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Matthew McConaughey’s film school class at the University of Texas has gotten lots of popularity, especially considering who he is in Hollywood and on UT-Austin’s campus.

However, many celebrities stay connected to college by teaching classes and symposiums. These include Spike Lee, James Franco, Oprah, Alec Baldwin, Kal Penn and even Kanye West (his mother was a professor after all).

I am all about staying connected to higher ededucation, especially if you went to that school. That is one of the ultimate ways to give back and enrich a new generation of students.

These students will come for the celebrity but will reap much greater benefits.

Personally I would have loved to have taken class from Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Michelle Obama or Cornell West. I like learning from the best in the field and ones with lots of life experiences.

Let’s all continue to teach and reach each other!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

This has been a trying month for me. Betrayals, inspiration, social gathering, and a promotion at a new facility. The latter is bittersweet as I move forward but say goodbye to many of the people that helped get me here.

You see, when you’re going through a valley of exclusion and betrayal, be ready! The Good Lord is about to overflow your cup with blessings. He has to get you to pray and humble more and then be in a proper position to receive your blessings.

Everything always works out (Romans 8:28) and a setback is really leading to a big comeback.

So to all of those fighting battles with no sight in end, don’t lose the faith! Keep pushing, your pot of gold and light at the end are all coming!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

We all know vibes we get from people that we are most comfortable around, haven’t seen in a while and are comfortable around.

This is the type of vibe when you taste your favorite food, you hear an awesome song, your favorite sports team wins the championship and when you graduated from high school and or college. You never want this feeling to end.

Therefore, find folks that consistently give you this feeling of elation and comfort. It may take time with a certain person but it is possible.

Now I believe in trying to get along with anybody. However life is short and time is valuable. Invest your time and energy into those that make you feel great, that you can be yourself around and that judgment is little to none. Once you find this, do your best to not let it go.

Now let those good vibrations flow!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

There is a line from a movie that goes: “you’re like the drummer from REO Speedwagon. No one even knows who you are.”

Now while that can be obtained from a Google search, this seems to happen to people, even close friends when seasons change and vacations arise.

The friends you thought you had may change up on you and not be as nice or welcoming. Often you will not get an explanation, you will just know that you may be an associate at best.

Parties happen, no call, no text. Then it’s concerts, vacations, Heck even a simple dinner invite.

I have touched on this often, in my blog post “The D-List” “Betrayal: The Evil Cousin of Loyalty” and even in the chapter “Fall Out or Fall Back” from “From Darkness to Sunshine.”

The point is that it hurts. It’s a deep, sickening pain. I have had many losses in my life and few hurt more than a friend turning on you.

There are many reasons it happens. Sometimes it could be simply you. Often it’s an issue with their inner self. They can’t handle your presence, period. The successes in your life, your personality, popularity. Also, they may be in a different season of life than you are in, just as Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.

Recognizing when it’s time to back away is the key. Often it doesn’t stop the hurt but then you know when you’re not wanted. You can then move on to somewhere that appreciates you for the person you are.

Meanwhile, continue to be positive and open to making connections.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

You know how you have such a good vibe with someone that you feel almost instantly and consistently?

This happened to me last week. So, what does it feel like?

It is that tingling, refreshing feeling. Your mind begins to race. You get all excited, and have that comfortable, chill aurora around you.

It’s that same feeling you want when you see your favorite movie, eat your favorite foods and such.

So if the people you spend the most time with do not have this or make you feel this way, you may want to reevaluate them as well as the time you give to them.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

Sometimes all you need is that one extra person, minute, or even moment in your life to make things special or better.

I write this as I prepare to try the new Popeye’s chicken sandwich. I’ve been told to try the spicy one.

Often a little spice or other seasoning makes our dish or meal better. This is applicable to real life.

This also goes for the wrong person or element. Raisins in potato salad aren’t popular but mustard is. It enhances the flavor.

If a person is in your life and doesn’t add value and enhance the flavor, atmosphere and your overall quality of life, you may want to consider going into fallback mode.

Also, be that extra ingredient if you can. I saw in a movie a while back the difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that “extra”.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

I talk to many parents, including my own. Heck I have been to children’s birthday parties that are far more extravagant than any party or celebration I have had as a child or adult.

Here’s some reasons why you should invite more adults to your child’s birthday party

1. More gifts/money

Enough said, who doesn’t want that. Plus some may buy that toy/piece of technology/clothing item you didn’t want.

2. Parents want someone to talk to also.

They don’t want to spend an entire evening talking about America Ninja Warrior, Peppa Pig and Dora. They want adult conversations, and often want to do adult things after the kids have gone to bed or elsewhere.

3. There are plenty of activities for all ages.

These include: cookouts, pool parties, laser tag, bowling, and many more. You can play sports also.

4. It definitely doesn’t exclude anyone

I can’t forget this one. Adults without kids often feel ostracized from their friends with some. And heck if bringing a child is a requirement, many of them have younger cousins, nieces and nephews to bring. So parents please stop using your kids as excuses not to invite people to your gatherings.

5. Cake and ice cream

It’s safe to say that many adults love both. Why deprive them of that or a good meal?

It’s good to gather to celebrate a life and reunite with friends and family. This should be practiced more often.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

Yes my butt cracks shows more often than it should, even when I wear a belt.

Yes I am fully aware of this.

Yes I know people talk about it behind my back and make fun of me.

Yes I also know this is a form of bullying and a petty reason not to like me.

How about you politely ask me to tuck in my shirt, buy a longer shirt or pull my pants up further?

We are always quick to get onto people about the least little flaws. I could name quite a few of the ones that are whispering about my half exposed booty.

This is worse than bullying because it’s petty and asisine for adults. Grow the Heck up and have real conversations with people.

There is literally too much going on in the world to worry about anybody’s butt crack but yours.

Look for a related story in my upcoming book “Scared Eyes”

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

You don’t have to become keyboard warriors nor be aggressive if you have a private party.

These people I know were having a party for their son. I asked if I could come. Wife said sure. Husband tries to be aggressive and condescending saying I’m not invited.

While they can invite who they choose, that was handled all wrong. He could have messaged me privately instead of trying to embarrass me.

I’m blessed that I have other options to go to. I can cook and grill my own food, or go buy some if I don’t want to cook. Also, I was invited to two other gatherings for that day, and two more within the next 2 weeks.

Therefore, I have places to go and people that will hang with me in a whim. Therefore when I ask to come, it is not out of desperation. I have options so don’t think you’re making yourself look good by barring me from your gathering.

Hot weather and small minds can lead to the worst behaviors and it is disgusting.

Remember let’s all treat each other better and if you want your party to be private, don’t mention it in the open to anyone. Let’s not make things harder than they really are.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

This was a week ago after being occupied with Prime Week at my job.

But speaking on jobs, people like Katty D and those that put on CD5 are seen as hoes and THOTs.

Now first let’s look at all sides of this box before we are so quick to condemn them and their annual daisy dukes party.

First, daisy dukes shorts came out in the 70s with a character of the same name, Daisy Dukes from The Dukes Of Hazzard. We already know why many don’t watch that show anymore.

Second, for you in your 40s and up, don’t act like you didn’t do just as wild and risque things in your younger years. Let’s see: Freaknik, Black College Reunion and currently Black Bike Week, CIAA, and some HBCU homecomings. Too bad social media wasn’t around in the 90s to record some of your escapades.

Also, they allow a lot of folks to make money and not just Katty. She banks about 10,000 yearly just at the gate. Then you have bartenders and clothing designers that make a grip. Katty is allowing everyone the opportunity to earn some money.

Lastly, she has built a strong following and buildup in five years. Her parties have grown so much in attendance they have become one of the most attended parties in the Upstate.

Now go back and look at those factors before you condemn her and anything she is trying to do. It’s not like any of this is illegal also. Let’s support and love each other.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes