Let's get caught up!

     It's been a while, so let's get caught up!  First off Congratulations to "12 Years A Slave" for the Best Drama Golden Globe!  It was a fabulous film.  Did you know that in 1984 Avery Brooks portrayed Solomon Northrup in "The Odyssey Of Solomon Northrup?"  I also want to encourage people to take their families to see the First Stage production of "A Midnight Cry" running through February 9.  You can go online www.firststage.org or you can call 414.273.7206, for more information.  The story is about the "Underground Railroad" and perfect to inspire young minds to dig deeper.  I loved it!  Also, as you can see in the photo "Uncommon Folk: Traditions in American Art" is now open at the Milwaukee Art Museum until May 4th.  Look for free days the first Thursday of every month, February 6th and March 6th, go to www.mam.org for more information.  I got a sneak peek on Wednesday 1/29 at the Presidents Circle Event and I loved it! 3 Quilts by the Women of Gees Bend are included in the show, 2 of the 3 were purchased with funds raised by the (African American Art Alliance).  And finally I'd like to recommend a very good book I finished reading a couple weeks ago by the author of the "Secret Life Of Bees" Sue Monk Kidd, called "The Invention Of Wings."  There is an interview with the author in the January (2014) issue of the "O Magazine" The setting of the novel takes place in 1803 when 11 year old Sarah Grimke is given 10 year old Hetty "Handful" a personal slave as a birthday gift. It's a page turner.
     I've started my 2nd semester at WLC as a "Traditional" student with courses in Theology and Latin History.  I ended last semester with 3.870, not to shabby for this old gal, but the accelerated program was to much, 16 weeks in 5 weeks, no thanks! I hardly had time for anything but homework!  Blk-Art, history & culture's partnership with Washington Park Library for the "Black Cinema Series" is going very well and the film "Ethnic Notions" by Marlon Riggs is up next on February 19th.  The film takes us on a journey tracing the evolution of deeply rooted stereotypes.  As always doors open at 5:30 pm and yes, we will have food-it's all free and open to the public, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Yep, I am doing my best to hit the gym as much as I can with my schedule.  I enjoy teaching The Life Skills-After School Program for Pathways to College 7th and 8th graders and I am looking forward to doing the 3 week Summer Academy again. Love working at the Gallery "still" and got a chance to see "War Horse," loved it so much I finally watched the movie.
     You don't have to tell me cause I already know, this winter has been the worst winter in a very long time.  Snow is on the way as I write this, enough already, winter fatigue is setting in.  First the ARTIC COLD and now snow!, but look on the bright side, we have Valentines Day and then Spring!!!!! Please remember to get yourself out of the house and have some fun.  Laughter is good medicine and will help ward off Cabin Fever.  In the mean time look out for your elderly neighbors and be kind to the homeless.  I enjoyed my Christmas and my New Year which was down time for me and was much needed.  Appreciate your blessings and be a blessing to someone else!