Month: January 2021

It’s nice when some posts write themselves. This one of my cousin G definitely does that.

Many around the area and in the transportation world knew my cousin Greg “G-Baby” Gaines well. He never met a stranger, was confident and the life of the party but always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He had a checkered past and made mistakes in his younger years. He bounced back and grew up, showing folks can change. He grew into an beloved and awesome son, father, grandpa (G-Paw), uncle, brother,husband, cousin and friend. He is loved and at worst respected by all that knew him.

G had a very nice gift of gab and could talk to anyone about anything. It could be about his kids, ladies, his beloved Dallas Cowboys, school, or doing the right things in life. He was the first person to tell me I look like our grandma Ellie Mae and I haven’t been able to unsee it.

He gave to many in need through community service or helping out someone else. If you called him for help, especially as a youth, he rarely if ever turned you down. He wanted to be there for so many.

His forward, confident nature didn’t vibe with everyone. You respected his hustle, flex and honesty at day’s end though. He had a grown man swagger and kindness that is unmatched.

G was not scared to call you on your crap, especially if he didn’t think you were reaching your full potential or you were headed down a bad path. It could get annoying but the dude cared.

It’s sad that he was a statistic to COVID-19. Perhaps it could inspire more to take the virus seriously since he did have quite a reach and platform. Right now is a time of mourning and celebration.

So for those that were closest to him: his cousins that he grew up with, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles and of course his wife. Continue to share pics and videos of G being G: laughing, smiling, helping others and of course dancing. He lived quite a good life despite many odds and that should be celebrated.

This is the saddest week for me with so many deaths, the Challenger and of course my brother’s death. It will serve as a reminder that death doesn’t have to be dark and scary. It’s a time of rejoicing and knowing where you can end up if your heart is pure and you live a proper life.

Rest In Power Gregory Lamar Gaines 1969-2021. As you would say “it’ll be a dun ball” when we reunite.

#imjustdrew #RIPGBABY #fromdarktosunshine

Before Sip and Paint events and the likes were popular, many thought you had to be Picasso to create a masterpiece or paint between the lines.

Now a certain natural born talent and skillset is expected to birth a masterpiece. However one can still be creative and release stress.

I recall doing some painting in my early years and my uncle and cousin were into painting model cars. I can now see why.

I participated in painting miniatures at Wisefire this past Friday and maan! That was so relaxing. It felt like I was doing yoga and getting a massage. All of my energy was focused on painting that figure. I’m blessed my hands are still steady enough to be able to do this. Beyond that, I did not realize how thereaputic art is.

I used to be intimidated by many of the painting events I saw. Now I want to try them all. I need all of the peace and tranquility I can see.

I highly recommend it for all!

#imjustdrew #scaredeyes

Ok being at home on vacation for the last few weeks, I’ve been watching a lot of shows and movies. Two of the most hyped and acclaimed are WW84 and Bridgerton and I see why.

To start off, one company showed what the audience and even the producer wanted; the other dared to be different.

I’m going to make this clear: WW84 is NOT a bad movie. It just had way too much of a slow period, was too much like an origin and the action was there but fans were already bored by then. This said, it’s for the fan that sees the deeper messages and what’s to come. We see who’s playing Asteria, some good lessons and redemptions, how cheesy the 80s can be, and finally Cheetah. DC wanted to tell an in depth story and they did. However often one must realize if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. They have finally been on the right track and now they will need to return to the lab for a better balance in part 3.

Shonda Rhimes sure knows the meaning of not trying to recreate the wheel and her audience with Bridgerton. It’s everything she wanted to do on ABC for 20 years plus add in the good love story in a period drama. If you’re a fan of her work and know her flow, then you won’t be surprised either way. In subsequent seasons, you won’t be surprised either. She saw that she needed another hit, Netflix is really capturing her demographic, it’s the end of the year and more folks are at home. Love or hate her work, she nailed it! She has a template and does not deviate from it.

So there you have it. Stay focused on what you know and what works. Also take heed when switching up on your audience. It can be easy to lose them and hard to regain them.

#imjustdrew #scaredeyes