Fractured ideals and a contradictory life seem to be a part of the human condition. How do you reconcile the irony and reality of history and your place in the grand scheme of it all.
Sparked by the events of 2020 with the divide of beliefs and ideals, I journey back through the people and events that have shaped my passion for reconciliation, specifically through ethnicities.
Lineages are unique, complex, and tend to be rather messy. What do you do with coming from an African and native background with a german last name and all of this dating back to the early 1800s? Walk with the Ouzts family on this journey through this series.
The question in play is: What does it even mean to be great? Or what is greatness? As I thought through the Greater theme, this motto from Sir Francis Drake came to mind: “Greatness from small beginnings”
I have had the privilege of growing up near both sets of my grandparents. I have cultivated good relationships with all of them. Both of my grandfathers have passed on, but I still have both of my grandmothers with me. Both of my grandmother’s first name is Mary, but they never go by them. My maternal grandmother goes by Esther, and my paternal grandmother goes by Maxine. Today I want to highlight my paternal grandmother, grandma ouzts. Throughout the rest of this, grandma will be about her.It’s my grandma’s b-day today, and she’s turning 80. She’s been going through some health issues lately, and she’s been in my thoughts and prayers more frequently. If you’ve ever used a pressure cooker before, the best way to deal with pressure is to let it out. Writing is my sanctuary where I release tension.
I have to start this one with a public service announcement. I know my mom will cry, and I’ve already prepared my dad for those emotions. I’m going to be a dotting child today. This is my girl. We go way back to before I was even conscience. Has been one of the major influences in my life and the most influential woman in my life.
Mysterious or weird is a word some people have described me as, especially those who've gotten to know me. Being mysterious is more of a by-product of something my parents taught my sis and me. That was to be well-rounded people—my natural reaction is to observe and I tend to give off a mysterious vibe. If there's one thing that frustrates me, it's when people try to put me in a box. I believe people have so much more depth than just what's presented on the surface.