From a boy to a man... If only

Father and son bond

If only…

As a boy there were times to express deep thoughts –

that linger in one’s mind.

Or deliberate the contemplations of a man.



If only…

As a boy reminiscing of long walks

that first bike ride without training wheels and

laying catch in the park

or staying up late listening to man talk.



If only…

As a boy there were adults who understood –

brewing emotions of the mind

Is it not okay for a man to show emotion of any kind?



Your succinct roar

Where often words of encouragement –

I now realize.

not to bring me down

But to make one soar



Spring turned to winter

Hopping right over summer

Now all is left are memories

And plenty of what if’s to wonder



If only…

I knew – your last words of wisdom bestowed

would be the end



I remember your teachings –

Keeping them close to heart

love and faithfulness never leave me;

each morning I recite from the very start









If only…

Every man would learn –

To express their deepest thoughts

It is okay to say I love you

and not withhold good to whom it was due



If only…

every man stop making promises

Especially those they know they can’t keep

But start removing EGO and pride

Then the true bond of fatherhood would finally be found

100 things that make you happy!

Photo: Tigner J.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22

The arduous task of each day has a tendency of smothering joyous times in our life. We often forget about simple pleasures from our childhood that made us happy or put a smile on our face no matter what.   

A majority of these pastime capers may be considered child like but at the end of the day no matter how mad or upset you where one has to admit, those simple enjoyments from years gone by stimulated the body just a bit.

What brought joy and laughter? My "happy event" is listening to music and singing aloud. Music tends to bring about a sense of joy and peace for me! and peace.  

Do you have a bucket list of simple nothings that can spark a smile or a chuckle? The following are ten things “you can’t do and not be happy” (Yes, I said 100 but let us start with ten.) 


TEN THINGS YOU CAN’T DO AND NOT BE HAPPY


1. eat your favorite ice cream

2. chase fire flies

3. jump in rain puddles

4. make funny faces in the mirror

5. play tag

6. play hide and seek

7. running through the water sprinkler


8. swim or wade in the water

9. skip

10. tell a joke ( hokey or funny)


Jot down a few, put into action your list and find new ways to bring joy, laughter and fun back into your life.  

Post your Happy List in the comment section or send me an email!  soulsremedy@gmail.com   


Tigner J.


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The Grand Theater: Fort Worth, Texas A Picture is worth A Thousand words



By: Tigner Rand
The Grand Theater -Southside
Fort Worth, Texas - 1984

A theater painted on canvas could have no significant meaning.

Yet to many, this modest representation of a Black Historical landmark on Fort Worth Texas, Southside is reminiscent of childhood memories.

I was inspired many moons ago to paint this iconic location to capture the last twinkle of a once vibrant life-style surrounding Rosedale and Fabons Streets, Fort Worth's Southside. A hot July in 1984 froze in time. A photo archived my final chapter of an area’s transformation into a dormant state.

For many years this painting laid quiescent in my garage buried among other sketches and paintings of years gone by. At one time, The Grand Theater served as a beacon for natives of Fort Worth, Texas, connecting them one way or another to good-times, food, church or family gathering. Unbeknown to me did I realize that this restoration would be an evolution of flashbacks to ‘The good old days’.


A picture is worth a thousand words

This work of art has granted access to long forgotten images of my brain’s memory banks. Mental pictures emerged with crystal clear images. Childhood happy times materialized recalling weekend skating fun at Jolly Time Skate Rink, or that first kiss at the Poly Theater. Weekly rituals of Friday night football at Farrington Field, anticipated gravity defying basketball Ally-Oop's from Dunbar Flying Wildcats, cruising Don Carter bowling lanes, or just cooling out at the Car Wash on Berry St on a Saturday night. One cannot forget summer parties at the Forest Hill Club house, kicking back at old Bunche Park or Bar-b-que's in Sycamore Park! A picture can be more than a thousand words.

A New dawning

The Grand Theater -Southside
Fort Worth, Texas - 1984
photo by Tigner Rand

The Grand Theater was once home to a segregated world in Black America. But it also was the epitome of togetherness in a community. Where families would line up to see Hollywood’s greatest superstars on the silver screen, or children could fantasize of being a superhero.

As a reminder of history, The Grand sign still stands. Today the edifice houses 619 Productions, a community art center designed to revitalize a community and develop minds for the future.

So the next time you find yourself rummaging through discarded mementos, rediscover and chronicle those magical moments from photos, places, or visiting with childhood friends. Whatever your iconic landmarks, cultivate, cherish, and share them with others so they too can enjoy a piece of your memoirs!

Tigner Rand