Roots.

Finally made it back 2 the good ole' Chi 

after only a 2 hour flight & a nifty rental.

Whew!.....so what's first.

Mama as always worry about the smallest of 

things but love her anyways. 

Some things will never change;/

Over the years I've looked at her as my personal example 

of strength & resilience, enduring numerous bouts & 

coming out stronger on the other side.

One thing I've noticed, brotha Reggie 

has 2 always come for the ride 

no matter & that's cool.

lol...that's just what family do.

Been nearly 4 years so there's some 

catching up 2 do...

just not until 4 in the morning.....Reggie....please;)

These here are ROOTS from which I come 

& wouldn't had it any other way...

Let's pray on it!...

Like MAMA always do on Sunday mornings..

SHOUT!!!
(lol)

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Yo Keith!;).

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

The Peace with 2 Collection Vol. #6

The Peace with 2 Collection.

Game.

It's about time for that much anticipated 
return back 2 hometown Chicago. 

This is much deeper than just showing my face but more of 

an opportunity 2 tie up lose ends.

It's nothing like sharing time with those closest & just letting them know you love them unconditionally no matter the difference. 

I guess it's time 2 share my family with the trusty Canon.

Hmmm.....this should be interesting.

First I gotta take this trip from sunny Maine 2 Logan airport in Boston. 

Just for the record, I'm not a big fan of flying anywhere. 

The idea of falling 6,000 feet from the sky in a metal can kinda freaks me out...as it should anybody. 
lol...

Ok...ok..ready?

Let's go!

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

...& Chill.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

History.

When I left hometown Chicago 4 years ago, honestly I had absolutely no clue 

what I was doing.
(not one.)

It was surely an impulsive & irresponsible transition 

2 say the least.

My thinking was that we can do whatever we wanted 
in this life of ours. 

It's our choice from start 2 finish. 

It's a pretty big world out there & felt the 

need 2 see it for myself. 

(It's all about the experience man!)

But as much as we may see that perfect picture, 

it never turns out that way & that's ok.

The greatest lesson learned thus far is being careful with 

everything you do or say cause you can NEVER take it back. 

Reputation is everything so protect it. 

We have control over our own lives at any time 2 make 

a fresh start. Easier said than done...but possible. 

Can you dig it?

What kind of world do you want?....think anything.

Let's start at the start...build a masterpiece. 

Be careful what you wish for.....

HISTORY starts now!

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Road Dawgs.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

The Peace with 2 Collection Vol. #5

The Peace with 2 Collection.

Scars.

When 29 year old actor Lee Thompson Young didn’t show up on the set of TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, the show’s producers were concerned and contacted the police. Soon after, Young was found dead, believed to have shot himself. He didn’t leave a note.

Perhaps the “mystery” was depression  Sources close to Young claim that he suffered from it for months leading to his death.

Young isn’t alone. Over the past few years, we have lost a number of Black men to suicide: Soul Train’s Don Cornelious, Capital Steez, Freddy E, Violator Management founder Chris Lighty and Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher.

And yet, this issue isn’t often talked about. But what more do we need as a community to start taking this issue seriously

How long are we going to keep labeling mental health issues as The Other Person problem?”

The unwillingness to discuss & acknowledge mental health has become another unfortunate hurdle especially given that the data is clear that suicide rates are on the rise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third cause of death among African-American males between ages 15 and 24, behind homicide and accidents. And while suicide rates among Black men are lower than their white counterparts, the rates have increased dramatically.   

Meanwhile, Black men are least likely to access mental health services. Why?

Poor access to quality health care/counseling is a major factor to why seeking early detection is a nonpriority. Another barrier is the cultural stigma that states no need for therapy / medication for 

religiosity will make a way.

But one unseen factor that deserves attention is how Black masculinity serves as a huge barrier to seeking care.

Whether the media or just daily conversation, Black men receive messages daily to be hyper masculine, super strong & angry.

“Man up!”

“Real men don’t cry.”

“Showing emotion makes you soft.”

“Being vulnerable makes you weak.”

These types of attitudes continue to help foster a culture of silence that allows for Black men to sit and suffer alone.

There's a greater need to begin serious dialog where people are able to express themselves, be vulnerable & speak about the pain. 

So...lets stop equating being "devoid of emotions" with manhood & step up.




Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Her Own Way.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

The Peace with 2 Collection Vol. #4

The Peace with 2 Collection.

A Nice Day!

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Memo.

As another summer comes 2 an end, 

we find time for the casual.

So lets pack up the ride....check...

Power up the Canon....check...

Sanity....unchecked. lol;)

I don't know if 

I'm coming or going @ times

so a lil' recreation becomes so important.

Make the very most of time. 

..that simple.

Just call it the MEMO.

So off we go heading through the streets of Portland

pokin' around town 
then Old orchard 

2 witness the hype.

Let's just call it easy livin' 

with ample space 2 roam freely 

without hassle.

I like it that way. 

Yep!...i do.

Peace!....with 2 fingers;)

PlayRecord.

The Peace with 2 Collection.

1 Brotha 2 Sistas.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

The Peace with 2 Collection Vol. #3

The Peace with 2 C.o.l.l.e.c.t.i.o.n.

Swampscott 1629.

Off on another trip 2 for Boston, Mass for 

some sights, sounds & another tattoo..

Ok...let's start off with some eats @ a sit in.

After a hour scoutin' out the spot, finding a 

place 2 park seemed somewhat challenging.

Hmmm...i noticed more Dunkin Doughnuts 
spots out here than anything else.

We all can appreciate a cappuccino 
every now & then but dayum really? 

One thing I miss about Chicago is the 

amazing variation of dishes. 

Gyro w/ X-tra meat from the local corner spot..
downtown Giadano's deep dish..

or even the Yuen's Chinese Kitchen joint in Rogers Park.
Ughhhh!;/

Found this spot called Swampscott, Mass 

while gazing through the hills.

There's a plenty of amazing history here for sure...

the New World 

 Revolutionary War, 

Boston Tea party, etc.

It's History class on steroids man!

(...no matter how inaccurate it may be;/

Anyways, gotta come back with the trusty Canon 

for that infamous Freedom Trail which takes 

you through the entire experience. 

Hmm...that's an idea.

Great times.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;) 

Come take a look!;)

Tammy's View.

Peacefully Perfected;)

Broken World.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

BrothaReggie.*

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Stories.

A beautiful story. 

Lessons learned & wiser by the minute.

We all have the personal blueprint. 

That's right.

Celebrating the human spirit is the overall theme.

The triumphs, fears & everything in between 

is what makes us truly whole.

Putting forth the effort 2 understand & having

sincere empathy could go a mighty long way.

Hmp! I guess it's not always about me...

& that's fine. 

There's nothing more genuine than building 

constructive bridges & 

connecting with others.

C'mon!!!!...It's all about the story man! 

Yep!

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Spark of Madness.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)