Azizi

Subject: Azizi
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 03:55 PM

Azizi is going to take a break from posting in Mudcat.

She has contributed substantially here to African-American folklore, as well as providing us with current language preferences and slang usage among African-Americans.

Her contributions will be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:00 PM

Ok...we'll watch for her return.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Jim Lad
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:01 PM

Tell me she's alright.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:03 PM

She's done this before; her life runs in cycles that follow her workload, from what I've seen. Please remind her that there is also email, Q.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: sian, west wales
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:08 PM

Please give her my best and tell her I await her return ...

sian

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: MMario
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:15 PM

whoops! Cleanup in AIsle Three, Please, clones!

(I goofed - posted in the wrong thread)

mopped up. stockboy-clone

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Peace
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:16 PM

Azizi is one of the pearls on Mudcat. She's a serious researcher and educator. She brings good music discussions and a dry sense of humour. Her socio-political observations to do with colour and race have been priceless.

I hope your time off isn't a long time off.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:20 PM

Agreed - Any one who posts good sense and doesnt troll needs to be here !!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Peace
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:22 PM

"I hope your time off isn't a long time off."

There are two ways to read that. I mean, "I hope that your time off is brief."

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: PoppaGator
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:40 PM

As someone who has himself "disappeared" from Mudcat for months at a time ~ without, in my case, even giving notice ~ I certainly understand. Tell her please don't worry about it.

Of course, we'll all miss (or certainly should miss) Azizi's contributions as one of the very few actual black people, if not the only one, to grace us with their presense.

As someone who lives in a racially diverse community and whose primary musical interest and orientation involves the similarly diverse (but primarily African-American) indigenous culture of New Orleans, I feel a little bit abandoned.

Of course, we still have Jerry Rasmussen, who's Black by marriage and church affiliation, not merely by musical taste in the sense that I am.

Now, there's nothing wrong with being white ~ I make no apologies, nor do I even feel a bit of guilt, for being born without melanin from a long line of northern-European palefaces. There's not even anything wrong with a group being all-white (as we at Mudcat may now be), as long as it's not a matter of exclusionary policy. But it is unfortunate, and a bit of a limitation.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:42 PM

I'll miss her. A LOT. Whatever it is, get well soon, Sistah.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 04:56 PM

We will be diminished by her absence. Be back soon...

Art

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 05:01 PM

I will miss her thoughtful research, her general good humor, and I hope that she will return when she has more time to contribute here.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Bee
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 05:08 PM

I'll miss you Azizi - be happy to welcome you back when it's time. Keep well. ;-)

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Little Robyn
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 05:18 PM

Likewise from NZ.
Come back soon Azizi.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 05:46 PM

I've appreciated the insight, information, and positive approach to issues and hope Azizi will soon be back.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: M.Ted
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 05:55 PM

A lot of great discussions would never have started had she not posted--She puts more effort into her posts than a lot of people put into their 9-5 type work--it kind of forces people to respond in kind--and she's been remarkably good natured, to boot. I miss her already!!!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 06:50 PM

Little Robyn beat me to it, but it bears repeating:

COME BACK SOON AZIZI

Hope it's not too long before we're able to see your posts again -

Bonnie xx

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 06:59 PM

We don't really have a lot of info here as to why she is leaving for a bit. I don't care much for fanfare type leaving. But I will say this. Azizi has truly been a positive addition to this place. She has a sense of grace and patience with the folks that post without thinking, and for those that do think, she has been the source of much excellent food for thought.

If she needs a break, I understand. I have taken them myself. I wish her well, and look forward to her return.

Mick

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Rowan
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 07:28 PM

We'll all be the poorer for her absence, but I guess everyone needs to take a breather now and then.

CHeers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Alice
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 08:39 PM

Azizi, I hope you can get a break from work and find time soon to be back on Mudcat!

Alice

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 08:41 PM

Wel, MiziAzizi, I know that you are readin' this htread but I know that this joint can eat you up so...

...good on you, girl...

You do what you need to do for you... It don't matter if it's two days, two weeks or two life times...

But just keep SidewalkBob.com in yer smart little head an' if yer ever gonna be in Virginia you can contact me thry my website 'cause, who knows, I might just take me a sabatitcal(sp) my ownself...

Love from Pine Grove Holler,

Bobert

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,Scoville
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 08:42 PM

Hope the pressure lets up after no too long. Come back soon!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Azizi
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 11:29 PM

To badly paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of my break taking from Mudcat are true.

Q pmed me and asked why I wasn't posting on Mudcat, and I succiently replied that I was taking a break from posting here. I neither knew nor did I expect him to start this thread based on that information.

I think that Q started this thread because he correctly surmised that I was at low energy, and he wanted to give my spirit a much needed boost. Although I feel somewhat embarrassed by this thread, I thank you, Q, for your consideration. And with all my heart and soul, I thank all of you for this unexpected present.

Please know that I greatly appreciate your compliments and that I return them in sp- Ooh! I was going to say "in spades" but ...

Oh, what the heck! You know what I mean.

:o)


I have met so many wonderful, interesting, knowledgeable, creative, and caring people through posting on Mudcat. When my hibernation period is over, God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back exchanging comments with you all.

Best wishes,

Azizi

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: LadyJean
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 12:17 AM

I will miss her posts. She's a fellow Pittsburgher, from my old neighborhood no less. We went to hear Seumas Kennedy one night when he was in town. I'll miss her posts too.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: alanabit
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:39 AM

I look forward to getting you back Azizi. I have enjoyed the discussions with you here a lot.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:45 AM

Azizi, have a great hibernation & I'm looking forward to seeing you again when your spirit is sufficiently boosted!

sandra

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: gnu
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 06:24 AM

Thanks for cluing us in, Azizi. Hope you heal what needs it and return the better for it.

Take care.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 10:28 AM

Take care, and we'll see you when we see you.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:17 AM

Hope this is taken in the spirit intended:
I was surprised to see Azizi offering a "I'm gone" thread. Simply not her style. Per Tacitus, she is "conspicuous by her absence..."
SINS

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:36 AM

It wasn't started by Azizi Susan.
G.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:39 AM

I think you mean Sinsull, Giok?

~S~

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:51 AM

I do indeed sorry you must have been in my thoughts
G ¦¬]

(It wasn't started by Azizi .Susan. Mary !
G.)

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:57 AM

Yes - I know that. I too hate "Goodbye" threads and was commenting that I did not think this was Azizi's style. I was glad to see she neither started it nor approved it.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 12:25 PM

Maybe more of us should take a sabbatical sometimes. Don't make it too long a one though, Azizi.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 12:46 PM

"I too hate "Goodbye" threads"

I assume you make a point of avoiding them, then, and hitting 'Forum Home' as soon as you realize you've stumbled onto one accidentally ... and making a point of not returning to it ...


(Later, Az'!)

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 12:53 PM

I don't think it's her style either, but I don't think she DISapproved of the thread. She said this:

I think that Q started this thread because he correctly surmised that I was at low energy, and he wanted to give my spirit a much needed boost. Although I feel somewhat embarrassed by this thread, I thank you, Q, for your consideration. And with all my heart and soul, I thank all of you for this unexpected present.

The way I see it, it gives us a chance to tell her how much we enjoy her virtual company and her interesting posts (I know I do) and if it gives her the lift she needs and helps her to feel able to come back a bit sooner, well that can't be a bad thing!

Come back soon, Azizi. We need people like you!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Alice
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 01:10 PM

Yes, it gives us a chance to say, we appreciate you, Azizi! I understand the hibernation thing. I've taken a break from Mudcat a few times over the last ten years!

Alice

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Teribus
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:38 PM

The Indispensible Man, or Woman:

Sometime when you're feeling important;
Sometime when your ego's in bloom
Sometime when you take it for granted
You're the best qualified in the room,

Sometime when you feel that your going
Would leave an unfillable hole,
Just follow these simple instructions
And see how they humble your soul;

Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out and the hole that's remaining
Is a measure of how you'll be missed.

You can splash all you wish when you enter,
You may stir up the water galore,
But stop and you'll find that in no time
It looks quite the same as before.

The moral of this quaint example
Is do just the best that you can,
Be proud of yourself but remember,
There's no indispensable man.

Or woman, irrespective of colour of skin.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:47 PM

No one is indispensable. But some people are missed when they are absent. Some are not...

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 05:07 PM

A bit of a mean-spirited little post, isn't it, Teribus?

(Well said, friend McGrath).

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:36 AM

Aren't these farewell threads a little like attending your own funeral to hear all the nice things people will say about you? Azizi is fine, but the concept has always struck me as ridiculous and self serving. Now on with the wake. God, I hope there's a band.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 08:09 AM

Yeah, Leej. Years ago (you probably remember this) Roger Shambles pulled the first "I'm going to leave, please beg me to stay" routine. I said then that he wasn't leaving, and expressed my distaste for it. But this one does have a distinction. Azizi didn't ask for it or suggest it. And the way I read her explanation, is somewhat embarassed by it.

Come home when you are ready, friend.

Mick

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 08:41 AM

Well I liked Teribus's wee poem...we should all print it out and stick it up above the fireplace.

If only the rest of T's posts contained as much common sense...:0)

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:07 AM

You're right of course - none of us should ever feel that we're of any importance to anybody, that anyone might enjoy our company, find our conversation interesting, that we have anything to contribute to others. And certainly we all have a duty to sneer at any weakling who would expose any such fellow-feeling as to say good-bye when leaving the presence of those they've spent a great deal of time with ...

It's every man for himself, and devil take the hindmost.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:20 AM

And in case you hadn't noticed, Teribus's post was an entirely gratuitous and extremely snide insult directed at one of the most level-headed, decent and generous posters on this forum.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: JennyO
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:43 AM

I think the last time I heard that unpleasant poem was when someone posted part of it after Martin Gibson left. That I can ALMOST (but only almost) understand. In this case it is totally inappropriate and uncalled for.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:12 AM

Let's not have a referendum-- that doesn't do anybody any good. I don't think Azizi enjoys being the occasion for upset here.

^^^^Azizi^^^^^ (Lifting her up)

~S~

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:06 PM

I'm sure you are quite right; this unseemly contention is quite out of keeping with the spirit that the person unfortunately at its center brings to this forum; therefore, I gracefully bow out. Adieu. Auf weidersen. Good-bye!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Ron Davies
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 01:41 PM

Azizi will definitely be missed. She brought lots of information, and a different--and blessedly level-headed -- perspective on many issues.

Hope it's just a sabbatical.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:33 PM

I am tickled by the display above of a dry sense of humour by Azizi, and for me at least it adds another good facet to her manifestation here.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 03:11 PM

Sorry to offend GUEST, but my comments were meant as a gentle tug on Teribus's tail.

T and I don't agree about much but at least he has shown a sense of humour (twice) which is more than can be said for certain other members.
I don't think T meant to be unkind by his post, and the member concerned has shown herself to be no "shrinking violet" on her favourite subject...Ake

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Mr Happy
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 09:29 AM

Azizi - hurry back - don't be a stranger!!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Mo the caller
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 09:35 AM

We'll miss you Azizi

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 07:41 AM

I hope that Azizi gets lots of good work done offline and hurries on back as soon as she can. I have learned so much from her and I have enjoyed getting to know her over time. Azizi has been a fellow researcher I can rely upon. If she happens to read this, I'd like her to know in what high esteem I hold her.

I have taken breaks too when offline work needs attention so I understand when others do it. Doesn't make me happy, but I accept it.

Love to you Azizi!!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: M.Ted
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 08:11 PM

Not that it matters, but the poem is erroneous--when you remove your arm from a bucket of water the water level drops-- so you do leave a noticeable space.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 09:47 PM

Good one, M.Ted.

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: akenaton
Date: 06 Jun 07 - 01:30 AM

Ah but the level only remains higher if you leave your hand IN the water.

All those who leave the forum have effectively removed their hands from the water

Pedantry rules!!

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: Darowyn
Date: 06 Jun 07 - 11:41 AM

'Bye for now Azizi,
I'll be watching out for your next posting.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Azizi
From: M.Ted
Date: 07 Jun 07 - 10:55 AM

This hand in/water up, hand out/water down paradigm could account for a lot--