Pfunksfoolosophy

This is gonna be short and sweet–I hope.

Today is the day we are to honor our mommies and well we should. My mom is my best friend, my biggest cheerleader and the best person I know. We’ve probably been too close sometimes, but I’m blessed that she’s still around. My ‘kids’ lost their mom when they were only toddlers, so it’s a bittersweet day for them. Still, we get on with our lives with laughter, love and a whole lot of yappin’.

I have friends who have complicated relationships with their family members and I can’t really relate. With me, there’s never an unexpressed thought or emotion, so it’s usually out there when I disagree with my mom. There’s mutual respect so as far as I’m concerned, every day is Mother’s Day for her. BUT, if you’re in a spot where you can’t communicate with your mom, consider that she made the choice to have you and possibly give you the best of her best as well as the best of her worst. Perhaps you’re only seeing the best of her worst right  now. Just love her.  If you don’t feel loved by her, convince  yourself that it’s not you; it’s an issue she must work on. You are loved and you are worthwhile. You do matter. If you have kids, you don’t want to pass that stress on to them. Rise above it and honor yourself today–whether you’re male or female.
Some words of wisdom from my mom:
“A dog that leaves a bone will take a bone”—this means that anyone who gossips with you will gossip about you.

“An excuse is a well guided lie” —this  means that you can have a reason not to do something, but an excuse? Well, that’s just pure horsecrap.

“For every finger you point, you’ve got three pointing right back at yourself”—don’t throw stones ’cause your house is made of glass.

“Eat plenty of fiber” –let it flow, already so you’re not full of crap yourself.

Wise words from a wise woman. They’ve kept me relatively sane all these years.

So, have fun…be well and rock it like you know you can!!

I have found that I am absoloutely hooked on “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” on HBO.

Having read the books, I was excited to see it come to life onscreen. Jill Scott is great! The whole cast is on the mark and it’s refreshing to see some color on HBO that isn’t gang, jail or drug related. If you get the chance, take a look. I have OnDemand so I can watch the episodes back to back on the weekends…sublime.

Okay, that’s enough of that. What  else is new? I’m on Twitter. Hard to believe, but I am, ain’t it? Well, it’s a great way for me to network and as a result, I may have more cooking students. Perfection.

Mom is on the mend, but I think I may have to go back down south to take care of her and give my kid a much needed rest. Part of me wants to tell the kid to just suck it up and get over herself, but  compassion is needed here. SO, yeah…I’m gonna make it a priority to get my arse down there.

Hmm…let’s see…I’m basically happy. Things are where I want them, but they’re where they are and usually, you’re where you’re supposed to be, right? Okay, so no complaints here. Working from gratitude comes easier to me the more  I realize all I’ve been through.

Ya just have to take stock and appreciate what you have. Appreciate it.

Hey, if you are on Twitter, definitely follow Melissa Gilbert. She’s a freakin’ hoot, that kid.
Adorable, accessible  and real. Like she gets  it, ya know?
Twitter can become addictive to those of you who have that type of personality, so go easy.

Go gently…be cool…

It’s all groovy, kids!
Celebrate!

Well, there’s a lot of moving and shaking going on and this economy is ignoring my pleas for relief, so I’ve decided that reaching out to others is my best bet. Yep, I’m going to forge ahead, gang. I’m going to teach cooking, start a group, get things moving. My writing is always there and my perfoming…well, I’m going to take it in another direction, focusing less on stand up and more on performance pieces that will eventually get my one woman show up and running.

Seeing too much crap out there that is not only NOT entertaining, it’s not of any use to anyone. We’re becoming complacent and we’ve already seen what that can do…the last 8 years mean anything to anyone? More reality shows, more entertainment news organizations…more gossip. Ehhhh…can’t we stay out of one another’s lives already?

So, this blog may change in the coming months. It may be more performance and art related. I’ve not decided yet, but thanks for sticking with me.

In other news, I’m still praying for the Neeson/Richardson clan. They need to be lifted up because while you can learn to live without your loved ones, you never get over it and they are doing it under the watchful and beady eyes of the media.

Send out your love.

Are you guys using Twitter yet? It’s mildly addictive for those who are information junkies.  Apart from the celebrity stuff—you get to know who they’re lunching with and the like, there’s a host of information based twitterbits. It’s really interesting. Had I not been on Twitter, I’d not know that Amazon has decided to ‘de-rank’ what they term ‘adult’ content materials. Now, when I first heard that, I thought “okay, it’s about porn or something’. Nope, folks like James Baldwin and works that address gay issues (for example, discussing how a kid can have two mommies) are on the list. But, there is room for Mein Kamf. You figger that  one out.

Personally, I think it’s up to the parents to decide what is appropriate for their children. Parents should be monitoring what their children do on the internet anyway. Are we finally too lazy to do that? I think some of us are and that is crazy. Let’s speak out against this kind of bookburning. Bah and humbug. Is Mark Twain adult material? Yeeks, man.

Lemme see…oh, yeah…the weather inside ME. Well…it’s fair and warmer with a slight breeze from the north…sorta calling me home. I’m almost set in my shoes again.

Going to go back down to NC to help w/Mom. Koya is about to lose her grip, poor kid.

She’s gonna make it home okay, I assure you.

Sending you loads of lovely love and a good dose of silliness.

Get outside and make some noise. Buy some balloons…do a cartwheel. Roll down a hill. Swing on some swings…it’s all grooviness if you make the choice.

Choose happiness.

Welcome Spring! Wait…is that…SNOW? Yep, it snowed last week. In NYC. In April.

No matter, it’s just great to be alive. Right? RIGHT?
Okay, so what’s been going on with me? Not much. I’m still writing, I’m pushing some cooking classes so I can have an income that won’t make me want to hurt myself. Working in corporate  America isn’t for mama. Nope. It only took me about 20 years to realize that.

I don’t know how people can do it. My skin starts to feel tight and I want to scream every time I walk into an office and sit at a cubicle. Maybe it’s a condition, I don’t know.

SOoooooo…that’s that. Mom’s going to be okay. Gonna take a trip down there to see her soon.  I think I’m probably over Facebook. Yeah. It’s exhausting, man. Too many requests and too many people telling you what they’re doing and complaining…I get that in real time in real life already. Sheesh! AND, I can’t seem to wrap my head around how many applications can be thrown at you. Holy moley…so, gotta back off that one.

In other news, I’ve been writing a lot of funny stuff in short story form, so that’s encouraging.

Taking the time to enjoy my downtime (unemployment) and learn about getting things moving and in my favor.

Have a new boyfriend…okay, it’s really a love jones. That Jeffrey Dean Morgan seems to be revving my engine lately. It figures I jump on the bandwagon after he finds out he sired a kid 4 years ago. Ehhh, whattayagonnado?

He’s cute and has horrible posture. LOVELY.

In still other news, Dressed to Kilt was the biggest bust ever. Saw Alex and Simon from “Real Housewives” and whoo, Nellie… we need to pray for them. So we shall.

Okay, kids…time for me to mambo.

I’ll have more to report next time and I’ll be sure to report a little sooner. Just haven’t had too much to talk about. This blog was supposed to be a moneymaker. It ain’t, take my word for it.

Sending you love along the miles!

Be good and be lucky!

This may seem like an impossible endeavor, but it’s something that usually works for me. When your committee starts talking in your head telling you that you’re facing insurmountable odds, keep still. Breathe. I’ve had to re-learn that lesson, guys. Lately, it’s been a torrent of challenges, one after the other and the result has been insomnia. My mind hasn’t been clear enough to clear the hurdles, so I had to go back to one, so to speak.

I’m on my way to a friend’s house to exchange some positive energy and get myself out of myself. Getting out my journal to write to myself about myself. We’re all works in progress—I say that all the time, don’t I? Well, it’s true. So, I’ve got to take stock here. What do I really want to accomplish and why is it not manifesting?
Ahhh, reality. Tough answers. Cold eagle eye time, kids. I’m not moving forward while keeping still, you see? I’m running in place. No one benefits. Goals are great, but if you’re spending your time distracted by the agenda or the needs of others, you’re not likely to achieve your personal goals.
Oh, I’m still happy; never doubt that one…it’s just that I’m not out there–I’m not letting my light shone before men. SOOOO, while I send out positive vibes to those who need them, while I create a safe haven for others to enter and lay their burdens down, I must, must remember to look within for my answers and accept that if I’m going to call myself a person of faith, I have to believe and work.

Roger Daltrey says, “Think lucky. Be lucky.” And since he’s my musical/creative boyfriend, I’m going to add that bit to my medicine bag.

So, you guys think lucky and be lucky as you move forward while keeping still.

Have a great weekend. I promise to try to write more. Even if I’m making no money with this blog, there is a reason to write and a reason to keep on truckin’ and spread the love.

Shower the people…

: )

Wow. Natasha Richardson finally succumbed to a devastating head injury. She was 45. I’m 45. Wow.

You know, I’m fully aware of my mortality but lately I’va had to think about how fragile we all are when you get right down to it. But this isn’t about me, it’s about attempting to pay tribute to a person I truly admired and not just for her artistry.

Natasha Richardson was a phenomenal actress, there is no disputing that, but she was also a humanitarian– a true mensch, you know? She didn’t just show up for a photo op and split and I admire that.
She was absolutely luminous in everything that she did. You can’t fake that. Either you have it or you don’t. She had it in spades. See, there are movie stars like Julia Roberts and there are ACTORS like Natasha Richardson. I’ll take an actor any day. We  need to appreciate and recognize them while we’ve got them.

I can safely say that even in a mediocre film, Natasha pulled out all the stops to flesh out the characters she played. Much like Michael Caine (another great actor), you got what you paid for and more because they cared about their craft. It sounds artsy fartsy, but there is something to be said for watching a prepared actor coax you into the story they’re telling. There’s something magical that reminds you why you love movies.

When I first heard about her accident my heart dropped. You would have thought she was a family member. I mean, my mom just got out of the hospital after a stroke and I called her to tell her about it. She was just as put out as I was. We both thought the same thing: what about her family? Mom knows  all too well what it’s like to bury a child. I know how it feels to bury a sibling and to raise that sibling’s children…we just related as human beings. How will they make it through this when it’s so friggin’ public?

The tabloids will show their lack of propriety. Let’s not encourage it, okay?
I respected Mrs. Neeson because of her humanity, her spirit and her art and I pray that her family will take comfort in the knowledge that they were allowed to have that spirit with them for the time they did.

My prayers go out to them now and always.

Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come. I believe that.

Hey, gang!  That’s my mom up there. Back in the day, natch. It was about 35 years ago… she was quite a looker, no?

I’ll get to her in a bit. Just drink in the beauty…ahem. Ya gotta dig the Babs.

It has been a while and I have to admit that I’m not up on my blogging due to my life being less than entertaining lately…but as you know by now, Pfunk rarely takes a downer for long…so, let’s get you up to speed:

Had a birthday on the 17th of January, thanks for the good wishes and presents

Pooper had a birthday on the 22nd of January–he’s so funny and smart and lovely…ah, youth!

Found an apartment in my building so maybe I can finally live alone…PLEASE keep a good thought on that one.

Been doing stand up on a more regular basis, so I’ll probably put up some of my stuff shortly—I have to get the DVD stuff and my knowledge in synch…ahem.

On the phooey side: Mom had a stroke so I’m in NC getting things in order down here. Man, I miss the North. It’s like Mayberry here. And without Andy and too many Goobers, it’s not easy.

Mom’s partially paralyzed but we expect her to turn it around shortly. She’s really making strides and will be home before we know it. I’ve been keeping her laughing, no worries.

When we have to take her to the toilet she says, “I stands up,  y’all” which is a line from “Lillies of the Field” with Sidney Poitier. She’s a kick in the pants. The nursing staff either really enjoys having us around or they’re just putting up with us because they have to…either way, Mom is in good spirits and that’s what’s important to me.

Keep a good thought, though. It makes me so painfully aware of how fragile life is and Marmy is my best friend; I’m not ready to say goodbye yet. It’s selfish, but it’s true.

Been sending you all loads of lovely love, so don’t fret; all will be swell soon. It’s already fine. Keep on truckin’.

Hey gang! It’s 2009 and we’ve got a new president on his way in…dare I mention that his wife’s birthday is the same day as mine? Yeah, so please remember to give a shout out to Michelle Obama when you’re giving out the birthday wishes to Pfunk and Muhammad Ali…that’s all I’m saying.

So, okay…we don’t make resolutions here. We make commitments. What is your commitment this year? I’m still moving in the direction of being the happiest person on the planet. It’s working out just fine. Still want to spread the love and the joy. Staying healthy is a priority. What’s going on in your world? You ready to rock 2009?
I sure hope so.

Check here for my upcoming gigs…I do believe it’s going to heat up, kids so be on the lookout.

Be well, be swell and know that you’re the coolest.

Season’s Greetings, gang!

What’s new in your lives? What? Stressed out? Hey, let it go…count your blessings, groove to your own beat and keep on moving forward. Lately, I can say that I’ve had my share of stress and for some reason my memory, which is legendary has become the bane of my existence. You see, I can remember what I wore the first day of first grade and what my lunch was, so just imagine remembering traumatic events…so, I’ve been working on taking supplements and it’s helping. Why did I share that with you now? Well, because the silly season really gets to people. The stress of shopping, attending social engagements, shopping, working, and of course, shopping can get to you and there’s no time. Never any time to reflect and relax, right? Hogwash. Take the time to get your rhythm back.

It’s not easy, I know…but look, if you don’t rein that stuff in, you’re going to wind up at Dr. Dippy’s Retreat in a rubber room. Sure, it’s three hots and a cot–and possibly some Thorazine, but you’ve got to take care of yourselves. The economy is going to suck for a good long while. If you’re employed, thank your lucky stars and do your best to keep the gig. If you’re unemployed, start thinking about ways to make this time work for you. Maybe you can go back to school with some grants and possibly start your own business.

The sky’s the limit when you’ve got your head on straight and don’t listen to the committee. They’ll stop you in your tracks. You remember the committee, right? Those voices in your head that tell you you’re inadequate. Tell ‘em to shut up and keep on steppin’. You’re vital. You matter. Maybe I’m the only person who tells you this, but it’s true. What would the world be like without you? I’ll bet there are people who depend on you for support.
This silly season, make the decision to depend on yourself for support. Make it through with laughter and loads of lovely love.

Oh, yeah…I’m a nut job, but I’m a happy nut job. Peaceful feelings can be the standard for you. We don’t need to give in to stress—society is telling us that we have to be busy and overbooked to be useful. Bosh! We have to be whole, man. At least three quarters there, right?
Okay, so make this silly season joyous by being joyful and calm. Don’t worry that you don’t have enough cash–hell, I never have the cash I want, but I usually have enough. I get what I need. I’ll bet you do as well.

Be happy with what you need, not what you don’t have.

As my grandpa used to say, “You can’t hold what’s not in your hand”…so true.

Be well, happy holidays and remember that you count because you’re precious and rare. You’re unique. Unique is an absolute which means there is no one else on the planet like you. Pretty groovy, huh?

Well, kids…I’ve been processing the historical significance and I’ve listened to political pundits discussing the same.

NO ONE mentioned that a vote for Obama was indeed a vote for Pfunk. Michelle and I share a birthday…need I say more?
What a birthday gift I’ll have this year…he will be sworn in 3 days after my birthday.

Overjoyed.

And all I gave him was my vote.

More later…I will elaborate on the election night hijinx. Suffice it to say Pooper is one happy camper. He watched up until the announcement. He’s three, I’m amazed he stayed up that late.

 A blessing on our heads, mazel tov.