Recently it seems that things around me that I’ve seen a million times are becoming brand new. Having children further pushes you to seeing things that are common to you with new eyes. Imagine how wondrous it must be to see someone one blow bubbles for the first time. To see someone’s breath create such geometric perfection and then get to watch their entire life span from dip to pop. To watch all of their other bubble friends exist then all fade away one by one & then watch the cycle again. Never knowing how big or small they will be, or how many will be birthed to die by your breath this generation.

I tend to live in future tense. Which means that I am often stumbling forward in the present. I am rarely shocked or surprised when I make it to my destination but I am often battered by the trip.

I was drawing & writing out my sons favorite nursery rhyme, “the itsy bitsy spider. I have often commented to folks that you never need buy ANY affirmation book or bump any uplifting song if you really sit with what’s going on in this parable.
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Here is me & my wife’s interview with O Magazine!! It’s about love, life, and maintaining joy. This year will be our 12th Year marriage anniversary here is the link to the article on line – enjoy! )

I’ve been w/baby #1 so much & my wife is w/ #2 so much that at times it’s almost like we are 2 single parents living with each other. It sorta has to be this way till he’s done breast feeding, but i wanted to give mama a break so i took #2 for a walk in the stroller.

I live in a great area. My neighborhood is neither suburb or hood. Both are in walking distance but it’s neither. I like to say its “hood adjacent”
– the 7/11 is in walking distance the whole foods is a bit of a drive. But it’s near a lot of trees and in the late night it smells like sleep away camp.

So I’m pushing through the more Hoodalishious section of my surrounding area.

It is the unfortunate custom amongst men that we tend to greet each other quite defensively. head jerks & grunts. I tend to be a very happy person and this has always been hard for me for 2 reasons. #1 people look at happy smiling people strange where ever you go, that is not unique to the hood. #2 I look like a 9 year old boy. This is part of the reason I grew a beard, to look more intimidating. It never works no one is ever scared to approach me ever. As a matter of fact if there is a crazy person in an enclosed public space be it a bus or an art gallery they ALWAYS find me and talk to me.
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Since last I did this blog on being a father we have had another child. Needless to say with a growing business and a new life I have had little time to dedicate to writing about all new challenges a 2nd child presents. But as things start to reach a predictable rhythm I will be able to share with you many new stories and many old ones I never got a chance to post. I dedicate this to all the lovers, the parents, the folks who have no kids who don’t understand their friends who do & finally for those who don’t see all that goes on behind the scenes of parenthood in the new millennium.
-pierre bennu

My son loves music. He loves DJing. People ask why do you trust a baby with your equipment? I tell them “I trust what i’ve taught him.” I think often about if i had the access to the things i loved when i was younger who would i be now? I have always felt that if your dad is a carpenter you don’t have to be a carpenter but you should at the very least know how to fix a chair. My son has access to all my tools (paints, cameras, musical instruments, computers) he has fun, where he goes with it later in life is up to him. enjoy*

ps His favorite DJs to watch are: Jazzy Jeff, Roc Radier(RIP), Dj Scratch and his favorite is the 45 KING! Pass this on to them and let them know they still inspire & the craft will not be lost.

One of the most powerful & poignant singer song writers of our time ins embarking on her next musical project. Don’t miss your opportunity to contribute to what is sure to be another classic album. Ladies & gentlemen I give you Ms Imani Uzuri.

If you are unable to contribute feel free to spread the word.

An African American oriented visual arts and literature journal contaiing essays, fiction, poetry and art by some of the most visionary talent around today. Brought to you by the artistically ambidextrous minds of Greg Tate & Latasha Diggs. Purchase your copy here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/140697

Mark Anthony Neal is Professor of Black Popular Culture in the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University & host the show “LEFT of BLACK.” Jamyla & I were honored to be guests on the latest episode along with the writer Rebecca Walker.We discuss “Black Moses Barbie” “Sun Moon Child” and coupledom, enjoy & feel free to share.

Here are some conversation hash tags to get you started:
#Sexism. #Racism. #Patriarchy. #Body image.
#Redefining power. #Redefining gangsta. #American History. #The other holocaust. #programming #pop culture