I’ve been out of touch for a while – in this ‘while’ so many things have happened to me.  In the moment when these ‘so many things’ were happening in my life I wanted to write – I mean that is what the Diary is for right?  However rather than write I thought I’d give my power to getting through things rather than putting pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) which is not like me usually I diversify and do many things – there was a lot to be said for focusing on one thing – for me it  worked.  It now means I will be writing retrospectively for a while.  Mabey it’ll make more sense if I just get on with it.  There is so much to say I am glad I am sharing this site with my beautiful dear friend Diane.  Whilst writing at this very moment I am thinking and believing this site is such a good tool to share with the world the experiences of two black women getting by in this big ‘ol world our ups and downs, our dreams and aspirations, our loves and losses our challenges and successes.  I am so happy here right now today this very second, and the next and the next …….. this time last year I was HOMELESS yes officially homeless a year on I have my own place, working as a community worker (my love) and lecturing in a college for excluded young people.  I’ve lost weight and I have a much healthier mind, body, soul and spirit.  During the last year I have had a year of abuse at work, left and was unemployed, thrown out of college even though I got the highest marks in the class!!! (They have since apologised- and facing my solicitor) I am now facing a major operation in the next few weeks  – but hey I am still smiling because I am here! I am alive! I am happy! I pray, keep positive and focused. In the next few days I will ‘catch up with you all and fill you in – but for now I’m doin’ fine.

Lauretta

I went out with Diane and two friends on Friday.  Dianes’ friend Timi had invited her to a cultural event about the African Village he comes from.  Oh yeah and he had a cousin …. who he wanted me to meet.  We had a very interesting evening first a meal then towards the venue for the talk, very interesting and thought provoking.  What was funny we were all tired and were drinkingRed Bull.  Following the event we went to the Blagg club down Ladbrook Grove, London, excellent – we danced ’till three.  We were the ‘fun couples’- you know the type when you go into a club and they dance and laugh all night.  It was great.  Following this we had jerk chicken outside the club.  Having not derived enough pleasure from this memorial night we then bought some goodies and came to mine and had some drinks and treats and talked till dawn.

Oh and his cousin – what a hunk ….

Lauretta

Tall, dark, smooth, chocolatey, intelligent, good father, great guy, good laugh, great listener, great hugger, great friend.

I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY darling -

Love Lauretta x x x

Came home from a great day at work.  Walked through the park and sat on a bench to ‘reflect and debreif’ change from work Lauretta to simply ‘me’.  I have taken up walking as a way of getting fitter.  Unbenownst to me when I first started I have reaped many other benefits such as meeting many people/people talking to me seeing a great number of places and buildings.  Walking lifts my mood and offers me a chance to reflect and pause.  Some people have mentioned I look as if I have lost weight.

Hey – I did not expect all of that – but I really am enjoying myself.  Feeling low – give it a go! I recommend it.

Lauretta