Watch the sky change colors just before the
day closes its eyes.
goodnight
Negroni recipes
Go bitter. With these seven Negroni recipes.
- Ice
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- 2 ounces prosecco
- Thin whole slice of orange, for garnish
Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes. Add the vermouth and Campari, then top with the prosecco; stir to combine. Garnish with the slice of orange.
Thankful for all who help us
It’s always the little things that matter and that we need more of those these days.
I am thankful for drivers who give you a break and for the ones who give a friendly wave when you accommodate them. I am more thankful for those who drive safely and think of others.
I am thankful for clerks and receptionists who are pleasant and kind. I am thankful for all the delivery folks who leave packages and especially for the newspaper carrier who leaves my paper right near the house.I am thankful to get a live person on the phone to answer my business or medical questions. I am thankful for the shoppers who let you cut in line if you only have a few items. I am thankful for people who say “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me.”
On a loftier level, I am thankful for the sun that rises, the rains that quench, the earth that provides our daily bread, as well as the farmers who toil endlessly through the growing season. This is why we celebrate the harvest.
I am thankful for those who do not live their lives with hate and resentment.
In closing, I am thankful for those who keep peace in their hearts and hope alive.For all who help us. Thank you for our trash and recycling pickup. For our mail, package and newspaper deliveries. For all the people who work outside in all kinds of weather to maintain, repair and build. For our library and for curious people. For kids who challenge us and think of others besides themselves.
For everyone who smiles before I do!
Posted in Reflections
Tagged appreciation, community, grateful, kindness, life, thankful
Leave a comment
Why I love Black Women
Why I love Black Women by Michael Eric Dyson (2003,304 pages). Looking at the cover I was under the impression this was going to be a book of individuals explaining why they not only loved Black women, but appreciated and respected them. I was partly wrong; the book is about Solo Professor Michael Eric Dyson’s experience. There appeared to be more about his experiences, and Black women just happened to be a part of it. In learning that, this is a book I didn’t complete. Not because it wasn’t a delightful read. I believe it’s more because I am a Black woman and have personally heard these words and compliments and complaints before. I would have enjoyed this being an anthology of individuals sharing their views and perspectives on Black women. If you want to learn more about this topic, this would be a wonderful place to start. A catalogue of virtues, an unapologetically cheerful view of Black women that rescues their strengths and beauties from callous denial or cruel indifference. It’s great that his research and interviews included all economic groups. It is wonderful when a man takes the time and effort to show appreciation for the women who love and support him.
Posted in Reading
Tagged Biography, book review, Michael Eric Dyson, non fiction, On My Bookshelf, Why I love Black Women
Leave a comment
No Aromas, Please
I recently spent the night with an old friend. We had a 50-year anniversary visit. We are thrilled to be reunited. My friend went out of her way to make me welcome and comfortable in her home overnight. That included washing the bed linens having used fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. The bed was overwhelmingly perfumed by these products to the extent that I was coughing and effectively lost a night‘s sleep.
The opportunity exists to spend more time in the future in her home, however, I cannot sleep in her guest room with those chemicals in play. How do you suggest I approach this one?– No Aromas, Please
Dear Aromas: The easiest way is probably to bring your own sheets/linens if you have the space in your luggage. And it’s fine to mention it in advance. “I’m sensitive to scents and chemicals, so I’m going to bring my own sheets. I just wanted to let you know. I don’t want you to go out of your way and I want to be rested enough to enjoy our time together.”
This also gives your friend the opportunity to modify the way she hosts. She might hear this and volunteer to wash the linens without fabric softener. It’s easy enough to do. The most direct option is to ask her: “would you mind not using any scented chemicals on the sheets in your guestroom?” I list this option last not to be passive, but because it may not completely solve your issue. If she’s using the fabric softener consistently on all her other laundry, there may be residual aromas that you pick up on. The bigger idea here is that good hosting and being a good guest are both reliant on clear communication. Guests and hosts shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what they need, respectfully, reasonably, and kindly. It sounds like your friend was happy to do whatever she could to make you feel at home. It stands to reason, then, that she’d be happy to make an adjustment if it made you even more comfortable. Likewise, it sounds like you’re happy to do what you can to clear the path for a more enjoyable time. This is all good news. Enjoy your next visit.
Posted in Reading
Tagged allergies, aroma, communication, friends, Hospitality, What would you do ?
4 Comments
Real Life of an MSW 