Monday, October 24, 2011

Inspiration: Fried Grits

Today's post is from fellow blogger, Jeff Jeffords, he writes a encouraging blog called Fried Grits. I've been following him for a while and love his anecdotes. Check this one out about Fried Grits.

I love grits. I’m talking about legitimate grits that Grandma simmers to perfection and lovingly seasons with butter, salt and cheese. Grits go best with bacon, eggs, fresh fruit and steaming hot coffee. Grits are certainly a substantial dish. It’s no mistake that the term grit interchangeably defines fine granules and determination. For years, my Grandma Jeffords has recycled leftover grits into tasty fried grit cakes. Grandma chills the grits in the fridge then dices them into bite size chunks and fries them in an iron skillet. Fried grits convert a hearty dish into bite-size portions. For me, fried grits represent the incremental, hearty investments that Grandma consistently made into my life.

Like Grandma says; “grits stick to your ribs.” For as long as I can remember, Grandma has been relentless about feeding her family, and feeding them well. While I was in college, I would often call Grandma on Sunday afternoons to catch up. One of the questions that she would inevitably ask me is, “are you drinking enough milk”? The question always made me smile, but it turned out that this was actually a brilliant question. She didn’t badger me about what my major was or how my grades were, but because of her relentless sincerity, I didn’t want to disappoint her. She was influencing me to do my best. Like always, she was steadily reflecting Jesus and cultivating grace in my heart.

Throughout my life, I’ve observed a remarkable capacity within my Grandmother to renew her mind and maintain her focus on the important things. The substantive stuff that sticks to your ribs and establishes character. Through the ups and downs within the lives of children, grandchildren and great grand children, she has always been a steadfast presence. Her home is like an anchor that renews your mind and challenges you to be a man or woman of substance. It takes some life experience to truly appreciate that.

Achieving our goals has everything to do with establishing the right foundation through a consistent, prioritized focus each week. I sometimes have a tendency to overwhelm an individual week with more than I can actually get done and that’s a recipe for neglecting the important stuff for the sake of the “urgent” stuff. Think about it. If we don’t have work goals and relationship goals each week then our weeks take on a life of their own and begin to dictate our schedule. Setting bite-size weekly goals are about aspiring to do significant work and having the grit to take charge of our weekly schedules. We must realize that though we may end a week feeling that we didn’t get it all done, we can’t let that spill over into working too much and stealing time from our key relationships. Don’t miss the simple, yet important, things that happen every week in the lives of those closest to us. I speak from some experience.

Something amazing happens when we become focused and not frenzied. The richness of the simple things in life start shining through. Wise people like my Grandma understand this. There’s immediate returns on resolving ourselves to be priority-driven, but the long range returns are priceless. The long term results craft our legacy. Legacy is birthed within the hearts of those that our lives touch. The principle of Fried Grits is this; A life well led is life that cultivates grace within the hearts those closest to it. Hearty investments made over time leave a mark. We just need to eat our grits one bite at a time.

What’s your favorite way to prepare grits? If you don’t like grits, don’t tell me. I might unfairly and harshly judge you;-)

-Jeff Jeffords

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Beautiful


Earlier this year, I recently had a aunt that passed away to cancer. Ever since then I wanted to give back in someway. So when I got approached with doing a cover for the charity campaign. I couldn't turn it down. Coalmine Records is proud to announce their charity campaign for the song “Beautiful”, whereby American Cancer Society for cancer research and patient care.

So check the single, brought to you by Coalmine Records 100% of the net revenue will be donated to the
for cancer research and patient care.

The single "Beautiful" features Talib, Big K.R.I.T., Outasight and Mela Machinko click here to stream/purchase.


The song is now available on iTunes with all proceeds going to help the cause.

Monday, October 17, 2011

My Plans vs Their Plans



One day while working in "cubicle hell," I found myself in a meeting after completing a project. It wasn't a bad meeting, he mainly gave me a minute of praise before discussing upcoming projects. While most of the meeting was forgettable. One thing that stuck in my head after we talked is when he said, "We've got plans for you."

After the discussion, that phrase stuck with me. For some us that means a promotion or a raise is in the works. But this time, It left me with doubt. How does he know that his plans are aligned with my plans?

It's tempting to go along with other people's plans for a while. And keep telling yourself that you are "buying time" till you find something better. However, years can pass and then one day you will look back and wonder, hey, what happened to my plans?

Now, I don't think that everyone toiling at a day job is unhappy. But I do think everyone has a dream, and if you aren't willing to turn your dream into a plan, someone else will come along to impose their own plans on you. The next time this happens, think carefully:

How do their plans fit into my plans?


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Steve Jobs 1955-2011




Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, has died six weeks after resigning from the Apple chief executive post he held for 14 years, is credited with changing our lives "immensely".

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com - apple.com/stevejobs/

If you dont remember, I created a free download from last year inspired by one of his speeches. [Download Here]

Only in Texas

Monday, October 3, 2011

Southern Brands

Note: This is an old post I wrote and never posted for some odd reason. Maybe it was because I felt that there were too many opinions flying around at the time or that my gripe is more about Southern Streetwear. Anyway check it out. Let me know what you think.


Complex Magazine and Bobby Hundreds compiled a list of The 50 Greatest Streetwear Brands of all time. Well, I am not the list and neither is any other Southern based brand. Nor do I expect to be.

But one thing is clear. Southern Streetwear has lot more to do on our part.

I started Grits not only because I was tired of being a graphics monkey but also because the southern culture is so under represented in this arena. After years of buying shoes and limited apparel from all corners of the planet. I grew little disgruntled over the fact that so many bought brands that didn't represent where they lived. Instead of a diet of based on Southern culture our consist of New York, LA and Japan.

So will it does hurt that not one Southern brand was listed but truthfully. Neither one of us are there yet.

But on the upside I believe that we hold the torch. Much like Southern Hip hop was in the 90's, southern streetwear created our own "Chitlin Circuit" and are playing by our own rules.

So when I read the article I was not surprised but neither should they when we are NOT welcoming them with open arms. Southern streetwear culture in general has always been undervalued by attention but has always been a profit center for our neighbors. My feeling is that we should support the community at large but more importantly support our own local and regional independent culture. And not be so quick to allow anyone to come and take advantage just because they are "popular."

Side note: It should also be noted that I’m not only just a fan of The Hundreds as a brand but a lot of others too. But when all is said and done my heart still lies with my Southern roots.

No Grits No Glory!!

BTW if you havent read the article check it out HERE.