BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE . . . IN THE WORLD . . .

I've suffered a series of disappointments of late. A number of friends, family members, colleagues and business associates, alike, have all let me down. But rather than use this space to rail against what I view as the blatantly disrespectful, unprofessional, uncaring and inept behavior of these folks (yeah, check my evil grin), I'm going to follow the advice printed across the front of one of my favorite t-shirts (and said to have been expressed by Mahatma Ghandi): "Be the change you want to see in the world."

So in keeping with that more enlightened frame of mind and and in this SEASON of THANKSGIVING I'd like to extend a heart-felt expression of THANKS to a handful of my fellow bloggers and posters whose unwarranted acts of kindness have recently brightened my day and given me reason to smile.

Malcolm / (of Pop Culture Dish Presented by Malcolm) I think I first "met" Malcolm while checking out somone's Thursday Thirteen. I followed his comments back to his blog and I've been hanging out there on a regular basis ever since. In addition to introducing me to the musical likes of Timi Yuro and cinema showmanship of H. Bogart, Malcolm is the main somebody responsible for my own recent full participation in the meme known as Thursday Thirteen. He didn't just encourage me to do it, he actually took the time to walk my lazy, grumbling butt, step by step through the process. Because of Malcolm, every Thursday (actually Wednesday night) my funny-bone is treated to a full work-out. THANKS MALCOLM. Here's looking at you, kid! (smile)

Emanuel Carpenter / I've been reading Emanuel's comments on AALBC for years now. Even though, for a time, we both lived in the Cleveland area, our "paths" didn't cross, until this past summer when our shared love of writing had us both commenting at a writer-friendly spot called "Blogging in Black," where Emanuel's guest pieces now appear on the 7th of every month. In addition to being a frequent commenter on my blog, and passing along invaluable information to me via email, recently, Emanuel surprised me when he mentioned in AALBC's THUMPER'S CORNER that one of the books he was looking forward to reading in 2008 was my novel, AFTER THE DANCE. What can I say? THANKS EMANUEL. Your day is coming.

Shelia Goss / With several books under her belt, Shelia Goss is very much a seasoned author. I'm not sure why she started visiting my blog (smile), but I certainly welcome her presence. She's linked to The Old School Mix on a couple of occasions and I hope to repay her the favor soon. Actually, I'm thinking of borrowing and adding my own spin to something she does on a regular basis at her Oh No Shelia Didn't blog called "OPB" or other people's blogs. THANKS SHELIA for both the on-going link love and for being an inspiration.

Pjzazzypar / I first noticed Pjazzy's comments while visiting Malcolm's Pop Culture Dish. Her observations are so on point and informative, I really think she should have her own blog (smile). Over the past couple of weeks, PJP has been kind enough to both praise my writing and chuckle at my off-the-wall humor. In my book, it doesn't get much BETTER or NICER than that. THANKS PJAZZY. Now, when are you getting that blog? I need another cool place to visit.

Sharon J. / Everyone deserves a friend like Sharon J. She's been visitng and posting comments on my blog since DAY ONE. When I asked if she'd write something on my blog about her recent trip to Ghana, she said, "Sure," and then actually followed through. A lot of folks will say, "Yes" to something only to turn around and make excuses for why they couldn't or can't honor their word. THANKS SHARON for being such a great supporter of my work and even more so for always being a woman of your word.

Michelle Petelinz / Michelle is someone I met in person last year, prior to bumping into her on- line. You may have checked out her blog Artventuring a time or two, but have you checked out her art? If not, take a look at these COLORFUL BOXES. Wouldn't they make great Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah gifts? (smile) When I saw Michelle, a couple of months agao at an art festival in Charlotte, she was kind enough to GIVE my son one of THESE. Cool, huh? THANKS MICHELLE. Keep up the good work!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all! Don't worry, I'm sure in a couple of days this "Be The Change You Want To See" phase will have passed and I'll be back to griping and groaning and sharing all of the negative thoughts stomping around in my head. Until then . . . Peace & Blessings.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #10 . . . 13 PEOPLE WHO COULD VERY WELL STAY AT HOME THIS THANKSGIVING

1) The well-intentioned, but obviously clueless relative who insists on bringing the same nasty a$$ dish every year that nobody wants to eat.

2) The uncle who, instead of saying grace, delivers a ten-minute, mini-sermon.

3) The auntie who always smells like a right lethal combination of bourbon and Bengay.

4) The relative who insists on talking non-stop and in full detail about everybody's medical ailments, health issues, treatments and operations.

5) The greedy a$$ cousins who never bring anything, but eat like field hands and lumberjacks and take two and three foil-wrapped plates home.

6) The sticky-fingered relative you have to stop at the door and pat down and/or wand before he/she leaves.

7) The sticky-fingered relative's shifty-eyed friend, who you highly suspect may be casing your place and planning to come back later.

8) The dear old uncle who generally smells like a right rank combo of moldy, wet tobacco and burnt garlic.

9) The big-mouthed relative who, when he's not bragging about his exploits is telling the same lame, boring a$$ stories/lies he tells every year.

10) The kindly neighbor with the 25 house cats, dogs and/or rats who always wants to drop by with a homemade dish.

11) The sweet, little ole aunt who criticizes your every dish while steadily stuffing her face.

12) The bad a$$ kids or drunk male relatives who go into your bathroom and aim at everything, but the freaking commode.

13) The so-called good friend who only wants to come over so he/she can laugh at all of the fools in your crazy a$$ family.

Any comments or additions? If so, bring 'em on (smile)!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants