New Update

Good Morning,

I made mention about Christine Pembleton's book "Lord, I'm Ready to be a Wife" last night, but now she has a sale where you can buy one and get another free but the sale is only for a limited time until January 7th. so, go to www.christinepembleton.com and check it out for yourself. Waiting for my Tonya TKO order and Glenda's book is on the money. Get her book too $16.95 with free shipping which ends today. after that, you pay the price of the book and shipping as well. Since I'm referring to deals on getting a man, getting married, let me say a few words on this subject.
Just recently, I was working on a job with the Salvation Army raising money for Christmas, and on the way back from picking us up from our locations, this one girl begged the driver to listen to this particular song, which I found out that my youngest just loves, and in the song, the woman, the girl says "and it kills me to know how much I really love you, so much I wanna oh oh oh" well I got the name of the woman but forgot and I took it to Facebook and two ladies there was kind enough to let me know and I went to You Tube and I found it. Anyway, Melanie Fiona's "It Kills Me" which is a hit with the young ladies and myself grudgingly and I say grudgingly because although the song sounds so good and all, let me say this. It might hurt you inside to tell a man look this ain't working out and I won't tolerate but honey, it won't kill you unless you let it. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. My ex was an SOB, and caused me a lot of pain. My mother likes to remind me of it and she acts like it happened to her more than me but that's another story. Another man might hurt you, devastate you but hon, he can't kill you. Believe me, I'm a living witness; It will hurt, and it might seems like it's killing your insides and parts of you, but you AIN'T DEAD!!! you can move on. you can learn from it and you can love someone else who loves you for you. After my marriage went south, I didn't deal with men much after that. Some would come and I'd kick them to the curb because I feel it isn't worth my time. I got a couple of guys not far from me that approach me and I've said NO because I know it ain't nothing but drama and we have nothing in common. But hon, if you keep looking, you don't have to have what you had before. You can have better. To me, that song is misleading to these young women. Now young girls think it's the thing to have someone and most of these young men got some twisted ideas in their heads. They cheat on them, they beat and hit them, they torture them; some even kill them. I know of two situations that come to mind and the young ladies in question were killed by the one they loved. One got burned up so bad because she broke up with the boy; he was a QB for one of our local high schools and now he's in prison for the rest of his life. Another girl just got buried when while trying to run from her boyfriend, he found her, killed her and now five kids are without parents because he can't do much from a cell. What can he tell his kids?
Ladies, you can love a song but be realistic with it. ain't nothing killing you but a bullet or sickness. And if you want someone, get with someone that can be good for you and your family. And if you want my opinion, ask God for guidance and listen to what he says. You be blessed and hit 2010 with some smarts. Be blessed and be safe.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Well here we are to the end of another year. and I tell you, this year was something. For one, seeing the first African American man become President of the United States was a sight to behold. No lie. Anyone over forty years old and African American know what I'm talking about. We NEVER thought we'd see this happen, yet, to see it in MY lifetime, what a joy to behold. My only regret is that my eldest sister and father didn't live long enough to see this happen. My eldest brother and I talked about that on Election Night. That to me was the saddest part. My eldest sister was a heck of an achiever. She voted in each election.She was a lawyer who worked for the FDIC, and traveled around to the banks doing legal work. The 2000 fiasco was the last major election she voted in. She died in May of 2003. She would have gotten a kick out of Obama. My daddy, however, lived long enough to see Obama do the Keynote Address in 2004, when we all was saying Obama Who? We felt then the brother had skills and a promising future. He also lived to see him running for President but he died three months after his announcement. To me that was real sad because my sister, father and I were such political pundits. we all had a take. I miss their inputs greatly.
Then, in the middle of this man becoming President, we also see one of the worse times in American history go down with this recession. Now, raised as a Seventh day Adventist, and still attend when I can, I know that time, as we know it is winding down. what we going through is the prelude to the interlude. I hate to say it but the way things are, you can't help but notice. My advice to you is dust off your bibles, read and take heed.
One of the saddest things to see happen this year is saying goodbye to a legend and that was Michael Jackson. My boyfriend told me he died, and I called him a liar, knowing he don't play games, but I just didn't want to believe it. I grew up on the Jackson 5; My siblings and I had a group and baby we did some serious rehearsing to get our act together and remembering the times, we worked HARD. we even did a Christmas show for the family one year and we worked hard on that. I still remember my brother and sister coaching us and telling us how to perform. so I can imagine what Michael had to go through from the time he was old enough to hit Kindergarten to basically the day he died. It still breaks my heart.
I am a member of Facebook, and i have to say that most of the members there are pumping up the rest of us to face 2010. I want great things to happen too but I ain't broadcasting it. Nope. I want great things. the best things. I believed Tony Bennett when he sung "The Best is Yet To Come" and it's somehow become my mantra. I dropped it for a bit but now I believe I need to say it daily. The best is yet to come. The best is yet to come. like some of the folks say around here. Sho nuff.
I got Glenda's book today in the mail. I am hoping to get Tonya's package tommorrow via Fed Ex(according to ship'ng #) And Glenda's book, from the little I've read, EVERY YOUNG GIRL and WOMAN from age 16 onward(and some of these think they grown ones) need to sit down and get a copy of this book and take the advice for real. let me help ya'll out. www.pinkisspublishing.com and it's only $16.95 with free shipping until New Year's Eve(tommorrow). Men, if you know some lady who could use the book, order it for her. No lie. Her book is called once again, How to Get Him to Put that Ring on your Finger in 365 Days or Less. Now like I said in the last blog, Glenda's been married five times and seriously considering getting with another brother for her #6 ride and she has received endorsements from some of her exes on the book as well as an ex boyfriend. So if anyone has any experience in the field, who you gonna see? I also advise you to check out Christine Pembleton's "Lord, I'm Ready to Be a Wife" for a more Christian stance on marriage and getting ready for it. You can get her book for $3 shipping only and I'll get the link but www.christinepembleton.com is a good place to start.
Another product I want to endorse big time is Nubian Heritage. Their soaps are so good, so cheap and in my opinion great for your body and don't cost a lot plus you buying black all day long when you get their products. I LOVE their Honey and Black Seed soap. those seeds inside scrape my skin so good that by the time I'm out of that bath, your skin feels so good. Their Olive oil is also great and they have a great line of lotions, butters and other products. These folks started on the streets of Harlem in 1991, and has since pushed forward to some great things. When I discovered them in 2003 during a trip to NYC, I had to buy them online or get my brother to bring some when he came. Thank the good Lord, they are here now. www.nubianheritage.com is the place
Ok, here's my thing for 2010. If you want to do a resolution, do it; but work on it yourself or with someone supportive for feedback and get it to fullfillment. I have started on one myself. I pray to keep it up. OK. I am about to be history. here are the links mentioned; If you stumbled across my site, leave a comment. I won't bite. And if I don't do another tommorrow, Happy New Year in 2010!!
Links.
www.pinkisspublishing.com
www.christinepembleton.com
www.nubianheritage.com

Christmas TIdings and Other Musings

A month ago, I wrote on here about the movie "Precious", which to me is a wake up call to America. Tonight, I saw the complete opposite with Disney's "The Princess and The Frog", which although have some things within the picture that is not altogether positive to African Americans, there was other things that made me admire them. In this movie, the young heroine, Tiana, had a dream to open a restaurant, a dream that started with her father and kept on living within her. She grew up, basically saving practically every dime and tip to make this dream a reality. And her own mother, who although happy for her, was complaining about grandbabies.What I liked about Tiana was that she had a dream, and in spite of the times(1920s New Orleans), she held on tight and worked tirelessly for that dream of her own restaurant. And the Prince who became a frog and initially so self centered, began to see the dream for himself to the point of marrying someone else just so that Tiana could get her own dream accomplished. But as in films, true love and unselfishness ruled.
After watching the film, I thought about my own life, and I remembered wanting to have a home of my own, but a place where my artwork that still remains under my mother's bed could be displayed and admired(or disliked), and I wondered deep down in a place where folks can't keep a job much less a house, could it be I can have one? aahh the thought. But I noticed that with Tiana, in spite of things, she kept on forging until she got what she wanted. I feel I can do likewise.
As for Christmas, Mom cooked some potato salad, rice and peas, turkey breast that I brought home and sweet potato and dressing and had a nice quiet Christmas Day. I couldn't cook it because I worked Christmas Eve for the Salvation Army.She then went with her best pal just like Thanksgiving and they are having a ball.Her daughter calls them Thelma and Louise. The girls got some money from their father and step mom, so that took the heat somewhat off me but I promised them something and I don't like to renege. so I will. I was also (finally)although it was close to the wire, ordered Tonya Tko's Bombshell Package that she advertised($99.99 with free shipping) as well as some extras because my eldest got caught up in Tonya's shea products too. so hopefully that will keep us going till she comes back in February from her hiatus in Nevis, where she does her winter sojourns at. (Safe travels) If you want the flyest,kissable skin on earth in time for the beach weather and you have the cash to spare, order some before tommorrow(Sunday 12/27) because she will shut down the buy buttons.
If you are having problems getting a brother to the altar, then you need to check out my friend Glenda Wallace's "How To Get Him to Put that Ring on Your Finger in 365 Days or Less" and before you ask well, how the devil would she know anything about that, let me say that sistergirl herself has been down the aisle five times, and has a steady who is trying to be #6. I tell you,it won't hurt to check out her book objectively and see what it can do. I feel like this: she's been there, she can help a sister out. order her book at www.pinkkisspublishing.com for $16.95. Glenda also has a podcast on Wednesdays dealing with male female relationships which have been enlightening. Check a sister out. Once I sit down and read, you'll get my take on the book as well as Tonya's Bombshell package although I must say that if it's like the shea butter souffle, then I know she put her foot and some love in the products.
One book that I finally got to buy, sit down and read yesterday was the late E.Lynn Harris' "Mama Dearest", which continued the story of those true divas Ava and her talented daughter Yancey Harrington Braxton, better known as Yancey B. both are down on their luck, but it is not long when lady luck shines on them in a certain way and Yancey finds out that the child she gave up is now a star in her own right. Honey, this is a bumpy one when these two divas get to stepping, so put on your stepping shoes, sit down with your favorite beverage and get ready for a heck of a book. Oh, it hurt my heart to know that E.Lynn is gone. it was so sudden and just as he was about to take some of his work to film. And to know that Yancey, Ava, Raymond, Nicole, Basil and others went with him is hard to imagine. R.I.P. and much love E.Lynn.
Today, I was able to go to church after Christmas. Sadly I take care of my client on weekends and I miss out on services. that is something i don't recommend to anyone. If you know your soul needs a lift, take yourself to church. Look, my brother does the tours in Harlem which also makes stops at churches and Sylvia's and if those mostly white tourists can get caught up, then we should too. Get to church. You'll be glad you did.
I pray everyone's Christmas was a good one. Just that you can read this, thank the good Lord that you made it another year. God bless you as you hit into the new one. Peace, Love and Hairgrease.


Peace and Love.

New Updates

Hello again peeps. Just want to throw a shout out to my boy Brian who took his first plane ride from Mobile to Baltimore for the holidays to be with his eldest brother. Hope you didn't go off on the plane my brother.
Well, because of my working, I haven't been able to hit this blog, but have some updates for you. Tonya Tko has put out her Bombshell Pack just in time for the Christmas holidays to the tune of $99 plus free shipping as her present to you. However, I suggest you get on top of this if you want the best skin because she'll be closing down shop soon to go on her annual hiatus to the Caribbean. again, her shea butter is very good, and with the other items, you'll have beautiful skin in time for bikini season. once again the site www.tkoskin.com; she takes Paypal as well as credit and debit cards. So, for me, I'll be getting one of my items for the holidays.
My other favorite site, Lucretia's Body Oils and Sprays almost sold the house out with their After Thanksgiving Sale. Hon ALL prices went down and though a sister was tempted, you can't get but so much; I must say though that her raw black soap, which was on sale for $5 regular $7, is very good. a bit drying but at least you know that your skin is clean and clearing up plus with Tonya's shea butter, it's softer. Her bubble bath butters is a hit I got the Italian Ice, which reminded me of my childhood and eating them as a kid in New York City, and though I love my girl I worry about her filling orders and all by herself. I beg her to get some rest. Tonya too. but I'm not hating on a sister but I know you can only do but so much by yourself. So I tell them, please rest when you can. Anyhow, I know got the Lolita Lumpekica as a lotion, moisturizing body spray as well as the oil and child, I wouldn't put it on going to work but I know when I do I'll be smelling and looking fab thanks to these two ladies. Me myself, nothing against the holidays but income tax time is also the best time to put out a sale because folks have money then as well. The jury is still out on my mom with the oils she got but she said they smelled like the real thing. Also for the rest of December, for her facebook fans, her products are 10% off. take advantage of her site and facebook page. www.stores.lawbodyoilsandsprays.com
One more place I plan to patronize is Philadelphia native Kimberly Ann's Sweet Waxations site. I hear tell she has a hair butter that's great for edges and thinning parts as well as sweet smelling candles so. Hon, be a sweetie and indulge. www.sweetwaxations.com
Oh, a shout out to Lutishia Lovely who was kind to send me her upcoming book"Reverend Feelgood" which to me deal with scandals and "temple hos" in a new way. hmm.
Well that is it for today. Although I'm off, I got to take care of some things today. One more week before Christmas hits and it's a biggie folks. Lots of love to those who want to make it happen for themselves and others. And like the song says, give some love on Christmas Day. Me myself, I plan to rest cause a sister is tired!! nothing but love to all.

My favorite Wish List for 2009

This is my first blog here at Blogger true, but when Yahoo had its 360 community(which sadly closed down this past July), I used to do a Christmas Wish List for each year and since I've started here, yet have no takers, it don't mean that I dispense with tradition. So here it goes:
1. The ability to love and hold my tongue for my family.
2. A nest egg
3. A laptop. preferably in a reasonable price range, with enough memory, quickness for me to take anywhere and do with ease. no more than 4GB; no more than $400.
4. An Amazon Kindle. I have truly lusted and drooled over one of these over a year now and though we know have the Nook coming, I still crave a Kindle. and right now I am torn between the Kindle and laptop although the kindle would cost less even with insurance and extras.
5. Daniel Leon Hodges is an artist out of St Louis, whose works are known primarily in his hometown but gaining on Facebook.His piece of a grandma reading her well read and worn Bible by the window propped up with a rolling pin and other items(shown on top) is becoming a favorite.
6. A gift certificate to Lucretia's Body Oils and Sprays. This lady as I mentioned in previous blogs,is one I just discovered this year via Ateyaa on YouTube. She sells the best smelling oils and sprays in 900 different scents and for way less and if you didn't know any better, they smell just like the high dollar brand perfumes out there. She also sells some sweet smelling bath bombs,fizzies, butters and lo cal ones. As well as black soap(the natural kind), butters for the body which she claims will soak your skin(working on that).I love her Pussy, which can be used alone and worn with other scents; Lolita Lempicka, Queen and Black Woman oils and you can check her out at www.stores.lawbodyoilsandsprays.com. Also check her Facebook page for discounts on her sales and become a fan. tell her Nandi sent you. her Nov winner.
7. new jeans. I was fortunate to discover Ashley Stewart up in Atlanta when I went to visit family there. Sadly, I wore them babies out. So, now I am in the market for some new ones. Help a sister out with some gifts cards to The Gap, Ashley Stewart, Baby Phat etc.
8. Some more shea butter Please. Tonya TKO, who is pretty popular on Youtube for her talks & vlogs has come out with a new line of shea butters. She started with the shea butter souffles, which I have bought, they go on rough, but smoothes out quite nice, and already although it has only been a week, I see some changes. she now has her body butter beautiful which can be added with Vit E or wheatgerm; and her Vitamin E oil which is about to drop soon. However, I advise that you please order now from her because she will shutting down soon to go to the Caribbean where she goes for the Winter. www.tkoskin.com is the place to go for pretty skin.
9. a gift certificate to Amazon.com; my favorite bookstore online for all that ails you. I use Amazon as a reference for books and other things and I have a wish list there and serve as one of their Amazon Viners, who receive books and other items they request each month and review on the site.
10. A car. a Hybrid would be great, but Donald Trump is not my name but still something that rides well, great on gas and mileage and don't break down every two minutes will do the trick for me.
11. gift certificates to Bath and Body Works, my local black Bookstore Black Classics, Mobile, Ala; Walmart, Brunos and Virginia's Health Food Store.
12. a house and no funky sub prime loan behind it either. I'm a veteran, give me the skinny on the real..
Well that is it. Be blessed.

Tiger Woods and Other Musings

To be honest, I don't think that life will ever get so hum drum when others lives are out there to examine; Lately, the biggest thing going on now is the Tiger Woods situation. Now mind you, when the whole thing started, I figured, well a man going out in the middle of the night, the wife notices something amiss, she saves him, end of story. But when neither parties kept stalling to speak with law enforcement, I noticed something was definitely amiss here. Then when he made the initial statement of not being "perfect", I am like, are you serious? not this young fella who embraced all his ethnicities, then married a woman of Scandinavian decent, and got two lovely children with her. You out there with bottom basement, cave dwelling chicks looking for their ships to come in the form of this brilliant golfer looking for a certain itch? aww.... something is not right with this picture.
But then again, let me go on record to say this. Ellie Woods must have been listening to Jazmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows" cause she sure knew what to do the other night. Sadly, it caused outsiders now to look at them and make judgement calls. Plus, if charges were filed, Ellie would have went to jail.
Then again, lately, in the public and private arenas, this thing is becoming more commonplace. I have always believed that love is something every woman should have and hold; sadly, that's an illusion. I have seen many a woman stick to a sorry man for whatever reason just to hold family together. One book I read a few years back that I had almost thrown out the window is one aptly titled "Weeping Willows Dance" where a young girl marries a man much older than her and upon the advice of her mother, stuck with him to the end, although he made her life a mockery and pure hell while together and to me, that's a disgrace. I may be wrong but it seems to me if I have to have peace to and by myself instead of hell on earth with one crazy man, I don't need it. I rather the peace by myself any day. After all, you only get one life on this earth, no do overs or reincarnations.
I have a rule I would like to put forth here for all those contemplating matrimony. Maybe I'm a bit cock eyed, but to me, this would do better than cause problems later.
If your in your 20s, go out there and have a good time; If you know your promiscuous, or have to have some strange stuff, your not marriage material; have your strange fruit.
When you realize that that life is NOT for you, or your get tired of it or you ran your course in the conquering department, make sure that you are ready to settle down and find someone who will embrace you for you, and after careful thought, prayer, and deliberation. (Yeah I added prayer, who but Jesus could help us in these situations?) move towards marriage and being with that person.
Now some may look at this and say, well, I met a nice girl or guy and I feel we can make it and I'm in my 20s; well you may be, but sometimes in those situations, there may be pressure to marry; there may be a baby coming, something. Unless you feel your 100% for the person, don't do it. save yourself the hurt you'll cause your mate and chill. If you ask me, I feel folks should wait until they are mature; but in their 30s is a good thing. My parents met and married and they were in their 30s; My cousin, now my godmother introduced them, and they wrote each other; when she came to the U.S., my father was hitting 40, but he knew my mom was the one and they married for 45 years until he died two years ago. See, you gotta want to work at your marriage, as well as be there for the person; because in time, you'll end up as roommates. no lie. I see that all the time.
Ok, I'm done. I hope a lesson is learned here and you take your time to the matrimony game. I am gone. Do comment.

Some Musing.from Precious the Movie.

Hello and I hope that Thanksgiving was a great holiday for many of you who participate in it; I love Thanksgiving myself; to get up and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and then eat a nice dinner that to me is the makings of a great day. I was able to make a good dinner myself and got to watch the movie Precious. Folks, if you haven't seen that movie, go out there and do yourself a favor and go see it. Based on the 90s debut novel Push by Sapphire, this movie has already been held up for a year(it was scheduled to be released this past January) and with all the buzz behind it, and with Mo'nique's Oscar worthy performance as Precious' mother(which triggered suppressed memories of her own sexual abuse by her brother) to come to the surface, this film is no joke. which is why I was close to NOT seeing it. Yet, I feel that Precious' story NEEDS to be told. There are too many Preciouses' running around the place. The ones that society forgets because they don't fit a certain mole or color. Can you imagine a child growing up and feels she isn't worthy of anything significant? that is the case every day and it needs to stop.
When I was born, I had three generations in my home. I made the third. by that time, most of my cousins being born were fourth generation so sometimes four generations were in one house. Now, when I tell you that I had that much people and I never experienced nothing like that whatsoever. I mean nothing. My mom even had me staying with a family with plenty of boys in it; and still nothing. Now I am not saying that to be proud but to make the point that I was blessed. And trust me, I was a curious and precocious child that got into things. My parents came to this country from the Caribbean and Panama, so most times when folks came to this country, it was to our apartment in the Bronx that they came to. So when I hear these stories, I am like how in the world? I have had coworkers and friends tell me how friends and relatives felt them up, some taking away their precious innocence. My boyfriend has told me how certain professional males in the community will approach a boy innocently but for sex. One story I read just made me cry; this boy was working for a couple and the man took his innocence just like that. he became a football player and went between both sexes; he ended up with AIDS that he's living with.
I don't know how folks can take a child's innocence away; I cannot fathom it. We are here to protect children, but most times, that isn't the case, as it was with that pretty little girl Shaniya up in North Carolina; Folks have been talking about this real hard. then again I want to ask what's the difference between her and Precious? not much only that Shaniya's case had the police involved. It hurts me to know that many children get hurt. And they have no voice. not only that, these kids carry stuff within them that for the most part doesn't get resolved unless they get help.
It wasn't my intention to take this far, but when you are tired of seeing this and hearing this, it does something to you. but what can you do? stop it. plain and simple. we are making a generation of hurt people that can hurt potentially more inoocent people. If that is you, get some help. you are committing a criminal act and if caught, you will serve time. If your the person to whom the crime was committed. You are not alone and please seek folks who can help you through this. Help is there. Please use it. I'm out.
One more thing, I spoke on how Precious was held up from being shown; Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, both sex abuse survivors, saw the potential of this film and put their monies behind it; Of course, there are those who say it's nothing but poverty porn but I don't agree. Check it out for yourselves.

Just Passing through

Although I have no one in particular checking out my blogs, still I move on anyhow. First off, yesterday, I worked, but the lady I work with wanted to go to church for the Thanksgiving Dinner they have each year for the folks, and since her daughter in law is still a part of the Missionary Ladies that host it each year, we talked and got her to go to church this week instead of the first two Sundays of the month. And I got to go. So.... I took my outfit for church, got her ready for church, which requires me to be there a good hour before so I can get her washed, dressed, eaten, put on make up, clothes and be ready by 11:00am; now, for one thing, she did have a small mishap, which set me back a bit plus I had to put on my own clothes and get ready for church too. then, I wasn't able to wash clothes due that, so with all factors involved, basically I couldn't move. But when she goes to church on Sundays, my motto is: By Any means necessary. I am serious about church going and I will do my part to get her ready and let her know it. Anyhow, we got it together, went to church and ate a real nice dinner afterwards. The dressing my client's daughter in law and son made was great.
One reason I wanted to start the blogs is because I had hoped to put out about other sites and businesses that are doing great things. I found out about a young girl named Ateya,who is on YouTube, who is trying to help sisters look their best with her wig and make up tutorials. It was through Ateya, who hipped me to a lady who sells oils called Miss Lucretia, who is based out of Champaign, Illinois, well, I went to her site, noticed she had this particular oil that you can get on the streets, but not as good, and the first time I ordered from her, I got that particular oil. Black Woman. I also heard about the Pussy oil, which to me is cool, it has a subtle scent, and could wear under another scent if possible so I got that then I got the Gucci Rush scent which my daughter got from my cousin, so I wanted to get my own oil and that is one strong scent. Anyway, just to pass the word, Lucretia's is a sister in business for herself, I will put hers and Ateya's sites down so you can catch them. I am also checking out fellow NYers Tonya Tko's shea butter line, which I ordered, but sister had to move places suddenly, so she hasn't been able to send out anything, but I am hopeful it will be soon.
One more person, there is a lady out of New York with a site called Nikkis Make Scents, which I discovered through Facebook, and she sells oils, body butters, candles etc. I was able to get her lavender oil and Honey Oatmeal Soap that screamed at me from the front page. I will put her site up as well.
Well, I got a headache coming on plus I got bills to pay. Be blessed.....

For Further Info:
www.youtube.com/user/Ateyaaa
twitter.com/Ateyaaa

stores.lawbodyoilsandsprays.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/pages/Lucretias-Body-Oils-and-Sprays/97916999002?ref=ts

www.nikkimakesscents.com
She has a Facebook page as well so that you can become a fan of it.

www.

Thoughts on the Ft Hood Incident

It is with sadness that I write this; I don't think no one has ever thought that out there somewhere, is someone who is angry about something so bad that the only way they can get out what they feel is through violence. But then you may ask, what did those that died have to do with his agression? Good question. For the most part, not a thing, but for some reason, in this person's mind, they may represent something; In this man's case, it was the Army I tend to feel.
Since this situation happened, I saw on CNN today where another shooting occurred in Orlando, and about eight people were hurt; I pray that is all but I myself don't watch the news much or tv; matter of fact, all my tvs are old analog ones except my mother's which is HDTV and she is particular about hers so I try to stay away from it for the most part. When you make 81, to me, you earned the right to be the boss. But back to the story. I don't watch the news or such unless I am at work where the lady I watch has cable and is a fervent CNN viewer and I got the internet, and to me, that's all I need for now. I don't watch the news because to me it is depressing. But it seems to me that ever since Columbine in 1999, there has been a serious outbreak(I thought to say rash, but when human lives pile up, it's an outbreak) and even worse with more folks out of work and in a recession. But is shooting the answer? I don't think so.
However, I do have something to say for the shooter himself; the fact that he is Muslim and was about to be deployed to Afghanistan and didn't want to go speaks volumes; He spoke of being ostracized due to him being Muslim; I find that sad. I know that 9/11 was a horrible thing for ALL Americans, but we have not been as kind to those who are Muslims in this country; We fear, ridicule, speak against those not of us because of this; but have we not learned our lessons from ages past? When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, sentiment was so high against Japanese living in America that in the Western states, they put them in internment camps. I wrote concentration initially and changed my mind but as the saying goes, tell the truth and shame the devil; When segregation ruled the land especially in the south, it didn't take much for an African American to be killed; sometimes, it could be a mere accusation. not even truth. Yet in spite of these things, we still continue to do them; moreso to Muslims,gays and homosexuals. Haven't we learned that this isn't the way?
We talk of diversity, but are we doing it? We talk about illegal immigrants, but can we imagine why they run to this country? no we cannot. And though I am the daughter of immigrants myself and conflicted on this, I have to understand more than anything why some risk all to come to America;
Getting back to the shooter here. Yes, he has hurt a many people by his actions, but I cannot help but wonder how many have somehow helped him get to the point where he was yesterday? what I mean by that is, When you saw a Muslim, did you speak kindly or harsh? were the things you said anything spouted on in Philippians 4:16? You see, little things add up to big things and then you may have two things. One for the good that allows the person to be his very best or what occurred yesterday.
As a veteran, my heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy; Though my thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones, I also have to pray for the one who caused the tragedy and his family because now they have come out of the limelight in a very negative way. I may never understand his motives but I'm sure they hurt too. And may we be more tolerant of others as we go along our way. Peace.

O Health Care Where Art Thou??

Hello again; I try hard not to have the type of blog that make you want to just blah blah blah and put all your business out there; Some things are not meant for blogging no matter what. But this past week, I have been battling something that has me concerned. For one, I have a tooth that has been giving me the serious blues and needs to be removed like yesterday. The thing about that is that 1. I work part time. and 2. I put in for an extention of my dental and vision benefits once I left the last job, but for some reason, I never heard word from them as to whether or not I can get them, so here I am in need of some dental care, bifocals and limited money to boot. 3. Thanks to my being a veteran of the Air Force, I can go to the VA Clinic, but as far as dental and vision, I cannot see them unless I have a disability rating. bummer. and getting one of them takes years, time and effort. I have put in for one around the last decade, and around a couple of years ago, they sent me another rejection letter. I have been told to get one non service connected, but again, time and effort here. Deep down, I keep hovering around my mailbox waiting for them to give me a rating and back pay so I can do some things. Shucks, and to think of those who have it, some who need it and can't get the rating they desire but yet there are those who get a high rating(100%) and you know full well that ain't the case. Nope, I ain't mentioning no names and playa hating. My thing is this: If this is a country that is free and we have a voice, yet we cannot insure every citizen of this country, something is wrong. I know there are those who feel Obama is a pain in the butt, a liar, a this and a that for doing this. As much as I want universal health care for each citizen, I am concerned as to some of the proposals to this. For one, once this pasts, everyone will be taxed for this thing for the next three years to pay for only ONE year of coverage. I find that alarming and it has me concerned. but if you tell me well you gotta pay for it out of your taxes, as much as I don't like having less money, I'll say yes. take it. sure will. One time, a man came to the job and offered insurance in case we got sick and that type of thing. Well, although it cost me, I took it; sure did because the kind of work I was doing, I wanted my butt covered well. I'm going to say this a lot in my blogs, but if your a woman, and I won't touch color because a woman catches it no matter what color she is, she needs to cover her behind on all bases and in most cases, she can't. When President Obama signed that Ledbetter Act just a couple of days after he became President, well, if he was close by, I would have kissed him and asked Michelle pardon because we as women needed that. Why in the land of the free, women make way less than men? WHY??? yet a woman is more than likely to head a single parent household with children. Is this right?? The last full time job I had, about 90% of the people there were women and hon, believe me, the claws were out and showing. Anyway, one sister there was looking out the window at break, and said, Ladies, if you look out at that new car, that is where your raises went and sure enough, there was a nice, new bright shiny, two seater car out there belonging to one of the managers. What made me so mad is that them jokers would nickel and dime us on raises and I am sure they owed me for anniversary pay as well as a raise which my supervisor didn't put me in for. She was too busy worrying about the two checks coming out of that room already to worry about anyone else's. I wonder how they doing now now that minimum wage went up to over $7.25/hour. A whole lot of scrambling going on in there I am sure. Anyhow, in the scheme of things, perhaps we'll make it through. But if your a woman reading this here, I know it's hard for a woman especially if your in the nickel and dime range, COVER THY BUTT!! make sure that you have a rainy day fund; a fund for breakdowns, a fund for what ifs and if they offer you insurance for when you get sick or if you get ill and it's costly, Cover your butt and get it; Make some extra money to pick up that slack if need be and move on. In the meantime, I need relief!!

Hello Out There.

Good Morning,
The reason I am doing this is to put down anything going on in my world, as well as let you know of any product that has come my way and I like(or dislike)it, You will probably see it here. I will do my best not to bash someone here because this is life and we are learning as we go along. A little about myself. I am 46, divorced, with two teenaged daughters ages 17(she turns 18 Nov 25th) and 19(she turns 20 in February); I work parttime as a caretaker for the elderly. I am looking into other ways to earn more money. Despite of it being a recession, I still feel there is always a way out no matter what.

One thing that excites me is the sheer number of African American sisters out there making it happen for themselves. They have turned You Tube and other outlets of the internet into a virtual teaching, selling,information tool. I have decided in my own way to show love and do shout outs to them on this forum as well as on my Facebook and Twitter pages. That way, others can see, get curious, and check them out too. With that in mind, let me move to my first recommendation of the day.

With the weather turning cold, the best staple to use to combat the cold weather in my honest opinion is Johnson Baby Oil Gel in Cocoa and Shea Butter. You can get it at your local Walmart's for only $2.97 which isn't bad considering things going up and up as we speak. Great in attacking ashiness, it goes on thick I will admit, but the moisture lasts a guaranteed 24 hours. NO LIE. You can also use it as a base, then put on your favorite lotions afterward. SO, go out there and stock up on this must have item; Also available in lavender and chamomile, aloe vera and vitamin E. I prefer the cocoa and shea butters due to the fact of the benefits they give to one's skin.http://www.sheabutterr.com/nasabbnew/sheauses.htm. Tonya TKO, who has her own show on You Tube, is selling her own shea butter and body butter made from shea butter and you can go to her site www.tkoskin.com to get it; I haven't bought any yet, although it is on my things to do list soon, but I have checked out others page and once I get that, I will do some research and documentation. So....here's hoping.