Legacies . . .  

Just yesterday, I was telling my youngest nephew, Cameron that I am so elated the members of our family have revealed so many wonderful things about life with him and also with his oldest brother, Sheldon. A world outside the nucleus of familiar faces and places. 

New experiences to learn and appreciate what God has granted to all of us . . . From the simplest things to the largest experiences during our lives. In addition, one day, my nephews   will have the opportunity to pass along the oral traditions and real life experiences to their off-spring . . . More babies!

I get so tickled when my nephews share the same lessons and instructions that my sister and I were taught by our beloved parents. To hear that they enjoy music, cooking, art, traveling, adventure; demonstrates that our parents had a hand in helping shape them in the way  that will carry them far in life . . . According to God's word . . . "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."  (Proverbs 22:6)

Approximately, ten or twelve years ago, my beloved father, an educated and accomplished musician, pseudo chef, a visual artist, athletic, a fisherman, fireman, and a self proclaimed gardener, dug up one of the hundreds of flowering plants growing in his garden and gave it to me to plant.  As I reminisce, I can visualize him now . . . Finger in the air repeating . . . Practice, practice practice!  Naturally, with all of the practicing I have done and still doing and being the disciplined person that I am, I brought the plant home and placed it deeply into a pot. Several years past and the plant never bloomed. Needless to say, I was sad because all I could remember were the rows and rows and rows of flowers in my father's yard which had bloomed every year. 

Per my father's instructions, every year I was to cut the long stems back for the winter. Every year those stems would rise from the dirt without any sign of a bud.  Until, five years ago on a sultry summer morning, I noticed something different about my plant. After my beloved mother and father passed away in 2008, those long stems yielded and grew a bud and blossomed!  Ever year since then, my flowering Rose of Sharon blooms at least four flowers . . . And they grow bigger and bigger every year! By the way, the image below was taken this morning around 7:45 a.m.! (July 11, 2013)

You see, on my life's journey so far, during "challenging" and prosperous times, I have learned the value of patience, humility, compassion and to love all people deeply . . . I really don't need people to remind me, because life's experiences have taught me these virtues. The traditions and legacies passed on from my beloved grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, friends of the family, traveling around places in the world have shaped who I am  . . .  Like the "Rose of Sharon" . . . Here for me to enjoy!

Oh, did I mention that my father was an educated musician?  Well, he also passed that trait along to my sister, nephews and I . . . He loved all genres of music, classical, straight jazz, R&B, Soul and especially, gospel; with the exception of country music . . . I never could figure why since he married my mother who hailed from the mountains and the "hollow" of West Virginia -- and she was a coal miners daughter to boot!  

Without question, my father was definitely musically inclined -- he was raised in a family of novice and accomplished musicians and singers -- mostly church folk. He surely got it naturally since my father's side of the family are members of the Thomas Dorsey lineage. So, I too enjoy all types of music -- blue grass and country music too!

Music  . . . Sunshine . . . Folks strolling along . . . Soaking in all the beauty surrounding them. 

Usually, this is when I start singing . . . But nothing is ticking me at the moment. Perhaps you will think of a song . . . Oh, what about a song by my favorite group . . . Earth, Wind and Fire! That would do the trick . . . However, the one that is floating around in my head at the moment is not appropriate for this blog . . .  After listening to WHUR's Daily Drum yesterday, the first song they played was one of my favorite EWF songs!  It's like garlic . . . It hangs around for a while! But good for the heart!

Moving along . . . Yes, you've guessed it . . . I am leading up to the weekly American Market!  And we are excited for a few reasons . . . First, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority ladies are back in town celebrating their 100th Anniversary!  Albeit, I am not a Delta lady, but I am a staunch supporter of organizations and people who live life on purpose and sororities and fraternities are made up of people who possess a sincere care for people, especially people of color. Congratulations ladies and enjoy your time here in my hometown!

Secondly, we want everyone who will be in town this weekend to come out to National Harbor on Saturday and experience the market, vendors, and people. 

We open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m.  Stroll along the "Way", kick back and enjoy the sounds filtering the atmosphere from our guest entertainer . . . Richardo Mowatt of Hazardis, Rootz Republick Media.
 
"There is no limit to styles or forms of music we are attempting to cover, but the basis for our music is hip hop-jazz. Hip Hop jazz meaning combining the basic elements of hip hop with jazz. While fusing reggae, R&B, house and a variety of world music in between." www.rootzrepublikmedia.com

And, for your added enjoyment, arriving on July 20th, five young ladies from Bach to Rock will be joining us to perform at the market!   


Bach to Rock Lansdowne proudly presents . . .  Glee! 

"This powerhouse vocal group consists of five girls ranging from ages 14-16. It's members (Alora, Olivia, Sara V, Sara W, and Taylor) are all passionate about music and it shows when they sing together. Their natural abilities, individual talent, and hard work have given them the opportunity to learn a variety of styles and genres ranging in difficulty. Their instructor, Rachel, is extremely proud of what they have accomplished and is always looking for a new challenge to throw at them. The group looks forward to continuing their music education and of course, SINGING!"

http://www.facebook.com/B2RLansdowneVA

  

American Market @ National Harbor 
Until October 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
In the heart of National Harbor on American Way
National Harbor, Maryland

Farmers and Specialty Food Vendors 
Tyson's Farms *

Miller Farms

Big Poppa's Kettle Corn
Boordy Vineyards *
CraveIt 
(funnel cakes and lemonade) 
Gone Greens 
(collard green condiments)

Gourmet Spices by Joni 

(dips/sauces)

Havana Banana Bread 
Ms. P’s Concessions * 

(Beef patties, cakes)

Puddin 
(Bourbon and brown sugar bread pudding)

TAMO Smoothies 
(fruity!) 
Toticakes *  
(Sweet confections)

Wilhoit's Roasted Nuts

And other delicious goodies - fresh baked breads/rolls, donuts & more!

Artisans

Beads by Persia 

(jewelry for men, women, children)

Big Mama's Blessing Candles

Canvas and Matted Photography and crocheted puppy hats

Elements One 

(jewelry, travel candles)

ET Textiles 

(Ladies handbags)

FlutterFace Designs

(Unique images artwork)

G.A.B.E. 

(Caricaturist)

Habeebah's Herbals 

(skin and hair products)

Holly Blue Jewelry 

(silver jewelry) *

K. Lynn Creations 

(ornaments, pillows)

Mad Mud Studio * 

(handmade pottery)

Millie's Scented Rocks 

(aromatherapy)

NativeGrind 

(long boards, wristbands)

Naya’s Closet 

(Tutus for baby and you!)

 Niani Designs 

(silver and precious stone jewelry)

Ollie Trolley 4 Guys and Dollies 

(hair jewelry)

Reinvented Elegance 

(jewelry created with recycled items,greeting cards, mosaics, ornaments)

Samantha Stittle 

(visual artist – masks, mirrors, more mixed media)

Sugalump Boutique

(children’s hair accessories)

4the Hefa inYou

(recycled handmade leather accessories)

Timepieces

(Women’s jewelry)

(*) Varied dates 

Visit with us and visit often! We will see you on Saturday!

Phyllicia and Mark 
Market Masters

**Just in case you were wondering, the photo of the drummer above was taken by yours truly! Last Sunday at the Smithsonian's Folk life Festival . . . On my itty bitty cell phone camera . . . Not sure I want to purchase another 35mm again . . .

American Market is produced and managed by 

Phenomenal Productions LLC

www.phenomenalproductions.com

www.nationalharbor.com ~ Click "Things to Do"

Don't forget, if you or a colleague are searching for 

an experienced planner, for a short or long term project, 

anywhere in the U.S. or off shore, send us a note! 

We are here to serve you and "Create an Exciting Environment!"

References are available upon request . . .