My Copyrights

My Copyrights

© [LaToya Lawrence] and [LaToya (Living Blessed)], [2021-2023]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [LaToya Lawrence] and [Living Blessed] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

LaToya (Living Blessed) by LaToya Lawrence

(c)2021-2023, LaToya Lawrence

All rights reserved

Cruel Summer: The Cruel Wait Is Over

 

 

Well, the long wait is finally over.

Last night I watched the season two premiere of Cruel Summer.

There were two new back-to-back episodes, one of season 2 episode 1, and season 2 episode 2.

One episode aired at 9pm, the other at 10pm.

I liked how they combined two episodes to a night!

So far so good. This new story in the drama is interesting, entertaining, and was able to hold my attention.

I am looking forward to how the rest of the series this season will play out with twists, turns, surprises and thrills.

I hope it lives up to what it seems to be doing right now.

I will tune in every Monday night to watch more storylines.

 

 

A Cruel Wait For Summer

 

It is about time!

I saw the coming attractions last night for season two of Cruel Summer- the entertaining series that first premiered in 2021 on Free-form cable channel.

I had been waiting for this show’s return.

I had binged-watched the first season two years ago and the storyline was great! It kept me coming back for more the entire night into the next day until the conclusion.

Cruel Summer is returning with an entirely different cast of characters and storyline as I had read a year ago after the show had been picked up for another season after having done so well in the ratings.

I hope Cruel Summer lives up to my anticipation or better!

I will be ready on June 5, 2023 to check out this thrilling new second release of the summertime cable drama.

Comedy Showtime: Old Shows In The Current

 

There are quite a few classic favorite television comedy shows that I still love to watch in my spare time.

The Jefferson’s are one of them.

With George, Louise, Helen, Tom, Bell Boy Ralph, Mr. Bentley, Lionel, Jenny- and who can forget Florence! – this show is still hilarious till this very day as much as it was back when it first ran.

I grew up watching the Jefferson’s.

What’s Happening was another hilarious show with Mama Mabel King, Roger, Rerun, Duane, Shirley and funny as hell kid sister Dee!

Those were the days.

I am so glad we have numerous episodes of our favorite shows to watch over and again as we may please.

What is also great is that these classics are not corny and they are almost like new after having not seen or totally remembering every episode in a while.

 

 

Friday Afternoon Into The Evening: Yesterday’s Ramblings

 

Yesterday was another gorgeous day of nice warm spring weather.

All went well.

After work, I picked up some cooked food that I ate while I waited to catch the bus.

I headed to a supermarket for a particular dinner I wanted to prepare.

Before I cooked, I ate an entire container of freshly cut pineapple chunks that I had purchased along with a duplicate container of combined fresh blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. I will eat the second container sometime today.

Later in the evening, when my meal was done, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was completely full.

At eleven thirty pm I watched a good episode of the classic black and white sitcom Perry Mason.

Around twelve thirty am an episode of the Twilight Zone came on. It was titled “Dead Man’s Shoes”.

Following Rod Sterling’s narration of the introduction an immediate thought came into my mind to say “A Dead man’s shoes will lead one in the wrong direction”.

 

 

Over The Weekend 📺

 

Over the weekend this past Saturday I watched M3gan.

I loved the film!

It was not scary, but Meagan/Megan was creepy enough to stir up some thrill. I also thought that she was a beautiful doll/robot.

The film had enough action, humor and suspense to keep me entertained for the evening. I was not disappointed at all.

I liked that the movie was creative in its approach.

 

A Shade Of Memory: A Short Reminisce

 

There were a lot of fun activities I did as a child- too many to name, too many to remember.

I do recall water coloring being a pastime favorite that kept me occupied from time to time.

Whether it was in coloring books made for Watercolors or easel paper, I enjoyed the sport of dipping my paintbrush in water to paint faint blends of color into images outlined or onto blank thin sheets that expressed my creativity and imagination.

 

In The Mood For A Classic

 

This past Thursday evening I worked a twelve-hour overnight shift at a medical rehabilitation facility.

Early Friday morning, I arrived home to prepare for a four-and-a-half-hour shift scheduled at another location.

Later in the afternoon I watched a very entertaining 1949 film called Flamingo Road which starred Joan Crawford, David Brian, Sydney Greenstreet, and Zachary Scott.

This classic movie is excellent!

A noir that delves into power and corruption.

There is romance, violence- a woman trying to make her way in life as she and others are targeted around town by a ruthless man of law enforcement who is set to run things his way at any means necessary.

I love Joan Crawford films. I noticed a few cast members in this film who have starred with her in other movies- This Woman Is Dangerous (Joan and David Brian), Mildred Pierce (Joan and Zachary Scott).

Earlier in the week, either on Monday or Wednesday I don’t remember which day exactly I had watched two more great classics that were worth the view.

One was titled They Made Me A Criminal. It starred the wonderful actor, John Garfield.

The second was titled Passage to Marseille that was beautifully set in Paris.

It also starred Sydney Greenstreet (Flamingo Road) and the legendary Humphrey Bogart.

Weekend Thrill

 

My goodness! Over the weekend I watched two movies that were good in my opinion. You know- they were decent enough and worth the time spent viewing.

The first one was a 2015 film called Adulterers. It was a great psychological suspense/thriller set in New Orleans where a man comes home to catch his wife in the explicit act of cheating on him (in their bed) the day of their anniversary.

The second was a 2020 film titled Always and Forever.

A group of four childhood friends mysteriously dying off which was not really a mystery to me but a lovely sequence of entertainment and thrill of a movie to watch.

The cinematography was gorgeous along with other beautiful attractions amid the picture such as wardrobe, homes, furniture, outdoor locations, and so on.

 

Brownstone

 

Down the block around the corner led to some of the best fried whiting fish I had ever tasted back at that time.

Totally delicious!

There would be long lines waiting down the block to get orders of this magnificently seasoned fresh fish along with chips (French fries).

The streets were busy with people and traveling vehicles.

We had an open view to everything on the avenue from where my great-grandmother’s Brownstone stood.

In addition to the avenue that was running horizontally, straight across from the large casement windows was another street that led all the way up toward Amsterdam Avenue.

I often sat inside one of the windows to watch the Hollywood floats go by when cinema brought their filmmaking along to the popular go-to Manhattan scene.

At night while I lay in bed on my way to sleep, I enjoyed listening to the nightlife.

People talked and interacted as streetcars passed among ongoing traffic.

There was a church below us where my great-grandmother lived and when they were having service, we could feel the thump of their jumping’ foot stomping gospel music!

This was the bustle of the 1980’s.

Years later, I had one of my precognitive dreams. In the dream I was shown the outside of my great-grandmother’s Brownstone.

The gate and brick to the entryway was painted a different color than what it was before she moved from there during the 1990’s.

One day in the mid 2000’s we went by her old place to take a look for old times sake after we had come back from an outing around Manhattan.

When both of us reached the front of the Brownstone the new color of the entry- including the door- was the same color that was displayed to me within my dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden City, New York

 

Garden City was a nice place to visit in Nassau County, Long Island New York.

I first began to work out there in the year 2005 at the Roosevelt Field Mall. I had a sales support position at JC Penney.

The environment was pleasant back then.

I do not know how it is now since I have not been out that way in a while. The last time I had been to Garden City was around 2018 when I worked as a caregiver.

Not too far from the mall was a gorgeous large area strip-mall that halfway circled part of the block.

There was a huge Barnes and Noble bookstore designed like a two or three-story home with an escalator that I was leery to ride on because of the slanted distance that stretched from the top of the store to the bottom- thank goodness there was an elevator also located inside the building.

Outside the bookstore was a deluxe restaurant with outside Cafe tables and chairs that offered a cozy appeal, especially during summer when the sun shined bright to reflect a ray of delight among the scenery.

There were stores galore within the area, too many to name and I had a fabulous time every day whether inside the mall or outside.

I had so many lovely options when I would take my meal break to eat- a variety of delicious spots.

I would go check out the puppies at the Pet Shop a few steps from the department store where I worked.

All transportation was available from Roosevelt field. A terminal was stationed for a scheduled line of long Island buses for convenience.

There was a pretty carousel that stood in a center-part of the mall where I would frequently sit across from on a bench inside the mall and eat when I was not seated at the table of various restaurant settings.

I had even brought my mother out there for a day. She sat in the mall while I clocked in at work and waited until my lunch break then we walked around and ate together.

Afterwards, she took the bus home as I went back to complete my shift.

Such nice, beautiful memories to look back on!

 

 

Hillside Avenue/Queens, New York

 

About Queens Village where I was born and raised there was an area of Hillside Avenue that led from Francis Lewis Boulevard which ran from around the corner where I lived.

Hillside Avenue itself is an Avenue that extends a long way down into Nassau County.

On Hillside Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard there was and still is a strip-mall located within the vicinity.

However, many years back during the 1970’s and 1980’s, up until the mid 1990’s, the surrounding area was a more engaging place to visit, mingle, and entertain oneself in.

I cannot remember every single establishment that was present during the more effervescent times but there was a large Grand Union supermarket that stayed open for 24hours.

There were convenient pharmacies, a huge appliance store called “Steven’s”.

There was a Pet Shop, a Record Shop, Gaby’s delicious Pizzeria, a Health Food Store, a Shop where one could buy just about any little thing or gadget handy for one’s home or hobby. A Shop for curtains, rods, hooks, bedspreads, sheets, pillowcases, bathroom accessories- and more bed and bath articles.

The entire block was packed with an array of stores- not to mention the other establishments that occupied up and down the blocks of the area.

Boy did we have some good old times on the streets of Hillside Avenue!

 

 

 

Fresh Meadows, Queens

 

My mother and I were hangout partners.

My mother knew a lot of people and had a lot of friends/associates.

I had a select group that I would be around from time to time since I was particular with the company I kept.

In the same we enjoyed one another’s company and often spent a lot of time together going places and having a nice time. People loved being around us because we were good-natured, and we had a sense of humor among other traits that were appealing

Fresh Meadows, Queens was one of our main spots to eat out at and shop.

We would also go to the two movie theaters that were located around there quite often.

The boutiques and department store we used to love and frequent are no longer present though some of the restaurants in the area still are.

I remember how my mother and I would sit out on the benches under the trees not too far from one of the movie theaters while we talked and delighted in the atmosphere of the summer or spring weather.

The ambience back then was awesome!

 

Forest Hills, Queens

 

There was a time when an area of Queens Boulevard was called the Boulevard of death.

The intersection was dangerous as there were frequent car accidents or pedestrians getting hit or run down decades ago.

Kew Gardens, and Forest Hills were just a few of my stomping grounds.

I used to hang out over there a lot enjoying the scenery, shopping, and dining at restaurants.

When I was not at Red Lobster down by Rego Park I was on 71st Avenue and Continental all up and down Austin Street.

So much has changed since the eighties and nineties. Forest Hills was more upgraded back then.

Most of the highlighted stores are gone, and the two-floor go-to Barnes and Noble bookstore that was a landmark sadly permanently closed a while back.

I used to get my French vanilla cappuccino from Starbucks located inside the first floor of the bookstore then head up on the escalator to look around to observe or purchase books and gift items.

There was an alleyway across from the train station on 71st Street and Continental in between a space within the block of storefronts that had a cozy little pathway to other cute and beneficial shops of interest. The place was like a mini strip mall within a surrounding area of attractions.

Such great memories!

 

Long Island/Nassau County, New York

 

I have been to and have seen many lovely, beautiful areas of Long Island Nassau County.

Massapequa, Plainview, Lindenhurst, Port Washington, Roslyn, Glen Head- I could go on and on!

One of the downsides to these certain areas is transportation.

Most Nassau County buses do not run overnight. One would benefit from owning a vehicle to frequently get around these nice areas.

Palisades, New York

 

New York is one of the dirtiest states compared to many other states I have been to or rode through.

Nevertheless, it is my hometown and I plan to stay.

There are many gorgeous areas of New York to reside comfortably in, including upstate.

The only thing about New York, of course, is living can be expensive as rent or homes are of high costs these days.

Palisades New York in Rockland County is part of the downstate region metropolitan area. This suburban County is nice and runs into Nyack, New York. It is not too far from New Jersey.

New Jersey is a state I do not want to live in.

Anyhow, some of those parts resemble the country as well as city life.

There are woods, long roads and Deers that run around beautifully.

I used to enjoy visiting Rockland County when I worked out there a while back.

 

Queens, New York

 

My family originated from the south, some from Virginia and some from the Carolinas (both north and south).

None of my family came from overseas I have no Caribbean bloodline within me. My ancestors are from African, Native American, and English descent.

My mother was born and partially raised in Manhattan, I was born and raised in Queens.

Queens, New York was a lovely place to reside.

Some parts of Queens have gone down in past years. The best places to live in Queens now compared to other locations is Bayside (where I went to school as a youngster), Whitestone, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Forest Hills, and Kew Gardens.

I hear that Long Island City- which borders onto Manhattan is a nice area.

When I lived in Long Island City, Queens back in the 1980’s the neighborhood was on the verge of getting bad and after I had moved away it did take a turn for the worst.

However, that was decades ago. A lot has changed. When I went to work out in Roosevelt Island part of Long Island City eight years ago, the place was appealing with storefronts, restaurants apartment complexes and other attractions.

An area in Astoria Queens I have traveled through and worked in was not too bad, yet I would never desire to live over there.

Jackson Heights and Sunnyside I would not go to live either.

Ridgewood, Queens and the Rockaways are of no interest to me although they may be okay for others.

 

Tax Charge? No Thank You, I Do My Own!

 

After they were too expensive for my taste at both Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block tax preparation offices years ago, I had started to do my own.

A representative at H&R block told me that I was smart enough to do my own taxes and I sure enough had already gone and done so!

My grandfather (my mother’s father used to do taxes for himself as well as for other people and was able to get people a little extra money back on their tax return).

It is good that we do have the convenience to go to tax preparers if we need or choose to, however, after filing my own taxes free of charge for fifteen years now without a problem I will never go back.

 

Rocking Chair

 

I remember my little rocking chair my mother kept in the bedroom of the apartment we shared when I was a little kid.

My little kiddie table and chairs set also neatly occupied space inside there.

I would rock my little body back and forth in delight and at playtime.

Not only did my chair rock, but I had a mother who rocked even before the term came into existence.

My mother was fabulous in giving me a young childhood to remember fondly.

Science Project: A Short Reminisce

 

I remember in the fourth grade when my teacher Mrs. Yaffey gave us children within her class assignments for a science project.

We all had different educational activities to construct.

My project involved building a type of thermometer.

I was about nine or ten years old and wondered how I was going to put together and accomplish what this thermometer was supposed to do according to the paper/document the teacher handed out to me.

I automatically assumed the job was too big for me- a first lesson within life to never place limits upon myself about what I can achieve merely by observation of something that may appear to be difficult.

My mother had gotten one of her adult male friends to carve out wood pieces with a full-size saw tool that our family owned (this was back during the 1980’s) so that I could use the timber as a base for building the thermometer.

I do not remember every little detail that went into assembling my project. But I do recall the thermometer needing metal wire, a straw and a few other materials that I, with the help and direction of my mother’s friend, was able to complete.

I was amazed at how the ketchup we used inside the straw arose to the top of its bulb.

My science project was a total success!

I was awarded a certificate of accomplishment at the science fair that was held in the gymnasium of my school.

 

Party-Pooper: A Childhood Reminisce

 

Many years ago, one of the African American girls in my fourth-grade class lived not too far away from my neighborhood area.

I had visited her home once or twice where she resided with her mother, father, brother and sister.

I think she had even come over to visit me at my house once.

I remember having a nice time on one of my visits. We played the physically interactive game of Twister on a carpeted floor in the company of others which was fun at the time.

I also remember Vicki (my classmate’s name) taking me on a tour around the house leading up to the hidden Christmas presents her parents had bought for her ahead of time.

There was a time at school when Vicki handed me an invitation to her upcoming birthday party.

When the day of the event finally arrived, I did not show up.

Within the days following at school, I noticed Vicki acting funny toward me and would barely speak to me.

I felt within my spirit that she was angry at me for not coming to her party.

So, I asked her.

I asked Vicki if she was mad at me because I did not attend her birthday party.

Vicki responded with the truth.

She admitted to me that she was angry at me for not coming to her party then we both left it like that.

I had mentioned the situation to my mother.

I explained that I did not understand why Vicki was mad when she had other children there at her birthday party to celebrate with.

My mother said my being there mattered to Vicki and the fact that I was not there to show up for her on her special occasion was a disappointment.

Sometimes we as people do not know or realize just how fond some people are of us and how much they may enjoy or value our presence and company.

 

 

 

After School Project: A Short Reminisce

 

In the fifth grade, I had a teacher named Ms. Cooper.

The time had come for another science project for us students to undertake.

This experiment and construction were a collaborative venture assigned to classmates who were paired-off.

The science project given to my partner, and I was not anything too difficult to produce.

We created a presentation of Dinosaur life where we created images of dinosaurs, trees, plants upon soil with a large cardboard box used as scenery and land foundation.

My classmate and I both received certificates for our work and achievement.

 

Classic Film: Another Two Good Flicks

 

 

A week ago, last Thursday on the 16th of February, I watched a 1952 film called Angel Face with Jean Simmons and Robert Mitchum.

It was a suspenseful type of noir that was entertaining with an ending that I predicted beforehand yet still was intense.

Jean Simmons played a wealthy, conniving, murderous woman named Diane Tremayne who puts on the facade of an Angel (innocent and good mannered) only to cover up for her sophisticated ways of treachery by luring a man away from his girlfriend and getting away with a previous attempted murder.

When two deaths occur later in the film, Jean’s character is put on trial along with her lover.

Diane has a clever, unscrupulous lawyer who helps to exonerate her after being suspected of murder.

From there, all does not turn out well for this wealthy manipulator.

Diane’s romance comes to an end as her lover, Frank Jessup, begins to see her for who she really is. But before he can leave for good, she wants him to take one last ride with her.

The next day, on Friday, I watched the 1956 Eddy Duchin Story.

It starred Tyrone Power and Kim Novak.

This was a good biopic film of a man’s rise to fame as a band leader/pianist in New York City.

A heartfelt drama of the life he shared with his wife and her untimely death. The relationship with his young son, new wife- and the illness that eventually took him away from them.

Classic Film: Two Good Flicks

 

 

Yesterday I viewed two very good classics back-to-back that I had never seen before.

The first black and white film titled “The Man Who Cheated Himself” starred Jane Wyatt and Lee J. Cobb- both actors I am well familiar with on television.

This fully entertaining noir centered around a woman during getting a divorce who impulsively shoots and kills her husband while her police lieutenant boyfriend covers up the crime.

Things seem to go along well but the lieutenant has a meddling fellow police officer in the force who also happens to be his brother.

This partner of the lieutenant is determined to put together the missing pieces that involve the murder.

The second film titled “This Woman Is Dangerous” starred Joan Crawford, Dennis Morgan and David Brian.

It was a crime drama based on a clever woman with a current and history of breaking the law.

After undergoing a major surgical procedure, she and the doctor who performed the surgery get romantically involved- which sets her insanely jealous boyfriend off into a rage

With the FBI on the trail of her and her boyfriend and two other accomplices (his brother and sister in-law) Joan Crawford’s character is surely in for a dangerous situation!

 

 

Classic Toons: Animated Nostalgia

 

 

There are a few good cartoons to have arrived onto the scene over the past twenty years.

The majority were not worth watching in my opinion.

The Simpsons were good and entertaining as well as King of the Hill. I cannot speak for a lot of timely ones I have not viewed- yet some that I am aware of sucked

However, nothing compares to the ones that aired in my generation and before.

Mickey Mouse, Charlie Brown, Curious George, The Berenstain Bears, Babar, Popeye, The Jetsons, Flintstones, Smurfs, Inspector Gadget, He-Man/She-Ra, Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Tom and Jerry, Tweety-Bird and the rest of the looney-tune crew!

Of course, there are more great old cartoons from the distant past to name.

Nevertheless, nothing will compare to those childhood mornings and afternoons of racing to the television-set to catch our favorite crazy animated characters.

There were even comic-strip characters who were made into cartoon series.

 

Pooped Out By The Swing

 

I remember when I was a kid. My mother used to take me to the park and put me on the swing.

Back and forth I swung as she lovingly pushed me over and again.

When I had gotten older, I sat and swung myself on the big swing designed for big kids, teens, and adults.

Every time I swung during my teen years; I ended up having the urge to take a dump.

Something about the movement from the swings initiated me to move my bowels.

So, I would get up off the swing to go home and take a shit.

This instance never happened whenever I got on rides at amusement parks- only once I swung on a swing.

I have no idea why swings shook me to shit unless things were mixing around inside the walls of my digestive system due to the mild impact of swaying up into the air and back down.

I often avoided the swings because I knew I would have to cut the fun short to have to go home and “cut the cheese” while also letting it out in the process.

 

 

Spring Will Be Here Soon: It’s On The Way

 

Yesterday morning, while I was at the sink running water, I felt and sensed spring within the air.

We are still officially in winter season, yet it is not unlike me to get a foreseeable sensation ahead of time.

The clairsentient glimpse that came to me was a pleasant one, one that I look forward to unexpectedly uncovering when this spec of time in everyday life will eventually arrive to come to reveal itself.

Still My All-Time Favorite!

 

To this very day I still love, have ordered, and read Archie comics!

 

 

I prefer the classics overall.

It brings back such good memories of my youth enjoying the double-digests and magazines that followed the highly entertaining lives and hilarious stories portrayed by Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Moose, Midge, Dilton, Big Ethel, Chuck, Nancy, Mr. Weatherbee, Miss Grundy, Pop Tate, Coach Kleats- and the rest of the characters that were spread about the town of Riverdale.

 

Holiday Weekend Off!

 

When I regularly worked retail, my managers would intentionally give me Christmas and New Year’s Day off because I was such a good worker. They felt that I deserved to have those days off.

 

It is Christmas Eve morning. I was scheduled to work today but was able to call out ahead of time yesterday while I was at one of my jobs.

I have the day off tomorrow too for Christmas.

I am one who did not mind working on the holidays since I was not into traditionally celebrating them, the extra bonus pay does not hurt either.

However, I appreciate not having to spend time working on a day meant to celebrate.

I have decades of long years under my belt of running around energetically from place to place, location to location, and from field to field- at all different hours enjoying my opportunities to be flexible when my jobs required or requested it to my accord.

 

When One Sends Their Very Best

 

I received a beautiful Christmas card in the mail yesterday from one of my life-long friends.

I loved the outside illustrations of the card as well as the encouraging Bible verse reminder.  The additional inspirational words of sentiment were truths that I affirm to within life.

 

 

This friend of mine expressed how she tries hard to find just the right one.

I remember when she sent me a wonderful birthday card earlier this year beautifully illustrated with the character of Wonder Woman.

She told me she viewed me as a strong woman and always chooses cards that pertain accordingly to the person who she gives them to.

 

 

Season’s Greetings

 

Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner.

Even though I stopped personally celebrating Christmas and other commercialized events when I was a pre-teen, I can still acknowledge the kind holiday greetings.

I picked out a few Christmas cards for two dear friends this evening.

I will mail them out by the end of the week.

 

 

Herbal Favorites

 

I have tasted and experimented with a variety of herbal teas.

Some I liked others I did not.

A few tasted good blended together to enhance flavor while offering combinations of health benefits according to their own properties.

Out of all the herbal teas I have tried my favorites are Cinnamon Apple, Chamomile, and Lemon and Ginger.

 

Tea And Toast

 

I love toast!

I had some more oven-heated whole wheat bread spread with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Vegan spread over the weekend.

I drank more hot cups of delicious Lemon and Ginger herbal tea– this time by the Twinings brand.

I tasted the strong tang of Lemon flavor after the very first sip then the strong peppery spice of soothing ginger.

It is the little things that bring satisfaction to me!

 

 

Out On The Town: Beautiful Places Of New York

 

It is always nice to get out once in a while or frequently to enjoy areas and scenery.

I worked this past Friday and Sunday. I had the day off on Saturday.

At the start, and over the weekend, I traveled to a lovely location that resembled the country in various parts.

The weather was beautiful and I was reinvigorated as I had not been within this domain in about six or seven years.

It was so nice to be back in the presence of such an inviting atmosphere.

Taking Advantage Of The Advantage

 

No one can control you unless you allow them to, and no one can take advantage of you unless you allow them to.

When it comes to work, sometimes it can be or get tricky.

Certain supervisors will take advantage of you if you are a good worker to benefit themselves, or to benefit the company.

I have been in this situation more than once.

I only allow myself to be taken advantage of at work when it is also to my advantage. If those in managerial positions need me to work extra hours on short notice, and so on. I greatly benefit from the extra pay in my line of work.

Of course, money is not everything, we do need to set boundaries that are not to be crossed or improperly overstepped upon.

Life essentials are a necessity and there are bills to be paid, a roof to keep over our heads, and a natural lifestyle to maintain, so money does serve a valuable purpose.

Though money should not be a reason to compromise our integrity.

Too Chilled

 

Autumn kicked off to a cool start.

I had to cover my arms it was so brisk. No more of going without a jacket and/or sweater.

Back to sleeping with a blanket over me at night. No more lying-in bed without being covered up.

It was cold out today, I even shivered a bit in the breeze, but my crazy ass had a taste for some non-dairy ice cream!

 

What’s Up With The Bus?!

 

I have traveled all over the place throughout the years- and for years- I should know when something is off.

Today was a bad, odd day for catching the bus. Either one was delayed, far too crowded, or not in service.

I was lucky with four buses today, otherwise, the day was completely strange.

As I waited along with a few others later in the day every one of the people walked away as they got tired of waiting for the bus to arrive.

I stood alone until a new gathering of people came to wait for the bus. The bus never came. I heard a girl from the first crowd of people mention the bus was not going to come but I was holding out hope because the three bags I carried were heavy, and the same bus continued to run within the opposite direction.

I eventually left, though. After I left is when it actually did come.

When I got on one of the buses earlier, I almost felt like I was in an episode of “The Twilight Zone”.

I found out later during my last bus ride that all of this route problem was due to a fire incident on a certain boulevard.

 

 

Problem People

 

Earlier today, during the morning, I was on the bus.

This white guy who stepped on the bus before me sat up front while I went toward the middle.

A lady who was already on the bus sat across from me.

The white guy motioned to the woman to put her mask on.

She just nodded, not really acknowledging his gesture.

The man then got frustrated after the woman disregarded his signaling her to put a mask on more than once.

The white man yelled at her, calling her a “Stupid Bitch” repeatedly.

I stood not too far from the woman. I had my mask on. Her refusing to wear a mask did not faze me.

The man’s actions were uncalled for and the woman continued to pay him no attention just as she should not have.

 

Amazon: Certain Drug Users At Whole Foods

 

During the early months when I first began to work for Amazon at my home-based Locker Hub located inside a Whole Foods Market at Bryant Park, in Manhattan, I literally “smelled” a problem.

Even though Amazon now owned Whole Foods I and other Locker associates weren’t classified as employees working for Whole Foods.

Our compartment was a separate service toward the customers.

Anyhow, I went down to the basement of the Whole Foods Human Resource office for something (I don’t remember what it was) and I smelled this nasty stench filled within the entire office.

I was familiar with the unpleasant odor from unfortunately having to inhale the smell a lot out in public.

The first time I ever smelled this substance I was a preteen. Back at the time I was told by the one smoking the substance  (This fully grown Italian man named Stan who was interested in one of my aunts) that it was called a drug named “Hawaiian Cess”.

I don’t know what it’s called nowadays or what is mixed up in it.

These days the smell is worse, and more sickening. It could be partially altered with a combination of Marijuana, Meth, and other things depending on the ones who are distributing it.

Nevertheless, originally it was some type of blunt that gave their users a stronger high than just plain Marijuana.

All I know is that it stinks, it heavily reeks from the user’s pores, the smell lingers in the air, and it is highly popular.

I have smelled this shit for years even in wealthy neighborhoods where I passed through to get to work. It doesn’t matter what race/nationality one is or their economic status- many get zooted/stoned from smoking this drug.

I don’t care what others do; however, I don’t like having to be the receiver of someone else’s second-hand smoke.

The point of my story, is that I mentioned the incident to a female security guard when I was scheduled to work at another Whole Foods Locker Hub location on the upper west side.

Her response was, “A lot of them have to be high to come to work”.

The lady had triggered me to remember how some people just cannot function or cope at work or within their own personal lives without getting high.

I have been aware for years of certain people (including doctors) under the influence of cocaine, heroin, and other lighter recreational drugs.

It’s sad, especially if what they are doing will affect or interfere with a task that could cause risk or danger to another, or one’s environment due to their own negligence.

This circumstance also explains why many (not all) are trouble on the job. Some people’s brains are fried. A lot of individuals minds are on the same level they were at when they began to use drugs.

So, if one started to get high at age thirteen (depending on what they used, how often, and if they’re still using up into adulthood) they will still continue to have the same mindset at the age of fifty, and so on.

 

 

The Covid Vaccine

 

I was one of those people who didn’t want the covid vaccine.

My reason had nothing to do with fear. I am very particular with what I put into my body.

I am not against vaccines in early childhood as I was as well as many others thoroughly vaccinated as a baby/child for measles, mumps and etc….

I refuse to get the flu shot. Out of my forty- seven years I never had the flu. I took that vaccine once nine years ago only because I had to in order to train at a nursing home facility when I professionally began working in healthcare.

Otherwise, I would have never taken the shot.

I left the Healthcare field in 2021 after it became mandatory in certain occupations to get the Covid vaccine.

I got hired with Amazon in September of that same year as the company didn’t require their employees to take the vaccine.

This all changed at the end of the year when the government intervened, demanding that it was mandatory for those working for private companies to get the vaccine also if they wanted to keep their jobs.

Government had the nerve to say they were not forcing anyone to take the vaccine but encouraging them to.

What a bunch of crap!

What do you call threatening people’s jobs?

It is called a manipulation and control tactic!

I was so sick and tired of hearing the lie that those who were not vaccinated were a risk to others which made no sense.

Anyone who never had covid to begin with and that had never been vaccinated weren’t a health threat to anybody.

If anything, others were a risk to our health. If one never had covid, how could they be a danger and give the virus to anyone?

If it didn’t interfere with my employment, I would have never taken the covid vaccine.

I feel the Government and no one else has the right to decide what goes into my body or what I do with my body if I do not approve of it.

Making me and others do things we do not want to do, or would not ordinarily do in order to maintain their financial living goes against our human rights.

Fear can inspire others to act out within the most indecent ways. This is what it was mostly about- fear and control.

 

My Parental Tribute To The Wonderful Parents Out There

 

I’m not a parent.

But I am a daughter of a parent and I know how loving, teaching, and protective a good parent can be.

The dedication put in is absolutely phenomenal.

The roll of mother or father is not an easy task.

The job runs overtime.

The continuity within effort is well worth the time and energy as it is all done in pure joy and satisfaction.

Nothing is more precious than the moments of quality time spent between a child and their parent.

We adult children as well as young appreciate all you as parents do, and have done.

We never forget the way we were taken care of when we were sick.

We never forget how we were patched up when we fell down and got hurt.

We never forget the lessons we were taught.

We never forget those words of encouragement or the confidence that was instilled within us.

We never forget the comfort that made us feel safe and secure.

And, we never forget how you prepared us to face life and the world with determination and courage.

You parents are truly appreciated.  The relationship we have with you is everlasting, and filled with tremendous beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Chosen Few

 

I was never one to run around in crowds or one to seek attention.

I am a likable loner who is very particular about who I associate myself with.

I never called everyone a friend nor did I ever desire to as I never wanted to be bothered.

I am a real individual and only deal with authenticity within my personal life.

Fortunately, I have been blessed to have a small circle that I can truly call my loyal and trustworthy group of friends.

 

My Classmates: A Reminisce

 

I remember when I was in the fourth grade going to school in Bayside, New York back in the 1980’s.

The school was predominantly populated by Caucasian children. There were also Japanese, Hebrew, a few Hispanic and biracial children as well as some other blacks.

My mother had me bused out of my district while I was in the second grade because she wanted me in an atmosphere of diversity. Also, because the school that I attended prior wasn’t good as far as environment.

I use to bring Now/Later candies to school. The white children were familiar with the candy, yet within the neighborhoods where they lived, they didn’t have access to the many flavors that were sold within mine.

I use to come to school with flavors they hadn’t been aware of.

In the area of Queens Village where I had lived there was a store that sold all kinds of candy that came in wide varieties of flavors.

Soon the children started giving me money to bring them back different packs of Now/Laters.

Word had spread around and the next thing I knew I was getting loaded with dimes, nickels, quarters and even sometimes a dollar as the children were all placing their candy orders through me.

I’d take the school bus home, stop off at the store, pick up everyone’s candy who had asked me for that particular day, and sort out the change to return the next day if there was any left over.

The position I allowed the children to put me in had me a little overwhelmed, but I was nice that way as a kid.

It was cute too.

My mother had mentioned to me when I had gotten older, she said, “You see how the children all trusted you with their money”.

I had never thought about that at the time. I was just eager to get everybody their stuff.

When I think about it though even at an early age certain people knew and showed me, they could trust me.

We as children were amusing to adults, and we as children sure had our share of fun!

 

 

Amazon: An Update

misslatoya's avatar"My Voice" Weblog By Miss LaToya Lawrence

Michael is camouflaging with and through someone online (I have proof) due to the fact that he could put his job in jeopardy by further retaliating against me (so he is doing it in public secretly). They have even tried to contact me on this blog with nonsense (I have proof).

He is not slick at all.

He is trying to provoke me psychology by continuing to tell lies about me.

He falsely states that I was fired (along with some other nonsense) when it is documented that I indeed quit working for Amazon and I have a written statement from Amazon that I voluntarily left the company so I don’t understand why this moron thinks that I will play into his silly, obnoxious game.

My blogs are a vehicle to exercise and to utilize my talents, to share my knowledge and experience to inform and to inspire. To use…

View original post 259 more words

Parenting: A Short Reminisce

 

One thing I could never understand is those who have children old enough to walk yet still continue to push them around in baby strollers. These kids that I see are too big to be riding around in these strollers.

I was in the home of a lady quite a few years ago whose six-year-old daughter walked around the home in her mother’s over-sized high heel shoes (as children often do in play dress up), still drinking out of a baby bottle. 🍼

As I sat talking to her mother on the sofa, the little girl took off a soiled diaper she wore to hand it over to the woman then addressed, “Mommy my diaper is wet”.

The mother excused herself to get the girl a fresh pamper and, that is when I got up to leave.

If a child is old enough to walk around in heels to bring you their wet diaper it is definitely the time they need to be using the toilet.

My mother had me potty-trained at about two to three years of age or sooner. She could not wait to get me out of diapers!

I am not at all stereotyping, but whenever I observe these actions they are mostly done by white people. The lady with the daughter was Indian. I have never seen black people do this. Not at all saying there are none who haven’t if so, it is not very common among blacks.

With some maybe they have the mentality of not wanting their children to grow up too fast.

With others it could be laziness, or a behavior control issue, where instead of the hassle of having their child walk, they are easier handled by spoiling them with a usual stroller-ride past the age they should be.

Forever In My Heart

 

I come from a huge family.

There were a few knuckleheads- what family doesn’t have one or two of them floating around somewhere?

However, for the most part, my family were good upstanding people of substance and I am very proud of where I came from.

Of course, my relatives or family history in no way defines who I am as a person but my kin are visions I can look back on with fond memories and inspiration.

Some of my relatives have passed away and many are still here but no matter what the love and beautiful imprint left behind will always remain the same.

Keep Pushing Forward!

All through out and within all walks of life we are going to come across or encounter negativity and negative people.

What is most important is how we handle the undesirable, unfortunate, or adverse situation or circumstance.

When it concerns events we may learn, grow, and become stronger as a result.

We can remain optimistic or incorporate humor to keep a positive attitude as well as outlook.

Laughter and lightheartedness has been a natural part of my everyday life. I come from a family accustomed to comical predisposition.

It is all in how we perceive things and where our mentality is focused and directed towards.

Far as people, it is best to stay away from those who are toxic, prone to ill-behavior, or who just don’t correspond harmoniously.

Everyone is not going to always get along with each other or agree with one another.

So, remain true, be healthy, be bold, be carefree, hold it together, and everything will turn out for the better.

 

Amazon: Michael

Michael Gonzalez

 

I have an update. I had totally forgotten about this.

Afterwards, I will totally leave this subject alone as Michael and his life is of no interest to me. Though it is always good or important to keep vigilant and aware of the people, and the things surrounding us and that go on around us as there are a lot of sick people within the world doing the most terrible and perverse things, in general.

Months back I did some investigating to find out about Michael Gonzalez and came across a boxer from Woodhaven New York.

I read the background story of how he and his brother were overweight and how they both had low self-esteem, health problems, and how he (the brother) turned his life around through training and sporting a career out professionally in the boxing ring.

Here is an excerpt from the article:  

 “Around 16, I was about 250 pounds. I was really overweight, eating garbage every day. Girls would make fun of me; people would make fun of me — ‘How did you get so fat? Why are you so fat?’” Gonzalez remembers.  

 That’s when his mother found a local boxing gym — Universal Boxing Gym — close to their Woodhaven, N.Y., residence, urging Gonzalez to give it a shot.  

 “My brother suffered from diabetes and asthma and he was 400 pounds, so my mother didn’t want me to fall in the same situation, so she took me to the boxing gym and I fell in love with it,” Gonzalez recalls.  

 Pretty soon that instant love with boxing turned into an obsession, with Gonzalez spending four to five hours in the gym daily, even waking up before school to run. The weight shed was dramatic — 100 pounds in two months.  

Gonzalez’s new obsession rubbed off on his family as well, as his older brother wound up boxing too and losing a staggering 300 pounds. 

I had wondered at the time was this the brother of Michael Gonzalez since Michael resembled him and they shared the same last name. I had a very strong hunch that they were both indeed brothers.

Anyhow, this sack of shit was disturbed from way back. I knew he was sick mentally I could sense and tell from the vibes I picked up from him. There is something that just isn’t right about Michael.

Asthma and diabetes are serious issues if they are not controlled I don’t at all mock or downgrade anyone for experiencing those health problems.

Yet- who let’s their kids get to become over two hundred and 400 hundred pounds at such a young age?! Especially since Michael had told me himself that his mother is a nurse.

Could one imagine the atrocious stink odor that Michael was probably carrying around? I smelled him once at work. He was wearing a black T-shirt that day with black pants and it had been hot, and black material holds funk when people sweat bad.

Well, it isn’t my problem and I no longer have to work in an environment with him anymore. I am grateful for that.

I have an embarrassing photo of Michael, his body looking  terrible as he is half dressed in a pool with his two brothers.

I decided not to post the photo. I am not intentionally mean or spiteful even though he did dirt towards me. I know that he is not happy within his life and that he is suffering with something. I will leave everything to God, I felt

I am very blessed I don’t need to publicly rub in the fact that I got satisfaction from seeing him look grotesque. It was very tempting, but I think God’s Holy Spirit was directing me not to. It is not necessary.

I already spoke up about Amazon and I was justified in doing so by expressing my truth and now I will let things be.

But then again I gave it a second thought and said what the hell, Shame on me!

But seriously- I am through with all of this now. It’s all forgotten about.

Michael Gonzalez
See Them Feet!!!

Amazon: I Got The Last Laugh!

misslatoya's avatar"My Voice" Weblog By Miss LaToya Lawrence

I just received a phone call today from an employer of mine that I got hired with before I started to work with Amazon last year who set up my new full time schedule for next week.

I will be back to working my usual twelve hour shifts and the pay is fantastic! I will be making far more than the dumb managers were over at Amazon. I have an important job working for a doctor as my supervisor!

Fuck Amazon! I don’t ever want to go back there!

I am with people who are very mature, professional, logical and wise like myself.

See, you cannot mess with God’s children! The Lord’s comes through for us time and time again. And those who do dirt will all definitely reap what they sow!

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Brain Challenging Activities

I downloaded Wordscapes app to my phone a week ago and I cannot stop playing the activity. I just love it!

I have always loved crossword puzzles since childhood and through the years would purchase crossword magazines to keep myself occupied.

I really enjoy brain challenging exercises.

I also downloaded Jigsawscapes puzzle app about a month ago and I love that too!

Purchasing boxes of jigsaw puzzle-pieces was another love of mine back in the day.

Next, I am going to download Crosswords Jam and have more productive fun!

 

Amazon: Michael And Jazsity

misslatoya's avatar"My Voice" Weblog By Miss LaToya Lawrence


Michael Gonzalez

Amazon is desperate for reviews so here is mine as one who knows firsthand.  

Amazon will hire anyone including the most shitty and corrupt people.  

I worked at an Amazon Locker Hub for ten months. I just quit today because I was tired of the bullshit going on.  

I have always been a leader, not a follower. I don’t kiss anyone’s ass and I am brutally honest. I have a very strong personality. I was born under the zodiac sign Taurus and people should know better than to mess with good, upstanding people like us.  

We are kind and down to earth, but we are not pushovers and we have ferocious tempers when provoked.  

Today was an interesting day.  

After I quit working at an Amazon Locker my manager informed to me that someone at the Whole Foods where one of the…

View original post 1,079 more words

After Work Relaxation

I have been working back-to-back non-stop during the past weeks, and on top of it, I did a double shift yesterday.

I love my job; however, I have three days off now to rest and I am going to relax.

When I arrived home last night, I prepared me a delicious spaghetti meal that came out just right.

I made whole wheat thin pasta noodles. I added garlic, basil, and oregano to the tomato sauce that I poured over my vegan dinner.

While I ate, I watched a movie.

“Carlito’s Way”, that starred AL Pacino and Sean Penn aired on one of my cable channels around ten pm.

I had seen this movie when it first hit the theaters back in the early nineties when I was still a teen.

It has been on cable many times since, but this is the first time I sat down and thoroughly watched and paid attention to the film as I did when I viewed it for the very first time. Some scenes I did remember, yet most of the film I did not.

I have an appreciation for Carlito’s Way that I did not have before. I did not initially realize how good a movie the film actually was all those years ago. I really enjoyed watching this piece of cinema.

Carlito’s Way was entertaining, nostalgic (from the era set within the film), deep, and realistic with a suspenseful action-packed ending.

It is strange to me too because my mother took me to see Scarface in the early eighties when I was about eight or nine, and I loved and remembered everything about that movie back then as I do now. I just seen Scarface the other night on cable for the millionth time without getting tired.

My mother had always loved Al Pacino and his films from back in the day. She also loved Sean Penn and Christopher Walken in “At Close Range”.

I always thought all were wonderful actors and I have enjoyed a lot of their films.

It is great when we can have a better understanding for artwork later down the line that may have went overlooked for whatever reason.

It was so nice to watch Carlito’s Way again as if for the first time with a better clarity inside the coziness of my apartment.

I really enjoyed a relaxing evening after work.

Delicious Cashew Milk On My Day Off

This past Friday I had a day off from work. I went to pay my cable bill then on the way back home I stopped off at one of my local health food stores to purchase the Elmhurst brand of cashew milk.

Whole Foods (where I purchased the Elmhurst oat milk) carried all of the other nut-milks (Almond, walnut, and hazelnut) except for the cashew.

I bought two containers of the cashew milk because I just had a feeling, I would like the product.

When I gave the milked cashews a try, I was not at all disappointed.

I loved it!

I liked it much better than the Elmhurst oat milk. The oat milk did not taste bad; however, the milked oats left a bad aftertaste that had lingered in my mouth, yet everything else about the milk was okay, and I would have eventually purchased it again to give it a second chance.

Not now! The cashew milk won me over completely!

I have no complaints about this brand of milked cashews, especially since it is pure and clean with only two ingredients- filtered water, and cashew nuts.

If the Elmhurst oat milk did not leave that bad aftertaste in my mouth, I would have regularly included that plant milk within my diet too.

I was not expecting it to taste like the average oat milks on the market. Certain others probably find it tasteless due to the fact that the product does not contain sugar or additives that enhance the texture and flavor.

Like I said, my only problem with the oat milk was that funny lingering aftertaste.

I called up the Elmhurst company and they assured me there was not anything other than the oats in the milk and that the taste was just from it being processed within its natural state.

Anyway, the Elmhurst cashew milk will be my go-to right now. The beverage is delicious to me as well as healthy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean And Natural Oatmilk: Good Drink

So, I was curious and decided to try out the Elmhurst brand of oat milk for myself, regardless of some of the reviews I had read on consistency and flavor.

People had given the Elmhurst cashew milk and Almond Milk great reviews; however, I am not fond of Almond Milk, and I love cashew nuts but never drank cashew milk straight before. I have eaten a plant ice cream made from cashew milk years ago- which was delicious. I also had cashew cheese (non-dairy) on a vegan burger years ago- which was also good.

When I tasted the Elmhurst oat milk it was not bad at all. It did not taste watery to me as a reviewer had stated.

I liked the texture.

The oat milk was clean and natural. I could taste the oats.

Far as I am concerned my money was not wasted and I will purchase this brand again within the future.

 

 

 

Calcium Carbonate In Plant Milk

 

I was never one to take calcium supplements. Sometimes calcium is added into our foods with other fortified vitamins.

I knew for years that too much calcium intake can be dangerous, especially to the arteries and heart due to calcium buildup and deposits.

Dietary calcium is safer and more absorbable because it comes from a whole food source.

I know there are other clean oatmilks out there without emulsifiers and additives like Elmhurst with just whole grain oats, filtered water and salt, yet I did not waste money on a purchase I may have been disappointed with. From what I’ve heard the Elmhurst oatmilk is watery and tasteless.

I don’t always listen to what others say as all of our taste buds and preferences differ but sometimes people and their reviews are helpful on whether or not to make a decision in the selection of items.

What I did every time I drank a cup of the Planet Oat was mix scoops of pure OptiMSM flakes into the milk.

MSM breaks up calcium deposits and clears the arteries, or helps to reverse atherosclerosis.

I don’t have any of these specific health issues and I do not want to contribute to developing any if I can help it.

On Friday, I found two shelf-stable plain unsweetened Westsoy Soymilk containers left upon the shelf at Whole Foods.

This particular soymilk sells out pretty quick there. I’m so glad I caught them before someone else picked them up.

There wasn’t any there last week when I checked.

If there comes a time again when I get in the mood for my favorite clean soymilk and there are none available at the local stores that carry them, I won’t settle for Planet Oat Original oatmilk anymore.

As I mentioned once before, I liked the color, the consistency, and the taste of the oatmilk, but I don’t like the fact that it contained calcium carbonate.

Third Time Around: 16 Grain Sprouted Wheat Bread

I tried a third variety of Silver Hills bread. This time it was Sprouted Power The Big 16 wheat bread.

Organic sprouted whole wheat, Water, Vital wheat gluten, Organic oat flakes, Sugars (organic cane sugar), Organic grain and seed mix (organic brown flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic millet, organic sprouted whole khorasan wheat, organic sprouted whole rye, organic sprouted whole barley, organic sprouted whole buckwheat, organic sprouted whole corn, organic sprouted whole brown rice, organic rolled oats, organic sesame seeds, organic quinoa, organic amaranth, organic sprouted whole spelt), Cultured wheat flour (wheat flour, bacterial culture), Yeast, Sea salt

I like the way the bread is sliced. It is shaped different from the other versions of Silver Hills that I’ve ate.

The 16 Grain tasted good, but not as good as the Organic Ancient Grain Big Red’s and Squirrelly Wheat bread in my opinion.

There are no oils within any of the breads and there is only 1g of added sugar. The Squirrelly Wheat Bread has no added sugar at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Halloween Spirit

As I walked down the block of my neighborhood yesterday morning to catch the bus, I was startled from out the corner of my eye.

I looked up and saw a life-like figure of Michael Myers at the top of a porch with his knife in hand raised up for action!

The scene was so cool and creative that I had to take a snapshot with my smartphone.

These people who live in that house went all out for this Halloween!

Recapturing Youth

With some people it gets better with age, with others it gets worse.

As I left my apartment yesterday morning to head for work, I ran into one of my elderly neighbors who lives on the second floor.

She spoke and asked me how I was doing.

I told her I was fine then in return asked her how she was.

“Not so good”, she responded. “I’m old. It’s terrible to get old. It’s terrible to be old. It’s just terrible”.

She continued to go on as I walked down to the next staircase.

“I wish I was young like you again”, the woman said.

Oatmilk

 

On Saturday afternoon I went grocery shopping. The supermarket was out of my favorite Soymilk.

Whole Foods was out of it too so I settled for Oat milk.

The first oat milk I ever tried months ago was Chobani. The variety with zero sugar. It tasted okay but I didn’t like the fact that it contained rapeseed oil so after one cup I poured out the rest of the container.

I don’t want any oils, vitamin a palmitate, or any other unnecessary ingredients in my nondairy milk.

I don’t care for Almond Milk.

I do not mind Almond Milk as a list of preparation included within certain foods but I don’t like to drink it straight, there is something missing to it.

Almond Milk is too thin and watery tasting for me.

I purchased the shelf stable Original Planet Oat oatmilk. This variety is formulated different from the refrigerated blend within the supermarket.

It doesn’t contain the other undesirable ingredients that I do not prefer in comparison except for the calcium carbonate.

I like the brown color of the Planet Oat oatmilk. I like the texture. I like the taste I just do not feel comfortable with the calcium carbonate in the product.

There is no oil or any added sugar. The added sugars listed on the label is just the process that is used to break down the oats into simpler carbohydrates.

 

Caution When Taking Certain Supplements

One of the places I headed to yesterday morning was the Vitamin Shoppe.

I was there before the store opened up at ten am.

I arrived by nine thirty-five or nine forty, somewhere around that time.

There was an individual already sitting in their parked car in the parking lot before I got there.

Then a lady arrived five minutes before the store opened.

So, we were all early birds, eager to get into the Vitamin Shoppe to replenish our supply of healthy essentials.

Once the doors finally opened a few more people entered in with us.

I had run out of B complex supplements. There was one bottle of a particular brand left on the shelf.

As I have mentioned before, I no longer take synthetic forms of vitamins only whole food sources.

When I took synthetic supplements for the over thirty years that I have I was getting B complex 100mg, and 500mg to 1500 of C complex or C with Rose Hips.

When we take synthetic forms of vitamins, we consume high doses that may not properly absorb within our bodies. Therefore, with whole food sources we are naturally obtaining a lower dosage that better absorbs into our system.

I have never had any health issues due to taking synthetic forms of supplements. I am extremely healthy. Yet, I would rather have vitamins that come from an all-natural derivative rather than something that can further down the line contribute to a health problem or the potential to cause harm.

The bottom line is I love myself and I respect my body and I do not want to put unnecessary substances into my system, especially when the body does not require them initially.

Another concern of mine were fillers and binding agents such as magnesium stearate, stearate acid, microcrystalline cellulose, and so on. I do not want any more of that crap in my body so I stopped it!

Since with whole food source vitamins are low in dosage compared to synthetic, I also purchased another brand of supplements to go along with my B complex a while back.

This was a multi whole food vitamin that in addition had all the b vitamins along with a, c, e, k, d, and minerals.

I also take a separate whole food C supplement by the same brand as the B complex.

When I began the multivitamin about three months ago everything was all good. I could tell the supplement was potent as I tasted the hot cayenne pepper after the capsule opened up in my mouth.

Vitamins work fast on me, generally, because my system is clean.

I had no problem giving feedback to the company when they sent me an email asking my opinion on the product. Before I ever used the product, I called them up and got a live person to answers questions I was curious about ahead of trying the item out to begin with.

I gave a positive review; however, I had spoken too soon. I had even ordered a second bottle for when I would eventually run out of the first bottle that I purchased.

I think it was after three weeks that I experienced an alarming dizziness when I went to lie down then raise back up again. It was like the room was partially spinning. I had also experienced a headache. I knew what was the cause as I assumed it was this new product I had been taking.

After a few weeks of the supplement being cleared out of my system those symptoms of dizziness and headache ceased.

I had thought about taking them again to confirm it was the item itself and not just a coincidence of maybe hormones or other periodical changes that may occur within the body, and I did not want the supplements to go to waste.

I was excited about taking this multivitamin that impressed me with its contents and advertisements.

Though, I decided not to take that chance.

Of course, just because a vitamin supplement is touted as natural, safe, and wholesome does not mean that it actually is. There could be company dishonesty and dangers that lurk behind.

Sometimes with headquarters it is more about the profit of money than for the benefit of consumer health.

I am not trying to criticize anyone’s corporation but I have been consuming vitamins altogether for over forty years and have never had an incident of this nature occur.

As a word of warning be careful of Phyto Vitamins, Multivitamin (No Iron) by Nature’s Brands.

The claims on the bottle and on the website states that the product is made with organic fruits and vegetables. That it is a one hundred percent raw and natural formula. And, that it is a pure whole food vitamin that is vegetarian, non-irradiated, and additive free.

This is the ingredient list:

Organic Sesame (seed), Organic Thyme (leaf), Organic Celery (seed), Organic Sunflower (seed), Organic Fennel (seed), Organic Lentil (pulse), Organic Coriander (seed), Organic Dill (seed), Organic Fenugreek (seed), Organic Horsetail (aerial), Organic Black Bean (pulse), Organic Cayenne (fruit), Organic Acerola (fruit), Organic Rose Hip (fruit), Organic Cranberry (fruit), Organic Parsley (leaf), Organic Turmeric (root), Organic Pumpkin (seed), Organic Flax (seed), Organic Caraway (seed), Organic Anise (seed).

 

* Organic Whole Food Vitamin Supplement – USDA Certified as Made with Organic.

  • Vegetarian and vegan
  • 100% pure and all natural
  •  With certified organic ingredients, Non-Gmo
  •  Totally isolateand synthetic vitamin free
  • Filler free, additive free, preservative free
  • Free from yeast, gluten, dairy, soy and corn
  • Free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives
  • Not fermented, magnesium stearate free capsules
  • One of the first whole food vitamins (since 1995)
  • Non-heated, non-irradiated whole food organic vitamins
  • Proudly Made in the USA

I read nothing within the contents that was a cause for any concern unless one of the specific naturals did not agree with me, or as I suggested before, the product is not honestly advertised.

Otherwise, the other brand of whole food vitamins that I use is by NutriGold. They are excellent! I have had absolutely no problems with the supplements. They are just expensive!

A little side note: NutriGold as well as certain other brands sell whole food Multivitamins that I could have chosen to take instead. The reason I wanted Nature’s Brand to work out is because it is very difficult to find a whole food multivitamin that does not contain any kelp (seaweed) as all the others do.

 

 

A Nasty Taste Left In My Mouth

I have never been a yogurt eater but when I tried Silk brand dairy-free vanilla, peach, and pineapple alternative years ago, I absolutely loved the dessert.

I don’t remember If I tried the blueberry, and I don’t think I tried the strawberry flavor of Silk.

The reason I did not continue to purchase the item from time to time is because of the high sugar content.

I also don’t like that Silk is owned by Danone now and no longer by Whitewave (or however it went when Danone took over) as it was back in the early nineties.

I usually buy products with no added sugars.

The soymilk I love is by West Soy. It is organic, unsweetened, and only contains soybeans and filtered water. The taste is wonderful.

Yesterday, I decided to try a yogurt by Kite Hill. It was an unsweetened vanilla Greek style yogurt with zero added sugar:

Almond Milk (Water, Almonds), Natural Flavors, Tapioca Starch, Pectin, Locust Bean Gum, Agar, Vanilla Beans, Live Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidobacteria.

I also liked the advertisement on the product:

Made from Live & Active Cultures, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO, No Artificial Preservatives, No Artificial Flavors

11 Grams of Almond Protein per Serving.

From looking at the bottom of the container the yogurt seemed watery. I wasn’t too sure on whether or not to buy it but I did anyway to test it out.

When I opened up the product, I noticed the product had a thick consistency, and that the yogurt was not watery at all. I had to mix it up a bit, though.

It tasted okay. I thought that it was bearable and that it had potential at the present moment. It had a lemony, tangy, tart flavor that stood out and that left an unpleasant after taste.

I purchased another one for later to see if it would taste good as a smoothie in my soymilk.

I did not, however.

I will not be purchasing this item ever again. It is just plain nasty when it comes to flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Happened To The Cereal?

I called Three Sisters Cereal, the company that produced Uncle Sam Raisin Bran, on Monday.

For a long time now, I have not seen the cereal at any of the stores I used to purchase the item from.

I was told by a representative that they discontinued the cereal just as I had thought they did.

Every time something good or beneficial comes out it eventually gets canceled due to either low sales or complaints from the majority unless there are other issues in regard to maintaining ingredient quality.

Uncle Sam Raisin Bran had been selling for years. A lot of people liked the cereal.

I could not understand how the Uncle Sam Raisin Bran was pulled from the shelves, which was delicious with soymilk, in my opinion, yet the original Uncle Sam toasted whole wheat berry flakes & flaxseed (which tastes utterly disgusting) is still running strong on the market.

I expressed my views to the representative and as a vocal customer she told me that she would gratefully pass along my comments to corporate headquarters or to whoever it was who handles those affairs.

Most boxed breakfast cereals are garbage these days loaded with sugars and other nasty contents.

I do not eat other cereals except for organic oatmeal and oat bran.

Uncle Sam Raisin Bran cereal was up there in nutrition like grape-nuts original, but even higher. The cereal had no added sugars, was very high in fiber, and had just four pronounceable ingredients. Whole Grain Wheat, Raisins, Barley Malt and Salt.

 

 

We Can Do Anything We Put Our Minds To When It Is Meant For Us

After I wrote a manuscript in long hand in 1998 then went to type it up on my electric typewriter, one of my grandmother’s home attendants who was sitting across from me in the living room uttered, “You can’t do that”.

“Yes, I can”, I immediately responded back without hesitation!

Is not that what most authors do- type up their own manuscript? Who was she to tell me what I could not do?

All she did was sit on her behind all day long looking for elderly people to take advantage of. This was confirmed later on when she came to my mother scared as she thought a man that she was trying to get over on had no family to look out for him.

We even caught her stealing grocery money from my grandmother. She would buy cheap stuff then keep the rest of the money for herself. We caught on to her right away and reported her.

Months later, once my manuscript was completed, and the publisher sent me the galley proofs to approve the same home attendant commented to me after seeing my book about to be printed, “Aren’t you going to mention the people who encouraged you, who told you that you could do it?

I frankly told her that I already knew that I could do it! And, she chuckled.

I was not being arrogant within my words just truthful. I knew that I was capable of writing books no one had to encourage me. The few people I had told beforehand knew me well enough to know that I was capable too.

This home attendant was so average in nature and cliche. She did not know me personally, or my background and history in writing.

She was judging by her preconceived notions based on reflections of her own insecurities. I read her easily.

I used this true account as an example of never letting anyone tell you what you cannot do, especially when they are not familiar with you.

Some underestimate others or downplay others out of envy and jealousy.

She never denied that I was intelligent, but the fact that I was able to accomplish what I set out to do made her feel uncomfortable.

Of course, this goes on within all fields of work one may choose, goals one may have, undertakings one may pursue, and within all walks of life when people try to interfere.

Some people are not as confident or as strong as others and let others discouraged them from carrying out their desires.

When some people aren’t going anywhere in life, they don’t want to see others branch out either.

Some people play head-games. They are aware of the talents and abilities that others have yet they want to see if they can make one doubt themself. So, they will test people.

There are a lot of dirty people within the world, however, I was never one to fall for anybody’s crap.

I always believed in myself.

As long as something makes one happy or content go for it and enjoy what brings you into your own.

 

My Early Days Of Writing

My mother encouraged and backed me up on everything that I wanted to do within life.

My mother bought me my first electric typewriter when I was eleven or twelve. Before then, she had bought two regular typewriters, each up to par with the level of age that I was at the time.

I had all the supplies I needed. Plenty of paper and pencils to write out in long-hand.

I was prepared.

I had the opportunity to get published by a mainstream publisher at age ten. I was taken seriously as a young child.

I will never forget those days of support and belief in me.

It is important for parents to have faith in their children when it is warranted.

A lot of us know at an early age what we want to be and do when we become adults. We may have to take other jobs instead, in the meantime, or while we pursue our true love.

We can even enjoy doing more than one career!

Writing will always be my first love. It is something I will always engage in.

My mother majored in secretarial science. So, I get the writing spark from her, one of the many things we had in common.

I still remember how I used to sit at my dresser as a preteen with hot cups of tea and milk gathering up ideas for novels I was creating.

 

 

 

 

Some Of Us As Writers

As writers we become inspired by everything around us. Anything can become an idea, topic, or story. We express our creativity within so many ways.

Writing is a passion, a drive, an exciting flow of magnetic energy.

The pull will call to us at any time of the day.

We may store up the information that formulates into our minds, write it down for later, or stop what we are already doing to wholeheartedly comply unto literary interaction.

If we cannot immediately stop what we are in the middle of doing we will entertain the thought with anticipation until the exact moment is perfected.

Our writings do not have to be phenomenal, just relational. Relational in a way that identifies to us.

We connect to our work.

We like to be challenged and we challenge ourselves.

We are in a world where we are free. Free to explore and to express our very own thoughts.

We express ourselves in ways that are therapeutic, cathartic, and rejuvenating.

We invent, we share, we motivate.

We are all talented within our own ways with interests that range from as far as east is to the west.

To each his or her own in the world of writing.

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. What may be one person’s thing may not be another’s. So, an experienced writer should not base their success on whether or not their material is well-liked or popular.

Success means different things to different people.

Success to me is what brings my own individual fulfillment not by what is defined as another person’s interpretation of satisfaction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curbing That Sweet Tooth

There are a lot of sweets and desserts that look good yet they are very unhealthy to eat.

Ocasionally, when I go out on my break, I get tempted by scrumptious looking desserts that are neatly displayed on their bakery shelves.

A look at the nutrition facts/ingredient label is enough to bring me back down to my senses.

Even if the product is vegan if those contents are not up to par with healthy doses of preparation, I will not touch it!

Most desserts on the market are badly manufactured, filled with large amounts of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial flavorings.

I have bitten down on some sweet desserts that are just too sweet to eat. All I tasted was a load of unnecessary sugar. It was disgusting, such a turn off.

Some sweets may have health advertisements promoted on their label, yet the item will still have other less desirable ingredients lurking inside to cause harm.

I used to love danishes. I have not had one of them in over twenty years. I loved cinnamon buns, crumb cake, coffee cake, pound cakes, and blue berry muffins. I have not had any of them in years either.

When I put my mind not to do something I stay with it.

I don’t really crave the majority of those junk foods anyhow. It is when I see a croissant, corn muffin, or cake that I may get nostalgic, but the idea will quickly fade.

I do not really consider corn muffins junk food, though. I love me some cornbread. It is all within how the food is prepared.

However, I will eat an oatmeal, peanut butter, ginger snap, or lemon cookie if they are healthily made with proper care.

A solution to anyone wanting to sparingly eat healthier sweets and desserts is to simply bake their own!

 

 

 

Home-Baked: A Short Reminisce

I remember back in the day as a child when my mother use to bake her delicious sponge cakes and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Oh, those were the days!

We were in our apartment, I was about five or six, she eventually taught me how to bake cakes.

I loved putting icing on the layers then, of course, licking the chocolate or vanilla frosting.

People Who Are A Health Hazard (Toxic People)

It is not healthy to be around toxic people. Toxic people can be anyone.

Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and other members of society are candidates for poisonous interaction or relationship.

Whether they have a routine of playing head-games (gaslighting), manipulation, deceit, narcissism, violence or whatever else may be the case they need to be avoided with no turning back to the situation.

I am one who cannot entertain or tolerate any of the nonsense.

Smokin’ Hot

 

Smoking has been glamorized and heavily promoted ever since I can remember.

As a child seeing models in magazines and on television advertising a particular brand of cigarettes encouraging people to spend money.

Actors and actresses sporting cigarette smoking as being cool and hip in their movies encouraging children and young teens to pick up the habit of social influence (following the crowd).

I always had a mind of my own, and a strong one at that.

No one could persuade me or manipulate me into doing anything that I would not ordinarily do.

Everybody within my household smoked cigarettes, yet I never did.

I never had any desire to smoke anything.

Cigarette 🚬 smoking makes no sense to me at all, and cigarette smell stinks terribly.

Don’t Smoke Around Me!

This is America. We live in a free country.

People have many rights here.

To live the way they want and to do whatever they want as long as they do not cause harm to anyone or commit any criminal offense.

One thing I wish people were not allowed to do is to smoke.

I hate cigarettes.

It is people’s business what they do but when I have to unwillingly inhale someone else’s toxic smoke whether it is nicotine, Marijuana, or some other substance it infuriates me because I do not want to breathe in those toxic chemicals.

Unfortunately, we all take in some form of air pollution within the atmosphere and environment.

Still and all it is not right.

From what I understand is that aside from addiction people claim cigarette smoking relieves their stress and anxiety.

Well, in reality, all the cigarettes are really doing is preparing one’s body for a host of health problems and to a possible early grave (premature death).

Leave That To The Dogs!

I have owned quite a few German Shepherds, a Poodle, two mixed Labrador Retrievers, a Collie/Shepherd mix and one Chihuahua (and I am not crazy about miniature dogs!).

If I owned any other breed I do not remember or I did not know what exact breed it was at the time.

I have had a few cats during childhood. I am definitely not a cat person though. I would never have one for a pet as an adult, although some of them are cute creatures.

I love puppies and dogs, yes.

However, some people go overboard by drinking out of the same cup as their dog, taking baths with their dogs, and so on.

I myself do not even drink from another human being’s cup, I never have, except for during childhood once or twice.

When I bathe or shower, I am definitely cleansing within the water alone.

It is different when a mother shares the tub with her young child to wash them, keep them safe from drowning, and to teach and prepare them to sit in a bathtub by themself.

There are some things that should be set aside to themselves for befitting purposes as well as for sanitary reasons.

To each his or her own. Everyone has their way of life, living, and doing things.

For me, some things people do are a little extreme.

I will kiss my dog and allow it to sleep with me, but any dog of mine will never share my bath water or drinking water straight from the same cup.

Additional Members To The Family

 

My dog 🐕 of seventeen years used to from time to time stand on her hind legs with her paws resting on the sill looking out the kitchen window.

She would also lay by the doorway to the front door of our house to gaze out the glass storm door.

My dog loved the outdoors.

I once or twice had multiple puppies and dogs living with my family and I all at the same time. I never had more than three at the exact period, though.

They were all good dogs because they all received love and felt comfortable. They did not want to leave. I never had a dog that ran away from home.

I used to love to watch, study, and learn my pets.

My dogs were a delight.

They brought an extra warmth and energy into the home with their antics and diverse personalities.

 

 

 

A True Companion

I did not treat my canine as a dog. I treated her like she was a person because she behaved like one.

We did everything together.

If she appeared bored or looked depressed, I would hold her and talk to her to let her know that I was always there for her.

She was included within so much of our daily lives that she knew what our spoken words and actions meant.

Our dogs watch and study us too. They notice everything about us and our ways. They can sense our emotions and analyze our reactions.

Many canines are highly intelligent, intuitive, and in tune to us and to our surroundings.

They too can have a spiritual as well as emotional connection on this physical plane.

They can communicate with us telepathically- I know, I have experienced it!

They can sniff beyond the scent of a person as they can sniff out no good people.

They can lighten up our mood with their uncanny ability to heal which produces a therapeutic effect.

Some animals are extraordinary- carrying a supernatural touch of blessing from the Lord.

There is no mistake they are here and that they are called man/woman’s best friend. They are one of our greatest companions and dearest confidants, no doubt about that!

Human Rights

I disagree with those who feel people unvaccinated for Covid are a threat to everyone around them.

That statement is utter nonsense.

If anything, everyone else is a threat to them.

How can anyone who never had Covid spread Covid?

I understand people who reject the vaccination are putting themselves at risk, however, it is still their choice.

No one should have to lose their job or be denied an opportunity to work for refusing to put something they do not want into their body.

That is a violation of their human rights and I do not care what anybody has to say about it!

If we allow the government to manipulate and determine what goes into our body by force due to the fear and incomprehension of others what will they be able to take control over next?

 

More Sprouted Bread! Healthy Living

I am so glad I can eat bread again as regularly as I want to.

I adhere to a strict healthy regimen by my own authority.

I am careful of what I put into my body.

After over thirty-years of sticking to a vegan/vegetarian diet I continue to thrive and survive on highly nutritious meals.

Even my occasional snacks have to contain a substantial amount of healthy ingredients as I am particular.

Yesterday, after work, I purchased me another loaf of bread.

I bought the same brand, of course, Silver Hills. I wasn’t able to grab hold of the exact item as before since the Heritage Grain “Big Red’s Bread” Sprouted Wheat was sold out.

I picked up the Sprouted Power “Squirrelly” Sprouted Wheat Bread instead.

I just tasted toasted slices of the product today, and they are equally as delicious as the other selection if not better. This version does not even have any added sugar at all!

The ingredients are:  

Organic sprouted whole wheat, raisin nectar (raisins, water), vital wheat gluten, organic sesame seeds, organic sunflower seeds, cultured wheat flour (wheat flour, bacterial culture), yeast, water, sea salt.  

I am not a one to two slice of toast lady. I am more of a four to eight slice eater.

I can demolish some bread.

I do not eat bread every day, and my daily habits consist of eating only fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. I eat seeds and nuts here and there too.

So, I can get away with the bread.

I don’t eat three times a day as a rule. I eat whenever I get hungry. Sometimes that may just be once or twice a day depending on how I feel.

 

No Longer Entertained

 

So, I watched a few more episodes of the series My Crazy Ex. The stories began to get silly and ridiculous.

There wasn’t even anything for me to laugh at anymore just pure nonsense.

I tried to get through some of the episodes in hope that other ones would get better as they were in the beginning.

The program seemed to get phonier by each segment.

If these are all based on true life events which I highly doubt these people are incredibly dumb and obnoxious.

At the very start there was predictability.

I am able to figure out a lot of plots and situations in movies as well as in real life rather quickly so that was not a big spoiler for me initially.

During the sixth episode of season one the stories were too predictable. After season two, episode one, I could not stand to watch anymore. I did not even finish all the way through the episode.

Well, it was good entertainment for the short while that it lasted.

Television these days continue to go further down the drain.

 

 

 

 

 

Comfortable Within Oneself

I am the type who can be alone. I like being alone.

I don’t need to be around others to feel good about myself or to have a good time- I never did.

I am comfortable within my own skin.

I am outgoing yet not a people-person.

I am laid-back, highly intuitive, and very discerning.

One to take in everything that is around me as well as able to sense what is beyond.

 

Entertainment

 

Last night after I made some dinner, I wanted to watch something interesting on television.

I am bored with most television programs. I cannot just watch anything, or something just because it is popular among many.

I came across a series that first aired in 2014 titled My Crazy Ex.

Each episode is an hour long and includes multiple true-life tales of past extreme relationships that are either platonic or romantic.

Immediately I was hooked!

This television program was something that could hold my attention. I was not at all bored or disappointed. In fact, I was entertained and humored.

The series had me laughing and was a reminder of just how many sick/crazy people there are out within the world.

I thought I had experienced nutty and mentally disturbed people within my lifetime.

Between the people in my old neighborhood, past work environments, and occasional crazy interactions with people throughout daily life.

No matter what we experience there is always other people out there in the world even worse or more outrageous than our own encounters.

My Crazy Ex is so crazy that I wondered are these stories actually as real as they are portrayed, or are they a fabrication to keep a viewer entertained.

The series would be more significant if it was a genuine reenactment of true-crime/true-relationship drama.

Nevertheless, I will continue to watch the four-season episodes.

As of last night, I am on season one, episode five.

I’ll watch some of the series again tonight while I eat some dinner.

Nice And Smoothie!

 

On Monday, I tried another variety of the Evolution Fresh Organic juice drink.

It was the Organic Vital Berry which contained cold-pressed apple, strawberry, raspberry, orange, Mango and acerola.

The consistency was perfect, the drink was great, I loved every sip of it.

This product is a vegan delight!

 

Sprouted Wheat Bread: So Delicious!

On Saturday, I came across a bread that caught my attention.

I love bread. I have loved to eat bread for years.

Why I had cut down on eating bread is because most bread on the market is unhealthy.

Dave’s Killer Bread was my bread of choice if I did buy bread due to the fact that it is made with healthy ingredients. The only downfall is the sugar content. But that is okay if one’s regular diet is primarily sugar-free.

The bread I took notice of over the weekend is by Silver Hills. I had seen this bread before at health food stores.

I picked up a loaf of the Organic Sprouted Power Heritage Grain Big Red’s Bread Sprouted Wheat Bread.

I know that is a hell of a name!

I could tell the item would be good so I purchased the loaf.

When I arrived home, got settled, and ready to give the bread a try. I toasted four slices.

I ate the toast plain without any toppings.

If I were to put any toppings on my toast it would be warmed tomato sauce mixed with garlic, basil, and oregano.

I stopped putting vegan spread on top of my toast a year ago because the saturated fat content is just too high for the way I like to eat toast when I get into the mood.

The first bite and chew were delicious. Then, I toasted a few more slices.

We all have our own preferences, however, for me this bread is the best tasting healthy bread on the market.

It is also highly nutritious!

This loaf of bread only has 1g of added sugar.

I went and bought another loaf on Sunday, and finished it by Tuesday.

The ingredients are:

Organic sprouted whole red fife wheat, organic seed and grain mix (brown flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, millet, sprouted khorasan wheat, sprouted barley, sprouted buckwheat, sprouted purple corn, sprouted rye, sprouted spelt, golden flax seeds, hemp seeds, amaranth, quinoa, chia seeds, poppy seeds, sorghum, sprouted red lentils, sprouted green lentils), water, organic vital wheat gluten, organic cane sugar, yeast, cultured wheat flour (wheat flour, bacterial culture), sea salt, ascorbic acid.

 

 

Like A Child: A Short Reminisce

I remember the early days of childhood. Attending day care, first grade, the joys of playtime and imagination.

Innocent, carefree, full of wonder and enthusiasm.

The excitement of accompanying mom or an older adult out to shop or to some amusing event.

 

Don’t Feed Me Like A Dog

After a surgical procedure at North Shore Animal League in 1994 I couldn’t wait to bring my dog home.

My canine was cleared to return home in the days after she was monitored except for one concern that delayed the shelter from allowing her to leave.

She refused to eat.

I told the man (I don’t remember what his title was there at North Shore) over the phone to give her some table food.

When I called back later in the day, I asked him if my dog had eaten.

He told me she had. He told me that he gave her a hamburger.

My dog tickled me. She didn’t want any dog food she wanted real food!

When I first got her as a young puppy, I shared all my breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks with her.

From then on, she was high-maintenance, and refused to eat what wasn’t edible for us humans.

 

 

 

Interracial Relationships

The media portrays interracial coupling more than ever nowadays compared to many years ago.

As one who is asexual, I never had any attraction or interest in romantic relationships altogether.

When I was growing up there were a few interracial couples around my area (neighborhood and school environment), and to me, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Some of the people were married, some were boyfriend and girlfriend, and some were homosexual partners.

I observed it all.

I even had certain relatives who were involved with people of a different race.

My mother use to babysit the children of a white woman who had children by a black man. The lady was nice to me, she used to bring new clothes for my Barbies, and I got along with her children very well.

I myself come from a mixture of ancestry.

I came to eventually realize interracial mingling was not widely accepted by everyone.

Today, I still know and have been acquainted with interracial couples and their biracial children.

There are blacks who say they could never be intimate with a white person. There are whites who say they could never be intimate with a black person. There is someone from every racial or ethnic background who share this view toward the other groups no matter what origin they come from.

It is a controversial issue for some, yet I really don’t care what race of people choose to be with who. It has absolutely nothing to do with me.

Gone Too Soon

Back sometime in the nineties, I do not remember exactly what year, maybe around ninety-five or ninety-six.

A neighbor on my block had gotten a puppy. I did not know this neighbor personally just enough to say hello back to her and her adult son when they spoke to me and my mom.

The puppy was so little and adorable.

One particular day the puppy was running around loose on our block, playing and following around the young children that were playing in the street.

It was a nice sunny day. I had passed by, on my way to the store when the puppy spotted me and ran up to me.

She was so energetic, lively, and friendly. I had instant affection for her.

Hours had passed.

Later, by nightfall, a family associate and I departed from hanging out on my stoop. He left to go across the street to his home and I stayed outside for a few moments more.

Not too long after, I was looking down the block. The puppy was still out running loose unsupervised.

Then, in a split second, a car drove up and hit the puppy in the middle of the street. I witnessed the entire scene, horrified at what I heard and saw.

I immediately went across the street to get my associate.

He came out the house and we both went down the block.

There the puppy lay dead in the street with a crowd of preteens and younger children surrounded.

My associate dragged the puppy from the center of the street to the curb.

All I could recall was earlier within the day how happy, lively, and energetic that puppy was. How friendly she was when she ran up to me and, I was heart-broken.

She was so full of life, and now she was lifeless.

I was angry at my neighbor, thinking to myself how she was irresponsible and that she did not deserve a little innocent puppy.

That puppy should have been on a leash until she was properly trained to be out on her own within her surroundings.

I had puppies and dogs all of my life and never let them out of my sight so young.

It was a senseless death that could have been avoided.

My Individuality

A few African American people do not represent the entire race and cannot speak for us all.

We do not all share the same issues, hurts, or insecurities.

I am tired of hearing about black people getting offended by the word “Nigger”. I do not feel that if other races of people use the word it means that they are all racist or mean any harm either. It is just a dumb word that people attach their own definition to.

It is no different than the word “Bitch”. It is only offensive if one is offended.

Stop giving these words power.

This is just how I am. I always had my own way of thinking that was not necessarily familiar to the average mindset.

As a black female with Native American and English ancestry I never felt uncomfortable within this world. My race or ethnicity was never a factor for me or my family.

I do not feel inferior to anybody. We all have the same creator.

If I ever felt that I did not belong it was solely for being unique as an individual and not because of my racial background.

Sure, I have experienced prejudice before. I have encountered it even with those who are of Caribbean descent, and they are considered black.

However, any account of racism or prejudice that had occurred was nothing to cause self-discouragement within any form. I have gotten angry from time to time because I value myself and am supposed to stand up for myself when necessary.

I have always loved my brown skin.

However, I am so much more than my color. First, I am a human being. Second, I am a female. I am far more those two things than I am an African American or black person.

I do not care how certain people within society may view me from a physical perspective. I am not anyone’s assumption, second-rate, or stereotype. I am LaToya. The little girl who was born out of my mother’s womb, raised with love, respect, and a strong mind.

I went to school with children from all different cultures and blended in fine. I had gotten along with everyone who I personally or spiritually connected to.

Yes, as a diverse group of people here within the world we all certainly have our distinctions, and some do fit into particular stereotypes.

Nevertheless, what we have in common is stronger than what divides us. We all need to eat to survive. We all need medical care. We all care for those we love. The list goes on I do not have to continue on the message is clear.

 

Suicide

People kill themselves for various reasons. One never knows what is going on within another person’s mind or what they are going through.

I never looked at people who commit suicide as being cowards. If anything, it is the opposite. I am in no way condoning the act but it takes a lot of strength and courage to put an end to one’s life.

Once the act is committed there is no turning back from it and the ones who embark on that journey are diving into the unknown not knowing exactly where they are headed or what to expect.

I do not like it when or agree with people who declare that all people who kill themselves are headed straight to hell.

Only God knows where their souls/spirits will reside or rest. No one has the right to determine the destiny of everyone who commits suicide.

God knows all of us inside out. He is a loving and compassionate God and it is him alone who decides all of our outcomes no matter what we do.

I cannot speak for everybody within the world but if many were honest a lot of people would admit that they have wished they were never born. They have desired one time or another to kill themselves or have even tried.

When I was in my teens and early adulthood people much older than me told me they had tried or wanted to. Fear of going to hell is what prevented some from doing it.

A lot of people want to die and leave this earth. It is not because all of these people cannot handle life or their circumstances. Some people are just tired. This world is a very sick place. A lot of terrible things are going on. It costs too much to eat, pay rent, buy necessities. Society is overpopulated. There is excess violence, and so on.

There are beautiful and wonderful things to this life here on earth too, but I understand and can relate to how certain people feel.

 

Nostalgic Memories

I was born in the 1970’s. It was a different time then. I had a lot of fun growing up during the early eighties.

My mother had an even better time in her years growing up before me. She was born and raised in Manhattan until our family moved to Queens while she was still a youngster.

The days of sunlight was better, the atmosphere and effervescence were better, the music was better, the movies were better, the people were better, and so on, compared to what is going on now.

Every century, decade, and generation have its ups and downs, positives and negatives, setbacks and moves forward within society.

I am glad I had a taste of what life was like back then.

The early nineties were good too. Everything in the world seemed to go downhill in 1999, especially into the year 2000.

I have many fond memories of visiting my great-grandmother’s Manhattan Brownstone during the 80’s.

Before that, she lived directly across the street in an even fancier apartment that she loved with French doors, however, I was not yet born to experience the beauty and comfort of her home for myself.

From the Brownstone, up one of the blocks, was Amsterdam Avenue that led to Broadway.

There was a great view outside her large ceiling tall windows. We watched the activity of people, busy traffic, and the lively street scene of Manhattan.

There are photos that recapture those precious moments and more of a time that was once enjoyed and forever treasured.

 

When Your Task Is What You Love

I have worked a lot of jobs. My supervisors considered me a good and hard worker.

I am happy where I am at right now in my profession.

It is nice to have a job that is considered fun instead of work.

I have had a few of these opportunities within the past. One time while at my job I enjoyed it so much I had forgot to pick up my paycheck.

Some jobs pay well yet we are less enthusiastic about them.

The more one likes their job the better they will perform.

If possible, one should find an occupation that is rewarding and satisfying.

What makes up for a job one is not really interested in is attitude. Maintain a positive disposition and it will carry one a long way until something more desirable comes along.

I have to admit that I did not always show positivity when others I had to work for or with rubbed me the wrong way, however, I made everything operate to my advantage.

Sometimes the money will motivate one when the job does not.

Money is not everything, though, being content in one’s environment and productive in one’s undertaking is what should motivate to a degree.

When we have bills to pay and a roof to keep over our heads, we have to do what we have to do.

 

 

Funk Pots

There are people who have plenty of soap and water but refuse to wash.

When they do wash it is not often.

There are people who would love to have the advantage of things that others take for granted.

We all go through things but it should not be so bad where one starts to neglect their health and personal hygiene.

If anything, a bath can be soothing and a shower therapeutic.

The body feels good to be clean and refreshed.

It is not healthy to lay around in funk and poisoning oneself with unhealthy substances.

 

 

More Than What Others See

I never understood people who criticized or made fun of others because they wore glasses, had speech difficulties, skin hypopigmentation, or other skin conditions, weight gain, and so on.

When I was a child, I never did any of those things. Not because I did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I honestly did not see anything wrong with them.

There are people with ailments, conditions, and issues that cause alarm and caution but not these particular circumstances.

Self-love is very important.

We can sometimes discern what people are like by their outward form.

Some people judge and treat people according to how they look or appear on the outside.

They do not bother to inspect or examine what is in the inside.

If they explored more often illusion would reveal itself true by acknowledging what is put into view.

We are not our face, arms, legs, stomach, feet, buttocks, or hair.

We are souls/spirits that inhabit a body of mind and personality.

We contain the essence of our very being.

Respect and take care of the outside, but appreciate and treasure the beauty that is within.

 

Hiding In The Closet: A Short Reminisce

My mother told me when I was a little girl, around five or six, I use to talk her to death sometimes. So much so that she once went and hid herself in the closet to get away from me.

We as young children see our parents as everything. We love them and adore their attention. We do not realize they are human too.

Our parents need and deserve a break.

My mother told me this all-in love, and out of laughter, however it was the truth.

 

Left Outside: A Short Reminisce

When I lived in a house years ago, I would let my dog (Brandie) out into our front yard to do her business.

Once in a while I would get wrapped up in whatever it was that I was doing and forget she was still outside. My mother would even forget.

Every time, though, we would hear a few barks from Brandie to come let her back inside.

She never failed to remind us on those occasions when we took too long to come open up the front door.

 

 

Government

Times are hard and homelessness and world starvation is a problem.

There are people losing their homes and losing their jobs unnecessarily.

Yes, there are laws, rules and regulations to follow, but what about humanity? What about ethics and morals?

These politicians are dishonest, brutal, and corrupt just as they have always been. Very few are wholehearted and sincere in doing what is right and fair.

The majority are not for the people. Their desire is rooted in social climb, greed and selfishness.

I wonder what their excuse will be on the day of judgement for their abuse of authority and power? The neglect of others to primarily serve the needs of themselves.