This was my latest painting done for my new Daughter-in-law. I had to crop the bottom of the painting off as glare from the camera was terrible and this was the best shot she got when she copied it for me. I'm not a good artist or even close to a fair one , but I sure love trying, so hope that someone will enjoy the view. 

Muhammad Ali and me

Today is the birthday of a man whom I have admired from the days of my youth. I owe much of my courage and drive to his ever strong presence of life. He never knew what he did for me, although I had a chance in 1988 to go see him, my sister-in-law had to drive me to the Mall in Texas where we lived. I so wanted to thank him for his inspiration and drive that had guided me for so many years. Molly thought I was wrong for admiring a man of Color and made sure she took me somewhere else first and then it was too late to meet him. I cried and said more than a few bad words that day and it still remains an open wound for me.

He was Cassisus Clay, he was my age, his words inspired me and his famous saying that he was The Greatest, became my daily motto as I groomed each of my patrons, I would clown around and kinda do a little jig while singing, Cassisus Clay and me are The Greatest people on Earth. My Customers who were the wealthy Jewish, would laugh at me and some even chimed in with me. It became my little Trademark, my way to the stars. It worked and for eight long years I worked hard and gave him due credit for all that he meant to me. I became a very successful Hairdresser and was at the top, when I gave it up for Home and children.

He stood for so very much and in the face of decisions he remained strong, confident and so very sure of himself. I never missed a fight and would watch all that I could on television about him. Some understood where a little country girl, who had holes in her soles and not much else came from. He made me realize that I could stand alone and be confident to face whatever life tossed my way. I was sadden when his illness became so apparent to the world and watched with tears streaming when he lit the Olympic Torch, I still stand strong in my beliefs of this man and wherever you are, I wish you The Greatest Day, cause you are The greatest to me still. I salute you Muhammad Ali.




http://who2.com/ask/muhammadali.html

A soft gentle whisper comes from the depth of my soul
As I feel the cries of my fellow countrymen and women
Bickering over who is right or wrong

Our Armies are great and with unmeasured strength
Resolute in the great task at hand
Our trust and support is needed strongly now

As they are once more commanded to fight
A fight with no end it seems in sight
With pride and honor they march in the fight for Freedom

As the whisper of our Countries soul cry out Oh Lord
As those oppressed fight for the Freedom they long
Deter those who create the bloodshed and violence

Let the silent whispers reach your heart Oh Lord
Grant to all a blessing of peace and serenity
Let wisdom fill the powerful Leaders

A soft gentle whisper comes from the depth of my soul
Oh Lord, please hear our pleas
Comfort us in the hour of our needs

© Tobie Haga Roy

If one’s journey is just a simple step
And he has the love of the Lord
His heart is bound forever

If one’s life lived is filled with goodness
And he has the love of the Lord
His gifts will be blessed unto his days

If one’s life is filled with anger
And he has not the love of the Lord
His days will be empty long unto its end

If but just one will speak his name
And has the love of the Lord
His reward will remain unto the end of time

So I say unto you, in this journey of life
Take that simple step
Live your life in goodness
Be not filled with anger

Speak the Lords name from your heart
Carry his words deep into your soul
Free your burdens in the wisdom of his love

The Stockings are not hung
The Children are not a sleep in their beds
The Tree still stands in the field

The Sparkle gone from the light
The Laughter and Cheer unheard
The Silence deafening as day nears its end

The Sugar Plums dance elsewhere this night
The Christmas Wishes driven from thought
The Reindeers Sleigh passes them by

The Morning has come with a grey streak of Dawn
The Poor Souls lie buried in snow
T’is this day, Their souls found Christmas

©Tobie Haga Roy

Early twilight found you there
Perfection born that moment
My heart lost forever within your eyes

The easy manner, the simple smile
Stole all that I possessed in my being
As you came closer, my heart beat faster

Many days came and dreams became one
As we basked in the glow of love
Its tenderness being born forever

Twilight lights your face, as I look at you
My soul no longer wanting
I whisper to you my deepest longings

Come walk life’s golden path
Come hold my hand in yours forever
Come grow old with me

© Tobie Haga Roy