Majestic eyes
see many a thing
some of which
makes my heart sing
People take one look at me
they often wonder
is this a fierce beast
or do I see majesty
A big lion with small eyes
eyes that observe much
from a vantage point fit
for the likes of a lion and such
Such beauty in the wild
things that we ignore
slow down, take stock
these things you will flock
Flock to observe these majestic creatures
their imposing size, big mane
mighty roar, intoxicating gaze
among other features
A fierce beast or a big cat
what do you see?
---O'Nika McGill---
Written in response to Sadje's picture prompt #153
The Game of Life; Are You Playing Offense or Defense? Do you live your life on offense or defense? Usually when we hear these two words we think of sports. You play offense when you have the ball, and you play defense when your opponent has the ball. In this post, these two words will refer to your style of living. How you operate in your daily lives.
How do you play your cards in the game of life? Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Living Offensively
Living life on offense is when you are always preparing for what is to come. Essentially, you stay ready. You try to anticipate what might happen in the future and get things in order. As we all know, we cannot see what the future holds. We can only try to navigate and guess what things might come up. Living offensively helps to keep the stress down.
Examples
Establish an emergency fund by saving. This enables you to have a safety net for those unexpected occurrences.
Keeping car maintenance up to date.
Servicing the HVAC unit before it breaks down.
Change your passwords often and create strong ones in an attempt to keep accounts safe.
Defensive Living
Alternatively, defensive living is when you react to things that come your way. You are good at rolling with the punches. Handling things on the fly comes easily. Becoming frazzled by the least little thing that happens, is not a concern for those who live this way.
Examples
You have engine trouble due to not performing regular oil changes. Now, you have to take the car in for repair to fix the problem. This causes a small disruption and inconvenience in your travel.
You have to go to the ER. The bill comes in the mail. You have to wait until next paycheck to cover the expense due to not saving. Or you are stressed trying to figure out how to take care of the bill.
The passwords you use are generic and can be easily guessed. Your privacy is violated by an unauthorized third party. Now, you have to scramble to protect your private information.
The Game of Life
The one thing we know about life is that it is uncertain. We can control some things but then there are others that are not within our control. At the moment of truth, when it all goes down is when we tap into our inner self. The choice to take a defensive stance or an offensive one, I think, depends on our personality. Who we are at the core.
There is no right or wrong way to handle these situations that arise. We just have to do it in the way we know best. So, how you livin’ the game of life; are you playing offense or defense?
The Pittsburg Pirates is the team for which he played 18 seasons of major league Baseball. The first Latin-American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. During the off-season of Baseball, he would deliver food and baseball equipment to those who needed it. Roberto Clemente died at the early age of 38 in a plane crash. This plane crash happened while on the way to help victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Not only did he make his mark in Baseball but also he will be remembered as a humanitarian.
Quote- “A nation without heroes is nothing.”Roberto Clemente
Music/Entertainment-Jennifer Lopez– A Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress.
Jennifer Lopez also called J Lo, has been going strong for many years. She has released music, starred in movies and also was a dancer on the show, In Living Color as one of the Fly Girls. While encompassing motherhood and married life, J Lo has not shied away from her aspirations. Not only has she acted in movies but also produced several of the same. Most recently she has won the Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this year. She also has clothing and perfume. Needless to say, Jennifer Lopez is successful in her multi-faceted career. She has many accolades to her name and is a very influential person in the music and movie industries.
Quote- “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” Jennifer Lopez
Julia Alvarez writes poems, essays and novels. Her poem, Exile reflects upon the time her family had to run to the United States. In 2013, she received a National Medal of Arts award. This award was presented to Julia Alvarez by president, Barack Obama. The highest award given by the United States government for artists and art patrons. Some of her notable works include, In the Time of the Butterflies, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!.
Quote- “A book does not discriminate against anyone. All are welcome to the table of literature.”Julia Alvarez
Politics-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez– A very visible political figure.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, New York. She was on the campaign trail in 2016 with Bernie Sanders. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) attended the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota. Also, AOC was there in support of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. In 2018 she was elected into the House of Representatives. In support of climate change, she has been outspoken and is involved in the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal encompasses the reduction of air and water pollution, addressing wages and union jobs. Creating green jobs and ending use of fossil fuels is the goal.
Quote- “I don’t think any person in America should die because they are too poor to live.”Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Can you guess the movie title and/or who the actors are? I will update the post with the answer next week. Put your movie skills to the test. Have fun!
Based on a true story, this movie is about a family. A family, who beat the odds against them. Togetherness, unity and love are what kept this family afloat. Even if you do not aspire to the same professional goals of a trio in this family, you can still relate in some way. For this to be a drama, it will keep you engaged. You will not feel bored with this film. Heart-warming story.
Movie is a drama and based on a true story
This movie has a one-word title
Started streaming in 2022
—Answer—
The movie described is Rise. This is a biographical drama about the family of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also known as the “Greek Freak”. He is a basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks. Rise is streaming on Disney+. Starring in Rise are Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Uche Agada and Ral Agada.
Sport your beard on World Beard Day. Whether you wear it neat or let it do its own thing. No matter if your beard is longer or close cut to your face, it’s your day!
Beards have been around for many years. One of the best things about a beard is that you can wear it how you want. Add your own personal touch. Wear it the best way that fits your personality.
You can let it grow naturally, dye it, cut it close. Wear it any length you want. In the winter months, a beard helps to keep you warm. It also provides some skin protection from the sun during the warmer times of year.
Labor Day- September 5th
Labor Day is a day to remember the rights that have been won. The rights for working conditions that are safe, fair working hours, time off from work, etc. People have fought and won rights for the working class. All around the world we celebrate Labor Day by spending time with friends/family. Usually, at a cook-out or picnic, some people use fireworks on this day. Some parts of the world have parades. You might also attend a party in celebration of this day. There is no right or wrong way to commemorate this important day. New York City was the first to hold a parade in support and celebration of their union members and also in recognition of other unions being formed.
National Day of Encouragement- September 12
National Day of Encouragement implores us to encourage people around us. Say a few positive words to those in our lives who may need just that. This day has been around since 2007 and is a way to lift people’s spirits and spread positivity. Spread good cheer. Encouragement can be in the form of words or deeds. Taylor the positivity to the individual person or situation.
Hispanic Heritage Month- Sept 15-Oct 15
Late September into early October is the time of year for recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino and Hispanic American community has made many contributions for the betterment of America. Originally, it started out as a week-long celebration in 1968. Two decades later it became a month-long celebration, declared by President Ronald Reagan.
The reason Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, is because it coincides with independence of countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and others.
We can see the added value in education, music, food, and the entertainment industry. The contributions by the Hispanic and Latino culture go hand-in-hand with the success of America.
National Situational Awareness Day- Sept 26th
National Situational Awareness Day is about personal safety. Being aware of what and who is around you. These days people are consumed with their electronics and are walking with their head down looking at a device. It is important to pay attention. Especially when out alone, do not be distracted. In just a few moments a predator can catch someone in a vulnerable spot.
Things you can do are to walk with your head up. Take inventory of your surroundings. Notice body language of people. Visualize an escape plan. Lock the doors of your car and house behind you. You get the idea. Just be on the lookout for anything or anyone suspicious. Stay woke.
September 11, 2001 was a day of mass casualties and destruction. The United States was attacked by a terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. This act against the country not only changed the landscape of the City but also the landscape of people’s lives.
Compassion is what we need. Not only for people we know and people closest to us. But we must have compassion for everyone. I know it is not easy to do in every situation, but a simple kind word or smile can do wonders.
