A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world.
~ Leo Buscaglia ~
Hello Carolyn and Happy Birthday! I pray that your day of celebration with family and friends , fulfilled all of your wishes and desires. As the words spoken by Leo imply, I've picked you a single rose today and added it to my garden, because you are and have been a friend to many within my world. May you continue to enjoy your month long celebration and may the festivities of Thanksgiving be ever present in your lifetime. Although the days of Summer are far behind us, I recall a wonderful celebration we shared among friends.....
A word of encouragement from a teacher to a child can change a life. A word of encouragement from a spouse can save a marriage. A word of encouragement from a leader can inspire a person to reach her potential. ~ John C. Maxwell ~
Happy Birthday Loretta ! I hope that Kimika, Karissa and Robert have showered you with the blessings and gifts that you deserve, on your special day. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year and many folks have been blessed as a result of your profession as a Radiologic Technologist. The one thing that I remember during our time in school, was your Mona Lisa smile. I choose to think that your smile and your clinical demeanor have been a comfort to the many individuals who have been before you in need of a mammography. Most men don't know the level of pain experianced, but I'm sure your greeeting with that famous smile has been a buffer. Our teachers and leaders in high school encouraged us daily. On this Thanksgiving Day, and your special day of celebration, I thank you for accepting the challenge to assist others with your professionalism and unforgettable smile. I searched through my archives and I think that you're sitting to the left of Linda Jackson.....Keep smiling my dear friend....
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. ~ Oprah Winfrey ~
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward ~
Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming ! ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin ~
Greetings of Thanksgiving to each of you ! As one of three website administrators, I cherish the opportunity to speak to each of you who read and participate within this forum. Blessings are never promised, but I've received many from you all as a grateful Classmate. Should you grow tired of my musings feel free to let me know, I won't be offended nor disappointed. I'm only using the forum because we've paid for it and it's useless otherwise. This may be the only social media that some classmates utilize, so please feel free to join in at any time! Oprah, William and Joseph exemplify my attitude towards you all. I've been blessed by your friendships and I vow to remain honorable within each of my posts and only ask that you too will participate as we approach our upcoming class reunion and the days beyond. Have a blessed day of Thanksgiving and always remember those less fortunate than us. Do whatever you're able to do to provide comfort along the way. My LOVE to each of you, RESPECTFULLY!!!!.....U NAME IT !
Kenneth, I wil never get tired of looking at the photos, listening to the music and getting updates about our class mates. Be assured that we appreciate all your efforts to keep us informed. I laugh a lot at the photos, strain my eyes to see who I can identify, and love your choice of tunes. I hope your Thanksgiving was more than great. As usual, I ate too much, and laughed a lot. Take care, friend.
It was from an old friend who thought he was dying. Anyway, he said, 'Life and death issues don't come along that often, thank God, so don't treat everything like it's life or death. Go easier.' ~ Thomas Arnold ~
Post Thanksgiving greetings Patricia, and also to the remaining Warrior Family. I too choose to believe that most of us stuffed ourselves and had numerous reasons to laugh while surrounded by family and friends. These are troubling times and laughter is always wonderful for the soul. I went to Charlotte, NC to see our own Kirk Whalum and his presentation of the 7TH Annual, A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas concert. Wonderful concert, which is heading to Memphis in December. Sheila E, Lynn Mabry (former Bride of Funkenstein) John Stoddard, Kevin Whalum and other band members performed like never before. If you are able, purchase a ticket and enjoy the evening.
Thomas Arnold has stated that "Life and death issues, don't come along that often, "THANK GOD", so don't treat everything like it's life and death." For that reason, I'm attempting to "GO EASIER", although this post is actually about death. I was recently informed, and it has been confirmed that another classmate, Walter Shaw, has passed. Many of us knew both Zenodia, (sister who preceeded him) and Walter in school. Final arrangements have not been completed, but we will keep you informed, when completed. If I remember correctly, Walter was in the band and if you look closely at this image, I think that's him sitting on the top left row behind Carol Keys, next to John Nolan. Thank God, that life and death issues don't come along often, but when they do, we'll just have to "Go Easier", with our acknowledgements, because SOMEDAY !.......
" EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO MARINO HARDY & FAMILY "
No matter how prepared you think you are for the death of a loved one, it still comes as a shock, and it still hurts very deeply.
~ Billy Graham ~
A melancholy spirit overwhelms me as I inform you all, concerning the transition of Mrs. Dorothy M. Hardy. The mother of Marino, has transitioned to the next phase of her life. Initial services begin Monday, December 3, 2018 at E. H. Ford Mortuary, 3390 Elvis Presley Blvd. The hours of 4 PM - 6 PM have been dedicated for visitation. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Greater Imani Church, 3824 Austin Peay Hwy. Visitation begans at 10 AM with actual services beginning at 11 AM. Let us extend messages of condolence to the Hardy Family.....
Empathy is the faculty to resonate with the feelings of others. When we meet someone who is joyful, we smile. When we witness someone in pain, we suffer in resonance with his or her suffering.
In high school, I was Mr. Choir Boy. I had solos, I was helping out the tenors with their parts and our choir teacher would ask me what songs we should do. ~ Lucas Grabeel ~
Happy Birthday to you Sir! Semper Fidelis! You are indeed my Brother from another Mother! We've endured such an extensive past together. I pray that your family and friends honor you with a tribute reserved for a King! Dilly Dilly...I'm not sure if Mr. Pender actually asked you what songs should be sung, but I do know that you have been an intergral part of any choir that you've participated in, especially the Peacemakers! I remain thankful that you sang a tribute during the transition of my mother, and now, we share the same absence. Here are a few memories to share and ultimately, they involve keeping cadence, both rhythmic voice and sequential steps. May the "Little Drummer Boy" be set free for all to hear.....you know what I mean....May we never forget those in the first two images, who are no longer physically among us.....
Life is full of happiness and tears; be strong and have faith.
~ Kareena Kapoor Khan ~
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED FOR OUR BROTHER - WALTER SHAW. ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT SUPERIOR FUNERAL HOME - 460 EAST McLEMORE (CORNER OF WELLINGTON AND McLEMORE) MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018.
VISITATION - 11 AM - 11:55 AM
FUNERAL BEGINS AT 12 NOON
When the soul looks out of its body, it should see only beauty in its path. These are the sights we must hold in mind, in order to move to a higher place.
What sweetness is left in life, if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun. A true friend is more to be esteemed than kinsfolk. ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero ~
Happy Birthday to you David. May you be surrounded by all the good things life has to offer on our birthday. May you and your family be continuously blessed throughout the day and the future. I never thought that I'd be using a quote from Cicero beyond our English 12 days, but you were a friend of many classmates during those days. Little did we know that among us we had friends, true friends, that we esteemed as kinfolk. Be blessed my Brother and may your sunlight continue to shine on our world of friends.....enjoy these remembrances from the past...
A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably. ~ William Penn ~
Why Being a Compassionate Person Is Good for Your Health by Brooke Keane
The holiday season can be truly anxiety-inducing. From coordinating travel plans to finding the perfect gifts, there are a number of pressures that can weigh on all of us during this time of year, including dealing with certain friends and family members whose worldview may be (very) different from yours. But instead of letting your blood boil during heated arguments at the dinner table, one simple and surprising way to ease some of that stress may be to show compassion toward the thoughts and feelings of your more “misguided” family members. And more than that, the holiday season is the perfect time to be kind and helpful to others especially those who tend to be overlooked by the rest of society.
Showing compassion can still be a pretty abstract concept, though — what does it really mean to be a compassionate person? And how can practicing compassion improve your health? We spoke to some experts to find out.
What is compassion?
“Compassion is a state of being in which we can feel from within our own experience sorrow, empathy, care for another human being,” Dr. Barbara Vacarr, CEO of Kripalu, Center for Yoga & Health, tells SheKnows. “It becomes the vehicle that connects us.” And according to Dr. Kristen UnKauf, a counselor at Northlake Medical Psychology and Counseling in Mandeville, Louisiana, the best way to start connecting compassionately is to acknowledge the experience of another person.
“I think that most if not all people want someone to ‘get’ them — understand the impact of negative experience,” she tells SheKnows. “Awareness is key. Ask questions — ‘What is this experience like for you; how can I help?’” Sure, your uncle may be totally trolling you based on your last politically driven Facebook post, but instead of getting fired up and flinging mashed potatoes at him, you might be surprised at what you learn if you ask him questions about his beliefs rather than tuning him out or telling him he’s wrong. UnKauf warns against intolerance of others’ points of view, as this intolerance is often rooted in fear. “It’s OK not to agree!” she says. “Fear can shut us down and block access to adaptive processes, such as accessing compassion.”
Being compassionate is good for you too
Practicing compassion doesn’t just make you look like a nice guy either; in the Mayo Clinic Handbook for Happiness, author Dr. Amit Sood says compassion can make you happier, decrease your stress levels and help put your own perceived problems into perspective by shifting your focus to the stresses of another. “We know from research that the experience of compassion benefits the health and well-being of the person who experiences it as well as the person who receives it,” adds Vacarr. Before you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes though, it’s important to remember to show yourself some compassion too.
“It starts with yourself by doing the following: practicing self-compassion, relaxing your judgments of yourself and others, healing your own trauma [and] practicing radical self-care,” ordained minister and host of NPR’s All Revved Up! Rev. Irene Monroe tells SheKnows. Eating something healthy, talking a walk or lying down are all easy ways to make your mind and body feel more at ease if you start to feel overwhelmed.
“Self-care is a concrete action that is focused on well-being inclusive of physical and emotional needs, which include proper diet, exercise and avoidance of behaviors [or] activities that deplete,” says UnKauf. So if you find yourself stressed by the holidays, remember a little compassion is a great gift for everyone.
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.
~ Simone de Beauvoir ~
Happy Birthday Ron! Your friendship has brought value to many of us, as our classmate. Often you've chosen to be an anonymous philanthropist to our many functions over the years, thus adding to the life of others. May the love of your family and friends be on display today as you celebrate your birthday. Thank you for being so faithful to our class. Everyone who knows you, has reason to celebrate....enjoy your day today.....
Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another. ~ Eustace Budgell ~
Happy Birthday Velma ! May your day of celebration be completely consumed with love, tenderness and devotion from your family and friends. May you be continually blessed to produce the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Recall from these images, your inclination to promote goodness and happiness through your friendships.......
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. ~ King Solomon ~
Birthday Greetings to you Donald! May you enjoy the blessings that your family and friends bestow upon you, during your celebration of life. Congrats upon reaching this milestone. As you reflect upon past and present blessings, reach out to those you consider friends , some of us may need sharpening....
The Warriors was in the house tonight. THE BOOKER T WASHINGTON CLASS OF "70" Christmas party. We had a blast fun, food and great fellowship. Twenty One Gun Salute
Merry Christmas everyone! Let's all welcome our classmate, Dorothy Johnson, to the website. Dorothy, it was good seeing you at the Christmas celebration. Hope you had a good time. If you have any questions about the website, don't hesitate to contact me. Feel free to use this platform to connect with your classmates and to stay abreast of what is happening with the cless. Welcome Dorothy!
I had a ball at the Christmas Bash. As far back as I can remember, I have always had a good time when we get together. Who can remember the sock hops, the house parties, the school ballet, the ball games. I think you understand where I am coming from. Just want to say I view you guys as family and love being around you. Keep this in mind going forward " Let's stay together". We have a litte more than a year to prepare for our 50th reunion, so classmates start checking in, get signed up so we can get a count and make plans. It's going to be big, so let's get started!
Heroes are never perfect, but they're brave, they're authentic, they're courageous, determined, discreet, and they've got grit. ~ Wade Davis ~
I'm not related to Mr. Wade, but I'd personally wish to acknowledge and extend a 21 Gun Salute to Mr. Cloyd Nightingale and Mr. John Thomas, whom I consider as "My Heroes" for 2018! I'm sure that the ladies of our class extended a heartfelt thank you, for your gifts, presented at the Christmas Party Celebration. As the theme indicated, "Let's Stay Together" you've shown that chilvalry amongst the men of our class is not dead and should be expected, regardless! For those of you , like I, who did not attend, Cloyd and John presented each attending lady of our class with a gift. I consider them both a "Gentleman and a Scholar"....Long May You Live.....
The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things. ~ Thomas S. Monson ~
Happy Birthday Mickie ! May your day of celebration be extremely wonderful with family and friends. It may be difficult to separate the season and your birthday, but each is important. May you receive gifts, reflective of both. Maintain the Spirit that Thomas is expressing and keep illuminating the goodness of your soul...reflect upon these memories as you celebrate...
It's true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul. ~ Caroline Kennedy ~
Happy Birthday Ann ! Your birthday is indeed a family tradition and is full of memories. As you celebrate today with family and friends, cherish the new memories and traditions that you will create with the family, for the future. Sorry that these ole eyes of mind couldn't pick you from my archive of pictures, but enjoy these memories from the past anyway.....
My brothers and sisters, may the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year.
~ Thomas S. Monson ~
Happy Birthday Iretha ! While celebrating this joyous occasion with family and friends, may the Spirit of Love continously fill your home. May each of the blessings received today, become masterpieces of gratitude for reflection. Now is the time to reach out to your clasmates once again and become involved during the year of 2019. Exciting events will be occuring and your presence is required. Here's a few masterpieces from the past for reflection.....enjoy......
I think you accidentally learn things in high school that turn out to be life lessons when you are able to step back a bit and study them in more depth. ~ Megan Fox ~
Happy Birthday Carl ! As the world celebrates your birthday, on the eve of a New Year, may you continue to enjoy a deeply enriched lifetime of grace and prosperity. Mr. Gates attempted to teach us a few things in Radio & TV that have become life lessons for me. You've incorporated some of them into your life and now I occasionally step back and study them even more. Thank you for supporting our class over the years. We shall share another toast of "Gentleman Jack" when I see you again. Take care and be blessed my friend...
Ken, Thanks for the happy birthday wishes. Yes, Mr Gates thoughts us well. I still use those skills in my work today. I wish you and all the BTW family a Very Happy and Blessed NEW YEAR. You just remind me to get a fresh bottle of Gentlemen Jack.
Everyone needs reminders that the fact of their being on this earth is important and that each life changes everything.
~ Marge Kennedy ~
"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE CLASS OF 1970"
Having been selected to be one of your website administrators, I've purposefully attempted to exemplify the words of Marge Kennedy, referenced above. Marge was an English Novelist and Playwright. I'm neither, although my posts may resemble such an aspiration. I only wish that you all don't grow tired of them and post a conversation to your classmates. However, you all have an indispensable place within my infinite world. With every post, I've tried to remind each of you just how important we are to each other, as our lives have constantly changed. We've lost several members over the years and we are truly blessed as we are on the edge of time.... We may have had our disagreements in past times, but we're on the verge of something greater than we ourselves. I've often mentioned to those who'd listen that our class needs a healing. I'm sure that Minister Maurice Hunt (I know that you read the site) & Minister Will Boyd would testify to my statement. I'm of the opinion that even Minister Otis "Crookedhead Clayton" would agree.
Anger, animosity and bickering over trivial matters that previously existed, should end, be buried and never exhumed again.. A new dawn is on the horizon and only you can make the necessary changes. I challenge you to reach out to a classmate that you've not contacted recently and fellowship with them, call or visit if possible. Send a card, just because ! The year 2019 should prepare us for one of the most important events to occur in 2020. The successful Celebration of our 50th Year Class Reunion depends on the spirit of these changes. I beseech each of you to respond to this simple and unselfish challenge. As mentioned before, we're on the edge of time, at this very moment. So, if you will be celebrating tonight, please do so in moderation as you choose or not choose to reflect upon the words of the Apostle Paul, as written in Ephesians 5:18-20 (Easy to Read Version) 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit.19 Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord.20 Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.....
And please point your firearms into the ground....
Thanks to everyone who has extended your support and encouragement. May every one of you be blessed throughout 2019 and the years to follow.....
Everyone needs reminders that the fact of their being on this earth is important and that each life changes everything.
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...I'm not sure if Mr. Pender actually asked you what songs should be sung, but I do know that you have been an intergral part of any choir that you've participated in, especially the Peacemakers! I remain thankful that you sang a tribute during the transition of my mother, and now, we share the same absence. Here are a few memories to share and ultimately, they involve keeping cadence, both rhythmic voice and sequential steps. May the "Little Drummer Boy" be set free for all to hear.....you know what I mean....May we never forget those in the first two images, who are no longer physically among us.....
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