WELCOME :-D Hope you enjoy the weekly musings of this honest, fun-loving, resolute, hardworking, fairly liberal, cautiously optimistic, strong, Black Woman, logical Attorney, fair Mediator, Sagacious Pearl of a Delta diva, proud pet parent, sweet, sophisticated, sarcastic riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. HAPPY READING!!!
NOTsoRandom Fact: In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on October 15, 2015, the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) sought entries for its 10th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Student Art Contest. Today, at an awards ceremony and reception, the Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals presented the awards. My heart smiled as I perused the best 1,000 entries on display at the Judicial Education and Conference Center in Annapolis! It was INSPIRING & UPLIFTING to see Maryland students in grades K through 8 share their creative expressions and reflections about conflict resolution. *smiles* Both the young (and the young at heart) should follow this winner's lead:
Our world could truly benefit from an infusion of peace right now...
...In the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks on the City of Lights last
Friday night, I was truly saddened by the tragic loss of so many human lives. As anxiety, unimaginable grief and international religious tension rise, the narratives about Paris in the media that
have positively impacted me the most are the "human interest" stories about caring people who offered comfort to those injured immediately after the attack. The strangers who, although they could not administer first aid, held
the hands of the dying or who helped the injured to safety. These angels on Earth personified what is often, although mistakenly, referred to as the "Prayer
of St Francis":
The truth I want to send up during the week of November 17, 2015 is, notwithstanding
how you may feel about the last line or religion generally, the sentiments expressed in this prayer can speak to ALL of
us no matter who/what we pray to (or even if you do not pray at all).
In this time when many #PrayForParis, and for EVERYWHERE there is trouble in our world, individually and collectively each of us should seek to promote:
PEACE
LOVE
PARDON
FAITH
HOPE
LIGHT
JOY
UNDERSTANDING
LOVE
GENEROSITY
FORGIVENESS
Especially, in light of the threats made to my Nation's Capital (that
I live right down the street from and that people I care about live/work in
every day), what I will do is:
#CallToAction: However you center yourself and "release and summon positive
vibes" do that, please...
…Our world needs our collective good will :-)
[Annnnnnnnnnd my dream to one day share a loving embrace and passionate kiss with the love of my life from atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris could depend on it too *blushes*]
#NOTsoRandom Fact: On Friday, November 6, 2015, I learned that an employee at the Prince George’s County Courthouse decided to share on social media at least one thing she was thankful for EVERYDAY for the next thirty (30) days. She called it a “month-full of thankfuls.” I told her I thought her idea was BRILLIANT and that she inspired me to do the same :-D
The truth I want to send up during the week of Tuesday, November 10, 2015 is:
#CallToAction: Take a moment each day to reflect on at least one (1) thing you're thankful for.
Here's my list:
DATE
WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR
WHY I’M THANKFUL FOR IT
Wednesday 12/2/15
Eggs (literally AND figuratively)
Part 1: I’m grateful there’s someone who thinks I’m a good
egg (I think J’s a good egg, too). Although we don’t know too much about each
other’s “slight?” cracks (yet), YAY for the opportunity to get to know each other!!! *winks*:
Part 2: I’m also grateful for eggs prepared with care and appreciation that are cooked EXACTLY how I like them (especially, SANS a "how to cook my eggs" teachable moment...TEHEHE *smiles*)
Tuesday 12/1/15
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust
Although it was painful to accept the passing of a former
love, it is merely a part of the circle of life. I will always appreciate
who and how we were both to and for each other. May you find peace in His
love.
Monday 11/30/15
God’s Grace on a Rainy Monday
Despite the fact that I did NOT deserve it, God blessed me
anyhow this morning!!! *praise dance* I am TRULY grateful for the free and unmerited favor of God,
as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Sunday 11/29/15
The question “do you have a football team you follow?”
Banter about the Redskins facilitated the adjustment of half-opened
doorway to be opened more fully…I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore the possibilities :-)
Saturday
11/28/15
Integrity
Reliable and genuine people are rare precious stones. While
seeking forgiveness for dishonest words/deeds is possible, the best practice
is to have your conscience productively and proactively drive your actions
even when external eyes are not cognizant of your every move.
Friday
11/27/15
A Philly-Based Travel Companion
Cheers to exploring the possibility of carry-ons, stowed
luggage and SIRAP-type adventures :-)
Thursday 11/26/15
A cousin who is more like a sister
I'm grateful to share food and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day with my
cousin, her boyfriend and their friends in Silver Spring (even though the Packers lost...WELP)!
Wednesday 11/25/15
My time, attention and affection are often locked behind tempered, shatterproof glass
because I am valuable and know my worth. I’m thankful to be self-aware enough
to know what I will allow, stop and reinforce. Yay for fruits borne of hours
spent searching my soul and healing from a broken heart. I'm grateful for the ones with whom I share my time, attention and affection who either didn't have to be taught OR who learned well :-)
Tuesday 11/24/15
Patti LaBelle's "Right Kind of Lover" song
The recent hype about her sweet potato pie and James Wright’s now infamous video review on YouTube aside, I’m SHO-NUFF grateful for my romantic relationship goal to find someone “real…strong but tender…”; for who’s “…love I will surrender”; who can hold “…an interesting conversation every once in a while”; someone “…always prompt and attentive cuz my darling knows that is my style…right height…right build…goes to work everyday…pays bills…comes home in the evening”; ANNNNNNND who MUST “…rub[] me, OOH the right way!!!” (that’s how to keep a permanent smile on my face *winks*). I’ve played “Right Kind of Lover” SEVERAL times today. Each time, I’m like you betta SAAAAAAANNNNNNG it Patti!!! Now, to see if the pies are really worth being mentioned on Good Morning America and popping up in my timeline so frequently…
Monday 11/23/15
#MondayMotivation on Instagram
This note is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE:
*cheers to "Mon-day" aka "My Day" and being committed to making this a MARVELOUS week*
Sunday 11/22/15
Time and chance happen to us all:
Pastor Howard-John Wesley preached a great sermon entitled
"When Things Don't Make Sense." My pastor defined chance as "life's
surprises." I experienced an unpleasant life surprise last week, so
this sermon made me think about what doesn't make sense in my life (and
what role fate, time, chance, and my choices played in my current
situation). I personally don't believe in accidents or coincidences or
mistakes. I think that everything happens for a reason and that whatever my
choices are in life serve a greater purpose, are instructive in nature and
will ultimately work for my good. At the same time, I agree with my
pastor (and the scripture) that each of us are subject to unexpected
things (good or bad) happening to them in time and by chance. However, I
think that greater than any unexpected occurrences (good or bad) is
how I choose to react. My actions (or failure to act) is an exercise of
my individual free that can (and will) influence my fate. That's
not to say I think that we live in a magical world where things just
magically fall into place and there is no sadness/disappointment/frustration.
That's not to say I don't think that life isn't (or won't be) difficult. I'm
just saying that I try to live without regrets and to make the best out
of every situation. As ends the poem "Invictus" by William
Ernest Henley: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my
soul."
Saturday
11/21/15
A *Spontaneous* Tampa-based Trucker
I’m grateful for laughs and smiles shared and exchanged
almost effortlessly :-)
Friday
11/20/15
Paxton
He's taught me important "dog lessons":
Thursday 11/19/15
The bulldog who knew that the last thing I wanted to hear
today was "I'm sorry" or "you're awesome" or some cliché
about closed doors and open windows.
Although Lianne La Havas was singing about a romantic
situation, the chorus still holds true for platonic friendships also:
"it's what you don't do, it's what you don't say." Sometimes the
best thing you can do for someone is hold space and refrain from saying all
of the "right" things (or doing the "right" things). I'm
grateful for a kindred spirit who has become one of my closest friends.
Wednesday 11/18/15
My Political Acumen
I grateful that analysis, constituent work, political
messaging, planning and strategy excite me! I’m even more excited that I can
channel this passion of mine to help people I know who are running for
various positions. I’m not quite on Olivia Pope’s level (yet)…perhaps, one
day *winks*
Tuesday 11/17/15
Creative and Peace Promoting Children & Angels on
Earth
Being reminded to check my cynicism and to be willing to
give when I am able
I normally don’t carry cash. But, I needed some tangible
bills to park at the courthouse so I got some cashback from the grocery
store. As I was leaving, a man asked me if I could contribute to his bus
fare. He said he lost his cash and needed to pick up his daughter. Without
thinking and after barely looking at him, I told him I don’t carry cash and
kept walking. I feel bad that living in the DC-area has desensitized me to
these kinds of requests. IDK if he was telling the truth. But, after I
realized I did actually have some cash on me, I gave him the few dollars I
had. I’m grateful for the ability to help him and for being reminded I
shouldn’t be so quick to brush requests for help off so quickly. If that were
me (or someone I love), I’d want someone to help me (or them). So, when I
can, I should help.
Sunday 11/15/15
Opening up my heart to a jaguar
I truly believe friends are the family you choose. I'm
thankful for my friends (not just because they support me but because I try
to reciprocally support them). I'm working on a surprise for my jaguar friend
today. She had my back when I needed an ear and a shoulder. I'm grateful for
the opportunity to help her and encourage her as she trains for her marathon. MUST LISTEN:
Saturday
11/14/15
My desire to build a house with "the one"
In case that sounds oddly abstract, this blog I wrote a
few years ago that explains this desire a little further: http://tteotqs.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-want-house.html.
Although at present I'm in a "focused on building friendship"
head-space & heart-space, I truly look forward to a strong platonic
friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship with someone I
could honor with a lifelong commitment. IDK when house building will happen
(or with whom I will build our house). But, I'm grateful for my "wanting
a house" hope and the possibility of "sometime eventually"
*smiles*
Friday 11/13/15
Provision
Today, I was worried that someone's absent-minded
forgetfulness would complicate my weekend. But, thankfully, that
potential crisis was averted. Everything worked out (right on-time)!!!
Today's experience reminded me of something I wrote on another one of my
blogs (http://tteotqs.blogspot.com/2014/09/jehovah-jireh.html)
a few years ago: "While I do not have all of what I want, I always have
what I need. I do not always have what I need when I want it. But, I always
have what I need when I need it." Today, especially, I'm so grateful
that is STILL TRUE!
Thursday 11/12/15
Innocent Flirtation
I'm grateful to have exchanged genuine compliments (not
forced or fake) with a stranger today. Yay for being able to honestly praise
someone for their external attractiveness. Yay for being praised for your
internal beauty.
Wednesday 11/11/15
VETERANS
Members of all branches of the armed services make
tremendous sacrifices for our country. To my father, uncles, aunts, cousins,
and ALL service men and women, I am sincerely grateful for all that you
done!!!
Tuesday 11/10/15
My license to practice law allowing me to protect minor
children and disabled adults who often cannot protect themselves.
Often, people seek legal counsel when they’re in crisis. I
consider it an honor and a privilege that my license to practice law permits
me to use my logic, wit and words (either spoken or written) to help mend my
client’s broken hearts/spirits/lives as well as help create peace and order
where disarray exists. I wholeheartedly concur with what a fellow HU
undergrad and NCCU Law alum @Jalawgirl said about lawyers in her recent IG
post: “We truly work hard for our clients. Although we get a bad rap, lawyers
work extremely hard to promote justice.”
Monday 11/9/15
My favorite Saints fan
Thanks for being there when I needed someone to literally
and/or figuratively hold my hand when my chronic pain issue flares up.
Sunday 11/8/15
Being part of a church family that that not only is
working tirelessly to improve circumstances in the present and future but
also to honor the legacy and contribution of those who came before.
Rich in history itself, Alfred Street Baptist Church
announced its donation of $1 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of
African-American History and Culture during worship service
today. Please know that I do NOT claim to have given anything remotely
close to a significant portion of $1 million dollars to ASBC. I'm grateful
nonetheless to sow my humble little pennies on fertile ground.
Saturday 11/7/15
Shelter & the HBCU Network
My mixed feelings about the #HomelessAtHoward situation
aside, I'm glad that HBCU graduates pooled their resources to make sure that
a recently displaced HU student has a place to lay his head for the rest of
the 2015-2016 school year. I know firsthand the angst and anxiousness that
burdens the heart and mind when you don’t have a place of your own to lay
your head at night. It is a blessing to be safe, covered and warm.
By the way, to the people who think this (or any other)
incident gives you the license to speak negatively about my alma mater:
please, sip your tea quietly. I have (and always will) be SO GLAD I WENT
TO HOWARD U!
Friday 11/6/15
My choice to attend North Carolina Central University’s
School of Law and participate in its “Invest in Success” program
On National “Love Your Lawyer Day” the Maryland Board of
Law Examiners released the July 2015 bar exam results. I’m so proud of this
next cohort of attorneys to be sworn-in (especially, my friends...CONGRATS
AGAIN *smiles*)!!!
In particular, I’m grateful for NCCU Law’s “Invest in
Success” program. I credit my passing the bar the first time to the genuine
care about my personal well-being as well as the constructive criticism of my
practice essays and MPTs by Dean Green and Prof. Burgess. Even though I
didn’t need to use it, I LOVED how Dean Craig-Taylor gave her personal cell
phone number to students studying for the bar exam in case we had an
emergency. I don’t know of any other law school dean who’s done that!!! I
wore the “one and done bracelet” she gave the 2014 NCCU Law graduates every
day of bar prep and during the bar exam.
Since to whom much is given, much is required, it is my
hope that I can support others during their transition from being a law
school graduate to a licensed attorney as I was so lovingly supported :-)
#NOTsoRandom Fact About Me: "If" by Rudyard Kipling is one of my FAVORITE poems of all time!
The final couplet is on my heart this morning:
"If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!"
Explicit androcentrism aside, what I love about these lines is how Kipling challenges us to change our perspective on time from being focused on the forest to enjoying the individual trees.
The truth I want to send up on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is also my call to action this week. One of my high school English teachers required us to memorize and periodically recite our school motto:
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it; no idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
