So, Can We Talk About Celery Broth/Celery Soup?

 

DHSpeller Image: My Celery Soup

Today, I did a thing.  While listening to an Afrobeat Playlist I started, I had an inkling to try my hand at making some celery broth/soup… 

Let me tell you something—when I was done, I was looking for a chef-hat to put on myself! ✊🏾🥳  😁🤣

It was very simple to create, but me being extra, I started to add different herbs I found in mi-Stash.  Here is what I did:

1.      It all started out with some water I was boiling in a small pot. 

2.     Then I cut up a celery stalk I had in the fridge.

3.      I added a little bit of sea salt.

4.      I threw in a beef cube for flavor and a savory base.

…then it got good.  I just started adding shtuff I liked for taste…

5.      I added

Why is it that we pay for water…that we cannot drink? Should this be an election issue?

 

Copilot/AdobeExpress AI generated: "People Paying for Dirty Water"

More and more places are now handing out notices about water supplies you are paying for, but you can't drink.  And, we as sleepy Americans are walking around and just going along with whatever they say, as if it's normal.  Why?

 

Years ago, you could drink the water--safely from an outside water hose.  You could even have your own well in your yard without a problem.  Now, you pay higher prices for water that you can't even drink. 

 

Why can we not drink the water?

 

Many of the problems with water are caused by industrial waste, run off from hog and chicken farms, and possibly illegal dumping or ALLOWED dumping into our water ways and systems.

 

Who should pay for this?  Industry and the polluters who are causing the problems.  THEY should pay for the cleanup.    All that concentrated waste from big company farms are a problem.  What happened to individual farmers?  Or the organic farm which is able to

Things Will Happen for You… At the “Appointed Time”

 

Image created with Design: "Spirit Team Working"

During my walk today, an inspired word came to me while I was thinking about what I needed and wanted to happen (now and in the future).  And the inspired Word was, “It will happen at the appointed time”.

I was so used to hearing people say similar things like, “Well, it’s gonna happen, when it happens—just give it time”, or, “well, it’s gonna happen in God’s time”.  But this was a different response. “It will happen at the appointed time”.  It rang familiar because I know I had read and heard that phrase relative to things mentioned in the bible. 

It was also different because, even though it was not a familiar date/time/year type of response; it was still a solid, definitive response in my hearing.  I didn’t have the rhetorical thought of, “But When!!!” as I usually do when hearing the other phrases mentioned.

Just to make sure, I checked.  And there were, indeed, several scriptures that gave reassurance that

Did You Know That Coffee Can Make You Itch?

 

"Itchy Mane" Image: created with Microsoft Designer

Yeah. Sad to say that I revisited that discovery recently.  It happened to me long ago when I used to drink a lot of coffee during winter months when I was in the military.   I couldn’t figure out why I was itching—but assumed that it just went away after a while.  But what had actually happened was I reduced my coffee intake to a more balanced level to the other beverages I was drinking.  Cutting through the chase, there is a link below that takes you to a Google search I did that explains the correlation.

So, this year, I started drinking more coffee again for a few reasons (as an aid to help in weight loss and maintenance, a stimulant to keep awake while working on projects at night….and it is also very good! 😁)

Anyhow, I started to notice that whenever I was doing something that caused tension or agitation, I began to itch like crazy—all freaking over!  Even when I was thinking too hard I started itching. LOL.   Then I had a thought back to when it happened before and sure enough it was my coffee intake.  As soon as I went back to a moderate intake, the itching stopped. 

It turns out that coffee has histamine, which can cause or trigger hives, rashes, or eczema-like reactions.  Who freaking knew?!!!  The following link is to a Google search where

Did you know that the Flexitarian Diet is One of the Best Diets and Way of Life?

 

I am now 61… yay.   And over the years, I’ve tried dieting and if you are like many people, you know how that goes.   Even with the weight, I didn’t look that bad, because I did do some exercise and was roughly in shape from years of exercise and training in the military.  But, weight is weight, and it made me feel heavy.  

So, I’d go on these varied eating experiments to try to lose weight with little success. I then decided to just eat what I wanted proportionately.  And, because I like fruit, like apples, cucumbers and watermelon and such, I was in good health generally.  Still a bit over weight, but not a junk food junky (anymore).  

One day I discovered information about the Flexitarian diet.  Turns out a lot of the things I was doing

I am Thankful and Grateful

 

Image by: DHSpeller Raleigh, NC

[Reprint from WordPress Blog of June 28, 2021 edited]

Recently, I had a thought session.  I was wondering if I could be disappointed, dissatisfied; yet thankful and grateful all at the same time.  And, my conclusive answer is, Yes.  This is how…

First, I am very thankful and grateful to Word/God for life, health, and strength; and the ability and power to do what I must.  At the same time, I recognize the current state and situation that I find myself (which constantly changes).  Sometimes, that leads to frustration, dissatisfaction and disappointment; but, I work hard at NOT murmuring–

3 Things I Hope We Black People Start Doing

 

As I have been listening to the aftermath of the 2024 Elections, through it, as throughout all of history, people bring us up in the mix.  Often the conversation goes into the topics of what we didn’t do and what we should have done, all while ignoring what we've already done in support of this American experiment.

 

 It’s obvious that people are constantly in the affairs of African Americans. Be it culture, music, religion or just conversation, people discuss (and sometimes speak for us—when they can’t find their designated mouth pieces, they’ve anointed to represent us) and tell us what we are thinking as if we can’t speak for ourselves.  It’s time for all of that babbling to cease.  Three things that I hope Black people start doing are:

 

1.      Speak for yourselves clearly and often. Even though you may not get invited to a show or platform that has millions of viewers, use your own social media to be heard. Disregard the naysayers and criticism. Get your message and opinions out there!  Crude, fancy, plain or simple. Communicate. People are going to have something to say regardless of what you do. And although it may appear no one is paying attention, someone is always watching.

2.      Learn to use your personal power. In 2024, it is time to hold people accountable for how they are treating you.  You don’t have to go along to get along.  Nor do you have to settle for scraps.  If others can expand and prosper, so can you. Learn to work with Black businesses and keep some of the wealth in our communities. If you are not satisfied with a good or service, then tell that business what it is you have an issue with—and please let it not just be the “price is too high” excuse.  You’ll spend whatever

Growing Your Own Food Might be Worth the Time Investment

 

[Repost of August 31, 2022 WordPress blog-edited]

Last year [2021], I tried an experiment to see how hard it would be to grow my own plants and food.  I got some supplies from Amazon... (growing medium, jar cups, and rocks) and other supplies locally… (soil, pots, etc.).  It wasn’t as hard as I anticipated to start the project—but the effort came in being consistent and knowing what to do as the plants began to grow.  If you travel or are out of the house a

About Your Blood Pressure

 

As you know, I like to explore all types of topics and information.  Today, we’ll take a quick look at information about blood pressure. First, let’s explore blood and what it does.  ¹Blood has two primary functions.  It delivers oxygen; and carries away carbon dioxide and other waste. ,

²When the heart beats, it circulates blood by pushing it through the blood vessels.  The amount of

It's Not So Much What Others Think, It's About What You Believe

 

[Repost with edit from Blog of December 9, 2009]

It's not so much what others think. it is more about what you believe. I was reading in the book of Matthew (Chapter 8).  A particular passage of scripture stuck with me, because it read true.  “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee”, the verse read.

The preceding scriptures were a couple of parables that described how faith operates.  Basically, the requirement to make “faith” work is “belief”.   As I re-read the scriptures a few times, I was fascinated how easy it was for some people to believe just because they do.

One of the parables was about a centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant who was some distance away.  Jesus said okay, and had offered to go to the soldier’s house to heal his servant.

Creating Something From Nothing... of Sort

 

[Repost from Blog of March 22, 2010 with updates]

Many people find themselves unemployed because of economic problems. My encouraging word today is: Don’t be totally discouraged by what you have lost. You still have your talents, skills and abilities. You have not lost them. I encourage you to use the “Entrepreneur” approach. Create something from nothing.

For instance. If you worked in the banking industry, you may have the skill to assist others in qualifying for loans or help them understand the basic workings of the stock market.  Or perhaps you were a

Learning How to Be ‘Always Ready’ [a different take on an old post]

During my military days, I was once assigned to a unit who had a motto of, “Always Ready”. (Tish was cool as hell when everyone snapped to attention and yelled it out-- …was a lil bit corny tho…) It was a training unit and I believe the ethos behind it was that, as an individual and collective as a unit; we should always be ready to contribute to the accomplishment of the mission.

Therefore, being mentally, and physically prepared and present were essential in meeting goals.  Even during personal crisis, you had a contribution to make.  Now, I wished I learned how to totally apply that to my overall life.  I was great at compartmentalizing as I think many were.  It helped me to

I Think We Should Work Harder at Getting 'Work From Home' and 'School From Home' Right

[Repost from my November 10, 2020 WordPress Blog site]

Personally, I think we should work harder at getting Work From Home and School From Home right.  The pandemic was and is rough.  It's not the first nor will it probably be the last problem in this 'brave new world' we are facing.

I think many people have looked at these two solutions as temporary fixes as opposed to working on them as long term cures that could potentially help out a lot of people.  Do you think people like driving 20 - 30 miles to a job where they only make between $7.25 and $12 an hour?  Especially if they could do the work from home?

Home schooling has actually been around for a long time.  This period has been an opportunity

Who Is Willing To Be The Last Crab?

 

[Repost of an article from my January 7, 2011 Blog]

“…like crabs in a basket…”… A derogatory remark, normally associated with a group who is either fighting against each other; or who is trying to hold others in the group back so much so, that there is no chance of progression.

I heard this term used the other day in a sermon at a church meeting. As I was sitting; listening, I began to think;

I think "Personalized Education" is going to be the new "School Model"

 

Pixels.com Image by RF Studio

With COVID still going on, it’s possible that there will be more home schooling, or distance learning.  I've spoken on this before; but I’ll talk about it again now.  I believe we really need to rethink how we educate in America.  In my opinion, designer, self-paced, personalized education is going to become the norm.

Acknowledging Reasons to Consider Personalized Education

I agree that there should be national standards. A basic, minimal core of topics should be taught and mastered.  But, the way that they are taught should be subjective. In my opinion, a few things need to be considered.

• Some schools weren’t that great prior to COVID, in educating students.
• People often learn in different ways.
• People catch on to concepts and learning material at different speeds and sometimes it’s better in different settings or learning environments.
• History.  More actual history should be taught in America, not less.  Information about slavery has a place alongside teaching about the Holocaust--and I would argue even more so. Also, the way Native Americans have been depicted throughout history books is appalling--and should be corrected. 

Possible Changes to Address Issues

Having said that, I think the ultimate role teachers and instructors will play is that of a coach or counselor to the learning experience.  And, perhaps the brick and mortar school buildings will

Let’s Take a Look at Distilled and Other types of Water

I was looking up information on WebMD recently about the different types of water.  Certain types of medical equipment mention using distilled water specifically.  I was surprised at the information I found and thought it would be interesting to share.  Summarily it stated that:

Distilled Water

It’s steam from boiling water that has been cooled and returned to the liquid state.  Salt, minerals and other organic materials have been removed from the boiling process.

Tap Water

This is water that comes straight from the faucet.  It may usually have been disinfected with chlorine and sediments removed.

Filtered Water

Filtered water is tap water that has been strained through filters to remove chlorine and other bacteria

Be Confident In Who You Are; You Might Not Be Doing Anything Wrong.

 

[Repost and edit from my August 22, 2021 Blog]

This is my encouraging word for today… Be. Confident. In. Who. You. Are.  Self-esteem is a game changer. It could add to your success or your demise. So work on improving how you see yourself.  I would venture to say that you may not always be doing something wrong.  It may be that you just haven't found your tribe; your clique; or your team. 

Saying, or thinking that you're doing something wrong seems to be the go to answer when others find your actions out of alignment with their thinking and or timing.  But those same people somehow seem to accept similar behavior from others.

In my varied life experiences, I've seen people who follow the rules and try to do everything "right" and still don't seem to progress as much as they desire. Yet, people whom about we've pondered, "How the hell did they even learn to breathe"--seem to have amassed immeasurable success!

So, what's really going on?  Maybe, you are doing it right; but, not for the people you are currently

Don't Forget to Clean Your Fan (and Other Equipment)!

 

Regardless of if you have a home office or work place facility, don't forget to clean your fan!  I was picking up a bit around my work area/home office room and started to sweat.  I'd just returned from the outside and thought, "it wasn't that hot out there".

I know that heat is trapped inside of a building, but still, it was warmer than usual.  I was going to reach over to turn on the fan, but noticed that it was already on.  Dusty, but on.  It wasn't properly moving and circulating the air. But, let me tell  you something. Taking 5 minutes to take the fan apart to clean the plastic blades and frame guard made a world of difference!

There was such an increase of airflow, and you could feel the room cool down almost immediately--and it wasn't even on high.

Sometimes we forget to service the tools we use in our professions.  This post was merely talking about

The Red Delicious [Apple] is My Friend

 

[Repost for a previous blog of October 3, 2016]

Simply put, I like Red Delicious Apples because they make me feel good.  I usually eat apples on and off throughout the year.  But, in particular around this time of year …and spring time I usually like to eat them because they help open my clogged nasal passages and sniffles.

I’ve often felt that there were a lot of health benefits to eating apples and believed that there was some truth to the axiom “An apple a day keeps the doctors away”.  So, I stopped being lazy and decided to actually do a little research.

On the

Is there any thing too hard for the Lord [Word]?

 

[Repost & revision from previous Blog of January 6, 2011]

Sometimes when we are going through difficulties in life, we ask ourselves, “How am I gonna fix this one?” I suggest the question we should or could be asking is, “Is there any thing to hard for the Lord/Word?”

This question was posed in the Bible in the book of Genesis 18:14. During this biblical episode a truth was revealed to me, which is:  At all times and in every situation, look to God which is described in John 1:1 as the Word. We should realize that there is nothing too hard for the Word. It is our strength and present help; our fortress and strong tower. You should either be thanking It for a provision, and/or deliverance; or asking for the pathway out.

In the episode mentioned in Genesis, Abraham and Sarah were being told that they would be having a