I am so proud of myself. I just completed formatting a new website for Garden Spices Magazine, and I’m about to embark upon creating another one for my daughter’s business. So, would you tell me why I can’t text to save my life? Grammarly and text-correct sing a song with me daily. I know you notice my posts; if I manage to make it through without a typo, I do a quiet cheer. And why am I forgetting which day it is? I’m missing an important event because I forgot I have another important event. If we have an engagement, call and confirm I know about it. And one more thing…why can’t I remember words? My friends and I speak in code. We have to fill in words for each other. What?! And Why?!! Tomorrow, I’ll turn 73! (I was my mom’s Mother’s Day present).
Yes, I need your help; I need you to continue the love and support you have shown me. I know I give y’all a lot of content to browse and Like, but you have hung tough with me. Thank you. And now…I can’t say any more because I am falling asleep in front of the computer. Mr. K. is on his way from South Carolina, and my eyes can barely stay open. I need HELP!!!
Once upon a time, there was a young mother activist whose Black child attended a charter school where he was one of two Black children in his sixth-grade class. The school invited the mother to do a Black History presentation, and she chose to tell the children about the Children’s Crusade, which took place in Birmingham, AL. She told them about the atrocities taking place during the Civil Rights Movement and about how these Black children elected to stand for the movement.
She told how they walked out of their school and protested for voting/civil rights on the streets of Birmingham; how the Birmingham police met them with dogs and hoses. She told how they went to jail and how some of the young girls were sequestered in jail, unable to call their parents to tell them where they were.
The students were stunned, aghast at what they heard – the history of the fight for racial justice in the state of AL. Their response? Did they hang their heads in shame? No. Instead, they wanted to assemble like the Children’s Crusade and join the fight for justice!
In real-time, the mother’s visit was after the George Floyd murder and amidst a protest to take down a Confederate monument in their city. After hearing the story, the brilliant children could not be complacent in their thoughts. They were awakened, “woke.” Some had already been a part of the protest. In my opinion, herein is where the problem of the controversial concept of Critical Race Theory arises. The legislators of AL do not intend to awaken their children.
Today, activist coalitions at the Statehouse of AL fight the ban on teaching history in AL schools. They are the grand and great-grandchildren of the Children’s Crusade movement and the Freedom Riders. They speak in the AL sessions about how “lawmakers” do not trust the educators of AL enough to allow them to teach true American history and to enable their students to debate. The activists argue how our state is falling victim to what befalls our country, the dumbing down of America. They speak and protest to kill the bills banning the teaching of history, particularly Black history.
What can we do? This mother feels that the least we can do is learn why the scholars of Harvard created Critical Race Theory. We can support young organizations and activists who take action to heal our nations. Here’s a link and a quote:
“In essence, Critical Race theorists seek to explain why liberal legal formalism centered on the idea of “color-blind” justice is dead. Yet, more than simply deconstructing the myth of blind justice, they post the more crucial question: Does law have the capacity to resolve the social condition of inequality impacting America’s dispossessed groups by race, class, and gender.” Black Past
AL.com gives the full skivvy on what happened in the recent attempt to kill the bill.
CRT is an intellectual theory plucked from the annals of Harvard by dumbed-down Conservatives to alarm their followers and to keep their children close. They hijack the word “woke” to scare their listeners and cast folks as unpatriotic that subscribe to its true meaning. The teaching of history is necessary to heal this nation.
This Baby Boomer mother stands with/supports the young folks. No matter how they try to stop the youths, our woke children will rise and continue to Kill Bill(s). What?! Yass!!
[17] No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
So my question is, why is it you are minding your own sweet business when your machines decide it’s time to break down. Is it the energy? Is it seasonal? First appliances, then old school-but-paid-for-still-got-swag-cars, the roof, and finally, my magazine website. The truth is, everything I got is OLD, and I thought, GOOD, but it turns out that some things just get old and die. !Now, I bet y’all think I’m going to use these happenings as a metaphor for this season of my life. You’re right; in a way, I’m dying!!
I’m busy dying to the self that rants and raves when stuff goes awry. I’m dying to the self that feels my bank account and creativity will be depleted by life’s circumstances.What?!
I told y’all about me meditating. That’s my cure – prayer and meditation. I affirm through prayer; then, I listen to become aware of solutions. Then, I do my best to hold on to the reality that everything I need is within the bubble of my high frequency. What comes next? I give thanks for what I got. You know me…I gotta stretch out my hand, meaning I realize my good may come through asking experienced advice, but ultimately, my highest good is coming from my highest Source. Real talk. “Everything old is new again!”
I had my friend, Kathy Frederick, render one of her “Grumpy Old Woman” portraits.(Featured image). I got plenty of tongue-in-cheek rants for y’all, but in truth, that grumpy old woman is finding a hard time rearing her head. My answer to “Why?” is “Because.,and Who cares? It’s all good/God.”
Grumpy Girl, Bye!
Joy Juice
Nothing to say except gratitude...our greatest gift. I feel so blessed to be here and to experience the joy of living.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
No matter how full the river, it still wants to grow. ~ Congolese Proverb
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
Oh yes, there’s a book written about it, love language, and everyone has one. Go on, admit it; there’s something that makes your heart beat or even explode. It could be a compliment, showing affection, a sentimental song, flowers, acts of kindness, bling, food prepared or bought, or simply phone calls and visits. But what if you want them all, like me! What?
I feel so sorry for Mr. K. The man drives 6 hours to visit me, then, as I told y’all, my hands haven’t touched the steering wheel yet, even when we drive as far as Texas, FL, Carolinas, Chicago, ATL, whenever and wherever. I’m a foodie and greedy, so you know he has to find something exotic to feed me, and if I come out with Uggs and a sweatshirt, why am I patting my foot, waiting for a compliment? Whenever I say, “Let’s,” he says, “go.” Therefore we are up and down the road to every museum, film, play, Watch Party, protest, and Birthday gathering. Because he lives within driving distance, he even attended my friend’s brother’s funeral, representing me.
Thank goodness, we remain a work in progress, but Mr. K. is talking to me, loud and clear, and I’m talking right back from Bama to South Carolina the way we like it. This is for you, Mr. K. Happy Valentine’s Day!
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
I just can’t understand why exactly three months here at home in Florence, AL, I’m chomping at the bit to travel. I mean, I just got back from Texas in early October. You would think I’m wasting away here in Bama., but I been busy! What?!
My holidays were great; I told you about Thanksgiving. Christmas was just as much fun, with just my immediate family, fun, oxtails, and then (you already know) sleep. December ended with a Warrior Woman Birthday party for my daughter, Camille, with a guest visit from Sugar Pearl’s Carla Renae, who is now one of my ‘daughters.’ She cooked, and we blessed, prayed, ate, danced, and celebrated Camille’s 45th; then, the next evening, Carla cooked, and the Usual Suspects, including Mr. K., celebrated her good food. Simply wonderful.
We started the year with a Kwanzaa, Watch Night, and later, my grandson Christian’s 21st Birthday. More celebration. Mr. K. and I saw and loved the films Wakanda Forever (Lift Me Up) and Avatar and made our Huntsville run for my speaking engagement at Unity and lunch with good friends. But just a week after Mr. K’s departure, here I sit, ready to travel.
Hmm…where to this year?France is on the drawing board, possibly New York and definitely Chicago, but for now? Anybody wanna go to Trader Joe’s in Huntsville?I’m ret’ to go! What?!
How about you? Where you wanna go?
My fam, Morgan, Camille, Taurus, Christian, Miles and me Carla Renae and Mr. K.Camille’s B.dayKwanzaa Watch NightThe Usual Suspects celebrating Christian’s 21st Birthday
My mind is filled with gratitude for the abundant blessings of my life, but at times my body feels a rumble that says, “Traveling is a part of your well-being/vortex.” Maybe the rumble can be satisfied with a trip to a neighboring city, but I do pay attention to it.
We have the gift of being aware of what keeps us vital; prayer and meditation tap us on the shoulder to remind us.
Proverbs 3:23
“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”
Mark 16:15
“Go ye into all the world…”
African proverb
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
Photo clockwise: Miles, Pat, Bama, & Moi; Pat, Camille, and I; Pat & Thomas; Camille, Taurus, Holly, Thomas and Moi
(My Patreon folks received this post, and I decided to share it with you.
Loved Ones,
You are my gifts, and I am grateful. Because of you, I get to make folks smile and remember that life is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Thank you. I hope your holiday was filled with joy and expressed the blessings of being loved.
This year was special for me. Our family dinner was wonderful, and our food was off the chain. (Try the recipe in the previous post). We were so full, the fam didn’t even play games. The following Saturday, I had the blessing of receiving old friends; one of my besties, Pat Lewis, with her husband, Thomas, and their friend, Holly.
Oh, the joy of remembrance! Pat and I were in and out of old funny stories, and I realized the word “rekindle” is so significant. The warm feelings we harbor are always within our hearts, and when rekindled, a fire of love and gratitude emanates throughout our spirits. Also, the kids came over and got to experience our joy.
I tell you we ate and killed politics, with a warning from Holly about folks like Ye, Clarence, and Candace,“You gotta draw the line!” Stand clear of anyone supporting them. Of course, in Black folk style, we kept repeating his warning, laughing and screaming with each name we talked about. Pat and I sang a bit of the song we harmonized daily, “I’m So Proud,” (She’s a professional with The Crystals and a Motown group, so I stopped the video where I messed up). Then, we invited Alexa to the party and danced to the O’Jays.
Nothing like hugging your love-circle. Please do so; hug them however you can. Pat lives in New York, but we talk at least twice a week. In fact, most of my oldest friends are not in Bama, but I do what I can to stay in touch. Another thing we did at our table of friends was to just pause, breathe, and recognize how blessed we are to be here, living and loving in this moment. I’m aware, and I’m grateful.
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
Here’s the thing about Black legacy; it’s golden. When you are on the heels of your folks for any educational or business accomplishment, you follow their recipe for future endeavors. Mr. K. and I went to his reunion at Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) in Texas. A visit to Prairie View is a visit to his Aunt Irma Kendrick, a hallmark of legacy.
Aunt Irma and her husband, Griff, have ushered numerous kids through the halls of PVAM; they have witnessed Black excellence and turned out MD’s, Ph. D’s attorneys, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Beyond degrees, they were instrumental in building strength in character, and I witnessed many accomplished citizens come back to pay homage to the little woman who defined educational support for them.
WAIT!!!! BIG NEWS!!! SPICY INTERRUPTS THIS ARTICLE WITH BIG NEWS!!
I’VE JUST RECEIVED THE LEGACY OF LORNA HOLLIDAY MC GEE’S FAMOUS MAC ‘N CHEESE RECIPE FOR FAMILY/FRIENDSGIVING!!!! (I’ve been after this recipe for over 20 years). THANK YOU, LORNA!!!
In a large deep dish baking dish
1 lb of cooked macaroni tossed with I/2 stick of butter, then add cheese
2 cups of sharp cheddar, 2 cups of mild cheddar, 2 cups of Colby or Colby jack, 2 cups of mozzarella
In a blender, add 4 cups of milk, 8 oz of Velvetta cheese, 8 oz cream cheese, 2 eggs, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Blend, then pour over macaroni; add 2 more cups of milk to the blender to capture the residue and pour over macaroni to make sure all is covered 1 1/2 stick of butter sliced over macaroni.
Bake at 350 for 45 min to an hour This makes enough to fill a 9x13x3 dish; reduce for a smaller dish.
“The key is the cinnamon and nutmeg!” – Lorna’s tip
LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL THIS DAY OF CELEBRATING GRAATITUDE!!!!!!!! I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU!
Here we go! We made our way to Memphis and checked into theArrive Hotel on Main Street. About this hotel. It was serious! It is located in a Hipster area, and when entering the lobby, you can’t help but gasp. It’s so cool, with low old leather sofas, salon chairs, an open concept with faded Oriental rugs, and contemporary accents. Tucked in the corner was a cool desk attendant with piercings and a warm smile. She gave us the lowdown on the hotel’s two eateries, the trolley across the street, and welcomed us to a walking-safe area. We were a few blocks away from the Orpheum, where we were going for our concert.
Our room was to die for, with concrete floors, wide open space, and warehouse windows letting in voluminous light. It was tres chic, and you already know I was grinning from ear to ear. Can you say Japanese bathroom?What?!!
Loved the decor – floor, rug, bathroom, robes, warehouse #swag
After settling a bit, Mr. K. went down to the lobby to meet his cousin, Emma. Y’all know Mr. K. likes to talk. When I went down to join them, he had already befriended a lovely couple, Jennifer and Karl Carpenter. They were in Memphis to open their second restaurant. (Their first, Garden Brunch Cafe, is in Nashville). Of course, we had to tell them about Garden Spices Magazine. Turns out our mission is the same – celebrating differences. I’m sure you’ll hear more about the Carpenters in Garden Spices but enters cousin Emma Lockridge. More joy!
Top: Emma, photo of her grandmother and Mr. K., Bottom: Jennifer and Karl Carpenter
Mr. K. gave Emma precious photos of her ancestors. And we spoke a bit about their family and then about her environmental activism in Detroit. I hope we’ll be hearing more about /from Emma too. (She’s a journalist)! After warm goodbyes, we readied for what we came to see – the O’Jays.
Mr. K. and I love the O’Jays, not because Mr. K. is Forever Mine or that we Cried Together. We simply attended because (We) Love Music!! (Y’all know I had to do this). It just doesn’t make any sense how one group could make so many hits! And the O’Jays sang them all. What?!
Here’s the thing about the O’Jays; they sound exactly like their records. Eddie Levert had Covid and was not there. I was so disappointed because I just wanted to experience Eddie’s exuberance. As soon as Eddie’s substitute belted his first note, my frown turnedupside down He represented splendidly. And we were singing right with them, “You used to be my girl!!!” We were jammin’. Y’all know how I like to dance, which I did in my seat, but when For the Love of Money started, Mr. K. was out of his seat. I was like, “Alright now!” We left on the Love Train, but we had to walk down them stairs. (Read video caption)
Y’all, Mr. K. had to buy what they had left of tickets. So we are way up yonder. Can we say “stairs!”
Let me say this, and y’all better hear me. I don’t care what the occasion, please wear comfortable shoes, especially if you have challenged feet, like mine. Because of my hurting feet, we did not walk through Beale Street to find a restaurant; we trollied back to the hotel. With both hotel restaurants closed, we were steered to the hamburger joint on the corner of the block. All this place served was hamburgers and chips My feet talked all the way there. But miraculously, my feet stopped hurting when we sat on the stools at that greasy spoon and indulged in probably one of the best hamburgers I have ever eaten.; like Climbing the Stairway to Heaven!What!!
Joy Juice
Want to be uplifted? Play music; it doesn’t matter what the genre. It can take you down the path of memories, make you cry, but mostly uplift your soul. When I go home to a Chicago summer, I run with my friends to different venues to hear jazz or to Trinity Church to hear my cousin Deanna sing. In Bama, Mr. K. and I love the WC Handy Music Festival and the festival we create in his car listening to Sirius play Dusty Records.
Each morning I awaken to a source of life-affirming energy – music. Yes, the silence is nice too, but I invite you to find your soul today with music. Created by the Creator for you.
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:19
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
Y’all, I have not been able to catch my breath this summer; I ‘been on the move. This month, the Usual Suspects (US), Bennetts, Mr. K, and I, traveled to Raleigh and Asheville, NC. We visited Raleigh to catch up with my daughter, Camille’s best friend, Jerel Noel, and his beautiful family.
The Noel Family!!!! Jerel, Maliah, and Deborah
As usual, we lodge in an Airbnb. Thank goodness it was a nice one with state-of-the-art amenities. While the fam was touring with Jerel on our first day, I was busy publishing my magazine. The fam came to retrieve me, and I got to see much of the city on the way to Jerel’s.
We spent July 4th with Jerel and his wife, Debbie. Our family doesn’t celebrate independence on the 4th; we celebrate family and friends with good eats, music, dancing, conversations, and somebody gotta play spades. What!!Debbie’s family invited us to partake in all of the above, and we had a grand time.
The next day, we headed out to Asheville. You talk about rolling up some mountains? ! We lodged in a mountain cabin, and the view was breathtaking.
We did little of nothing in Asheville but relax. We even stayed in the cabin and listened to the rain on our last day. Of course, we hunted down a museum and art, and as foodies, we found cuisine that served us all. (Camille is now pescatarian and also eats gluten-free). And the fam has a tradition of ordering fried chicken and comparing each city with Champy’s. (So far, Champy’s wins, BUT they haven’t tasted Harold’s). What!
Y’all! I almost forgot. In Asheville, I finally got to put my hands on some beads rather than ordering online. I was immersed in every bead from Africa to Czechoslovakia,
Airbnb Charlotte
Asheville
When
“Hot fun in the summertime!” Yes, but some of the things we did and do can be experienced all year long. Theatre, art, and music events, and exercise – all year long; political and spiritual community involvement – all year long. Guess what else…?
Gary Fuqua-Adolpho from the Drowsy ChapperoneSister, Gabrielle Fuqua, from her mesmerizing recital
Sometime in August, I’ll be launching VBGold Jewelry, selling my love designs on Facebook, Etsy, and here on Spicy. ( I have a page with a peek at a few pieces). All year long. What!
When to do What and Where? Now. We gotta live our moments with vitality, giving thanks along the way. Along the way, we also pray for those who need it, giving thanks for divine health. Won’t it be done?!! Ase’.
Millicent Garland in layered VB GoldDr. Felice Green in layered VB Gold
Joy Juice
I started this post and lost it in cyberspace. I was incensed, got over it, and here I am doing what I love, sharing with you. That’s what we do. We dwell in the blessings of every moment, taking nothing, including time, for granted. I pray you are enjoying the summer of your life all year long.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
He who wakes up early in the morning receives a bundle of blessings. African Proverb
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
Oh yes…I remember them. During the 50s, block parties were events initiated by block clubs in city neighborhoods. The streets are actually blocked off for safety, privacy, and big fun. The parties were well planned, with Mrs. Anderson in charge of the food committee, Mrs. Flowers decorating, all moms orchestrating the games, My mom and aunt singing their duet, and the piece de resistance? The dance contest!!! What?
No real dee jays at our parties, somebody had a system that was loud enough to play the records we loved. Then, it started. First, the older kids competed; then maybe the 7-10-year-olds; but after that, the “little kids” had their chance to dance.
Little ones have no shame. That music hits, and they start moving; arms falling, finding their feet to the latest dance. And these kids could dance! I thought I was good, but there were some better than me! Mama and daddy, but mostly mama screaming, “Do it, baby!” I know it was so hard to choose a winner, but thenthe group parts, and two kids are left for the showdown. The crowd goes crazy. Then one kid does a split or something more ominous and impressive, and it’s all over. The winner is crowned.
I don’t remember adults dancing, but everybody loved the music, hot dogs, kool-aid, and camaraderie of neighbors enjoying where we lived. Block parties were an annual event.
Today, festivals and art walks remind me of block parties. Mr. K. and our family visited Memphis, and we experienced the art walk on Beale Street. It was so cool to browse the artwork and meet the artisans. Mr. K. had on his “Harvard Dad” T-shirt, and he met a woman whose son also attended Harvard. She turned out to be his cousin!! (“6 degrees of separation”). While block parties are for street neighbors, festivals and art walks are open to anyone wishing to attend.
Mr. K. and Cousin
The fam: Daughter, Camille, Son-in-love, Taurus, and Grandson, Morgan
We walked during the daytime; so the energy was family-oriented. I’m sure we missed the dancing when places like BB King’s place open and music spills out to the streets.
Project Say Something in Florence, AL, is hosting a Block Partyon June 18th, 7:00PM to celebrate Juneteenththe day commemorating freedom from slavery. The party is being held where we all live and visit at least once a year, in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse on Court Street.We are all neighbors, and we need a reprieve from the trials of these days.
While a monument reminding us of a sordid past still stands to haunt us, PSS reclaims the street with drumming, music, entertainment, food, dancing, vendors, and, of course, a dance contest for the kids. Yes, we are neighbors, and this is what we do annually.
I hope you will come on out and celebrate with us. No, I will not be doing the splits, but I know you will feel what I feel every year, the joy of neighbors gathering.
Parties can be great! They remind us that we can come together in joy. We take every opportunity we can to celebrate being here on our soul’s journey, and it’s nice to do so with a collective gathering. We get our sometimes, tired, achy bones up to see the sunshine of the moment, and I don’t know about you, but I “understand the assignment.”
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.” Ecclesiastes 9:7
Happiness is not perfected until it is shared. – African Proverb
Make peace with the universe. Take joy in it. It will turn to gold. Resurrection will be now. Every moment, a new beauty. – Rumi
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by taking the time to connect with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
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