The Episodic Thoughts Of Hamp

Some of you may have or may not be familiar with Codis Hampton II Blogs, Articles, or Books. His readers can attest to the unique style, grace in which he phrases his description of life in general. This book details a series of down-home humor yet realistic opinions on various subjects, including Race, Politics, Health, Black History, Current Events, Love, and Friendship. After reading his works, you will know Hamp, up close and personal. And by all means, be glad you met him.

All my life, I’ve been a jack of all trades, master of none, sometimes to my detriment. Always busy involved with a new interest in life. I love the arts, so much so, I never could settle on one aspect. So I never developed as a singer, instrumentalist, commercial artist, cartoonist, comedian, or actor. I also love the world of business, imagining myself as the man in charge. I attribute that to my Leo astrology sign. In self-employment ventures, I had the ideas, skills but lacked the funding. I also found my interest varied as an entrepreneur. I love the service aspect of business, especially helping people grow their talents. Yet, I’m always drawn back to the arts. Those varied experiences, compelling interests, and inherited common sense led me to write the social commentary. Whether it’s humorous or severe political commentary, my perspective differs from the norm. I’m fascinated by man’s career, social, & political expectations, intrigued at how the ramifications of one’s choices affect our everyday lives. And, the actions or inactions of people keep me wondering, what will they do next? I’ve settled into a philosophical period in my life. This book’s second volume reveals my thoughts and comments on subject matter that interest me in one way or another. I present my ideas for your contemplation, discussion, and enjoyment. In the end, remember where you read them. Peace and make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you, Codis Hampton II

All of my life I've been a jack of all trades and master of none sometimes to my own detriment. I have abilities and talent that required study and development. For some reason or turn in life, I never took the chance to fully develop as a singer, instrumentalist, commercial artist, cartoonist, comedian, or actor. I love the arts but never could settle on one field. Nor put in the work and study required to excel in either category. I also love the world of business; always imagining myself as a man in charge. I attribute that to my Leo sign. As a Dept. of Defense employee, career success was realized by beginning as a Supply Clerk and retiring as Director of Small Purchase. In self-employment ventures, I had the ideas and skills but lacked the funding. I also found my interest varied as an entrepreneur. I love the service aspect of business, especially helping people. Yet, I am always drawn back to the arts. Those varied experiences, compelling interest and parental inherited common sense led me to writing social commentary. Whether it's humorous or serious political commentary, my perspective differs from the norm.

In Codis Hampton II’s highly anticipated new book, the author pays tribute to his late father, eloquently capturing the spirit and soul of Codis “Moz” Hampton, Senior. A dedicated family man, Moz touched everyone he met with his kind and generous personality and was held in high esteem by family, friends, and coworkers. Remembering Moz not only honors one man’s father and the rich heritage of family ties; the book also explores the broader themes of man’s career, social, and political expectations, the ramifications of individual choices, and other social commentary, both serious and humorous. It takes you on a ride through Moz’s Roots as far back as the beginning of the Civil War and explores the State of Arkansas role in it.

From birth through our teens we experience quite a bit of life that is out of our control. One could say we are not in command of our lives during that period. The responsibility for our overall well-being lies with our parents or other adults. Once we have reached the legal age of self-responsibility, we have more control over who we are. How our life turns out is now in our personal care. The one constant during these episodes, peaks, and valleys of our lives is changing. Some changes are for the better, others could be harmful to our growth. But make no mistake about it, no matter where we are in our life cycle, over time everything must and will change. How our guardians or we facilitate, those changes are the key to a productive and happy life. Misguided Intentions provides a great read of how its central character and others meet, interacted, accepted or even rejected change. They all are wrestling with obstacles thrown their way every day. Each deals with it in their own way. The unthinkable, the unimaginable, subtle and not so subtle shifts in personalities are clear for the reader to consume. Faith, hope, and love are traits most characters lean on in their development. You get to examine the life and family relationships during the mid-sixties through the mid-seventies. Civil Rights, Viet Nam War, Drugs, Sex, Rock and Roll, Rhythm & Blues and Free Love were the topics of the day. It's an era when the younger generation looked to effect change in society. While the older more conservative folk wanted to retain the American way of life or status quo if you will. The central character, Annie Lee Holmes may seem like an enigma to us. She like us all has that bag full of life experiences weighing her down. You know...the one we keep adding to as we live our life. Her bags filled with mean spirited treatment from an assortment of people that would drive a less stronger person crazy. Now she has children and wonders what next. One husband has walked out on her and his children. Another has suddenly died after a year, leaving behind another child. Because of past experiences, she is not really sure how to be a human being much less a parent. She certainly would not categorize herself as having mental fortitude. Her environment is like playing a televised part in a murder mystery, Psychoanalysis Drama, or Days of Our Lives Soap Opera. The difference is many of these characters are from the other side of the track. Since she is allowed to survive; she continues to stumble on from day to day. Misguided Intentions paints a story of Annie Lee's life journey and its effects on her ever-changing personality. The mantra is keeping your eyes on where you are going, not necessarily where you are at any given time. Be aware the twist and turns along the way never actually cease. Our job is to maneuver around and even through the obstacles. As that George Benson's song says..."Everything must change, nothing stays the same." Peace, Blessings and keep it real.

All of my life I've been a jack of all trades and master of none sometimes to my own detriment. I have abilities and talent that required study and development. For some reason or turn in life, I never took the chance to fully develop as a singer, instrumentalist, commercial artist, cartoonist, comedian, or actor. I love the arts but never could settle on one field. Nor put in the work and study required to excel in either category. I also love the world of business; always imagining myself as a man in charge. I attribute that to my Leo sign. As a Dept. of Defense employee, career success was realized by beginning as a Supply Clerk and retiring as Director of Small Purchase. In self-employment ventures, I had the ideas and skills but lacked the funding. I also found my interest varied as an entrepreneur. I love the service aspect of business, especially helping people. Yet, I am always drawn back to the arts. Those varied experiences, compelling interest and parental inherited common sense led me to writing social commentary. Whether it’s humorous or serious political commentary, my perspective differs from the norm.

I have learned over the years that there is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to give something of oneself in hopes that others will benefit from that gift. the idea was planted in my being by my father's way of raising his children. It grew in leaps and bounds and, in fact, was magnified when actually I began to listen to stories about my family history.I took those stories passed on to me by my father, mother, grandmother, and other family members to form a story about my Grandmother Gracie Hampton. It was her lifestyle, environment, conditions and timeline in which she lived, that is the story's anchor, and my inspiration. and make no mistake, even though I have used the real names of the Hampton's family central characters, and most relatives, all words written as dialog in this book are mine and mine alone. I've adding my words as dialog, along with a few fictional characters to facilitate a story line of how it could have happened during the events noted.At times, it was a struggle to keep an eye on my purpose in life. God knows I have been distracted many times. Often, by my own misguided actions. Yet, I've always returned to my roots, the foundation of my upbringing, the unapologetic belief that I can not only survive but thrive and compete in any environment. I learned that from my ancestors. My youngest son, once remarked, "I'm not sure who I am." At the time, he was going through an identity crisis trying to find out where he belonged in life. My advice was simple, "Go look in the mirror. That's who you are and who will get you where you want to go."I hope this book helps others remember who and where they came from.Codis Hampton II