Just A Cotton Picker, ###x, Moline, IL (2026)

05/06/2026

Tiger was fuming with rage, his whiskers twitching with anger, his ears folded back, as he stomped his way to Anansi's little hut. He had had enough of Anansi's lies, and the final straw was when Elephant burst out laughing in his face. Tiger's eyes blazed with fury as he confronted Anansi, who was lounging in his favorite hammock, looking as innocent as a butterfly. 'You better tell everyone the truth,' Tiger thundered, 'I am not your personal mode of transportation, I do not let you ride me like a horse, I am not at your beck and call. If you don't come with me this instant, I will smash you with my big, powerful paws, and send you flying into the nearby bushes.' Anansi, being his clever and deceitful self, looked up at Tiger with a pitiful expression, his eyes wide with fake concern. 'Oh dear Tiger, I would gladly go with you, but I'm afraid I'm not feeling well this morning. My back is killing me, and my legs are as weak as a newborn fawn.' And, to add drama to his performance, he hobbled to the door, wincing in pain with every step. 'I cannot go,' he cried, clutching his back, 'my poor legs won't carry me with my back like this.' But then, with a sly grin, he added, 'However, I want to help you, dear Tiger. Do you think you could let me climb onto your back, just till we get to the water hole? That's where everyone is this time of day, and I promise I'll make it up to you.' Tiger, still fuming, but also a bit suspicious, hesitated for a moment, before nodding his great head. So Anansi climbed up onto Tiger's back, holding onto his neck with a tight grip. As they approached the water hole, Anansi shouted to the assembled animals, 'Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, Monkey, and Lion, see? I told you Tiger was at my beck and call. See how he lets me ride him like a horse, like a loyal steed?' The animals all burst out laughing, pointing and jeering at Tiger, who was mortified. His face burning with shame, he took off like a shot, racing into the trees, with Anansi laughing and holding on tight. And when they reached the safety of a low-hanging branch, Anansi jumped off, waving goodbye to Tiger, who was left to nurse his wounded pride.

05/04/2026

In this enchanting tale of Anansi, the infamous trickster, he and his lovely wife, A*o, have been cordially invited to his mother-in-law's lavish abode for a grand feast. They take great care in dressing up in their finest attire, with Anansi donning his favorite hat, adorned with vibrant feathers and colorful beads, and A*o sparkling in her favorite beads and earrings that shimmer in the light. They're in a very cheerful mood, practically bouncing with excitement as they make their way to the celebration. At the feast, there are numerous delicious dishes spread out before them, including juicy chicken, tender goat, steaming hot yams, flavorful stews, and freshly baked bread. Anansi eats and eats until he can eat no more, his plate piled high with a sampling of each dish. He mingles with his family and the other guests, laughing and joking, while A*o is the social butterfly, flitting from group to group, spreading joy and warmth wherever she goes. When Anansi starts to feel hungry again, his stomach growling with anticipation, he looks high and low for his favorite dish, a big pot of beans. He searches the tables, his eyes scanning the spread, but can't find them anywhere. He thinks his mother-in-law must be hiding them, saving the best for last, so he sneaks into the kitchen, his eyes darting back and forth, making sure no one is watching. He finds a large pot of beans simmering away on the stove and can't resist the temptation. He empties the pot into a large bag and carefully places it under his hat, trying not to draw attention to himself. As his father-in-law makes toast after toast, Anansi becomes increasingly uncomfortable due to the heat of the beans, sweat beading on his forehead, his face growing redder by the minute. Finally, he can't stand it anymore and pulls off his hat, spilling the beans and burning himself in the process. Embarrassed, he runs from the house as fast as his legs can carry him, his in-laws' angry shouts and his poor wife A*o's cries of dismay echoing behind him. He can't help but think to himself, 'Well, that didn't go as planned!' as he disappears into the night, his tail between his legs so to speak, as spiders don’t have tails.

05/03/2026

Anansi , the sly and cunning spider, was up to his old tricks again, this time he stumbled upon his arch-nemesis, Tiger, in a deep and treacherous pit. Anansi heard Tiger's thunderous roaring echoing through the forest, and his curiosity was piqued. He looked around, his beady eyes scanning the area, and that's when he spotted Tiger, trapped and helpless in the deep pit! Tiger was leaping and jumping, his powerful legs propelling him upwards, trying to escape the confines of the pit. But no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't seem to climb out. Anansi looked down at Tiger, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Hello, Tiger!” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Having a bit of trouble down there? Looks like you're stuck, my dear Tiger.” That made Tiger's eyes blaze with anger! Inch by inch, he started clawing his way up the pit, his sharp claws digging into the dirt and rocks. “You can do it, Tiger!” Anansi shouted, his voice full of false encouragement. “Come on! Come on! You're almost there!” Near the top, Tiger gasped, “No… more… strength…” His chest heaving, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. “Just pray!” said Anansi, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Put your paws together and pray for strength. Maybe the gods will hear your plea and grant you the power to escape.” And when Tiger put his paws together, he slid all the way back down, his paws waving wildly in the air. Anansi ran off, laughing and chuckling to himself, the sound of his laughter echoing through the forest, as he disappeared into the underbrush, leaving Tiger to his misery.

05/02/2026

In In the heart of the lush forest, where the ancient trees whisper secrets to the wind, and the sunbeams filter through the leaves, lies an enchanting Anansi tale, Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock. This captivating story revolves around the cunning spider Anansi, who stumbles upon a mysterious moss-covered rock that possesses extraordinary magical properties, deeply rooted in traditional West African folklore. The rock's mystique is palpable, and its aura is woven with the threads of ancient wisdom. As Anansi delves deeper into the rock's secrets, he discovers that it has the power to induce a deep slumber in any creature that speaks of it, a power that could be both a blessing and a curse. The rock's magic is so potent that even the most vigilant of creatures cannot resist its allure. With his mischievous mind racing, Anansi concocts a plan to use the moss-covered rock to put the animals to sleep and steal their food, thinking he's finally found a way to get away with his trickery. He imagines the looks on their faces when they wake up to find their food gone, and a sly smile spreads across his face. However, his clever scheme is once again foiled by the quick-witted Little Bush Deer, who outsmarts him and exposes his deceitful ways. The Little Bush Deer, with her agility and sharp instincts, sees through Anansi's plan and decides to teach him a lesson. Will Anansi ever learn his lesson, or will his insatiable appetite for trickery continue to be his downfall? Will he ever understand that his cunning nature, though impressive, is no match for the collective wisdom of the forest creatures? Only time will tell if Anansi will change his ways and become a force for good in the forest, or if hi

05/02/2026

As I drive home from the City of Hope, I pass by the Naval Station Great Lakes Bases, which always brings back fond memories of my Uncle Alvin. The Naval Station Great Lakes is a place of great significance, not just because it's the only Naval Bootcamp in the Country, but also because it's known as the Quarterdeck of the Navy. I'm reminded of its rich history, particularly the fact that it took its first black recruit, Doreston Luke Carmen Jr., in June 1942, when he was just 19 years old. The station had established a segregated training facility, Camp Robert Smalls, within the Station, and opened for specialized training such as Machinist Mate. It's remarkable to think that 16 black men enlisted and began the accelerated officer training program, and on March 17th, 1944, 13 of the 16 commissioned as Navy’s first black Officers. My Uncle Alvin enlisted in the Navy on July 7th, 1943, and was trained here at the Naval Station Great Lakes Bases from July 3rd, 1942, to July 1st, 1943, at Camp Robert Smalls. He then went to Port Chicago, California, on July 10th, and from August 12th, 1943, until October 14th, 1943, he was stationed at Mare Island. From there, he served on the USS Alabama for one year, then was transferred to the USS John W Weeks until March 20th, 1946. I'm so proud to say that he was first under fire on December 20th, 1944, in the South Pacific, during which period my Uncle received the Purple Heart. I will always remember the service my Uncle gave to this country, and I hope his name won’t be erased from the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice are an inspiration to me, and I hope to keep his legacy alive by sharing his story. I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on his life and service, and I hope that his story will continue to inspire future generations. The Naval Station Great Lakes Bases will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of its significance in the Navy's history, but also because of its connection to my Uncle Alvin's remarkable journey. I feel a sense of pride and gratitude every time I drive past the base, knowing that my Uncle was a part of something much bigger than himself. His service was a testament to his courage, perseverance, and dedication to his country, and I hope that his story will continue to be told and retold for years to come.

05/01/2026

In the heart of the lush Ghanaian forest, where ancient tales come alive and the whispers of the past echo through the rustling leaves, Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom unfolds a fascinating story rooted in the rich Ghanaian oral tradition brought to the America’s via the African Slave market, a painful reminder of the transatlantic slave trade that ravaged the continent. According to the legend, Anansi, the cunning and clever spider, is bestowed with a precious jar of wisdom by the benevolent deity Nyami, who takes pity on humanity's helplessness, a state of desperation that has plagued the world since the dawn of time. Man, in his ignorance, is incapable of fending for himself, and Nyami's gift is meant to be shared with all creatures, great and small, to bring about a era of peace and harmony. However, Anansi's selfish nature gets the better of him, and he decides to keep the jar's wisdom for himself, succumbing to the temptation of power and knowledge. He cleverly ties the jar to his leg, thinking that if he can reach the highest branch of the tallest tree, he'll be the sole possessor of the wisdom, and with it, the ability to control the fate of the forest and its inhabitants. The climb proves to be more arduous than he anticipated, and as he stops to catch his breath, he hears his young son's innocent voice calling out to him, 'Father, what are you doing?' Little does Anansi know, his actions will have far-reaching consequences, and the fate of the forest's creatures hangs in the balance, as the delicate ecosystem is threatened by his selfish desires. The fate of the forest's ancient trees, the sparkling streams, and the creatures that call it home, all hang precariously in the balance, as Anansi's actions set in motion a chain of events that will change the course of history. 🌳💡

04/28/2026

Anansi the spider, a legendary character in African folktales, was a cherished companion that slaves brought with them wherever they were forcibly taken and sold. This cunning and wise trickster represents the essence of wisdom, cleverness, and wit, passed down through generations via oral traditions. These stories were shared orally from one generation to the next, and were extremely popular among African slaves, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience. Anansi embodies the spirit of freedom, symbolizing the unrelenting quest for liberty and autonomy. This complex creature, with its remarkable ability to outwit and defeat its enemies, defies the existing social order and uses rebellion and doubt to instill faith in those who felt oppressed. Through its tales, Anansi inspires people to question authority, challenge the status quo, and strive for a better life. Its stories have been a source of comfort, entertainment, and empowerment for centuries, reminding people of the power of intelligence, creativity, and perseverance. Anansi's legacy continues to inspire generations, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity among people of African descent.

04/26/2026

The Family of Deere that vist me on the regular.

04/25/2026

A very useful African Proverb that teaches us about the importance of relationships, “Even the tongue and the teeth quarrel now and then.” This wise saying highlights that even the closest of friends or family members can have disagreements, just like the tongue and teeth which are physically close but can still clash. It reminds us to be patient and understanding in our interactions with others, and to not let petty differences come between us. In fact, this proverb goes beyond just relationships, it also serves as a reminder that even within ourselves, we can have conflicting desires, thoughts, and emotions that can lead to internal conflicts. The tongue and teeth, which are essential for our survival, can still have moments of discord, and so can we. This proverb encourages us to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and effective communication to navigate these inevitable conflicts. By doing so, we can strengthen our bonds with others and with ourselves, leading to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships. Moreover, this proverb also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection. It urges us to examine our own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to be aware of the conflicts that may arise within ourselves. By acknowledging and addressing these internal conflicts, we can become more whole and complete individuals, better equipped to handle the challenges of life. Furthermore, this proverb can also be applied to our relationships with others. It reminds us that even in the closest of relationships, conflicts are inevitable, but it's how we navigate these conflicts that matters. By cultivating empathy, tolerance, and effective communication, we can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. We can learn to appreciate the differences between ourselves and others, and to celebrate the unique perspectives and strengths that each person brings to the table. In the end, this African proverb teaches us that relationships are not about avoiding conflicts, but about learning to navigate them in a way that strengthens our bonds and fosters greater understanding and harmony. 💡💬

04/24/2026

I get a kick out of the proverb, 'Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet.' It's a wise saying that resonates with me on a deep level, and one that I find myself reflecting on frequently. The idea that one should approach uncertain situations with caution and careful consideration, rather than recklessly diving in headfirst, is a valuable lesson that I try to apply to my own life. In fact, I've found that this approach has helped me navigate some of the most challenging moments of my life, from making major career decisions to forming meaningful relationships. By taking the time to assess the situation and weigh the potential risks and rewards, we can avoid getting in over our heads and instead make more informed decisions that lead to success. This approach also helps to build confidence and self-trust, as we learn to rely on our own judgment and instincts. Moreover, it's a skill that can be applied to various aspects of life, from business and finance to personal growth and development. By adopting a more thoughtful and deliberate approach, we can achieve our goals while minimizing the risk of failure. So, the next time you're faced with an uncertain situation, remember the wise words of this proverb and take a step back to assess the waters before diving in.

04/24/2026

I vividly recall being 10 years old when the Great Flood of 19765 occurred in the Quad Cities. It's a memory that's etched in my mind like it was yesterday. I remember it had been a cold winter, and the snow came late, much to my dismay. As a kid, I was eager to indulge in my favorite winter activities like sliding down all the great hills in this area, but the snow was nowhere to be found. The wait was agonizing, and I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of boredom. Finally, the snow started falling around the end of December, and it was a record-breaking 16.2 inches until March. March was cold, very cold, setting a record and preventing the snow from melting until April. The chill in the air was biting, and I could feel the frost seeping into my bones. Then came the heavy rain, a whopping 7.92 inches, late snowmelt, and the water began to rise at an alarming rate. The Quad Cities is a unique place, nestled between the mighty Mississippi River to the north and west (the Mississippi runs west before dipping to the south towards New Orleans), the Rock River to the south, and the Green River on the east that empties into the Rock River. On the southwest corner of the area, the Rock River and the Mississippi River join and then run to the south, creating a confluence of waterways that's both breathtaking and intimidating. The river kept rising for three weeks, and it was like watching a slow-motion disaster unfold before my eyes. My church had taken in families, as many of the churches here did, as the flooding had displaced a staggering 14,000 people. I remember seeing the desperation in the eyes of those who had lost their homes, and it was a harsh reality check for a 10-year-old like me. My Uncle Alvin was one of the many heroes who risked their lives to rescue people stranded on the roofs of houses and buildings. I recall the sound of boats motoring down the streets, a surreal sight that's forever etched in my memory. My mother had us filling up buckets and the tub for drinking water, but even then, you had to boil it to make it safe for consumption. It was a tedious process, but we had no choice. Some of the older kids were allowed to help fill sandbags around the Armory, and I remember feeling a sense of pride watching them work together to protect our community. I was too young to help, but I felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that every little bit counted. I remember the fear of rats coming up the sewers and ravines; I was terrified and found it hard to be comfortable in my own skin. The thought of those beady eyes and scurrying feet still gives me the creeps to this day. The water kept rising and crested at 22.48 feet, a staggering 7.5 feet above flood stage. When it had stopped raining and the river stopped rising, my uncle took me and my sisters to Prospect Park, and we stood on the hill by the pavilion and looked down at the floodwaters. John Deere Road was underwater, and as far as I could see was water. It was a sight that defied comprehension, a sea of water stretching out before me like an endless ocean. Now I've heard that there was flooding here in 1995 and 2019. I remember coming from Minnesota to visit my family and having to take many alternate routes in 1995;but I was still in Minneapolis in 2019, don't know too much about that flood, but they say it was record-breaking too. I've heard stories about the devastation it caused, and it's a sobering reminder of the power of nature. The Great Flood of my childhood may have been a traumatic experience, but it taught me the importance of community, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

04/23/2026

A favorite African proverb, “The Axe forgets, but the Tree does not.” This wise saying reminds us that even though we may have forgotten and moved on from past hurts we caused, the scars and memories of those experiences can linger, much like the gashes left on a tree from the axe's blows. The proverb serves as a poignant reminder that our actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can have a lasting impact on those around us. It's a powerful reminder to be mindful of the impact our actions have on others and to strive to be a force for healing and growth, rather than harm and destruction. As we navigate our daily lives, it's essential to recognize that the consequences of our words and actions can be far-reaching, affecting not only those immediately around us but also the broader community. By acknowledging this, we can work towards creating a more empathetic and compassionate society, where we prioritize understanding and kindness over hurt and harm. The axe may forget, but the tree remembers, and so should we. Let us strive to be the gentle rainfall that nourishes the tree, rather than the axe that wounds it. 💡

Just A Cotton Picker

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