Categories
Poetry Topic

Sun In My Pocket

Sun In My Pocket

Searching out the window
Wonder catches me
Where oh where is sunshine
Cloud after cloud careening
Patiently, I stand by
Oh wait, what's this
Feeling warmth and joy
Reaching in my pocket
Oh, there you are
Sun in my pocket

Thank you for stopping by to read!

Imagine, finding the sun in your pocket! It would be a pleasant and welcome surprise on those cloudy days☀

Sun In My Pocket was written in response to the W3 weekly prompt. The guideline for this prompt is to write a poem of 10 lines or fewer that places someone—or something—in a delightfully improbable location. Think sharks in a bathtub, a dragon in a bar, or any unexpected presence where it clearly doesn’t belong.

Oasis of Heat
Categories
Poetry Topic

Birth of the Lamb

The date is fuzzy
December, January 
The birth, the lamb born
Twenty fifth or the seventh
Depends on what you believe

Birth of the Lamb is written in response to the prompt by Sadje.

Thank you for stopping by to read! 🙏🏽

Image Credit: Renata Kiss on Unsplash

Categories
Poetry Topic

Tempered Sentiments

Tempered Sentiments- a Poem

Virtuous woman, what 
A thing of the past 
Resolve, compassion, dignity, and the like 
Dissolving over time 
Into the abyss 
 
Softness given freely 
Hearts willing to give 
Discarded, taken for granted, time again 
The point of no return 
Is when she says, No 
 
Get out my face and go 
Softness gone, heart shut 
Willing, no longer, spent are days in limbo 
Virtuous she remains 
Now, the wall is up

Check out Delicate Flower, She Be

Thank you all for taking the time to read my poem. 🙏🏽

Categories
Info Topic

The Link Between Heirs, Inheritance and Hereditary

The Link Between Heirs, Inheritance and Hereditary

The connection that links

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! 💞

Image credit: S K from Pixabay

Categories
Topic

Can You. Answer This? As a Parent, is It Possible to Forgive Yourself for Parenting Mistakes?

Parenting is beautiful, and it is a tough job. Is it rewarding, yes. Is it a blessing, yes. Does anyone have all the answers, no. When it comes to parenting we do not have a manual or instructions. Sure, there are books to read, online information, seminars to attend. But, in real time and real life situations we use our best judgement.

Making mistakes as a parent is inevitable. We might feel like we are making the right decision in that moment. Only to discover later on that maybe, just maybe we could have handled it differently.

Feeling guilty about choices we make as it relates to our children can be heavy. At some point we have to move away from the guilt and into forgiveness. How do we do that?

First, we have to be honest with ourselves about what happened and why we made the choice we did. Really reflect and sit in that feeling, own it and understand your actions(s).

Ask yourself, how you might do things a little different the next time the situation arises. More than likely it will. Play in your mind ways that may have resulted in a positive outcome for all involved.

Give yourself a break and realize that no one is perfect. We make mistakes. Practice forgiving yourself and move on from it. Try not to harp on it. Reliving this in your mind keeps you stuck in that moment and prevents you from moving forward.

Along with loving our kids, we must release the feeling of guilt. By doing so, we can show up and be more focused when it’s time to wear the parenting hat.

📞Try talking to a friend or another parent for support.

✍️If that is not an option put pen to paper. This can be very effective and therapeutic.

🗣️Atone for the mistake by apologizing to your child(ren). It will demonstrate your willingness to own up to the mistake.

I am not talking about feeling guilty as it relates to basic structure and discipline. This is a part of our responsibility as mothers and fathers.

What is your take on forgiving yourself for parenting mistakes? Is it possible to get past it?

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Connect the Dots Interview with O’Nika

Interview with Founder of Inspire By O’Nika

In this video is an interview with me about the blog, Inspire By O’Nika. Why it was started and when. Connect the Dots host, Louis asks questions about the content of the blog and the motivation behind it. We talk about other ventures like the IBO Podcast and the You Tube channel, by the same name which I also started. The interview gives a little insight into the person behind the blog.

Connect the Dots interview with O’Nika-founder of Inspire By O’Nika

Inspiring and lifting other’s up is what I love. Check out a throwback post, Re-create; Dare to be You.

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to watch🙏🏽 Thank you for the interview, Louis! Don’t forget to check out Connect the Dots podcast on You Tube.

Categories
Info Topic

If Only Your Kitchen Could Talk

If Only Your Kitchen Could Talk

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! 💕

Categories
Topic

International Men’s Day 2025

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

Categories
Topic

World Kindness Day 💟

November 13th is World Kindness Day
The world can be such a better place when we extend just a little kindness to each other. Today you can take small steps to spread kindness and joy.

  • 📞 Call/text a friend or relative to say hello
  • 👍 Give someone a compliment
  • 🚪 Hold a door open for someone
  • 🛍️ Offer to carry a bag for someone
  • ☺️ Smile today

Showing acts of kindness does not cost a thing. Use your imagination to show your gratitude. What do you have to lose? 🌺☀️

Categories
Topic

Balance My Lunch #5

Balance My Meal

Chicken, jasmine rice and red beans

I think with this meal, the rice should be a smaller portion. Maybe only one piece of chicken? What do you think? Balance my meal and tell me what you think would be a good pairing.

The coloring of the chicken is from Sazon seasoning packet. A great way to add a little extra to your food. Sazon seasoning comes in different varieties so you can make it to your taste.

One thing I will caution about using this seasoning, clean up any spills quickly. It does stain if you leave it on surfaces, bowls, sink for extended times. Just rinse or wipe up counters with water and it will be fine.

Check out the previous meal here.

Categories
Info Topic Words of Wisdom

Happy Anniversary IBO- Year #4

Inspire By O’Nika Turns 4

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. 💕

A few memorable posts from the past year

Awakening of Rejuvenation
Sweeping Treescape
How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness
Can You Answer This? Do You Respect Your Partners Conflict Style?
Believe In Your Ideas
Where Bunions Go To Be Free

Categories
Poetry Topic

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop-a poem

What started in 1973
arguably
a new era of sound
you might say lyrics abound
origins up for debate
words used to create
break dancing, beat boxing, pop lockin'
on any corner, people rockin'
was it the Bronx, Manhattan or Queens?
who had the biggest influence
does it really matter, I mean 
all are cities and cultures of affluence 

Two small words, hip hop 
its legacy lives on  
a culture rising from some of the greats 
Kurtis Blow and The Breaks 
Kool Herc rode around with those speakers 
Rock Dis Funky Joint, with Poor Righteous Teachers 

Sugar Hill Gang was a Rapper’s Delight 
don't forget Public Enemy Don’t Believe the Hype 
Boogie Down Productions, You Must Learn 
KRS One said it best 
Check the Rhime with A Tribe Called Quest 

Keeping it Strictly Business with EPMD 
Eric B & Rakim said Check Out My Melody 
How Many Mics does it take by the Fugees 
This Can’t Be Life said Beans, Scarface and Jay Z 
Lauryn Hill sings Selah 
while MC Lyte raps in Cha Cha Cha 

De La Soul said Stakes is High  
and Queen Latifah sings U.N.I T.Y.  
all I’m trying to say is it doesn’t matter 
if you are in a NY State of Mind like Nas   
or if you Stand Tall with Rapsody 
let’s not forget, Mobb Deep, RIP Prodigy  

Hip hop is here to stay 
it feels like it started just yesterday 
Tupac wrote an anthem Dear Mama 
and Notorious BIG was Big Poppa 
the music ain’t Slippin' spit DMX 
which artist do you think got next?

Thank you for stopping by to read. 💖

The poem, The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop and cover art by O’Nika

Categories
Poetry Topic

Where Is My Home?

Where Is My Home?

An Etheree

Psst
Hey you
Help, I'm lost
Where is my home
It is no longer
Bulldozed, trampled, gone
How can us fawns find safety
Where will we find food and shelter
Can we sleep in your backyard tonight
We have nowhere else to go, help us please

The poem, Where Is My Home? is written for WDYS prompt #312.

Image credit: Sir. Simo on Unsplash

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

The Notebook

The Notebook- a Triolet
A Triolet

The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life
From my head on to paper they land
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Laughter, grief, triumphs all stand
Emotions cut deep like a knife
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life

The original poem, The Notebook was written in response to the W3 prompt.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 💕

Categories
Info Topic

The 3 S’s- Safety, Support and Solidarity

💜 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

https://www.thehotline.org

dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors

#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.