SEAHAWKS, PATRIOTS HEADING TO LEVI STADIUM Feb 8, 2026 for Super Bowl LX -sandra mickanen reporting to inspire...

let the fashion decisions, label making, logo painting & poster-making begin!

hallelujah & amen!

****

The equivalent of a gender reveal party for NFL fans.. -sandra mickanen reporting

TODAY is the day! by the end of this day, NFL fans will know which two teams earned their way into Super Bowl LX!

-and for my fashion-oriented friends and family; this will dictate what colors we wear to the Super Bowl Party..

-for my husband and i, it allows us to proceed forward with the labels on our jello shots, and any extra team-specific decorations can be added..

-for our artist friend, Jerry, it allows him to paint the two complementary yard art squares; team vs team logos..

and although there are many broken hearts still mending here in San Jose, Santa Clara County because the San Francisco 49ers won't be competing @ Levi Stadium -with, what would have been home field advantage..

for NFL, footballs fans.. it is still an exciting time

hallelujah & amen

CH (Cerebral Hyperlink): -sandra mickanen memory of walking over hot coals...

for a new reader: CH = Cerebral Hyperlink. Different from a memory trigger in this way:

with a trigger, you are unable (yet) to control whether you revisit that memory.

-with a hyperlink; it is experienced as an 'option' whether you want to revisit a given memory.

in this case: sure, let's revisit this experience, my experience, <---- see how you can choose whether to click or not on the hyperlink..

in Jesus never-charged-a-fee's name, -amen.

and, since we're here..

the problem with the Bible being free...

NOW: what does any of this have to do with Donald J Trump?

for me, it is this: for all his business acumen, his communication skills... his public speaking..

lacks the same acumen.

and, -often we all, and certainly, I do: make judgements based on 'public speaking skills'

-but, by now,

I've encountered many -MANY- great speakers; fast talkers, 'gift of gab' types.. many people who can and do captivate an audience; influence.. mesmerize..

but their character, moral values (lack thereof); motivations..

deceitfulness, conscious manipulations..

and there are some outstanding, remarkable great public speakers, with high talent for extemporaneous speech.. who are of good, solid character, with healthy morals and motivations..

the upshot: there can be no direct correlation between great character & great public speaking skills; nor can there ever be a direct correlation between bad character & bad public speaking skills.

character can only be assessed; discerned, by witnessing/understanding behaviors and decisions made over a significant period of time; under a significant array of circumstances.

selah! & amen.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS -we now have a cannabis dispensary. -sandra mickanen reporting

so recently i had this conversation with fellow Christians..

i was sharing how i couldn't understand -years ago

how our church collected money to send to other continents to help them get small businesses going.

i mean, that's fine.. that's all good, but

-we have so much need here.

and i shared how,

every time i read 'in lieu of flowers' for a memorial, i think: STOP THAT

flower shops are a small business! write here! real, fresh flowers.. are miracles on a stem! and other small businesses are connected.. all the seeds, the flower growers, the distribution.. the employees... transportation to and from store; vase makers, brick n mortar owners, delivery drivers.. the creative flower arrangers, the companies who make embellishments and stands for displaying the flowers.. pretty long list actually,

'in lieu of flowers' became so popular.. it closed independent flower shops. close small businesses here.. send money to other continents so they can start small businesses...

i LOVE FLOWER SHOPS.. we need FRESH FLOWERS.. there is an entire -very positive- economic chain and employment connected to our independent flower shops

anyway,

it all hit me again when i drove past the corner of winchester and stevens creek in san jose, across from santana row.

once upon a time that corner was occupied by citti's florist; citti's florist is closed and gone. now what you see there is a cannabis dispensary.

i wish i could personally eliminate those words; in lieu of flowers..

wonder if we'll ever see 'in lieu of weed'

when my time comes... FRESH FLOWERS GALORE!!

In Jesus Name, -amen.

*****

to my understanding, there is still a citti's florist in campbell.. thank God.

go shop there...

hallelujah & amen.

100% PREVENTABLE KIDNAPPING & SEXUAL ASSAULT OF 15 YEAR OLD GIRL -Sandra Mickanen reporting

THE ABOVE NEWS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

BELOW: Speaks to how destructive tiny home communities are

in residential neighborhoods and why we need Dignity Acres Emergency Campground

CALL TO ACTION FOR CURRENT/FUTURE GENERATIONS OF

JOURNALISTS: see below

We need to take a much closer look at how we receive our 'news'

Look at how many "X out" clicks are required to unbury the

story of the teen kidnapping, assault..

and what ads, the type, bury and distract from critical news to San Jose residents..

CALIFORNIA NEEDS CHAD BIANCO FOR GOVERNOR: CASE & POINT -Sandra Mickanen reporting

Adding this as evidence to my recent post/experience at the Santa Clara County Superior Court 'criminal cattle call' This trauma was utterly preventable.

News of 15 year old girl on her way to school in San Jose, CA -lured, kidnapped, lewd acts by Mario Porter

excerpt from news article:

Porter is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2006 of lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under 14 years of age, as well as annoying or molesting a child under 18 years of age, according to the California Department of Justice. He was released in 2013. Porter was also convicted of indecent exposure in 2018.

"What happened to this child is every kid's and every parent's worst nightmare," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan in a prepared statement. "This isn't the first time this suspect has harmed a child, but I will do everything in my power to make sure it's the last. We need our judges and criminal justice system to make sure people are rehabilitated before they are released back into the community - or else kept in custody where they can't harm anyone again."

Porter was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for kidnapping and sexual assault of a juvenile.

*****

there are news reports which share that Porter was a resident in 'tiny homes' -transitional housing

****

the citizens of San Jose should be losing their minds over these 'tiny homes' and 'safe parking sites'

where, the quality of life for everyone working, shopping, living within a 3 mile radius is destroyed.

-great quote by a livid citizen who had tiny homes forced in their neighborhood district...

i need to find it to get this verbatim, but..

has seven cameras, extra locks, security dogs..

the safety, quality of everyday life, cleanliness.. literally destroyed and yet, they keep forcing these tiny homes, safe parking sites, transitional housing in residential neighborhoods..

hideous.

****

and the number of innocent victims at the hands of known and repeat criminals....

all of it strengthens my resolve; our resolve..

to restore public safety, law & order, caught & consequences..

the trauma this 15 year old girl survived -utterly preventable.

*****

we need a new sheriff in town! Chad Bianco for Governor of California

it is my personal opinion that sexual predators should be removed from society permanently.

selah & amen.

The Heart Seen ! in my husbands double cheese burger

he loves his fast food double cheeseburgers, when we want to keep going, running errands.. and he likes pickles, but not on his cheeseburgers; so i will remove the pickles before handing him the burger

and, -how cute is that? i can't let you eat it until after i take a picture /SHEsaysWITHaSMILE..

even this is tithing and thank you prayers.. amen.

Real * Life * Styles Beautiful Berryessa Neighborhood, Jan 16, 2026 #fashion #reallifestyles

your mind, heart & spirit love paper books by sandra mickanen #paperbooks

waking thoughts -sandra mickanen sharing #humanhands

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT by Vanessa, -Sister and best friend of Cynthia Mykkanen

"thank you!" to crime & public safety reporter, Robert Solanga, for all the follow-through; for professional journalism; for covering this tragedy; recognizing and honoring Cynthia Mykkanen.

briefly: yesterday ryan garner was officially sentenced to 25 years to life. he was a no show again, but Carolyn, DDA, had shared with us, after the last no-show, that Judge Chew did not generally allow postponements more than once; that if he was a no show again, he would still be sentenced. -we knew, Vanessa, very much wanted direct eye contact with ryan when sharing her victim statement; but she went ahead and read, via teams (courtroom video); and a very powerful victim impact statement it is:

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT by Vanessa

There is no closure but there is justice. I would like to thank the dutiful judge, our determined prosecutor and the jury. The jury who I'll never know, yet will always hold a place in my heart, so thank you all.

Ryan, what is a man?

Not you. You chose who to hurt, not your dad -who is in equal size and would have been able to defend himself. You knew what you were doing. There is no mental illness that you couldn't have controlled.

Ryan, did you feel like a man as you beat a 57 year old woman? A 5 foot, 100lb woman?

Your mother.

A grandmother.

after torturing my sister, you went looking for sex & to party --the disgusting things you said to Maria -- you're a disgusting human being, and I use human being loosely.

The ultimate sin -in the most heinous way. I am aware of other monstrous crimes, murders - and you Ryan - somehow you always out do the murderers. I don't know what to think of you. Cindy has given me permission to hate you.

You killed, you slaughtered, you tortured the one person who loved you unconditionally, my sister.

She literally died for you.

Ryan, you had no right.

Ryan, you have no honor. You abandon your children and their mothers. Your children will grow up knowing you killed their grandmother. They'll know they have a killer as a father.

You are the first in my family to commit a crime. Let alone the monstrous crime you committed.

You no longer belong to this family.

You no longer can call my parents your grandparents.

I can speak for them and they have disowned you. They no longer love you nor do they care about you.

Many people in these circumstances would say you are dead to them.

Or that they choose to never think of you again, but not me.

I will think of you everyday

every moment that I enjoy my freedom

Freedom that you will never have again.

I will think of you when I relax in my garden and watch the birds.

I will think of you when I go to the beach and feel the ocean breeze caress my skin.

I will think of you when I go to a concert to see my favorite band.

I can spend time with my friends and family.

I can hold hands with my husband.

I can hug my daughters.

I can travel

Whenever I want.

I can hug my dogs

I can pet my cats

Whenever I want

I can have pizza delivered

I can go to Taco Bell when I'm craving a chalupa

I have love & family, you do not.

I will have a lifetime of fun & love and I will think of you.

Behind bars, in darkness, without freedom, without free will, without love.

My heart will be all a glow.

And I hope you think of me

As you bend over to grab the soap, when you can't have the food you're craving, think of me and

think of all those things that I can do that you cannot.

Ryan, when you killed Cindy, you killed a part of me too.

But I am not broken, MY family is not broken -- we are united .

United in eternal love for Cindy.

Today everything is "over" but it's never "over" is it?

To the court, thank you for delivering justice in honor of my sister, Cynthia Ann Mykkanen, please

never allow him to enjoy freedom again. thank you.

****

sentencing day jan 12th, 2026 #criminalcattlecall

****

* there needs to be a book, a compilation of victim impact statements -1 years worth, out of santa clara county superior court. in that same book, itemized, bullet point list of criminals/names, their crime, and the final sentence. -for the same 1 year time period. this information needs to be seen in a collective way and accessible to the public at large.

it is my educated guess, that the availability of this information would shift us back where we belong, which is PUBLIC SAFETY #1 VALUE: away from 'soft on crime and criminals' to a more just system with actual consequences.

* there needs to be an online list of crime related headlines in newspapers, for that same time period and then bullet points of, 'what happened next?' as time reveals.

a regard this a golden opportunity and call to action for the current generation of real journalists.

****

havent i had to think on the topic of evil; of crime and punishment throughout my life..

i've considered it from every angle; from very sympathetic to the criminals..

i've hovered over many different possibilities; and have, at age almost 60, landed here:

tough on crime and criminals yields the best results for society at large.

too much for me write/document here, but..

jail is not 2nd chance school; jail is not a rehabilitation facility; jail is a consequence

true; i think of it often, i had a hard time finding employment with a B.A. Degree and no criminal record..

it will be even more difficult for criminals who lack education and do have a criminal record when their time is served to find employment and become self-sufficient [not speaking here of crimes as significant as rape and/or murder]

-but that too, is part of your consequence. -suck it up.

you don't get to destroy a person's well-being and/or property, steal, assault, abuse.. etc. without facing very serious consequences.

jail is a terrible, horrible, awful place; it is supposed to be a terrible, horrible, awful place..

~~you should avoid having to go to jail at all cost.~~ dont mean avoid getting caught..

you should not commit crimes exactly because you do not want to face those type of consequences. ideally, the awfulness of jail serves as a disincentive for any crimes you might be contemplating..

but.. do the crime; do the time. and consequences will linger... which is part of the consequence.

-there are places the traditional news seems not to visit; places we don't see their lens:

one example: there is a LARGE population of people who live below the poverty line; who struggle financially; who live pay check to pay check.. and carry debt.. and yet, they do not steal; they do not turn to drugs and alcohol.. they maintain morals, values, while they survive.. working toward 'thriving' -poverty does not become an excuse or rationalization or justification for criminal behavior and activity.

****

there is a longer summary, of course.. but, God has blessed us with a gorgeous day! and we are going to joyfully play in it..

hallelujah & amen

#cynthiamykkanen

"Thank You!" to everyone like, Christine Caine, @A21 doing the hard and noble work

LET'S PUT AN END TO THIS EVIL Hallelujah & Amen

"Magnes Tempus Ornamentum Imaginis Aeternum!" -aunt sandra mickanen's moto

-need a going away gift for...

-so, check out the college website.. note their colors, (navy/white) their mascot, (hawk) their moto..

-check my paper supply for something that represents.. layout a design for the background.

-grab some icons from online.. print, cut, turn them into magnets..

i am personally convinced there should be a mag time frame in every dorm room.. in every home, really, but..

schools, because of their colors, logos, motos, -such a natural fit!

so, fun elements of a custom mag time frame.. the message that sits behind the photo:

in this case, a pix of saint anselm himself with the words/moto he is known for:

fides quaerens intellectum

and on the back (which could be another whole mag time frame design, reversible) but in this case, seem more appropriate to put a family pix, and message.. reminder about having a loving cheer team, and fan club in california.

and then, -requested a picture to place on front.. hold in place with mascot magnets..

place in easle....

frickin' adorable! love!

"Magnes Tempus Ornamentum Imaginis Aeternum!"

which is super fun to chant out loud... while waving a wooden walking staff around in the air.

that's a dare.

that's my moto... /SHEsaysWITHaSMILE... magtimeframes.com

hallelujah & amen.

Color (me!) star-struck -sandra mickanen sharing...

so, i have watched, WICKED, One Wonderful Night, 3 times now.. brings tears, laughter, enormous joy, and that wonderful 'awe-struck' feeling.. i havent seen anything for TV produced at such a high level in a long stretch.. wow'd by it.. watched it by myself the first time, then with my niece skyler, then with my daughter, taryn..

and "thank you!" taryn, it did make me laugh.. having seen it, and thinking everyone would.. i mean, who could not be wow'd by it? so, wanted to watch it, all of us, all together, when my kids were visiting..

a few minutes in my son said, "i'd rather watch paint dry." -still makes me laugh...

and my husband felt the same way,

so we found something else to watch everyone could agree on..

and later during their visit, when the window opened.. taryn and i sat together on my bed and watched it together.

the entire cast will enchant you,

and, recently on my own, watched the good hang podcast, with any poehler interviewing ariana grande

-outstanding! who wouldn't enjoy a conversation between these two enormous talents?

blessed to be audience to it...

hallelujah & amen.

What values, ideas, are exclusively Christian? -sandra mickanen exploring

i've already written about how the Bible is the most appropriated, plagiarized book of all time. I discovered this having devoured who knows how many 'self help' books, many years ago.

but, it is true: many.. lots of practices recommended in secular 'self help' books, are valid. -the majority of suggestions are already presented in the Bible, but,

many 'self help' suggestions are valid and applicable to all human beings. they are not lies, or false.

it's just that they all seem to come up short.. they neglect (or avoid) addressing larger issues..

sin, forgiveness, afterlife, spiritual (not just physical) healing; flesh/spirit.. our inner being.. righteousness vs evil; motivations; origins..

spiritual clogs/blocks, like sin, like unforgiveness, like envy, greed, lust, idolatry.. lies, pride... etc.

****

so, it inspires me to pay attention and look for things that are exclusively Christian..

to my current knowledge; 'forgiveness of sins' is exclusively Christian.

and i do not know -for secular, other faith systems.. our 'sin nature' 'carnal nature'

our 'flesh vs spirit' -do seculars forgive themselves? they do not pray for, or receive from..

are they not in need of...

can such a thing be 'self contained' and self determined? what is and is not 'sin' and the goal of identifying and turning away from..

as a Christian.. it would register to me as wildly ignorant and arrogant that i could take any credit for the origins of sin and righteousness innate within me, which would be a pre-requisite, it seems, to also claim 'i am forgiven' myself forgive myself; and that is the whole of it; vs. receiving forgiveness

receive, automatically indicates it comes from elsewhere... a separate source.

i think the whole concept of forgiveness requires more than one person.... i do believe it requires a God.

******

of course Jesus, himself.. one and only Son of God.. who died on the cross, and rose again..

who came to save and not condemn; who paid the ultimate price for us; to reconcile us to God..

to offer an opportunity for salvation and eternal life

who deposits the Holy Spirit within believers.. -exclusively Christian

the Bible itself... father, son, holy spirit; the trinity.. (consecration, sanctification) -salvation

*****

will return to this post with any relevant thoughts.. what is exclusive to Christians? to being a Christian..

but again, and to be sure; from a Christian perspective: there are not a population of seculars visiting a Christian populated world, here on earth

Christians (those who evolve into believers) are the minority in a secular world.. which leads to the scripture, we are in the world; but not of it.

hallelujah & amen.

i spy ui's most handsome, talented #leadingman (jack kay!)

#leadingman

speaking of getting lost in someone else's story.. re-reading melania -sandra mickanen sharing

it was a fast read, my first go round; re-reading with pen and paper, as i like to do..

slow down, process.. and i'll return to this post with my notes. but to start..

-as a reader, everything is 'relative' to my own experience; that is.. i was born and raised in the bay area of california, USA.. and i've never been to europe.

-to read about melania arriving in 'America' -age 26 years old, left her family, with just 2 suitcases, a portfolio, and a dream.. landing in New York.. her journey to citizenship..

and i re-read now, with the advantage of having already learned about her education in architecture/design, and of course, the modeling/fashion

**** tbc

pg 4: Life's circumstances share you in many ways, often entirely beyond your control -- your birth, parental influences, and the world in which you grow up. As an adult, there comes a moment when you become solely responsible for the life you lead. You must take charge, embrace that responsibility, and become the architect of your own future.

melania's two pivotal moments in chapter 1:

1996, age 26, arriving in NY 'America'

2006, ten years later, becoming an American Citizen.

i smile to read about Melania's reactions to New York.. it does remind me of my 1st visit to NY, with my sister, February, for my 21st birthday, got to bring my best friend; my sister [Melania also very close w/her sister] -all thank you to our Dad, who let us piggy-back ride on one of his business trips..

i have all the memories somewhere in the archives here; but.. promise you this: arriving in NY for the 1st time; when you were born/raised in the Bay Area of Northern California -it still felt for us like a very far away, foreign country... -world travelers..

i think about it often: when i am talking to people who do lots of traveling; people who 'became' US citizens -always in contrast to my own experience; born and raised in the USA..

***

CHAPTER TWO: THE WIN

Melania marks her ballot for Donald Trump

pg 6: Handing over those pieces of paper, we completed a significant step in the American democratic process that I had grown up admiring from afar, a process I was now squarely in the middle of, a process that would soon thrill me, and sometimes, in the coming years, confuse me -- like it did millions of other Americans.

Re: THE WIN -my own memories.. 2016: waking up, and seeing JuJu in tears. I was renting a room from the Koopman Family.. grateful beyond words they took me in.. sharing the room with many boxes from my (former) public storage locker I could no longer afford. -working at the time, at Alden Lane Nursery Gardens.. quite possibly, still also working at Ricks Picks..

but yes, I remember JuJu crying.. and wondering what had happened? was she hurt? did she receive terrible heart-breaking news...

she did hear terrible heart-breaking news: Hillary Clinton lost the election.

-everyone, self included -utterly surprised. -taken aback..

in the late evening, when we had headed to our rooms.. Hillary, i believe was in the lead.. we had a sense of (false) security.

by the morning.. TRUMP had won. it didn't match.

-fair question for anyone: what impact? what direct impact? do the election results have on our everyday lives? i continued to rent a room for several months, working 2 part time, and then 1 full time job, pay-check to pay-check, raising my children, balancing my rent-a-room life, with co-parenting.. moving eventually to a room in san leandro with my mom and her husband, rick.. and grateful beyond words they took me in.. rent free, but, having my commute go from 5-10 minutes, to 45 minutes to an hour and a half...

*****

remember this book exclusively covers Melania's first time as First Lady, and i was already looking forward, hoping she'd publish a book about her /her husbands 47th Presidency too..

turns out, there is a movie instead [ or in addition to?]: Melania

comes out in theaters Jan 30th, 2026. Yes, of course I want to go...

******

"somewhere to put the truth" audio podcast by our daughter (kassandra!)

i know the value of what you are doing; the healing powers of this podcast for you, your loved ones and strangers who are experiencing their own unique challenges. -so i am happy for and proud of you.

i know the value of -real and raw. the value of 'not polished or planned'

i know the value of 'somewhere to talk where i don't have to edit myself''

'not in front of a camera'

i know the value of an unrestricted platform 'where it can be longer'

i know the value of not feeling obligated; 'not having to keep a conversation going'

i fully, completely, understand your need for "somewhere to put the truth."

i have so much gratitude for the platforms that provide an unrestricted opportunity to share.

we are designed for it. we are not created to hide, hold onto, 'carry' heavy weights,

we need, spiritual plumbing, if you will.. to unclog, remove blocks, until our experiences, our truths flow freely -through- us and we feel light again..

i still remain a 'fully converted, non converter' -that is, i do not aim to convert anyone to Christianity -I do not spend time with anyone, with this as an open or hidden agenda. if you approach me, and inquire of your own accord.. i am happy to testify; and am certainly a witness -and i do keep a running journal here.

because it is my truth, that

i accepted many years ago an invitation.

the invitation is this: -come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls].

-do not grow weary of doing good, -in due season you will reap a harvest..

it is my truth, that i made it! from the pit, to the palace.. [my inner-being] -how i feel on the inside..

****

and i am grateful for the blogosphere for the same reason you are grateful for the podcast platform..

-somewhere to put my truth; not polished or planned; -honest. unedited, raw, real,

and our healing gets to show; the process.

****

not just you, or i, -but human-beings.. the wonder of our birth, 'wonderful are God's works, that our inner self knows right well.

happy for, proud of, and love you! grateful you are sharing your journey, and ready to listen to more..

hallelujah & amen!

wait! one more share: true for me.. but true for secular, Christian, anyone of any faith..

when you are processing/dealing with a crisis of whatever kind:

-do exactly what you've done, and will continue to do with your podcast; -release...

but also, and i learned this most valuable lesson from joyce meyer..

have windows where you 'get yourself (your own problems) off your mind'

-get lost in a book, story, activity where you can get yourself and what you are going through off your mind.. mind breaks.

do something for others..

toggle between those two: release; share yourself, talk about yourself, speak your truth.. let what you are going through be the most important thing... the priority; let it all go...

and then, -get yourself off your mind.

continue to toggle.. powerfully healing!! POWER FULL

and the healing is in finding a healthy ratio between the two.. not all one, not all the other: BOTH

switch back and forth. -amen.

Bad habit? -the micks reporting

we love the habit burgers, if we are out and about, we will stop in for lunch. on our most recent visit:

no human to take our order. you use your phone, place order on machine; you receive a text when your order is ready.

so, they've eliminated some jobs -but, the machine asks for a tip, and donations.

****

this, 'terminating jobs' but 'tip machines' and 'donate to charity' is a pattern we see replicating at record speed.

it is the very definition of ironic to us.

selah! & amen.

adding on/repeating: every. single. register. everywhere. -asks for tips and donations, -round up..

the vision, the experience.. is that there is a giant money vacuum.. growing in size.. and scope..

just sucking up money at every chance..

and we really don't know how much is being taken or where it all goes, do we.

What does fuel my imagination? -sandra mickanen, location scout

my imagination keeps write on projecting itself on different buildings, different locations. i experience no poverty of imagination! lack of funding has no effect. lack of capital, lack of knowing the write people, lack of any architectural education... none of it seems to matter.

even though, my track record currently remains at zero, when it comes to the projected image/idea into actual manifestation -this does absolutely nothing to dampen..

and i still believe, the ideas for this, at that location, are still wonderful and valid.

couple examples and then current imagined projections: its all in my blog archives somewhere:

* a mel's diner-ish place, where cars pull up around a given restaurant, and customers receive their orders from servers on skates.. -seen in american graffitti, and, something similar with sonic in hayward, california -this type of experience needs to be available directly across from the alameda county fair grounds in pleasanton, california. is it currently a seafood restaurant? don't know.. haven't tracked.

* kits, gifts & ideas, with the speciality ovens for shrinky dinks: this needs to be across the street from the historic gas station on main street in downtown pleasanton.

* there's more, but skipping now to: serra center, milpitas, california. -pause, to note, in northern california, in milpitas, -excellent weather the majority of the year.

in fact, -need to just repeat that fact: there is such hostile weather in other places.. northern california offers both indoor and outdoor opportunities because the weather is beautiful, -hospitable. we should have more outdoor opportunities in general.. family friendly, safe & fun

now, -for serra center.. in just the 8 years i've lived here in san jose, very near the border of milpitas, i've watched this center slowly become abandoned.. look more and more neglected.

but it is like, 16 acres of the greatest opportunities! and, it seems, what my imagination has done is this: i've been accumulating a wish list.. and 16 acres allows this wish list to live together in one stunning area

-k- to start, look how starved people are for beautiful landscaping.. STARVED! we've got buildings and parking lots; lots of buildings.. lots of parking lots

we need more beautiful landscaping! -way more!

i am very inspired here by blackhawk plaza in danville -waterfalls, gorgeous bridge, koi pond, sculptures, fountains..

so pretty! draws its own crowd; and then surrounded by museum, restaurants, shopping of many kinds, spas.. etc.

so, serra center: have to start with gorgeous landscaping.

then, let's add all the stores/businesses i've been writing about over many years..

a stationery store! -let me add on here. a stationery, book store! where people are provided an opportunity, and more importantly a special space to -read BOOKS; and, -to handwrite letters! like, in my imagination, it is a fun, novel thing, that people visit specifically to say there were at... and handwrote this letter.. and they can purchase stationery, pens, stamps, and mail their letter from this location also.. it would a special deal to mail from/receive a letter from... iconic; literary swag..

-this, by the way, -way more fun than a 'historical' museum, which just shows what people used to do before computers, cell phones, texts, emails, etc. -you experience it. you sit down write there, write your letter/postcard.. send from the iconic mailbox.. /send a text w/picture of you dropping your letter in the [way cool looking/creative, one of a kind] mailbox..

BUT LET me make this very important point: there are special spaces for people to bring their own book to read too.. bring their own supplies, and enjoy the space..

k,

there is an area for bring your own picnics.. really attractive, diverse, picnic spaces..

-have to also have

* custom fortune cookie store! -but, remember my caveat here: we need people to design new fortune cookie machines which allow for one cookie to be made at a time.. people come to order custom, personalized fortune cookies.. /inspired here by my visit to the oakland fortune factory store

* we need a ricks picks store...

* we need a pub, sports bar.. currently straw hat is there, i believe, -keep, but remodel.. make it awesome!

* there is already a theater there.. -keep, remodel, make it awesome!

* there is already a stellar, award-winning photography studio there /shesayswithasmile, -keep, make it even more awesome

* there needs to be a store, where people can come to get anything personalized, customized..

cricut professionals, who take and fulfill order same day; they make it write in front of you..

these are for individual, smaller orders.. large quantities taken care of elsewhere.

but, in fact, it is the theme of the center itself.. -personalized.. from shrinky dinks, mag time frames, to fortune cookies, to t shirts, hats, apparel.. to letter writing...

the overall thing, no matter the business.. added personal touch..

there is already an 'event' center... keep, make it more beautiful, add a rooftop experience..

there is more... but,

* gotta have a traumlicht.de for custom orders, and viewing the artistic process...

how is it? how is it, that i can even 'see' these things in my imagination? and doesn't seem to matter whether it can really happen or not. it is just a pleasure to entertain the ideas..

i mean, it is still true, that any and every time we are at beresford square for this or that.. "barones!"

it should absolutely go where there is currently a... private school, i think it is; pre-school? it was formerly an orchard hardware? in any case,

i've already shared, but.. wow! to how we need places like barones.. safe, beautiful, excellent restaurant, outdoor patio, beautiful, live music, dancing, a night club.. a safe place to let your hair down, cast your cares, mix, mingle, dance for a bit

i am enormously grateful this was available to my sister and i, to our friends, family in pleasanton. and it is my understanding, 'music under the stars' -thursday nights at barones, -they no longer have it.

we were so blessed by it!

****

but yes, when we drive by, serra center... i ache a little.. this gorgeous location! in milpitas, northern california, -these acres, -the way, store by store, businesses have closed and left.. the parking lot, and landscaping neglected..

in an area where the climate is so nice..

all i can see is possibility, is 'the potential!' -all i can see, is blackhawk plaza like landscaping and remodeling, updated store fronts, people walking around, shopping, writing letters, reading books, picnicking..

the place people want to bring their families, friends when they come visit.. the place parents want to host their children's birthday parties..

the place people feel great about purchasing personalized gifts.. the delight experienced by the recipients of gifts from..

-what will actually become of this 16 acres; i have no idea.

*****

and i wonder... what does fuel my imagination? and keep it so verve-ful in the absence of manifestations?

****

selah! and amen

Why does God allow so much suffering and evil? -sandra mickanen sharing..

and "thank you!" again to youtube, yesterday, i watched for the first time, another wonderful video: John MacArthur, tackling everyone's favorite topics: Why Does God Allow So Much Suffering and Evil? Ligonier Ministries * 8.1M views * 10y ago

****

watch if you are so inclined; he is a wonderful speaker..

****

i'll speak to the knowledge and understanding i have gained over the past... many years.

first, to mention.. yes, i too have met people who say, who think, who believe: there cannot be a loving God and us have so much evil and suffering in the world.

If you read the Bible, you will learn: The absence of suffering and/or evil do exist: that is, it exists in HEAVEN. If we had no suffering or evil here; this would be heaven.

earth is clearly not heaven. /but do pause to enjoy the experiences we have, where we describe them as a 'slice of heaven on earth'

the Bible teaches a distinction between 'the world' -secular; earth and humanity as we all experience it; including sin, suffering, evil, disease, brokenness of many kinds, drugs, betrayal, carnal/flesh desires placed above (or completely in place of); spiritual, Godly principals and practices. -greed, lust, idolatry.. i could go on, but the points been made.

Christians are instructed not to conform to 'this world' -but be transformed by the daily renewal of your mind.

to reveal, shun, fight evil... but never, evil for evil; fight evil with good.

Christians are 'new creatures' who find 'the narrow path' -walk in love.

Christians represent 'the kingdom' [kingdom of heaven] -we are people who separate ourselves from the world; the profane, and who effort, over time and with maturity to glorify God's name.

and lastly, because i'm very excited about some art projects..

'not as the world gives, does God give to you..'

the world gives... well, i don't believe the world does 'give' -rather it takes. it promises many wonderful material, experiential, pleasurable, monetary gains (temporary) -without mention of any cost

more importantly; without CARING about the cost to you, or your loved ones..

'fame & fortune' is the most popular and easiest example..

how often greedy people will seek out those people they see are striving for fame and fortune..

fame/fortune seekers are easy prey to the greedy..

they will turn you into a commodity; they will profit from the sale of your tickets.. they do not care about your health, well being, -they will let you perform high on drugs.. they will cause and watch as your relationships are destroyed.. if you die young, they will simply find fresh prey -they do not care about YOU; they care about themselves and money.

so,

not as the world takes, does God give to you. PEACE i bequeath to you, God says..

GOD gives peace. -you know i can't close without mentioning..

GOD gives LOVE, PEACE, JOY, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, FAITHFULNESS & STRENGTHENS YOUR SELF CONTROL..

gives comfort, gives healing, gives WISDOM, insights, creativity, generosity of spirit, energy, verve, inspiration.. faith, hope, love..

a healthy you, a healthy body and mind, healthy, thriving relationships,

... it is why Christians quote it often: GOD is GOOD.

of course, the goal.. cultivate an intimate, personal relationship with God/Love; pray without ceasing; find the narrow path; glorify God's name with your daily behaviors, decisions; walk in the spirit, not the flesh, fight evil, turn away from sin; ask for and receive forgiveness, confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior..

receive salvation, eternal life.

so that, -when you do physically die, [body] your spirit returns to heaven, you live eternally in a place of exclusively love; absent of suffering and evil.

The Christian life is so far superior to the secular life, i sure wish i would have gotten started sooner...

selah! hallelujah & amen.

THANK GOD FOR YOUTUBE -sandra mickanen reporting on youtube content

i.e., where else could this video (type/length/content) exist and be shared? i am so impressed; -very saddened by the circumstances; yes, but very impressed by this video. PALISADES FIRE: THEY GAVE UP

and i think of how much i learned from the SEATLLE IS DYING video.. -allowed me to pinpoint exactly when the downward spiral started..

and, recently, loved so much the interview with chris langan..

inspired to jump in: true, michael knowles, you did ~~cover~~ touch on all the major topics: death, judgement, heaven and hell, free will and God..

but not LOVE. and GOD IS LOVE. -it's a great discussion also. and i'm inspired to share some of my own writings on the subject HERE:

***

and then! thoroughly enjoyed, just yesterday, -self-reward for house-cleaning: a wonderful interview with steven pinker, hosted by david perell

inspired to jump in on this one too: expand further on the answer to your wonderful question

"what makes writing so much harder than talking?"

i've thought quite a bit about it... here's one of my examples david,

NEVER have i EVER had to interrupt a person during a verbal conversation and get them to explain to me

-do you mean, there? t-h-e-r-e? or, do you mean, their.. t-h-e-i-r?

but this distinction is a requirement when writing. -same with weather or whether.. and these are two examples from a very long list

i jokingly ask.. are readers less intelligent than talkers? they need so much explained. talkers just know... just naturally put words into their proper context..

there are no incorrect spelling issues in conversations, there are no case sensitivities issues, there are no...

also, NEVER, EVER, have i listened to someone as they were talking to me, sharing their recent experience.. and said,

hmmm... can you share this experience with me again next time we get together, but use less words..

-add some drama.. put it in a little different order...

[although, yes, with performers, comedians, they will practice, learn, hone craft this way]

-and even when there are language/accent/pronunciation barriers; -as steven speaks to in his answer, you have the aid of facial expressions, gestures, examples when needed..

IT IS THE NUMBER OF RULES, spelling distinctions, case, grammar, punctuation, format, margins, structure... we insist on in writing that makes it way more complicated than,

A) it needs to be, and B) way more involved than carrying on a conversation.

****

that said, -i like to point out in my own writings.. -if you have someone read a piece of my work out loud to an audience -no one in the audience would know if i used the correct spelling of whether

no one knows, was this or that capitalized, bolded, indented 5 spaces.. did i put a coma where i should have placed a period, or question mark..

when read out loud, a great deal of writing 'errors' can be utterly unknown to the listener.

however, i write many, many things, and the entire point is for the words themselves to be SEEN by the reader, not just heard.

because i use space on a page, color and size of fonts, arrangement, pictures, graphics to communicate more than what the words alone can convey. backgrounds behind words.. i use these visual tools to add humor, to avoid having to detail something a picture can show; to add depth, to be playful.. to intentionally get the attention of the reader.. because i think its pretty and more interesting.. and, i use these creative tools because i LOVE using them.. it is a joy for me to write in a creative, artistic way. it is fun. i'm so grateful the tools exist for me to play with..

i am a creative non fiction writer and graphic, visual artist at heart.

it is why i self describe as a literary and mixed media artist.

****

love your interview, will look for more...

****

all of this is "thank you!" prayer..

***

wait! this is another, exceptional to me, interview, about youtube, on youtube.

What YouTube’s CEO Really Thinks About YouTube | The Circuit with Emily Chang

love.

and did not know, but appreciate learning youtube has 3 different ways creators can have their content monetized: through subscriptions; through ads; and fan funded.

***

no secret how intrusive and annoying i find ads.. but, that's how most everyone earns their income, so -we see more and more ads as a result.. /speaking of downward spirals..

fan funded intrigues me. and in early talks with my husband about getting something going on youtube.

*****

hallelujah & amen

"ENCORE! ENCORE! ENTOURAGE!" Exceptional New Years Eve! @ meritage in napa #vellumdays

for us, we wanted to be wherever entourage was performing for new years eve. they are a guaranteed great, dance all night, pack the dance floor... such a fun, talented, high energy, entertaining band! turns out, they were at meritage resort in napa -again!! exceptional time! and all bonus that awesome elva is sister of... and daughter of.. -founded by her late father; brothers keeping entourage going strong

-some context & history:

so, outstanding band, gorgeous venue, best of friends to dance the night away with..

very definition of blessed! /elva did get her foot accidentally stomped by a stiletto..

but, save that happening.. crazy great time! -and, just between you and i..

we did have the coolest table.. envy of the place, because my husband thought to bring snacks

-and, made me laugh when sophia said to him, "you're the team mom"

great team we were!

-all "thank you!" prayers and community tithing

****

speaking of encores... "cheers!" to rutherford's grill and those off the charts crazy good prime rib french dips!! we went before and after the party.. michelin star from the micks..

and speaking of michelin stars..

-was sharing with my kids when they were here visiting over the holidays..

i read books to help introduce myself to people and places i would never otherwise know..

to explore.

but, same can be said, of watching youtube videos:

and michelin star restaurants around the world would be completely unknown to me,

but, "thank you!" to this couple.. i've visited a few now. -extraordinary, the creativity at every level; attention to detail.. spectrum.. different cultures, fusions..

subscribed to their channel.

/oh, no... rabbit hole..

youtube: favorite interview! michael knowles/chris langan -smartest man in the world. both interviewer & interviewee new to me.. but, as i'm less fond of small talk, and really fond of long, uninterrupted, large talks: i was glued to this entire interview "thank you!" -which.. can't say enough wonderful things about youtube..

but,

let's go back to those michelin star restaurants... i think i saw..

if not, a true, authentic, handmade german dreamlight tea light holder..

-very close, and used as a dessert dish.. YES.. gorgeous!

these are so gorgeous! can be used in so many different ways, adds stunning beauty to any area that contains it

i am telling you.. my imagination went wild! watching the videos on their website. like, how can a team of creatives from california, get to go to germany.. train.

learn from the masters.

open a shop here! -customize, personalize...

and, what i wouldn't give if they sold direct to customer, but they are wholesale only..

anyway.. crazy LOVE them! check em out here

****

excited for 2026.. calendar already filling up: multiple weddings, milestone celebrations, family visits/vacations..

focused on chad bianco for governor, and will be working toward that goal..

"Thank You Jesus!" million, trillion thank you's

hallelujah & amen

#vellumdays

SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com

Monday, January 26, 2026

SEAHAWKS, PATRIOTS HEADING TO LEVI STADIUM Feb 8, 2026 for Super Bowl LX -sandra mickanen reporting to inspire...

Sunday, January 25, 2026

The equivalent of a gender reveal party for NFL fans.. -sandra mickanen reporting

Saturday, January 24, 2026

CH (Cerebral Hyperlink): -sandra mickanen memory of walking over hot coals...

Friday, January 23, 2026

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS -we now have a cannabis dispensary. -sandra mickanen reporting

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

100% PREVENTABLE KIDNAPPING & SEXUAL ASSAULT OF 15 YEAR OLD GIRL -Sandra Mickanen reporting

Monday, January 19, 2026

CALIFORNIA NEEDS CHAD BIANCO FOR GOVERNOR: CASE & POINT -Sandra Mickanen reporting

Saturday, January 17, 2026

The Heart Seen ! in my husbands double cheese burger

Real * Life * Styles Beautiful Berryessa Neighborhood, Jan 16, 2026 #fashion #reallifestyles

Thursday, January 15, 2026

your mind, heart & spirit love paper books by sandra mickanen #paperbooks

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

waking thoughts -sandra mickanen sharing #humanhands

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT by Vanessa, -Sister and best friend of Cynthia Mykkanen

Sunday, January 11, 2026

"Thank You!" to everyone like, Christine Caine, @A21 doing the hard and noble work

"Magnes Tempus Ornamentum Imaginis Aeternum!" -aunt sandra mickanen's moto

Color (me!) star-struck -sandra mickanen sharing...

Saturday, January 10, 2026

What values, ideas, are exclusively Christian? -sandra mickanen exploring

i spy ui's most handsome, talented #leadingman (jack kay!)

Thursday, January 08, 2026

speaking of getting lost in someone else's story.. re-reading melania -sandra mickanen sharing

"somewhere to put the truth" audio podcast by our daughter (kassandra!)

Wednesday, January 07, 2026

Bad habit? -the micks reporting

What does fuel my imagination? -sandra mickanen, location scout

Monday, January 05, 2026

Why does God allow so much suffering and evil? -sandra mickanen sharing..

Sunday, January 04, 2026

THANK GOD FOR YOUTUBE -sandra mickanen reporting on youtube content

What YouTube’s CEO Really Thinks About YouTube | The Circuit with Emily Chang

Saturday, January 03, 2026

"ENCORE! ENCORE! ENTOURAGE!" Exceptional New Years Eve! @ meritage in napa #vellumdays

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