Out With The Old

So here we are...coming to the close of yet another year. A time where many reflect and select areas that they desire to change in the coming year. I, admittedly, am no different.

I won't bore you with ALL of the things that I desire to change in the coming year, however I will share this ONE, since it pertains to my lovely blog The Dialogue Den.

Gotta tell ya...there have been sooo many times when I've wanted to just let the ink run out of the pen and say, "no more," with regard to the blog. I mean...I've been at this for 6 years now, with over 690 posts, and it just hasn't taken off quite the way I had expected it to. Clearly, somethin's gotta change.

I've wondered if perhaps I should change the name from The Dialogue Den (since very few folks actually engage in DIALOGUE with me), to The Monologue Minute. Not sure if that's already taken, but it would more accurately describe the majority of my posts.

Either way...keep the name...change the name...one thing's for sure...I will NOT stop writing. Not here at the blog, nor elsewhere (with regard to the books I'm writing.)

I read a quote a while back that said:

"The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you did not write."

That pretty much summed it up for me. After all...I may not be the BEST writer who ever put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), but I am darned sure not the worst. And because my posts are as random as the kajillion thoughts that float around in my brain...some days I may write something that's "right on your street." And other days, I may write something that appears to be from a completely different planet. To that I simply say...keep reading...PLEASE (and thank you.)

Earlier this year I set a goal to write 366 posts in 2016. Well...goals are meant to be met, yet sometimes we miss. I missed. I wrote 169 posts this year. But...what happens when we miss a goal? We set a NEW one. So...you've probably already guessed that my goal for 2017 is to write 367 posts. Can I do it? Of course!

And that brings me to the photo that's posted here today.

A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter Jordan, held a toy drive for charity. In addition to spoken word artists who performed, there were also vendors (many of them around my daughter's age...early to mid 20s), selling their goods.

As much as I wished I could have purchased something from everyone, I had to be thoughtful in my decision as I had very little money and wanted to by something that would "speak to me." When I saw this beanie from The Drew League, the four words didn't just speak to me...they SCREAMED.

Yes, 2016 hit me with some MAJOR blows that I didn't expect. Yes, I am still trying to recover from them now. No...everything won't be "rainbows and butterflies" when the clock strikes midnight tonight. I will STILL be recovering from the blows of 2016. BUT...I can't let those blows stop me...or even slow me down. I can't use LAST year's troubles as an EXCUSE for this coming year not being all that should, and WILL be. LAST year (meaning 2016) will not stop me from PRODUCING in 2017. Instead, I will let the hard lessons learned from 2016 guide me toward BETTER, and more WISE decisions in 2017. And whenever I start falling into those "woe is me moments,"  I will remember the words on this beanie:

NO EXCUSE!

JUST PRODUCE!

 

Now it's YOUR turn. Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you have a motto for the coming year? If so, let's hear it.

 

Talk to me!

 

Til next time...

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 



From Cover to Cover

2016 will soon come to a close and as I reflect on the events of this year, all I can say is:

I WANT BETTER!

I NEED BETTER!!

I WILL HAVE and BE BETTER!!!

Many things went wrong in 2016. Some by my own doing (which I am diligently working to repair) and others that were simply out of my control.

One area where I know I need to improve was that regarding the amount of time I spent with God in His Word. Yes, there were stretches where I was consistent and did alright, but I was not "365 days consistent." That is what I want in 2017.

I need to HEAR from God DAILY (through His Word), and He needs to hear from me DAILY (through PRAYER.)

Perhaps if I had done more of both, CONSISTENTLY, I wouldn't be in the situation I am in now.

So...here are two daily Bibles that I have attempted to get through for the past few years. My goal is to read one first thing each morning, and the other some time each evening.

God's Word is important to me and I need to start SHOWING Him instead of just TELLING Him. Isn't that how all SUCCESSFUL relationships work...by SHOWING and not just TELLING?

My relationship with God (by way of His Son, Jesus) is the MOST IMPORTANT relationship I have. I need to SHOW Him that I am serious and not just giving "lip service."

So there ya have it. I am greatly looking forward to a consistent year with God and His Word.

How 'bout you?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever read the Bible from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21? If not, I invite you to join in with me. We can grow in the Lord TOGETHER.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Humbled

This morning during my daily Bible devotion I read 1 Peter 4:9 which reads (from the NLT translation):

"Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay."

That was a real eye-opener for me and it got me to wondering just how many folks there are in my life who would actually allow me to stay in their homes (for a brief time, of course.)

I wondered because my current situation may lead me to that come January 1st. I honestly don't know how I am going to pay my rent which means that I will have to move. Move where? I have no idea. I don't even know where all of my stuff is supposed to go. Until I get a job (which I am diligently seeking DAILY), I won't be able to get a new place.

I know that I would be an exceptional "visitor." I would be sure to be up and out EARLY (probably to the nearest library) where I could continue my job search, and would only return in the evening to shower and sleep. Repeating the same routine the next day.

I wouldn't even eat any food where I'm staying because I don't want to be any more of a burden than I already would be by showering and sleeping there. I would make my presence known as little as possible.

I pray that it doesn't come down to all that, but just in case...it's really got me wondering. Who, if anyone, would open their doors to me?

Most folks would agree that I am a fairly decent person. Unfortunately, I just happen to be at a stage in my life where everything has unraveled. I know that eventually things will be nicely tied together again...it's just gonna take me a little more time. I'm trying though. Lord knows I'm trying.

So...Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever let someone (non-relative) stay in your home until they were able to get back on their feet?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

K.S. Phone Home

Yesterday on Facebook I posted the following:

Tomorrow will be a better day. I hope. I pray.

Unfortunately, today was worse.

I have a whole lot going on in my life but the worst right now is not knowing the whereabouts and well-being of a very close friend. He has simply fallen off the radar. His phone goes straight to voicemail...not just when I call, but when anyone calls...and I haven't heard from him since Sunday evening which is HIGHLY unusual.

My prayer is that he has simply "gone off the grid" for a bit to clear his head and will resurface tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.

My worst fear is so bad that I don't even want to put it in writing. My worst fear simply can not be.

So, what am I gonna do?

I imagine that the only thing left to do is to hope and pray again that tomorrow will be a better day. I hope. I pray.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever had someone close to you suddenly disappear? If so, how long did it take for them to re-appear?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Today is my Mom's 66th birthday which she is celebrating in Heaven (if birthdays are even celebrated there.)

She had 63 "Earthly birthdays," and shortly before her 64th the Lord took her home.

Every year on this day I find myself wondering just what exactly do folks do in Heaven on birthdays. Maybe birthdays are just like any other day there. And maybe, just maybe...days aren't days at all. I have no idea what TIME is even like in Heaven.

Anyhoo...pictured here are where her remains lay. I never thought they'd be here in MY home. I was fine with having them at my Dad's place...but recent circumstances called for the urn to be relocated. So...here it is, and inside...there she is (at least the physical parts.)

Thankfully, I know that the true essence of my Mom can never be contained in a jar. Her soul now dwells in Heaven, full and in tact. Knowing that gives me great joy, and one of these good ol' days...I'll be right there along side of her.

With regard to MY physical remains...I would love to have my corpse placed on a bed of logs to be set afire and pushed out to sea. I find that to be the most beautiful way to lay one to rest. Legally I know it's not possible, but if it were...that's how I'd wanna be "sent off."

Nevertheless...I digress.

I said a little prayer today and asked God to give my Momma an extra special hug on this...her extra special day.

Happy 66th Birthday Mom! I love and miss you!!

Now (deep breath in)...Let the DIALOGUE begin: I know it's morbid to think about, but...how would you like for your body to be disposed of once it's time?

Talk to me!

Til nex time...

What's Your Flavor?

A couple days ago I was hankerin' for a "sweet treat." Whenever that happens I tend to find myself at Rite Aid for a scoop (or two) of some good ol' Thrifty's ice cream. Tastes good and it's way cheaper than Baskin-Robbins.

As I stood at the counter waiting for someone to come assist (there's never anyone readily available), I thought about getting my usual...either Pecan Praline or Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
Seems like it was taking longer than normal for someone to arrive which gave me time to check out some of the other flavors.

Didn't take long before I spotted one that made me smile...Rainbow Sherbet, which by the way...if you are anything like me, gets pronounced Sher-bert...even though there's only ONE "r".

Anyhoo...I digress.

The sherbet made me smile because it immediately reminded me of my Mom.

Three days before she passed away, I walked into her room and found her in tears. She knew that she didn't have many days left here on earth and was wishing that God would just " hurry up already." Yes, for this, she was quite distraught.

As I tried to calm her down, the dietician came in and noticed my Mom crying. He thought that maybe having something to eat would make her feel better. though a whole list of choices, yet nothing he mentioned sounded appealing to her and she decided that she didn't want anything at all.

Then he took a different approach and asked her what she would like to have if she could have anything at all.

My Mom's eyes lit up and she said, "Rainbow Sherbet."

I heard that and thought, "Great. Like they've really got THAT here. Now she's gonna cry again."

Well...

Much to my surprise, the dietician said, "Miss Rebecca, I'll be right back."

Not five minutes later, he walked back in with a single scoop of Rainbow Sherbet in a cup. I wish I had taken a picture of my Mom's face when she saw it. Her whole countenance changed.

I sat by her side as she ate ever so slowly, savoring every bite, almost as if she knew it would be her last time tasting. We talked, she ate. We talked, she ate.

I left that evening knowing that her tears had stopped (if only momentarily), and she enjoyed that sherbet as if it were the best thing she'd ever eaten.

So after seeing Rainbow Sherbet in the ice cream case at Rite Aid, I knew immediately what my choice would be. I asked for a single scoop in a cup, and had quite the giggle when the cup was handed to me with a SMILING scoop of sherbet (pictured) staring at me. I knew right then and there that I had most definitely made the right choice.

I savored every bite remembering how my Mom did the very same.

Now...Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's YOUR favorite flavor of ice cream?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Tender Headed

So I've been in a bit of a "hair rut" lately and needed to do something drastically different.

The choices were:

A. Cut it ALL off (as I have done several times before), and start over.
Or...
B. Get it braided (which I've only done TWICE in my entire life. Once when I was a teenager, my mom very tightly French braided it. And again when I was thirty-something, a co-worker braided it. The hair was so heavy though, I ended up taking the braids out after only one week. I know...I know...WHO DOES THAT?!?)

I went with option B.

Although it came out cute, my head hurts like the dickens. These braids are sooo tight!

I dunno. Maybe it's because I'm not used to braids that they feel tight to me, but MY GOODNESS!!!

I actually feel like my head has swollen up as a result of trauma.

It's 6:30pm and I have absolutely NO IDEA how I am ever going to go to sleep tonight. The entire surface of my scalp hurts so there is no "good side" for me to sleep on.  UGH!!!

My daughter Lauren told me that it should loosen up in about three days, or at least not hurt as much. I sure hope so!

It's funny how I have given birth three times, NATURALLY, no C-Section, no drugs...and was able to tolerate THAT pain.

THIS on the other hand...Good LAWD! Even my baby hair got braided. My BABY HAIR (non-Black folks might wanna look that up)!!!

I'm not sure if I was "tender headed" as a child (non-black folks might wanna look that up too), but as a forty-something woman, I most assuredly am.

I'd post a pic, but I don't like posting pics of myself, sooo...I can tell you that it's in about 15 French braids going back and in a right-side bun at my neck. Other than that, we'll just have to run into each other in the street somewhere so you can see it in person.

Now...Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever had you hair in braids (individual or French braids)? If so...did they hurt? And if so, for how long?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Imperfectly Beautiful

Yesterday on Facebook I posted a picture of a candleholder that I painted some years back and mentioned how candles are one of the best things about Fall.

I lit another candle earlier this evening and happened to notice that the wax was burning quite messily.

As I went to clean up the mess and dripping wax I stopped and admired the beauty of the candle...even in its messy state. That immediately reminded me of myself.

Even in the "messy state" that I am currently in, my beauty has not diminished. Even though things are caving in around me (as the candle was melting in on itself), my light is still shining.

Just like the candle, I am "imperfectly beautiful," yet for some odd reason, folks expect me to be perfect...or darn near close to it. With that being the expectation, I can tell you now that I am sure to disappoint a whole lot more folks than I already have.

Can I strive to do better? Sure.
Should I strive to do better? Sure.
Will I strive to do better? Sure.

Will I ever be perfect? No.
Should folks love me even in my "imperfectness?" Yes.
Do they? Not enough.

Nevertheless, I will keep shining just as this little candle...and even when everything around me has "melted," I'm gonna shine until the wick burns out. That's all I can do.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you like candles? If so, so you light them often? Is there a favorite scent that you enjoy?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Paper, No Plastic.

In all my years of voting I've never directly felt the effect of propositions I'd voted on...until yesterday.

I was at the grocery store (that I had just gone to last week) and as the cashier rang up my goods, she asked if I would need any bags. I told her yes. She then proceeded to tell me that they would be ten cents each. I furrowed my brow a bit and said, "Hmmm...I was here last week and was able to bag my items in plastic bags...for free."

She then pointed out that with the recent passing of Proposition 67, plastic bags are no longer offered and that paper bags now are, at a cost of ten cents each.

Hmph!

I went ahead and shelled out forty cents so that I could bag my items.

Turned out I only needed three.

Wasn't gonna be "cheap" and ask for a ten cent refund, but as I pondered over what to do with the extra bag, a woman across the lane from me was one bag short. Perfect. I gave her my extra and she attempted to hand me ten cents.

I proceeded to give her the bag and told her that she didn't need to pay me for it. She thanked me and I went on my merry way.

As I walked to my car I wondered if I had voted YES or NO for that particular proposition. I'm pretty sure that I voted yes due to the environmental benefit but I didn't realize that I would feel the affect so soon. Thankfully I've got about twenty reusable bags (like the one pictured) which I have rarely remembered to use in times past. Looks like that's about to change unless I wanna shell out ten cents per paper bag (which I do NOT.)

Gotta admit...I will miss plastic bags just a wee bit. Without them, I'm not sure what I will line my bathroom trash can with. That was the only thing I ever used them for. Oh well.

How 'bout you...

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What uses do you have for the grocery story plastic bags? And if you lined your bathroom trash can with them, what would you now use instead?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Over The River and Through The Woods

If  you've followed The Dialogue Den for the past few months, you know that I have been visiting various churches (and enjoying the experience.)

My last church visit was on October 9th when I visited the church that "Joe's" brother attended. That's how it ended up in my "bowl."

To date, that church had been the furthest that I had visited as it was all the way in Irvine. On my first visit, I attended the 8:00 service, and on my second visit, I attended the 10:30.

I gotta tell ya...a WHOLE LOT has happened since that last visit. That afternoon I took a nap and when I woke up, my life changed in a way that I wasn't expecting. Wish I could share what happened, and I will...in a book one day.

Anywoo...things changed.

One really big change from then to now is that Joe's brother is now the pastor of a church other than the one I visited in Irvine. I had no idea that that was coming. I'm happy for him though and know that he will do well in leading God's people. I haven't yet added his new church to my bowl yet, but one day maybe I will.

For the following three Sundays, I attended service at my own church. Again...for reasons that I can't get into right here and now, but will explain one day in a book.

After those three weeks, it was time for me to visit again. So I prayed, reached into my bowl and pulled out what has now become the furthest church. This one was in Moreno Valley. Until my visit I don't think I had ever even been to Moreno Valley.

That church made it into my bowl though because my cousin Kevin (whom I haven't seen since I was about seven years old) attends.

I arrived and as he was singing with the Praise Team, he noticed me. Once they were done singing, he came over and gave me a great big "cousin hug." It was great! I mean really...I haven't seen him in DECADES, but thanks to good ol' Facebook we were able to connect a few years ago.

I enjoyed the service and...as I always do...I went back today for my 2nd visit. I really enjoy the love that this church has for the community. They don't just "do church" inside the walls of the building, but they take church outside by serving. That's what Christ wants His followers to do.

If the church weren't so far I would definitely visit again. For now though, I can say that I'm glad I went and my soul was blessed.

If anyone is in the Moreno Valley area looking for a loving, Bible-based church to visit or join, I would recommend Renewed Life Fellowship.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin: How are you feeling after last Tuesday's presidential election?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

AVAILABLE!

Wow! It's been a while since I last posted.

Gotta tell ya...life has been a bit overwhelming, causing me to crawl under the proverbial "rock."

Can't say that things have gotten any better, but I know how important writing is to me, and it's one of the very few things that I can actually control, so...I'M BACK.

Yeah...the results of Tuesday's presidential election have me a bit "concerned" as I had absolutely NO IDEA that "that man" would actually pull it off and win. 

Even before the election though there were many other "concerns" on my plate. The greatest being my unemployment situation.

My goal was to be re-employed before the election as I knew that there would probably be some financial uncertainty with the economy afterward. Well...sometimes we set goals and simply don't reach them. And so...here I am...still unemployed, and seeking.

My question to YOU today is this: Will you help me? PLEASE??

Here's the deal.

I have been diligently seeking employment, have registered with more employment agencies and job recruiting sites than I can count. I have even been on a number of interviews. None of those efforts have resulted in a job offer yet.

I once heard that 80 percent of available jobs aren't even posted. That just reaffirms for me how important it is to "network." These days, the real key to getting a job is "knowing somebody." Otherwise, my resume is sitting in an electronic pile with a host of others. Unfortunately, my "network" is fairly small, however...you all know folks I don't, so I am asking you to reach out to YOUR networks (PLEASE) and SHARE this post so that perhaps someone, somewhere, who's looking for someone like me will contact me regarding a job...SOON.

Please. Don't just read this and then scroll to the next thing. Share this, PLEASE. It won't cost you a thing, yet would help me greatly.

Ideally, I'd love to work for an organization that provides services and assistance to homeless youth and their families. Unfortunately, I've never worked in that field, it's simply what my heart has a passion to do, so I've been unable to get through that particular door.

As a result, I am more than ready to get back to what I've always done (so that I can get back to paying the bills).

For those who are wondering...here are the "Cliffs Notes" version of what that is:

• Inside Sales (no cold-calling, telemarketing, "hunting") / Sales Support / Account Management (Supporting Field Reps who work outside, while I manage the accounts and assist customers on the Inside. This is what I've done well, and do best.)
• FULL TIME Permanent or FULL TIME Temp to Hire
• Within 20 miles of 90706 zip code

If you, or someone you know, are aware of any immediate opportunities that fit that criteria, PLEASE let me know. I would be happy to forward my resume to you, and/or them, for a more detailed view of my experience.

I am an excellent employee who works "smart" while bringing light and positivity to the environment. Just ask any of my former co-workers and they will gladly attest to that fact.

Ok...enough about me. It's now YOUR turn. What cha got?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Who's hiring?

Talk to me (SOON)!

Til next time...

Over the Riverand Through the Woods

Well folks, here we are again. Another Sunday, and another Sunday that I have visited a church during my "Season of Visitation."

I enjoyed service where I worshipped today (which was also where I worshipped last Sunday.)

The church was quite welcoming, warm, friendly...and far. I think it's the farthest church I've visited yet. I just "Google Mapped" it and the distance was 32.8 miles from my home.

Aside from the fact that the message was good, (the theme was Transformation to Triumph with each of the past 3 weeks focusing on a different area of focus. The first week was, prayer. Last week was thinking. And this week was Holy living. All based on Philippians 4:1-9), I enjoyed the fact that the church's congregation is predominantly Black while the location of the church is in Orange County, which is far from being predominantly Black.

This church ended up in my "bowl" because "Joe's" brother goes there. Plus, I've heard the Pastor on the radio a few times so always knew that I wanted to visit even before knowing that Joe's brother attends.

I saw Joe's brother last week during the "Meet & Greet" portion of the service. He asked what I was doing, "way out there." I told him I was visiting...which I was.

I saw him again today (he actually greeted the visitors), but we didn't speak this time. Didn't want him to think I'm "stalking."

All in all I enjoyed the experience. I especially admire all of the work that they do in the urban communities. Although the church is located in Orange County, they do LOTS of service in areas outside of Orange County. I think that's highly commendable and exactly what Christ would want.

So, in case you're curious and would like to pay them a visit, the church was Christ Our Redeemer in Irvine. I urge you to stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

That's all for now. I look forward to where God will have me go in a couple weeks. I'll keep ya posted

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's the farthest distance you've eve driven to church?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Penny (or more) For Your Thoughts

Last Saturday I had a book club meeting to attend but didn't want to drive my car due to issues that I'll write about on another day.

In order to get to the meeting via public transportation I needed to take two buses, a train, and then one more bus. No biggie. With my TAP card, I can get anywhere...and I do.

As I exited the last bus and began walking to the park where the meeting was being held I happened to notice something shiny in the grass.

I focused in on the shiny thing and noticed that it was a dime. A dime. Cool. I actually found a dime earlier today as well. But...we're not talking about today...we're talking about last Saturday.

I bent down to pick up the dime, thanked God for "the find" as I always do, and noticed a quarter near the dime. Then I spotted two more dimes, two nickels and a penny. SIXTY SIX CENTS all together!

I was baffled by finding this much change so close together.

I walk often so I'm used to finding a nickel here or a dime there, but never have they all been TOGETHER before.

Finding all that change Saturday gave me a sweet memory of my Grammy. She and I took evening walks everyday during the summers of my childhood, especially after her heart surgeries when she walked to regain her strength. I loved those walks! We would talk, laugh, and have contests to see who could find the most change along the way. Some days I won. Some days Grammy won. Even on the days when Grammy won, I was still a winner because we were together and I loved every moment spent with her. My Grammy was my very first best friend.

Oh how I miss her...her laugh...and the beautiful music she played on her organ. I'd watch her fingers glide across the keys while her feet gracefully pressed on the floor pedals.

Hernando's Hideaway, If I Were a Rich Man, and Blessed Assurance were my favorite songs. She would play them for me any time I asked.

With that said...Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's the most amount of money you've ever found while out walking? I once found a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL in a street gutter. It was a little muddy, it spent just the same as a clean one would've.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Snapdragons to Orchids

When I was little I spent some summers visiting family in Ohio.

All these years later I still have fond memories of "lighting bugs" that came out at night and were captured in a jar...and snapdragons.

I loved the way that the "mouth" of the snapdragon opened and I would stick my finger in.

As an adult, I still like snapdragons, but new favorite flower is the orchid.

I love orchids because they last for a quite a long time.

I love orchids because of their intricate detail.

I love orchids because the require very little maintenance.

I simply LOVE orchids.

A few days ago I spotted some orchids and decided to "treat myself" and get them. I am so glad I did. They are flourishing so nicely which brings me joy because it means that they are "happy" here in my presence.

Something this pretty should be shared so I've shared a pic here with you. Hope you like it. If you click on the pic you can really see the detail that I'm talkin' 'bout. Ga'head..click on it!

How 'bout we Let the DIALOGUE begin: and you tell me...what's YOUR favorite flower?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

I Matter!

Last night I joined in on a Kingdom Love Letter ministry call not knowing what to expect...not really sure if I was expecting anything...but simply to support my friend Tonia in her Ruth & Boaz in the Meantime Ministries as she was the guest.

In a nutshell, the call was about relationships, being single, and what to do while you are single yet desiring to be in a relationship. Simple answer: Seek and Serve God. Make HIM the priority...NOT the search for a partner.

The call went on for over an hour and I attentively listened, soaking up as much knowledge as I could. When it comes to relationships, I have failed at them ALL. Hence the reason why I am STILL SINGLE. Not by choice, because my desire is to be in a MARRIAGE blessed by God. However God is waiting for me to be obedient to Him and get myself together.

Although the majority of the callers were female, I was grateful for the one or two men who joined in. As a woman, I always welcome a man's viewpoint because it helps me understand where they're coming from. I think that's important for relationships as well as basic day-to-day interactions. We need to be able to understand each other.

So I listened, listened, and listened some more until just before the call ended and the host asked if anyone had any questions or comments. I finally spoke up, shared what was on my ever-so-heavy-heart, and in return received a prophetic word of encouragement.

The call ended and my spirit was lifted. I spent time processing what was said to me and asking God to reveal to me what it all means.

This morning, Tonia let me know that her brother (who was one of the men on the call...maybe the only man, I'm not 100% sure), was praying for me. WOW!

I can not begin to tell you how much that warmed my heart. To know that somewhere out there, a MAN is actually praying FOR ME. Although he doesn't know me personally, just from my brief comment on the call, he determined that I am special, valuable, precious to God.

He may be the ONLY man who has ever prayed for me. If not the only one in times past...he is most assuredly the ONLY one praying for me NOW. As much as I would love to have MANY men praying for me as their way of saying, "You are special. You are needed. You Matter," and would especially want the man who loves me (whenever he shows up in my life) to pray for me even moreso...at this moment in time, I am ever-so-grateful for the ONE. One man's prayers are exponentially greater than the prayers of NONE.

With that said, Let the DIALOGUE begin: For all the men out there...how many women are YOU praying for today? And  do they know? I can assure you that it will absolutely put a smile on their faces to know that YOU are praying for THEM.

Talk to me...

Til next time!

I Pray for You, You Pray for Me...and Watch God Change Things!

Some time last year I saw a fantastic movie called War Room about a woman's firm belief in the power of prayer. I won't spoil it if you haven't seen it yet, but I will say that I left that movie feeling inspired. My faith in prayer had been strengthened.

Unlike the woman in the movie who had an actual ROOM where she would write, and keep her prayer requests to God...I live in a teeny tiny apartment and there simply are no "extra" rooms. There's not even an "extra" closet.

Still...I wanted to do what the woman in the movie did. I wanted to WRITE my requests to God and be able to VISIBLY see them. This would serve two purposes. ONE...the requests would more easily stay at the forefront of my mind (especially for folks who I am praying on behalf of...it's so important for me to keep them at the forefront of my mind), and TWO...it allows me to easily see the prayers that God has answered. Y'all do know that He answers prayers, right?

After some thought I decided that the back of my bedroom door would be become my "War Space" where I would tape my prayers.

I did this for about a week and got oddly nervous. For some reason, I became uncomfortable about having my prayers "out there" in the open. Weird...I know. So I decided instead to write them down in a journal. So my "War Room", which had been downsized to a "War Space" was now a "War Journal." Ok. No, not ok.

Here's what happened.

I wrote prayers in my "War Journal" for a while, then stopped. Then I'd start. Then stop. There was no consistency, and I rarely looked back at the prayers I'd written down. Totally defeating the purpose!

Well...

Lately I've been having far more "talks with God" than usual. I am in an extremely difficult "season" right now and just don't feel like I hear Him, nor is He hearing me. I don't see Him "moving." THAT's gotta change!

So...last night, or should I say this morning since it was around 1:00 am...I was strongly compelled to write my petitions to God...each one on it's own piece of paper...and tape them to my bedroom WALL.

My pen was smokin'!

Prayer after prayer just started to flow. They weren't ALL requests. Some were prayers of THANKS. I even added some Scriptures as I was led to them. As a result...I now have a "War WALL." WOW!!! And since there are FOUR walls in my room, I just might fill 'em all up.

After I taped the last of last night's prayers I just sat, looked, and read them all. Again, I had another "talk with God" letting Him know that I have done my part by making my requests known. Now I wait in expectancy, KNOWING that I serve a God who can not fail, and is able to do abundantly above all that I can ask or think. In other words, God's Got This!

I woke up this morning, looked over at my wall, read my daily Word, then read each and every prayer. It felt great. I could feel a shift.

I now look forward to checking off those prayers as they are answered...one by one...not in my chronos time, but in His kairos time. His timing is always perfect.

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: Is there something I can pray for on your behalf? I would be honored to add your request to my "War Wall."

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16

Talk to me!

Til next time...

The Fruit of Friendship

I was at the store yesterday and passed by a bin full of persimmons which quickly reminded me that yes, it is indeed "persimmon season."

I love persimmons!

For those who are wondering what a persimmon taste like, well, they have a flavor all their own. But if I had to make a comparison, I would say that they taste like a cantaloupe and an apple had a baby.

Although they look like tomatoes, they are actually firm (like apples) and sweet (like cantaloupe).

Persimmon season is now a bit bittersweet time for me.

I love the fruit, yet it brings back reminders of the "best friend" I once had, yet haven't heard from in almost a year now.

Her parents had a persimmon tree in their backyard and would graciously pick them for me. That is how and where I got my first taste.

As I just mentioned, I haven't heard from my former "best friend" in almost a year, so it's pretty much guaranteed that the only persimmons I will be enjoying this season are the ones I buy from the store.

As for the friendship, I have said this a number of times before. If she were to call me, or show up at my door today...I would welcome her with open arms and we could start over. That simple act would let me know that she actually does value me and our friendship, more than she values being "right" even in a situation where she was clearly WRONG.

And for those who are saying, "How 'bout YOU be the 'bigger person' and call HER, or show up at HER door?" (I know y'all are saying that), I did...a number of times. My attempts were ignored. Maybe I'm not the best person to say this because of course I'm a bit biased, but I think I'm a decent enough person that I don't have to beg for anyone to "be my friend." Maybe folks who know me would be able to attest to than better that I, with less bias.

So there ya have it. Welcome to "Persimmon Season!"

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever tried a food that looked unusual and then ended up LOVING it?

Talk to me (while I go eat a couple persimmons)!

Til next time...

'Nuff Said

Three Letter Word

After yesterday's inspiring event, my heart is still full.

One of the things that Shannon told us yesterday is that we have to be willing to say YES to God. That means YES to the things that we need to release so that He can bless us. And YES to the things that we want to receive.

Such a simple little word.

One syllable.

Three letters.

YES.

There's a song by the same name that I have listened to many times since yesterday's event. I listened to it this morning after I read my Bible and will listen to it again before I go to bed. It has become my "meditation song."

I didn't have the best day today, seems like I faced many obstacles. Yet I remain faithful in knowing that God is going to turn this thing around for my good. Until He does, my heart, my mind, and my mouth will continue to say:

YES

How 'bout you? Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you have a "meditation song?" If so, what is it?

Talk to me! Oh, but close your eyes and listen to this song first.



Til next time...

Exit Here

Earlier today I attended a powerfully inspiring event that reaffirmed my desire to LIVE in my PURPOSE.

Very few folks know my current situation yet one thing I can say with certainty is that it in NO WAY resembles what I'm supposed to be doing and where I want to be in life. At this point, my current situation and my PURPOSE are polar opposites. That's heartbreaking.

During the event there were so very many things said that made me want to burst into tears. Somewhere along this journey of mine I have become a bit stoic, so I suppressed pretty much every tear that tried to fall. That was until...

The event ended, thanked the host Shannon Yvette and headed to my car.

As soon as I got in the first tear was allowed to fall. That one was followed by countless more.

I started my car, turned off the radio and began my tear-filled chat with God.

The gist of the conversation was around my disappointment at where I am at this point in my life. How I am desperately seeking a career opportunity that will allow me to help others as my heart so greatly desires, yet I feel that I am failing because it just hasn't manifested itself yet and I am simply LOST.

So I'm having this heartfelt talk with God and get on the freeway.

Once I get on I realize that I need to quickly moved into the lane to my left otherwise I will end up exiting the freeway. Not what I wanted to do.

So I'm still pleading with God, tying to figure out why nothing I've done thus far has had any meaning or value. No one's life has been positively changed as a result of my interaction.

The tears fell even quicker.

And no one was letting me get over.

So...I angrily ended up exiting the freeway. Great! Now I'm crying and angry at the same time.

I get to the bottom of the off-ramp and there's a homeless person standing there with a  sign. I reached over to my passenger seat and gave them the prepared "blessing bag" that I keep in my car for such occasions. Then I circled the block so that I could get back on the freeway.

About thirty seconds into my circling the "light bulb" went off and I said, "Ok God. I see what you did there."

Even though my plan was to get on the freeway and go straight home...God's plan was for me to get off at the "wrong" exit so that I could be a blessing to someone who otherwise may not have been. It was as if God was saying, "I hear you and YES...you ARE living in your PURPOSE...even NOW. No, this isn't ALL that I have destined you for, but as long as you keep doing what you can with what you've got...even though you feel LOST and that NOTHING is making an impact...the little things that you do 'in the meantime' ARE making an impact."

At that point the tears stopped falling.

I get it.

I need to keep working toward where I'm trying to go, and I need to be patient in the process.

Am I where I want to be yet in this journey called "life"? NO.
Am I doing little things along the way as I strive to get there? "YES.

What exactly is it that I ultimately want to do with this life of mine? I'm glad you asked. Here's the list:

• Write books
• Become a Motivation Speaker (with a specific focus)
• Create a Non-Profit Organization that promotes literacy
• Work for (or create) an organization that provides services to homeless youth and their families

That all sounds pretty well and good, right? The interesting thing is that "career wise," I have never done any of the above, yet my heart SCREAMS to do them all. I pray that one day, I will. Dear Lord, PLEASE!

Now...it's late, so Let the DIALOGUE begin: What (if anything) is holding you back from doing what you know you were created to do? Let's work on it together.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Make Me Wanna Holler!

Some days feel like déjà vu. Today is one of them and I'm not happy about it AT ALL.

With the senseless killing of yet another Black man in the news I am fed up. Simply FED UP!

I've seen a few friends post that it appears to be "hunting season" on Black men, and I gotta tell ya...I'm beginning to wonder.

I mean really...

• Alton Sterling
• Philando Castile
• Micheal Brown
• Eric Garner
• Trayvon Martin
• Tamir Rice
• and now we add Terence Crutcher.

These are just a few (a very small few) whose lives have been cut short at the hands of "trigger happy" folks. If I listed them all this post would be PAGES long.

Every time I hear of yet another Black male life being lost I immediately think of my son. Only 18 years old, good kid, hard working, never been in any trouble. Yet the police don't know that when they see him. All they see when they see my son is a "Black male."

Here's the thing...

I could give him a whole list of "DOs" and "DON'Ts" when confronted by law enforcement, yet these days it seems that those things don't even matter.

Now I have to worry about how TALL he gets...how BIG he gets (weight wise), because then his SIZE (without doing ANYTHING at ALL) can be viewed as a threat.

So yes...

As a mother of a young Black male...I'm pissed.
As a woman who has brothers who are Black males...I'm pissed.
As the daughter of a Black male...I'm pissed.
As a woman who simply loves, and values Black men in general...I'm pissed.

WHEN will the "hunt" be over, and WHY does it exist in the first place?

I mean really...Somebody PLEASE tell me just WHAT exactly is so threatening about the Black male? PLEASE! Because quite honestly...I don't see it.

When I see Black males I see:

• Strength (to carry the weight of all that this unjust society places upon them)
• Intelligence
• Resilience
• Sex Appeal
• Power
• Love
• "Swag"

None of those equate to THREATS as I see them.

So really...what is it that "other folks" see that make them think the Black man has to be "taken down" like a rabid animal. Seriously...I wanna know. I need to know. Because I just don't get it.

My prayer is that we will NEVER have to hear another report of a Black male whose life has been unnecessarily taken for ANY reason. And please note that I said unnecessarily. After all, I am fully aware that this is not a utopian society that we live in. There are, and will be times when someone is truly posing a threat to others and as a result, that situation needs to be handled accordingly. But...sooo many of the accounts that we've heard lately did not fall within that criteria.

Seems to me that Black men are disproportionately killed when in a confrontational situation (and often times when NOT in a confrontational situation.) Yet "other" folks are merely wounded, and live to tell their side of the story. For the Black man...too many stories never got the chance to be told.

Then I've heard folks say, "Well...officers aren't trained to wound; they're trained to kill." Really? So why is it then that Black men always seem to be the ones who end up killed, when again, "others" get wounded? SOMETHING is terribly wrong with that picture!

Now don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that I want "others" to be killed at the hands of law enforcement as Black men do. What I want is for Black men to STOP being killed at the hands of law enforcement. That's all. I want them to have the opportunity to LIVE just as"others" do. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Anwyay...I'm heated and heartbroken at the same time. I didn't bring my son into the world so that his life could be cut short by the hands of ANYONE. I'm 100% certain that the mothers of all the Black men we've lost lately, didn't want that for their sons either.

The killing has got to STOP, and the Black male deserves the opportunity to LIVE.

So...Let the DIALOGUE begin: What do YOU propose as a solution to this heartbreakingly angry issue?

Talk to me (because I need some answers)!

Til next time...

Keepin' Up with The Times

This morning I made my 2nd visit to one of the churches from my "bowl."

How I came to visit was a bit interesting.

For those who have followed The Dialogue Den for the past few months, you know that I have been enjoying a "Season of Visitation" with regard to where I have been worshiping on Sunday mornings.

For those new to the blog I'll give you a "Cliff's Notes" version and let you know that I have a church home where I have been a member for over twenty years, yet for the past three years or so God has been urging me to visit other churches. I ignored the urge for a couple years and finally, this year, I decided to be obedient...and visit.

To be 100% clear, I am not looking for a new faith as I strongly proclaim my faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. Nor am I looking for a new church home, because I'm happy where I am currently.

I am however, enjoying the various styles of worship, and Scriptural messages that I have heard at churches other than my own.

How do I decide where to go?

I'm glad you asked.

I pay attention to where my friends "check-in" on Sunday mornings and I place the names of those churches in my "bowl." On my designated week to visit, I randomly pick a church from "the bowl" and that's where I head the following Sunday.

So what made today's (and last Sunday's) visits interesting was that this church was the most recent one that got added to my "bowl." That's never happened before.

A few weeks ago one of my friends noticed that I'm visiting churches so she invited me to hers. I thanked her for the invitation and told her that I would add her church to my list (didn't wanna have to explain 'the bowl') and that I wasn't sure when I'd be there, but that I would be one day...at Gods' "go."

Well, wha'da'ya'know...hers was the church that I pulled to visit last Sunday.

I enjoyed service there.

They don't have a building of their own yet so they have service in a middle school auditorium. That was just fine with me. I've always said that I can worship at the beach or at a park...as long as God is being praised and His word is going forth...that's all that matters. I even told her about my own church and how we were "homeless" for 18 months before we finally got a building of our own. So for those 18 months we shared a church building. Our service would begin at 8:30 and we would be finished in time for the other church to have their service begin at 11:00. Yep.

So I'm sure that soon enough they will be in a building of their own.

In the meantime, the worship was solid...the preaching was solid and God is getting the glory.

One thing that I noticed today was how "young" the church was. I mean, I was probably the oldest person in attendance and their use of technology was an example of how "young" the church is.

At my church, we have a "Meet and Greet" portion during the service where we go and say hello to each other, and preferably say hello to someone we've never seen before to make sure that visitors feel welcomed.

At this church, they have what's called "Tweet and Greet." You find someone to say hello to, take a "selfie" with them, and then post it to social media. Yep.

Where some churches frown upon the use of cell phones in church, this one actually encourages it...at least during that part of the service. I thought that was pretty cool.

Overall, I enjoyed my visits to Kingdom Culture Worship Center. Now I'm looking forward to where God will send me next.

In the meantime, Let the DIALOGUE begin: Are you on Twitter? If so, what's the last thing you tweeted?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

The Dates Beside The Dash

Yesterday I went to Inglewood Park Cemetery with a friend.

While I waited for my friend to conduct some business there I decided to take a look around. Not so sure if that was a good idea.

I know that I will probably get this wrong but here goes anyway.

I headed over to the wall (I think it might be called a burial vault, but not sure), and began looking at the dates on the outside of each, seeing how long each person lived and noticing the relationships between individuals. Husbands buried with wives. Children buried with parents, etc.

Then I got to a section where the dates next to the dash were much closer...too close. These were babies and young children.

Some only had a month's difference between the first and second date.
Some had a few years.
Others only had one date...with no dash.

My goodness! It was heartbreaking.

As I continued to walk by I wondered how the families are today. Are they still hurting from the loss? Did they have more children after the loss of the ones who were gone? What caused the little ones to go so soon? Illness? Accident?

Finally I just had to stop and say a prayer for them all...that they were able to find comfort and peace somewhere along the way.

My friend came back out and could tell that I was a bit "shaken up." I didn't realize how strongly I had been affected by the loss of those tiny individuals I'd never known. Funny how that happens. I think what got me the most was the fact that every single person buried in that cemetery had a story. EVERY ONE. Young and old. I hope that in their absence, someone thought enough to tell it.

One thing's for sure...aside from the ocean, cemeteries are the most peaceful places on earth. Other than yesterday, I'd never been to a cemetery beside those times when saying a final goodbye to someone.

I've never been one to "visit" anyone's grave because for me, the memory is in my mind and heart...so I have no desire to go to an actual site. Everyone's different though. We all grieve, mourn, and remember differently. That 's absolutely fine.

Anywho...I'm not really sure about what more there is to say with regard to cemetery visits. So, I'll just say this: Let the DIALOGUE begin: Today is Friday. What are your weekend plans?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Where you at?

With the advances in technology and the worldwide usage of Facebook, it's become much easier to share where we are, who we're with, what we're doing, with just a touch of a button.
I'm pretty sure that 99.99% of Facebook users have "checked in" to a place at least ONCE. At least!

I "check in" often, however those who know me well know that I am very specific as to when I "check in." If you're a friend of mine and you are reading this, you've probably already said to yourself, "Yes, I know. You 'check in' when you are LEAVING a place...NOT when you ARRIVE."

Yep. That's how I do it.

I dunno. It's not that I'm so popular that folks are just gonna roll up on me. I just don't like disclosing my location...until I've LEFT the location, or am on my way out. That's just me.

I get a little giggle when I'm out with friends who like to "check in" when we arrive and they'll stop before posting and say, "Hey, are you okay if I check us in now?" That's how well they know me.

I typically say yes. I mean really, who am I...the Facebook Police? It's YOUR page, and YOUR post. I have NO right to tell someone that they can or can not post something. If it truly bothered me, I would ask that I not be tagged. But, it doesn't, and even if I am "tagged," it doesn't show up on MY page until I "allow" it on my timeline, so...it all works out.

In my case, most of my "check ins" have been at churches; my own, along with the ones I've visited. I don't really need folks to know every time I dine out, or go to Costco, or things like that. But I love sharing where I've worshiped. So after service is over (before I leave), I "check in" and post the title of that day's message along with the Scripture(s) that message came from. I do this because I understand that many folks don't go to church. Can't tell you how many times I've read or heard my friends say, "I don't do 'organized religion'." That's okay. I don't either. I do "relationship with Christ." BIG difference. However, in my '"relationship," I have been compelled to share God's message with others in the hopes that someone (even if it's only ONE person) will be inspired to look into God's Word (in whatever setting is comfortable for them), and in the process, also develop a "relationship with Christ." That's my small way of sharing The Gospel.

For the most part, I think "check ins" are great. I've found some great restaurants to try as a result of my friend's "check ins." And the churches that I have visited have also come by way of my friend's "check ins." So for me, they've proven to be beneficial.

In some cases though, I've found "check ins" to be potentially detrimental. This is when it comes to children. My skin crawls just a wee bit whenever I see a friend checking in at their child's school. When my kids were younger, I never did that until it was their LAST day of school...at that school.

I mean, I get it. The only folks seeing the post are "friends" so there should be no harm with any of them knowing where a child attends school. But in the grand scheme of things...this is THE INTERNET, so you just never know where info will end up. When it comes to children, I don't think it's wise to take such a risky chance. Heck, even when my daughters were in college, I was reluctant to post when I was at their schools. College! So yeah. If I had my druthers, I would caution parents to STOP posting where their children (at least in grades pre-k thru 12) go to school. But that's just me, and everyone is entitled to raise their children however they see fit as long as it isn't causing any harm.

Well...that's my rant for the day.

Now it's your turn. Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you "check in" on Facebook? If so, have you ever given any thought to when you do so?

Talk to me, and tell me...where you at?!?

Til next time...

Older AND Wiser?

Old people! They crack me up sometimes. Other times, they make me shake my head.

One thing that I have particularly noticed about old people is that they do not "bit their tongues." Similar to children, if something is on an old person's mind, they are gonna LET YOU KNOW...good, bad, or otherwise.

Often times what they say can be a bit hurtful. But do they ever apologize? NOOO. Old people feel that after all their years of living, they have the RIGHT to say want they want, whenever they want...PERIOD.

I first discovered this with my great-grandmother during one of my summer visits to Ohio. In my opinion she was never the nicest woman. Not when I visited as a young child and not when I visited as a young adult.

The last time I saw her was at least 23 years ago. It may have been longer than that, I just know that the last time I was in Ohio was 23 years ago...can't quite remember if she was still alive then. So if it wasn't on that trip, it was on the trip before.

She inquired about my mother and I answered. She then said something so rude and hurtful about my mother that I began to cry. My mother. Her granddaughter. And all she could find in her heart to say was something mean. Needless to say...when she finally died at 105, I didn't shed a tear.

I said all of that to make a point about how some old people have absolutely NO FILTER.

So now we fast forward (rewind) to last Saturday.

I was out with some ladies and one of them is a bit older than I. Somehow we got on the topic of hair. She wears hers very short, like close to the scalp short. I mentioned to her that mine used to be short, like not even a quarter inch long. She was surprised by that so I showed her a picture of myself with the much shorter hair.

She looked at the pic...looked at me, then said, "Hmph! You need to go back to THAT style. It was much cuter than your hair is now and you looked younger too."

Well, I'll be!!!

I didn't even know how to respond to that.

Was I insulted? A lil bit.

Did it take me long to get over the comment? Not-at-all. I quickly reminded myself of her age and that unfiltered comments like those come with the territory.

Kinda made me wonder what I will be like when I get her age. Will I be mindful of other folks' feelings and  THINK before I speak. Or will I just let'er rip like the old folks do?

Who knows.

Gotta tell ya though, I've been lookin' at that old pic and just MIGHT do the "BIG CHOP" once again. I've done it twice since 2013 so one thing I know for sure is that the hair will grow back. Maybe this time it'll grow back healthier, or, maybe...just maybe...I'll keep it short for a change. After all, it makes me look cuter and younger, right?

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's the RUDEST thing an old person has ever said to you?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Tag Check!

This morning I spent a considerable amount of time posting items on eBay   to sell.

I listed 13 items and have 4 more bins full of clothes to post. I am determined to get them ALL listed within the next 7 days.

I don't know how most eBay sellers go about listing their items but I happen to be a bit meticulous. I iron everything and then photograph them "on display." After photographing, I then post on eBay and add a description along with the price I want.

One part of the listing asks where the product was made. I'm not sure if that's a new field or if I've always just bypassed it before, but this morning I actually populated that field for EVERY item and was saddened and disappointed to find that NOT A SINGLE ONE was "Made in The U.S.A."

I had items made in Egypt, El Salvador, Mexico, China and Vietnam.

That got me to wondering WHY we don't make more clothing here in these great United States of America. I immediately answered my own question. COST.

It costs far less to have items made "overseas" than to do so here on "American soil."

I've often heard folks say, "Well sure, we could manufacture those items here, but then we'd have to pay the legal wage to our workers and that would drive the price of the items up."

That got me to wondering again.

Just how much would the price of, say...a pair of jeans increase if they were made here? And most importantly, would we (I'll throw myself into the mix) who are demanding that jobs be "brought back to the U.S." be willing to pay that increase?

I mean, yeah...it would hit consumers a bit harder in the pockets, but...it would greatly benefit our economy by way of creating more businesses (here) which would in turn employ more U.S. citizens. Personally, I think that's worth paying and extra dollar or two when we look at the overall picture, especially if the businesses are located in the inner city/urban areas where so many folks need work and opportunity.

In my opinion though (and this is just my opinion as I am certainly NOT an expert in business), I believe that many of the jobs can be brought back, workers can be paid a fair and legal wage, and...consumer pricing does NOT have to increase? Why do I think those things are possible? Two words --- CORPORATE GREED.

I'm fairly certain that if the higher level executives who are cashing in fat paychecks would TRULY desire to see our country thrive economically by bringing jobs back, then they will agree to take cuts. I mean c'mon...most of them wouldn't even feel a financial difference, and the cuts could possibly work out to be less than what they currently pay in taxes. So my way (again, just my opinion) is the best way to go, and a "win-win" all around.

Unfortunately, I think I may be part of a very small minority.

Many folks will demand that jobs be brought back here, but when they find out that they will be directly effected by such an action, the demands get pretty silent.

So, what is the solution? I wish I knew.

In the meantime, I will continue to post my items and hope that somewhere in these 4 bins of clothes, I will find something that was made here in the U.S.A.

Who knows? Maybe I'm part of the problem. I can honestly say that when I buy clothing, I rarely (if ever) look to see where it was made. I just don't. I typically look at the price and if it's within my budget, I get it. Perhaps I can be more mindful going forward with regard to looking for more products that are made here. Hopefully that won't leave me naked, with nothing to wear. I know...that's pretty drastic, but considering that so far, NONE of the items I posted were made here...things could end up that way...hypothetically speaking.

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: Let's do a lil experiment. YOU...right there...right now...look at the tags on the items you're currently wearing and let me know where they're made. I'll go first and tell you that the Old Navy tank top I'm wearing was made in El Salvador and my Danskin pants were made in Cambodia. Yep! So go 'head...take a look at yours. Then...

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Santa Barbara Birdy

A couple weeks ago I spent a day at the beach in Santa Barbara. Oh how I love the water! "My Place of Peace" is what I affectionately call it.

Interestingly enough, I've lived my entire life in California yet somehow never made it to Santa Barbara. What's up with that?!?

Anywhoo...so I went a couple weeks ago for the first time and enjoyed it.

The part of the beach where we visited was close the pier and the water was very calm. The waves almost seemed as though they didn't want to be waves at all. Every now and then was the occasional "crash" just to remind beach-goers that we were indeed at "the beach."

While there, I spent some time watching the little cutie in the pic. I'm just gonna refer to him as male for the sake of simplicity.

Originally he was quite a ways back from the water. Like right at the edge of where the dry sand ends.

He'd stand there, way back, and watch the water roll in.

Then he'd scoot a little closer, cautiously, waiting for the water to roll in again.

I don't know how long I watched him, nor how long it took before he was finally as close to the water as he is in the pic.

Then he just stopped, stood, and watched. For a really long time.

At that point he reminded me so much of myself. Standing at the ocean's edge, enjoying the tranquility that is always found there. Sometimes I stand and just think. Allowing my head to clear.

I'd probably be reaching to say that my little bird friend was clearing his head. For all I know he may have been waiting for something to wash up that he could eat. In this pic though it just looks like he's looking out and wondering, "What if?" as I myself have done so many times.

If by chance he was there for answers, I hope he got 'em.

Although Santa Barbara was quite a drive just to get to the beach when I live pretty much 20 minutes away from at least 5 others, I'm glad that I can now say that I have been. One of these days I hope to go back and find my way down to the coastline where the big waves were coming in. There's gotta be a way to get to those, there's just gotta.

How 'bout you my friends, Let the DIALOGUE begin: When was the last time YOU went to the beach, and which one was it?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Life Goes Better With A Song

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I absolutely love MUSIC. At home I actually listen to music far more than I watch television. I can go DAYS without turning on "the boob tube," but not a day goes by when I don't listen to or sing a song...or both.

Thanks to Pandora, getting my daily "music fix" is easy. I tune in and out flow my favorites, along with some new stuff every now and then. I typically listen on "Shuffle" mode because I prefer variety, but every now and then I pick one of my "stations" and listen that way.

You may be wondering what type of music I listen to. Again, anyone who knows me well knows that my listening taste is about as eclectic as I am, so my artists are all over the board.

Lucky for you, I'm gonna list all of my current Pandora stations so that your day can be complete. :-)

Ready? I've got a lot of 'em.

Here goes:

2Pac (Tupac)

Adele
Alexander O'Neal
Alicia Keys
Anita Baker
Antonio Vivaldi

Blackstreet
Bob Marley
Boney James
Brian Culbertson
Bruno Mars
Byron Cage

Candy Dulfer
Carl Thomas
Casting Crowns
Chante Moore
Chris Botti
Corinne Bailey Rae
Curtis Mayfield

D'Angelo
Daryl Coley
Dave Hollister
Donald Lawrence
Donny Hathaway
Dorinda Clark-Cole

Earnest Pugh
Earth, Wind & Fire
Eric Benet
Erykah Badu

Fantasia
Fryderyk Chopin

Gap Band
George Howard
Ginuwine
Grover Washington, Jr.

Hall & Oates

India.Arie
Israel & New Breed

Jagged Edge
Jaheim
Jesse Cook
Jhene Aiko
Jill Scott
Joe
Johann Sebastian Bach
John Coltrane
John P. Kee
Jonathan Nelson
Justin Timberlake

Kelly Price
Kem
Kenny Barron
Kim Burrell
Kirk Franklin

Ledisi
Leela James
Loose Ends
Ludwig van Beethoven
Luther Vandross
Lyfe Jennings

Martha Munizzi
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Sapp
Mary J. Blige
Maxwell
Maze & Frankie Beverly
Mercyme
Michael Jackson
Mike Phillips
Motown

Norman Brown

Ohio Players
Ottmar Liebert

Pink
Prince

Raheem Devaughn
Regina Carter
Rhian Benson
Ricky Dillard & New G
Rihanna
Robin Thicke

Sade
Simply Red
Stevie Wonder
Sting

Tank
Teddy Pendergrass
Teena Maria (this was the very FIRST station I added. She's my All-Time FAVORITE artist!)
The Four Tops
The Isley Brothers
The O'Jays
The Spinners
The Temptations
The Winans
Tony!Toni!Tone!
Tyrese

Urban Comedians

Vesta
Vicki Yohe

Will Downing

Yolanda Adams

So there ya have it folks! As you can see, I've got plenty to sing, dance (or hum) along to on any given day.

Now it's your turn. Let the DIALOGUE begin: I seem to be missing artists that begin with Q, X and Z. Got any suggestions? If not, then tell me this...who are your top seven musical artists?

Talk (or sing) to me!

Til next time...

Was It Something I Said?

So I woke up this morning, read my Bible then checked Facebook.

Lo and behold, I saw that my "friend" count had dropped again. *GASP!*

I mean, it's no biggie...but it kinda is...a lil bit.

As I have said numerous times before..."I am NOT everyone's cup of tea. Some prefer coffee."

I know that sometimes the count will drop if a person deactivates their account. Somehow, I don't think that's the case in this instance (nor in the past 5 or 10 instances).

I'm sure that if FB ever came up with a way for us to KNOW who's "unfriended" us, that would only result in a WHOLE LOTTA negative confrontation. But every now and then, I get curious.

I think it would be interesting to know what it was about me (if anything) that made a person decide to "click the button." And that again is assuming that the issue was in fact me.

For the most part, my page is pretty positive.

Lately I've posted a "more than normal" share of butterfly pics as a result of my recent visit to the Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara last week.

I also post notes of encouragement, often to myself as I greatly need them at this particular point in my life.

There's an occasional song, random thought, check-in, and the latest book(s) that I've just read.

For the most part, that's about it.

Oh...and I post "Jesus stuff" because, well...that's just what I do.

So who knows. Maybe one (or all) of the above was enough for someone to say, "Her page is a major 'yawn-fest' so there's no need for me to keep her as a friend." And that is A-ok!

Another factor to consider is that little "ticker" that shows folks what other folks are commenting on and liking. Honestly, I find the "ticker" to be distracting and so I have never had it on. As a result, I have NO IDEA what folks are commenting on or liking unless they are doing so on a mutual friend's page that I happen to be able to see. Otherwise, nope.

But I know that a lot of other folks keep their "ticker" on because the like having visibility into EVERYTHING. So who knows...even though I may not have posted anything "controversial" on my own page, I have some "friends" who have recently and I have liked or loved what they've had to say. Perhaps someone seeing that in their "ticker" disagrees with what I am agreeing with and for that, they've said, "Adios!" I know...I'm overthinking, but again....that's what I do.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm no "Facebook Angel." Yes, I have "unfriended" some folks in my day and very recently did so with about 5. For me it came down to this...if we have been "friends" for "x" number of years, yet you have NEVER liked or commented on ANYTHING I've ever posted...then what's the point? I dunno. Maybe I "Facebook" differently than other folks, but I believe in engaging with others and not just being a "looky-loo" or just having "friends" for the sake of having "friends." So yeah.

Interestingly enough, if FB did come up with a feature where you could tell when you've been "unfriended," I would gladly tell folks why as I just explained above.

Rarely do I "unfriend" someone who's views differ from mine. Quite honestly, I don't think I've ever "unfriended" anyone for that reason. I mean really, who expects EVERYONE to think the same way that they do. That in my opinion would be terribly BORING.

Now I have BLOCKED a couple of folks. One, I won't talk about, and the other was because she was simply TOXIC...at least toward me. To this day she is still friends with many of my friends and either she's not TOXIC with them, or they've just come to accept that that is how she is. I couldn't take it. EVERYTHING she commented on made my stomach knot up. So yeah...she had to GO!

I'm sure that most folks don't give a rat's arse about who "unfriends" them and why. As for me...I'm just curious like that.

One thing that I have found quite interesting in knowing who has "unfriended" me is when I see who has "liked" some of my past profile pics and at the bottom of the list, there they are with the words "add friend" next to their names. AHA! Those are folks once were my "friends" and somewhere down the line decided to bail. They may think that they made a clean getaway, but FB tells all *insert sinister laugh here*.

Alright...enough about that.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: For my fellow Facebook users out there...have you ever been "unfriended" by someone and confronted them about it? If so, how did that go?

Talk to me!

Til next time...