About Me

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Anyone who knows me well, would smile slyly or laugh aloud while shaking their head. They might try describing me with some odd anecdote. I admittedly have a sense of humor, that catches most off guard. I am also oddly conservative, in a bohemian sort of way! Making others laugh at slightly inappropriate moments is a secret joy. I am a creative soul-an artist of sorts. I enjoy laughter, love and people who are not puffed up with ego. I am short patient with false promises, and with those who crave the limelight and status. I have had my share of joy and pain, but like to think I will be victorious over the pain. I believe in and love God, and depend on my faith in this journey. I am a daughter, a mother of a young woman, part of a loving family, and a good friend to some folks. I am intent on living and bringing joy and enlightenment into the lives of others, while gleaning some for myself! My pet peeves are superficial people, liars, and manipulators. I also abhor malicious gossip, and mean spirits. My mother taught me to "love many, trust few, and always paddle my own canoe."

Saturday, March 19, 2011

One Girl to Love

What would you think if you came home and 28 boys and men had repeatedly raped your eleven year old daughter, sister, niece, cousin, or even neighbor? Would it make a difference if it were only 17? Would you say to yourself, “I wonder who caused this horrendous crime?" Would you think it was the eleven year-old's fault?

This is a nation who will brake for a stray dog, even a squirrel, and experience guilt killing an insect that could be set free. Why and how can this same society demean the victim of such a crime? A place that found itself in the minds, and on the lips of angry women, men, mothers, daughters, husbands, sisters, and brothers-Cleveland, Texas is divided over one INNOCENT little girl who was VICTIMIZED by men and boys. Divided?  Yes. Where were the parents? That is a good question. Where were the parents of those boys?  What kind of parents raised those men? You still want to judge?  Okay, what kind of parents would raise a person that would ridicule a young victim? Who raised these people who are as barbaric as Neanderthals with torches and stones? Where are your parents?  Where were they when you should have been learning about compassion and love?  You, who dare to judge the character and morals of an eleven year old.  You, who point your fingers at this baby invisibly lurked in the trailer with those boys. You are as guilty, as if you were there cheering them on. Given the chance to uplift, you chose to scorn her. Rape is the mutilation of the spirit...and this spirit is only eleven!!!

A little girl is frightened, confused in foster care, and among more strangers. This is your little girl. This is our little girl. She has been broken, beaten and strewn like trash.  Did you pick her up? No, you stepped on your own. Yes, this child belongs to us. We must nurture her back to health. We must love her, and show her what real love is…. You have already shown her what it is not. Cleveland, Texas how are you divided when there is only one answer. You.  When you saw this pretty baby, did you stop to tell her how special she was? Do it now. Did you buy her a pretty dress, dolls, or bubble bath? Do it now. 

Little brown baby shown so little love, by so many people with very little minds. Look at yourself.  She is your child. When you came home and found your daughter, sister, niece, cousin, or neighbor was raped, you spat on her. Where are your parents?

To our little girl
Dear sweet one, this is a big world-so much larger than what surrounds you now.  There is a whole world waiting to hug you, and kiss the tears away.  There are people waiting to smile at you, lift you up, and twirl you around. Love is happy. Love is the sunshine. Love is soft rain on your face. Love is a happy puppy.  Love is a baby doll dressed just like you. Love makes you feel good about being you. I am glad that you are here. You are still here.  God knew that the earth needed a flower as beautiful as you.
Yes! You are needed, your beautiful smile, and happy giggle. Your toes, fingers, hands, and that beautiful face all loved. No one can make your mama’s face light up like you. No one.  Read the love letters we have sent you…YOU ARE OUR LITTLE GIRL-LOVED, WELL LOVED. Do not forget it, ever.
The Little Girl The World Loved
There was a little girl from Cleveland Texas, who touched the hearts of many.
She had a heart of pure gold, and love?  Well, she had plenty.
Her eyes, were bright and diamond-like
Her smile was the prettiest ever.
She was sweet and kind, and very smart.
To know her was a pleasure.
She pressed her face to the mirror and she was so surprised.
Because there looking back was TheLittleGirlLoved standing right before her eyes.
She doesn’t have to be afraid, because of all the love.
The Friend that is protecting her is looking from above.
He sent His many angels from Facebook all around the world.
Just to give a great big hug to this special little girl.
So smile my sweet and Beautiful child and hold your head up high.
You’re LittleGirlLoved, a special joy; and precious butterfly.
Barbara Kellom
March 18, 2011 3:39 a.m.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Spiraling on Music

I love music. 
I love that way it speaks to me, for me and through me. 
I love Stevie and the way he expresses his sentiments of love, pain, joy, and exuberance. 
I love the gentle way he talks about life and nature. 
Sometimes I enjoy hip-hop, and nodding my head as if I were 17 again.
But, I'm not.
So, it is old school that speaks to me like no other type of music can.
I am old school.
I am the worn out grooves of the 45 left on the dusty hi-fi.
I am the "arm" left back so that the song can play over and over in the night.

I am old school. Not doo wop.
No, but I am tight sharkskin suits and processed hair.
I am thick and thin socks and red lipstick.
I am stockings with garter belts,
Shimmering on stage.
I am a glittered evening gown, heavy eyeliner, and a french roll.
Hey...I am a kiss curl glued to the side of your face with "ticky sticky"!
I am the phillly dog, the twist, the boogaloo, the bop, and the penguin.

I am gold lame elbow gloves, and I'm hopscotch with the clay brick chipped off of an old building.
I am "rock teacher", hide 'n seek, "mother may I"
and still listening to my rhythm and blues on a transistor radio.
On AM
I am white cuffed shirts with diamond cuff links...
I am hair pressed with royal crown, dixie peach, and hair rep.
I am hair sprayed, but I am not dippity-do.
Nope. 

But I am the hair that is smoke-filled and nappy at a basement party where the lightbulb was unscrewed when your mama went upstairs.
I am hot and sticky clothes wet from "socialing" too close with the boy with the "good hair".

I am old school.
I still snap my fingers....I know how to double clap.
I say, HEYYY when my jam comes on.
And my arm goes up 'cause I am feeling that song.
I love music, and the way it makes me feel, makes me remember, and helps me forget.
But, it's old school that knows how to do that best.

By Barbara Kellom








Jazz, Band, and Mayhem (N/A)

Jazz, Band, and Mayhem (N/A)
My handmade quilt by Barbara Kellom

Lone Petal

Lone Petal
by Barbara Kellom