proud

I Am a Freak

I never really could fit in,
That was my sin.
They did condemn
Those not like them.

They made me want to run and hide.
They crushed my pride.
I was too meek
To be unique.

But now I live my life out loud,
Despite the crowd.
I have grown wise.
My freak flag flies.

 

“Blessed are the weird people–poets, misfits, writers, mystics…painters & troubadours–for they teach us to see the world through different eyes.”  ~Jacob Nordby

 

Image found on pinterest.com

Sons

SFoxWriting’s Alphabet Challenge ~ “S”

This challenge has given me the unique opportunity to introduce everyone to my awesome family. Today I focus all of my attention on my sons, my oldest child, Steven and my youngest, Brandon. The age difference between my boys is nearly 10 years, still they are close. Brandon stays over at Steven’s apartment. They eat pizza and play video and board games like brothers should. I see a lot of Steven in Brandon. The featured image is evidence of that. Those pictures were taken years apart in completely different states. They have the same freckles, the same eyes, the same mannerisms, the same sense of humor. However, for all of their similarities, they have just as many differences.

Steven is extremely driven. He is a biopsychology major in his 3rd year of college. His focus is cognitive psychology and he hopes to obtain a PhD. Steven receives scholarship money and keeps a job as a barista to pay most of his college expenses. He is also a captain on his school’s Ultimate team. He loves music. I lost count of how many instruments he can play. Despite his busy schedule, Steven is well balanced. He has many friends and enjoys the full college experience. Perhaps most importantly, he is an incredible big brother.

SonsStevenMusic

Brandon is the most laid back individual I have ever known. He is quiet, a little shy, very sweet, and loves a good lazy Sunday. His technology skills are impressive for a kid his age. At 2 years old he would belly up to the computer, manipulate the mouse, get on the internet, find the right bookmark, and navigate to his favorite game, completely unassisted. Brandon loves to help in the kitchen. It’s the only thing he likes more than screen time. He has taken several cooking classes at a local bistro.

SonsBoChef

Brothers
Two boys so alike
The reflection in their eyes
Echos of one another

Two boys bound by blood
Distinctive aspirations
Minds and spirits all their own

 SonsBaseball

Kylie

The featured photo was taken of me and my daughter on the day she graduated from cosmetology school at just 18 years old.

On day 11 of the Alphabet Challenge, I celebrate my middle child, my only daughter, my favorite “K”, Kylie. Love you!

My little girl
With big blue eyes
That sparkle bright
Like summer skies.

Tiny princess,
Great big heart.
Meant for greatness
From the very start.

A scholar’s mind,
An artist’s soul,
A future within
Your own control.

You got this now
Do me proud.
Never stop living
Your life out loud!

Kylie has dreamed of a profession in cosmetology since she first picked up a brush. Immediately upon graduating high school at age 17, she began cosmetology school. She has been recognized for her achievements in make-up and hair on a national level. These are photographs of her early successes:

KylieMakeupMake-up

KylieHairBefore/After

Follow Kylie’s career: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kylie-Rose-Smith/435685946511365