Your Lunch and Drinks are on us! IF! - you can name the source.... (sandra! & robert!) #pacific beach #poetry @writeousmom
and so, there we were, my sexy and i, thoroughly enjoying a hamburger and drinks at the fun-vibe, baja beach cafe, write on the boardwalk at pacific beach..
-and that still small voice.. the one i keep praying to remain sensitive to...
"go ahead...do it."
so, i increased the volume of my voice enough to get their attention "hey neighbor..." i said with a big smile..
once they looked at me, and i knew that they knew i was talking to them
"we will buy your entire lunch and pay for all your drinks if you can name the source..."
and they smiled, and agreed to give it a go..
and i said with a smile, i said,
"Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete?"
and they contorted their faces... tilted their heads, looked this way and that, wanting to guess, but not quite sure..
and eventually surrendered.
lightheartedly i gave them a bad time... "oh! you coulda had your whole lunch paid for..."
and we chit-chatted for a bit.. talked about poetry, music, and their own art and creative writing;
and i want to say "Thank You!" here to Milkias & Marissa for being such good sports.
-When my Kissin' The Chocolate Blues hits theaters again... you can hit us up for free VIP tickets.
/okay, admittedly... free tickets x2 at $12 a piece doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but!
i'm talkin' about free tickets when Kissin' The Chocolate Blues hits the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and when Jessica is singin' along side K.T. Tunstall herself!
****
THEN, -how could i resist? when we were riding back to our truck... i spotted the young woman you see in the picture above, danielle. and i said with a smile, i said, "can you name the source?"
and she was game..
"Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete?"
but she couldn't come up with a guess or answer either...
another great sport though, "Thank You!"
***
and now, that's just become a new fun thing for me to do...
what prize shall i offer for the first person i come across who can name the source accurately?
not sure.. but this is fun.
hallelujah & amen.
PUBLIC "Thank You's!" from Robert & Sandra (AKA: sexy! & tops!) #IWA #carlsbad #pacificbeach @writeousmom
2 or 3 days prior, one of my prayers was to "please help keep me sensitive to your still small voice.."
and then our neighbor friend... he explained how they were unable to go on their scheduled vacation, and offered their time-share to us
the still small voice; not so small.. said, "Say Yes!"
and soon as i heard "Carlsbad" i lit up with the hope i could cross paths, and get some visits in with my family there. -everything was short notice..
but, "thank you!" Jesus, and Uncle Mike.. and Erin, Seth & Paula (<3 cooper)
despite lives heavy with travel; the planets did align.
Tues: Carlsbad.. and just about as soon as we unpacked; we were on our bikes... gorgeous! area, wonderful climate.. blue skies, blue ocean.. purple blooms..
Wed: ! red, white & blue rocks ! and so we played on the shore, creating a new indigenous word art piece for our collection... and we moved pretty quickly, because at 11:40am,
lunch with my awesome & very cool uncle mike @ miguel's cocina
-last time we visited was at my 50th birthday, slash, family reunion party...
and a wonderful visit it was.. and i was getting to show off my robert to this part of my family; and show off this part of my family to my robert for the 1st time..
and, my uncle, [like his older brother/my dad; like their dad/my grandpa, when he was alive; and like my brother] they all have a library of one liners and story jokes at the ready..
and my sister and i... like, we don't.
but we are a great audience. and my uncle told a couple that made us laugh so hard we knocked a glass off the table at miguels; broke and shattered all to pieces.. they had to come put a neon cone out at our table, and true story here: it happened twice! -no sooner did they get one broken glass cleaned up, that another one went flying too... /our apologies, but...
great visit! my uncle is an avid golfer, with wonderful stories/experiences about playing at some pretty elite courses.. and, like my son, he is a luxury sport car enthusiasts, so.. i pass those pix/stories to my son via text...
and we reminisce... and catch up on the current goings on with family members... and share the set-backs, and the victories; and just all n' all enjoy each others company for a little while
and, i had mentioned i was going to see my aunt susie's (his sister) memorial mural in la jolla
"it might not still be there.." he cautioned. it has been over 20 years..
and did it ever feel like an answered prayer to find it still there.. and share this beautiful mural with Robert.. and share about my beautiful Aunt Susie (susan).. Director of La Jolla's United Methodist Church Pre School, wife, and mom with two young children, when she was diagnosed, and eventually died, from skin cancer.
-her favorite flower, -the sun flower.. and i can still see children from the pre-school carrying sunflowers down the aisle at my aunt's memorial service.. -that beautiful/painful combination..
where the painful part gets the lion share of your heart for years to come..
and, i have to highly recommend a visit to this church nursery school in la jolla for the art itself!
since my last visit.. it is loaded everywhere with the most stunning, colorful, creative mosaics.. and paintings, and mixed media delights!
then it was on to "our old stomping grounds" (our = my sister and i) visiting grandpa & grandma's house in pacific beach, san diego every summer for who knows how many years..
and what a blessing and a half to get to share this area with my sexy..
only, even better, because, my sister and i usually walked, or drove from here to there..
to see this area on bike! true that i saw more of the gorgeous landscapes, ocean, bays in 3 days on bike than i did over several summers in my youth. we just landed there when the climate was so ideal..
and, if you are in the pb (pacific beach) area, there is a section of 'mission bay park' at the end of a street named fanuel that is perfect! for launching a bike ride, having a picnic, and taking in the sunset
and here, due to the contrast.. i collected bags worth of small charcoal remains from beach fire pits that had scattered throughout the sand.. and we created another wonderful indigenous word art piece for our growing collection... it is my new favorite, because.. i mean, my goodness.. look at the color influence of the sunset..
-same thing applied. we originally talked about going to the san diego zoo and sea world.. but opted to ride bikes, make art, have picnics and visit family instead.
and we rode our bikes to paradise pointe.. just beautiful, gorgeous in every possible direction!
and it is where, my grandma harrison, when she was alive, worked as a manager in the gift store; only it was named 'vacation village' at that time. but i loved getting to share with my sexy.. these family connections in san diego..
and, on the friday evening before we headed home.. we visited my aunt erin, and my cousin seth, his new bride, paula, and their beloved cooper inside...
the most beautifully, magically, amazingly remodeled 'grandma's house'
and i know she is smiling to see her grandson thriving; in love, [her famous family quote "i love, love."] enjoying the life his grandparents, parents, dreamed he would
-you know don't you, it is one of many ways to Glorify God's name..
love. enjoy your life. be happy & grateful, loyal & generous
and, you have romantic, fun, engaging, entertaining stories about how you met..
about cooper... -write them down; capture them while they're fresh
i loved getting to visit my family! and love the newest addition to the Harrison family! my heart is so fulfilled.. and my aunt, she is on the other side of some serious health challenges.. but that is another way to Glorify God's name also.. do not grow weary.. keep doing good... patience, faith in the healing process; trusting God completely...
i keep going over and over in my mind and prayers: 2022 a year of miracles; breakthroughs; answered prayers..
and, this experience; this unexpected gift of family visits and awesome vacation in sensational san diego -in january! none of it without our neighbor's very generous offer.. and none of it, if we were not already retired... "Thank You!" so much Eric & Eve... "Thank You!" family, for making yourselves available on short notice! "Thank You! Jesus!" "Thank You Sexy!"
and even more "thank you's!" from earlier in this new year...
"Penalty Flag!" Wal Mart, Milpitas, California
"FLAG!"
Penalty! Delay of game
loss of 15 bags of chips, and display do-over.
Yes, in addition to being the NFL's first ever Poet Laureate, -also self-appointed under cover
Super Bowl Logo Enforcement Referee.
SUPER BOWL LVI BLISS feb 2022 yard art & poetry by (sexy! & tops!) #bliss @writeousmom
i think this year's NFL Super Bowl logo was one of the most beautiful yet! -very inspiring, with its sunset colors, palm trees, and silver/chrome.. we loved every minute of creating this yard art replica
and it's true, that when it comes to the poem, i have been re-using 'my favorite f words' poem,
but each year i have to change the last stanza to make the new year rhyme with the last line somehow:
Raise your glass "To the NFL,
to super bowl fifty four
and toast all fans of football
and fans who love much more"
**
Raise your glass "To the NFL,
to super bowl fifty five
and Thank God for our televisions
Mask Free we'll watch it live"
**
and then this year, i had a rhyme for fifty six, but my sexy gave it the thumbs down..
essentially because it accidentally might have invited way too many people to our house..
so,
then i struggled for the longest time trying to find a new rhyme..
like, but the first one was so good...
and i struggled.. and i went through the alphabet, like all stuck poets do..
and then
"!"
i remembered, (or the saints above intervened) and the anything you want it to be word my daughter invented decades ago came to my mind,
but, even better, because it really does rhyme with six:
****
and my sexy turned our poetry pole into a goal post with the charming added touch; orange flags for wind direction..
and, fun fact: this year, 2022
the super bowl is on my actual birthday. first time ever to my knowledge; it's usually earlier in the year
but sunday, february 13th, 2022
we both turn 56.
now that's a party! party!
***
and look, my lucky number in Man In The Arena.. which we love watching
In Jesus
loves the NFL's name, hallelujah & amen
Dear NFL, -from your 1st ever poet laureate (me!) ~tops, AKA: WriteousMom
you didn't know the NFL had a poet laureate did you? /well, they don't know yet either, i say with a smile. i'm self appointed
but, i really was poet laureate for the city of pleasanton, ca..
and i meet the criteria
i love the NFL, and! i am very aware, and sensitive to the power of words. [not as sensitive to rules of grammar/spelling] but anyway,
it is why, well, both sexy and i, we were overjoyed to see BE LOVE on the back of so many helmets for football games on MLK day
i've known all along that terms like Stop Hate, or End Racism, are counterproductive to the ultimate goal, as well intentioned as they might be
because even though you are suggesting to stop, or end..
you are giving a very large stage and audience to repeated viewings/thoughts of the words Hate and Racism..
you see those words over and over and over.. Hate and Racism...
what you actually want to do, is to completely remove those words from view, and replace them with, BE LOVE, SPREAD LOVE, and/or.., RESPECT, yes.. i do like, 'It takes all of us' NFL Poet Laureate stamp of approval.
when i saw at the end zone on one of the fields: END RACISM... -no, no, no...
that should read: CONTENT OF CHARACTER
you can see in the picture above, i understood the power of words and put that understanding to good use when raising my daughter and son
-when, for example, my daughter (older sister) hit my son (younger brother)
there was no way i was going to have her write, 'i will not hit' 50x, because, that would mean she was writing, thinking, reviewing the word HIT 50x...
exactly what we don't want..
so, instead, i had them write the behavior i wanted to see them learn, practice and demonstrate on a regular basis
'i will be kind, patient & respectful to others at all times.'
so, my children were writing, thinking, saying, reviewing and remembering words like
kind (50x); patient (50x), respectful (50x) -and that is going to get a very different result than writing the words hate, or racism or hit 50x...
and as my children are young adults now, thriving, with healthy relationships and happy hearts
i'm going to say that understanding this power of words thing is a contributing factor.
with love and respect,
2022 NFL Poet Laureate
Sandra Harrison Kay
Speaking of Happy New Years... i say with a big smile
Happy New Year!
we will be having our grandchildren over soon.. encore the "
shrinky dinks!" party
CH
CH
In Jesus joyful, creative name.. hallelujah & amen
Breakthroughs & Miracles; Miracles & Breakthroughs prays (me!) ~tops
last year, the phrase that God placed on my heart was
'let that be enough'. and i employed the wisdom throughout the entire year. -sometimes it helped me lessen a heavy load; i.e., it's not perfect, but it's very good;
let very good be enough. -sometimes it helped me see in advance things i temporarily wanted; but absolutely did not need; i.e., i was on such a high after seeing the michael jackson one show in vegas.. when i went inside the gift/souvenir store after.. oh! i wanted so much..
let seeing the show be enough.. and so i left with only two pens -and really, that was more than enough.. the show itself!! best ever, ever, ever..
***
this new year, 2022, the words God has placed on my heart, "Miracles & Breakthroughs; Breakthroughs & Miracles" (repeat)
I have more personal experience with breakthroughs than i do miracles; but i do have plenty of experience with both..
oh! to be in receipt and experience either one.. but to experience BOTH! well, actually,
i think breakthroughs feel like miracles when you actually achieve/experience them
so, sexy and i, we continue to pray every. single. morning. -he does a longer, itemized, specific and very beautiful prayer that encompasses all of our loved ones; family, friends.. i do a more brief prayer vocally, but pray without ceasing, internally.
and we continue to watch our church tv shows 7 days a week, 365..
but included in our prayers for all of our loved ones, for our family, immediate & extended, for our friends, both tried & true and relatively new..
Breakthroughs! Miracles! for each and every one of you! Experiential! Glorifying our trustworthy, praiseworthy God.. Miracles! Breakthroughs! in Jesus Name
***
and let me close this post, by sharing my understanding of what a breakthrough, and what a miracle is:
BREAKTHROUGH -Ephesians 6:12
-For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
-addictions, insecurities, debts, anything self-destructive, or other-destructive, anything that tears down vs. builds up and edifies, anything dark, evil, negative that has a power over your heart, mind, spirit, soul, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors.. -life; anything that steals or threatens to steal your peace and/or joy; and each person knows what that is for themselves..
"A BREAKTHROUGH!" -that you experience FREEDOM from that negative control/power over you, and instead, experience GOD'S GLORIOUS FREEDOM
-John 8:36
-If therefore the Son shall make you free,
ye shall be free indeed.
so, a breakthrough.. that is when you are FREE INDEED! /Bishop T.D. Jakes has an excellent sermon on being 'free indeed!'
***
MIRACLE -Acts 2:22
-Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among your through him, as you yourselves know.
i have already written on my definition/experience with miracles, so just link that here.
"CH!!" Kathy Cordova's word... 'miracle!' Jim Ott's word... 'renaissance' "CH!!"
my word! "verve!"
and in addition to God placing on my heart, 'breakthroughs & miracles; miracles & breakthroughs'
God also placed on my heart, THIS VERY MORNING. a new word; not for me individually [verve]
but placed on my heart a word for sexy and i; together; as a team.. "EVERLASTING!"
Mark 10:9 -Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
***
John 10:10
so many lives, over so many generations, as far back as you can research and as far ahead as you can imagine.. human lives proving out/living out this scripture: John 10:10
There is an enemy alive and well; dark forces.. strongholds.. evil... wickedness... a pit each other against; ugly and dividing force -stealing peace and joy
There is a God, and there is a Jesus.. and there is a Holy Spirit... light/free life forces... breakthroughs.. love... compassion/understanding... a fellowship; a beautiful and uniting force... -a source for our peace and joy; abundance
it is all taking place; all of the time; in the spiritual realm... you experience it; you feel it; you know it.. but you can't take pictures of it; see it.. explain it.. prove it in a secular court of flesh/blood law..
but it is true:
John 10:10 The thief (devil/enemy) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they (you; all who believe) may have life, and have it to the full.
1 John 5:4 -For whosoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith."
John 1: 5 -I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
2 Corinthians 5:20 -We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf; Be reconciled to God.
John 3:17 -For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
on behalf of all of us who have been rescued and restored to wholeness; saved! on behalf of all of us who are 'more than conquerors' (Romans 8:31) -all of us who made it through the pit, to the palace..
all of us 'who did not grow weary in doing good'
all of us who are living a victorious life -all of us who understand we are God's soldiers in spiritual warfare
and that the victory has already been won
Love conquers all
"Thank You Jesus!" hallelujah & amen.
Studio 213 -getting a makeover for 2022 #213 @writeousmom
still in progress, but! condensing/reorganizing; able to eliminate 3 file cabinets, several boxes & misc. items.
have added some awesome, creative, space-saving shelves, rods and containers
most important for (me!); i have visual and easy access to the supplies/tools i use most often.
arranged in an ergonomically friendly way
"thank you sexy!" for all the drillin', hammerin', assemblin' & installin'
"thank you!" online DIY community for the excellent pens/marker storage idea. i really wanted my pens stored horizontal not vertical; and the wine holder with cups allows for excellent organization/visual access too... very pleased
"thank you Jesus!" -who can explain grace? but i am under God's grace; able to let go of... shred.. donate... repurpose.. like i never have before. i love my studio 213 now more than ever...
and can't wait to create and see what manifests in this new year...
hallelujah & amen.
Merry Christmas Memories 2021
NFL odds, picks, bets & predictions by (sexy! & tops!)
tomorrow, jan 2nd, 2022, we will get to watch THREE of our favorite football teams on TV. All by itself, that's an awesome Sunday ~ Praise God
Raiders @ Colts 10AM; Texans @ 49ers 1pm; Vikings @ Packers 5pm.
"Yahoo! Skol! Cheers! Hallelujah & Amen!"
Now, I've mentioned in prior posts, how my sexy.. he is convinced if he watches his favorite teams.. 'then they lose' -and how sometimes, if he removes his spirit wear t-shirt; that's when they start playing better.. and how, 'there is a raiders/vikings curse'
i, on the other hand, know, that when i wear my teams colors, and, give my undivided attention to the game; that's when they win.. if i forget to wear my spirit wear, or if i get distracted by a text, email, conversation, etc. that's when i end up apologizing to everyone for a loss
anyone who still believes in 2022, that winning and/or losing are based on superstitious things like, talent, skill, practice, dedication, coaching, home field advantage.. you are way behind the times
everyone knows it is the FANS who determine outcomes -write.
so, - based on our very own personal experiences, and history, and correlations between what we wear, eat, drink and the win/loss statistics
well, when it comes to putting your money down tomorrow.. you can bet on us!
my sexy, Robert.. he will be wearing his Vikings shirt during the Raider game; his Raider shirt during the 49er game; and 49er shirt during the Viking game. This not only breaks the curse, but, improves the chances all of his predictions will come true.
As you can see from the collage above, I have found a way for my spirit fashions to honor all three teams at one time. yes, it is odd, but these are my favorite picks -and, far as the under/overs are concerned: i'll be wearing a viking hat over my head; a raider colors scarf over my 49er t shirt, and viking color pants under all that.. if i am able to give my undivided attention to each game
just win/win/win baby...
now, here are my sexy's predictions:
Raiders @ Colts 10AM: Colts win. they win because they are the better team; because they have home field advantage. they win because the Raiders are my team.. and because Raiders best receiver is out. Score 28 - 14. Colts victory.
Texans @49ers 1PM: 49ers win. 49ers win because they are the better team; because they have home field advantage. it is unknown if garopolo will play; but even with back-up quarterback, 49ers are better. Score 14 - 10. 49er victory.
Viking @ Packers 5PM: Green Bay will destroy Vikings. #1 because Vikings are my team. #2 Green Bay is the best team in the NFL. #3. Green Bay has home field advantage. #4 Star wide receiver is out #5. Cousins, not the strongest quarterback anyway, may have a back-up; and it's going to be bad. #6 Cook is injured. Vikings have zero hope.
Score 35 - 6 Green Bay Packers victory.
***
also, as previously mentioned, for (me!) -we've already won. just getting to watch all three teams in one day.. having fun with our spirit wear... cooking, creating & enjoying some great food.. desserts, and "cheers!"~ing throughout for every good play & touchdown..
"skol!" "just win baby!" love, -faithful fans..
***
so, what really happen?
***
FINAL SCORES/OUTCOMES
"victory raiders!" /this is because Robert wore his Vikings shirt during the game; so,
his prediction was incorrect; but we still all won
.this is not simple math; this is like spiritual algebra...
remember; i was wearing my colors (x), and paid attention (y)
"victory 49ers!" /this is primarily, but not exclusively, because Robert wore his Raiders colors during the 49er game. and remember; i was wearing my colors (x) , and paid attention (solve for Y)
"goodbye Vikings" out for the season. eliminated from the playoffs. this is because Robert never changed his sports t-shirt! -see what happens.. he kept his Raiders shirt on, and -well, both of us.. we divided our attention. the obvious news, is that his prediction was pretty accurate: 35/6 vs. 37/10...
but we still won big time -BE~cause... instead of being glued to the game on TV, we were glued to friendly conversations with our neighbor friends. -by invitation, we traded 2 servings of our homemade lasagna, for 2 servings of their homemade turkey soup.
This was a great sunday! Praise God! Hallelujah & Amen
What Racism Is.. and Isn't by (me!) ~tops
for fellow Christians; it is no mystery at all.. but I suppose if you are in the secular realm, or perhaps other faith systems, it is harder to explain
I have the thing i want to write/blog about: Football trifecta tomorrow: Raiders, 49ers, Vikings, and my sexy's predictions
and then there is the thing I most certainly do not want to write/blog about, but am interpreting that I am being spiritually assigned to write about.. racism. Like, please no....
And it reminds me immediately of Joyce Meyer, i will paraphrase "I didn't want the topic of suffering.. who wants to teach on suffering? But that's what God wanted... and so, today I'm going to teach on the topic of suffering
-by whatever mysterious means those heavenly messages are sent and received
I am in receipt,
so here we go:
what racism is, and isn't; because the people need reminded:
if a person has a lousy work ethic; does not respect the policies/procedures of a given business; has a bad attitude, is uncorrectable and unaccountable for their actions -when this person is let go, fired, or demoted
that IS NOT RACISM.
if a person crosses the street because they experience internal unease when they see a stranger(s) approaching on the same side
that IS NOT RACISM
if a person who is entirely capable of working, takes advantage of the welfare system, and is held accountable
that IS NOT RACISM
when one of two different race people, equally qualified for a position, is hired;
that is more often FAVORTISM.. not racism
when a person steals from a store, and is arrested; that IS NOT RACISM
when a person sells or uses drugs and is arrested; that IS NOT RACISM
when a person loiters, peddles, and/or vandalizes property and is arrested; that IS NOT RACISM
when you observe and share the demographics of an event, neighborhood, or culture; that IS NOT RACISM
when you chose a safe environment over a dangerous or hostile environment -for home, or school, or work, or recreation; that IS NOT RACISM..
i could go on and on.. but will stop there.
RACISM is when a given race of people are UNJUSTLY mistreated based EXCLUSIVELY on their race.
SEXISM is when a given gender is UNJUSTLY mistreated based EXCLUSIVELY on their sex.
AGEISM is when a given person/people are UNJUSTLY mistreated based EXCLUSIVELY on their age -it is not UNJUST to deny an 8 year old a drivers license; or to take driving privilege's away from a 99 year old no longer qualified to drive safely
and there are more 'isms of course..
but i am under the impression i have fulfilled my spiritual obligation to write on this topic, and am excited to write about "football!"
hallelujah & amen!
wait.. i'm divinely inspired to share why, after recording and watching CBS's Sunday Morning show, for decades. I stopped all recordings and will watch no more
the specific show which turned my stomach, mind, heart, soul to such a degree, that i immediately terminated all recordings and lost all interest
it was the segment which featured the Andy Griffith show as -racists.
My good God.. we do have real, legitimate, genuine racism which we should always be educating away...
but, to insert it.. where it absolutely does not belong; to taint, pollute, good shows, good people, good values
hideous; so counterproductive i cannot itemize the ways..
but, i believe we see this because the topic itself..
and i am briefly remembering my former mexican co-worker.. who shared with me, about -knowingly/consciously- using the racism card against someone who was clearly not racist. and when i asked 'why on earth would you...?"\
the answer: "because it works."
yikes.
but there you have it.
amen & amen.
