Uncategorized – Page 2

May 23, 2025May 31, 2025

Why I Love New York: Soul Food and Jazz Experiences

Part 2:

Why New York?

I live in Florence, AL, but I am originally from Chicago, “Second City.” I love my Southside roots and still sample all the city’s culture and style. While Chi has my heart, my soul pumps when I visit New York. While writing this, I realized the difference between the two – it’s me.

I’m no longer the young woman living on the Northside, walking to work on the Magnificent Mile, singing at the Free Theater, or eating Japanese food with Chris Kobayashi in my building of young hopefuls. Taking a bus, subway, or cab, staying out into the wee hours? No more. However, even at 75, New York invites this lifestyle and more. Don’t get me wrong; my knees hurt in New York, like in Chicago, but I still managed to do what makes me love the Big Apple. What?!

Getting Our Feet Wet

**Schomberg’s Socially relevant artwork from A to Z**

I told y’all about Gypsy in my last post. The next day, my friend Pat, Mr. K, and I went to the Schomberg Center for Research of Black Culture housed in a Harlem library. We viewed a small exhibit by young folks, including all socially relevant artwork, curated alphabetically. While some work was humorous (Take a look at Z!) all was impressive, but the day was early. Where to now? We were guided by a vintage New Yorker, Kathy Roberson, who knew all the free haunts. She sent us to the National Jazz Museum, hoping the early-day concert would be brewing. And boy, was it!

It was. on like a pot of neckbones! This small, colorful venue housed wonderful art, and we caught the last half hour of a jazz trio with a drummer that kept us enthralled. After leaving the concert room, we explored the exhibit area with everything from a cardboard standup of Dizzy Gillespie to one of Duke Ellington’s pianos. My hunger for jazz was satisfied, but now it was time to eat.

Trek to Soul Food Paradise – Sylvia’s

Despite the mild rain, we walked to see what cuisine piqued our interest. We passed an Ethiopian place, a Thai, and an Italian, and finally, Pat suggested we travel for fish. We were game until we ran into the legendary Sylvia’s, the Soul Food restaurant. While we wanted fish, we had to go in and at least have drinks at Sylvia’s. Upon our entry, the cashier and hostess, Sylvia’s granddaughter, were warm and welcoming. After being ushered to our table, we were like, “We eatin’ right here!”

We had a great time with our waitress, carefully placing our order. Mr. K. and Pat had libations (Mr. K. had the nerve to order Long Island Iced Tea, and y’all know he had to share his ministry, Khan Academy. What?!). We ordered baked turkey wings with garlic potatoes, greens, and yams, and Pat ordered the mac’n’cheese. We had cobbler for dessert. When I tell you that food was on point? I never tasted cornbread like those muffins; they were delicious, even to Southern palettes. What?!

Y’all know we like to talk. So when we met Sylvia’s granddaughter, we got the complete lowdown on Sylvia and the family’s participation in making the restaurant what it is today. She recalled days in her childhood when the entire family was called upon for restaurant duties – folding napkins, prepping food, etc. Afterward, we met the owner, Sylvia’s son, Kenneth Woods, and it felt so good to be in this Black historical eatery.

When we made it home, rather than hitting another club, we opted to relax and get ready for the next New York adventure. Can we say MOMA? (The Museum of Modern Art) What?! STAY TUNED…

**Yep! Pat Lewis and I getting down at Sylvia’s**

**Mr. K. and I, with Kenneth Woods, Sylvia’s son**

SLIDE SHOW OF SYLVIA’S FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Barbecued Turkey wings
Candied yas
Cornbread with topping
Bagel and egg with Secret Seasoning
Cornbread muffins wiwth Sylvia’s Cornbread mix

Joy Juice

History is so important. We grab it wherever we can, sometimes even in a restaurant. New York and cities all over the world include sites and centers that continue to recognize the past. These stories continue to be important in shifting the future.

Some, like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, are being threatened, but we continue to recognize what the exhibits celebrate by living in our greatness. We create our own history, and whether or not we have a museum, our descendants carry our legacy. Our history is us, our stories, and we ain’t going nowhere!

“⁹for we were born but yesterday and know so little; our days here on earth are as transient as shadows. ¹⁰But the wisdom of the past will teach you. ..” – Job

“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
George Santayana

“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.” – African proverb

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April 16, 2025April 21, 2025

Exploring New York: My Journey with Audra McDonald

Part I:

Readying to Go

Mr. K. and I took a bite out of The Big Apple, (New York City) and it served us well. It all started with Audra McDonald. I have been a fan of hers for a long time – her singing, her acting. I missed her in A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime, and her one-woman show about Billie Holiday. When I read she was starring in Gypsy, I said, “This is it! I’m gonna catch her as Mama Rose!” But first, I had to catch up with one of my besties, Pat Lewis, and her husband, Thomas, my forever hosts when I visit New York. Mr. K. mentioned hotels, and I was like, “No way!” New York finds me in Harlem in the comfortable abode of my Sis and Bro. I had to catch up with them because Pat is a singer and actress, and Thomas is a musician. They’re busy, but never too busy for me.

Fear of Flying…These Days

Finally, after settling on a date, Mr. K. and I planned our trip to NY. Then, the Trump plane disasters commenced, and we were like, “Are we gonna do it…are we really gonna do it?” (I couldn’t resist Kendrick, Y’all). I was praying and seriously meditating, deciding whether or not to fly. Then, I remembered my white light of protection and said, God’s got this. We goin’!

I was in wheelchair style from my first flight from Muscle Shoals to Charlotte, NC. My helper was like a NASCAR driver navigating the Charlotte airport to get me to my connecting flight with Mr. K. Then, off we went to LaGuardia Airport, which was new and shiny, I might add. We were met by Pat and Thomas, and then we whisked off to Harlem, where Pat, originally from Birmingham, AL, cooked her famous fried chicken for me. What?!

Images: Pat on the left with the Crystals and Thomas after a concert

Gypsy!

“Let me entertain you!” Y’all, I had forgotten how awful the “entertain you” performances were in the film, Gypsy, and Baby June’s tune was just as nauseating and funny in the play. However, all the kids in the cast were skilled professionals that held their own with the star, Audra McDonald.

Ain’t nothin’ like a stage mama in Vaudeville, and Mama Rose is the prototype for Baby June and Louise, her daughters. Pushing June as her star and Louise as…well, as anything she could possibly do, Rose was relentless. She brought in a variety of new acts, including boys and girls as backups, and even a cow, all performing to “Let Me Entertain You.” The most memorable was the USA scene, ending with giant eagle and copious flags. It was horrendously funny..

On The View, MacDonald noted that for her production, they did not change a single word of the script, and she pointed out that the casting was intentionally addressing the issue of colorism. Baby June, the star, had light skin, while her sister, Louise, was dark skinned. And in the days of Vaudeville, light-skinned Blacks usually received starring roles in Black productions. Mama Rose loved them both, but June was the bread and butter, and since June was as talented as Rose thought herself to be, June was the favorite. Rose was uncompromising about making it with her girls. She had no time for her suitor, turned fianceé and manager, Herbie, who adored her; not if marrying him meant giving up the business. I’m not going to issue a spoiler alert, but I gotta’ go here.

Audra McDonald has seven (7) Tony Awards. She chose to work on her 8th in this performance. Her voice mesmerized us, but what she did with her closing solo—the “Look at Me” number, Rose’s Turn —had me crying, and you could hear a pin drop in the audience until the end of the song. The audience erupted in applause and the standing ovation could not wait for the final bows of the cast.

I was thrilled with the entire musical, from the plot to the performances. I must say that the vintage movie had a lot to do with why I vowed never to be a stage mom. But oh, what I would give to have a modicum of Audra McDonald’s talent. What?!

#Gypsy #Broadway #NewYork #talent #teamAudra #gardenspices

Joy Juice

Wow, it’s wonderful to be blessed enough to travel. Gaining new perspectives is a gift. Understanding that people move differently all over the world is a reason to celebrate the Creator. Adapting to different cultures speaks to my soul and fills my spirit with joy.

New York is an abundance of culture in a melting pot, moving with a swiftness and offering delights from every ethnicity. Thank you, Father/Mother, for the ability to be open and receptive to your offerings.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16

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

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

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March 9, 2025March 12, 2025

Where ‘Them Fans At?!

See? How can I boycott Amazon when I need to shop for my clacking fan. I wanna do the “Boots on the Ground ” line dance, and I need one of them fans! And what about my elastic-plastic covers for my containers, my wedding gift for __, etc. etc. I got a card that takes 3-5% off each time I make a purchase. They got MY Kendrick Lamar on one of their commercials. They can’t be that bad…What?!

Why Y’all boycotting?

‘You mean Amazon’s CEO, Jeff ~~Bozo~~ Bezos, is a supporter of the new administration? Is that why he was front and center with all the other social media moguls at the inauguration?

“Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes — and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture,” said the note written by Candi Castleberry, Amazon’s VP of inclusive experiences and technology. First reported in Bloomberg.
And then, you mean to tell me that in February 2025, DEI was nowhere to be seen in Amazon’s Annual Report? Amazon no longer has DEI initiatives? (but Kendrick Lamar…)

What I don’t understand is what Amazon’s workers are complaining about. They have decent pay and good benefits. Why are they complaining about unsafe work conditions, a surveillance system that tracks their production, and no union presence?

Tongue (out) of (my) cheek, the reality is that Amazon deserves to be boycotted. Like all the other mega-companies that so happily benefit from consumerism, it deserves to feel the pinch of its customers fighting back against its policies. And this time, it ain’t just Black folks; it’s an equal opportunity effort – a “grassroots movement.”. Will we make an impact? The boycott raises the roof a bit and brings awareness to the practices of the brash, big boys of business. (Jasmine Crockett-type aliteration). What?!

I’m all in for the boycotts – Target next, and then, WALMART. It’s the least we can do to rage against the system. I ‘ll be dancing with my Dollar Tree fan and closing my purse to the giants. I HAD TO COME OUT OF MY EASY CHAIR AND GO TO A STORE, but it was worth it.. What?!

#resist #boycott

Joy Juice

We remember the days when carpools drove women to work, and many walked rather than use the buses for transportation. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a mighty movement. And here we are in 2025 boycotting businesses that divest from diversity and equity programs. It feels like we are in a holding pattern of doom, but holding back your $$ is making a mighty move.

While moving, it’s important to hold the vision for what we want to see in this country. Sometimes, we need help. If you don’t have a church, find an org., a group, like-minded folks who reflect what you want to see in the world, and affirm what you want. Use your words – powerful.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”. – African Proverb

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. – Proverbs 31:8

“Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss”. Tao Te Ching

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

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February 11, 2025February 11, 2025

Blackety Black Black

Image: Grandson Christian Bennett, with me on the night Kendrick Lamar shook America.

Y’all, Sunday night was a sight to behold, and my grandson, Christian Bennett, was here with me to witness it. I know it’s Black History Month, but I celebrate my blackness 365 days a year, and Sunday night affirmed why. I witnessed the halftime Super Bowl performance of Kendrick Lamar, an omniscient rapper who gave us a symbolic narrative for the “game” of being Black in America. After experiencing the noise of a Super Bowl party, my grandson escaped to my house to watch the performance with me, his Black elder.

Although these 74-year-old ears could not understand the words, I was mesmerized by Lamar’s rapping skills. The effect of the energy Lamar created had Christian moving out of his seat and me dancing to “They not like us,” the punchline of his Grammy-winning song. (No, I wasn’t Crip Walking like Serena Williams). Lamar’s reputation preceding the performance, the geometrically lighted stage, and Samuel L. Jackson’s (Uncle Sam’s) invitation to play the “game” had me researching social media to fully comprehend what I saw.

I defer to this YouTube post by Bobby Foster to break down every element of Lamar’s poignant performance. However, what brought me to this post was my senses stirred through Lamar. I feel Black America has been under assault for as long as this country has been in existence, especially now. Because we have been systemically divided through so much trauma, we have fallen to mental assault. No true history is taught, critical thinking is diminished, and we wade through muddy waters to find our way to the true heroes of our story – us! We are who we have been waiting for, and performances like Lamar’s clear our vision.

The Super Bowl performances of not only Kendrick Lamar, but Samuel L. Jackson, Jalen Hurts and Coach Autumn Lockwood, Ledisi, and Jon Batiste remind me that no matter what America does to us, we don’t merely survive; we rise, and all the colors of the world rise through us. This truth is magnified by true history, literature, music, and many inventions we enjoy. The universe is infused with/by us. We cannot be diminished; through every breath we take, we are Blackety, Black, Black, and the universe breathes with us. What?!!

Joy Juice

The music we dance to takes us to a new level of understanding. We are truth in spiritual light, not to be diminished. The youth found a way to cut through every age-group to clean our glasses off and ears out and remind us there are new ways of speaking. I am listening.

“I got loyalty, royalty inside my DNA” – Kendrick Lamar

“Garap lo tbia gadbia mou sajati.” — Wolof Proverb, West Africa
The split tree still grows.

The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord.” – Proverbs 20:27

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

January 31, 2025February 1, 2025

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

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

December 24, 2024December 29, 2024

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 world – DuSable, 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?!

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

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December 15, 2024December 29, 2024

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.

Our doors at Apartment du Louvres, 4 Etienne Marcel

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

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine, Celebrating our differences.

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December 11, 2024December 11, 2024

Everybody has one…

…a 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 Giovanni’s poems, but I remember one most: Dreams.

It invoked a dream I once had to be a singer, except Giovanni coveted the Raelets’ “”dr o wn d in my youn tears.” Unlike Langston Hughes’ Dream Deferred, Giovanni’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 “sweet inspiration.”

Years later, I would stir up Shoals, AL, with Giovanni’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 Giovanni’s masterful poetry illustrating Black folks – 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.

November 3, 2024November 4, 2024

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” – Victorine

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Victorine, Bio

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

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

October 6, 2024October 8, 2024

Worth Another Conversation?

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” – Victorine

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Please support Spicy…a 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.

Don’t forget to check out Garden Spices Magazine.

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