If I can help somebody, as I travel along. If I can help somebody, in a word or song. If I can help somebody, from doing wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain. Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972)

On this beautiful Tuesday, my favorite day of the week, I wish you love, peace and joy. I hope today is a better day for you than yesterday…

“Child molesters, pedophile, pervert… They are everywhere”

Every morning when I walked my daughter to elementary school, a man used to be standing on the corner of East 18^th and Albemarle Road, Brooklyn, NY. He would call out to most of the school girls, motioning for them to come to him. It did not matter to him if they were wearing uniforms.

Let ignorance talk as it will, learning has its value. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

Everyone has his faults which he continually repeats: neither fear nor shame can cure them. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

I bend and do not break. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

A hungry stomach cannot hear. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

People who make no noise are dangerous. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

Dressed in the lion's skin, the ass spread terror far and wide. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

Beware, so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance. ― Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

“A Fool’s Paradise”

I know what it feels like to wake up from living in a fool’s paradise. I’ve lived there for many years now I am wide awake. After all the emotions, it’s a good feeling. It wasn’t the end of the world. Life goes on and I am living it. Thanks be to GOD!

Stop looking at me and start looking at yourself. You are trying your best to hold me back, blinded by envy. You are not seeing that I am in front, you are behind and we are at the same juncture. Let me go so we can both move on.

Happy Sunday to you and yours. Enjoy and be safe.

“WASH YOUR HANDS”

I was out and had to use a public bathroom. A woman came in, used a stall, then she walk out of the bathroom. Another woman and I were at sinks washing our hands and we looked in the mirror at each other with our eyes wide open. No words necessary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl1uody3aAk

“Quotes I like”

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. — Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them. ― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." ― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war. ― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide. ― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Throw off your worries when you throw off your clothes at night. ― Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

God knows my heart. He know what I will do and what I would not do. I say, “Amen and AMEN to that.” A wonderful safe day to you and yours.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world~ Harriet Tubman (1820-1913)

“Kindness”

You don’t know where your help will come from so be kind, polite, helpful. A blessed safe day to you and yours.

If I did not say it before, you inspire me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjvkJTLdR28

“Everything changed and that is not a good thing.”

I remember long time when you bought an appliance it used to work, was sturdy, made from iron, durable and people were loving and kind. Today when you buy an appliance, you are worried if it works, it is frail, made of plastic, and people are angry and hateful. It’s a brand new world, but life goes on

“Happy Republic Day to all Trinbagonians”

“Everybody eats something weird and loves it. That’s life”

My son would say, “Mom that is just wrong.” …

My daughter, “Mommy that is just nasty.” … and I would say,

“Just mouthwatering” then I would take another bite and chew enjoying the tangy taste of the best condiment in the world... MUSTARD! I love mustard and I eat it on bread…  

You got up this morning so you are having a good day, embrace it. Thanks be to God. Amen and AMEN to that. Don’t worry about things you have no control over. Do not cry over spilled milk. Enjoy your day and be safe.

“Humiliating People”

I talk to my daughter daily about people and their attitudes. You can tell if someone likes you by the way they speak and or interact with you. She had a situation with a boy who liked her. He asked her to draw a logo for a group that he was the president of. She did it, everybody liked it, but he did not and he trashed her in front of the group. She was humiliated.

When she told me about it I said, “He doesn’t like you. If he did, he would have spoken to you in a well-mannered way, letting you know that he does not like it.  Don’t ever accept that kind of treatment from anyone.”…

“A blessed safe week to you and yours” If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart. ― Socrates (469- 399 BCE)

“Educators Are Caregivers”

I like teachers/professors only because of what the profession stands for. Although they are educators, they are caregivers. Many of them are in that profession for the money and the holidays. Over my 54 years, I have interacted with more than 60 teachers. Many of them were very good teachers and caregivers. — Empathetic to their students. Some of them were very hurtful.

When a child misbehaved in their class,—(Elementary School) they were allowed to do the class work, but were banned from play time and other social activities. It used to hurt my heart when fun time was about to start, the children who misbehaved had to get their backpacks and other belongings, leave the class and go to another class. I watched their faces and how hurt they looked as they were leaving. One day I had a birthday party for my son and the teacher told three boys to get their belongings and go to Miss-so-and-so’s class.

I whispered to the teacher, “I brought party bags for them, can I give it to them?”

“Not now Miss Joseph, but leave the bags on my desk, I will give it to them when the party is over.”

When the party was over and they came back to class, she gave them the party bags. I saw the sweet smiles on their faces and I felt good, but that was the last party I had at school for my son. Years later my daughter asked me to have a birthday party for her at school. I told her I did not like parties at school, but after she pleaded I decided too. Four boys were not allowed in the party. I asked the teacher if I could give them the bags I made for them.

“No Miss Joseph. They were very disruptive in class and they are not going to have anything from the party.”

“Can I leave the bags with you so you can give it to them after the party?”

“No. You can share them with the class or take them back home,” She said in an unbending tone.

 The boys left the class with the hurt look on their faces and I was pissed, but had to smile like I was happy.

Holding back food from anyone should not be punishment for a crime. You don’t know if that is the only meal that person would have for the day…

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ― Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998)

The best portion of a good man's life – his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. ― William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.” -Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

“Intimidating Women”

I don’t know if it is my daughter’s calm disposition or her soft voice that cause some women to stand very close to her every time she is in line to purchase something. One day in the subway a woman stood close behind her in the line. She said she was feeling very uncomfortable and the token boot clerk told the woman to get away from her. Another day in McDonalds a woman did the same thing and she moved to another line. This week at Dunkin′ Donuts, she was ordering and a woman was close behind her. She said if she turned around she knew she would bump into her. I want to know what is wrong with these women trying to intimidate young girls. CREEPY…

A happy Thursday to you and yours. Enjoy and be safe.

“Those Evil Tormenters”

I am not telling anyone to manhandle anybody’s child/children because you know a tormenter belongs to somebody, but mothers, fathers and caregivers pay attention to your children. The things that are done to them and the things they do to others.

I have to post this again.

“Boys, will be boys” meant that boys would do something out of the normal. It may end in laughter or some may get hurt, ending up in the hospital with cuts, bruises, broken hands, feet, but no major misfortune. Today, “Boys will be Boys” means one of them may end up DEAD!

Twenty-one years ago my son –Paul started public school in NY. He was 3yrs and small in size, but because of his date of birth, he was eligible to start. Although he turned four in a couple of weeks after school started, I used to be worried about him. Pre K and Kindergarten went by without a hitch, but the drama started in first grade. Everyday he got home from school we would chat about his day. One day when he arrived home he looked upset. I asked him what was wrong, he insisted that he was fine so I did not press him, but I was on the alert. The next day when I took him to school, he went to meet his friends and I stood where he could not see me. They were playing and enjoying themselves when another boy, much bigger in size, ran up to them and grabbed Paul’s hand. He tried to get away, but the boy was pulling him.

“Let me go! I don’t want to play with you!” Paul shouted. His other friends stood looking on with fear on their faces. I knew if I spoke to the teacher or the principal about this, it would go no where. They would just give me some kind of blasé response so I decided to handle the situation.

“Let him go right now!” He did and he stood looking at me. “Now you listen to me. Don’t you ever touch him again or say anything to him! If you do I will come in this school and drag your little ass across the grounds. You could bring your mother, your father, your aunts and uncles. I will drag all of them.”

“Miss Joseph, I am sorry. I will not do it again.”

“Good! Now play nice with everybody.” That was the end of that.

There are so many outcomes when you report a bully. No one really listens to your complaint. No one cares about your situation. You are considered to be a miserable parent, who thinks that your child is better than the other children. Your child is reckon to be the cause of his/her misfortune. The bully ends up glorified. Today glorification may not last long, it may end in death of the bully or the one who is being bullied. A sad, sad affair. Pay attention to your children. Stop the bullying…

Not another word but your prayers! Thanks be to God. I am seeing another day. Amen and AMEN to that.

Vinegar is cheap, non-toxic and biodegradable. It kills mold, viruses and bacteria.

On A Personal Note — I clean with white vinegar. I put one cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoon dishwashing soap in my 32 FL.OZ spray bottle, pour water to full bottle then shake well. Every morning and night, I spray and wipe down my kitchen counter and stove. I even mop the floors with it. Vinegar kills household germs. I love it.

“Mothers Are Psychic”

I look at my children intently after I asked them if they did something wrong. They would sometimes watch me and tell me they did not. I would say, “Really? Okay.” Then I walk away.

In most cases they would say, “Mom I don’t like when you say ‘really’ and ‘okay’.

“You said that you did not do it so what am I suppose to say, Alright? Then alright.”

 “Mom! You said ‘alright’ so now I know that you don’t believe me.”

“What am I suppose to say?”
“Anything, but those words.”

“You are right. I don’t believe you so why did you say you didn’t do it.”

“I don’t know how you do it, but you always know when we did something. LORD mothers are psychic,” my daughter said and my son response to that was, “I told you that many years ago.”…

Children make you talk a lot and they can get on your last nerve. One thing you have to have is patience. You have to be sensitive, kind and patient. In the end peace will be within and it is a good feeling.

Galatians 5:22-23. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

“QUESTION”

What can a child do to make his/her mother, father, caregiver beat him or her in a brutal way? 

A BLESSED SAFE AND HOLY SUNDAY TO YOU AND YOURS

Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness. — William E. Gladstone (1809-1898)

Beware of the man who does not return your blow: he neither forgives you nor allows you to forgive yourself. ― George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

"I love Saturdays"

There is something about Saturdays that puts me in a tranquil mood since childhood and it never fails. It doesn’t matter where I am, the moment I wake up, the feelings starts…

Happy Saturday to you and yours. Enjoy the day and be safe.

“Love is tender”

Stop beating or verbally abusing your child/children then say to them, “You know I did it because I love you.”

Love is tender. It is the sweetest feeling you feel and it does not make you inflict pain. Using love as your excuse for inflicting pain is sending the wrong message. Later in life if your child is being badly treated he/she is going to accept the perpetrator’s excuse, —“Do you see what you made me do?”… 

“Abuse is a sad, sad affair”

I feel abuse is to soft a word for what some people are faced with. It should be called CRUELTY!

The sad thing about this is that the victim often stay after the horrible event. I felt that low self-esteem is the main culprit why they stay, but the more I read about why they do, makes me understand the trepidation they feel. Yes we get angry but I also believe you have to be in it to know it.

http://www.domesticabuseproject.com/get-educated/compelling-reasons-women-stay/

“Memories of 9/11/2001”

“I remember how upsetting 13 years ago today was.”

I woke up the morning of 9/11/2001 at 5:00AM, feeling good. My husband left for work, my son for school and I was getting my daughter dressed for daycare. The television was on, but I was not looking or listen to it.

My daughter said, “Mommy look, the building burning.”

Fire and black smoke was coming from one of the World Trade Center buildings. It was so surreal that I said, “They are probably filming a movie.” (Oh how I wish that a movie was being filmed on that heartbreaking day and not a real life event.)

I dropped my daughter to daycare, hurried home and sat in front of the television. A plane came on the screen. It was flying towards WTC and I thought that this was a replay of the first plane crash. I gasped in shocked, as the reporter said that this was another plane. I looked through the window and thick black smoke was moving across the sky. The reporter then said that another plane crashed into the Pentagon. This was the third plane that crashed into buildings. I wondered what was going on and my heart was racing. A bitter taste was in my mouth. Fear was embedded deep within me, but I was thinking that man was at it again. He was hell bent on hurting man…

“Guilty By Association”

Out of the 100s of sayings by Trinbago old folks, 99.9% of them are right. ‘Friends will take you but they will not bring you back’.

One day when my son was in high school he and some of his classmates went to a bodega. He took up 4 packs of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and 2 packs of lemon cookies. When he got to the cashier all of his classmates were in front paying, except one who stood next to him with two packs of chips in his hands. As my son was about to pay the guy who stood next to him ran out of the store, with the chips. The owner asked my son if he knew him. He said for a moment he froze thinking he could say no, but then he said yes, don’t worry I am paying for him. He said he paid for his items and the two bags of chips that the classmate stole.

I said, “Do you see why I always told you, do not go shopping with friends. If they do anything dishonest you would be guilty by association.”…

School started.  Speak to you children. Remind them to be on their p’s and q’s when they are among friends.

A blessed safe day to you and yours…

“The First Man I Detested”

When I was a child growing up in Trinbago, I used to sit in our yard under a tree. We had a Portugal —(A fruit of the citrus family) tree, two avocado —zaboca trees, a governor plum tree —(a small round purple in color fruit which must be rolled and squeeze in the hand to soften, to get the sweetness and flavor) and a caimite tree —(a milky fruit). One day while I was sitting under the caimite tree, I heard some of my friends playing on the street, but I did not join them, I stayed where I was reading and eating fruits. It was a sunny day and one of the neighbors was over a tub washing clothes. She was pregnant and I watch her walked slowly inside the house. A few minutes later I heard a pot spoon hitting a pot. The food she was cooking smelt good. I continued reading so I did not see when she came back to her washing. Suddenly I heard a male voice. It was her husband. “I am home for lunch and you are not finished cooking!” He shouted.

“I’m sorry. The food is finished, let me dish out some for you,” She said in a soft frightened voice as she turned off the pipe, then, slowly walking towards the step to go into the house.

“So you are going to give me raw food!” He said taking off his belt then he started to beat her with it. I was in shock as I watched this woman with one hand up trying to block the blows and the other blocking her belly. He beat her and she begged him to stop, but he didn’t. I was scared and I started to cry. One of my sisters shouted at me to come into the house, but I was glued to the spot. She eventually came and took me inside. Weeks later our neighbor died in childbirth and her husband got married soon after she passed. He was the first man I detested…

Whenever you have taken up work in hand, you must see it to the finish. That is the ultimate secret of success. Never, never, never give up! ― Dada Vaswani (Born  August 2  1918)

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)

If it makes you happy, do it. If it makes you unhappy, don’t do it. A guilty conscience does not need an accuser.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27. Follow the Shepherd, not the sheep. A blessed safe day to you and yours.

“Do not give it and then worry about it! If you are going to worry about it, do not give it!” I hope your day is filled with joy and laughter. Enjoy and be safe…

A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits. ― Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994)

Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines. ― Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994)

Herbie Hancock - Don’t Give Up

In this proud land we grew up strong. We were wanted all along. I was taught to fight, taught to win. I never thought I could fail.

No fight left or so it seems. I am a man whose dreams have all deserted. I’ve changed my face, I’ve changed my name. But no one wants you when you lose.

Don’t give up ‘cause you have friends. Don’t give up. You’re not beaten yet. Don’t give up. I know you can make it good.

Though I saw it all around. Never thought I could be affected. Thought that we’d be the last to go. It is so strange the way things turn.

Drove the night towards my home. The place that I was born, on the lakeside. As daylight broke, I saw the earth. The trees had burned down to the ground.

Don’t give up. You still have us. Don’t give up. We don’t need much of anything. Don’t give up, ‘cause somewhere there’s a place where we belong.

Rest your head. You worry too much. It’s going to be alright. When times get rough. You can fall back on us. Don’t give up. Please, please don’t give up.

‘got to walk out of here. I can’t take anymore. Going to stand on that bridge. Keep my eyes down below. Whatever may come. And whatever may go. That river’s flowing. That river’s flowing.

Moved on to another town. Tried hard to settle down. For every job, so many men, so many men no-one needs.

Don’t give up, ‘cause you have friends.  Don’t give up, You’re not the only one. Don’t give up, No reason to be ashamed. Don’t give up, You still have us. Don’t give up now, We’re proud of who you are. Don’t give up, You know it’s never been easy. Don’t give up, no matter what you do. Don’t give up  ‘cause I believe there’s a place. There’s a place where we belong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVQxSFG-ahk

“When I die, (and yes, Melissa, that day will come; and yes, Melissa, everything’s in your name), I want my funeral to be a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action… I want Craft services, I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don’t want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents. I don’t want a eulogy; I want Bobby Vinton to pick up my head and sing “Mr Lonely.” I want to look gorgeous, better dead than I do alive. I want to be buried in a Valentino gown and I want Harry Winston to make me a toe tag. And I want a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyoncé’s” ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

“ I love funerals! To me a funeral is just a red carpet show for dead people. It’s a chance for mourners from all walks of life to accessorize basic black, and to make a fashion statement that is bold enough to draw attention away from the bereaved but subtle enough so that no one knows that it’s happening. And, it’s a great way to have quiet fun.” ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

“I hate people who try to make you feel better. Like the neighbor who says, ‘Don’t forget, the first part of ‘funeral’ is ‘fun’. Or the minister who say, ‘He’s in a better place now’ I’m tempted to yell out, “No he’s not. He had a house in the Hamptons. What’s wrong with you?” ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

She doesn't understand the concept of Roman numerals. She thought we just fought in world war eleven. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

Don't tell your kids you had an easy birth or they won't respect you. For years I used to wake up my daughter and say, 'Melissa you ripped me to shreds. Now go back to sleep. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

Don't follow any advice, no matter how good, until you feel as deeply in your spirit as you think in your mind that the counsel is wise. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

Life is very tough. If you don't laugh, it's tough. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

If God wanted us to bend over he'd put diamonds on the floor. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God's gift, that's why we call it the present. ― Joan Rivers (1933-2014)

The Trinbago Old Folks used to say, “You too harden.”

I saw the number on the caller ID and I didn’t listen to my intuition as it whispered to my heart, “Do not answer the phone, that conversation is going to disturb your spirit.” Although I knew that my inkling was right, I picked up the freaking phone. Well, I guess after all the years of hearing you too harden; I did not learn a damn thing! After every call from this person I always feel tired and dishearten. Why the hell did I think that this time was going to be different? I really don’t know.” “What the… Jesus!” After the call I felt worst than the other times before —Emotional. “LORD, teach me how to let go!”…

“Quotes To Think About”

We are all selfish and I no more trust myself than others with a good motive. ―Lord Byron (1788-1824)

A selfish man is a thief. ― Jose Marti (1853-1895)

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. ― Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness. ―Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears. ―Cesare Pavese (1908-1950)

We have observed that, in society and the world in which we live, selfishness has increased more than love for others, and that men of good-will must work, each with his own strengths and expertise, to ensure that love for others increases until it is equal and possibly exceeds love for oneself. ―Pope Francis

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. ― Lao Tzu (604 BC, Zhou Dynasty)

To feel much for others and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature. ―Adam Smith (1723-1790)

Courtesy is only a thin veneer on the general selfishness. ― Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)

Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. ―Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

“A Horrible Egotistical Moment” “You can run into the devil’s crusader in a flash”

Yesterday my daughter had a moment of fear on the bus. The bus was crowded and she had to move to the back of it. When she got there, a man was sitting with his legs stretched out. She held the pole near the back door as she tried her best to stay away from him. Although she did this, his leg touched hers as the bus moved. She moved again standing in front of the back door, but she held on to the pole. The man started to cuss saying that this little bitch comes into his space and he hates when mother Effers does that. He went on and on. She got scared so she stepped down on the step to exit the bus. Her fears were increased as the man was cursing louder, and the bus was taking for ever to get to her stop. When the bus eventually did stop, she got off, but the man did not get off. You are not safe anywhere. The devil’s crusader is lurking around… 

“I disobeyed one of my rules”

I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend with my family. The main event of the weekend—I BROKE MY DIET. All I have to say about that is; Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and  Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

Allan’s Bakery’s Hops, Hard Dough Bread, Currants Roll and Pound Cake. Buljholl—Saltfish and Shark. Today I feel great, but back to my diet. And that’s life. Life is good and I am enjoying it.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and you got your heart’s desire. A wonderful safe day to you and yours.

“Life is a battle… there is always rivalry”

The things they do. The things they say… hmm. I believe that some of them come in your space to disturb your spirit oui. As the old folks in Trinbago used to say, “Yuh blood near yuh skin. Yuh too touchy” Well I am not sensitive! It is just that I am not playing jackass, for dem to ride me.