THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA DIALECT
“…And Mama used to say, ‘Take your time young man’… And Mama used to say, ‘Don’t you rush to get old’ …And Mama used to say, ‘Take it in your stride’ And Mama used to say, ‘Live your life!’ ” – Junior Giscombe
Those words were penned by singer / songwriter Junior, and they’re part of the lyrics of one of my favorite sing-along songs. I heard it at passing the other day and voila! We’ve got something to chat about!
One of the things that my mama used to say that has stuck with me throughout the years was something that I gleaned from just yesterday which is “You have what you say!” But there are so many others. When talking to my sister Tamie last night, her response to the question was quick on the draw, which had been a mandate for my Daddy to execute a whippin lol!”
She didn’t dare think that I’d have the nerve to say that one but, surprise, surprise. No disrespect to my parents because they certainly weren’t some psycho-duo that found pleasure in randomly whipping children. So in their defense there were six of us, one boy and five of us girls in all. So logically Tamie had her share of eavesdropping on the PBAs of someone else’s punishment.
But, once all jokes were set aside she assured me that (Doris Brown) my mama’s words of wisdom that really stuck was when she’d say “A hard head makes a soft behind!” There goes that word again lol. I’m going to have a chat with Mother. The other was, “It ain’t no such thing as being bored. Get a book, draw something, get a hobby you must have a hobby.”
I always remembered that, and I say it to my kids (Tamie). This week I decided to take it to the streets and glean what those Mamas used to say from out there. But I hadn’t thought about what Mama didn’t say which now has become as relevant. I so loved the honesty in that response. For some reason most surveyed were males which I thought was pretty interesting. They love them Mamas, I tell ya. You should have seen how quickly those eyes go up in heads when you see the deer that were in headlights. Thanks, Guys.
STREETS BE TALKIN’
My mother was my favorite. She could bake a peach cobbler and she was so sweet. The sweetest woman I’ve ever encountered. She would say “Boy behave yourself. Don’t misbehave in public. When you talk to someone look them in the eyes and be good to people even if it ain’t worth it all.” (Dawud)
My mother used to always tell me, “Don’t eat at other people’s houses. Be home before that sun goes down and mind your own business.” (Nate)
My mother didn’t talk like that. Maybe she would repeat some of the things my grandmother used to say. But I can’t remember anything. I was pretty much on my own at about fifteen. I didn’t live like that. It wasn’t like that I was pretty independent. (Anonymous)
My mother used to be very observant she didn’t speak much. She mostly responded to what was going on with me directly. Things like” Wear a hat you should always have a hat on your head. Why you smell like cigarettes, and stuff like that? She paid attention to me and what was going on. (Windie)
My mom did great as a mom. I love my mama. One thing she used to always say was, “Don’t bring no babies in this house because I ain’t taking care of it.” Me and my brother, her only kids are well up in age and neither of us has any. She wants grandkids; she even opened a daycare. I think she regrets it now.
Always be kind to others is something that my mom always said to me! (Bernita, Crossing Guard)
DO YA KNOW THAT?
A mother is the female parent of a child. A woman may be considered a mother by virtue of having given birth, by raising a child who may or may not be her biological offspring, or by supplying her ovum for fertilization in the case of gestational surrogacy. – Wikipedia
The Observation Booth is utilized as a space for Andrea Dialect to stumble through, which aids in life and brand development. It can also be used by readers, subjects, and features to assist or advance our world or their own. It is a peek into one’s world from the outside. It is also for the development of content.
Everything printed here is in draft form; thus, error is welcomed and to be expected. Everything is constantly evolving, is her mantra. Seeing the work in printed format is the initial step and is quite valuable and therapeutic for developing all forms. Like Everything, Andrea Dialect uses this space as a test lab for test study and a test subject.
Here you will also find influencers, professionals, and muses who are considered “clay” who lend their image to change as doing us proud who are contributors to the upward progress of human progress. It is a platform for the growth, inspiration, motivation, and development of herself, her subjects, and her readers. Enjoy.
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