Vacationing, new post scheduled for publishing on July 14. Sharing with you encouraging words Reblogged from Christian Chic Geekery.
Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts your life will start to change.
Today is Better Than Yesterday
Vacationing, new post scheduled for publishing on July 14. Sharing with you encouraging words Reblogged from Christian Chic Geekery.
Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts your life will start to change.
Assignment
“What are you scared of? Address one of your worst fears. If you’re up for a twist, write this post in a style that’s different from your own.”
I do not fear death. But, for years I really, really feared what would happen when I died — an open casket funeral and underground burial.
Open Casket
Lying in rest, while family and friends, pass by to view my remains in an open casket is not what I want for their lasting memory of me.
I want them to remember when I was living life to its fullest — at peace, happy, joyful, and with Hubby, the love of my life at my side.
So, I would choose to have this photo enlarged and placed on an easel beside my closed casket.
Underground Burial
Some people fear heights, I fear being underground. As a child, I feared going in the basement to help Mama with the laundry because it was wet, dark, and dingy.
When I was a pre-teen, I experienced a major panic attack during a school trip to an underground cave.
About ten years ago, Hubby and I went on a cruise, which docked for a day in Barbados. Since, we were with three other couples, I reluctantly agreed to an excursion at an underground mine. Holding tightly to Hubby’s hand, I got through the excursion, but I came close to having another panic attack.
Hubby and I decided shortly after this last experience, that we did not want an underground burial.
And, we broke a long-standing family tradition, when we purchased two individual above-ground crypts at a burial site designated for those who served in the military:
Because I made choices, prior to dying, I no longer live with the fear of an open casket or an underground burial.
Assignment
“Today, Imagine you work in a place where you manage lost or forgotten items. What might you find in the pile? For those participating in our serial challenge reflect on the theme of “lost and found,” too.
What I Lost
I lost my decision-making power on May 13, 2014, when Western Union denied me the right to use the services they offer.
On May 19 , 2014, I received this letter from Western Union.
“This will confirm Western Union’s business decision to cancel the above-referenced Money Transfer and to refund to you the principal amount and service charges. Enclosed you will find a copy of our Consumer Fraud Brochure to assist you in recognizing some of the typical consumer fraud schemes so that you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of consumer fraud. We strongly recommend that you use Western Union system only to send money to people you know. Please remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”
Why I Needed Western Union
A close family member, living in another state, reached out for help. She needed to take care of an emergency, within 24-hours, and asked if I could loan her $1500.00.
“Of course,” I said , “Let me check to see how we can make this happen.”
What Happened
First, I contacted my bank about a money transfer directly into her bank account. The bank said, “No, because we banked at two different institutions.”
When it didn’t work out at the bank, I telephoned Western Union. They were even able to handle the money transfer over the telephone with a credit card. After completing the transaction, I called the family member and said, “Money is on the way. You can pick it up at your Western Union office.”
Several hours later, Western Union called to say they couldn’t authorize the money transfer. Frustrated, I asked to speak with a supervisor. When connected, he asked:
After, I answered his questions, he read several section of their Consumer Protection Policy; and, ended by saying, “The only way we can process this transaction is for you to go to a local Western Union office.”
I Googled, “where is the closest Western Union Office to …” Fortunately it was only five minutes away.
Credit card and driver’s license in-hand, off I went to the Western Union Office. Transaction completed, I telephoned the family member and said, “Money is on the way.”
Forty-five minutes later, I received a call from Western Union. The representative said, “We cannot approve your money transfer. You will have to return to your local office and they will issue a refund.“
What the H…. is the Matter with Western Union?
As directed, I returned to the Western Union office. But this is what angered me most. Rather than crediting my Visa Card for the $1600.00, they issued issued a cash refund. Why didn’t they tell me this over the phone? Certainly, had I known, I would have asked Hubby to come with me.
While the agent was counting the money, I wondered, “How am I going to fit all of this money into my tiny wallet?”
Luckily, the Western Union Office is located within a grocery story. So, I went over and asked one of the baggers for a plastic grocery bag.
I left the Western Union Office alone with $1600.00 in cash, which I carried in a plastic grocery bag.
For the first time, throughout this entire experience, I needed protection. In their attempt to protect me from consumer fraud, Western Union put me at a higher risk to be mugged or robbed.
What I Found – This Didn’t Have to Happen
Had Western Union bothered to ask whether this money transfer related to any of the “fraud scamming scenarios” listed in their Consumer Protection Brochure; I would have answered:
From this experience, I found, within, strength to protest a possible discriminatory practice that took away my decision making right, as a 71-year-old, based on “elderly profiling.”
What do you think?
“Earlier in the course, you wrote about losing something. Today, write about finding something. For your twist, view day four’s post and today’s post as installments in a series.”
I lost my best friend, Rose. to breast cancer more than six months ago. Once, I reached closure and accepted Rose’s death, I realized:
“As I grow older, my circle of girlfriends grows smaller. Reconnecting with those girlfriends that I have disconnected from is one of my top priorities.” (Day Four: The Serial Killer)
I recently reached out to reconnect and re-establish a relationship with two girlfriends from my past. One, I separated from due to a disagreement; and, the other neglect.
Disagreement
More than twenty-five years later, I still have no idea what caused the disagreement that severed the seven-year relationship with Danny. It just happened without even a departing argument. The disagreement was serious enough for Danny to “no-show” at our eldest daughter’s wedding on June 25, 1988. But, her husband did attend along with their 13-year-old daughter, who served as a wedding hostess.
As I look back, Danny’s failure to attend the wedding angered me more than a disagreement. But, apparently, the disagreement angered her enough to decide not to attend the wedding.
For the past year, I indirectly re-entered Danny’s life through a Facebook Friendship with her daughter. Periodically, Tiffany posted videos and photos about her 7-year-old daughter and parents. Finally, I decided to inbox message and ask for her mom’s contact information.
It took me three weeks to telephone Danny. I was nervous. Was she still angry? Was I still angry? Was either one of us ready to forgive and forget?
When I telephoned, she was not home and I left a brief voice mail message saying, “This is a long-lost friend from your past. I follow Tiffany on Facebook and just wanted to touch base with you again.”
She called two days later, explaining they had been in the process of relocating from Arizona to Florida. We spent hours talking about our husbands, children, grandchildren, places lived, jobs held, etc. We both had faced life threatening illnesses and survived, since last seeing each other.
We ended the conversation agreeing to stay in touch to rebuild our friendship. We never talked about disagreements or failing to attend a wedding. I think the two of us were just happy for our lost girlfriend reunion.
Neglect
I have no idea when I first met Dorothy. Our mothers were best friends. Her grandmother was a friend to my grandparents. Our family roots connected in the small Mississippi town where Dorothy grew up; and, I visited every summer. I was closer to Dorothy’s sister and cousin during those summer visits as a child. But, when she married and moved to Chicago in 1963, our relationship grew and a true friendship emerged.
In 1969, both our families relocated to Madison, Wisconsin. Hubby, Dorothy and I were accepted as students at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, Dorothy returned to Chicago; and, we remained in Wisconsin.
We didn’t visit; but, periodically connected by phone. Our personal contact was limited to school reunions, retirements, funerals, and weddings. Though, I did follow what was going on in Dorothy’s life as a friend of her son’s on Facebook.
Through neglect, Dorothy and I allowed our friendship to disintegrate. When I reached out to Dorothy, we affirmed how important it is for us to work on rebuilding this life-long friendship. Agreeing that the problem was our false belief that we would always be there for each other, when needed.
We now understand the need to stay connected. Because each year, as we grow older, our girlfriend population is growing smaller.
Grateful that I found two lost friends. While they won’t replace Rose, with proper girlfriend nurturing, we may become best friends forever.
Happy Fathers Day, Daddy
Recently, I forgave my father for his years of emotional and verbal abuse, which regrettably, stayed with me for far too many years. Through self-awareness and self-love, I l learned not to let this abuse define ME.
A new gift, Forgiveness, empowers me to discard the baggage of an unhappy childhood; and, I sincerely and with a loving heart for the first time in my life can say, “Happy Fathers Day, Daddy, Rest in Peace (RIP 1978).”
Happy Fathers Day, Hubby
To the love of my life, the father of my children, and my bestest, bestest friend ever, I honor you as a father. You exceeded my expectations both as a father and husband. There are so many things that show your love, dedication, and commitment to our children. But, I am most proud of your:
Happy Fathers Day, Son:
To my one and only son, my Halloween Baby, I honor you on this Fathers Day. There were times, as a child, when I thought you may have been my “trick” but, I always knew you would evolve and become one of my greatest “treats.” First, I commend you for your efforts in reconnecting with your adult son, Ethan, who I value and love dearly as my first grandchild.
But most of all, as a the full-time, sole custodial parent of your five-year-old daughter, your strong parenting skills dispels the myth about the failures of African-American fathers.
In fact, you are a phenomenal father. This is most demonstrated by your ability to easily transition between the dual parental roles that requires you to provide both “paternal and maternal nurturing care” to your daughter.
And, I especially commend you for:
Happy Fathers Day to the “Fathers” that have played an important role in my life and to all the fathers who may come across this post in the Blogosphere/Cyperspace world.
Yesterday, I completed the assignment for my Writing 101 class, which was to “Go to a local cafe, park, or public place and report on what you see. Get detailed and leave no nuance behind.”
After spending an unbelievable amount of time writing, what I think, was an adverb-free post, I pushed the publish button. Then, I received this comment from a very loyal and supportive follower:
“These writing assignments are good, but I miss
the blogs that you post —
just because you just want to share
an experience with us that is
meaningful to you.”
I signed up for the Writing 101 Class to improve my writing skills. But, this follower’s comment stayed on my mind.
This class would improve my skills as a writer; but, was becoming a better writer high on the list of my blogging priorities? The answer was, no.
A statement in a post that I published on April 13, 2014 confirms this:
“I am neither a writer nor an author, but I wish to blog about my life.”
The class took time away from my true purpose as a blogger, which was to share my life experiences with those who might have an interest in the past, present, and future thoughts of an African-American female living in this season of her life.
Even before writing my first blogpost on January 13, 2013, I spent months looking for just the right words to express why I chose to create a blog. I came up with this:
“During this last season of my life, I am going on a journey to define ME. Opening up and going outside my comfort zone to redefine my life. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility,”
I plan to audit the on-line daily writing assignments as well as review the recommended readings; and, I may even write a post. But, I must stay true to my purpose for blogging.
Thank you to The Librarian, a loyal follower, supporter, and most of all, a close friend. You saw me heading down a path, which you knew was taking me away from my planned my journey.
“Today’s assignment is to go to a local cafe, park, or public place and report on what you see. Get detailed: leave no nuance behind. The twist is to write an adverb-free post.”
Last week, I went to the local farmers market and surprised by a long line of people, that extended for more than two blocks before the entrance.
As I walked pass the line, I saw a:
A short time later, I began to smell burning wood and the air filled with smoke. My eyes began to water, the nose was itching, and the coughing started. I reached for the blue inhaler, that I always carry, and took two puffs. Better, the airways opened up, and breathing was no longer labored.
Then, I saw the culprit. A red wagon on wheels, similar to the wagon used to transport circus animals, absent bars on the windows. Huge masses of smoke billowed out from the windows consuming the air outside. People, who had waited in line, were now able to crowd around the wagon windows and place their orders for smoked turkey legs.
I entered the farmers market, without a wait, and purchased farm-grown vegetables, handmade crafts, grained-raised chicken, and fresh honey from Florida bees. Who needs a turkey leg?
Lessons on Lessons
Sometimes There Are Rainbows After Rain
Aromatherapy and life
August 28-30, 2017 Brussels, Belgium
Natalie. Writer. Photographer. Etc.
Life Lessons on the Importance of Slow
Living the Path of Life
What I See
A place of Love and Security
Working towards global equity and equality
Reflections of a running, writing, inquiring retiree ...
Chicago's Very Own source for breaking news, weather, sports and entertainment.
The Good Things Black People Do, Give and Receive All Over The World
BARE ALL: THE TRUTH IS BETTER NAKED.
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
creating a life that fits like skin
There are 11,507 stories in Haddonfield; this is one of them.
You are a miracle - Let it happen
Kyrosmagica Publishing - The Magical Home of Books, Writing and Inspiration
Let me tell you Justine's story
Coffee-break Scuttlebutt
An insight to a heart mind and soul.
Self Love Enthusiast. Dating Inquisitive. Lover of All Things Positive.
journal prompts, memoir, art, poetry for the verbose and the introverted
This WordPress.com site is great for bloggers and readers.
"Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to the soul" -John Muir
Amateur photography by a professional Physical Therapist!
Living Life. Paying Attention.
CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT POSTINGS!!
By Lucile de Godoy
Miniature Diorama Photographer
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" ~Albert Einstein
Quips & Commentaries in Prose and Poetry
Home of Lukas Kondraciuk Photography
Art and Practice
A place for words to chill...
Handcrafts and Photography by SueBee
Reports from my somewhat unusual life
I am a lover of perseverance. I am folklore. I am consistency and contradiction.
Using current technology to create 19th Century crafts
Threads of My Life
A journey into creativity