I Got Music in Me (The Shoals Sound-off)

So, I have a new quip during this season of my life. Mention anything to me, and I got a song for you. It’s like I just can’t help it. Mention being happy, I regurgitate You Bring Me Joy, by Anita Baker. I know my friends are like, really? Please, shut up. But I can’t help it; the songs just come up and out. What?!

Here’s an example. Recently, I have been discussing the happenings in Colbert County, AL. I live just across the river in Lauderdale County, Florence, AL, about 10 – 20 minutes away. I got to thinking about the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, the Ritz Theatre, all the restaurants like Rhoda P’s, old and new, The CORE Center, with Dr. Deb, Greyhouse Gallery, Counts Brothers, and I was like, “I got a lover way over there on the mountainside,” lyrics by Smokey Robinson. See? I just can’t stop! However……

…music or not, I gotta say we moan too much about crossing the river “way over there.” Those of us from big cities are amazed by people’s disdain about crossing the river. Yes, Florence is the largest of the four tiny cities that comprise the Shoals. Also the University of North Alabama is housed in Florence, as well as more theatres and shopping. But when something is brewing on the other side of the river, 10 – 20 LONG MINUTES AWAY. I gotta go. I’m like, “Come to me, baby, I’m on my way!!“ more Smokey lyrics.

Notice, I didn’t mention Soul’s Wingery (I’m a Soul Man, Sam & Dave), Odette, the Symphony, and other Florence eateries and sites. After all, we got Sam’s, TJ Maxx, and the mall. Folks will make their way over to our side of the water. However, I do believe Florencians would be amazed to see the exhibits and events at the art museum in Tuscumbia, and I will be checking out Southern Grocery on Second Street in Sheffield this week. (“I’ll try something new,” Smokey again).

I know what it is; I have the Singing River flowing through me, Muscle Shoals magic. ‘Thing is, that river flows on both sides of the Shoals. (“It’s flowing.” Temptations. ) Yes, you have to cross one of the bridges to get there, which may be daunting to some, but I’m encouraging y’all to (...just put your hand in mine) and flow with the river to check out the happenings. What?!

Image: Millicent Garland Photography

Joy Juice

I’m not going to lie; I try not to drive at night, so even a short drive is challenging. But when Mr. K. or any driver is here, I’m ready to go to either side of the river in my home area. So, “Take me to the river,” Al Green. We deserve to enjoy our lives and music without limitations.

“As the music changes, so does the dance” – African Proverb

“I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” – Corinthians 14:15

“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.

“…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.”

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

February 20, 2024July 17, 2024

“Do Not Go Gently Into the Night” Dylan Thomas

I have been down the road with this…whatever it is…first, in December, and now in February?!!! “And I‘m tellin’ you...I’m not goin‘..” What?!

Here’s what my sister, Nedra Shelton, had to say. She surmised that since we had basically been without normal strains of illness with COVID, we are now being inundated with viruses from h__l. Here’s what Deborah Carter, ND, (Dr. Deb) says. Drink a garlic mixture with lemon and honey, and If you got it, sit your backside down until you heal. She says that we tend to move out before the virus moves out of us. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to get. a dose of Sound Therapy from her. Before this treatment, I got a four-day course of antibiotics from my allopathic doctor. “By any means necessary” is the way I’m moving. What?!

I’ve heard of folks having flu symptoms but not the flu, allergy flares but not allergies, and, of course, the dreaded stomach virus. Unfortunately, some of us have had bouts with COVID. However, I do believe that because we been vaxxed to death, we haven’t left here; we’re still standing. What us gon’ do?!

The recurrence of this virus has really made me understand the assignment given by Dr. Deb. PLUS, this time, my adult-onset asthma flared up, and after a severe sore throat, I was rendered speechless. Me, Victorine, speechless with laryngitis! Y’all know this won’t do. What I’m doing is shutting my mouth and staying home until this stuff completely clears. I’m following my doctor’s full order. surrendering to the process.

I figure I must’ve needed this rest, but whatever the reason for this stuff, I pray I am bidding it goodbye for good.( Did I mention I drummed at a preschool? My daughter claims the germs found me). Anyway, this post is just to remind y’all to be vigilant about your healing process. Don’t go sashaying out socially before you’re fully ready to greet the dawn. Plus, you don’t want to give it to someone else. I don’t know about you, but I still got my masks. What?!

Joy Juice

We are at the age where we should know better. We must seek help, and then we gotta follow the doctor’s orders. I affirm that I am healthy through any process; I’m doing what I need to do to live up to my affirmation.

He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured – African Proverb

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. – Isaiah 58:8

The Tao of Healing Healthcare

“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

February 2, 2024February 2, 2024

I Can See Clearly

Well…I did it again. I bought another pair of specs. Mr. K. laughs at me, but I just can’t help it. These new inexpensive sites make it so easy. One of the perks of being “seasoned” is that my eye prescription doesn’t change. I can buy frames to my heart’s content, and my heart says more, more, more! What?!

Did I mention that my eyesight is a bit challenged? I had cataract surgery on my right eye and anticipate having it on my left. When I had the surgery, I could see without glasses until the dreaded stigma kicked in. Today, glasses are a part of my signature, so I deserve to spice up my variety. A sista’ has to be able to swag/see. Hmmm…I’m up to about 12 pairs now. Y’all…I can no longer drive at night, and it won’t matter how big the glass frames are; I’m still blinking from time to time.

Watching the present-day world during this time finds me blinking in pain. However, my vision is clear. Outside of my weekly spiritual circle, my luncheon friends and I met and discussed all the potential pitfalls. Both groups surmise we have to keep hope alive. We realize we are shifting, and everything – all the horror dredged up by blind behavior – must come up to come out.

My vision allows me to recognize there are enough conscious beings in this world to bring forth what the Creator/God/the Universe/Yahweh/Jehovah/Allah intends – the Highest Good. Here’s the caveat; we can only define what we want, not what we need. My vision holds that my highest good is whatever the world and I need, (God’s will), period. So scary, but that’s how I’m flying.

Both groups also acknowledge the power of critical mass*, better known as “Where two or more gather…” Y’all, we know about this. I believe that’s how President Obama is alive today; we was praying!!! It takes only a few affirming folks to hold the vision and affect thousands.

Does this mean I won’t advocate against injustice? I ain’t blind, but at the end of the day, I can see clearly, and I’m willing to consciously aim/hope High. How about you?

Joy Juice

Y’all…there’s enough happening out here to take us to perpetual fear. We can’t give in to it. Really, we don’t have a choice; unless we stay in the dumps, we gotta go spiritual and KNOW that ultimately, our good is at hand. I’m part of an activist group, but it has always been fueled by what Spirit intends and a vision of blue skies, no limitations, and however long it takes. #livingspirit #Yikes #projectsaysomething #withoutceasing #highestgood

*Critical mass – Christian perspective, Spiritual Perspective

“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 diff

January 16, 2024January 16, 2024

Is It Me?

So, the other day, I was browsing through my photos and ran into an old photo (featured) of my grandmother, Victorine Ellen Emmanuel. My initial encounter with this photo was when I was at the vulnerable age of 20. At that age, I was unsure about my future. I worked for a radio and TV producer, but although exciting, the job was dead-end, and I knew that school was mandatory. I lived on Chicago’s Northside in a studio apartment on North LaSalle, a walk away from Old Town and the recording studio where I worked. Cool, huh? Until it wasn’t. I felt pretty low as I pondered how to muster up funds and a pathway to higher education. Then, I saw the photo.

I was into old photos, so Mom gave me a box of vintage family pictures. As I leafed through them, I saw a seasoned photo of me; at least, I thought it was me. The woman looked just like me, but she was wearing clothes from another era, and she was so tiny, and I ain’t never been tiny. What?!

Somehow, this picture was transformative. Grandma Ellen always exuded a sense of dignity. Born in St. Martin, she spoke with a French accent, and she would read the libretto to operas she loved to attend. Her living room housed the bookcase with the classics I absorbed; her dining room was the classroom for people coming to learn French, and her kitchen was where we assembled every Sunday after church for prunes and toast. We loved to listen to her and her Creole friend, Mama Stu, speak French. She was lovely, with hair to her waist, worn in two balls or a large bun in the back. Grandma Ellen.

Grandma had transitioned when I discovered the picture, but I could hear/feel her encouraging me to go to college. She loved to study and was disappointed when I chose to work rather than go to school. Shortly after discovering the photo, I visited my parents, and my dad suggested I see Silas Purnell for guidance. He Founded a higher educational program, and it was tailor-made for me. I followed his instructions and ended up at Stillman College to start and Case Western Reserve University to finish. (I also met my husband at Stillman College).

I know Grandma’s influence was a significant part of my journey. She was a culture vulture like me, was as religious as I am spiritual, and I hope she is smiling her smile as she reads this. As a child, I hated my name, Victorine.(Visine, Listerine, etc.). Today, I am so proud to have been named after Grandma. And the picture? I will never be that tiny in stature, but I stand broadly on her shoulders.

Victorine at age 16 and Grandma Victorine, as a young woman

Joy Juice

Funny how our memories can take us to a place of overwhelming gratitude. The answer to my question, “Is it Me?” Yes! I am the granddaughter of this mighty woman, and her vigor flows through my soul. Thank God!

“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.

January 6, 2024January 7, 2024

Sentimental Journey

I subscribe to living in the moment, so why do I continuously slide down the sentimental trail of conjuring up stuff that makes me sigh? This morning, Dionne Warwick and I swooned like I was still 13 years old, sending a “Message to Michael” while I was “The Last One to be Loved.” Then, Jerry Butler cut in with his “Dreammaker.” That was this morning, but let me tell y’all what made me write this post.

Yesterday, I finally struck Christmas and put away my trimmings. I was in the midst of loading the ornaments in their cart when Bam…it hit. ’Thing is, I used to love to collect ornaments, so each one means something to me. Each ornament is attached to a time, place, or person, and I took time to reflect upon each one and remember. There were smiles and a bit of sadness, but after a while, into the cart, the ornaments went. However, my memories don’t fit in a cart; I tend to wallow in them.

My besties and I go way back to elementary school. Guess who remembers every detail of our stories? That would be me, but I must say I’m second to one bestie, Indria Perrilloux. It’s OK to relive old times, but I find I am relishing in the past a little too much. What to do? Actually, I’m doing it. What?!

I’m engaging with you. That’s the key: conscious engagement. But that’s not always easy either. How about picking up the old cell phone to film a stage event, or simply staying on the phone browsing or texting? GUILTY! I could do with tuning up my listening skills too. I’m always multitasking. While on the phone, I get a bazillion things done. Hmmm, the more I write, it seems the more I discover I have work to do.

I’m finding my way to be in the present by being conscious of everything I do – my traveling, cooking, exercise, writing, jewelry-making, and spiritual outreach. The other day I actually sat down and listened to a phone call. I find that when I sprinkle some gratitude on my actions, I can better settle into the moment.

I believe my sentimental journeys are a part of who I am, a devoted romantic. While I concede that memories are great, creating new ones is even better and keeps me… spicy. What?!

Joy Juice

We are truly in the midst of times that compel us to pay attention. Living in the moment takes conscious action. Indeed, our past impacts our future, but we know we can’t live there. Sentimental journeys are nice, but we know we are in the here and now, and we act like it.

“You cannot build a house for last year’s summer.” – African proverb

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” – Psalm 118: 24

“Don’t get caught in the past, because the past is gone. Don’t get upset about the future, because the future is not yet here. There is only one moment for you to be alive, and that is the present moment.” Buddha’s teachings

“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.

January 4, 2024January 4, 2024

Stretching Out My Hand!

I have always loved that Bible story in Matthew 12:13 when Jesus tells the man with the withered hand to stretch out his hand for healing. I believe being open and receptive to health and wholeness in mind is the key to conscious living. However, I also believe I must take action to see some results.

I browse Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram daily and love looking at Reels. It thrills me to see what everybody is up to. I love Takara’s jewelry and Mel’s Essential Elements, and Sheila Agnew is off the chain with her videos. Jan Gipson, Laurel Heverly Heiss, and Lenora Green share spiritual tidbits.

Ya’ girl, here, publishes a magazine and a blog, plus makes jewelry. ’I thank the Creator daily for my blessings, but do you think I post and share my products the way I should?! Why nooo. I think folks will get tired of seeing my stuff. I tell you, this is gonna change. I’m fixin’ to stretch out my hand and show you what I’m working with. What?!!

This issue of Garden Spices Magazine is on Expectations. How can I expect y’all to subscribe, follow, or patronize my work if I don’t do enough to show you I’m worth it? It’s not like what I do does not feed my soul. I put out this issue while Mercury was in retrograde, and I was getting over the virus from h__l. It warms my heart to publish what my Contributors give me, and what I do to create my joy. So, I gotta share it more.

This is it! Hand out! And watch me, or walk on by what I post, but I’m comin‘. You can expect it!

Bam! Here’s something from VBGold Creations. (I ain’t playing with y’all). What?!

Bracelets…well, you got your amethyst, sodalite, agate, African turquoise, painted agate, Tibetan Ancient stones, yellow jasper, black tourmaline, desert rose, small and large.

See? First, I have to learn to post. I make ribbon earrings. Some silk, but these are eyelash cotton with amethyst, agate, and turquoise. What are the two round rubber things? Uhhh…either earrings or bracelets, but they boast blue agare stones. Oh…and in the left corner, there’s a chain bracelet I fixed up. (Yep…I’m bringin’ them back”!

Here’s a better shot of the bracelet. I love off-white. The bracelet has desert rose, yellow jasper, and agate, and the eyelash earrings have moonstones, agate, and small carnelian. Necklace and bracelet out of coral and agate,

Last but not least, somethin’ for the boys even. Onyx, lava bracelets with raw and smooth amethyst stones.

Well, that’s it for now, but stay tuned!!!

Joy Juice

Thank y’all for putting up with my antics. This year, you’ll get even more. That’s it…more in ’24! Happy New Year!

It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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

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November 22, 2023November 23, 2023

And So It Goes…Meandering

This morning finds me in a precarious mood. I am excited about celebrating gratitude with my family. My meat and sides are ready to burn, yet I find myself burning as I process the world’s wars, the state of our nation, and the truth of aging.

As I recite the Serenity prayer, I realize my power to “change the things I can.” I know the power of voting, resistance, and speaking truth to power. However, I find it challenging to reckon with the aging process, death and dying, and yielding to the balance required to remain active, sane, and healthy.

Recently, I have experienced friends who live healthy lifestyles. They eat right, are slim, and spiritually sound. They are doing what they can to have the holistic life they desire. Yet, they find themselves stricken with illnesses that do not suit them – heart disease, strokes, knee and hip replacement. Why? My sisters and I surmised that as we age, our health experiences may result from our genetics, medical mishaps, or some abnormality that belies the truth about us. However, we do all we can to stay on this side of good health.

We have a call to live in the moment. At this moment, I find myself giving into the process of prayer and grieving for others in new ways. I’m listening to their music, telling their stories, doing Reiki, chanting, and anything that affirms who they are or who they were in this realm. More than anything, I am in constant gratitude for the whole of my existence, including you. Each moment carries with it an opportunity to give thanks. Not one will get away from me.

And so it goes…may you dwell in your blessings this Thanksgiving.

Joy Juice

Guiding me:

Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Prayer for Protection

The Light of God surrounds you.

The Love of God enfolds you.

The power of God protects you.

The Presence of God watches over you.

Wherever you are, God is, and all is well.

And that’s the truth!

Gospel Playlist:

Stand & Total Praise – Donald McClurkin

Help Me Lord Jesus – Staple Singers

Deliver Me – Le’Andria Johnson, Tri City Singers

Joy – Pharrell Williams

Use Me. – Ricki Byars

Miracle – Mali Music, Jonathan McReynolds

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.

November 3, 2023November 5, 2023

“Celebrate Good Times, Come On!” Chicago

I always liked that song by Kool & the Gang, but last week, we must’ve sung that song at least 30 times. I was in Chicago celebrating Mildred Bergeron, the surrogate mother to two of my oldest friends and me. She’s the only mom left among us, but oh, what a mom. She turned 95, and she was the highlight of each venue we chose to place her on the universal stage of celebration. What?!!

We took her to a Stepper’s set, and when we brought her to the dance floor and told the DJ her age, the whole room gasped in amazement. Why? She was on the dance floor doing the Twine with us! Well…we are all in our 70’s, some 80’s, but 95?! When we returned to our seats, people were coming to rub elbows with her in hopes of her vibe rubbing off on them.

At her party, she danced and broke it down to the floor. (I would be crawling). And when we finished singing a Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday and left the privacy of our designated room, the whole restaurant was singing to Momma Mildred. And when they heard her age, they were shocked. One man was trying to flirt. What?!

We had a great time, four friends and their mom in gratitude for life – what a gift. There’s more.

Mama Bergeron, her daughter, Indria, and her other daughters, Janice, Pat, and moi

Mama B. and Moi (top), Real daughter, Indria, and daughter, Nedra

My friend, Pat Kline, opened her home to welcome VBGold Creations, and friends came to play cards, eat, laugh, and buy my jewelry. Everybody wanted to know when/how I started making my creations. You see? That’s what we do when a Senior embarks on a new venture; we encourage them.

Bracelets and tools! #gemstones, #ancestorinspired

Yes, I’m gifted; I am supported by love/blessings, and it has no boundaries. Hey…Mama Mildred says the same thing! “Celebrate Good Times. Come On!”

Joy Juice

So many times these days, I catch myself in tears. Many transitions are taking place, but my tears are for the gratitude I feel – that I can emote about Samara Joy’s new song or Luther’s old one, that I see my family and friends flourishing, and for those who have touched my life. Indeed, I am in recognition of my gifts, and I hope you are too.

Tears cannot bring you joy, but joy can bring you tears. – 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, Celebrating our differences.

September 28, 2023September 29, 2023

I’m Reeling!!!

“…got me goin’ in circles…”

You already know!! I am creating reels for my projects. Y’all! I am like a bat IN h _ _ l. I loaded all these images on Instragram about a half hour ago. It’s still processing, for real! (Pun intended). I’m about to get some help with my projects; I feel sorry for her. What?!

About reeling….what a great term for what I seem to be doing at this age.

REELING – My feet hurt, so my balance is off. I bet you think I’m gon’ tell y’all about falls I’ve had. Wait…let me adjust my heating pad…
REELING – Can I complete at least one sentence without forgetting a term or a name?
REELING – Oh, what…now, I need someone to drive me around at night. If the streets are not well-lighted, you betta’ pull aside when you see me driving.
REELING – I keep a great calendar. So why am I always a day or an hour early?
REELING – I keep passing hearing tests; why can’t I hear…EH?!!!
REELING – trying to contact Facebook!
REELING – I meet with young folks from Project Say Something…REELING, REELING, REELING!!!!!!
LORD, now I’m trying to come out of listing mode on this post and don’t know how. What!!

On the real, I’m also reeling from something serious and indicative of this season of my life – losing loved ones. I know we all are. One thing I have determined at this juncture is that I cannot take anything for granted. Life is such a gift, and I realize I/we must live in the moment.

Mr. K. has a cousin we discovered in Memphis, Emma. I have never seen anything like it. She moved from Detroit to be near her family in Memphis, and this woman does not leave a stone unturned. She posts pictures about everyday gifts she experiences, like a local park, music, dance, art, protests, and people. Now, she’s taking photos of people she finds interesting. (She takes great images. I’ll ask her if I can show y’all some later). She is living in the moment.

My Chicago friends are also celebrating life. Unlike me, here in AL, they are in my hometown experiencing circles ending, so they give living all they have. Jazz, art festivals, plays, stepping, and club events intertwine with the many memorials attended. I have seen folks on walkers, canes, and crutches making it to life-affirming events. They are living in the moment.

Mimi, Joyce, Nedra, Pat, and I at Joyce’s crib for Brunch and Convo.

Y’all know I had to Chicago eat. First with her charcuterie delight, pizza, wine, music, and fun with Janis Gipson. (We also ordered dinners from Jan’s I Cook with Color menu. I fell in love with Turkey Tips). Then, with Pat Kline for some corned beef. Why did I have to stop at the Garrett’s Popcorn stand in the airport?

Invite from Jan for Food and fun! Had to get some corned beef with Pat.

I’m here in Bama, but I’m staying busy. There are also some folks here I can’t keep up with, but I know the importance of finding my way to momentous living. If not on the road with Mr. K., or traveling to Chi, to see my folks, then with Project Say Something, Living Spirit, the art museum, CORE Drummers, and Garden Spices/VBGold jewelry. Y’all, I think I’m even gonna start working for Camille and Taurus.

MJ, The Musical! Ned I say more? Board members at event for art museum

Hey…I’m REELING in my celebration of life!! WHAT?!

Joy Juice

Life is lived in time. Therefore he who wastes time, wastes life. – African Proverb

We are in the throes of the whirlwind of life. Stationary? Not today, Satan! The only time we have for a lengthy sit is for prayer and meditation. We are giving this season all we have.

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine

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