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Thursday, April 28, 2011

The M'Finda Kalunga Garden & it's Asian & Black Connection

On our way home after the meeting with the EI service coordinator, we stopped by a local playground. The rain had stopped and since Daniel was good during the meeting, he earned a chance to run around and have some fun. After running from different slides, jumping in puddles and throwing around wet leaves to see them stick...Daniel noticed the garden across from the playground. Pointing to the garden he told he saw flowers, which meant he wanted to go and see the flowers.

MFinda Kalunga GardenMFinda Kalunga Garden

Thinking it was just another community type of garden I wandered in with Daniel for a quick walk through. As we enter we're greeted by this older women who asks if Daniel wants to see the chicken's. Chicken's?! In a Chinatown garden?!

MFinda Kalunga GardenMFinda Kalunga Garden

Imagine my surprise...not to mentioned Daniel's when we see a rooster and a hen walking around in their cage. While I have seen live poultry before, this would be the first time for my son. His reaction? Eh. He didn't seem very interested.

MFinda Kalunga GardenMFinda Kalunga Garden

But apparently he was interested in the flowers and plants. He happily wandered around, lightly touching whatever interested him.

MFinda Kalunga Garden

The garden was actually larger then I thought. There was another section deeper in that we didn't explore due to time and hungry tummies. As we wandered our way back to the exit we posed for photos with some of the beautiful and colorful blooming flowers.

As we left the garden I looked at the plaque to see the name and received such a surprise.
The M’Finda Kalunga Garden means “Garden at the Edge of the Other Side of the World” in the Kikongo language. It is named in memory of the “second” African American burial ground that was located on nearby Chrystie Street between Rivington and Stanton Streets.
What is this....something for the Afro-American community within the asian community?! I thought that was very interesting and wondered how this little bit of history affected the mindset of the asian community who come to use the garden.

As my little blasian said goodbye to the garden and it's flowers, plants and poultry couple, I smiled to myself that it was because of him that I discovered this asian and black culture connection.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Green M&M Photo Opp - Wordless Wednesday

At our local pharmacy Daniel found this Green M&M candy display. No I didn't buy him any candy. It was 8am in the morning!

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The Pros & Cons of Dating an Older Asian Man

I've always prefer an older man. There's something about a man who's already lived life and knows what he wants. While it's usually the younger guys that try to attract my attention I have yet to find a young guy who inspires me to be a cougar. I tend to hold out for someone closer to my age if not older. Recently I once again stepped back into the dating world and connected with Sam,

Photobucket

I met Sam when he replied to one of my personal ads. Even though we exchanged a few emails it took about 4 months before we were finally able to make plans to meet. I confess Sam had a hard time because I went MIA for a bit. But for some weird reason Sam kept emailing asking me to call and when I did, then he kept calling asking me to meet or at least keep in touch till I was ready to meet.

Over the 4 months I discovered that Sam and I had lots in common. Most surprisingly we both had a blasian child. While I had a son, he had a daughter. He also had 2 Chinese American children from previous marriage. Hmm.

Despite all the kids Sam still wanted more children and we spend some time discussing the idea of raising a family. And when I say discussing it I mean seriously. We discussed moving out of state, how he could put in for a job transfer and how we can deal with my commitment issues. LOL,

God knows Sam was patient and forgiving when I felt he was either annoying or crowding me and should go away. He always wanted to work things out or tried to understand what was upsetting me. Which was interesting since I didn't always know why I was irritated by his attempts to build a connection with me.

These are pro of dating an older man who knows what he wants....but there was some cons also.

One issue that came up between us was the Chinese versus Korean issue. Of course this meant nothing to me. But for Sam the fact that my son was half Korean was an issue. He was concerned that he wouldn't have anything in common with my son.

Sam also had some issues with the step father idea. He didn't know if he wanted people thinking he was father to my son if all 3 of us went out. I of course thought he was crazy and explained if he had problems with my son then he need to move on to the next female. While we worked past these issues they still left a bad taste in my mouth and mind.

The next issue was more children. While I admit to the idea of wanting more child I'm not exactly ready to run out and get pregnant with the first willing man. Sam was of the mind that sooner better then later would be best for our chances of having children. Umm. No,

While he did have a point, I have not recovered from the bitter lesson my son's father taught me. Nothing is guaranteed no matter what a person promises. I need more then a promise to "be there" before I bring another child into this world.

And that was the straw that broke this camels back. While Sam could promise to do the deed and do his best to "be there" that was about all his could promise. He already had 3 mouths to feed and his parents to care for so he was already stretched thin emotional and financial. For my part I felt my children, the one I have and the one I'm contemplating, deserves more. Plus I wasn't comfortable that he had a license to carry a gun (work related). So Sam and I parted ways.

In the end I'm glad I went thru this experience with Sam. I learned alot about what I think I want and what I actually need. Sam and I didnt end up happily every after but it's ok. I still prefer old men, asian or otherwise and will try again....someday...eventually

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Disney Junior invites Moms to "Be Part of the Magic"

Normally I don't post pr/blog stuff here but I had to share that Disney Junior has a great opportunity for ALL moms to "Be Part of the Magic" for Mother's Day. As most of you know I feel there's a need for more images of moms of color. I think this is a great chance to get our images out there. Of course I'd be ticked pink/purple/rainbow if a mom and her blasian child were featured. Just putting that out there...

Disney Junior Mothers Day

Disney Junior invites Moms to "Be Part of the Magic" for Mother's Day Disney Junior is celebrating Mother's Day by inviting moms nationwide to "Be Part of the Magic" and possibly get the opportunity to see yourselves and your kiddos on TV during the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel.

To participate, you can upload a photo of yourself with your child/children to the "Be Part of the Magic" photo gallery at http://www.DisneyJunior.com/Mothersday and include a note about what Mother's Day means to you. Some of the entries will then be featured in on-air spots airing during Mother's Day weekend on Disney Junior!

The photos should include both you and your child/children (ages 2-7) in the picture. Entries will be accepted from now until May 6, 2011. Please visit the Terms of Use page for photo upload requirements.

Happy (early) Mother's Day!

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