Ian at Inkwell Beach, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Bring it on!!!

I am calling myself a writer these days. Yes, I am writing a book. I've been working on it for several years now, but I am finally putting my words into action. I can't say if it will be published, but it's important for me to get it written. That's the first step on this journey. Often times we get so discouraged when things don't happen in a timely fashion, or like we'd like the outcome. Don't let Satan distract you. The devil really is a liar. STAND. Be encouraged. BELIEVE. Have Faith. I have kept a mustard seed that's in a small glass vile for several years. A woman gave it to me when I worked for channel 3. I had talked about my faith during a presentation. She told me as long as I had the faith the size of a mustard seed, God would not fail me. I have kept that vile ALL THESE YEARS. My faith and blessing have increased triple fold since those days. I am energized and ready to work. And I always keep a theme song playing in my head. This time it's Seal. Heidi Klum's hubby. I loved his music before they got married. (and btw, I think they're a lovely couple).
Seal sings.....

At first I didn't have the will to carry on,
Illusions in my mind.
Like that picture when you feel you can't go on,
Like you've been left behind.
Life goes on, now
Take me to that funky place where you and I were born.
Carry on, now
Psychedelic tendencies of love will bring it on.
chorus:

Bring it on,
Bring it on,

So what lies under.
Is your kingdom Come?
Chase it way,
Down low.
It's only life.

Don't wait until tomorrow.
Bring it on!!!!

"SWEET LAZY LIFE"

The Sweetest Days!!!

Moving On!!! Better with time

If you get a chance, listen to Prince sing "Better with Time". I used to be SO SO SO in love with Prince. I have gone through so many stages with this man that I feel like I know him through his music.

This latest cut, reminds me of the old Prince but with a modern twist. He's grown and matured. Rightfully so. It's been almost 30 years.

I often find myself looking back and thinking of the quote good ole days. But as I get older, I realize these days ARE the good ole days. If we are here to look back and remember, we are blessed. So yes, it gets better with time.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Feliz Navidad! Joyeaux Noel! Happy Kwanzaa!

I am very grateful for this holiday season. I have so much to thank God for. My health. My wealth. My strength. My family and friends. This year has taught me many truths. I've aged and become wiser. I've learned from mistakes. I've listened to God. I've been conscious and aware. I've reflected. I've prayed. I've leaped forward. I've stood still. I've paid attention to detail. I've seen the big picture. I've been honest with myself. I've forgiven. I've moved forward. I've laughed at myself. I've cried. I've thought about death a lot. I've thought about life a lot.

There is a voice within me. She is complex yet she simply wants to be heard. I hear you girl. I'm listening to you now and forever more.

Brittini's heading back to KU

This is my niece, Brittini who is heading back to Kansas University in Lawrence for her sophomore year.
Man, I remember those days at Grambling like it was yesterday.
How things have changed for college students.
Brittini will be living in campus apartments. They are REAL apartments.
I lived in Jones hall at Grambling and let me tell you, it was no apartment!
I still have nightmares of the roaches and small space like a prison cell.
This child will have her own bathroom.
I am proud of Brittini. She plans to study medicine.

"Mr. Demil, We're ready for our close up."

This picture is so goofy to me, but I love it! Ian is into taking pictures and we captured this one while watching the pink panther.
I have never published a photo of myself without make up, so I really must love this shot.
Ian makes it all worthwhile.



This is David Haley with me at my Aunt Emma's house in Kansas City, Kansas recently.
David is the great grandson of Alex Haley. He's in the state senate in KS and hopes to get to Washington with Obama.
It's funny looking at this picture because I looked at how much we've aged. I knew David in my 20's.
He's a good guy and when he makes it to D.C., I got some funny stories to sell.

Squash the gossip!!!

Ian and I at the Snowden Grove carnival in Southaven.


I try not to gossip. People say things and I listen. I may make a comment, but I look for something positive or nuetral to say. After years in the public eye, I know what unwarranted negative opinions feel like.
Recently, someone was just gossiping away and I remembered this quote...
"small minds talk about people, average minds talk about things, great minds talk about ideas." I don't know who to contribute the quote to but I just love it.
I added my own line on at the end....Exceptional minds turns those ideas into action!

Hank & Clay graduate and Ian turns 4!

Ian chillin in his 2009 shades at the graduation breakfast.

Dabney and Daniel Hamner graduated from Peabody Magnet school in Alexandria, La.
Dabney III aka Hank (right) was the valedictorian. You just go!

Yeah, I brush my teeth and I'm turning 4!

Ian Ian Ian

Ian has been a trip this week. He's been non compliant during his therapy sessions this week.
So far so good on the diet. He's taking to veggie chips really well and yesterday I cut up green beans in his spaghetti and he ate it all.
He starts swimming lessons Monday!

Dealing with Autism

I am learning how to handle my son having autism one step at a time. Right now my journey is taking me on the step to helping his diet. For a long time, Ian wouldn't eat much of anything. I was so happy to have him eat I didn't care what it was. So now that's he's addicted to chicken nuggets, pizza, cookies and cream of wheat I find myself knowing I HAVE TO CHANGE HIS DIET.
I am going to have to do it gradually. My first step is to replace the cream of wheat with a gluten casein free hot cereal equivalent.
I'll let you know how it turns out.

Ian's turning 4!

Wow, time really does move on. Can you believe it's been four years since I went to the hospital on a Wednesday morning and came home with a baby boy on Saturday.
Well, he's doing well and saying something everyday to make me laugh.
Laugh for today: "Mr. Brian is too big to come to the birthday party."
Brian is Ian's ABA therapist.:~).

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Oh I love this place! We took a ferry to this little island which is across from Farjardo. This was an authentic experience. To quote Macy Gray..."having money shole is nice."
We went to a local festival where I danced like a drunk woman. Oh yeah, I was drunk!
There is a video that will never show up on you tube! What happens in Puerto Rico stays in Puerto Rico!

Dabney's Favorite