Missing you!

[Mel Hopkins]

Hi AALBC fam! I was watching this video on YouTube, Comedian Shuler King and Pharaoh Head Part 2. And while I was listening to him drop knowledge, I thought about how much I missed this forum. It is funny how you can go through life and acquire a bunch of skills, knowledge, and still not know how to use them until you add LOVE. I feel like that sometimes, like I ask What's the point?   Then, I remembered whenever I lost my balance, my family would fill me up with love, give me that pick-me-up, and I would get energized. But it hit me, there was still something missing. It was the part I felt while listening to Shuler. I remembered when I'd come right back here, get into some battle of wits, and then I'd remember who I am completely.

AALBC forum is like drinking from the chaotic and primordial waters of NUN. I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself, thank you! or see my whimsical self in my twin, @Del @Delanoadmire the wit of @Cynique @aka Contrarian,and I get energized to know how strong and brilliant women can be! I recently wondered if I'd recognize @ProfD if I heard him whispering in a library or lecturing in front of a class. You are such a mystery that I feel like I know you.  Just this morning, I sent energy to, @Chevdove so she will finish her book. She is the one who needs to tell the story of African Adam!. I am proud of my alumni @Troy. Dude, you are an inspiration to me! I'm enjoying watching you beat your dreams into submission. @richardmurray you make me crazy with your projects, but please know I enjoy your enthusiasm! @frankster we haven't engaged in debate, but I'm glad you're here. You echo many of my beliefs and remind me to uncover their origins. @harry brown 's commentary through prose and poetry is a great wake-up call... I could probably go on and name many more if I searched through my memory, but  I'm about to go skipping back into the world again. Thank you, thank you, each and every one of you, even the ones I missed and didn't list, thank you for sharing your Love! 
 

[ProfD]

Sista @Mel Hopkins, it's always great whenever you decide to plop into your chair in the proverbial coffeehouse that is AALBC.  Always appreciate your contribution to the discussion.

 

I don't work in academia or the ministry but if/whenever you run across a 6 foot, well dressed, nice watch wearing, bald-headed Black man pontificating about anything in a lecture hall or pulpit or playing the piano, that could be your brotha from another mutha.

[richardmurray]

@Mel Hopkins  thank you 

I am glad you are well and happy and I hope you have more love in your near or far future than you dream

[Delano]

These are trying times Twin. Reaching deeply into the Magic Bag
@Mel Hopkins

[Chevdove]

@Mel Hopkins You are so beautiful inside and out!

You bring so much positive energy to this community and to the world!

 

[Pioneer1]

Mel

Now here I was thinking this thread was dedicated to me personally, only to open it up and see a whole pack of OTHER names tagged in the OP...lol.

Always a pleasure when you drop by and kick it with the fam, young lady.

 

 

I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself,

Maybe you learn more about yourself, but clearly you aren't learning much about ME or you wouldn't waste so much time arguing with me...lol.

But hey.....lol....whatever it takes to get your attention.

[frankster]

love is all I bring cause that is all I have.....love

 

[Delano]

 

 

On 8/17/2025 at 7:35 AM, Pioneer1 said:

Maybe you learn more about yourself, but clearly you aren't learning much about ME or you wouldn't waste so much time arguing with me...lol.

This is why comprehension is so important. Mel is learning more about herself talking to (notice I didn't say with), hence it isn't a waste of her time.

[Troy]

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

[aka Contrarian]

On 8/21/2025 at 4:35 AM, Troy said:

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

That's so true. She always manages to  portray me so much nicer than I am . 

[Delano]

Different facets for different faces

[Mel Hopkins]

Hey Fam!  I shared my heartbreak with all of you; now here is my joy! 
 
Mom, my twin daughters' father, my oldest daughter, Cheyenne's (my daughter who passed away) childhood bestie, is in the family photo with us. I love her so much, and me sitting next to my oldest twin daughter!

My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration.

 

 

Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview  . Yes, this is a very current photo!!

And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!! 

[ProfD]

8 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration.

Sista @Mel Hopkins congrats to your daughter, son-in-law, you and your family on the milestone of a wedding. 

 

8 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview  . Yes, this is a very current photo!!

And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!! 

Both you and your mom are living proof that Black doesn't crack.

 

I wish the newlyweds a great life together.

[Mel Hopkins]

12 hours ago, ProfD said:

I wish the newlyweds a great life together.

Brotha @ProfD Thank you! I finally got a son!  And they're magical! I felt like singing "I never knew love like this before"  because it is inspiring to see them together.  They lift each other up! 

[Pioneer1]

Ahhhh  man.....

Lol....
Mel why did you have to go ahead and post those lovely pictures????

You know how jealous "you know who" is, around here!

You know how "you know who" likes to be the center of my/male attention around here!

Now you're going to sit up there with a smile on your face and post some  pictures of yourself???

 

 

....with some silky soft shoulders????



Shiiiiiit, you MIGHT have just made yourself an enemy....lol.

Mel those were truly beautiful pictures.
I'm not just talking about you and your family but seeing all of those attractive well groomed Black folks dressed up and acting in concert for your daughter's wedding is phenomenal.

It's something that you don't see much in the AfroAmerican community now a days and it's very much welcomed.

I really mean that.

I'm also glad that your mixed daughter chose a handsome intelligent looking Black man.
Judging by how he's standing and looking....I'd say he either has his own business or WILL have one soon.
He has that determined look in his eyes.
 

[Pioneer1]

 

....yes, nice pictures.

Your 80-something year old mother isn't bad looking either!


Hey Mel, I have an idea  


If she's not seeing anybody.....
Why don't you, me, ProfD, and Mama-Mel Hopkins....all meet up and go on a double date!

I'm sure Mama Mel  would find ProfD interesting!
I'm sure he's a GREAT conversationalist.....LOL.


PS....tell your White ex to take his hand off of her shoulder!
We don't play that around here.