that [we] believe needs to be addressed" and submit it "directly to the campaign". These submissions will be reviewed and could possibly become a part of the Democratic Platform.

“The platform is an official statement of the Democratic Party’s position on issues. Each statement of policy is called a ‘plank’ in the platform. Traditionally, the process of developing this platform is run by political insiders in Washington. This time we’re doing it differently. These Platform Meetings all across America are the bottoms-up process to generate ideas and information that may be directly incorporated into the platform. Reports from these meetings will be reviewed by the team responsible for the Democratic Platform. Some will be incorporated into the final platform, ratified at the Democratic National Convention.”

Click here for more information on how you can participate in existing Platform Meetings or host your own.

This site eliminates all excuses, by providing you with a list of meeting locations near you as well as step by step instructions, tips, explanations and agendas needed to host your own successful meeting.

It is time to really start thinking about the changes that we would like to see. Let's not continue to be the spectators that sit around and complain about the bad plays that are being made. Get your gear on and get in the game.

I have a feeling that the black blogosphere is going to explode around this topic. Be sure to visit sites like What About Our Daughters and Black Women Vote. They, among MANY other sites (see my "Blog Watch" on the sidebar), are extremely passionate on this topic and provide great insight. The owner of the blog Black Women Vote, SheCodes, is working to form a Black Female Political Action Committee whose primary focus is ". . .to use every political, social and economic weapon to make the improvement of black female experience a top priority in America" while Gina of What About Our Daughters is constantly shedding light on black women issues and has received press credentials to cover the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

It's time to get uncomfortable ladies. Let's make our voices reach beyond our cubicles. Gather your weapons of knowledge, education, resilience, strength and meet on the battlefield. . .

Stay Tuned. . .

Money Matters Part 3 (The Confession)

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Tue, 8 Jul 2008 21:59:00 -0500

I have not forgotten the Battlefield Book Club selection "Girl, Get Your Money Straight". However, I do have a confession to make: I have not been faithfully reading it. For those of you that do not know me, I am not much for beating around the bush. I have way too much going on in my life for all of that. Soooooo, I'm struggling with this one. BUT, I have made a commitment to complete this book and discuss its contents, so that is what I will do. I am a woman of my word. However, if this woman does not wrap up her discussion on how our financial problems are tied to our emotional ones, I'm going to search Ebay for the Cliff Notes :) . It was cute and interesting at first, but now, I'm hungry. I'm ready for some substance, the beef, the main course.

With that said, I am going to push myself through the next two chapters and pray that the main course will be worth the wait. Until then, pray for me ya'll. . .

The Bell

noreply@blogger.com (A Voice From the Battlefield) — Sun, 6 Jul 2008 01:50:00 -0500

I received this email the other day and found it to be very insightful. So, I thought I would share it with you. Since the font that is included on the picture below is too small, I will quote it:

"There is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.

Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.... Good friends are like that.... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours and remember....be kinder than necessary- everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle

Live simply.
Love generously
Care deeply
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God"

From the Battlefield. . . ~*~Sisters, Let's Talk~*~

Packed and Ready to Go...

At the Post Office

Battlefield Showcase: A Work of Art

Words to Ponder

Words to Ponder

OSF: When I Was in 10th Grade

At the Post Office

At the Post Office

OSF: Songs by New Edition or members of New Edition

At the Post Office

What A View:

Yes, I did!!!

Make Your Voice Heard. .

Old School Friday: Male Crooners

Old School Friday: Motown

Old School Friday - Make Up Songs

Old School Friday: Break Up Songs

What Do You Think?

Old School Friday - Old School Hip Hop

Fox's Attacks Against Michelle Obama Are No Longer Tolerated

What Do You Think?

Video Pick of the Week

Your Voice May Be Heard: Developing the Democratic Platform

Money Matters Part 3 (The Confession)

The Bell

From the Battlefield. . . ~~Sisters, Let's Talk~~