Your Presence

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Gigi in American Life 1 Comment

Your presence is a gift. We live in a world where everything is fast, slow is sometimes considered old and boring. Everyone is walking around with earphones, ear pieces, and smart phones have become a new body part. I know because I am guilty of all the above. All these gadgets were supposed to make our lives easier, but instead it has interfered with our human interaction. With all the social media, that we can easily access on our phones and be entertained, who has time to interact with the person next to you? And oh let’s not forget we all have 1000’s of friends now, but we still yearn for someone to be present, in the moment with us. We want to hear a voice, not read a cryptic text, that many times is misunderstood and usually in a bad way.

I’m old enough to remember BC…before cell phones and PC’s for that matter. Those were the days when you had to meet in person and you were fully engaged, because you had no distractions. You had dinner with your family and you chatted, you didn’t have bells, songs, chimes going off non-stop, alerting you of something perhaps a little more interesting than the person in front of you.

While driving you talked with your kids not on your cellphone to your girlfriend about “nothing”. Meetings took place in person, not via skype or on conference calls, you actually met with a person and went over things together. I know technology is supposed to make our lives more efficient, but my question is why are we busier than ever? Never able to complete tasks, always behind…why is “busy” perceived as important?

With my business I spend a lot of time online, to much time, I get sidetracked on “facecrack”, instagram, checking in on twitter, spending time alone engaging as my online persona, time that could be spent gracing someone with my presence. I’ve decided I’m going to take “busy” down a bit, and focus on my presence, make time to engage, unplug…I want to see a face, hear a voice, observe a glance, I don’t want to guess what 5 or 6 words accented by a happy face really mean.

So today take a moment and give someone the gift of your presence.

Happy Tuesday.

Xoxo,

Gigi

I’m not male. I’m not big, large or threatening…But

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Gigi in American Life 2 Comments

Yes! It has been a while, so much going on. Good news- the college process is OVER, my son did an early decision application to Bard College and was accepted. It was his first choice and we are happy that it came through for him, we found out the day before Thanksgiving and have been celebrating ever since. So both my children will be in New York, and I will have an excuse to pop in for some sponteneous long weekends.

Gigi’s son

My daughter was home for the holiday, my in-laws were visiting as well, I finished my film class, and I have been busy doing last minute family shoots. I’m finally coming up for air and like the rest of the country I’ve been saddened by the events that have been taking place. Of course having an 18 year old son, I can’t help but to think about Michael Brown’s mother who will not be sending her son to college, or the image of Eric Garner in a choke hold by the officer that has played countless times on all of the networks.

I thought about my 55 years on the planet, I too have had negative encounters with law enforcement. I’m not male. I’m not big, large or threatening, but it has happened to me, 5 TIMES. 5 negative situations is too many, I know there are good police who care and really do protect, but do to my experiences, I am fearful of police and my heart rate goes up at the thought of being stopped. I associate being stopped by the police with something negative, which is sad. My feelings have been shaped by an adult life that has been sprinkled one to many times with these encounters.

Incidence # 1

I was about 22 and I was stopped for expired tags, while driving in LA. During the stop and not being able to show valid registration the conversation deteriorated to being asked had I been to a hot tub club. For those of you to young to know about these, back in the 80’s there were these places where you could go and “rent” a hot tub room by the hour. I remember being uncomfortable with the conversation and telling the officer that I was not familiar with those places. I did not get a ticket, but I felt sick after being talked to like that from a figure of authority.

Incidence # 2

I was about 23 and I was “stopped” while sitting at a bus stop. I was living in Fox Hills at the time and I was sitting at the bus stop on Slauson and Overhill waiting for the bus. It was about 9 pm and I was on my way home from work, when a black and white car with 2 officers pulled over and questioned me as to why I was sitting there. Being a smart mouth at the time, I remember my response, “Officer read the sign, B-U-S- S-T-O-P that spells bus stop and that is why I am sitting here” that did not go over to well, and as a result he emptied my purse and my gym bag on the ground. I remember at that point being frightened and I remained quiet until they left, I picked up my stuff and to this day I don’t know why I was questioned or “stopped”.

Incidence # 3

I was 28, it was October and I had just met Reggie a month prior to this incidence. I was driving to the area that is now Universal City Walk, back in the day there were popular restaurants there, and that particular evening my roommate was having a party at a place called Victoria Station. So I’m driving, almost there and I am pulled over, the officer checked my license and a warrant from expired tags from some years back was discovered, I was petrified. I’m dressed for the party and the officer told me that I was going to JAIL, so I pleaded and he cuffed me anyway and put me in the back of the police car and THEN drove to the party and put down the window, and asked me “Do you see any of your friends? Maybe they can help you…” it gets worse, I’m then taken to the station to be booked, so after being questioned, I was finally able to make a call, and mind you this was before cell phones, and I am unable to reach anybody who could have bailed me out. So time was going by and I am panicking, and I don’t want to call Reggie, because I had just met him, so finally I’m told that in the morning I was going to be traferred to Sybil Brand where I woule be “eaten and beaten” no joke, that was what the officer told me happily. So to make a long story short I called Reggie about 4AM and he came and bailed me out…all this for expired tags.

Incidence # 4

I was 49 and taking my daughter to look at colleges in upstate New York, this particular evening we were looking for a B&B we were staying at, when out of no where the lights came on and of course I pulled over right away. I’m questioned as to what I am doing, and I answered very respectful, because it was dark and there are no other cars around and I was with my daughter. So after showing him my reservation confirmation, along with my license and the rental car contract he finally left and I cautiously checked in to the B&B of course still to this day not knowing why I was stopped.

Incidence # 5

A few years ago, I was “stopped” while parked, by a sheriff in Hollywood. I was never given a reason, but I showed my registration and my insurance card, which annoyed the officer because I had the insurance card from my other car, and I proceeded to tell him all my cars were insured by the same agent. He continued to interrogate me, until he noticed my white friend was in the car with me, ( I was in a little car and the way he was standing he could not see the passenger) once she spoke up and asked him why he was treating me like that, he then backed off…

My son does not have a drivers license yet, and there is a part of me that is frightened for him to drive and the thought of him being stopped by the police really scares me. I pride myself as always seeing the good in people, but we are living in challenging times. I will continue to embrace each day and live it to the fullest, finding joy in simply things and spending times with those that I love.

Happy Monday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

fresh highlights

HOO-DIE Racial Profiling Travon Martin and Gigi

Confirmation – Guaranteed Late check-In Really? Traveling while Black.

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Gigi in American Life, Travel 4 Comments

Last week my son and I traveled east to visit colleges, seems like only yesterday I was enrolling him in pre-school.

Reggie

I’m much more relaxed this time around, than I was with my daughter, the possibilities are varied and that makes the process interesting – the unpredictability of it all.

Reggie and a classmate at Vassar College

When I graduated back in the dark ages, I applied to two schools, Long Beach State and University of California at Riverside, I did the applications myself, filled out the financial aid forms, signed up for the SAT, which I only took once and I don’t know if they had prep courses back then, but I was not in one of them.

Both my kids have this fixation with the east coast, so our journey started in Syracuse, seeing 2 schools a day, finishing in Rhode Island. My trip was planned down to the minute, hotels, car rentals, restaurants etc., not that I’m a paranoid person, but I am aware of my “being” in strange remote areas. I drove during the day and checked into our hotels before dark, something about those little backroads that was a little unsettling.

So this particular day we were driving from Clinton, NY to Saratoga Springs about a 2 hour drive, I was incredibly tired, this college process, with the interviews, and tours can take a toll on you. We finally arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saratoga Springs, and I am greeted at the front desk, I do the typical routine present ID, credit card and my hotel confirmation number, only to be told that the hotel is completely SOLD OUT. Now remember I have been driving all day, I have to be at another school first thing in the morning, this is not what I wanted to hear.

All I got was an apology, a couple of gift cards and a reservation at another place in the town, but for some reason, something just did not “feel” right. I took my complimentary water and got in the car, when I saw a man getting out of a car with luggage, I watched as he entered the hotel, followed by yet another man also carrying luggage, I get out of my car and go back in the hotel and I observed both men getting rooms.

“Do you need something?” the clerk says. She comes toward me, as if she does not want me to see the men getting their keys from her co-worker.

Before I knew it this is what came out of my mouth. “Did you not give me a room because I’m African-American? “What is going on here…” You said you were SOLD OUT!” I said shaking my head and taking pics with my phone.

“NO, NO , NO, you’re making me feel so baaaaad- I’m so sorry I lied.” she says. “I have to give the corporate guests the rooms first. That is what we are told to do.” she says nervously watching as I continue to take pictures.

Now I’m feeling disgusted and sick to my stomach, I’m not sure if it was a racist thing or what considering the 3 men checking in were all white, so I go from sad to mad and I tell her I’m not leaving. So she then says, “I’m going to call my manager and see what she can do…”

Moments later she comes back. “We have a one bedroom suite we can give you.” she says. “And free dinner, drinks, breakfast and anything else you want.”

I take my key and go to the room and ask myself “why?”.

Why does everything have to be so difficult? I just wanted to check into my room like all the other guests. I’m paying the same $200 plus dollars, I’m not in a set aside hotel room program. Maybe it was not “race”, but I’m willing to bet if I were a blond mom traveling with her son, I would not have been turned away. I would have been upgraded to that one bedroom suite, no questions asked…

Happy Tuesday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

HOO-DIE Racial Profiling Travon Martin and Gigi

Michael Brown & Robin Williams

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Gigi in American Life 1 Comment

Two men, from totally different worlds were lost this past week. 18 year old Michael Brown, unarmed was shot and killed by the police at 2:15 in the afternoon. My son will be 18 on November 18th, Michael could have been my son. My son does not have his drivers license as of yet, so this summer I have been driving him everywhere, in a way it is a blessing. I worry about my son in this mean world we live in, I worry about what college he will go to and what the “area” will be like- is the neighborhood safe? What are the police like ?

I know first hand that this type of situation could occur anywhere, not just the midwest. I have been the victim of police abuse right here in Hollywood…PARKED in my car, in a store parking lot with a girlfriend. First of all, how does one get “stopped” if you are parked…but I did, the officer spoke to me as if I had horns, accused me of not having insurance ( I do) and he never ever said why I was being interrogated, he finally left me alone when he realized my friend was caucasian and she shouted at him to “LEAVE MY FRIEND ALONE!”.

Michael missed his first day of college, I can’t even imagine the pain his mother is going through. I tell my son to ALWAYS be humble and respectful if confronted with law enforcement, don’t make any sudden moves and answer all questions and don’t get “smart”. It is sad that I even have to have conversations about this…I wonder if my caucasian mother friends have to have these conversation as well…

Michael Brown RIP

Robin Williams, another tragic loss, suicide by someone the world viewed as one of happiest people, one who was always making others laugh. Depression, bipolar, and mood disorders, are diseases just like high blood pressure, diabetes etc. they have to be diagnosed and treated. It is easy to overlook these conditions, especially in our children, no one wants the stigma of “mental illness”. Many are embarrassed and ashamed at the thought of having a family member with mental illness, so hence many people go undiagnosed.

My family and my husband’s family are both riddled with family members struggling with mood disorders. I have seen what long term untreated mental illness can do to a loved one–not something I would wish on anyone. Alcoholism and drug abuse combined with mood disorders can be deadly. The abuse piece puzzles me, I understand it and I have witnessed it in our families, but how do you cure it? What can family members do before it is to late, and something happens like a suicide or some other tragic situation as a result of an unstable lifestyle…I know Robin Williams probably had the best therapists, and rehab programs and he could not win this battle, so what does this say for others that are dealing with this…

With my own family we work on communicating with one another and having a home where we can talk openly about everything. Learning to accept each others and all our flaws I think is key, knowing that no one is perfect.

I pray for Michael and Robin and their families at this difficult time, and embrace my family daily, because tomorrow is not promised.

Robin Williams RIP

XOXO,

GIGI

Post Holiday Weekend

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Gigi in American Life Comments Off

Gigi & Blue

This extended weekend was relaxing by the pool, a road trip to Riverside to visit family, hot yoga with my hubby, a movie “Tammy”, barre booty with a friend, dinner @ Gracias Madre, harvesting from the garden, teaching my son how to juice, a new addition to our family “Blue”, a real live scorpion, lots of conversations about life, the future, and navigating the college process with my son.

Blue & Daddy

On a sad note, my husband received the worst phone call- a friend/business associate drowned while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. We don’t have any details, but regardless, our friend is gone to soon, another reminder of how tomorrow is not promised. Rick Robins R.I.P.

flowers

Gigi’s Garden

As I mature, I find myself focusing on the simple things in life, like picking tomatoes from my garden, or inhaling the scent from a rose I picked, or playing with this little ball of fur I recused from my local nursery…did I need another fur baby? No. Not really, but life is so short, why not? She is so cute how could I resist?

Blue

I love the freedom of being me and working on my agenda and not worrying about if it is okay or not. It has taken me a long time to get to this place, but it feels really good. The “young” me was concerned with what others thought, sometimes making choices that I felt would please the masses, regardless of what I really wanted to do or say. It is a powerful thing to follow your own “Truth”…

quote

Summer is zooming by quickly, the days are long and many hours are spent driving my son (no license) to and from his appointments, classes etc.. Monday – Thursday I am gone from 6:45 AM to 7:30PM, squeezing in my PS Couture shoots, and appointments where ever I can. The one good thing from all of this driving is that I am spending a lot of time at the gym, it is the perfect place to kill a couple hours before pick up and Lord knows this 54 soon to be 55 year-old body needs lots of repair and upkeep.

I hope your long holiday weekend was enjoyable.

Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo, Gigi

Gigi

Happy Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Gigi in American Life, Holiday Comments Off

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July!

What I am looking forward to this weekend. Sometime at the beach, visiting my family, some yoga, a bike ride, spending time with our new kitten “Blue”, a tiny bit of work, and some time to do absolutely nothing, oh and watching fireworks. May you have a safe holiday with your family and friends as you get your sparkle on…

XOXO,

GIGI

LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Gigi in American Life, Family, My Life 3 Comments

Gigi & Mom

Mothers

My mom will celebrate her 84th birthday on October 16th, it seems like yesterday she was a “young” woman, so different from the thin framed, white-haired lady she is today. Riverside a suburb about 45 minutes from my home is my mother’s hub, We moved there in 1977, the year I graduated from high school.

Unlike me, my mom can count the times on one hand that she has had a professional mani & pedi, she has NEVER colored her hair, obviously I can’t say the same, and I could just about own a nail shop after 30 years of appointments. She prides herself on still being able to fit all her clothes from yesteryear, proud of never being “FAT”. Reminding my sisters and I that she wore her regular clothes six weeks after giving birth.

Her favorite and only travel destination is Hawaii; Europe, Africa, Asia will have to wait to another lifetime. Most restaurants she does not like, always finding something wrong with the food, preferring her own cooking and her american folgers coffee, no cappuccinos for her. Entertaining and preparing food for large groups is her second nature, always finding a reason to have a house full, extending invitations to everyone.

I will celebrate 25 years of marriage next year, I remember vividly when my mom divorced my father in 1968 before “divorce” was fashionable. At 38, with four children in tow, ranging in ages 2-16 she moved cross country from New Jersey to Compton California, with a small savings to start a “new’ life. I was 8, and have no memory of life being difficult, she enrolled me in St. Albert a local catholic school, although on occasion I do recall being called to the office because my mom did not pay the tuition, but I certainly was not the only one. She worked numerous jobs, including being a housekeeper in Brentwood, Westwood, Palos Verdes, etc., I remember going with her sometimes wanting to help at my little age, marveling at these estates saying to myself that one day I too was going to have a big house, as I quietly observed these women giving my mom instruction “Peggy, please don’t forget to do this or that”.

Determination is what I grew up watching, seeing a mother never give up at wanting to provide a life for her children. At 40, four kids and all, she married again and had another baby, way before it was vogue to be 40+ and pregnant. She returned to school in her late 50’s and went on to complete her masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the young age of 64. At 83 she is still ripping and running with the next generation, always at games, dance recitals, etc. never missing any milestones for the grandchildren. She discovered yoga in recent years and does not let anything interfere with her “zen” or her water aerobics.

Whenever I think about something being to hard or difficult, I just think about my mother’s story and keep it moving…

Happy Wednesday

XOXO,

GIGI

LIFE IS A SERIES OF SNAPSHOTS

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Gigi in American Life, My Life 4 Comments

I’m at an age where my friends parents are advancing in age and starting to have health challenges. This CANCER beast is out of control, touching everyone I know in some way. It certainly makes me appreciate every day my family and I wake up. I try and engage my life in a meaningful manner, stopping to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Alaska sky

Being a photographer I know life is a series of snapshots, images that represent a moment in our lives that will never be repeated. I’m obsessed with documenting life as it flashes by. My son used to get annoyed with me and say “Can’t we just do what we are doing? why do you have to take a picture?”.

For me relationships with my family and friends are so important. I may not have always been the “best friend” or family member, but I am always willing to work things out and apologize and move forward.

Yes, I love some material trappings like pretty shoes, leopard prints, sparkly baubles, and such, but at the end of the day it is the relationships with loved ones that really matter.

A few weeks ago my mother acquired some pictures from her cousin in San Francisco. I’m the default historian in the family and have always loved old photographs. Here are a few snapshots of my ancestors. I’m not sure of the identity of everyone, other than that are family members from my mother’s side. I hope 75 years from now there are families that will be sharing images that I captured through my lens…

my mom circa 1938

This is my mom and her only brother and their aunt who took care of them for a few years. They were living in Mississippi during the Great Depression.

My mother’s grandparents

This is my mom’s grandparents on her father’s side, the Elston family.

cowboy

I’m not sure who this cowboy is, doing a little research-I love this picture.

family

I love the expressions, smiling on pictures is something that came about much later.

mom’s family

Love the hair and the dress.

my mom’s father-my grandfather

My grandfather moved west via Mississippi do to some sort of scandal. He settled in the small town of Oroville in northern California. I would love to know the story of how he and his family migrated to the bay area.

I hope 75 years from now some one is looking at my images sharing moments of a bygone era. I’m excited and looking forward to do family portrait sessions and capturing memories.

Happy weekend,

XOXO,

Gigi

HOO-DIE Racial Profiling Trayvon Martin and Gigi

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Gigi in American Life 8 Comments

Gigi & Son Reggie

Now that George Zimmerman was found not guilty, the media agencies are saying it is a tragedy, not a crime. Many want to deny that race had anything to do with the case, that Zimmerman only followed Trayvon because of his suspicions of him being a criminal. Being the mother of a boy that is about the same age Trayvon Martin was at the time of his murder, this case hits home with me personally. When I see images of Trayvon, I see my son Reggie and all the other African-American boys I know. Racial bias and profiling happens all the time, it is not something I chose to fixate on constantly, but I decided to share my list of a few “racial profiling” situations that I have personally experienced in my sheltered life.

1. Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara– I drove up like all the other guests, (btw not that it should make a difference I was alone). No one helped me with my luggage, I believe it was assumed I was not “checking in” therefore I did not need assistance with bags. Action-Had to go in “check in” and then in my LOUD voice asked if they had discontinued helping guests with their luggage…Hotel sent written apology, fruit and chocolates to my upgraded room, clearly I had a reservation and did not need “free” items…I just want to be treated like all the other guests.

2.Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara– My family and I go to the restaurant to have lunch, the hostess quickly stated that she had to check if she had a table for us, even though I could see numerous empty tables. After being seated in the near empty restaurant, I go back in and asked the hostess why was she reluctant to seat us, and before she responded a manager intervened and apologized. Action- made a formal complaint and our lunch was taken off our bill. Once again I am not on the “free lunch” plan and just want to be treated like all the other guests.

Santa Barbara

3. Nordstrom Brea– I was shopping in the cosmetics department ready to make my purchase, there was a woman ahead of me who was having a problem with her check being approved. She was irate and wanted to see the manager to figure out why her check was not accepted, so the manager came and approached me and began to explain why my check was not clearing the system. I let him explain and then I said “I’m not writing a check”. Action-made a complaint and Nordstrom suggested that if I ever have a “problem” come right upstairs to the office and a manager would assist me with my purchases. I just want to shop like all the other customers.

4. Nordstrom Brea– Went to return a fragrance that Reggie purchased for Mother’s Day, a month later the sprayer stopped working and I told the salesperson that I needed to exchange my gift, or could the sprayer be fixed, she told me that they do not carry that perfume and proceeded to take care of another customer. In my LOUD voice I tell her the perfume is right THERE in the case. She exchanged the perfume with an “attitude”. Action-Made a complaint to the management and once again I am told to come to the management office and someone would assist me with my purchases. Once again I just want to be treated equally like all the other customers.

The exterior of a typical Nordstrom department store at The Florida Mall located in Orlando, Florida. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Campanile/LeBrea Bakery– We used to frequent this restaurant a lot, on this particular day we went for brunch, it was not that busy and the hostess seated us at an undesirable table way in the back. There was a beautiful fountain in the front with tables that was the preferred seating area and there were plenty empty tables. I shared with Reggie my obeservation, and he said “NO WAY”. He then went outside and watched for about 10 minutes as other non African-American patrons came in with no reservations and they were all seated in the front of the restaurant. Action-after about 4 couples were seated Reggie politely asked the hostess why did she seat us all the way in the back, and her reply was “Sir I don’t know.” The sad thing about this, I believe she really did not know…

Campanile

6. Ralphs- This particular day I was doing my shopping, when I was approached by an elderly woman who asked me if I were available for hire-she needed a housekeeper. She was very polite and even asked me if I knew how to make a sweet potato pie. I replied to her that I did not think she could afford my day rate and YES I do know how to make a sweet potato pie.

Help

7. Pharmacy – When my children were little, on occasion I would need a prescription filled, and on this particular day I go to the counter and the clerk tells me I cannot get this particular med, that I need to go back and get a new prescription from my pediatrician. I asked why and her reply was “Medi Cal does not cover this” Action- I can’t write everything I said here-let’s say it was a day those who were there will remember for a long time.

8. Store Parking Lot Hollywood – This particular afternoon I was parked in a store parking lot in Hollywood,with my friend (btw a caucasian girlfriend) we were about to get out of the car, when a police officer blocked my parked car and jumped out of the car and came to the window and asked for my drivers license and insurance. I asked why and he said “just get it” I was in my little BMW and I don’t think he really noticed my friend. I could not find my insurance card, but I had the one for my other car, and I told him that it was the same agent, he seemed bothered that I had other cars. He continued to interrogate me, until finally my friend asked him “why are you bothering her?” when he saw that she was white all of a sudden he backed off. After he drove away, my friend said “I guess that was “driving while black”?…he never stated what the problem was nor did he give me a ticket.

Sheriff

I could go on and on with these stories, but I chose to believe there are more good people than bad and when you correct situations when they happen that perhaps the idiot will think twice next time. I talk to my son about proper behavior now that he is a teen and not a cute “little boy” anymore, I warn him about how to act if approached by the police. He is not driving yet, but in a way I am happy, because I would be afraid, especially now.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Trayvon’s parents, at this time of loss, I can’t imagine losing my son, the pain would be unbearable.

Trayvon

Xoxo,

GIGI

Until the philosophy which hold one race superior
And another
Inferior
Is finally
And permanently
Discredited
And abandoned –
Everywhere is war –
Me say war.

Bob Marley

WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Gigi in American Life, Weekend Observations 4 Comments

Jack & Jill Teens Long Beach

Phoenix Arizona record breaking temperatures ie. 118 degrees + 250 or so teens, at a regional conference for 4 days = a lot of fun & sleepless nights.

Jack and Jill 75 years

We attended the annual Far West Region Jack and Jill teen conference held this year at Arizona State. Reggie and I along with a few other moms from our chapter were chaperones. I have been a member of Jack & Jill, since Reggie was 2. Jack and Jill is an African-American nationwide family organization that was founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938. The organization was formed during the depression, an extremely segregated time in our country. The focus was creating an environment for African-American children to stimulate social, cultural, educational and civic programs. Jack and Jill celebrated 75 years and is still going strong with 220 chapters with over 30,000 members nationwide.

Plenary Session

Some may question is there still a need for Jack and Jill? Times are different now, we even have President Barack Obama! We live in a suburb, where my children were always one of a few African-American families in their school and neighborhood, I wanted them to be exposed to other children who looked like them. I wanted my daughter to not feel like a “show N tell” exhibit every time she changed her hair from braids, to a press and curl or a natural hair style. There are many groups like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, National Charity League, Assistance League, etc., we participate in these organizations as well.

Reggie & Reggie

If I had any doubt about the validity of Jack & Jill, I can recall an incidence when my son was about 10, and I was picking him up from my neighbor/girlfriend, who is also African-American. The three of us were standing outside in broad daylight about 4 in the afternoon, when a car drove by and the occupants shouted “Niggers”, I felt so awful and helpless when I looked down at my son. Or when prom time came around and everyone was pairing up to go, and no one asked my daughter, all I had to do was pick up the phone and call one of my Jack & Jill sisters and my daughter had an escort. I have met some of my lifelong friends in Jack & Jill. We all strive to raise our children to be leaders in our society, and to make a difference in this world.

Let’s Work, Let’s Play, Let’s Live Together…

Senior Charis

We are so proud of our senior Charis, btw she recently completed her Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout and has completed over 500 community service hours.

Wearing our uninterrupted “White”

Yes some of our “rules” are 75 years old, but it is nice to see everyone dressed for a change. Matter of fact on the drive back home we could not just speed by the outlet in cabazon, so of course I was thrilled to find a pair a white Prada pumps…

Prada Pumps

Hope you had a good weekend and stayed cool.

Xoxo,

GIGI

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