Early on when I started blogging, I got into an argument with a family member about "being on the blog." See...they always worried about their business being put out there. You know...cuz they have SOOOOOOOO much interesting business. (Note sarcasm.) So...I stopped talking about their azzes. You'd swear I grew from weeds in a forest how much I DON'T say about my family on my blog cuz hey...I might be a bad azz in my head but we all know that I don't want no trouble when it comes to my family. We fight dirty with each other at times even if we'd be the first people right there when we need each other.

Now it doesn't mean that they don't read the blog because I was shocked to find out how many do...and I still find that interesting seeing as though many of them think the internet is for email only.

Dealing with family every single day is a major part of who we all are. Especially me. I mean...I love my people. I love where I come from. I love the total complex mix-mash of practically everything good and bad that we are. We are straight up 'bout THAT GUMBO LIFE.

But I don't talk about them on the blog. LOL!

A couple of years ago, one of my cousins asked me why I don't ever put them on the blog. I told them that it was easier to not write about them than to figure out who had a problem with it and therefore I don't have to wonder who is walking around mad about what the hell ever. I mean...I put a picture up once of a relative that I thought was beautiful. She got mad because I didn't crop out a basket of laundry she was folding while watching television. Said it made her living room look junky. It wasn't mind you...I mean...she was simply folding clothes but hey...her perception of how she wants to be seen should be up to her. I took the picture down and apologized. No biggie.

I said all that to say that I hardly ever talk about my family on my blog but I'm going to today. I want to talk about my Uncle, my father's youngest brother. Why? Because he's nothing short of amazing to me. I've been getting to know him more adult-to-adult and he's a pretty great Elder. He brings me joy because he's kinda like me. He's taken the best of who are and made it work for him. Our family's love of outdoors, good food, music, laughter, etc. He loves good wine and good people. He straight up LIVES life to the fullest.

And it shows.

This past weekend, he went to a big salsa dancing event with his lady friend and then the next morning they got up and did a breast cancer awareness walk on three hours of sleep. Throughout both events he sent me pictures, which is a good thing, because even though he joined Facebook a couple of months ago...he's real lax on uploading pictures. LOL! And hell...I like to see pictures because it makes me smile.

Unc looks exactly like my father...which isn't surprising because we all look alike. But he looks like him so much so that it's hard to look at him sometimes and not get gripped by the shadows of whys. When he hugs me, he hugs me tight. And then...he just lingers there with a hand on my arm or across my shoulders. He's easy with his praise and he is quick to express his pride in you. He is good at seeing you exactly as you are. He's a talented architect and wants to help me plan our next house. He understands that I don't ask for help with anything and why. And this is why he has no problem offering. "Why would you pay all that to someone else when your Unc can help you?"

Good point. We'll see. It's hard for me. You know why. Thanks for understanding.

I'm really proud of my Uncle and I love how I feel when I'm around him. He makes me laugh out loud often and I enjoy interacting with him and this is why I put him on my blog. LOL!

Slowly but surely my Elders are joining Facebook and posting pictures and whatnot and I'm enjoying seeing sides of them they don't necessarily show us "kids." I love looking at the old pictures they post from when they were younger because I don't really get to see those since I've lived away from everyone for a very long time and pack in what I can when I visit. I love how the pictures trigger stories I haven't heard and how they introduce me to other family members I don't know...but know...you know?

Yeah...you know.

So...your Elders. Any of the cool ones on Facebook? Are they bringing you joy?

Those of you who blog...what's your family's take on being "on the blog?"