Here’s the Thing…

At first, we were waiting to see what the 47th President would do. We adopted Whoopi Goldberg’s stance, “I’m (waiting and) eating my popcorn.” Now, we gotta prepare ourselves for the breaking news from this administration, grabbing whatever we can to brace ourselves. ‘Cause this sh_t shift ain’t no joke.

Here’s the thing. Whatever we see as lunacy and atrocious actions, we must keep our eye on the ball; it bounces to the tune of smoke and mirrors. What?!

Years ago, I read from the Kabbalah that whenever we move in reaction, we are in error, and negative results ensue. Proaction is the positive response to every peril. Recently, a friend pointed out to me that everything this new US Administration does is to get a reaction from us. We stay in a reactive mode of breaking news. In the meantime, menacing back-door shenanigans are happening, and money/power mongers are forging paths to acquire mo’money/power, mo’ money/power, mo’money/power.

Here’s the thing. This is what grifters do; they subvert focus to come in for the kill. So, how do we keep from playing their game?

My daughter, Camille Bennett, says she’s quietly keeping her ears to the ground. She’s listening for the real deal and in strategy modality. How do I do this? As a social media maven, I drive several groups. When I hear some news, I share it with a Yikes!!! I now know I have been in reaction mode, which works against listening and affirming my vision. Y’all, I’m changing up.

Here’s the thing. I do not believe in putting my head in the sand. I want to remain aware of what’s going on in the country my ancestors built. And I like reporting on social media. (Y’all always send me stuff to post). However, I intend to find something to say that’s proactive for every Yikes I post. It’s about energy and staying true to my vision. This action also helps me to settle down from my internal rant, to see clearly, and to be solution-oriented.

This isn’t easy for me; it requires practice, like any skill, to take mindful action. My practice includes morning saging, prayer, and meditation to get my head on straight.

I realize we all feel somewhat paralyzed during these times, but I ran into a piece by Robert Reich, (Thanks, Janis Merrill-Gipson). Click on the link and find fruitful actions we can take in . What You Can Do. These actions help us simmer down enough to clear our minds to see the big picture.

Here’s the thing. Y’all be patient with me. You know what they say about good intentions, but”( pro)action)” is the magic word, and if 45 can grift, I can work my magic. What?!

Joy Juice

I believe that activism wears different hats. Most of the artists and writers in my magazine, Garden Spices, are activists – some with feet on the ground, some with their pens, paints, and clay, and some hold the consciousness. Here’s the thing. We all do our best to enable this inevitable shift to unfold peacefully. We no longer react; we stay true and act out our visions. Ase’. #proactive #awreness #mindfulness #loveand peace


โ€œItโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2025 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.


Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

Last Paris Blog Post…I Promise!

Image of Mr. K. and me in front of a poster for the Legends musical. (Reed treated us). They were French actors killing Black American songs from the 1940s to 2024 There was only one American actor, the rest French, and they could really sing in English! It was on point, from the arrangements to the lighting and the band. And yes, we were up dancing! (The French girl beside me and I had a routine). What?!


Y’all, I been gathering images for you and discovered that Google Photos did some great reels of er’thing, sites, food, and fun. So…enjoy us lighting up Paris!


On our second day in Paris, we visited the fabulous Galleries Lafayette and dined in one of the small restaurants tucked away in the corner of all the cheeses, wines, chocolates – to die for. We met a nice French woman who guided our menu choices and told us a bit about her background. I discovered it’s not unusual to see an individual dining alone with a full meal, including wine. (We saw a guy wearing a Chicago jacket, and I had to do a shout-out, “Hey, I’m from Chicago!” The other diners laughed. (I bet Mr. K. was like…I can’t take her anywhere. What?!)


This video shows some of our Black Tour with Ricki Stevenson. The Black Tour was extremely educational and highlighted the many accomplishments of Black French and how they impacted the worldDuSable, Dumas, Solitude, Baker, etc. Y’all, we started with breakfast at 10 AM, walked, went up and down stairs, and rode the subway and bus, all while being schooled by our guide about the wonders of Black French history.

I was intrigued by the story about Isis, the Goddess of Water. Paris was named after Isis, whose spirit protects Black folks and all of Paris. (The irony is that that terrorist group, Isis, terrorized Paris in future years).

I needed Isis and all my Ancestors (Y’all know I have French ancestry) to help my aching knees after the 10AM-3PM tour on cobblestone and STAIRS! After climbing the stairs in the Louvre and our tour, my knees were like, “Honey, you will be home for the next day!” And I was. (Y’all, Mr. K. didn’t miss a beat! He is five years my senior, and he was helping me)!


Not much to say about the splendor and beauty of the Louvre except c’est magnifique! Wait! I do want to mention the Egyptian exhibit. You will note that in the reel, Mr. K. and I are leaning into a display of sculptures WITH NOSES. The rest of the ancient sculptures have noses chiseled off. Why do you think? No links here. I would like to hear your opinions.


Of course, we had to get in some jazz. We were right in front of the musicians, loving every minute.



Here’s one last link: L’Escargot with Reed and our Neighborhood Walk in Paris, 2024.


I was out of commission for one day only during our two-week visit to Paris, and we left no stone unturned. I must leave you with my lasting impressions.

  • Paris style was blurred by the cold weather. Scarves, coats, and gym shoes were in vogue during the winter. But when I glimpsed a stylish Parisian, he/she was cover-ready.
  • French folks walk fast and look straight ahead, but they are charming when they engage with you.
  • Women walked and dined alone, day or night. No fear.
  • No guns.
  • Good food with no additives tastes better.
  • I will learn conversational French. Oh yes, I intend to visit again. What?!

Itโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.


Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

https://www.instagram.com/gardenspicesmagazine/%post_id%

Ahhh, Paris

Where do I start? The people, always the people. For me, people provide immersion into the culture of any country. Several posts will dive into my first visit to Paris (It was Mr. K.’s fourth visit) and the people who made us feel the soul of this magical city.

PART 1.

It’s a Family Affair

We’re here!! After providing an Uber pickup, Mr. K’s son, Reed, greeted us at Apartments du Louvre, the 4 Rue Etienne Marcel location (there are several), our home, for a two-week stay in the City of Lights. Reed has lived in Paris for almost 9 years, and I was primed by his dad and mom for how accommodating he would be.

We loved our apartment. We had full amenities and were close to so many sites in Paris. Reed’s greeting began a remarkable vacation guided by him and hosted by his wife, her family, and their friends.

We were treated to a casual dining experience filled with delicious food, wine, and lively conversation. A French dinner is at least 4 courses, including appetizers with fruit, cheeses with fresh bread, entrees, and dessert, all with copious amounts of wine and coffee. (I tried to get with expresso, but I had to succumb to Americana) What?!

The breathtaking view from the apartment showcased the illuminated Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, mesmerizing me. What?!


We were also invited to Houdan, a small quaint suburb of Paris. We posed before their dungeon, the site chosen for a fete at the Para Olympics. What?! We also stopped at the boulangerie for the delicious bread we would consume at lunch.. Our co-host and his sister were originally from Guadaloupe, so we had a Guadaloupean meal with couscous. Delicious!


Indeed, the global culture is alive and well in Paris, and Reed’s family enabled me to experience its texture of diversity and warm hospitality.marguax and the boys.

NEXT, PART 2 – THANKSGIVING DAY IN PARIS


โ€œItโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.



Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our differences.

https://www.instagram.com/gardenspicesmagazine/%post_id%

Everybody has oneโ€ฆ

โ€ฆa memory of Nikki Giovanni. Mine is from 1973 in an Oral Interpretation class at the University of AL. Randy Marsh was my professor, and I was Slick Vick, the Chicago Chick introducing my class to revolutionary poetry. I interpreted several of Giovanniโ€™s poems, but I remember one most: Dreams.

It invoked a dream I once had to be a singer, except Giovanni coveted the Raeletsโ€™ โ€œ”dr o wn d in my youn tears.” Unlike Langston Hughesโ€™ Dream Deferred, Giovanniโ€™s poem was a call to conjure up the vital badass powerful Black woman, the “baaaaaby nightandday
baaaaaby nightandday.”
And so, I did.

That assignment found me belting like the Raeletts. ( I had practiced my intonations with the Black students at UA.) And I ended my performance, as she did, with the understanding that I could be just as powerful as a โ€œsweet inspiration.โ€

Years later, I would stir up Shoals, AL, with Giovanniโ€™s Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why):

I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad

And this was only the first verse!

But how many Giovanni verses did my daughter, Camille Bennett, interpret as she won a National Championship in Poetry in Oral Interpretation for the University of Alabama. She became Nikki-Rosa, just as we all became purveyors of Giovanniโ€™s masterful poetry illustrating Black folks โ€“ our secrets and power.

Cool, explosive, curious, introspective, whimsical, and profound, Nikki Giovanni interpreted our angst, soul, and splendor through her words. And I am grateful to have finally met her right here in Alabama and to tell her what she meant to the Black community and to me.

Democracy, Lord, Democracy…

“What is Democracy? “Of the people, by the people, for the people” Abraham Lincoln. The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos” meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people”: a way of governing which depends on the will of the people.” Oxford languages

I can’t stand to start my posts with a quote or definition, but I had to get a working definition of democracy myself. Democracy has been ripped up, torn down, taken for granted, and given an unrecognizable face. What?!

I remember the Black Panthers’ cry, “Power to the people!” Immediately, that cry conjured up revolutionary socialism that threatened the political and social norms of the USA. That cry was signaling the truth – in a democratic government, the power should belong to every American. Each government member should represent our voices and needs to encourage and enact an equitable nation. So far, we have not experienced this. Where does accountability start? Right In our own backyards.

Y’all know I live in Alabama. We are the guinea pig for Project 2025/Agenda 47. My daughter’s activist org. and other Black childcare providers across the state advocate for a hot topic in Bama – Women’s Reproductive Rights: Equitable Childcare Policy and Family Justice. Camille is the lobbyist. She tells me about the rampant posturing and egos of politicians looking out for their reelection and capitalism rather than the needs of the people (“the community-based providers on the ground”). She claims both parties fall prey to this disposition, leading to inaction for the people.

As Lobbyists, her team has to gain access to politicians to discuss bills on the floor. They primarily work to modify or kill bills enacted against their advocacy areas. They speak for the needs of constituents who might never get the ears of local politicians. They also speak during sessions related to their bills. I travel with her to Montgomery to support her. However, she will not let me go to the Statehouse while lobbying. She fears that I will not be able to contain my emotions. (Hmph…’think I can’t stand and deliver?) What?!

I asked Camille what we could do in Alabama to secure Democracy, and she answered:

“What can we control in Alabama.? We are a Red State. In 2024, if you are voting against Project 2025, your vote is simply for data collection, which is very important. However, we must pay attention to the policies created in our city and state. Beyond that, we must hold our elected officials accountable, regardless of their political affiliations. Politicians are public servants who work for us – not celebrities, not to be hero-worshipped, but public servants who should treat the people with respect. When we send out a Call for Direct Action, please lend your participation.”

My two cents are that we must dust off our civics books (at least they aren’t banned) and learn how the government/democracy works, from local to the White House. Then, we can do what we can to support important issues by calling, writing, and doing what we can to hold our government accountable. It should reflect all people, and we people hold the power.


Joy Juice

Guess what? I can post the good, bad, and ugly about our country without being persecuted. I feel that, as Americans, we all have the responsibility to work for and maintain democracy. After we elect folks, we must hold them accountable and do our part to help in any way possible. Democracy? Yes, Lord, Democracy.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. African Proverb

Government is “to seek, serve, and promote the common good of the people, not the good of the rulers” (Romans 13:4)

“A Peaceful World Begins with Small Peaceful Actions.” Buddhism, Lion’s Roar

“It’s all good/love/God” โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.


Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

“โ€ฆthe 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.”

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

Worth Another Conversation?

Picture generated by AI

So, I was at the CVS Pharmacy counter on Florence Blvd., Florence, AL, checking out my purchases, and I was greeted by the new, becoming a familiar, face of their affable employee. He has a white Santa-esque smile and greets me warmly. I interrupted a conversation, which continued as he checked me out. He told the other worker about the FEMA director who was attacked by responders to the Asheville storm crisis. I couldn’t help but question him.

He told me that responders were being halted by the FEMA Director trying to give aid on air and the ground and were told they could not enter the city. He said they angrily attacked the director and entered Asheville with a vengeance. I found this incredulous, but I listened to him with doubting eyes. I mentioned how I read that FEMA feared they would run out of funds for all the upcoming hurricanes. However, when I mentioned that, he immediately informed me that FEMA was supplying the financing for the Ukraine war; how we can’t take care of everyone else if we can’t take care of ourselves. He then gave me the amount of money we had poured into Ukraine. Then…

he started on Canada and how they know how to handle things and how tight their military is. “Our military can’t move without the government,” he complained. I queried, “So, you want the military to have full power to run this country. Have you read about countries run by the military or by DICTATORS?” I told him about a Venezuelan family that had to hide under the bed from a military regime on the rampage. He digressed and said, “I think if anything happened in this country, we would take care of ourselves in Alabama.” I looked at him doubtingly and asked, “All of us?” He looked squeamish and said, “I really think so. There’s not a person I would not help if they needed it.” I believed him, or I believed he believed himself. What?!

By now, you must have guessed which way this guy leans politically right to you know who. He reported what he knew to be true, but it was conjecture, false news, most of it sprouted by X, which used to be Twitter. My questions did not move his opinion about the fate of the country. However, I screenshotted a news item that refuted his “news” about the FEMA director. When I see him next, I will show him my capture, and because he is Santaesque, I will give him the gift of conversation. This time, it is about truth, lies, and the American way. I probably won’t change his mind/vote, but I may open his eyes.

What do you think?


Joy Juice

Shoot me; I have rose-colored glasses and feel change can be affected through communication, even on a small scale.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James l:19

“A person is a person because of other people.” African Proverb


“It’s all good/love/God” โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.


Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

“โ€ฆthe 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.”

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

It Doesn’t Take Much…Two Visits with Mr. K.

(I started this post in May. It’s now October. What?!

Well, M. K. is visiting for several weeks, which is a long haul for us. One thing is for sure: We have to go somewhere. That man cannot be still, thank God! I’m thinking, Hmmm, Millicent and Carlton Garland are back from Thailand. Maybe a quick jaunt to Chattanooga? What?!

Chattanooga

Yes, yes, and yes, we climbed into the Grey Ghost, my Santa Fe, and drove to Chattanooga. What a treat! We rolled with Roland Martin all the way there. As soon as we hit their door, Millicent and Carlton were waiting to take us to lunch; while comparing notes about Thailand, we lunched with the Greeks at Acropolis Grill. Afterward, Millicent and I shopped a bit. (Y’all, my feet are so big and challenged that we could hardly find shoes that felt good.).

Later, we had drinks at my favorite Chattanooga hotel. But this post reminds us that the icing on the cake is spending time with friends, and whether we travel or not, it’s nice to catch up with busy lives, including health and wellness.

Friends. food, and fun in Chattanooga

Columbia to Charleston to Charlotte

I flipped the switch this time and visited Mr. K. in Columbia, SC. I was fortunate enough to catch up with my dear sister-friend Cedar Lawrence. Her husband, Rodell, had recently transitioned, and we drove to Augusta, GA, to hug her. That night, we returned to Columbia and celebrated my Birthday. We dined at a restaurant resembling a sixties throwback, M r. Friendly’s a Southern Cafe. The food was fabulous, from my wine to our dessert, and I understood why Mr. K. wanted me to experience it.

During my visit, we returned to Mr. Friendly’s to experience what he called “the best burger ever.” But I got news for him. He took me to Lexington, and we ended. up at a Wayback Burger. This little chain restaurant got my vote, hands down, for the best burger. Mind you, I seldom eat red meat, but every time we travel, I want at least one burger during our trip. I doubled my guilty pleasure in Columbia. What?! We readied for the trip to Charleston,

Timeshare/Vacation Ownership/whatever you call it Presentation?

We had a four-day, three-night stay at a delightful Hampton Inn for $199, with a refund of $125 after a 2-hour presentation. Plus, a gift card! Yes, we were Moochers! What?!

A Moocher is a person who attends a presentation with no intention of buying anything. A Moocher attends for the gift. How am I familiar with the term? I used to sell Timesharing in St. Maarten and encountered many a-Moocher. The thing is, I also sold many people who attended my presentation for the gift. So, it’s worth it for resorts to offer these deals.

Of course, I vowed never to attend a presentation, but I could not resist Disney World or Charleston. Mr. K. has been to a zillion. (He used to live in Orlando, Timeshare heaven).

DM me if you want my hookup. What?!

Charleston

Our first day was spent at the morning presentation with a nice guy who knew all he could do was enjoy our company. He asked Mr. K. if he wanted to buy me a vacation program, and Mr. K. had the nerve to say “No.” What?! The presentation was close to the Charleston Market. So we spent some time there and ended up with delicious cookies and Cajun spices to carry home. We ordered Peruvian food from our hotel and dined in our room before passing out. (It’s so nice to find food from different cultures).

You should know by now that museums are our thing. Mr. K. and I parked downtown and walked to visit the Charleston Market and the Gibbes Museum of Art. Fortunately, we were just in time for an art presentation. We perused the museum, found our car, and tiredly fell into our hotel room.

The next day, we ate at a Black-owned restaurant, Hannibal’s Kitchen. The food was delicious. I ordered the crab and rice, soft-shelled crabs, and Wiliam ordered the Red Snapper. We loved the ambiance and were happy to hear it was family-owned and operated in two locations.

Gibbes Museum, Intertwined, top. Int’l African American Museum, They Combined Beauty, bottom

While there, we learned from two tourists about the International African American Museum, which we couldn’t wait to visit. The physical museum was exquisite, and the exhibits explored Charleston’s rich yet daunting history regarding the slave industry. Charleston carries the banner for having the largest slave port. The museum also captured international Black history through art and interactive exhibits; the museum even had resources to help discover your ancestry.

We closed the door on Charleston with a visit to the second Hannibal restaurant. And back to Columbia, we went.

While there, we visited his friend-like family, Rufus Thompson, who is bedridden but has a great sense of humor and zest for life. I was so happy to finally meet him and his sister, Linda. On the last day of my Columbia visit, Mr. K. took me to Mai Thai, a tiny restaurant in West Columbia. So far, Mai Thai has been my best Thai eating experience in the States. They shaped the rice into a heart!! Mr. K. laughed at me; I was humming as I was eating. What?!

Mai Thai (see the rice?)

Back to Charlotte and Home

Lugenia Radford

We drove to Charlotte for my flight home. We saw Mr. K.’s oncologist, who raved about how excellent Mr. K. is doing with his healing journey. (He has prostate cancer. See his Facebook page ). A few minutes away, his sister, Glenda, was visiting Gilda, Mr. K.’s ex-wife. Her house was lovely, and we had a pleasant time with them. Our last visit was with my high school friend (one of my little sisters), Lugenia Radford. She recently moved to Charlotte, but we talked about Chicago and St. Thomas Apostle during our entire visit.



Joy Juice

I feel blessed to have a guy who reflects the joy I need for this season of my life. We both don’t take life for granted. We know how important it is to give each other flowers and to smell the roses! The Carolina trips provided both.

Joy is a choice. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit bears in us (Galatians 5:22-23).

Buddhist teachers compare mudita to an inner spring of infinite joy that is available to everyone at all times, regardless of circumstances.

Happiness is not perfected unless it’s shared. African Proverb


โ€œItโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.



Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our differences.

https://www.instagram.com/gardenspicesmagazine/%post_id%

Understanding the Assignment

I was in my volunteer post to sell beverages for the TVAA matinee Sunday when Jonathan David Cain bumped my shoulder and told me, “Biden stepped down!” Needless to say, I was shocked but energized to begin imagining a course to save our democracy. The torch was passed to Vice President Kamala Harris. Passing by our booth, friends commiserated about our fate with Harris as our candidate (“America won’t vote for a Black woman“); we speculated the country might have to take a different route.

On the way home, it hit me. That day, I had on my new Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. I thought, “These shoes symbolize our Vice President.” They are big and bright, but for me, they represent the light starting to break through. Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States of America!

By the time I reached home, the online vigor had already started, and I was invited to the party, “Black Women for Kamala,” “Shoals Liberal Ladies,” and “Democrats for Kamala Harris.” Every group was buoyant with hope, and I realized there was no room for doubt. I was/am all in! What?!

What that hope looks like is doing what I can to get Harris elected by using the power of my social media platforms, writing cards, and fielding phone calls for Democratic candidates outside of my own Red state of AL.

Question: Do you love the Democrats? Answer: I do not love either party, but I work for the candidate who takes me closer to my peace. And with this election, it’s Kamala Harris, a Democrat. She is tough, qualified, and can steer us away from dictatorship and Agenda 47.

Y’all know I’m an activist and realize that neither party has given me what I need to feel safe, included, or empowered as a Black woman. As a citizen, I must challenge and hold a government that works for me accountable and supports a system that does not intend to harm my rights/life.

Fact: Whether I am mentally impaired or not (my pedigree is of no consequence), my safety is challenged.

At any time, a police officer can choose to exercise what they feel is their priority and shoot me dead. It happens too frequently, and we are chanting “Say their names” to no avail.

My assignment is to get Kamala Harris and a Democratic Congress elected, but the buck does not stop there. We gotta get some things done. Buzz words – voting rights, gun control, women’s reproductive rights, police reform, environmental issues. My work is to help activists advocate for human rights and follow up with participation – attending city meetings, writing letters, posting, and doing what I can to take us to higher ground.

Once again, we are being thrown the ball to move forward, and I’m here to catch it.

#SONYAMASSEY #SAYHERNAME

“I rebuke you, in the name of Jesus”

“It’s all good/love/God” โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.


Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

“โ€ฆthe 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.”

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

Passport or Passion?

I ain’t gon’ lie; I have been “triggered,” as the kids say. Let’s do a Timeline:

  • First of all, I purposely limit my time spent watching the news. I am not thrilled by our choice of presidential candidates, and Alabama politics, via my daughter’s reports, has taken my stress to another level.
  • Then, I read a bit of the 900-page Project 2025 manifesto! Limiting funding for public schools, strangling reproductive rights for women, and the LBGTQIA, voting restrictions, tax allowances for the wealthy, etc. Yikes!
  • The Presidential debate. Sad for Biden, mad at the Democrats, disgusted with Trump’s lies.
  • I viewed the film Bad Faith and understood the big picture. Trump is simply the Pied Piper to lead his supporters and America to the larger vision of Christian Theocracy. It’s The Handmaid’s Tale coming to life.
  • Finally, with the choice of the Republican Vice President candidate, my eyes opened wider. He may be the true heir apparent to lead Project 2025. Trump, the clown, and J.D. Vance, the scholar and architect.

I’m telling y’all I was rallying my family to secure their passports and to start researching higher ground. What?!

Then I remembered two things: 1) My Ancestors whose sweat and resolve built this country. As my Caribbean folks say, “I ‘born here!” Why should I give up what my family has built and died for to succumb to a vision that excludes the well-being of all Americans? That’s right! I said it! I’m an American, too! And I will continue to work towards the inclusion this country should reflect.

2) I have my own vision!! I affirm each Sunday (at Living Spirit) and am reminded daily that I must be conscious of what I wish to manifest. I must yield to a quantum reality – the global good is unfolding, regardless of appearance. Light cannot be obscured by darkness. It’s within me!

NEWS FLASH: I just learned that one of my dear friends passed today. He taught Tai Chi, danced Salsa, played piano, and was a photographer and author. He celebrated the beauty of this world. It’s too soon to reveal his name…

…but not too soon to celebrate what he lived. I am in the here and now, understanding my place in this universe.

My passport is always updated, but my passion lies in holding the consciousness of the highest good right here in Bama. What?!

Joy Juice

We are too old for stress. We do what we can to support the greater good of the universe, but then we get somewhere and sit down. We rest in believing that we can “Be still and know…( Psalm 46:10)”I forget. I wrote a book about it)! Be S.A.F.E.


UPDATE: My friend who transitioned was Robert Rhym, a Renaissance man and visionary. These were his parting words, as shared on Facebook:

“Parting words, let it be known, as stated in my book “A Dialogue to Self”, I mentioned how I believe transitioning is an infinite continuum; therefore, I have loved and lived in each and everyone of you, (remember) I LOVE YOU. Transition complete”

โ€œItโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.



Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine through Patreon. 

 Victorine, Bio

Author of  Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our differences.

Why…

.

…can’t I text/type? With visions of Mrs. Knopf, my typing teacher, I hide in shame over the way I kill my texts. Example:

Vicki Basley Goldston
“Liz, this story is so wonderful
!!!! I must use it for “sline.” You can do something else, if you want to, vut this morning, I’m shining from this post!!” – Facebook text.

Pitiful, just sad. But what’s really sad is that I publish a magazine and this blog, yet I won’t go back and poorfread proofread what I’ve written, but noooo…

This is an homage to all those who have been victims of my abdominal abominable texting. I really do hold you in high esteem, but sometimes my fingers dance too fast, and my eyes move too slowly. Please forgive me. (I’m now headed to Facebook to correct my post to Liz Larue).


โ€œItโ€™s all good/love/Godโ€ โ€“ Victorine

ยฉ 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.

Please Subscribe and Follow my blog! Name(required) Email(required)

Please support Spicyโ€ฆa blog by Victorine, through Patreon.

Victorine, Bio

Author of Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.

โ€œโ€ฆthe 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 Godโ€™s protection.โ€

Donโ€™t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our diff

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