The House of Ladylee

Favorite Gifts, Part I

2012-01-25T14:17:00.002-05:00

I sometimes get interesting cards and gifts in the mail from readers.

It all makes an Oldgirl smile it does.

I holler "Look Oscar-Tyrone, someone thought of me today!"

*Oscar-Tyrone gives a blank stare and walks away with his tail in the air*

Silly cat! He don't understand how great that is. I am ALWAYS thankful.

Anyway, I got a text message from my friend in my head, reader and lurker Lisa B. stating
"Good Morning! I have sent a package to you. Be on the lookout for it. Mailed it yesterday evening. Didn't put a note inside but u will know its from me."

To which I responded "O_O!!!!!!!!"

I like Lisa B. She's my best friend in my head. She is!

LOL

Anyway, I was sweeping the kitchen floor one Saturday morning, and the doorbell ring. I almost didn't answer it, thinking it was the Witnesses. But I answered.

And it was my friendly neighborhood Mail Lady! With a package for me!

She handed it to me. I almost dropped it.

"Be careful! It's heavy!" she said.

*lee cheesing real hard*

So I opened the package, and lo and behold, here's what I see:

*lee passes out on kitchen linoleum*

I didn't pass out. But I do believed I screamed loud enough for the whole block to hear me.

Let's see, there was some squash relish, some green tomato relish, and some chow-chow!

I have never had green tomato relish before. You best believe I opened that jar and grabbed a spoon and had myself a taste.

That is sho nuff something good! Sho NUFF!

And then there was some chow-chow. That is cabbage relish. I LOVE chow-chow. My great-grandmother use to make it back in the 70s. It took her ALL day, too. I remember sitting in the kitchen watching her do it... and while it cooked, we would go in the bedroom, and watch her "stories" (soap operas).

Oh the memories. And Lisa B. sent me some.

THEN there was the squash relish.

Now I posted about this awhile back. She gave me mason jars of squash relish, pear preserves, and plum jelly.

All of it was good. Still working on the jam and jelly!

Ohhhhhh, I made that squash relish last a good long time!

But alas... I ran out. And I called my sister Kentucky, who found the squash relish recipes on the web, talkinbout how she was going to make some.

Humph.

I gave Kentucky some of MY relish way back then. I can still see her putting some in a small gladware container.

(I want my disposable container back, Kentucky).

I sent Kentucky the above picture of MY relishes.

When I talked to her later, she said "Ooh wee, I'm coming over to get some of that!

*crickets*

"The hell you say," I said. "You gits none of this."

That shut that conversation line down.

LOL

(But I was not lying. Me and Kentucky gonna FIGHT if she even think she gets a taste of it. Knock out, drag out fight 'til one of us passes out.)

So Lisa B.

Thanks sooooooo much for the relishes. You gonna keep me eating good until next year, hon!

I 'preciate you!

Look out for a couple of jars of my homemade red bell pepper ketchup.

I've been thinking every since I made those...

"I'ma send Lisa B. and Mama Lisa some of my mason jars of ketchup... Show them that even though I am a city gal, I got some Celie in me too!"

LOL!

Stay tuned for Favorite gifts, Part II, next week (from BayouCreole Chick Ali)!

I Met Him

2012-01-23T12:07:00.002-05:00

I met him.
I remember him.
I met him, some four years prior to this day.
At the Burger King,
Yes the Burger King on MLK.
I remember him
Yes I remember him
Because I had never seen a man with eyes so grey.
Not a pretty grey, mind you
But a strange grey
A grey the color of brain matter.
And his name, his name was Isaiah Francis
Or Francis Isaiah
I always forget
All I know, he wanted my number
And I gave him a fake one
Because I got it like that.

But I met him

You best believe I met him
And from this day on,
I will never forget,
Because he is on my TV,
On the evening news
Standing there smiling
Holding his 300,000,000 million dollar lottery check.

From Women of Color Writing Group, January 20, 2012... Writing prompts: When: four years prior, Where: burger king, Color: grey the color of brain matter, Who: Isaiah Francis. (blanks filled in by different people in the group

Comments from the Peanut Gallery... The Pageant Edition

2012-01-18T18:21:00.001-05:00

So... you know me and my cubicle mate The Cowgirl Cre will sit back and scrutinize pictures and videos from time to time.

It's our special Peanut Gallery Time!

And once again, we had a prime opportunity to do a little... commenting.

So...

Down in Alabama, Pageants are a big deal.

O_o

I told Cre this.

LadyLee: They big on them pageants down there in Alabama, girl.
Cowgirl Cre: Really?
LadyLee: The closest we come to a pageant is going to the prom!

LOL

And Play Mama's girls, they are in the pageants.

I went to a Christmas Parade down there a few weeks ago, and let me tell you... there were plenty of pageant queens, from toddler to high school age, riding in convertibles, waving lovingly at the crowd.

I harrassed Jae, Play Mama's oldest girl, about this as we sat in our fold out stadium chairs, watching the parade.

"Who's that girl, Jae?"
"Oh, that's Sue," Jae said. "She's in all the pageants. She won such-n-such Pageant."

And that conversation went on and on.

Simply fascinating.

Yes... We have the Bible belt. I do believe they live in the Pageant Belt!

And the other day, I received some pictures of the oldest girl Jae in her yearly pageant.

"CowgirlCre," I said. "Come look at these here pictures."

*Cowgirl Cre rolls her chair from the other side of our cubicle*

And the comments...

From the Peanut Gallery.

Began.

LadyLee: Wow! Look at her! She looks pretty!
Cowgirl Cre: Sure does! Look at her hair!
LadyLee: She 15. But we can get in the club, with NO ID.

Ladylee texts Play Mama A: "Tell her she look nice! And we can get in the club... with NO ID.

*LadyLee and Cowgirl Cre peer closely at the screen*

Ladylee sits straight up: Look at them breasts! Sitting straight up! Posture!
Cre: That's a push-up bra! Text her and tell her let me hold that.

LadyLee Texts Play Mama A: Hey! Cre wanna borrow the push up bra!
Mama A Texts LadyLee: Uh, that's not a push-up bra.

Cowgirl Cre and LadyLee: WHOOOOOOAA!

LadyLee Texts Play Mama A: Tell Jae she got more breasesses than me! We must be some kin for real!

*LadyLee and Cowgirl Cre peering at the LCD screen closer*
Texts PlayMama A: That's a wig. She has on a wig?Play Mama A texts LadyLee back: Um, no that's not a wig.

CowgirlCre: Look at the shoes! I'd bust my azz in them shoes! We can get in the club, but they will card me, because I can't walk in the shoes!
LOL

Cowgirl Cre: They out there in the middle of the street. Get the dress up off the ground!
LadyLee: Man, whatever. It's a rented dress. Let it drag.
Text from Play Mama A: She holds it up when she walks.
CowgirlCre: Get the dress up off the ground! They gotta get the deposit back!
LadyLee: Whatever man, let it drag!
CowgirlCre: Or at least get Wallee [their cat] to come hold the dress up off the ground. That way, she can be like Cinderella for real!

LOL!

CowgirlCre: Girl, you know if they mess around and tore that dress, Adrienne would be in there trying to sew and tape it up!

LOL

*Zooming in on dress again*

LadyLee: They need to take an iron to that dress.
Cowgirl Cre: But it's got sequins!
LadyLee: They can iron around it.

(With much zooming in and scrutiny, we decide the dress looks just fine. No ironing necessary).

LadyLee: Lawd, she don't need to send her boyfriend no picture.

Texts Play Mama A: Tell Jae don't send no picture to her man. That is all.

Mama A Texts back: She already did!

O_O

Trouble. Gotta keep that young fella from sniffing around.

*Lee takes baseball bat and drives to Alabama and knocks Jae's man upside the head*

LOL!!

This has been another edition of Comments from the Peanut Gallery.

Congrats Jae on your 2nd place finish!

I think you should've gotten first place!!!

You'll win first place next year!

(for videos and pictures from the pageant, click here)

Wordless Wednesday: My Fridge's Deli Drawer Contains a lot of ____

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Monday Food For Thought: MLK Day.

2012-01-16T12:09:00.000-05:00

*Special Food for Thought for my friend in my head, reader Lisa B., since she requested more food for thought

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to you.

For many of us, it is a day off. I like the whole idea of "Not a day off, but a day on". Uh, I am gonna let that soak in. I ain't there yet. I like the idea. I will get there eventually.

I use it as a day of reflection. A day where I go and read and ponder black history.

And I ponder my own family and our history.

When I think of the King Holiday, I think of my Grandmother.

Why?

Because she is the same age as he would've been this day. She was born on January 14, 1929. Dr. King was born on Janurary 15, 1929.

So let's just say I always remember her birthday.

She is an interesting lady. She tells good stories. She was the first to get a degree in our family, a degree in Bible Psychology. (Maybe that's where I get my highly analytical biblical tactics from). She knows Hebrew and Greek. She told me in order to interpret my bible well, I should learn it. I said it's too hard.

She said "You mean to tell me, you have a Ph.D. in chemistry, and you can't learn greek and hebrew?"

O_o

No Grandma. I probably could. I'm just lazy.

She's a great lady. Very kind. She use to pick on me on the sly for my spiritual choices. You know me, I could care less. I do what's best for me. But as the years go by, she will tell me "Sugar, i watched your pastor on TV the other day. He is good. And funny." And we will discuss her thoughts on the sermon.

(I guess I'm not a heathen afterall. Yay me.)

Anyway, she is the subject for my food-for-thought today.

I spoke with her on New Years day, calling just to wish her a Happy New Year. We always joke about age. I always ask her how old I will be this year, and she goes through her whole story of how she remembers.

"You were born in 1970, Lisa. So I count from there."

Imagine her surprise when she figured out in 2010, that I'd be turning 40.

"Ooooo little girl. Forty years old. Forty years old!"

She was amazed. She remembers carrying me around.

And we figured out this year that I am about to be the age now that she was when I was born. So I was born when she had just turned 42.

(That created a whole conversation within itself).

But she is turning 83 this year. What an age. I told her she is getting up there. She has seen it all. World wars, presidents, everything. She has seen it all.

I told her I am happy to always see a new year. Good to see a new year.

"Happy New Year!" I hollered again.

"No, Lisa. It's not Happy New Year."

I was puzzled to hear that. "What?"

"Happy New Day! Each day is brand new. We always say 'Out with the Old, In with New' every January 1st. When actually, each day is brand new. So it's Happy New Day!"

"That's a thought," I said. "A good way to look at it."

"Lisa, imagine," she said, "If you could wake up each DAY and say 'Out with the Old, In with the New', instead of waiting til the beginning of a new year to make your goals and resolutions. Imagine the possiblities."

"Never thought of it that way. You're right."

"Happy New Day," she said. "Yes, it is Happy New Day."

You are right, Grandma. Absolutely right.

What would happen if we could get up each morning and wish ourselves and those around us a "happy new day"? What would happen if we would resolve to be rid of the old- those things which depress us, confuse us, and/or are detrimental to our lives- and, in with the new - new and fresh attitudes, hopes, direction, and dreams?

I don't know. But I tell you, I've been pondering that conversation since Janurary 1st.

Words of wisdom from a woman who has seen over 30,000 "new days" on this earth.

I could only hope to see that amount of days.

That amount of New Days.

I wish you a Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

I wish you a Happy New day.

Freestyle Fridays...

2012-01-13T12:28:00.001-05:00

Good Friday Morning!

Thought I would just pop in for a minute and say a hearty HELLO!

I've been super busy at work. Just trying to keep up.

And I was looking at the news the other morning and saw something concerning my area of work.

I hollered "NOOOOOO!"

(Hope I don't get assigned to that).

*lee cringing when she sees the junket of emails coming her way*

And it's one of those things where, maybe if I sit at my desk and close my eyes, then no one will see me, and I will be left alone.

LOL!

NOT!

So... I immediately go put it all on my resume. (Gotta be positive and proactive, man!)

Food-For-Thought. I would like to thank you all for riding along on the "Food-For-Thought" Train... It was such a wonderful feeling to end my year with what was heavy on my mind and to begin my new year with what's heavy on my mind. I think about such things all the time. I am doing well in my understanding in some areas, and in others, I am still creeping along, making a little progress. So it helps just to write things out. And I have organized my food for thought posts in a way that I can come back and read them if I need to.

And yes, I do that often. I will pull up posts from years ago, just to refresh my heart and soul on a few matters.

Writing Progress. I have been doing MUCH writing this year. Yes the year is young, but it feels good to really sit down and crank out good words every night, and learn new and interesting things about my charactres. That is what I truly love.

I would like to thank that Quadroon orthapedic chicken Mzinspiredmind for reading my daily writing offerings and for our deep discussions. She sees a couple of things that I just can't see, and she asks some really good questions. Thanks, Chicken!

You never know... we may have a story week soon!

Milk and Cookies galore. Oh, Milk and Cookies 3.0 is home. Everyone is fine. I snuck this picture off of Facebook.

Boy I tell you... Father and Son have toothy smiles. I see all of their teeths. ALL. Turn down the wattage, ya'll!

LOL!

And Milk and Cookies 3.0 is fast asleep. I am sure he will have a toothy grin one day too!

That is all for now...

Ya'll have a great weekend... on purpose!

Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Gumbo in Pictures

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Food for Thought: Microwaves and Crockpots

2012-01-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

Last Food for Thought... just for you.

Late last year I was reading a very interesting book on Fasting: The Fasting Edge by Jentenzen Franklin. Actually, he has 3 books on the subject, and he's considered one of the best authors on the subject. This one was his latest book. I bought one of the others for a friend, and I plan on reading it in the future.

Anyway, it was a great book. It really delves deep into the personal relationship with God, and different aspects of it, and talks about where fasting fits in with it. Great book.

There was one statement in there, in Chapter 3, that has stuck with me pretty strongly. Probably because it is something that has been on my mind for several years now. I just really haven't seen it put in words. But when I read it I knew it was the truth.

"We have been blighted with a microwave mentality, but we serve a Crock-pot God."

Microwaves.

Crockpots.

I use one more than the other.

I bet you do, too.

I remember when we got our first microwave, back in the early 80s. Big boxy thing. Yes, we always had a crock pot around, for as far back as I remember, but it was NOTHING, and has nothing on microwave.

And over the years, microwave ovens have become more compact. They have higher wattages too. They are more stylish. I like the stainless steel ones. My kitchen has black appliances, so of course I have a black one.

I use it everyday. I may use my crockpot once a year these days. I use to slow cook my meats in them - oxtails, neckbones, turkey wings, and the like. I don't eat those things anymore.

Hence, no need for me to break out my crockpot.

But this post isn't about that?

Or is it?

That quote above was in a paragraph, wrapped tightly in the following quote:

"If God doesn't speak to us in 5 minutes, we decide he isn't talking today... We want everything overnight, including maturity."

You know, I am utterly shocked at how fast my world is going. How fast things are done. 20 years ago, you could have NEVER told me that I would have a computer that rested on my lap, this laptop. I would have called you a liar if you would've told me way back then that I would have a phone, a smartphone, that would work faster than my laptop.

I do believe I would've laughed in your face. Laughed really hard.

Yet, in 2011, here we are. Here we stand. Life is FAST. With a push of a button, information is at my fingertips.

And I have a fit if that which is at my fingertips doesn't work fast enough. A literal conniption fit.

Fast fast fast.

And hence... my bible, it's at my fingertips.

And me? I know I have four or five laying around the house.

I even have websites where I can bring up 35 versions of the Bible.

Everything is at my fingertips.

But... I am finding that certain things in life must be taken real slow.

Crockpot slow.

Placed on a low setting. Cooked super slow.

The flavors have a chance to meld, blend, and mature into something very rich.

Something very rich indeed.

And I am finding out, and have understood for awhile that somethings are not microwaveable.

And somethings don't go in a crockpot.

I look around me, and notice that many things we want, we want it now, and we want it fast. And a lot of the things of life just don't work that way: relationships with people, internal growth and change for the better...

And a relationship with God.

Those things cannot be just thrown in the microwave.

It just don't come out right at all.

I want that mature relationship with God.

And I understand, like with that crock-pot, it is something that has to be slowly developed. It has to grow and mature.

That is the only way to get something good.

And I am happy for that. It can't be cheapened and obtained by a mere snap of the fingers, or in the blink of an eye.

I don't want to be blighted- damaged, frustrated, injured, marred, messed up, spoil, tainted, withered, trashed, or wreck- by this microwave mentality that I am not ashamed to admit that I have.

I want to respect the slow development of the relationship with God... hoping that it is well rooted, well matured...

And something that lasts.

Thank you for tuning in to my Food-For-Thought blowout. I think about these type of things the majority of the time. I needed to end my 2011 and begin my 2012 with some great thoughts, concening things heavy on my mind, and even on the direction I want to go in my spiritual life.

We now return to our regular House of LadyLee programming.

Food For Thought: Spiritual Inkpens

2012-01-08T21:51:00.001-05:00

More Food for Thought...

I have 2 left to do. And I suppose I will do them and finish up.

I heard something a couple of weeks ago in one of my morning Bible Studies.

"Your tongue is a spiritual inkpen. You use it to write things (words) on your heart. And out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

That is mad interesting. I've heard that before. But... never brought together like that. I found it interesting enough to jot down in my notes.

And man... sometimes, I wish folks would run out of ink. Don't you?

Sometimes, I wish I would run out of ink. LOL.

But the tongue is interesting. With our mouth we speak words. And those words can build up... or cause mad problems.

You see it every day. Just look at the political races right now.

When is YOUR state gonna be bombarded with commercials... full of words. Why do you think they pay MILLIONS of dollars on commercials? They are writing those words on your heart. And you are gonna start talking and discussing those words.

Seeing that as being true, then it is easy to see, well for my ownself and looking at my past: I really have to watch over what I speak over my own life and how I feel about my ownself.

And watch over it like a hawk.

You will never hear me say:

"I will never be anyone special."

"I will never be successful."

"This situation will never work out the way I want it."

"I am lonely. I will always be alone."

NERP. First of all, I don't think I have felt that way in over 20 years. At least.

And if I did, I shut up until I get my head straight. I find that if I get to verbalizing that stuff, I have been feeling that way for a minute. It has been wound up tight in my thought life.

Shoot, man.. go back to the last post. NONE of that can be true. You can't see five minutes in front of your face. Anything can happen. Even in the next breath you take.

And I found myself in a couple of situations in the past six months where I had to just shut up. I was nervous and afraid about a couple of things, and I have had to learn to be still and examine those feelings really closely... and not give voice to them. Yeah, I prayed about it. BUT I didn't get into that hard wail and whine about them. If I did talk about them, it would be with someone who knew me well and could relentlessly combat my negativity.

I thought much about how I wanted things to be. About what would be the best outcome for me in the situation. And THAT's what I decided to talk about, if I talked at all.

It is tough at times, since all my life I've been doing something different. My whole childhood, negative words were spoken over me, moreso that positive.

Parents, your tongues are like spiritual ink pens. You are writing words on the hearts of your children. Make sure they are good words.

I know now to do differently now. Write good words.

And things turned out just fine. And that's the way I need for it to be.

Someone told me the other day... "Lee, you really know people."

"Not really," I said. "I just listen to what they are talking about. Their words are the overflow of their hearts. I listen hard enough, I can define their true motives, purposes and intentions."

And if you listen close enough, you will hear it too.

It amazes me that we will take much time and care in selecting our fruit at the grocery store - making sure it's ripe and not blemished. Making sure there are no holes, and they're not rotten.

Yet we don't take the same care with the words that come out of our mouths... making sure they are good and not blemished or rotten. Making sure those words are sound.

Our words are more important than that fruit. For we write those words on our hearts. Take a little time to make sure they are fruitful words. Productive words.

Take heed... we are doing much with your spiritual inkpen.

Ink is hard to blot out.

Hold that ink pen correctly.

Use that ink pen wisely.

Food for Thought: Five Minutes, Part II

2012-01-05T22:31:00.001-05:00

Click here for Part I...

So... on Wednesday afternoon, I went to morning bible study. It was interesting. Never seent the minister who preached today. She was a lady minister, and I like them. I learned some interesting things. She's an older lady, maybe a church mother. She had some INTERESTING Celie Color Purple type stories (and you know I like that type of thing, lol).

But my mind was on making a thrift store stop since I was on that side of town. I needed some cookie tins. I like to buy them cheap from one particular thrift store, clean and bleach them out good, and use them for cookie gifts.

Anyway, I was going to run in there. Takes me about 5 minutes to run in there, get my tins, and BOUNCE.

I somehow got the most noisest buggy ever. It was so noisy that people were looking at me. You could hear my empty buggy coming your way, man. So what. I was only going to be there for 5 minutes. I did what I had to do in about 2 minutes. I know exactly where they keep the tins, I know what size I like... all that. Throw them suckers in the buggy and

BOUNCE.

I got side-tracked, though.

I saw something I hadn't seen before.

They had some enormous rugs hanging from rafters.

Huge rugs!

I wheeled my noisy buggy that way. (Much noiser now, as it was filled with empty aluminum tins- all clanking as I moved). I'd been coming in there for years, and that was something new. I had to investigate.

So I decided to investigate. They were NICE rugs. Most 8' x 12'. Very clean. And they were going for $100 or less. Even though I didn't want to buy one, I spent time perusing them.

Then I looked to the right at a shelf in front of the rafters of rugs.

O_o

I thought that was funny. Not a doggone name brand amongst them. And they were all dirt cheap.

I wanted to ask one of the workers who walked by... "'Scuse me, do you have the Lysol Brand? Some Formula 409, perhaps? What about some Chlorox products?"

LOL.

I glanced over them. There were some interesting names... brands I never heard of.

There is NO way I'm cleaning my kitchen counters with Bang cleaner. Nerp. Not gonna happen.

I spent a good 5 minutes looking around. So much for doing a 5 minute drive-by cookie tin run.

Humph.

That was interesting. I took pictures to pass along to Play Mama, since she is a thrift store fanatic. I wanted to show her that our thrift stores are high class! If I need a nice rug, I know where to go. (Still passing on the cleaning products).

So, I had my cookie tins. And I was about to head to check out. I wanted to make sure I copped ALL the good cookie tins. I wheeled my noisy buggy back down that aisle.

And then I saw a woman about 15 feet from me. She looked familiar.

I looked closer.

It was my mother.

*lee's eyes go wide*

She wasn't looking my way. Her back was to me. Then she turned to the side. She was perusing the women's shirts. She held one up in the air and considered it. She apparently didn't like it, and placed it back on the rack.

*lee backing noisy buggy backwards up the aisle*

I have, like, complicated Mommie issues. She is someone that I do not deal with. Haven't since 2005 or 2006. If you have read my blog over the years... no explanation needed.

*lee backing noisy buggy backwards up the aisle hard and fast...grimacing at the noise I was making*

Mother is unpredictable. She may or may not go verbally postal in public. And I was thinking about that. I know I would get jumped on about something, even though I stay out of her way. (I am like a UFO). But I made it out of my aisle and was headed for the cashier.

Fast.

But then I thought better of it. I sent Play Mama a text: "Okay... I see my Mama in the thrift store. I suppose I should speak." To which she replied, Um yes please.

So that gave me the courage to go and speak.

She was talking to one of the workers, and had opened her purse and pulled out a notebook to show her something. I slowly made my way her way, noisy buggy and all.

And I was in front of her. She and the thrift store worker looked up.

"Hey, Mama," I said. "How you doing?"

She yelled out, "Lisa!" (my family nickname).

Then she bust out crying. Just collapsed on her buggy and and boo-hooed.

Me and the thrift store worker were puzzled to say the least. I was just glad I wasn't getting cussed.

"Why are you crying?" I asked.

She said "I am just happy to see you." Then she ran over and hugged my neck.

Weird, weird, weird, weird, weird.

I hugged her back. Even though I had no idea what was going on.

She went back to her buggy and retrieved some cards. Apparently she had printed out her new grandson's pictures from the computer, and had taped them to cards with the birth information.

"That's okay," I said. "I already have pictures. Kari sent a bunch."

She went back to her buggy, told the thrift store worker that I was her oldest child. The thrift worker oohed and aaahed.

(I told you, seeing me is like a UFO sighting. Rare).

*lee feeling uncomfy about all of this*

I thanked her for the Christmas gift that she sent via my younger sister Kentucky and told her I had a gift bag at home for her. (There was much discussion between me and Kentucky about this. She told me exactly what to buy in order to stay out of trouble. I was almost finished buying stuff.)

That was enough for me. I said good-bye, and wheeled my noisy buggy to the cashier to check out my tins.

I paid for my tins. And headed out the door.

And pondered this whole experience.

And the whole 5 minute postulate.

I had meant to run in the store and do what I had to do in 5 minutes time. That's about how long it takes over the years to make it do what it do in that store. I ended up spending 5 minutes extra time in there playing with soft rugs, and laughing at off-off brand cleaning products.

And I spent 5 minutes talking to my mother.

You can't even see five minutes in front of your face, people."

No I can't, sir. I must agree with you. No I can't.

I had a couple of text convos about my feelings concerning this that evening. Serenity23 had questions, and we talked about it. Play Mama and I talked about it.

I called my sister and asked her to explain what THAT was all about. She had her theories. Our conversations about our mother as of late have been centered on me trying to keep my sister from not throwing in the towel. Kentucky is getting to the age where she don't tolerate unnecessary drama from out Mother, so there are battles and blowouts. (It doesn't help that I holler how my Mama live in Alabama and I don't have to deal with ratchetness. Kentucky kicks the hard eyeroll at me when I get going. She knows I hate ratchetness and drama).

I will just leave this crossing paths with my mother as a chance meeting. Pleasant. A rarity in my 42 years on this earth. Thankful for pleasant moments. And leave it at that.

Such can occur when you spend five minutes too long in the store. Anything can happen.

Anyway, Minister Phillips message concerning the 5 minutes was simple. Stop being all glum about the future. You don't know what the future holds. Tomorrow isn't even promised. You can't even see 5 minutes in front of your face. Plan wisely, live wisely. Believe God. Pray. No bad days, no sad days. Have faith in God and trust Him to lead You. He has good thoughts and plans for you. Get in line with it. Line your mind and thoughts up with that.

I know that's right. Good advice indeed.

I'll be thinking about that for the 2012 season.

Food for Thought: 5 Minutes

2012-01-04T23:59:00.002-05:00

Walk with me... as we continue the Food-for-Thought blowout extravaganza.

So...

I was listening to a CD of my favorite minister from my church, Minister Phillip. I've written about him before. His sermons are usually on identity crisis issues. That's a really complicated and hard topic, and he does a great job with it. He is from the islands, has that hard carribean accent so I have to pay attention, especially if he get to talking fast, lol. I don't wanna miss nuthin.
I come out of his sermons understanding my complicated self just a little better, feeling uplifted and equipped with a written plan of action!

And that's a good thing.

I don't catch up with sessions much, as the ministers are on rotation for morning bible studies. A couple of months ago, I happen to see one of his recent messages on CD so I copped it. I like to listen to things like that when I have to be in the car for awhile. (for me that means anything longer than 20 minutes. I only put 5000 miles a year on my car).

Anyway, I happen to be listening to this message, and he said something very interesting. I'll have to paraphrase it. The part in red is the most important...

You worry about the future. You wail about tomorrow. Get all depressed, let the circumstances get to you.

The truth of the matter is that you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. Tomorrow isn't promised.

You can't even see 5 minutes in front of your face, people.

Hmm... I know he serious when we ends a sentence with "people".

He talked of how you don't know what's going to happen in the next 5 mintues.

Now hold on, I thought to myself while rolling down the freeway listening to this. He done gone to far with that.

I, LadyLee, can see 5 minutes in front of my face.

Now, when you spread time out wider, I can't say that I can see what's going to happen. I mean, I don't know what I will be doing 5 years from now. I can say what I want to be doing 5 years from now, but honestly, I don't know.

5 months from now becomes a little clearer. 5 weeks from now a little more clearer.

Then we get over into times periods closer to the present: 5 days, 5 hours...

5 minutes.

You can't even see 5 minutes in front of your face, people!

I have been off from work, including weekends, for 13 days. Oh me, oh my... man, I had all these vainglorious plans to do all these wonderful things when I was off. Cleaning my house from head to toe, get a bunch of writing done! Just all kinds of stuff.

Man. I didn't get half that stuff done. I did a lot of cleaning, but not all that I wanted to do. I may have laid a little over 3000 words on paper. And that was just since January 1st.

But all the plans I had, I didn't get done.

I really couldn't see 5 days in front of my face.

And 5 hours ago, I thought by now, by the time I wrote this post, that I would have my clothes together for work tomorrow and my lunch prepared. Just to save myself some time. Here we are, and I only have my lunch prepared (basically I put the leftover fragrant potato and chickpea stew from dinner in tupperware container and that is lunch for tomorrow).

Still gotta get my clothes together, though. (*lee listening out for that dryer buzzer*)

You see where I'm getting at.

But I was having a bit of trouble with this 5 minute statement:

You can't even see 5 minutes in front of your face, people!

This 5 minute thing... I get what he was saying, but dang man...
I, LadyLee, can see 5 minutes in front of my face.

I KNOW what's gonna happen in the next 5 minutes.

No sir! You can't tell me that I don't know what was going to happen in the next 5 minutes.

Or do I?

I didn't fully understand what he meant until I went to the thrift store today.

I fully understand that today.

So after morning bible study, I went to the thrift store. I was only gonna be in there for 5 minutes. That's my usual time.

But... But...

~echoing in my head~

You can't even see 5 minutes in front of your face, Ladylee.

(Should I make this a 2 part post? Yeah, man... I'll make it a two part post... To be continued.)

Food for Thought: The Singing of Songs

2012-01-03T21:36:00.002-05:00

When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, they heard the voice of God, and they hid themselves.

When God asked why they were hiding, they replied they were...

Afraid.

And he asked them a question...

One He asks me when I get to feeling low, fearful, or in some sort of way...

Just feeling bad about life and where I am, and all the shoulda, woulda, couldas:

"Who told you this, Adam and Eve?"

"Who told you this, LadyLee?"

In other words, "Who told you this, Oldgirl? What have you been meditating on, pondering, and considering that would have you come to these conclusions about yourself, your life, your worth, your place in this world, and your purposes?

Because it sure wasn't Me (God)!!

That's not what My Word says about you.

Hmmm...

I heard that many years ago. Found it, fascinating.

Not much sticks with me. But THAT sticks with me. In all its simplicity, it delves into the human psyche and nature.

I text it to a friend a little while ago. Another friend a few months ago. And yet another friend some time before that.

"When Adam and Eve ate from the tree..."

(I know they were all like... What the world?? What the heck is this chick getting at?)

Yeah, I text it... right when someone gets crunk and gets to wailing hard. They've examined their past, or something that just happen, or some circumstance or problem and just start wailing negative things about themselves.

I tell you, Man... Guilt and self condemnation and fear sho do move us to acting out in some interesting ways.

It's kind of like when a puppy gets all excited or distressed... you know how they get crunk, get to whining... and then pee all over themselves.

Got to stop life's pissy moments.

Yes I text that in italics above.

And I follow up with my own thoughts on it...

Sometimes the trials of life - circumstances, bad decisions, the cares and worries of life, our checking accounts, detrimental people, and any other tomfoolery you can think of - sho nuff know how to lock arms and sang an interestingly LOUD song to us...

With some mighty strong choruses...

And we listen closely to the song, humm right along, memorize the words...

And start singing right along.

Getting in agreement with it all.

Don't get in agreement with that song... it might lead you to a place of fear, it may lead you in the wrong direction...

Sing a different song!

One that won't make God go O_o, but one that He can join in on and tap His foot to.

You and I have long rich histories.

Long laundry lists of wonderful accomplishments... peppered with some mistakes and unfortuante issues...

Just remember who you are truly... and go with that.

Focus on that... Sing THAT song.

Our feelings will fall in line with that good song, sooner and faster than you and I think.

I'm sure that passage above has deeper meaning. And you know me. I can go on and on. But this is the primary one for me.

Man, I refuse to get in agreement with feelings that have me going down the wrong road. If I make mistakes, I will acknowledge them, and get back on the right track... lickity split!

And I am shifting into 5th gear with that for the 2012 season.

First Monday!

2012-01-02T15:09:00.002-05:00

Whelp! It is the first Monday of the year.

I must admit... I wrote "2012" in my journal yesterday and it looked mighty funny.

But I can get use to it. Gimme about a month.

The New Year is bright already. If you didn't see the last post, my brother Kari aka "Milk and Cookies" welcomed son #2 into the world.

Here are a couple more pictures. Milk and Cookies Jr. and Milk and Cookies 3.0!

Milk and Cookies, Jr. is cheesing down! And Milk and Cookies 3.0 is knocked out!

LOL. I can tell right now he's going to be a great big brother.

Good thing I finished his baby blanket!

They got it on Friday, baby born on Sunday. That was a close one!

Stay tuned for more pictures!

Anyway, i am off today. I am suppose to go back to work on Wednesday. I have been cleared to take the rest of the week off, but honestly, I just don't have much else to do. I rather just go head on and go back.

I know I am not going to feel like that on Thursday morning. Sigh. But that is okay. Work 2 days, and then it's a 2 day weekend! *cartwheels*

Today I have spent cleaning. And there is a 227 marathon on. I use to love that show 20 years ago.

It's sunny and cold outside. I should try to get out and do something today. We will see!

I see you all have enjoyed the Food for thought posts.... I have a couple more, so we will keep that going for the rest of the week. I think it was a good way to end my year, and it will be a good way to start my week.

So, here's to the 1st week of the year!

Make it a good one... on purpose.

Milk and Cookies 3.0

2012-01-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

Look who showed up overnight at 1:35 am Pacific time out in Seattle!

A New Years Baby!

Milk and Cookies 3.0

*lee shouting hard enough from Atlanta for the baby to hear out in Seattle*

HAPPY FIRST DAY ON THE PLANET, MINI MILK!

HAPPY NEW DAY TO YA, NEPHEW!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BOY!!

*throws glitter*

2012-01-01T01:56:00.002-05:00

STAR DATE

2012.1.1

ALAS
THE FIRST DAY OF

THE SECOND YEAR OF

THE SECOND DECADE OF THE

21st CENTURY IS AT HAND.

IT BEGINS TODAY!

(((((((HAPPY NEW YEAR)))))))

From your Friendly Neighborhood Oldgirl

LadyLee

Food for Thought: This Year...

2011-12-31T20:37:00.002-05:00

Oh well...

2011 is just hours from being history... from being in the past, from being behind us...

And I have spent all week thinking, as I usually do at the end of every year, of that year, and what I learned, what I found to be significant...

Where I succeeded and where I failed.

And I want to take this time to look back on a few things.

I did better with my finances this year. I met my savings goals and set some new ones. Matter of fact, I was looking back at a Finance post I did back in January 2011, and I actually did quite well. I began setting and implementing new financial goals for the new year around December 1st, so I am happy about that.

I finished a manuscript this year. Earlier this year, I finished my manuscript Watch. It was short for me, around 240 pages. Very complicated stuff. A bunch of bloggers read through that draft and I had some AMAZING discussions with people.

I can't say that I have written much more this year. I really hate long form things, like novel length, works. Many of you have read Sweet Heat and Watch, and I can't thank you for all the help and feedback I received. It was wonderful. But like I said, I don't like long form. I love very short pieces, much of which has been placed on this blog. I know I had to have written 10 short-shorts this year for your enjoyment. That's what I enjoy.

But when I complete something long, I am happy for it. There are nice touches throughout, and I always write with a good underlying moral to the story. I think I would love writing long form if I didn't have the distraction of working my job everyday.

I have about 10 novels in my head. Wouldn't you like to read all that?

My relationship with my sister has grown this year. I tell you, if you have ever met my sister, you will notice that she is 10 times quieter than me. AND she is 10 times funnier than me. I must say I really love talking to her because she REALLY makes me laugh. But this year, we have had good heart-to-heart talks. She has had to encourage me, and she gives great advice. I have been angry about a few things in the latter part of this year, and she has been good about setting my head straight, and hearing my frustrations. She explains things very well. I would have never thought that would happen, sense there is an 11 year difference in our ages, but I guess we are just getting older now. I am more thankful for her, each and every day. We are not part of a close knit family, but she makes me feel like I have some family, and that I am a part of something special.

I met a bunch of bloggers and readers this year. Jennifer, Mzinspiredmind, Marille, Lisa B., Singlema, Tazzee, Remnants, and whoever else I left out. I even ran into bloggers I've met in the past, like Southern Black Gal and Serenity again this year. Phenomenal people. I tell you, the depth of wisdom that has been imparted into me... man, I wouldn't trade it for theeworld.

One such blogger who has had a daily impact on my life, virtually all year is blogger Adrienne. This year she has been my online Mama. Funny how that happen. She
would be on twitter talking about how she really loves her husband and children and how she loves being a mother and wife.

I thought this was HILARIOUS. Why? Because my mother never thought of me as such. I went and told my sister about this. We were O_o. We have never heard of such of thing. Our mother does NOT feel that way about us. We couldn't even imagine our mother saying such a thing. WOW.

So I would holler "Can you adopt me? Can you be my Mama?"

So the running joke began.

Funny. I don't call her by her first name. I call her Mama. I am suppose to work on that for 2012. We will see. I know her family thinks I am a bit.... special. Because I call her brothers, "Uncle". I call her Mama "Grandma". I call her husband "Uncle Tony". (He is NOT my daddy. He better roll with the Uncle. LOL). And her childrens are my siblings. They know I am the eldest child.

LOL. (They tend to be polite and smile at me. I know she has sat them down and told them that I am... special. LOL)

I remember LadyTee saying one day, "But she is, like, younger than you, girl. But-"

She almost got tackled and thrown to the floor for that observation. "BE QUIET, LADYTEE," is what I yelled.

But I can't even explain the impact she has had on my life. She helps me work on my spiritual growth. She has such an interesting depth of wisdom, from which I have benefitted greatly. There is so much to her than meets the eye. Just a degree of multifacetness that I have rarely seen in people. I can tell her things, and there is no judgment. She has kept me out of some potential messes. Overall, she is a very kind person. I consider her not only a friend, but a much undeserved gift from God. Just a fascinating Oldgirl indeed. And I am glad to have met her. And she continues to have a daily impact on my life. I hope that is not for just a reason or for a season, as God tends to place people on my path for specific purposes and to solve specific problems. I hope it is ongoing. I really do.

You's good people, Mama. And don't you ever forget it.

But overall, it was great to meet so many readers and bloggers. Ya'll are some PHENOMENAL people.

I gave more this year. No, not to church. I suppose I need to work on that. I am a tither, but funny on the offering side of things, meaning, I don't have a set offering goal. I don't keep up with that. Not sure what that is about.

But I mean I gave more into people's lives. I have a set figure I give to people per year. I didn't meet that in 2010. But I more than met it this year. I enjoy being able to be part of meeting a need or a dream. I really do. And you know why? Because I am always working on my selfishness issues. Always. To the point where I am a bit more sensitive to when I am being selfish, and I make note to correct it. And that is all I can ask for: to be sensitive to the needs of others, and to be quick to correct myself when I am being selfish.

From selfish to selfless. That is important to me. Because we are living in a strange time. A time of what can I get from you and how much can you do for me. I want NO parts of that. NONE.

That is the goal. And I made some strides in that manner.

I am growing. I always tell my sister, "It's like walking from Atlanta to California. Just get started. We will eventually get there. The important thing is to walk in that direction."

I am walking in the direction of selfless. I have far to go.

One day I will get there.

I prayed more this year. My goal this year was to get up and pray for an hour every morning, every day this year. Sometimes that worked out. Sometimes it didn't. I would say I had a 90% success rate on that goal.

So that works out to around 330 out of 365 days out of the year. That is ALOT. And I pray every day, it just that a few days, it was less than an hour. I am talking about a FULL hour. So I think 90% is not bad.

And you will not believe the answers I got, or the personal revelations. You wouldn't believe it if I told you. I've posted a few things here on blog, mostly because I really need to go back and read it when I need it. Most things I refuse to post, but I tend to talk about it offline if it comes up in convo (Trust, it always does. There is some situation that the answer fits, if not for me, for someone else.) There had been, one time, a 2 hour turn around on a prayer (which was odd, since I was a bit ticked about something, and was a bit sarcastic... uh, that got shut down).

And I must say, the majority of the time, the answers are never what I would think they would be. It got to a point where I started keeping a written record of answers. Not as stringent as I would have, but there have been some intangible things that have helped me gain a better understanding of some personal issues that I have been dealing with. For that I am thankful.

And I know one thing: any answered prayer comes with asterik.

*this answer is NOT subject to or takes into account people's opinions and approval.

Thank goodness for that.

And you know me, I ain't a "gimme" type of chick. I don't pray with any type of motive. For me, it was all about working on my relationship with God. It was about increasing my level of commitment, spirituality, and growth. It has gotten to the point that I SO look forward to waking up in the morning and praying. That is the very first thing on my mind. Not all the work drama, not the things going on in my life, not the news, none of that.

The first thing on my mind each day is to get up and spend time with the Father. And that right there, sets the tone for my day.

I am writing about it here because it was something important to me. Moreso in the vein of finding a level of consistency. I find that if I am consistent when it comes to God, it spreads out into my being more consistent with myself, and with others in life. And it also increases my level of personal peace.

This will continue. And it will get deeper and better. And I will grow in my character. I know I will.

Biggest Realization of the Year. If I see people who are working on their personal growth and character, those are the people I need to get to know and pay close attention to.

People who think that they are all that, and they don't need to work on themselves... the people that I like to think of as "perfect people", are a trip. These seem to be the people who wreak havoc in other people's lives. Seems like when they are around, even the dogs, cats, goldfish and cockroaches' lives get worse.

You don't believe me? Pay close attention and you will see what I am talking about. That is all.

I realized that this year.

And when these people walk out of the room and out of our lives, seems like we can all stand up and recover.

Biggest realization of the year #2. I spend 1% of my time per week in Church. If that much. 99% of my time is spent doing something else. So I am not sure what all the religious fighting is about. I am who I am truly when I ain't in church. I am who I am when no one is looking. Character is what you are doing when no one is looking. My goal is to work on THAT. I will leave the arguing to everybody else.

Listen, I don't care where you go to church. As long as you are happy. Don't hate on me for where I go to church. I am happy. Do an Oldgirl a favor and come at me with something that you learned, that will bless me and help me grow. I would really apprecitate that.

Biggest ralization of the year #3. I realizing that I am getting older. Every morning when I wake up, and look in the mirror, I notice more and more gray hair, scattered all about my hairline. It's odd to me.

I still feel young. I am still a young chicken.

But I don't worry about it. You won't hear me whining about it. Man, it is SO much more important that I woke up to see a new day, especially with this lupus. I have MANY more good days than bad. And I was looking at some bloodwork paperwork the other day, and I am actually in the very light category. I have been moderate for years, so that is a plus.

So if I wake up in the morning and my hair is completely gray? So be it. I am just a day older.

I am happy to see a new day. And each day is such a wonderful gift.

So those are my personal ponderings for the year 2011. There's much more. But I won't go on.

I just know that this has been a very rich year for your Friendly Neighborhood Oldgirl LadyLee.

Yes indeed.

Man oh man... I can't wait to see what the year 2012 will bring.

Food for Thought: A Pretty Gift

2011-12-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

We tend to see a pretty gift...

Wrapped all nice, pretty paper and bows.

We see it, we want it, we imagine in our thoughts all of what wonderful things are inside.

Gotta be something nice inside, right?

Because look how beautifully it's wrapped.

I GOTTA HAVE IT!!

Alas, we spend time opening it...

Carefully removing the expensive paper, removing the expertly applied tape and untying the bows.

We open the box and what we find inside is NOT what we were expecting.

We frantically try to close the gift.

But now it's too late.

Because we've seen it, smelled it, heard it, tasted it...

Felt it.

We hurry and try to close the box, but it is too late...

The damage is done.

It's on us. It's in us.

And the residue, it's hard to rub off. We rub so hard that we rub our skin raw.

The residue... the consequences are latched to us like a leach...

Taking us to unknown places, directions unseen...

And the regret, it settles in for the ride...

And the ride...

The ride is long.

Hmm... Interesting.

But I got that one day, maybe a week or two ago, after some of my ussal morning prayer. I am not particularly sure what was on my mind that day. But that came up.

I didn't understand it until I wrote it all down. Even now, it is still pregnant with revelation.

I can look back over my year, and well, really, my whole life and I can see how I went after things that were very appealing to me, but once I realized what was really going on, those things and people were not good for me at all. As a matter of fact, those people and things were a detriment to my life.

And once I realize this, it isn't so hard to walk away. I have made the decision to walk away.

But the residue of the interaction... it is long lasting. The thoughts, memories, regrets, decisions, etc... stays with me.

And this little parablish story goes a long way to explain something I've been trying to understand all week:

We can control what decisions we make, but we can't control the consequences of those decisions.

I was watching a program on TV, and the person said that we make around 200 decisions per day. Just on a daily basis. Decisions on what to do, what to say, where to go, who to interact with, etc.

That's a LOT of decisions.

But with those decisions come consequences.

Consequences are built into the decisions. They, these consequences, are the results of decisions. They come with the package.

They are what is inside the pretty gift box.

And as I get older, I am learning, in all my decision-making, to think about the consequences of the decisions. If I don't like the consequences, I most likely will squash the decision.

However, I have a long long way to go in that. Sometimes, I get it wrong. Sometimes I get it right.

I think for myself, the goal now, is to be sure to be brutally honest with myself. I am learning to examine the root of my decisions. It is at times, a painful process.

Because we want what we want, right?

We want that pretty gift.

But it is painful to realize that gift, although appealing, may not be the best for us. Too much mess can result from embracing it. And sometimes the sheer memory and thought of it... the residue left behind after we have gotten rid of what we thought was a great gift, is so hard to rid ourselves of.

Just a little something I've been thinking about concerning this "pretty gift".

Man, I could go on and on. I will be pondering it for awhile indeed.

And I will be sure to examine my pretty gifts more closely...

And what could possibly be inside.

Food for Thought: My Bed and My Mind

2011-12-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, I was watching television, and someone said something very interesting. I quickly found a piece of paper and wrote it down.

"Your mind is just like your bed: you have to make it up everyday, and be careful who you let sleep in it."

That has been on my mind for a couple of months.

We've always been told to make up our beds in the morning.

I've never seen the point of it. Afterall, I'm just going to get back in it later that evening. Right?

But a bed is usually the center of the room. And a made-up bed makes a room look neater. There have been times when the room can be trash, but if I make up my bed... that is the start of me getting the rest of the room cleaned.

So I can say the same about my mind, my thinking. This has been a year that I can see clearly that if I make my mind up about something, then things straighten themselves out. If I am a bit on the fence about things, well, things tend to stay in their ruffled state.

Just like a bed that hasn't been made up.

The other part of the quote... be careful who you let lay up in your bed.

That is a little clearer. Moreso with experience. I thing the older we get, the more careful we are about who we are sleeping with. When you have been hurt one too many times, that becomes of high priority.

Usually someone who sleeps in your bed, the person you are physically involved with, not only has your body... but your heart also.

So of course, it is important to be extra careful about that.

Extra.

But I am more interested in the mental analogy here.

I am becoming more cognizant of who I let rent space in my mind. Most importantly, who or what is taking up my thinking? And is it a mental drain or not.

I tend to be very extreme. I either deal with you or I don't. No fakery from me. And trust, if I sniff a whiff of any psychological Jedi mind tricks and games - you know what I'm talking about... you know how people can be - I probably won't have much to do with you.

Why? Because I don't like being in mental bondage to people. I know I will be thinking about your trickery later, i.e., you will be renting space in my mind. Ain't good for me, an Oldgirl who is trying her best to stay on top of my anger management isshas.

And this is a year that I've had to evict some folk and issues. Hate to be like that, but you know my way of thinking: if you're not being a blessing to me, and I'm not being a blessing to you... then uh... you know.

Anyway, that's what that quote had me thinking about. I am working on not meditating on bad situations and people who are not good for my life. I am cognizant of making up my mind about things. Of course their are a plethora of things that I haven't made my mind up about, and for the new year, I want to get on top of making my mind up about those things.

For the past couple of months, I have made my mind up about my day. My morning confession has been:

"This is a day the Lord has made, and whether it's a sunny or dreary, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it. This is a day that has been planned for, and but not seen. Today will be a great day for me. I will make a positive impact today."

I have my mind made up about that. Yes indeed. And it has helped me appreciate my days more, and not take anything for granted. Any good thing that happens, I am glad of it. And I notice good things more.

So... do you have your mind made up or are you wavering concerning certain issues and people?

Are you careful about who and what rents space in your mind?

Who's laying up in your bed today... that don't need to be there?

Best question of all:

Did you make your bed up today?

Food for Thought: The Year End Edition

2011-12-28T08:16:00.002-05:00

So I thought I would end this year with a bit of Food for Thought.

A series.

The Year End Edition.

If I posted all that has been on my mind this year, what has influenced me, etc., these posts would go well into the new year. But I won't do that. I will stay less than prolific and put up some things I have gotten through prayer, some things I picked up on, some things I have read, or heard in a sermon here or there...

So here's a quote, a little something for you to ponder.

"Management is the process of assuring that the program and objectives of the organization are implemented. Leadership, on the other hand, has to do with casting vision and motivating people. People don't want to be managed. They want to be led." -- John C. Maxwell

A most interesting quote.

And it was always below the signature of one of a my former coworkers who just retired. It was his signature quote.

And he had many problems with management.

And he was the respected chosen leader amongst the employees.

What a great quote, man.

And I could see management SEETHING everytime they read it...

Or hopefully they were wondering if they fit the bill.

Hmm.

It indirectly reminds me of a bible verse. Earlier this year, a reader said something that reminded me of it. I had to go back and take a look at it.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.

This Christmas...

2011-12-27T00:44:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2011 was a quiet Christmas, just like last year.

And an Oldgirl likes that.

We don't have big sweeping family Christmases anymore. No unwrapping of gifts, no fanfare, no big dinners. None of that. I think the problem with me, as with my sister, there was SO much competition: who bought the best gifts, etc., that as adults, it is just desired to treat it as another day, remembering the true reason for the season, and to keep things... quiet.

But me and my sister, we got together. I decided to go over to her house. She likes to cook, and since I cooked for Thanksgiving, she cooked for Christmas.

She made fried chicken, collard greens, green bean casserole, rice, and a cheesy potato casserole. She also made sweet potato pie, and she had german chocolate cake from a bakery we love.

And you know me. I never go anywhere empty handed.

I sauteed some purple cabbage, and I made field peas.

I also made something she has been asking for since March: some gumbo.

She was shocked when I showed up with that. I don't make it because I don't really eat much meat anymore, so I don't see the point. Plus there is a good vegan version at my local natural foods co-op, so no need to make it.

But I gave her enough to freeze up. Let's just say she is good for 2012.

Kentucky always gives the nicest gifts. She listens real hard, and that's how she buys her gifts. (I, on the other hand, am not quite as savvy).

I mentioned awhile ago that I wanted a tea kettle, and was looking for one. And that is what she got me.

Very high class and sheek. It does not look like your typical tea kettle.

She also gave me some pads that she's been raving about.

*crickets*

That is all right, because hey, let's face it, we always need that!

LOL

It reminds me of my Mother's Christmas gift to my Aunt for so many years: an economy box of Maxithins. Sometimes the oversized box would be gift wrapped, or it would be in a plastic bag. Either which way, they would pass it quietely between themselves.

We weren't as quiet about it!

I told my sister I didn't get her anything. She was fine with that. Neither of us want anything, just to have a drama free time.

However, I did get her a gas card.

She was HAPPY about that!

And she got her gumbo! She was BEYOND thrilled about that.

We had a nice time. We watched a couple of movies Little Red Riding Hood, and The Lovely Bones. Both good, but strange. I had the itis, i.e., dozed on the sofa after eating. We had a good talk about life and things going on with each of us, and what we learned about this year, and what we see for the upcoming year.

I had a good time with my sister. Can't wait for next year!!

Friday Freestyles: The Eve before Christmas Eve

2011-12-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

The Eve before Christmas Eve.

I have had a pretty decent day thus far. First of all, I am HAPPY to be OFF from work. That in itself make it great day.

I woke up this morning pondering whether to go to Friday Morning bible study. This shouldn't really be an option for me, since I LOVE morning bible studies. But you know how it is when it is cold outside and you gotta deal with all that, etc. Uh, not a good look. But I got up and got dressed and got on out of here. I am glad that I did. Heard an interesting message on grace from one of the lady ministers. Good stuff!

Yet, on the way there, I ran into the Mayor of my 'Hood, Snake.

Hustling Pecans on the corner.

He asked if I wanted a bag. They were 2 for $5.

I told him I didn't have a nutcracker.

He said I should bring my car down to the I shine you shine car wash.

Now, he drove past my house in a Mercedes the other day. They have a pick up/drop off service. But that's cool for the luxury cars. I have a zoom zoom. You won't be picking up my car, sir.

I can just hear him now.

"Uh, LadyLee, it looks as if we have misplaced your car."

Uh no. I will take it down there and WATCH them wash it. That is as good as it gets!

Humph.

I told him I would catch up to him this weekend. Maybe get a bag of pecans for my Grandma. She likes to crack them. That is just too much going on for me. White People's Kroger got plenty shelled pecans, and they will do just fine.

I will spend the rest of my day cleaning up and cooking. I have some beans that need snapping. I want to make some black eye peas and cabbage.

Gooooood eating, man! Good eating.

Still waiting for Chele, or Lisa b., or Ginae or Remnants to get over here with the chitlins... so they can start cleaning them.

And Christmas is coming... time is winding down!

You all better get on those red bucket chittlin' cleaning duties at your house too!

HOOORAY!

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hooorrraaaay!

I holler this as I jump up and down on my bed!

I am OFF from work!

Until January 4th or 8th!

(haven't decided whether to extend or not yet. Don't matter, I will cross that raggedy bridge when I get theeeerrrrreeee).

*jumping up and down on bed*

I am OFF!

It feels GOOD!!

Feels so good that I just gotta play my feel good song, my "I ain't gotta go ta work, ninjas!" song!!!

LOL!!!

*lee STILL jumping up and down on the bed...HARD*

Oh my! All worn out now.

I text someone last night, "Man, I don't smoke weed no more, but if I did, I'd be HIGH AS A KITE right now!"

Ha! Ha!

And if I was a drinker, I'd be WASTED right now!

Holiday wasted!

Alas, that ain't the case. Not sure what I wanna do today. I know I need to make a run to the farmers market before all the Christmas rush tomfoolery. My sister has been asking for some gumbo since, uh, let's see, March of this year. Ya think it's time for me to make her a pot?

So that is the main duty of the day. If I get at least that much done, I am GOOD.

I'll go do that, and then come back and watch some Judge shows!

*cartwheels*

Look out for some posts from me. I got all the time in the world to do so!

Have a great Thursday! On Purpose!

Adventures at the White People's Kroger, Part II

2011-12-21T18:25:00.000-05:00

So, as you saw in part I of my Kroger's adventure, I like to peruse the store, looking for new and interesting things...

And I was walking down a particulary ethnically inclined aisle, where they have things sectioned off by asian and mexican. But here, and the WP Krogers, they have a Jamican section, a Morrocan section, a Kosher section, etc...

They also have a british section.

And I saw a can of something on the shelf...

Look closely at that picture. YOU KNOW what I saw. I ain't printing it, since this is a rated PG blog.

YOU see what I'm talking about... The can of spotted...

LOL.

That was in the British section. For the brits.

Where is my girl Mzinspiredmind? She's a quadroon chicken. Some of her relatives are from over there around that ways.

Hey girl, why you didn't tell me about the Spotted D??

LOL.

I looked to my left, looked to my right... picked the can of spotted D, shook it around.

And quickly put it back.

I didn't want anyone seeing me with my hands on the spotted D. Nerp.

I looked it up when I got home. It is a type of steamed pudding made with suet (beef lard). And it has fruit in it. And you eat it with custard.

I found MANY videos on Youtube. Apparently it is very popular over in Britain.

Yeah, uh... I like making new things, but I will NOT be making that.

Plus, I don't have any custard to go with it. Nope. And I ain't buying any.

Oh the wonderful things I see when I peruse the aisles of the White People's Kroger!

Yo, Mzinspiredmind... Hon, you and yo Mama...

Ya'll make it, tell me how it is!

Adventures at the White People's Kroger, Part I

2011-12-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

You all know how much I LOVE the White People's Kroger.

It's the Kroger they build in the regentrified hood, when all the White People move back intown. And it's better than the regular Kroger, you see. It has to look like the Kroger on the North side of town.

It even has it's own wine steward! *ladylee raises an eyebrow*

(But they play a lot of Jodeci and Luther Vandross. I have not heard not one Britney Spears or Barry Manilow song. *crickets* I haven't quite figured that one out yet).

My Pharmacy is located there. They get a kick out of me.

"I don't want all my meds today. Gimme $20 worth!"
Pharm Tech looks at me all crazy.
"I gots the money, man! I just don't wanna pay $70 bucks. That's like paying a bill or something. Gimme $20 dollars worth!"

LOL

And I like to wander around, peruse the interesting new things there. They are constantly changing. Gotta keep the intown white folks content you see.

So imagine my surprise when I saw the chitterlings there.

On sale for $7.99.

I learned that white folks eat chittlins when I was attending grad school. My friend says his family batters and fries them in hot grease. Hmmm... Never had them like that before!

But I am tripping on the price. Last time I even perused the chitterling section, they were $4.99 a pound. What's up with the price hike?

Anyway, Chele? Ginae? Lisa B.?

One of ya'll older chickens who know how to properly clean chittlins!?

Stop by the White People's Krogers and pick up a couple of red buckets and come on by the house and sit them over in my laundry sink to thaw! And don't get the container with the spilled blood on it. NASTY. Get INTACT buckets please. INTACT and clean. Please. Much Obliged.

You won't be using my kitchen sink. Ya'll not cleaning chittlins where I wash dishes. Laundry sink is just fine. Milk and Cookies, my brother, used it once to hold his shark.

I reckon it will work just fine for chittlin' cleaning. Ya'll work that out!

Only 5 days 'til Christmas! Better get on it!

But that's not the strangest thing I saw at the White people's Kroger...

Stay tuned for Part II.

LadyLee in the Kitchen!

2011-12-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

If you know me, then you know I have my pet peeves.

One of them is that I cannot STAND spending all day in the kitchen.

And I'm not even talking about a hot kitchen, with the oven on high and the pots boiling over on the stove. Nerp. I'm talking about just not liking to spend too much time in the kitchen.

But then there are those times I don't mind. Like when I make my red pepper ketchup.

And to tell the truth, it isn't all day. Maybe a couple of hours.

And that feels like all day.

But I LOVE this ketchup. I first had it at the Watershed some 4 years ago. It came as a condiment with the fried oyster appetizer. I remember saying to the waitress? "Red pepper ketchup? What the world? Bring me a side of tartar sauce with my oysters."

She said I would really enjoy it. And she was right! It is indeed a surpising taste.

So I bought the chefs cookbook, and lo and behold, I saw it in there.

I didn't know you could make ketchup out of any veggie, fruit or nut. I just always thought ketchup was tomato ketchup. So I made it 4 years ago, and I make it now, like, every 2 years.

It's not that hard. It is more a matter of getting all the chopping of the vegetables done. WOW!

I needed 9 cups of red bell peppers, and 5 cups of onions. All chopped.

O_O

That was the worst part. Let's just say, I turned on the TV in the living room, hoping to find a good Lifetime Movie. LOL. Nope, I watched a couple of shows on ESPN. That was all that was on good on Sunday morning before Church.

I also had to sterilize my Mason jars.

I boiled those, along with my tongs for gripping them, for a good hour. Not sure I did that right. But I took all the lids and jars out and let them dry on a paper towel.

(That was painstaking. Had to be careful not to touch nothing.)

I threw all my peppers in a skillet, but the skillet was much too small.

That is my favorite skillet, though. It is 20 years old. First skillet I bought for my new place when I was in grad school. That's an ollllldddd skillet.

But I couldn't use it. Had to bring out a dutch boiler (I think that's what it is called).

In addition to the chopped red bell peppers and onions, I also had to finely chope some ginger and garlic (UGH! That took forever). There were also a TON of spices to measure out. Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, and some more I can't even remember).

I added all of those to the pot with a half cup of water, and simmered it for about half an hour, while sitting there stirring and tossing it with tongs.

After the peppers and onions softened up, I added it all to a blender and pureed it.

First time I did that, it wasn't cute. Adding hot stuff to a blender... man, I don't even want to talk about it. Let's just say an Oldgirl is much more careful these days. LOL

I added brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, 2 cups each, and let that simmer for about an hour and a half. I carefully poured everything into my cooled jars, and capped them off.

Not sure how much that came out to be. Looks like with all those doggone peppers I cut up, I should have more than that! But once it cooks down and reduces some of the water out, I guess that is all I get. But that is cool.

The top bigger jar is an old jar I used last time, and that alone lasted 2 years in the fridge. I plan to give the others as gifts. I want to leave one on the shelf, just to see if I did the sterilizing process correctly. I wish I could find an older lady from the Celie Color Purple era that understood all this canning stuff. It seems to have become a lost art. Sigh.

I gave a jar to one of my coworkers, who likes to bring me in GREAT meals to try.
I didn't tell her what it is... I just told her it was... ketchup.

LOL.

But it has a different taste. And used all organic veggies, which makes it EXTRA good. I love it with my french fries, and with seafood, on the rare occasions I eat that.

But it is good stuff. I am trying to summon up the courage to try different veggies and fruits... like mangos. I bet THAT would be good.

If only I didn't mind being in the kitchen for so long... No telling what I could do!

But that was my adventure for the weekend! Spending 3 or 4 hours around the kitchen!

I hope you are having kitchen adventures this holiday season too!