In my opinion, good music is good music. I don’t care what genre it is, you can’t deny good music. Think about it, what is music? It’s a combination of rhythm, instruments, and words of expression. However it’s played whenever it’s on music has the power to cultivate you.

I was raised on hip hop, rock, pop, R&B, reggae, and gospel. As I grew older with an open mind, I appreciated country music. When I learned about my Hispanic heritage, I was introduced to reggaeton and bachata–which I love by the way. I never could catch a blue grass song I liked, but I did give it a chance.

When I think about the word reflection, I imagine myself standing in front of my mirror looking at the background. What’s behind me is a clear, simple, and vivid view of what it is. I’m in the middle of it.

In my opinion, the definition of reflection is when a person thinks back to what he or she has done–that is, lived. According to Merriam-Webster, the word reflection is also related to learning. There are several reasons why I agree: it’s a way to explore what you’ve experienced; it’s a chance to acquire knowledge of self; and it helps you understand something you may have missed in real time. To say the least, reflection is how human-being grow and comprehend life.

Let’s Talk!

When I was 16-yeard old, I had brought a gun home that I was holding for a friend. I didn’t want the gun to find itself in my mother’s hands, so I hid it underneath one of the living room’s sofas. Trying to be cool, I told my uncle about the gun. I showed it to him and I told him where I was hiding it.

The next day after school I walked into a surprise. “What are you doing with this?” my mother asked sternly. It was more of a you know you’re going to be punished rather than an ask. Feeling betrayed by my uncle I felt hurt without a voice. My mother enforced guilt and punishment. Somehow I retrieved my friend’s gun an the real issue was never resolved.

Ghost Guns

The parents of a Georgia teen are counting their blessings. A 13-year old boy purchased untraceable gun parts by shopping for “ghost guns” online. Without difficulty he put the gun parts together, then accidentally shot his sister. Although his sister survived, a family could’ve lost a loved one.

Recently another teenage boy got access to guns using a similar website. However instead of accidentally shooting someone, this child became an illegal gun retailer. How disturbing! A child bought gun materials online, learned how to put them together, and sold untraceable “ghost guns” to local street buyers.

To say that I’ve been a model inmate my entire incarceration would suggest that I changed the moment I stepped into prison. We all know that isn’t true. Becoming an aspiring children’s author didn’t happen overnight; it was a long, hard process.

After accepting responsibility for my wrong actions, I learned how to work on my former distorted ways of thinking. Without me making the foolish mistakes I made in the past, I wouldn’t have been able to make positive choices today.

This part of my life’s journey is what makes Taquan Makes a Choice series so unique and realistic. Because I was once that little, lost boy who made bad decisions; however, I am now a bigger, found man who can help little lost kids made good decisions.

“Am I wrong for being concerned about the safety of a child?”

I was shocked at what a 29-year old mother had said to me. After hearing about her son’s suspension I asked Shae how her son, Kalih, was doing. I was worried about the well-being of his mental health. “You’re always worried about the kids…that’s all you want to talk about,” were Shae’s negative words. It was unbelievable.

Early November in 1988, on a Friday night around 8:30 pm, Travis Lane was enjoying the company of a few friends on his front porch. It was a normal night in the neighborhood–hanging out, drinking, and exchanging the latest gossip.

Out of no where a gunman began shooting. Unaware where the shots were coming from, everyone ran for safety. The crowd that surrounded Travis had dispersed – they scattered like roaches when they’re being hunted by humans. Instinctively Travis dived to the ground. While laying on the grass, a bullet pierced his head. Because the unseen gunman had cleared the area, there was no one there to help me.

When everything calmed down, I felt relaxed and settled. In the middle of October, 2014, I lost my youngest son.

“C. Logan, report to the slot,” The corrections officer announced on the pod’s intercom. I was in prison serving a 10-year sentence. It was very early in the morning. I walked to the control booth, “What’s up?” Then placed my ear close to the slot. “The captain wants to see you in his office,” the officer said. “Ok!” I replied and then went to my cell to get ready.

Watch Your Mouth!

A few days ago, an associate and I had a conversation about how children utilize Google search to learn about unfamiliar words they hear people say. My associate, Astro (that’s his nickname), shared with me how his 6-year old nephew, Micah, had used Google Voice to learn what the word murder meant. It was no surprise that images of homicide scenes, fatal bullet and knife wounds, and dead bodies laying in puddles of blood appeared. Scared out of his mind, Micah ran to show his mother the horrifying pictures.

“How did you get this?” Micah’s mother asked. Micah explained to his concerned mother how he had Googled murder. When his mother asked him why did he Google murder, Micah looked his mother in her eyes and said, “I heard you say it, mom.”

The bottom line is that children – especially ages 3 to 8 – are sponges; they soak up everything. Because of their high level of curiosity, they want to know everything about everything. Therefore, we (adults) have to be conscious of what we say in the presence of a child.

Until next tip, stay focused stay free!

“Christina’s here!” were the best words Kevin Parker had ever heard. It was the happiest day of his life. On October 29, 1983, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin had just come in from outside when his cousin told him that he was a father.

After his cousin Shae broke the news to him, Kevin felt like he was about to have a heart attack. He began pacing the floor back-and-forth. Several thoughts raced through his 14-year old brain. “You have a daughter. You’re a father now, Kevin.” was what he repeated aloud. He was overwhelmed.

At first Shae didn’t know what to say or do. “Are you going to the hospital or what?” she abruptly asked. Kevin quickly regained his composure and focused on the matter at hand – he needed to go see his daughter.