Saturday, May 17, 2014

Mask

 
Before you judge, just remember this could be you, however you don’t know it because you are wearing a mask~~Monroe Bishop
Mask of a Woman
Who is this mask of a woman? Hiding behind who she really is, not being true to herself and those around her. She only gives him what he wants to see and not who she truly is.  Is she doing this for fear losing him? If so, why? Why would she want to stay with someone that she cannot be herself around. An illusion of a woman is not a real woman, it is a fantasy, or dream, and it is not real.  Who is this mask of woman? What mask are you wearing today? Every day is a different mask because he is a different person every time you wake in his world. You never know what you are going to get so you keep changing masks. He doesn’t notice. He doesn’t know nor does he care what is behind the mask. If only he knew that sadness, contempt, and sometimes hatred hides behind the mask. She hates him for changing her into this sad pitiful woman. She hates herself for allowing someone who is pathetic to change her. Who is this mask of a woman?
 
He chooses to be whomsoever he wants to be yet expects you to be somebody different, someone perfect, virtuous, someone who is innocent, quiet without their own thoughts and feelings.  He says according to the Bible, a woman should not speak until spoken too. Sadly the mask she wore that day believed him, she was silent. He knew when he married you that your virginity was taken by others, innocence long gone and never claimed to be a virtuous woman. What’s a virtuous woman? He knew what it was, that you had lived your life. Hell he couldn’t have known any different, your baggage made it obvious.  At the time it didn’t matter he knew you were moldable. He wanted to mold you into his version of a woman. In order to mold you, he had to change you, and in order to change you he had to break you and in order to break you he needed you to be alone. He had to break you down and rebuild. Break you down so low that no one would know who you were, not your mother, father, siblings or friends. You were essentially manufactured. Goods. Property. Merchandise. Basically another mask. Who is this mask of a woman?
 
In the beginning, it was beautiful. Beautiful to you only, but none the less beautiful. He was everything, your strength and your security.  He was building you a mask.  Always independent, now dependent financially and emotionally. Sweet as sugar and so kind, she didn’t see the blows from his words.  Words that would bring down mountains of self-esteem, words that would beat you physically and emotionally leaving deep tissue wounds. However before you were too far gone in the darkness, he would drop a hand to lift you with kind words, gifts and love. The gifts masked the pain. Gifts hid the truth. Now she has a gift mask which became a crutch. Who is this mask of a woman?
 
The sweet kind words were a constant reminder of the person you met so long ago. She is wearing the denial mask. It was a vicious cycle of crazy.  He was her knight in shining armor. He would fight for her, never allow anyone to disrespect her yet he did. He made her believe there was no one else but him. He made her believe that everything she was and everything she ever was because of him. He became her everything. Introducing her to the finer things in life, jewelry, trips designer this and that. The mask was getting heavy. Not only did he tear her down but he tore her family down, and bullied your friends out of her life.  He diminished all their value in your life, as if they have never been there for her. Now alone, it was only him. Now she no longer has any self-esteem.  She was broken. The mask was painfully heavy. No one recognized the woman with the mask.
 
Life had taken its toll. Nearly defeated, hope was not lost she began to see threw the mask. She saw herself in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman with the mask. Dark circles surrounded her eyes where there was once flawless skin. Who is this mask of a woman? Eyes sunk into their sockets from lack of sleep, stress and worrying. She was no longer the fun, outgoing funny person whom everyone loved to be around. Her smile had gone. Light no longer shined in her eyes. Barely able to stand herself any longer, she screamed, she pulled with all her strength to remove the mask with now bleeding nails.  She failed but refused to give up. The mask held so much, happiness, sadness, pain, hatred, resentment, scars, bruises and loss. Every day she chipped at the mask. She spoke up. She looked him in the eye. She refused to absorb his blows. His kind words fell on deaf ears. He was no longer in control. It took a lot to stand up to him and even more to stand up to herself. The masked woman is Me.
 
No longer wearing a mask, I came to realize it was never me, it was him. It was all him. He wore a mask hiding misery, a sad little unloved boy, and abandonment. He didn’t love himself, he didn’t value himself, and he didn’t have anyone to love him unconditionally. He was not capable of loving. He wore a mask to hide who he was to himself and the world. He was a pitiful, lonely, broken, broke down evil piece of man that had nothing but a mask to hide behind. Never truly knowing love, because he never had love, he was jealous of mine. He wanted to take my love from me. The love of my family, the love of my friends but most importantly the love I had for myself.  
 
He tried to devalue anyone that ever loved me. He hated what my mother was to me, what his mother never was to him. He was a jealous unforgiving person that never saw the beauty in anything.  Once I realized it wasn’t me who was wearing the mask, he lost control. He became weak, resorted to bully tactics such as fighting. It didn’t matter what he did because I was done. My mask was lifted, and he was defeated. I walked away with nothing, no gifts, and no kind words no sweetness, it was no longer needed. I left him alone in his self-pity and sorrow, screaming obscenities at me, calling me names, cursing me out and blaming me for everything that ever went wrong in his life. Sad that this person who could be someone’s everything chooses to remain a nothing. His every word hitting my back which was now a force field. I walked away.
 
I refuse to raise an excuse making man. A man that feels sorry for himself while blaming others for his short comings. I want to raise a man that knows a woman love. Some one that knows how to treat a woman, respect a woman, take care of woman, cherish a woman, not just any woman but his woman. He will not be fearful that she may be better than him, or make more money than him.  He won’t have to show boat to get attention because existence naturally bring others to him. He will be a God fearing man. A confident man. A happy man. A real man. He will never be like you and I will make sure of that!
 
Sometime, we put on a happy face to mask our sadness....but eventually, your true feeling will surface. Best to deal with it instead of hiding from it.
 
Monroe Bishop
 
 

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Gumbo


 
Gumbo: Unrelated conglomerate of stories
Whew this has been a weird week (more so than normal).  Regular readers of my blog know that the White House always have something going on however this past week has been a whirlwind of activities, drama, fun and lots and lots of work.  You ready? Lets do it ..
 
 
Teenage Lingo of the week:



T.H.O.T: (That Hoe Over There) – An individual with a number of concurrent sex partners that is well above the norm; basically whore.  Plural: Thotties: a bunch of hoes
Lil Man: Yo that chick over there is fine.
Junebug:  Naw bruh, leave that alone she a straight up thot.
Lil Man: Oh word????           

Thirsty:  A harrassive (spell check doesn’t recognize this word but you know what I mean) person; doing the most to get someone’s attention; desperate. ( back in the day this was called  SWEATING)

Introductions to new Cast member:

Trixsy: Super power is ‘Word Smith’.  Jack of all trades, master of all.

Crab
Okay so this was brought to our attention Tuesday however it happened Monday of last week at our home. IT REALLY did, I couldn’t make up half the foolishness that goes on in my life if I tried. In my Kevin Harts voice LET ME EXPLAIN ....

Down to one vehicle, so I totally forgot about this story but its relevant. Do you want the long or short version to the one car story?  In the essence of time, I will stick to the short version. Papa Smurfs drive shaft fell from under the truck and the rear differential locked up – no idea what any of this means other than I had to give up my car until his was ready, which was 3 days later. L  Papa Smurf and I were discombobulated to say the least. 

Tuesday went to the high school to pick up ‘The Entitled’, and as usual they were not ready.  We waited, cursed, fussed and continued to wait. Once we found two out of the three since we were in a decent mood Papa and I decided try out Bahama Bucks which is the latest snow cone craze in Atascocita. Lip popping with a brain freeze, these are by far the best snow cones I have had since moving to Texas. Attraction, the long lines, Drawback, the long lines. At first glance it looks like mass confusion but it works. You order at one end, pay and pick up at the other end. While we were marinating in our snow cones, which by the way were absolutely delish. Preacher and Russia decided to tell us what happened on Monday.

Russia was home before the boys. Preacher and Uno were on the way home, they caught a ride with a friend.  A car pulled up on them, honking and flashing lights. The friend sped up to get away from the unknown vehicle. Being the stupid kids that they are, they led the lunatic straight to our neighborhood.
Uno on the phone with Russia telling her what was happening to make sure she didn’t come out of the house.  He was not able to convince her to stay in the house so he yelled to stop the car. The car stops. He jumped out yelling “I have to save RUSSIA!!” He runs full speed between the homes, hair blowing in the wind, jumps the gate, run alongs the bayou until he gets behind our home.

In the meantime, the friend pulls up into our drive way, jumps out the car. A lady stops in front of my drive way, blocking the car in. The friend yells “Stop following me, my mom doesn’t like.” The lady “I am not following you, I am coming to this house” she yelled back. Preacher now out of the car not saying anything. The lady starts to interrogate them asking them where they were Saturday. According to her daughter and several other kids, Preacher and six other kids were named in egging and paint balling her home.  She takes picture of license plate.
Uno, jumps the gate to our back yard, burst thru the back door breathing hard, just as Russia was opening the front door.  “Stop Russia, I am serious” Uno said” Russia said ”Whatever, I am going curse this woman out for messing with my brother. She at our house." Before Uno could stop her, she opens the door, comes face to face with the lady who is confronting Preacher. The lady says, is your mom home. Russia responds “No ma’am”. 

Long story short. The lady proceeds to question Preacher about her home being egged and spray painted the previous weekend. All the kids deny being involved, then the lady proceeds to yell at Russia stating that her daughter is a good girl and they should stop picking on her. Preacher asked her how she knows where we live, she admits the school principal gave out our address as well as all the other kids involved.  She informs them that her neighbor videoed the incident and that she will press charges. The lady leaves her number with Russia for a parent to call to discuss further. Russia feels intimidated, so she calls the police. While waiting on the police the now determined crazy lady ask our neighbor’s about our family and what type of people we were. By the time the police comes, the lady is gone the kids tell their story he chases down the woman then encourages her to press charges if she has proof of the damages.
I am fuming, pissed off at this crazy bish for talking to my kids without me being present. I call to confront and straighten her ass out. We shared a few unkind words and ended with when she has proof let me know. We never heard from her or anything regarding the incident to date.

Note: The kids have joined forces to keep this from us ,now things have gotten REAL!

As parent, if another parent came to your home questioned/intimated your children, what you do?
Sausage:
There comes a time in a teenagers life where heartbreak is inevitable. You are either breaking hearts or your heart is being broken.  My one true heart break was in middle school/high school when DB broke up with me for a cheer leader.  I was devastated but my world didn’t end. Ah um, back to the story at hand. Russia has been dating a young man for the past 9 months. They have had their ups and downs however this time the down is staying down. As with any young girl, when it comes to a guy they have the attention span of flea. This doesn’t mean they are physically with every boy they like it just means once they get tired of the same old talk, everything about that boy becomes annoying.  The way the chew, all of a sudden you notice their eyes are not even on their face, or the fact that he is a nail biter or booger eater. Whatever the case good things come to an end. Russia contemplated, even cried over the fact that she had no feelings for her boo.  The relationship became boring and complacent.  It wasn’t the fact that she could not ‘technically’ date but when they were allowed to hang out it was boring (her words).  They would sit on the phone for hours , breathing not talking. Watching one another do homework on face time. Boring!!  Russia was over it, and ready to move on to bigger and better.

Typically we all went to Preachers basketball practices except for Uno (no surprise there).  I guess at some point one of the boys made his intentions known to Russia. That pretty black skin and deep New Orleans accent got her hook line and sinker.  At this point she was pondering her next move:
Boo #1:

1.       I do not want  to hurt to hurt him

2.       My boo is more of friend than boyfriend

3.       Boo is boring

4.       Boo is so in love and I am not

5.       His lips wet and chapped, how is that possible? Ewww

6.       He smart and I know he going to make money, GPA 6.0 ++

7.       Plus he has a chance to go to the NBA

8.       Mom buying him a car

9.       Doesn’t have to work

10.   Virgin

Potential Boo #2:
1.       Black Asian looking

2.       Deep thick New Orleans accent .. babee

3.       17 in 10th grade

4.       Honor roll student

5.       Works at Footlocker

6.       Borrows mom car

7.       Body full of tattoos

8.       Blond hair

9.       Good at basketball, not sure of NBA

10.   Semi Virgin

Russia dumped the good boy boo and is now talking to the bad boy boo that goes to school across the tracks.  The old boo cried. He begged. He followed her around school.  He even tried to solicit help from Uno.  Poor thing didn’t realize he was no longer a boo and now is considered a stalker.
Papa Smurf is not happy. Uh oh ..

My only concern is, if this relationship does go right it could go very wrong.  I am not judging but just being in that families presence they seem very, how should I say ghetto rough around the edges. We ain’t trying to get to beat up over a break up.

Who would you choose Boo #1 or Boo #2? Why do girls like bad boys?

Crawfish:
The season of the crawfish is here. These mud bugs are the hottest thing smoking during the months of April – June.  Crawfish on every corner, in seafood restaurants and in folks back yards they are essentially everywhere.  Last week Kroger grocery store set up a tent outside their business to sell them cooked or raw. My girls and I typically have a crawfish happy hour a few times during the season. So far we have only met up once which is fine with me because these critters are expensive by the lb!

 
We met up at Crabby Daddy (payroll week) to settle in for spicy crawfish, corn, sausage and potatoes.  Of course there were some folks that do not appreciate the hard work it takes to get the meat of the crawfish.  Kinda like how many licks does it take to get to the middle of a tootsie pop.  Hard work pays off and in this case it is a lot of work.  I personally only eat the tail however Trixsy sucks the head, and the claws. That claw meat is to soft, and I am not sucking no head. Hell I can barely stand to look at them while they look at me as I eat their tail.  It is all a process, so please do not take it lightly because folks will take this crawfish thing serious.  So much so, they have a CRAWFISH FESITVAL in Spring, Houston, Baytown and New Orleans. Strawberry Festival is next week.

Of course we went to the Crawfish festival to represent. We ate, danced and mingled. Good times with family.




Mix all these ingredients together with a dash of cayenne pepper, and seafood seasoning, there ya have it THE WHITE HOUSE Remix.
 
PICTURE OF THE WEEK:

 The foolishness has to be shared by someone, why not me?

 Until I write again. Holla!

 

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Cast Remix - From a different POV



 
This is the Golden Lasso. Besides being made from an indestructible material, it also carries with it the power to compel people to tell the truth. Use it well, and with compassion.” – Queen Hippolyte
The “Cast” that was posted Saturday on my blog, received so much love (although no one commented LJ ) however I was reluctant for Papa Smurf to read it since he is super sensitive when it comes to sharing information however I took a chance, it wasn’t like I was going to take it down. Throwing caution to the wind, I allowed him to read it. He smiled. Then he laughed. Then he  agreed with the descriptions except for the one I wrote about myself.  He claimed I was biased when it came to my character description especially the Wonder Woman picture. Okay, challenge me was my response to him. Do a guest blog of the family from your point of view.  Of course Mr. Conservative will not do that, no way would he put himself out there so he did the next best thing, he showed the kids. All three knuckle heads decided to guest post in order to dispute my depiction of them and of course to elevate themselves. My therapist told me that teenagers are narcissistic, and I have come to learn how true it is!  All is fair in love and war in the White House.  (P.S. I couldn't make this up if I tried ...)
 
Uno’s POV:



 

 
 
Superman/Captain America (Uno): If I put my mind to it, then it shall be done (got that from my daddy). My super power is ‘loyalty’. I have part-time leadership qualities, if I see you have it under control then I stand down. I do have a tendency to be a bit sneaky but that is not always the case. My sneaky behavior is often confused with free spirit and not being very open others. I thrive in difficult situations when I am not procrastinating. I love TV.
 
 
Catwoman (Wonder Woman mixed with Black Canary): All bark & no bite. Her mood changes so fast, one minute she yelling the next she laughing which is often confusing. I don’t know whether to tip toe when entering a room, or speak. She is the leader in the house, with “Mastermind” super powers she gets things done. At times she can be quick to judge and manipulative. When mad she screams like Black Canary… high pitched!
 
 
 
 
Wolverine/Iron man (Papa Smurf): Head strong and pompous (ass). Although the facts are in his face, he will only do it his way. Very laid back, go with the flow personality so we very rarely hear from him unless something triggers a thought and he makes the connection. “Lecturing” is his all-time super power, no matter the topic there is always a lesson and lecture.
 
 
 
 
Hawk Girl (Russia): Superpowers ‘deflecting’. (see I wasn’t the only one.. lmao). She has quick tongue, quick wit and smart mouth.  She has a way of making things go around then come back around like a boomerang. The stubborn attitude and bad temper always get her into trouble.
 
 
 
 
Captain Marble(Preacher):  He makes it happen, ‘shot caller’ is his super power. Captain M is idealistic and innovative , his ability to come up with original ideas then execute shows leadership qualities. Very sensitive by nature, has the tendency to let things get to him easily. Easily provoked.
 
 
 
 
 
Storm (Snow): Reminds me of God of War. Will fight in a minute yet is a trader if there is a better opportunity with the enemy. ‘Strength” is her super power which displays love, care and loyalty. She can be very deep and meets the goals she set up for herself.
 
 
 
 
The Question (Moss): Quiet, hard to read. Will often open up when on common ground which is rare. Super power is “Shadowing” like a shadow, there one minute, gone the next. Disappears when the sun sets in the East.

 

 
 
Scooby Doo: Our dog Bleux Martini is lost in our maze of crazy. He has no choice but to go with the flow when it comes to all 5 of his masters. He is loyal, if you fight, he will fight, if you run he will run, if you eat, he will eat. If you bark, he will bark. You get the picture.

 
Preachers’s POV:
 
 
 
 
 
Dr. Fate (Papa Smurf): He is like a preacher always giving advice about life and sharing money tips as if he is a personal bank.  Very patient yet can be forceful. Some of the things he preach about may not be clear now but at the end of the day you finally understand.
 
 
 
Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman): She is like a lawyer, will always have your back no matter what and in return you must show her respect.  She has your back in the good times, and through the hard times. She can be a little stubborn, which makes it difficult to work with her but she is very loving person.
 
 
 
 
Black Widow (Russia): A designer that is constantly coming up with new ideas. She is goofy and fun to be around. Real blunt, and at times hard to understand but she always focusing on things ahead.
Cell phone/Stewy/Donkey Kong (Uno): He is a like a cell phone, he knows a lot of things at the time but starts to slow down when you give him too much information. Even though he is mentally slow and has a hard time keeping up, he eventually gets it when it’s over.
 
 
 
 
Lebron James (Preacher) – Almost always have an opinion. Head strong in good and bad situations. Always has a good friend around. Very active and always focusing on life.  Yeah I cry, so what, real men cry in the dark!
 
 
Russia’s POV:
 
 
Spanky, Buckwheat/ Beastboy (Preacher):  Gets on the worlds nerves at times, but at the end of the day he can be chill. He always keeps his bunny on his side and will never give up on what he is striving for. He is smart, sneaky and cool to be around when he is not on his period.
Olaf from Frozen (Uno):  …. Does the most irrelevant things at times, like remember every word in a movie or song but never can remember anything when it comes to his books. He is funny, intelligent  and very immature. Hairy like a gorilla and thinks everything is pretty, made of sugar & spice and filled with unicorns.
 
 
Fred Flintstone/Oscar Proud (Papa Smurf): He is an old man with late reaction and understanding. Talks through every movie, and farts all the time.  Grounding us is his favorite hobby and he does it without knowing all the facts. We are living under a cloud of politics which is why we are in the “The White House”.
 
Mrs. Claus (Wonder Woman): Author of life and purpose. Always on the move and is a hard working mother, wife, sister and daughter. Will do her best to get you what you want only if you give her some writing time.  She can hold the best grudge on this planet and will never let you forget it.  After a while she will be your legs beneath you, your eyes to help you see and your ears so that you can hear.  My brothers and dad saying that I am a kiss ass but its true, Mrs. Claus is the best.
Penny Proud (Russia): I will get on someone’s case in a second and let them know about their self before someone else does. Once you get on my bad side I will find a way to make you hate me more.  On the flip side I am a loving and caring person once you get to know me.  I keep close friends close and enemies even closer.  Never will I let anyone manipulate me without me getting back at you. I can be your best friend or your worst enemy J
 
 
 
Storm (Snow): Hard body hottie everyday all day. Will fight for whatever regardless of the cause. She will pop off them nails, snatch off them eye lashes then put her hair In a pony tail. She says what she means and means what she says. Very sweet person and knows how to have fun. She don’t play about that all mighty dollar and is very sensitive about her family! Loyalty is key.
 
 
 
Raven (Moss): Quiet and extremely talented. Could not tell when he is happy or sad and never know when he is mad.  Great artist and photographer and is very photogenic. When he smiles all it shows is the positivity in his day.  

If I can give it then I have to be able to take it. At the end of the day, as a family we go through so much yet its all love in the end at the WHITE HOUSE. Thanks for reading.
 
 
Monroe Bishop The Wrapper #IT WORKS