The mirror hung on the wall. All the while staring back at everyone in the stall. Until one fateful morning. Stacy woke up feeling groggy, with puffy eyes. She rolled out of bed. Decided to take a quick shower instead. Instead of climbing back into the gnarly sheets.
Walking by the mirror it fogged. There is no steam yet, she bogged. Stacy waved her hand across the misty glass, the fog remained. Mirror, mirror who is the fairest of them all? She heard what sounded like a snicker. Startled and confused, Stacy zipped back to bed, couldn’t be any quicker.
In front of the mirror, she stood; again. Suddenly a face reflected. A face she did not recognize, so she deflected. Do I look this bad? The mirror had been laughing at me the whole time. I thought I was fine. The face which appeared, she denied. She made a quick retreat to the gnarly sheets and cried.
Reflections of Truth was written for the W3 prompt. The mirror was unassuming and a normal fixture. Nothing scary or unusual about it right? Stacy thought she was so fine and loved to look at herself in the mirror.
The mirror had other plans for her. Upon asking it who is the fairest, she was in for a shock. When the reflection did not match what Stacy envisioned, she was in a state of denial. We have to accept who we really are. The mirror humbled Stacy into seeing the real version of herself.
Melissa is the host for this week’s Tanka Tuesday challenge. She has presented the form, Alouette, for writers to join in. A first time writing an Alouette for me. Hope you enjoy.
Boarding at Gate B6 is about certain moments in life. The times to cultivate life by traveling for much needed vacations. Also, times of travel to show love and care for family/friends who fall ill.
Tameka slumped over her desk for the third night in a row. Reading and researching information for her presentation. She has two days left before the deadline. Eyes red and feeling groggy, she continues well into the midnight hour.
A lot is riding on this presentation. She knows if she does not land this account, it will be devastating to her career. She wants to advance in the company and will do what it takes to achieve her goals.
Slurping down the last sip of her energy drink, she frowns. It doesn’t seem to work for her since she has been at it for a few days. “I think I’m immune, these energy drinks are not working. I can’t keep my eyes open,” she says.
Night Drive
A late Saturday night in April. The air is warm, breezy, and comfortable. It’s 10:19 pm and Tameka is in the car alone, driving home with the windows down. Hair blowing and enjoying the night. Bumping Hit and Run by Loleatta Holloway. The speakers are blasting and she is vibing. Looking up at the beautiful starlit sky, she exhales and smiles.
Thoughts go through her mind about the visit she just had with a friend, the nice time and great conversation. It felt good to get out for a few hours and have some adult conversation; and beverages too. The late nights putting together the presentation was taking a toll. She needed the break.
She arrives home and pulls up to the front of the townhouse. The parking lot is dark and eerily quiet. Not a soul is in sight. Nothing can be heard except the song of the night critters and crickets chirping. Tameka turns the ignition off and surveys her surroundings one last time. Grabs her pocketbook and gets out.
The Shock
Just as the car door closes behind her, she notices the light is on in the kitchen. It is on the lower level of the two-story townhouse. She thought to herself, it was off when I left; I think. She shrugs and proceeds to wedge the keys between her fingers.
Immediately, she can feel that something is wrong. Turning the key, she can tell the door is already unlocked. She pushes the door open and stands on the stoop looking inside. “What the hell?” hysterically yelling.
Little Red, her shorthaired dachshund, is frantically running around the house, panting in a flurry. She calls out to him, but he keeps running up and down the stairs. She can see his big, floppy ears flapping as he is running. Her first thought is, how did you get out? She left him in the front bedroom behind a locked door.
The sheer curtains are blowing in the back bedroom window upstairs. Both levels of the townhouse are visible from the doorway, as it is a split-level floorplan.
She can’t lift her legs, they feel heavy like cement. Unable to catch her breath, her heart starts beating faster. Her mind is racing and she thinks to herself, how did the window get open? She runs inside to Little Red, picks him up and bolts out the front door. He leaped from her arms into the car, and she gets in and locks the door.
With one hand on the cell phone and the other on the steering wheel, she put the car in reverse and dialed 911. Then she drives up the street, makes a U-turn and put the car in park; just far enough away to see the front door. The townhouse is a brick, two story end unit. From the front you can see the kitchen window on the lower level and the front bedroom right above it. The back of the townhouse is wooded. A perfect place for a burglar to hide.
The Wait
Thumping in her chest her heart is still beating fast, and her stomach is swirling. The only thing she can hear is her fast heartbeat and Little Red panting. She can feel his hot breath on her arm.
“Where are the police? I called them 20 minutes ago!” she screamed. At that moment, she feels something moist, wet and rough like sandpaper on her face. Little Red walks his big paws up to her chest to lick her face. The muscles in her face and shoulders relax instantly. She smiles for a second and rubs his furry body in appreciation.
Meanwhile, she refocuses her gaze on the front door. No one went in or came out. She knows whoever broke in is long gone. She was only out for about two hours. I bet someone was watching me when I left. Getting angry again, she clenches her teeth and jaw. Balls up her fist and feels a hot wave move through her entire body. Who would do this and what did they want?
Authorities
A crime scene van and two police cars finally arrive about 45 minutes later. She gets out of her car and flags the officers, just as they were about to approach her front door. The tall officer asked her what happened, while the cop with the short stature stood by and listened. She told them when she came home her dog was out and the back bedroom window was open. The officer proceeded to draw his weapon and told her to step aside.
Finally, after five minutes, which felt more like five hours, the cop comes out. He says “No one is inside. It’s all clear. Please go in and look around. Let me know if anything is missing.”
Shakily, with trembling hands and wobbly legs, she walks past him. About to cross the threshold, she stops and before going in asked, “are you sure no one is inside?” He nods his head up and down. Little Red starts barking and upset that he was left in the car. Tameka gets him out and carries him inside.
Walk Through
The back bedroom was ransacked. Someone was clearly looking for something. The closet doors are open with hangers and clothes spilled out on the floor. Prophylactics are spread out all over the bed and in front of the nightstand. Meanwhile she is thinking, how embarrassing they all up in my business. As she is looking around, the police are dusting for prints at the window, nightstand and closet doors.
The cop walks over and tells her, “The screen was taken out with a No. 2 pencil. It is how the burglar gained access to the house. The perp climbed on top of your storage unit out back. Jammed the pencil into the screen and yanked it out”
“What! A pencil took out the window screen? Wow!” she responded in disbelief shaking her head.
The officers asked her if she left the window open in the bedroom. Admittedly, she had. Thinking to herself, the bedrooms are on the upper level, I thought it was safe. Why would anyone climb up to the second story. It’s not like they couldn’t have easily broken in downstairs, through the living room windowor back door.
The police finished taking a report and asking questions. The tall officer said to her, “this is the fourth call this month about a break in, and the intruder used a pencil to take the screen out. We call him, the No. 2 Bandit.” After everyone left, she quickly locks the door and checks all the doors and windows.
Dust Settling
She starts to straighten out the mess. Her mind is racing and she keeps wondering about who would do this. What did they want. The biggest question is; why me? A feeling of violation makes her shudder. Now talking out loud to herself, “A stranger was in my house. I have no idea who it could be or why I was targeted.”
Moving forward, all windows will be closed when leaving the house, she is thinking. And I will not take anything for granted. Ironically, it’s not like her to leave a window open or a door unlocked. Of course, the one-time she leaves an upstairs window cracked, someone breaks in. What are the odds.
She is alone with Little Red. He keeps following her around the house. He senses that she is still shaken up. Dogs have that innate ability. It wasn’t until that night that she felt unsafe going to sleep. She turns on the tv and eventually falls asleep around 3:30 am.
Wake Up Call
Slowly, coming back to consciousness, Tameka can hear the sound, beep, beep, beep- beep, beep, beep- beep, beep, she opens her eyes to see the bland beige ceiling. She turns to look over at the clock and swats it to stop the alarm. It is six o’clock in the morning on a Sunday and the sun is beaming. Time for her to get ready for church.
She sits up and yawns. Drops her legs down to the floor and slides into her fuzzy slippers. As she tries to stand, her knees buckle and she grabs the edge of the mattress. She holds her hands out in front of her and they are trembling.
Upon opening the curtains., she can see the window is intact with the screen in place. No sign of dusting powder from the crime scene unit. She bends down to get a closer look at the screen to find the hole that was made last night with the pencil. The screen is in place without any holes at all.
The Realization
Scratching her head and with a puzzled look she gasps. Did I dream this whole thingabout the No. 2 Bandit? She rushes to the nightstand and opens the drawers. Everything is in place and untouched. She then walks over to the closet, and it is just the way she left it. Not a dress out of place, shoes are all lined up, everything is still hung neatly.
Totally confused she says, “I need a vacation, the stress is killing me.”
Summation
Tameka is on edge and under pressure to get the presentation finished. She knows that a lot is riding on this. Her aspirations of advancement would be shattered if she did not ace the presentation. The stress she is under caused her to have a stress/anxiety dream. She dreamt about being burglarized.
It did not help that she underestimated the time commitment to complete the project. Tameka did not get started early enough to avoid the undue anxiety she is experiencing.
Stress and anxiety can cause a host of physical problems. Including, having an effect on our sleep patterns. Causing moodiness and brain fog. Lack of sleep can cause us to lose focus. It is important to limit stress as much as possible.
Suggestions to try:
Journal for a minimum of 10 minutes, write about things you are grateful for.
Secondly, reduce caffeine intake, especially close to bedtime. We tend to guzzle coffee to help stay awake through long projects. Unfortunately, coffee is a stimulant and can affect our sleep pattern. It can make us wake up feeling groggy and not well rested, which can affect mood.
Listen to soothing music close to bedtime. It will have a relaxing effect to help you wind down.
During your project, take regular breaks. Take a break once every hour, then dive back in.
Exercise during the early part of the day will help with reduction of cortisol and also help to reduce stress.
If you are looking for natural nail care, meet Gina L. Hicks, owner and founder of GLH Beauty. In this episode of the Connect the Dots Podcast, Gina shares about her expertise in natural nail care and more. She brings her services to organizations like senior centers, schools and community organizations.
GLH Beauty has nail care for women, men and children.
Check out her website at glhbeauty.com for more information.
What's in my feed, begin the scroll New gossip, for a new day is on the rise Lots of drama and trash talk, hooray Right at my fingertips, where is my phone
New gossip, for a new day is on the rise Who got cancelled, who got dissed Right at my fingertips, where is my phone Running late for work I'm drawn in
Who got cancelled, who got dissed Put the phone down, iron my clothes Running late for work I'm drawn in What is wrong with me, why am I like this
Put the phone down, iron my clothes I need therapy, I'm hooked on social media What is wrong with me, why am I like this I'm obsessed, how can I get out of this mess
I need therapy, I'm hooked on social media Lots of drama and trash talk, hooray I'm obsessed, how can I get out of this mess Oh well; what's in my feed, begin the scroll
Compulsion; or Obsession is written for the W3 prompt. Reena challenges us to write a pantoum on any subject or theme. I am not quite sure that I completed the challenge correctly, but I gave it a try anyway. Thank you, Reena and David for the inspiration.
The topic I explored is being obsessed with the cell phone and scrolling on social media. The person knows that she has a problem but resigns to the addiction of social media. It’s a downward spiral and cycle that many struggle to get out of.
loneliness is an ulcer inside, hidden, like sulfur ravenous like a vulture love sparks the heart, a pulser
Loneliness is something that people feel but no one can tell from the outside. A feeling that only that individual knows. Love, on the other hand is the cure. Love can be a small gesture of kindness, like simply smiling at a person. Giving them a compliment. Saying hello. Love can be talking to someone just for a few minutes longer than you normally would. Giving that extra time and/or attention. It does not have to be a grand gesture. These small and simple gestures carry such a significant meaning and have a positive impact on others and us.
The tanaga is written for the W3 prompt. Congratulations Michelle and thank you David.
The post, Things You Never Say to a Woman, was originally written in 2023. It is a throwback that I thought still applies today. Although, written with humor, it has some good pieces to keep in mind too. Hope you enjoy.
Disentangle or Liberate is now published on Spillwords! The poem was written for the July prompt at Spillwords.com. This month the theme is breaking the chain. I have included an excerpt below.
I wrote about how to break free from old ways of thinking. It allows for progress and change. Enjoy!
The chain is linked since Many generations ago But wait, we can break it A process hard to conceive
Sandy pebbles in my shoe, ouch Bringing home the sunny beach too Unzip my bag, it's in my pouch Sandy pebbles in my shoe, ouch I sit and find golden grains in my couch From my pockets pieces of seashore askew Sandy pebbles in my shoe, ouch Bringing home the sunny beach too
Pieces of Seaside Ashore is written for theW3 prompt by Selma. She has asked us to write about summer.
Her guidelines: Summer is hot, sticky, noisy, melty—and perfect for a poem that keeps coming back around. This week let’s write a triolet: a playful eight-line poem built from repetition and rhyme.
Thank you, David, for your dedication to hosting every week. And thank you Selma for the inspiration for this week’s prompt!
To my readers, thank you for stopping by and spending time with my blog! 💖🙏🏽
Can I be a nurse? Cure people so they can live Feed the hungry ones Provide homes to all people From my dream I awaken
~Little girls with dreams become women with vision-unknown~
Now that I'm older Recruit all the helping hands Volunteer, I am My vision is bright and clear Fight the good fight, persevere
Dreams to Light is about little girls who have big dreams of their own. Some are realized and some are merely a dream. Growing up and coming of age, into adulthood, womanhood, the vision forms. It can be as simple as gathering like-minded people together. Maybe even starting to act on those long-lost dreams as a child.
We all have different experiences in life and different ideas about what the world should look like, how people should live. It all starts with imagination and transforms to something bigger, more meaningful. If only we dare to bring those dreams to light.
Dreams turn to visions, then into movements. I pose this question to women who had dreams as a child; how has your dream shaped your life today?
In this video is a segment called Split Personality on the Connect the Dots podcast. The host, Louis poses questions, to which we both delve into these questions and give our perspectives.
Connect the Dots Split Personalities episode with O’Nika
Check out the Connect the Dots podcast on You Tube.
One day it felt like I was on top of the world. Living life with the finest things. So, it seems from the outside looking in. A career that I love. Helping people with services to enhance their lives.A comfortable home fully furnished. Plush yard, lots of square footage.A luxury car. Foreign import with butterfly doors and heated seats.
You understand where this is going.
Next week, on a Monday morning, I woke up. Feeling good, I have my cup of coffee with French vanilla creamer. My apple fritter is in the microwave for ten seconds. I sit down in the kitchen and indulge in my daily breakfast. After, I get dressed in a beautiful Blue A-line dress with a plunging neckline. Slip into my heels and do a quick turnaround in front of the mirror. Ok, I’m all good. Out the door, I go.
Defining Moment
An hour later, I arrive at work. Walk into my office and sit down. Let me check my calendar for the day. A knock at the door distracts me. Irritated, I respond, “come in!” The big boss walks in. A dry expression on his face. He sits opposite my desk. “Good morning, Amani, do you have a minute?” Mr. Walker firmly asks.
“Yes, of course. Is everything okay?” I responded. “Well, no, it isn’t. I have some bad news,” He retorts. “We have to let you go. The company is downsizing and there is no place for you. I’m sorry.”
“What! Are you fricking serious right now? I have a mortgage and car payments!”- I angrily shout at him.
Mr. Walker stood up, turned to me once more and said, “I’m really sorry.” Then he left my office.
Devastated by the news, I start to panic. I felt like someone sucked all the air out of the room. In an attempt to calm down, I sit. Swiveling in my plush, comfortable, high back, leather, office chair. A sly grin slowly forms across my face. The wheels of a plot are coming together in my head.
Security comes into my office. “We are ready to escort you out now,” says the squatty guard with masking tape on his glasses.
I gather my personal belongings. Before exiting my office for the last time, I stand in the doorway and take a final look. As I turn around, all eyes are on me as I walk down the long hallway.
The Get Back
Now, alone, in my car. I exact revenge on Mr. Walker. Who does he think he is firing me! He has some nerve! I’ll show him how much of a big boss he thinks he is. I use an AI app on my phone. I prompt the app to create a picture of my co-worker with a handsome, young, buff, attractive man. The image shows the young man and the woman in a seductive embrace and smiling.
The co-worker is the wife of Mr. Walker. The caption on the image reads, “this is what satisfaction looks like.” I add heart and fire emoji’s. Next, I press the send button. A huge smile takes over my face, and I am smiling so wide; it starts to hurt. Feeling such a sense of gratification, I sit in the car and wait.
Five minutes pass and Mr. Walker storms out and is talking on his phone. “Who the hell is this man you are with? Have you lost your mind woman!” shouts Mr. Walker. Meanwhile, I sit there watching and listening to the conversation unfold. He sees me sitting in my car grinning and gives me a dirty look. He continues to shout and yell at his wife as he drives off.
Karma Takes Over
I get home and find two cars in the driveway. One belongs to my husband Malik. The other, I have not seen before. The smile quickly fades and concern takes over. It is 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon and Malik is supposed to be at work. Walking inside I hear romantic music playing. The baby-making kind. A pair of women’s shoes are in the living room.
Immediately, I got angry. I head to the bedroom and push the door open. My husband and some hussy are in bed together. My bed! “Malik, what are you doing at home and who is this bird?”- I demanded. Stuttering, he replies, “nobody, she is nobody. Baby, I can explain!”. Yelling back, “there is nothing to explain. Get out!”
Feeling deflated and humiliated, I retreat to the bathroom and slam the door. Now, I know how Mr. Walker must have felt when he received a text with a picture of his wife and another man.
It’s Not So Sweet
The moral of the story is that two wrongs never make a right. Amani is a woman who defines her life by appearances and status. She quickly learns that when you use manipulation tactics, it does not end well. Amani felt so proud of herself for sending that fake AI image to her boss, Mr. Walker, who had just fired her. She was in for the shock of her life when she came home. Amani found her husband, Malik in their matrimonial home with another woman.
Life is good, what can be better Relaxing, no string or tether The sun giving me strength The water spreading cool Just enough to level out the heat Peaceful thoughts to be had at no cost Looking up at the sky, mind getting lost The shine of rays Penetrating through the leaves Captivating movement with every breeze Sparks of new ideas and motivation Encapsulating every wish and dream of mine Innermost thoughts rushing in quickly Reminding me to just enjoy life and Take it light
Taking It Light is written for the prompt by Sadje for WDYS. The inspiration was drawn from the image below provided for this week’s prompt.
Can you answer this? How do you want to spend your older years? The golden years or retirement years are sometimes the best. Just ask around and I’m sure you will get different answers on this one.
While some of us spend most of our younger years working or chasing our dreams. Others are just winding down waiting for the chance to sit back and enjoy the later stage of life. The years when free time abounds.
After retirement, some people plan to travel and visit places on their bucket list. Some people plan to move to another state or country and settle down. Sit by the beach, go for walks, join a social network in their community, or just simply do nothing. Relax and do what you want to do without having to think about it.
Options are many. Whatever you decide to do, make those years count. Do what makes you happy and will bring joy to your life. We owe it to ourselves to enjoy the senior years. Spend time with family, now that you have an open schedule.
