Crimson Bricks Tumbling Down, was written and based on the theme of the weight we carry. The prompt instructions are to describe the physical or emotional shape of a heavy feeling you know well. Give it form, texture, temperature, weight, and color. Let the reader feel it with you.
As always, thank you for stopping by! 🙏🏽💖
On May 10, I shared that my debut poem, If Only I Could, was published on Spillwords. I am grateful to the editors at Spillwords for accepting and publishing my submission. Also, thank you to my readers on WP.
Today, I am more than excited to announce that my poem is among those being nominated for publication of the month! The writer with the most votes will be selected for this honor. The winner will have their work featured for the whole month of June on the Spillwords platform.
Votes are open until Thursday; June 4th and I am writing to ask for your vote. The winner will be announced shortly after voting closes. You can cast your vote here, if you choose and/or check out publications from the other nominees.
From Spillwords: Please note that voting will conclude on 6/4; soon after, we will reveal the well-deserved recipient of this prestigious title. To vote, kindly register and/or log in to ensure your voice is heard.
I appreciate each and every one of you for stopping by to read, comment and like my posts. It is such a blessing to be a part of the WP community. Discovering and learning from so many seasoned and talented writers is rewarding.
As always, thank you for stopping by! 🙏💞
National Missing Children’s Day is May 25th, a day of dedication to the focus of child safety. A large percentage of missing children are returned home. However, any child that is missing is too much. Abduction of children does not get the attention it needs. To highlight this problem let’s bring awareness. We can be a part of helping those children return home safely.
President Ronald Reagan made May 25th National Missing Children’s Day in 1983. The day is in remembrance of the same date that Etan Patz disappeared in New York City, in 1979.
Whether a child is missing due to running away or abduction there are ways to reduce the incidence of it happening. Also, there are organizations who can help.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
24-hour hotline-800-843-5678
https://www.missingkids.org/home
Child Find of America
800 I-AM-LOST
https://childfindofamerica.org/
The National Child Protection Task Force
https://ncptf.org/
Report a child missing sooner, rather than later. The probability of finding them is higher. Don’t wait.
Thank you for stopping by to read🧡🙏🏽
My first poem is now published on Spillwords. The title is, If Only I Could. It is about a first-time mom who is afraid. She questions her ability to adequately care for her child.
A snippet of the poem:
We haven’t officially met
I just knew from the onset
How special you would be
If only I could
The link for the entire poem is below:
Happy Mother’s Day 🌺💗
As always, thank you for your support🙏🏽💖
April is National Poetry Month. The year 2026 makes 30 years of this celebration of art.
What does poetry mean to you? What is your favorite poetry form?
Is there a special way you like to commemorate the art form of poetry and writing? If so, share the most meaningful way you choose to celebrate.
Words are very powerful. They can inject joy and adversely, bring about feelings of hurt. The way we choose our words is very important. Words can be used to compose a song, convey an idea, express thoughts, and a plethora of many things. Both spoken and written words carry weight.
For National Poetry month, I have tried writing my first Trenta-Sei poem. Not an easy feat.
What is a Trenta-Sei poem?
-Created by John Ciardi, the Trenta-Sei poem is a poetic form that contains 6, six-line stanzas for a total of 36 lines.
-A rhyme scheme of ababcc.
-Lines 2-6 of the first stanza will be the first line of the stanzas to follow, in the same order.
-The cascading repetition adds to the complexity of this style.
Sounds simple, right? I’m joking. It was challenging for me but nonetheless, it was fun writing.
Artistry comes in many forms
Creating ways to move
Motion in strokes not the norm
Writing that transforms and grooves
Rhymes skillfully arousing the senses
Poetry and prose in many tenses
Creating ways to move
Your mind drifts afar
Riding words feeling the groove
Inspiration shining like a star
Don't stop, ideas abound, keep up the flow
Intricate words flood the brain, page aglow
Motion in strokes not the norm
Acrylic, watercolor or oil
Brushstrokes haphazard forming a storm
Circular and abstract like a coil
Collage of fabric in Pink, Yellow, Green
Blending media, asking what it means
Writing that transforms and grooves
Taking you on a wild ride
Explain the meaning a pen behooves
Awing the reader, mouth open wide
Scanning the page, delight and disbelief
Vivid, exact, succinct and very brief
Rhymes skillfully arousing the senses
Cadence so crisp and clear
No more dis songs, time to mend fences
Harmony is music to my ears
An art form transcending generations
Lyrics infused with deep revelations
Hair extensions and weaves are a part of culture for Black women. The concern is that this hair contains chemicals that are bad for our health. Who is regulating the sale of this hair which is made with these chemicals? We have to do some research and find safer products. Our health and well-being are at risk.
Check out this informative article about the toxins found in extensions https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hair-extensions-chemicals-breast-uterine-cancer
Thank you for watching. ❤️🙏🏽
📍 Share the video and get the word out so we can stay informed.
👉🏽 Comment if you have had any adverse effects from using toxic hair.
👍🏽Like the video as well.
David Price is a young man who was taught to be aware of his surroundings. When it comes to traffic stops for the Black community it is important. A traffic stop is a very tense moment for Black drivers. David saw the need to come up with something to help make it safer. It was a strategic move to release his product during a time of heightened police brutality.
The Safety Pouch holds documents needed at a traffic stop. A tool invented by David Price to aid in making interactions between Black drivers and law enforcement safer. The Safety Pouch is used by hanging if from the visor or driver side window. The pouch provides increased visibility. It eliminates having to reach for registration, license and insurance from the glove compartment or middle console. It is only available in one color, Orange. The bright color makes it easily seen and less mistaken for a firearm.
The Safety Pouch is available to buy on the site. You can buy it at online stores like Amazon and at national retailers like Walmart. Reasonably priced too.
The product was made available to the public in May 2020.
A traffic stop is a high anxiety exchange. The invention by this young man is needed and can help to make these stops safer for all involved. It does not provide all the answers or solutions. Although, it is a step in the right direction. Kudos to David Price for his ingenuity.
The bright color of the Safety Pouch is a smart idea. Often times, wallets or other document holders are dark colors which law enforcement can mistake as a weapon. The bright orange color leaves no mistaking for a weapon.
Thank you for reading! 💞🙏🏽
Image created by AI with Copilot
A Memento
Learn dancing, greetings, table sets
Talking skills null and void
Lacking
Words like hello, please, and thank you
Take a back seat to sass
Slick talk
Social education for kids
Grace, respect, etiquette
Manners
Timeless skills to carry you through
Being a lady, young
Man too
A cotillion is an event for the youth, ages 11-13. It teaches manners, how to conduct yourself in public situations. Social skills that help them build confidence and conversation skills. Also, how to properly set the table, ballroom dance too. Young girls and boys learn etiquette that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Valuable skills to learn.
I am not sure if cotillions still exist, but it needs to come back. Sadly, too many of the youth of today are disrespectful and lack essential social skills.
The Cotillion is written in response to the prompt. Thank you for reading🙏🏽💕
Heirs, inheritance and hereditary are all the same in different ways. Confusing; I know. So, look at it this way. If you are an heir, you may be sole or jointly next in line to inherit property. If there is a will prepared by the decedent of such property this eliminates any confusion about who the said property belongs to. The absence of a will is what creates the heirs property situation.
Heirs property can create in-fighting among families who may feel that they are the rightful owner. Court papers need to be filed in the state if someone would like to transfer ownership into their name.
Inheritance can be something medical or tangible like real estate or money in the form of a trust fund. Other property can be named and left to a person(s) when someone dies. Family heirlooms or automobiles, art collections and/or coin collections. An example of a medical inheritance can be in the form of a genetic abnormality. You might inherit sickle cell or a heart condition. These conditions are passed down from one or both parents to their children.
High blood pressure is a form of hereditary disease that runs can run in a family. It is just one of a host of other medical conditions that get passed down from generation to generation. Going back to heirs property which is something passed down from generation to generation.
As you can see, heirs, inheritance and hereditary are the same in some ways depending on the context of how you are using it. What a confusing trifecta!
Thank you for stopping by to read! 💞
The kitchen of every home is like the central part where the magic happens. We prepare meals there, sit down and eat together, and share laughs and stories. The part of the house where we come together as family to enjoy home cooked meals.
Sometimes though, we do things that may not be in the best interest of the home and it’s upkeep. Unintentionally, of course. If your kitchen could say a few things here is what it would like for you to know:
The granite countertops would tell you to never put a hot pan/pot directly on the surface. It can cause warping and damage from intense heat. Use a trivet or a soft cloth to serve as a buffer between the heat and the granite surface.
When cleaning granite, never use any kind of scouring pads. This can scratch the surface. It doesn’t matter how light you try to scrub, it’s a bad idea. The smooth surface will be ruined and, in some case, unrepairable.
Kitchen pipes would tell you to never pour boiling water down the drain. Especially if you have certain types of piping, it can loosen joints and cause leaks further down the line. Plumbing issues get costly and no wants water damage. Alternatives are to wait for the water to cool. But, if you do not have time to spare, try running cool/cold water and pour some of that in the boiling pot to cool the temperature. While the water is still running, slowly pour the water out. At least the water will be cooling at this point and is safer to go down the drain.
Garbage disposal is not the same as a garbage can. It often is left screaming, “No bones, no grease, and no coffee grounds!” Grease can cause blockages in the pipes because it gets hard as it cools. The same is true for coffee grinds. They can clog pipes when they turn into a paste. It can also wreak havoc on the motor of the disposal. And what can we say about bones… They are too hard to break down and will cause clogging. The bones can damage the blades and the part of the disposal that grinds waste. Usually, soft foods are the best option.
Dishwasher; please rinse all dishes before loading. The dishwasher does not have a magic scrub brush in there. Putting plates, pans and glasses in there without rinsing will cause clogs later down the line and drastically shorten the life of the dishwasher. Take a few minutes to rinse before loading.
I hope you have found these tips helpful. If you would like to share some of your own tips, please feel free to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by to read! 💕
November 19th is International Men’s Day
🙌🏼Celebrating Men and Boys
Men are a vital part of society. Oftentimes, they do not receive the recognition and care that they deserve. So many of our men are positive role models and exemplify just how important they are. Boys are just as important. They look up to their older counterparts for guidance, love, support, and care. As such, those same boys grow up to be the men who have shown their responsible side and remain productive men of society.
With challenges of today’s world, men are tested and tried every day. Just stepping outside their door, leaving home to go to work poses risks for some men. Facing racial profiling, and attempts on their lives just because of their skin color. Also, people may look at a man and assume that he is up to no good and is looking to rob or steal from them. Because of these challenges and the ones we may not know about, they deserve to be shown love, compassion and grace.
Today, remind the men and boys in your life about how they are special to you and that they matter. We see you and appreciate you. Although we might not know all your struggles; you are loved. We thank you for going out there and working to put food on the table, provide a roof for your family, love and support your friends and family alike. Doing it all in silence and not complaining. You carry what seems like the world on your shoulders, but you still keep it moving.
Mental health can be affected and there is nothing wrong with talking to someone, if you feel like life is overwhelming. Let’s celebrate our friends, sons, brothers, fathers, nephews, uncles, grandfather’s, cousins, and all the men/boys we can.
We thank you, respect you, love, and support you. We appreciate when you go out of your way to do something special for others. It does not go unnoticed.
Happy International Men’s Day! ♥️
#InternationalMensDay
#MensHealth
November 2nd is the day I started IBO. It was in 2021 that I was moved to begin blogging. It was the middle of the pandemic and a very troubling time. Because of that I felt like people could use some words of inspiration and hope. Even if for only the time it takes to read a post.
My journey started out with quotes, and varied topics. A few articles were of heavy content. For the most part, the content of Inspire By O’Nika is light-hearted, motivational and uplifting.
Through the years I started to incorporate poetry. I have come to enjoy it and just have fun with it. I added some comedy to the blog too. Also, I have joined in various picture and word prompts.
I say all that to say; thank you. Thank you to all the people who stop by to read my blog. People who have been supportive over the years. I appreciate the comments; short, long, and even if you just leave an emoji. Thank you for the likes and shares.
4 years in the making, hoping to see another four. Continuing this writing journey with all of you is what keeps me going. I love all my readers who have been there from day one and new subscribers too. Thanks again for the love and support. 💕
💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The theme for 2025 is With Survivors, Always. Survivors of domestic violence need safety, support and solidarity.
🙏🏼If you or someone you know is in an abusive partner situation, the resources below can help:
800-799-7233
#WithSurvivors
🫂The idea is to show support by spreading awareness about this very serious problem. Get involved through volunteering and sharing information on social media platforms.
💜No one should have to live in fear or in violent situations. Survivors of DM may need spiritual, financial and emotional support. You may be able to help by simply providing a listening ear.
Welcome to part 2 of Music and How We Listen. In this video I will talk about vinyl records, CDs (compact discs) and streaming music. The way we listen to music in today’s world is mostly streaming. But streaming is not the same for the listener or the artists who are creating. The distribution is different and how quickly we can hear new music has changed.
Vinyl records are not as popular as they once were. The “older” generation can tell you that vinyl has a crisp, clear and better sound than some of the other forms like CDs and cassettes. Whatever is your preferred method of listening to music, it is interesting how times have changed.
CDs are still a popular way to hear music too. The discs are small, and you can still enjoy the artwork in the case of your favorite artists. You can also easily skip ahead or back for the songs that you really love and want to hear without having to play the entire CD.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate your support, as always! 💖🙏
The universal language which we know as music has changed over the decades. Who remembers 8 tracks??? We also had cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs and now the new age of streaming.
In Part 1, Music and How we Listen I will delve a little into the way we listened to music back in the days of 8 tracks and cassette tapes. Also, how to fix that cassette when it either pops or gets tangled.
In addition to the sound of music, I also enjoyed the artwork that came in the package. The case of the cassettes, and CDs. Also, album covers. You get to really see the visual creativity along with hearing the way the artist creates with their lyrics and sounds.
Music and How We Listen will continue in Part 2. The next part is more about vinyl records, CDs and streaming music.
As always, thank you for stopping by! 💕🙏