Sunday, September 24, 2006

Family Life Day 2006

Welcome to Brinkow's family life celebration of salvation at the Naval Rec Center in Solomon's Island, MD. I didnt feel all that well, but enjoyed the breeze and the water. The day was a bit overcast, but everyone seemed to be having a great time enjoying the company and fellowship of friends and church family. Here are just a few of the folks that were there.

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Saturday, September 16, 2006

Daniel Beaty - Emergence-See

This clip was sent to me by a friend. Especially for the socially conscious and artistically minded - check this guy out. It's deeply moving - especially for anyone who grew up without a dad.

Daniel Beaty's website

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Silver Spring Jazz Festival 2006

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Today was the coolest. Ever had a day when it's simply wonderful to hang out with your own self? I did that today at the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. I spent my time shooting pics, enjoying the summer sun, and of course, people watching. This is a big festival weekend in the area. Rosslyn had a jazzfest today, and the black family reunion is going strong on the mall. Tommorow is Adams Morgan day in the district. I'm planning on going down there as well to see what I can see. Seems like one big last hurrah before the cold weather starts!

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Crowds

I usually hate 'em - but this was a cool one. Believe it or not this was early in the day - after the sun went down, there was not an inch of free astroturf to be found. In the evening, folks were hanging out on every level of the parking garage - watching the show. Who knew Silver Spring, Maryland could be so hip! I remember when it was a sleepy litte town with a metro station and a diner. I sorta miss that diner too!

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Father and son enjoy the day

More folks just out chillin for the Jazzfest

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Cutest Kids

Just the cutest kids out at this festival!


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Yet another cutie-pie!

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Hey! Look who I saw - Kelly!

Bumped into my co-worker at the Jazzfest - she was there with her husband and mom...everyone looked like they were having a great time! It's always great to see folks you know outta the blue ain't it?
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Kelly's Mom!

Wow...looks like the apple didn't fall far from the tree!. This was indeed a fun bunch. One guy with them walked by me about 10 times - each time looking at my T-shirt and sort of growling a hello by saying...BARBADOS...in a deep growly voice. I know, you had to be there - but trust me, it was funny.

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Terrell Stafford

Marylands Own...

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Marcus Johnson Project

Burnin up the stage!

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Felix's Son Watches Daddy...

That's my daddy up there Jammin!

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Felix Contreras & Afro Bop Alliance

Felix Contreras and Afro Bop had a great set. This is Felix on the congas.

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Wednesday, September 06, 2006

She has a name - (the mask below)

Thanks to my good sister....(she knows who she is)....for this suggestion.

ATARAH

Gender: Feminine
Usage: Biblical
Other Scripts: עֲטָרָה (Hebrew)
Pronounced: AT-a-ra [key]
Means "crown" in Hebrew. She was a minor Old Testament character, the wife of Jerahmeel.

I chose this name for the reason it was suggested. The meanings of both names - Stephanie & Atarah are common. "Stephanie" comes from the Greek Stephanos which also means "crown" or "garland".

Monday, September 04, 2006

Latest Mask Acquisition

I say this like I'm some sort of bigup art collector. SO NOT the case. However, it is what I brought back from my latest trip to Barbados. Isn't she beautiful? She's completely handmade from bajan clay. I think she deserves a name. Email me or comment with suggestions!

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Back on the Wagon

Okay folks. Summer is officially over. I've traveled far and wide and my butt is showing every restaurant that I visited. I'm officially back on the health wagon - and this morning journaled my food (back on the ww website) for the first time in months.

Tommorow, the big gal goes back to work. Not just at my desk, but in the gym as well. At least for a while, I'm giving everyone PERMISSION to hold me accountable. I'm going thru the freezer today - and get this, THROWING OUT - my stash of Rita's. I kind of bought a Quart of custard a few weeks ago - and then got too busy to eat it. Good thing tho, now it's going to the dogs. The Bajan cheese is probably going to be a problem, cuz I'm going to have to eat it really slowly. It's too good to throw or give away for that matter. I'm going to check the fridge for more contraband before the trashman comes. Green tea will be my new snacking friend. It worked before (hydration and filling when you are hungry)so I'm going back to what I know works. Change what goes in, and work off whats already there - and results happen. I solicit any support that folks feel like sending my way. Withdrawal from the lush food life is always a bear in the inital stages, but hey, if you wanna be something different, you gotta do something different. Wish me luck.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Barbados Rocks

Okay, this is the funniest thing I've seen this week. It's basically how I feel about the place - even tho I didnt do the video.

Erin and Luke

Could I just say that these are two of the sweetest people ever to walk the earth?

My "niece" Erin and my "Brother in Law" - Luke


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Last Hurrah

There's a story here, but if I tell ya, I gotta kill ya. ;-)


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Red Snapper and Breadfruit

Look for this guy if it's grilled red snapper you want.


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Can we say YUM?

Fried Blue Marlin cooked over a "coal pot"


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Not to be missed

These women may not look friendly, but they serve the BEST FRIED MARLIN in Barbados. Be sure to bring your patience (for the long line) and an empty stomach before you see them.

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Oistins @ Night

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Last night in Bimshire

Well,

Friday night was my last night in Barbados. And after going to the beach and resting off....we got the thought in our heads that going to Oistins for dinner was a good idea. Well folks, lemme tell you. First off, for those of you who are reading this and are SDA - YES, we KNEW it was sabbath. But contrary as we are, we went anyway. Lawd ha mercy! If you see people! Wall to Wall and bare foolishness. We stood on line at the best fish fry stand (if you go, there are two women right by the roadside frying Blue Marlin (YUMMY) for at least an hour and a half before we even got to place our orders. I should emphasize that the wait is worth it. There are a ton of fish stalls - grilling, frying.....Marlin, Tuna, Dolphin (no, not flipper - but Mahi-Mahi), Flying Fish - and all the stalls have sides (Macaroni Pie, Breadfruit, Macaroni Salad, Coleslaw, and Chips (bajan word for "french fries"). But the line we went to stand on was definately the longest - and to boot - had the most locals. If you want to know where the good food is, look for the longest line without tourists. There's your hint.

Anyway, back to the people. There was much music, dancing and more making merry than anyone should really have on a friday night. I not only waited on line for the marlin, I went to get a few orders of grilled red snapper as well. Fish so fresh that it was on the grill looking surprised to be there. If you are a party animal - friday night's your night. If you need a touch more quiet (just a touch mind you) then go early on a saturday evening and sit and watch the action and the bad singing at the kareoke (sp?) booth. Believe me, its funny - especially after folks down there have had too many drinks.

Pictures of said evening to come as soon as I can get 'em posted.