"Your Black is Beautiful, Baby."

I'm not going to be able to be my usual flippant self in this entry. Something happened that made me just want to cry then dry my eyes and find somebody to smack. My heartbreakingly handsome, extremely thoughtful, highly sensitive and deliciously dark-skinned son informed me that he did not like his skin and wanted to be "just a little bit brown" instead. It took me off guard. I mean he's only four, and until now, I never knew he had a problem with his self image. Why does he have a problem with his self image? Can somebody tell me? I mean, really. Is there any good reason for a child that young to hate the skin he's in?

Anyone who knows us also knows that my son adores his mother. That's an understatement. The boy things I hang the sun every morning just for him. He's his daddy's biggest rival for my attention, and he recently announced to hid doctor with great pride that "Mommy is going to be my wife when I turn 25." So, knowing how he worships the skin I'm in, I pointed out that his skin ans my skin are close to the same shade. He quickly pointed out that his daddy and little brother are just a little bit brown. I kept trying to find ways to quicky end the conversation until one look in his persistent and teary eyes told ne he was very serious. Now it was my turn to start blinking back the sting behind my eyes. I needed something, anything to help me show him how beautiful his skin is. Then I saw it.

My new copy of Upscale magazine with Tyrese on the cover looking smooth wearing a tailored suit and all of his glorious blackness.

I showed him the magazine and asked him, "who does that look like?" He looked at the magazine, then at me, then back at the magazine and finally said with a piece of a smile, "Me?" I smiled back at him. We talked about how cool the man looked and how special he must be to be on the front of Mommy's book. When the conversation waned, he asked, "Am I really going to look like that when I get 25?" (because to him 25 is grown up).

My answer: "Yep, well, that is if you don't turn into just a little bit brown." He had a puzzled look on his face and asked, "Mommy, do you like that boy [Tyrese]?" I knew where his thoughts we going. "Oh, yes, baby," I said, "you know Mommy loves a chocolate man." I hugged him close, and after about a minute he pulled away, head held high. "Then I'm going to be a chocolate man just like that boy!"

Those. Those are the moments that both warm and pain a mother's heart.

Just when you complain about not finding enough time to write, fate turns your toe and puts you on crutches with an acute fracture of the fifth phalanx. Now it's just me and the laptop. Who will I blame now if my characters just sit and stare at each other? Wow. I just thought of something. I may be on crutches for my trip to Vegas. Nice. Let's see how long it takes me to get through the security checkpoint. And how am I supposed to wear my presentation powersuit in this contraption on my foot. Does anyone know where I can find some stylish orthopedic platforms?

Black Writer's Reunion & Conference 2009

Although the Black Writer's Reunion & Conference has been a favorite writer's haven for several years, this will be my first time attending. I have the added pleasure of being a conference presenter this year, educating fellow and aspiring writers on the growing virtues of a career in Technical Writing.

This year's conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the beautiful Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Check out the event and list of scheduled presenters (which include ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Gwyne Forster, Lutishia Lovely, and many more) at www.blackwriters.org. Don't let the conference venue fool you. Whether you are aspiring writer, and accomplished author, and avid reader or all of the above, BWRC 2009 will definitely not be a gamble. You are guaranteed a memorable experience! I hope to see you there!

If for some reason you cannot make it, be sure to check back here for photos of the event and conference highlights.