Self-Reflections

On a personal note, 2013 was about family (my children and grandchildren); Keele and Finch community development; neighbourhood youth; advocating for the vulnerable; and re-connecting with a deep passion for the arts (e.g., photography, painting, writing, and expressing myself without limitations).

During this time I met some wonderful and talented people and treasure the laughter and beautiful memories they brought into my life. As well, I learnt a great deal about human nature (yes, even at my age) . . . the good; the bad; and of course, the ugly . . . but, the main thing I was fortunate enough to learn was . . . no matter what, one should always find time to laugh; dance; and sing out loud every chance you get. Appreciate life, itself.

Therefore, I have chosen to share some of the exceptional moments of 2013, that helped me stay focuse during some dark periods; and also encouraged me to continue to stand up against disrespect and the judgement of others ... a lack of humanity. ~ Gloria

December 31st . . . ended the year with a visit to see Santa with grandkids.
#Family #Laughter



December 13th: FINALLY realized 'my baby ain't no baby no more' - university grad.





November 27th: Attended and photographed my daughter, Grace, walk the runway ... Model-Fashion
Grace's Fashion Show and Costume Designs ... GraceRo

September 9th: At age 57 ... my first day of university.
 #Self-Improvement #Determination #Change

 

November 13th: My very first photo showing at The Open House for the Community Arts Practice Certificate (CAP). #CommunityArts #Photography

October 23rd . . . started writing (performed in Spoken Word form) . . . the draft:

A class project . . . I am from . . . IDENTITY
I am from fried chicken and baked 'buttered' corn bread
I am from 'sit your ass down before I beat you'
I am from don't touch a boy's hand or you'll get pregnant
I am from groovin' to Earth, Wind & Fire and some Rick James
I am from hiding my private poems beneath my mattress
I am from listening to traffic, construction, loud voices and, sometimes, gunshots in the night
I am from loving my parents; my sister Gracie; my children, and my grandchildren
I am from Angela Davis saying it's okay to be light-skinned with a big afro and shout,

"I'm black and I'm proud"
I am from Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, Brooklyn and Toronto
I am from.  ~ Gloria

 

 

September 22th: Attended and photographed the 7th Annual Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture at Yonge-Dundas Square. #CommunityArts



August 18th: Time well spent . . . Mother/Daughter. #Family #Laughter



August 2nd: MORE Mother/Daughter . . . precious time. #Family #Laughter




July 22nd: I wrote a book . . . A short story about the stigma of mental illness in the black community . . . https://t.co/HQSd5ftm1s



July 20th : Attended and photographed the Downsview Junior Carnival Parade. #Community



July 1st: Photographed the 2013Pride Parade - #EqualRights

 

June 21th: Attended and photographed Aboriginal Day ... YorkU. #Community

 



June 19th: Photographed C.W. Jeffery's graduates marching to York U . . . Walk With Excellence.
#HigherEducation #CommunityYouth

June 26th: Attended my grandson's kindergarten graduation with my kids. 
 #Family #Unity #Laughter

June 22nd: Change is good . . . cut off my hair.
#NewLook #NewAttitude #IBelieveICanTouchTheSky

 

 

My birthday week (May 23rd) . . . fun time with #DaughterAndFriends #BeingSilly



April 29th: Showing support for some amazing community graduate from the university youth program.
#Growth #CommunityYouth #CommunityDevelopment



April 1st . . . April Fools . . . playing around on stage at Yuk Yuk's . . . silly ME!



March 17th: Attended and photographed Jane/Finch Youth Talent Show.
#CommunityYouth #CommunityDevelopment

 

January 10th: Photographed and videotaped YorkU Idle No More #SupportTheMovement . . . http://glcarissa.tumblr.com/ 

Be kind to one another. ~ Gloria