AboveTheRayne

John Smallshaw was born 1956 in South Shields, County Durham, the North East of
England but was raised in Lancaster, Lancashire on the North West Coast. John had a
rather interesting philosophy and it included skipping school and wandering along the
river banks…having fun, enjoying nature.

John left school at the early age of fifteen and unfortunately ended up on the wrong side
of the mountain so to speak by falling in with the dark side of society. He became
involved in drugs etc. The years passed quickly and one day, he realized he was fifty
three years old but still had his sanity. Fortunate for John, he was helped by “The
House of St. Barnanbas at age 54 and was encouraged to write and to engage again
within society…to begin that transition he became employed and stepped forward to
being a productive member therein.

John is currently living on the 21st floor of an apartment in Stratford, London…(Olympic
City). He continued to write poetry and performed his first performance on a BBC
Radio 4 show (The Balham Bash). He also performed at the first “Poetry Slam”at the
Edinburgh festival. John actually began writing years prior, but due to the turn in his
life events, his writing ceased, now we have the new survival sharing with us here
on “Poetry Day With Me” as Feature Poet…John Smallshaw like many poets finds
poetry to be a form of catharsis, a healing process in which John finds a modicum of
peace…For him the subject matter is irrelevant…it is the write that becomes important.
(Feature Poet…July 20/2014)

Ron DuBour, born August 2,/1949 in Springfield, Massachusetts, currently lives in East Longmeadow, Ma. Ron is the fifteenth child with nine brothers and five sisters ahead of him. Ron was a baby poet, beginning his literary scribe at a very young age, in grade
Two. He found writing an easier way to express his feelings.

Ron married his high school sweetheart and will be celebrating their forty seventh year October second. They have two children and three Grandchildren. To his credit, Ron has six books published in total, three of which are poetry and three books (not for stores) but rather educational purposes distributed to schools and colleges in Massachusetts.

Knowing America through poetry…a write of each state which Ron is currently posting on one of his sites ourpoetrycorner@wordpress.comevery Monday. He also has two books on“Knowing Your American Heroes through poetry, which he is currently posting every Friday on ourpoetrycorner@wordpress.com. Ron DuBour was inducted in the 2004 class of“Who’s Who for professional people for their contribution in the field. He received a plaque at his local high school with one of his works on classmates that have gone ahead. As well Ron has works in progress coming forth.
Writing for others had also become a part of Ron’s literary stage and he will read an elegy at a passing of family members or friends…Feature Poet…July 13/2014

Charlie Giardino, born in East Harlem…the upper east side ofNew York City, currently living in the borough of the Bronx, New York City. Charlie began writing at the young age ofeleven. It began due to his acute senseof wonder of life and all that it portends. Charlie finds poetry to be an outlet and it serves to informhim of what he knows. He says perhaps it confirms him mostly how little he knows.

Charlie published a book called ‘The Next Breath”. A book of poems dedicated to his late wife, Maryann. To his credit, may I quote “Congratulations to the ever popular Poetswith voices strong group member “CharlieGiardina” (Chaz Gee) on the publication of his first book of poetry. See the link… http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3637606http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3637606. The Next Breath www.blurb.com Charlie Giardino is a God-called poet. His poetry comes with a flow that is both natural and living. Wherever it is you find yourself in life, youwill find great comfort and wisdom in his words. Charlie has published in several magazines,Aquil Relle is one. Also to his credit,his work is found in several anthologies. Charlie ideally writes everyday but sometimes at greater intervals. He has been a participant in our Poems Plulsby Melvina & Friends for oneyear. Welcome to Charlie Giardiano asFeature Poet on “Poetry Day With Me”…Sunday, July 4/2014

Bio of Adam Gumede
June 25, 2014 at 9:24am

Adam Gumede, born in “KwaZulu Natal”, South Africa on April 1st/1994. He currently
Lives in Durban City “KwaZulu Natal”. After completing his final year in high school,
Adam decided to take a hiatus for a few months prior to going on to college. It was
during this break that our twenty year old student found himself with much time at his
disposal. He placed his love for his English classes to work in the art form of poetry.

Adam realized he loved “words” and with this love of word, he began to place his
Thoughts and feelings from pen to paper and began to share. Adam being
an avid reader, now became the writer. He finds solace in poetry and uses this
art form to soothe himself when dealing with the problems he faces on this journey of
life, especially with problems which touch him as a young person in regard to love and
relationships.

Currently none of Adam’s work is published but this is most definitely one of his goals
for the future. Adam has found that his own writing has served him well in the aspect of
self teaching, hence writing about the subject of love, had taught him the value and
importance of it in his own life and in the lives of others. He has a deep respect for the
love of family and friends.

Adam Gumede has been a member here at“Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends” for……….
He has his own group and is a participant in several. Join me and welcome
our youngest “Feature Poet” thus far…..

Pastor Shirley Ann Shaw, born in Kansas City, Missouri, and currently living in Raytown, Missouri is the mother Steven A. Rife and Grandmother of Devin A. Rife.. Pastor Shirly Ann Shaw attended church since the age of five and was inspiring others at the age of fourteen. She was in numerous bands from the age of sixteen and had a band of her own called, Immortal-Soul until 1995. She loved playing the drums, guitar and singing.

Pastor Shirley had recorded 3 CD’s re-recorded through Nashville Songwriter, Inc. She didn’t have any idea where God was leading her but she found herself involved in the art of poetry and song writing. Pastor Shirley has sixteen books to her credit, some published through Nobel-Publishers House, Inc. as well as “The International Library of Congress…Poetry.co and “The International Library of Poets” She was Blessed with the honorary position of “Poet of the Year, from 2004 – 2011. Pastor Shirley has a great appreciation for music and plays a little guitar, she can sing out a melody and enjoy playing keyboards as well. She has been a regular participant in this group.

If interested in any of her written Books, she has 2–Vip #’s..They are (P15910156) AND (U4527785) but You will. have to Search the( Historical Database), as God’, Blessed her , to make Poet of the Year, from 2001-2011).

Shabeeh Haider was born in Bahrain, Pakistan and currently lives in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
with his wife and two daughters and is working as an E.N.T. Surgeon in the Ministry of
Health. He began writing poetry at the age of ten and marveled on poets of the romantic
era of English poetry. Shabeeh is meticulous with rhyme, rhythm and meter of a poem,
as balance is of utmost importance to him. Shabeeh was educated in the Arabian Island
of Bahrain and his poems were published in local magazines and newspapers there.

Later Shabeeh returned to his native country of Pakistan where he graduated as a
Doctor. He began writing poetry for local magazines in his home country. Once
Shabeeh graduated, their was a hiatus period when he did not write poetry. Currently
he is writing again and has published a book called “Vagabond Heart” in May of
this year (2014). The poet “Michael Hanson” wrote the introduction to his book and
remarked. A “Vagabond Heart”, a collection of love poems by Shabeeh Haider is a
fine gem that gleams with the facets of traditional rhyming poetry. The likes of which
had reached a pinnacle in those halcyon years of Byron, Keats, Coleridge and
Wordsworth, romantic poets whose works still echo beautifully across time. Haider has
embraced this romantic ideal and displays neither anachronism nor awkwardness
with his fresh takes on all the vagaries, magic and tragedies of love.

Dr Mary Annie A.V,(M,Sc., Ph.D) writes under the pen name Anna Maria. She has been recipient of the Shanker’s International prize in writing at the age of five for her poem titled, “My brother”, which was subsequently published in the Illustrated Weekly of India… She has been recipient of several acclamations online and her poems have been published in Mirror, several anthologies in USA, U.K. and in e-zine magazines, India and abroad.She has been featured in Jes Führmann’s “The Diary of Pink Pearl, A Bird’s Eye View” released by Bookstand Publishing 2013. (First trilogy in America about a Moluccan cockatoo). She has also been featured in The Camel Saloon, Destiny Poet’s ,The Little Child Magazine, Muse India, Indian Ruminations, The Plum Tree Books, No Nothing Nowhere, The Origami Publications ,The Indian Ruminations, The Taj Mahal Review,The Gulmohar Magazine, Musings:A Mosaic, Thanal Online, Blue Cygnus and many more. Her poems have been translated into Malayalam, Brazil, Arabic, Greek, Russian and French. She has two published collections of poems :My Beads Unstrung by Poetree Garden, Trivandrum (2006) and More Beads Unstrung, by Roots and Wings,(2011). The third one has been accepted for publication.(2014)Her e-mail : ilysdjever@yahoo.com. Mary Annie Av is also a regular participant here at Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends and I’m happy to have her with us…Feature Poet…June 7/2014

POETRY DAY WITH ME

Heather Brohman was born in Southern, Ontario. She was an early poet who began writing at the tender age of ten. She is inspired by the poetic community and enjoys attending poetry events. Heather has her work published in anthologies in the local College and University. She was pleasantly surprised when one of her poems appeared in the local Newspaper. Online has proven to be an avenue where Heather can share her words with others and embrace relationships with a diverse number of poets.

She is inspired in the acknowledgment of the number of poets who nurture such a precious craft. Currently Heather has created a Facebook page, called…”Poetry For Humanity” which has been up and running for little over a year. She is humbled by the talent that appears on board. Heather has also been a contributing member of “Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends” and now will be sharing her work on “Poetry Day With Me as the “Feature Poet”. We are delighted and looking forward to the words of Heather Brohman…..

May 31/2014

Let’s learn about Louis Rams, he was born and raised in New York, USA,
he is classified as a Nuyorican (New York, Puertorican). Louis began working at a very young age, at eight he worked in a grocery store, at age ten, he worked the supermarket line carrying groceries, at age twelve Louis became somewhat of an entrepreneur, setting up his own shoeshine business and building it up from scratch.He had made a name for himself and was known as the “Spit Shine King”. Louis’s teen years took him to the rough side of the mountain and he found it necessary to join a street gang in order to survive. He endured this lifestyle for five years, fighting his way along that path.

His goal was always to leave gang life and become a better citizen so Louis joined the army in 1962 and faced much brutal reality. Louis faced race riots in the South and took his place as he was expected to do. Then the pain of Vietnam, the undeclared war, Louis travelled

that long gruesome road. Along the way,Louis found solace in his poetry and began to pen his words. Now writing is his passion,By 1963 Louis was absorbed in his writing and published two books, which you can find on Amazon.A natural poet was born and all who read his work can delight in the realistic journey that unfolds before you. Welcome to you Louis Rams as “Feature Poet” on “Poetry Day With Me”…(May 25/2014)…..

Let me share some information on our Feature poet this week. Cathy Elaine Hodgson (Cat) was born in Columbus, Ohio, she is married and has two wonderful adult children..She is a marvelous inspiration which is directly depicted through her poetry, songs and short stories. She prefers to write in simple form for the average reader to understand and enjoy. She delights in writing and sharing “Love and inspirational” poems as a favorite topic. She also excels in nostalgic short stories, passed down from her mother as bedtime tales.

She is quite unique and innovative in her writing at times and enjoys the fun involved in that creation. Cathy also loves photography, she excels as an artist with many wonderful paintings to her credit. She is also a craftswoman and enjoys crafting jewellery. Cooking and baking does not take a back seat in Cathy’s world at all. Cathy enjoys Chick flick movies, treasure hunting and would you believe garage sales, auctions and flea markets. She worked in a mental institution for twenty years and has published her first book in 2012. Please note the link to Cathy’s book to follow: Feature (May 18/2014)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-daily-poem-touched-by-heaven-cathy-hodgson/1111543468?ean=9781477208755

This week we are once again delighting in the work of a new Feature Poet, David Harris. David was born In Bradfield, England. When he was, eighteen he began writing lyrics,then slowly slipped into poetry, short stories and novels. In 2006 he had his first success, when his poetry was blessed with an “Outstanding Achievement Award”, hence granting him a published poem in two anthologies, one in hardback and the other on CD. The following year “2007” , David won the same award again, with the second poem published in an anthology. He joined a poetry website and published online his most famous poem “Just Beyond The Sunset”.

In 2008 due to his poem being plagiarized, Daivd published his first book of poetry entitled “Just Beyond The Sunset” with selected poems, which has sold copies in America, Canada and the United Kingdom. In 2010 David published a volume of children’s short stories, which again sold copies in America, Canada and the United Kingdom. In 2011, four of his poems were made into songs by a German singer/songwriter Axel Schneider. Also in 2011, a lady from the University in Odessa asked if she could translate “Just beyond The Sunset” into Russian for the University of which David so kindly agreed. Currently David is working on a new volume of children’s short stories, a novel, also selecting some of his poetry for a new book and placing the final touches on his amazing cat book. David has been a contributing member of “Poems Plus by Melvina & friends” group from it’s beginning in 2010.
(Sunday…May 11/2014)

Feature Poet today… Stanley Christopher sharing his amazing work with us. Read about Stanley Christopher and delight in his work.
Aspiring St. Paul, Author/Visual Artist, Stanley Christopher, a native of East Chicago, Indiana – attended Indiana University and Indiana Vocational and Technical College. He studied Fine Arts, Culinary Arts, Poetry, and Theater Costume Design. His entire life has been rooted in the process of being creative, he fondly remembers always wanting to create his own world early on as a young child lying on the floor doodling and drawing. While studying Poetry in college he became interested in writing Haiku, Sonnets, and Short Stories. Often he takes advantage of combining the two languages of visual art and written word. However for him images have become in many ways more of a viable language than the spoken word.

For the last thirty something years he has uniquely viewed life from a wheelchair after being paralyzed from the waist down. Scaling the everyday barriers of our society can be enough to keep anyone distracted from any real progress in life yet he took the opportunity to exhibit the growing revelations of his spirit throughout his body of work. He has published a book of Sonnets: A Sought After Love. (Sunday, May 4/2014)

we are delighting in the work of our new Feature Poet today, Sunday April 26/2014…..

A little about our Feature Poet, Sreejith Kulaparambil was born and raised in a middle class Indian family. He has a respect for all people of this world and a love of nature. Sreejith enjoyed writing as a child and has followed that interest into adulthood. He is an avid reader and finds great solace in writing. Sreejith writes from his impressions of real life situations, though much of his writing is his muse. Sreejith also invites you to comment on his work and you can further contact him at myexstasyfor your@gmail.co.

Our current “Feature Poet” is Cynthia Sharp. We will feast on her literary delights this coming Sunday. Cynthia Sharp is a published poet. Her work can be viewed in “Toasted Cheese”, “Three Line Poetry”, “Haiku Journal” and “50 Haikus”. Cynthia was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net Anthology. She enjoys the beauty of nature on the West Coast, where she is currently working on her first fantasy novel “Marcie of the Stars.” She has been a participating member of “Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends” for one year and shares her beautiful poems on a regular basis. Welcome Cynthia Sharp April 20/2014

Let me tell you a little bit about our next feature poet, “Aaron Daniel” Aaron Daniel, is a poet/Artist/and Blessed as a father. Aaron is gifted with the knowledge of spirit and thusly receives his poems as if dancing through the air. As they arrive Aaron frees himself through creative expression. A Therapeutic portal, allowing him to expand whilst sharing messages with the world. From love to mythology, Aaron writes about universal themes we can all relate to. With ink and a pen as his instruments, Aaron Daniel endeavour’s to paint “Picasso” style pictures through scribe. Join with me and welcome the beautiful poems of Aaron Daniel…Feature Poet…Sunday, April 13/2014

Bob MacKenzie is the Editor at Communication Centre and Writer/Performer/Photographer at Independent Artist. Bob Studied English Literature at the University of Windsor. He is a participating member of our poetry group and shares his work with us often. Let’s congratulate Bob as the first feature poet in Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends on this day…April 6/2014

POETRY DAY WITH ME…SHOWCASING OUR FEATURE POETS WEEKLY…..

Ladies and Gentleman, we have started something new in our poetry group…Poems Plus by Melvina & Friends…It is called…”Poetry Day With Me”. Strange how things happen sometimes, it was inspired by a simple statement made by “Heather Brohman” stating she wanted to read Bob’s poems through the day and I thought, why not take it a step further and all delight in Bob’s words. With that, Poetry Day With Me was born. Each Week we have a new Feature Poet who shares his or her words all through
the day. Come and join us folks, we’re delighted when new feedback flows upon the page.

Our Feature Poet is announced on Twitter each week as well.

Follow @Antoleza

I’am not standing in front of you, I’m standing beside you, I’m not running away from you, I’m running toward you, I will never laugh at you, I will smile and laugh with you, I will never condemn you, I will always uplift you and you know why. That’s right, I love you, I”m your friend…Now let me hug you…An M.G. Quote

When I’m dying in darkness and you are still there in the morning light, I know where my friend was through the night…M.G. Quote

My friend doesn’t care of my faults, or how many times I’ve fallen, or my failures in business, nooo my friend only cares about me…An M.G. Quote

I may have lost my friends as they rest now in eternity but the friendship we shared will be forever embedded in my memory. True friendship never dies…An M.G. Quote…..

Growing old can be unfair, when a young man stares at a beautiful women, people smile. When an old man does the same, often he’s called a dirty old man. Why is that, I wonder…An M.G. Quote

Education is power…the power of knowledge is a beautiful gift…An M.G. Quote

You spoke to my heart, mesmerized my mind, intoxicated my eyes and kissed
my soul. ….. An M.G. quote.

Old age is not a figment of your imagination, what takes place is cruel and real. An M.G. Quote

Lies will soar a community lickety split while truth is still finding its way around the corner…An M.G. Quote

A quest of wisdom is not granted because you want it. It is learned during life’s journey while accepting the blessing of knowledge and experiencing the valley of pain and the sea of happiness. An M.G. Quote

My Thoughts On The Michael Brown Shooting

Unfortunately situations become blocked for whatever reason, is it God or is it something else in the Universe. I don’t know…Having said that, I would like to share my thoughts on the Michael Brown Shooting.

First of all, let me start by reiterating words that come to me. I often hear that change is coming forth and in one way, I must agree, change is coming forth, for the worse not the better. Now that was my thought recently but today someone I love dearly shared an experience with me. This person visited a very rich area and was expecting the usual treatment. As the vehicle approached people walking on the street made contact with the driver, hands rose and waved and this person waved back. It happened more than once and he was taken back, wondering what is happening here. No one acted inappropriately leaving my friend in total awe. One wonders why, and I’m thinking… is this in support of the tragedy that took place days ago…the shooting of Michael Brown, touching the lives of many.

We seen the turn out in Times Square, a sea of white people showed up to support their Black brothers and sisters, a sea of white people. We have to acknowledge that, people do want change. So the culprit right now is enforcement and the question remains what do we do about that.

I want to take you back a bit in time, some will disagree with me sharing this but truth is truth. Prior to the the Rodney King case, I went back even further to 1955 when a 14 year old boy…Emmett Till was murdered for reportedly flirting with a white, 29 year old, store proprietor. She was a married woman, later her husband and his friend went to Emmet’s great Uncle’s home and took Emmett to a barn and beat him mercilessly, gauging his eye out and weighting him down with a 70 pound weight and throwing his lifeless body in the river. The killers, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam were acquitted and sometime later trialed again with the same outcome.

In the 1960’s my family felt that pain right here in Canada, when a cousin of mine was killed for not listening to the word “halt” resulting in the policeman firing and killing him. The rule apparently here was a three time call back then, after the third call, the officer had the right to shoot.

Then I remember the Rodney King incident, a construction worker speeding and a chase began. When the police caught up with Rodney they placed quite a beating on him. Looting and so on took place but America still did not learn their lesson.

Nov./2012 Jordan Davis was killed… his killer was annoyed because loud music was coming from the vehicle some Black teens were in. Michael Dunn, fired several shots in the car and later went to a hotel and had pizza. Someone reported his license and he was picked up. He went to jail for many years.

We all know about Trayvon Martin, age 17, his crime…wearing a hoodie, in the wrong place at the wrong time and a neighborhood watch George Zimmerman shot and killed him. He was acquitted.

Let’s not forget our 43 year old, Eric Garner who was choked to death by the NYPD and left to die while begging for help, saying, I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe…Police officers and Fireman ignored his plea and he died some weeks ago. Eric was accused of selling loose cigarettes.

The most current is 18 year old, Michael Brown who was merely walking with his friend when stopped by the police. The officer asked him questions which were answered respectfully, but he was shot and killed anyway.

Well now…we are rising up against all of this and so we should, now we insist and will not back down. We want laws put in force to hold police officers accountable for their actions.

Lest I forget, in the last month there has been four killings of Black teens in America. We hear eye gauging, choking and yet there are many still telling me to get over it…let it be…

Emmett Till…………age 14…Roy Bryant & J.W. Milam…Acquitted
Jordan Davis………..age 17…Michael Dunn…Jailed
Trayvon Martin…….. age 17…George Zimmerman…Acquitted
Eric Garner…………age 43…In Progress
Michael Brown……… age 18…In Progress

I have a proposal as to a possible solution coming up next…..Melvina Germain

POLICE THE POLICE (My Proposal to Create a Solution to Police brutality in America)

First and foremost I believe any applicants of the police force must be scrutinized fully. Not only family background but what groups were they involved with, who were their friends. What was there enjoyment, what hobbies did they have…what type of students were they…We are trying to establish if we are hiring a racist in which case they need to be eliminated immediately and told why.

Moving forward

On location studies need to be put in force, by that I mean literally taking these potential officers placing them in situations with people of different backgrounds…visibly Black people, young and old people. Place them in classrooms, in bars, in churches perhaps…place them on the street after hours with empty pockets. They ought be given a taste of reality…take them to an area and leave them there with no money, no place to stay and see how they survive. At all times of course they are being observed. All of this helps determine, are they ready to serve and protect or do they have a different agenda.

There should be a “People’s Board” with a number of the public from all different ethnicities, who can sit in an area and observe the training of police officers to give them a sense of how police training is done. Personally I feel something is happening during the training process that perhaps is changing the mindset of a good person.

1. Police the Police
2. All police must stand accountable to the public
3. reason being…law enforcement officers have proven they can’t be trusted
they foster the need to exert extreme force which gives them a sense of superiority. The target is most often our young Black males, poor people and people with mental disorders, the homeless and so on. Easily marked people.
4. Video camera’s need to be installed in every police unit and on the outside of the unit as well. The video must be kept running at all times, any officer who turns off the video must be fined heavily.
5. If the video is turned off during an arrest and that particular arrest went bad then the office will be relieved of his duties and a full investigation without pay will take place. A polygraph must be one of the deciding factors as to the amount of truth told by the suspected offending officer. When all issues are resolved and said officer is found not guilty of any obstruction of justice then and only then is he allowed to come back to work and perhaps receive retroactive pay.
6. If found guilty of brutality, then he is given his walking papers…Fired…
7. I was very interested in finding out about the amount of Black policemen in Ferguson and though I’m seeing right now in the News that Police Commander, “Captain Ron Johnson” did lead the march.

NO WARNING ADMINISTERED … IT’S OVER…YOU’RE CAREER HAS ENDED

One way or other peace will come to this world and the way to see that take place is to get rid of the beast. We can kill the beast but then we have blood on our hands or we can take what the beast relies on…his job, his money and rip away all his false Armour so everyone can see the truth come forth. Let the beast deal with that reality…An M.G. Quote…..

My Thoughts # 12 (Feb. 7/2015

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening…Wishing everyone of you a beautiful and Blessed day or evening.

Once again, I found myself siting and having conversation with self wondering what truly is “balance”. Does society allow us to have balance in our lives, are we so involved in the teaching of society that we become absorbed in the expectations of others.

We hear a lot of talk referring to balance but do we personally think about what we are balancing out. What is it that we have to balance, well, I’m thinking about that very strongly this morning. While I’m still thinking, I’m writing.

We tend to look up to those who we consider by the value society places on certain circumstances as “making it”. Whether that be in our education or in a financial circumstance, once we have acquired a certain status in life, we have made it. Society will show us what it means to make it…in education, we have great ceremonies with the beautiful long black gowns, or red depending on how high the degree. We look in awe of the accomplishments of those people and often we celebrate with them, they made it.

I recall watching my Grandson walk through the doors of Jubilee auditorium and I felt so good inside to see him in his black gown about to walk the stage and receive his honor, his certificate that stated, you made it. I felt a great deal of accomplishment. There is nothing to say that anything at all is wrong with that, we were joyful and we most certainly celebrated and that day will never be forgotten.

We look up to people that so call…make it…but there are many people who will not walk the stage to receive an honor. Society teaches us, they did not make it so a large amount of people will consider them as failures and hold a certain amount of disrespect for them. So where is the balance here, we have a favourable circumstance and an unfavourable circumstance. We have then allow ourselves to be affected by two different circumstance. One being perhaps, honor and one being disgrace.

We become elated with the light and deflated with the dark as so being taught by society. Somehow we forget to realize the person who can not walk the stage and receive a degree may excel somewhere else and be high in a different regard. So is that like holding education hostage over someone who does not have the ability to pass through that mode, I wonder.

Later in life we see that same person that didn’t “make it”, but managed to open certain businesses in which he or she excelled and made a lot of money. Well now, society says, their back in, money talks. They are now placed on a pedestal due to their financial gain. Here we go with a well accepted circumstance called “prosperity” and we rejoice in that. Now if we are concerned about balance we also see the circumstance of decline where we lost the ability to like this person in their former situation. Bringing us now four different circumstances, honor, disgrace, prosperity and decline.

Oh oh, the economy takes a dive and the pedestal dweller falls from his or her throne, down down deep. Does society protect this individual whom they praised when the going was good…In most cases “no” you got it, we just found another circumstance…that of praise when the going was good but lets balance that out with yet another circumstance being that of censure. We humans are known to become critical and will look this individual in the eye and defame them. Financially they are ruined, the financial institutions will not stand by them, others shake their heads and show disapproval with defaming comments. I knew he or she wouldn’t make it anyway. Scowls of nature, brutes of society, we see it boldly.

We have now covered six circumstances and I’m managing to balance them out, not bad eh…This poor individual is crushed and begins to make some bad decisions or perhaps continuing to make bad decisions. The alcohol comes into play and one fools themselves into believing they are enjoying themselves while intoxicated, self medicating as it were. Involving themselves in promiscuity, the pleasures of the deep, but while in this state of mind, the circumstance of pleasure is apparent. Yes indeed and now we need to balance that out, what comes next, I see it bold and clear, the circumstance of suffering.

We now have found eight circumstances that affect us in life…Let me run them down for you…The favourable circumstances are…Prosperity, Praise, Honor and Pleasure…The setbacks are…Censure, disgrace, decline and suffering. All of these circumstances affect each and every one of us every day of our lives whether we realize it or not. It may be conscious or subconscious. But knowing they exist is the first step in finding a way not to be affected by any of them. We don’t balance them no, we acknowledge that they exist and we find a way to overcome them.

We as humans allow ourselves to be swayed in one direction and delve into that circumstance for a long time for example. We may be overjoyed and we will celebrate to the hilt and may go over the edge or we may be burdened with grief and fall down deep in depression. Having said that, we realize we are affected by several of the said circumstances. We need to learn not to get all caught up in any given situation, not to be too overjoyed that it brings us pain and not to be so unhappy that we cave in and again bring ourselves pain, now that is the true balance. We take those two sets that I mentioned and we refuse to allow ourselves to be caught up in any of them. We learn not to be affected at all which brings us to a place of security, where we are in touch with self and understanding of others and we learn to live in that calm, that tranquil and meaningful existence.

This train of thought came forth after reading about the 8 winds, I found myself immersed in their meaning and wanted to share my thoughts on that. the 8 winds being the circumstances I mentioned throughout.

Well folks, those were my thoughts this morning and with that I’m taking a huge sigh and will make myself a cup of tea. Melvina…..
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Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Feb. 7/2015

My Thoughts (current #11) Dec. 15/2014

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening. Once again I woke up with thoughts roaming through my mind and for the most part I smile. I know many of you realize this by now, it’s so much easier to be nice to a person than to be mean. When one thinks back to certain situations where you were verbally or physically mean to someone and be honest with yourself. I think for the most part you realize you didn’t feel good about that situation and you might have that gnawing sensation inside of regret.

For some it may be too late to rectify or perhaps you no longer converse with this person or the inevitable took place and the person has passed on. When people are totally honest with themselves and can see the wrongness in any unhappy situation, being at peace with yourself will keep you in a place where you can feel good about “you”.

As I age, I find it much easier to apologize when I realize I’ve made a mistake. Sometime the realization is immediate, sometime it might take a day or two. Now, if I’m with that person, I simply look them in the face and apologize. If its days later, I’ll pick up the phone and do the same. You’re not responsible for how they react, you are only responsible for you so never feel bad about apologizing. They either accept it or don’t. Whatever the outcome is, you know within yourself you did the right thing.

I had an associate awhile back, we were both competing for the same contracts. I was a very competitive person and I acted as such. We ended up not speaking to each other and kept our distance. One day I was sitting in an office waiting for an interview for a position I longed for. Well this person walked in the office and we eyeballed each other and spoke saying, hello. The office manager came and told us we would have to come back after lunch. Well, there was a restaurant downstairs so we decided to have lunch together. During that time we were able to air out a lot of pent up frustration, ending up smiling and laughing at some of the foolish things we did, acknowledging our wrongs and our rights.

We had a great lunch and I know I felt so good about that day. We went back upstairs still wanting the same position but that was fine. We did what we knew we had to do but it was…may the best person win with no hard feelings. I’m so happy I had that opportunity to make peace with her. A few weeks later, I received a visit at my business by a mutual friend and she gave me the news that our associate had passed away and she came by to tell me how happy she was to hear that we had made peace and asked if I would be able to attend the funeral. Well, I felt bad that she died and a lesson was learned even from her death. Literally the business killed her, a story for another time. I remember sitting and thanking God for giving me that opportunity to make peace with her, so now I have no regrets. We made it right.

There is nothing worse than listening to people who are close to death, cry out asking for forgiveness to people who are not standing by their side. “If only I could do it over”…”I wish I hadn’t done that”…”Why did I hurt him or her like that”…and they squeeze your hand, telling you how sorry they are. Why wait that long, what does it hurt to say…”I’m sorry, I made a mistake or I had no right to judge you, I’m sorry I hurt you”…You can’t run away from it, it catches up to you, even thirty or forty years later and who needs those dark thoughts when you become an old man or woman. Pick up the dang phone, stop thinking you’re the only right person in this world and everyone else owes you. When the arrogance no longer works for you, when the body begins to break down and the mind faces truth. You are in a different place and karma loves to come by, sit down and share brutally with you.

So…who did you hurt lately, what horrid words spewed from your tongue, who did you judge verbally, who did you demean, what words did you use to cut someone down, who did you whisper about in the back row of an event, who did you slap in the face. Do you feel bad about any way you’ve treated anyone whether they know it or not. If so, what does it hurt to pick up the phone, knock on a door and say, I’m sorry.

We also need to realize, some people live their lives being mean, this is how they get what they want. They’ve learned the art of strategic thinking and how to dissolve and create and every mean is a winning situation to them. Be careful, these people can make your life a living hell if you are not aware of them. It goes without saying, be careful who you invite into your life. If you are one of those people, then none of this applies to you, you will do what you’re going to do to get what you want without care but your time will come. The only problem with that mindset is at the time when you need some of those people, the only person by your side might be those who didn’t really care about you but they’re there for the show. Or the cold white uniform who has to serve another twenty-five patients like you and simply has no time to hold your hand.

It is what it is…Well you know the drill, take what you can use and leave the rest.
My thoughts this morning, shared with all of you…Melvina…..

As My Thoughts Unfold (#10) (Current)

You know what we shouldn’t have time for in this life is …”Hate”…what good is hate. We clearly see today that hate blasts nothing but total despair, total darkness, the ruination of people, the ripping of the future of a race. We hear of babies, toddlers, young girls and boys murdered in the streets, who knows how many…lack of education with school closures and all of this is the meaning of that four letter word “Hate”…

What promotes such devastation, do I have the audacity to give my view, well it’s a five letter word called “greed”. When we don’t want to share and think we have risen too high and power has yielded it’s mighty sword without love attached, we clearly see where all of this took us…we become wreck-less and abusive to the point of murder and we do our best to devour the weak.

We fight over “land”, why must any human being fight over land, there is more land in this world to house every human being, so why must we fight. Is there no happy place to come to, is there no sitting down and working our issues out. Must we show always how powerful we are with the hurling of hateful words, with the mighty power of steel armor, guns, canons and the threat of chemical warfare. I’ve said it before and others have also, if we stop the fighting and had no need for the Military because we learned to stand and rest on earth in peace. We would clearly be able to make sure there were absolutely no homeless anywhere in the whole world. That’s how much money is poured into violence.

How do we respect those who wish us to kill, what animals or less than animals does the small percent of power turn us into. We are killing people who we don’t know, who did nothing to us, we are killing often innocent women and children, old people, disabled people all for the mighty buck when you really think about it. When we are finished killing we come back to our families a totally different person, but the very people who sent you out to kill are doing well and living a great life. You may become homeless, living with PTSD, hurting your family and they wonder what happened to Mom or Dad, what did they go through while out there in the fields of battle. We have allowed those who speak for us to manipulate us, to trample upon us. Clearly we are the sheep with no say, because we’re afraid to be heard, When will the average human being stand up and speak out, when will we realize we have value and our views need to be heard. When do we stand up for that dying child who was mercilessly shot down, when do stop making excuses for abusers, when do we take a stand in the name of freedom.

Do you see what is going on in this world or are you hiding from the truth that so abundantly surrounds you. Are you one to think this will not affect you. Affecting you means, affecting your Children, your Grand-children and it goes down the line. Do you want to see your Children in situations they can’t get out of because they have become powerless with no way of ever empowering themselves. The hand of power has its ways to destroy a lifetime of people.

Does this sound ridiculous to you, you better check your history and look beyond, inside, around and seek the truth. You’ve heard it before…The truth will set you free, well knowledge is the optimum sea…It is a weapon beyond weapons. Be strong, be smart, be a strategic thinker and most of all keep your mind and body clean…that’s your temple, remember that…My Thoughts..Melvina…July 31/2014

As My Thoughts Ulnfold (#09)

I find it much easier to be nice than to be mean, much better to be happy for someone than to be jealous of them. I’m finding it soothing to be humble and a Blessing to be surrounded by people who care for me and respect me. I hold no malice to any man or woman though sometimes disappointment does come my way. Usually I take a big sigh, give my head a shake and move forward paving a new path. I’ve come to realize we are our own best friend and sometimes people lie hoping to save you the pain, I also realize it’s best to shine the light of truth and never worry about slip ups again. All in all, I feel quite Blessed to be here today and to be able to share my thoughts with all of you..Melvina…June 15/2014

AS My Thoughts Unfold (# 8)

I woke early once again this morning and came here, shared a few things then went back to bed. I had a dream of my Grandmother, I won’t go into details but I will share some words with you. When you lose someone, don’t listen to those that say to you, “it takes a year to get over a death” that’s simply not true. Loss by death is chronic, it’s not the same as losing a lover, or a friend, after all they are still here and visible. To lose someone to death is like a chronic illness, it never goes away. We learn to live with that pain and learn to push it deep within. Though we accept the fact that they are gone, there is always a hole deep inside and we continue to miss them. I know it’s different for everyone, we all grieve differently, some of us go into deep depression for a lifetime and can only survive on medication to help mask the pain. Unfortunately that’s all that medication does, yes it masks the pain for a time but the flare ups still come back.

I look at death perhaps different than many, I truly believe it is a new life and we live on in spirit. I also believe that if we have an open mind, we will discover that those we lost have ways of communicating with us. Go ahead, call me crazy or delusional, there was a time, I would care about that but not anymore, I could care less what others think of me in that regard. I know what I know, and sometimes I’m soothed by that communication, and sometimes it concerns me. I wonder, what is the message. I can’t remember the last time I dream t about my Grandmother, I didn’t like the dream, it was very sad. Why now, well perhaps with the passing of Maya Angelou, much is on my mind.

Losing a Child, Mother, Father, Grand parent, Spouse, Family Members, Best friend, Mentor…we literally lose our anchors, those who supported us, who helped us build a foundation. When we lose one or two, it’s difficult but we deal with that. When we lose many in a short time, our foundation if not solid enough begins to crumble and we ourselves are sinking into darkness. You see, realization comes blatantly on days when problems arrive where once, you could pick up the phone and say, Sue, I need to talk to you, Ila, I need to come and see you, Ceddie, I need your help, Alene, do you have time for tea. Uncle Roy, I’m coming to visit soon, Aunt Mar, I got a new piece of jewellery for you, you’re going to love it. Well you sit down, place your palms together and stare into space, realizing you can’t do any of those things, these people have all passed on and now you are pretty much on your own. O yes, that day comes only too quickly, you must be ready or it will be a rude awakening…

Well now, what does all of this tell us…we have ourselves, we are our own best friend, we will not leave us, we are there to the end. We must be our own foundation and learn to stand strong. We have to look after our whole body, our mind, body and soul. Hence, realizing it is a process that never ends, we nourish it as we nourish a garden, day to day. We do not mar our vision with substances, with unnecessary pills, with useless sugar and fats. We treat our body as it is, a temple and in doing so, we are giving thanks to our creator.

Life is complex indeed, but we will survive when we realize we are truly all we have and everything and everyone else is a bonus that we can appreciate. Clearly we are number one. Once we acknowledge that fact, we will be strong and able to deal with the complexities of life. Be well, Be safe and Be kind…You know what’s next…take what you can use and leave the rest…”Love Is The Answer”.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: May 30/2014

AS My Thoughts Unfold (#7)

You know help creates help, love creates love. The more you give, the more you receive. Give without that in mind and be happy in doing so and watch the Blessings begin to pour like rain. You’ll wonder, what is happening, what did I do, well… somebody is always watching you. Let your gifts to others be straight from the heart and learn to accept and appreciate. Times may be tough but little things will trickle in your life, surprising things, situations will change in a moment and you’ll stand in awe as all that you thought impossible comes together.

Pain will dissipate and you’ll realize that you are free and wonder why, what happened, you’ll gaze at yourself in the mirror and notice how much better you look and you’ll smile from ear to ear, shake your head and say, I’m looking fine. You are doing something right and it shows. Life can be rough and we are usually the cause of our darkness even though we fire blame at others. It is when we recognize our own faults and accept total responsibility that changes will begin to seep into our lives, slow but steady and we will learn to smile and laugh again.

Our dark situations are truly temporary, we often know within ourselves that in time we will be on another road. All we have to do is make sure the road we’re on is smoother and up ahead is brighter. We may not know precisely what the road ahead will bring but if we make good decisions along the way, you will be delighted in the outcome.

O I know, you are all you need…I’ll say it again, knowing the “you” the soul and recognizing what “you” have inside. Learning what your gifts are, how you can capitalize on them and bring them forth to help create a solid foundation doing what you love, we have it all, it’s a matter of recognizing our own worth. Don’t take too long to accept what you have been given and please do not allow anyone to devalue you. Stand up for yourself, be happy with you, recognize your power and expect the treatment you so deserve.

Everything you need to receive what you want in life is within you. Others can’t fix you, but you sure can fix yourself by utilizing all that is present and all that can serve you well. Be kind, be compassionate and be loving…My thoughts, take what you can use and leave the rest…Melvina Germain…..

Written: May 29/2014

As My Thoughts Unfold (#6)

We dine in the rhapsody of wind, rain, snowstorms, angry hurricanes
and such. Dining can be a time to share impressive words, to pull
from the depth of despair, to rip from the bosom of hope, to inoculate
into each other, the uniqueness of our being. Sharing ultimately
truths that most would hold secretive, but when two souls meet and
find that they are one, truths unfold and the birth of soul-mate’s unite.

I wonder, do you listen while dining or are your thoughts soaring the waves
of the universe. Perhaps standing on top the highest mountain or soaring
beneath God’s sky scaling the valleys and rolling hills. Could it be your
imagination deludes you into absurd thoughts of conquering the impossible.
While you are nodding your head in agreement, truthfully you are not their
feasting on words generously shared by your partner.

You may be dipping into that questionable valley, a place many would rather
not enter. The place where truths and reality undresses itself, exposing
clear facts to be seen and viewed by others.

Who are you? Don’t answer that question…Monet? The question should
be revised and state. Who am I, Goddess of the Nile, Queen of Sheba long
time passed. I remember my innocence, my beauty, my power and my
insatiable vulnerability. Still I was admired and wooed by a King.

Perhaps we have been galloping our way through this maize, unable to
find an exit. Internally forbidden to rise above and leave such complications
behind. To take one step at a time, reaching toward the throne of success.
We must combine our greatness and rise together again as one.

Who am I, yes that is the unanswered question, as those who have known me
for many years have wondered the same. So my answer still remains.
I do not know who I’am, you see, I’m still trying to find out and when I know,
truly I will share with all of you.

One can not find beauty anymore upon my being. No it has long since faded,
though I do not wish to become scant, weathered, weary and feeble. My
fading body can no longer rise to the task.

Quite often one may find themselves haunted and fall into a trance, living in
yesteryear, usually after midnight, prior to morning light. In silence, we dream,
we dance, we dine with Kings and Queens. We rest on the throne of power,
laughing heartily, smiling profusely and sighing enchantingly.

Listen…O you must listen. Do you hear the cry of Jesus. No, not as he begs
for his own life. No… but as he pleads for yours while he drips in blood with
excruciating pain. Listen! to the wild winds, the howling wolves. Wake up!
as abusive hailstones dent your skin. Become wise and let knowledge birth
wisdom within your soul.

Your existence, profound as it is, has purpose. Look into it and find it’s true
essence. Explore the depth of possibilities and sweep through blood, bones
and flesh. You see, they will soon dissipate and return to dust. Introduce
yourself to you, the core existence, the spirit that will live centuries with
new flesh, new bones, lifetime after lifetime…..

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: March 20/2013

As My Thoughts Unfold (#5)

My thoughts led me to a tranquil place this morning, where I began to dip into yesteryear. I remember when my father-in-law was suffering from Cancer and we visited the doctor for his usual appointment. The doctor asked him a question, my Father-in-law answered, you guys know what you’re doing. The doctor was an African gentleman and he quickly answered, we only know what to give or do for you for your ailment , we are not a part of your body, only you know your body, so I need you to tell me what is going on within it. My Father –in-law then began to explain how he was feeling. I remembered that visit and took a clearer look at myself and decided to take on full responsibility for what I put inside my body. I make all final decisions and refuse to leave such to anyone as long as I’m of sound mind, my body is mine. I think we owe it to ourselves to do what we have to do, to learn, to research and be aware of all that is going on within us. Having said that, I’m referring to the whole body, not just the physical but the mental and spiritual as well. We must take great care of the “you”, the soul and be the best that we can be.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Dec. 15/2013

As My Thoughts Unfold (#4)

Simmering thoughts stretch beyond the fields of life’s
unspeakable valley. As I trudge upon earths velvet
green, God’s lap of earth so firm and yet so soft
beneath my feet. Searching for answers of
impossible questions. Enchanted by dainty
feathered birds swooping through the air, the scent
of rain soon to appear.

Intoxicated with the sight of voluptuous trees swaying
in rhythmic symphony. Earth’s scenic ambiance holds
me tight within its grasp. Walking in twilight, enveloped
in beauty and draped in the elegance of nature. Though
deep in thought, I’m overwhelmed by this surrealistic
journey. Fathoming this Blessing leaves me bemused,
I’m ready to walk that nautical mile and spread my
wings under moonbeams and infinite, glowing stars.

May I gently follow in your footsteps and listen to
your whispers intently. Please embrace me and hold
me close, let your spiritual warmth penetrate me and
dazzle me so that I’m fulfilled with true love.

Forgive me when my flesh betrays me and turns away
from you. At times, the roaring winds find me splayed
on the bed of wanton love and I give of my pleasure to
the sweet tongue of a Prince. Forgive me, my weakness
finds me tantalized and I move gently, sighing deeply,
moaning sweet moans as soft words sweep or’e my
mind, keeping me hypnotized within a spell. Forgive
me, my wings are in transition and I await them.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Mar. 01/2013
Time: 10:53am

As My Thoughts Unfold (#3)

No longer do I whisper innuendos or hint at the bitterness
of despair…no I stop and ponder looking to the light, in the
hope an answer will come from there. Often failure will
grant success as determination sits the ground and the image
that presents itself is bold and quite profound.

Walking on the other side of the mountain, or stepping out of
bounds and finding myself alone in a place where I boldly did
not belong. Traveling far into the depths of destruction where
no one wants to be found. I’ve journeyed as far as the moon,
though my body was left behind, transcended through a cloud,
searching for the road to freedom, life can be so unkind.

Once living on the wild side, caged in a prison of my own,
mesmerized by a lie and a bet, and weird creatures on the
phone. I danced after midnight, wined and dined in style, but
no man asked for my hand or cared to walk me down the aisle.
The freestyle life has its complications, beware of the beastly
blues, for you may become the target and be a star on the
evening news.

No longer do I whisper innuendos or hint at the bitterness
of despair, I’ve walked around that corner and now I’m quite
aware. You see, I was the main character in a play created
by me alone. I starred on the stage of complexity and fell
far from the throne. Life was a gambling game and yes the
winner takes it all, so often I became the loser and took a
gruesome fall.

Finally toward the end an epiphany hit my soul, you are
your own foundation and that you can truly hold. I write
with pen and rhythm and experience from long ago and no
longer wear a mask or live in a prison believing lies so long
and bold. I’m almost ready to cross over and see the
brightest of lights and realize I no longer have regrets nor
need to raise my hands to fight.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Feb. 28/2013

As My Thoughts Unfold (#2)

While tending my garden, I stopped and pondered awhile. Noticing
a flower in bloom, made me realize I had blossomed long ago but
yet too, I realized, perhaps I’m still blooming as each day brings forth
much food for thought, surprises and my thirst for knowledge continues
to unfold. I wonder though, I wonder of the pain that still remains
among us and I wonder why the youth must continue to suffer.

My golden years, soon to be twilight years are moving forward at quite
a pace. I smile when I pen these words as I’m looking forward to the
grand finale, yes looking forward to becoming spirit, reaching that
glorious freedom, finally knowing all the answers, meeting my Saviour
and God himself.

Free from dealing with jealousies and shallow people who hide behind
the facade of falsehoods. One becomes tired of looking in the faces
of the great pretenders, faces of the power collectors, faces of those
who continually devalue people, faces of users and abusers, of those
who place themselves on that great white pedestal flaunting so much
with so little and faces of the murderers of our young.

I’m weary, trudging along in a world where look-ism is of great quality to
vain individuals who can’t see further than the closest mirror. Weary
of trudging through that incredible force of evil, weary listening to
devices which transmute the horrid and the bloody brutal slayings of
the innocent. Weary of hearing stories of how five year olds are
murdered and put in garbage cans as trash. That’s what happened
this week in Niagara Falls and it hurt me to think of all the pain and
suffering ahead for the family of this little girl and only God knows what
little Isabella went through. A senseless murder, a waste of a beautiful
life and what can I do about it, nothing. I’m weary and I’m hurt,
feeling helpless yet once again.

We are living in a world of lost characters out of a horror movie it
seems. In this abstract society, we are dying in insurmountable
numbers. Every moment of every day, someone kills another human
being, yet we try so hard to hold on to this life. I ask myself, why?
I believe in the afterlife and that it is a true Blessing, no more worries,
no more pain, only love resides there. In the next breath, I may be
clinging on to this world and praying for an extension here, why? Why
is it, we don’t want to give up on this world and move forward. I admit
I want to stay here as long as possible and enjoy all the Blessings,
but still my mind ponders and still I`m tired and weary.

I ask myself, what makes a person want to kill another human being,
an innocent child. I`m obsessing about this for I can not fathom it. As
I sit here this evening penning this piece to share. I`m feeling a burning
sensation in my heart, feeling the pain of the parents of that poor little
girl. I know the tears are flowing and this storm will be so difficult to get
through. Teddy bears, bunnies and sweet looking monkeys all hanging
on the fence saying good-bye to beautiful five year old Isabella. As the
tears of onlookers spill and the darkness continues to unfold. They stand
with candles glowing, feeling that heart wrenching pain and they too
are bathed with their own worry and fear now lives violently among them.

Prayer is the only answer and prayer is all we have. Like a little child, I
look to my Father in heaven and I want answers. No… I know I should not
question as only God knows why and only He would have been able to
save little Isabella. God chose to take her home and I`m sure he took
her before the pain began. I have to believe that in order to remain sane.

All the atrocities, the wars, the useless murders, horrid accidents. Could
it be that in a fraction of time, one is pulled from within and does not
feel the pain. It is my hope that truth lives within this thought. Tonight,
though my heart is aching and my soul slowly weakening. I pray for
every child in this world to be safe and free from all harm, to be given the
gift of life and not to have it snatched away from them, Lord let them
survive the darkness, may your precious children remain free of all abusive
and fatal situations.

Bringing this piece to a close, I ask each and everyone of you to stop what
you are doing and say a prayer for Isabella and her family. Please also pray
for every child in this universe. I pray in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen…..

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Aug. 29th 2012

As My Thoughts Unfold (#1)

It’s too late, by the time the sun rose in the east, it was too late.
On this earth I’m lonely, isolated with my pain, so much lost,
very little gained. I stand surrounded by land and sea, yet no
on physical seems to notice me.

Betrayed by those who should stand by my side, love me, protect
me and care. Saddened, they’re not here. Deceived by the oppressor,
raped and scorned, sometimes I wish, I was never born.

Cold, yet a fire burns within my soul oozing sweat through my pores,
lost, yes I yearn sometimes for deaths door. Though I’m not one to
stand quiet and be ignored, there are times when my loneliness shuts
me down.

I remember, I remember the pain of yesteryear and today in this world,
I stand displayed on this universal stage. My life’s work is not
over, still proving to the world, how smart I’am, how deserving I’am,
how witty, how funny, how talented I’ve become. For what I wonder,
will I leave a legacy, will they see me then.

I”m tired, worn and weary, trudging along, humming sweet gospel songs.
Listening to drums beat, feeling vibrations of musical tones. I”m not
a dynasty, flourishing in power, mesmerizing the world, beautiful in
celebration…no, my dynasty is has not yet unfolded so my dynasty is
dead.

I’m not your fiend of hope or the ground that you worship. I’m a
mere spec of dust, waiting to be picked up by hands so gentle. Waiting
to be held in comfort, waiing to find a safe place to rest.

Sweet Chariot, take me home, let me walk the path of peace and
tranquility, the path of freedom and let it rain showers of Blessings.
Let me find my way through this crumbling society, this stumbling
block, through the darkness of needless hate, let me walk up the steps
to the throne of glory and bask in the beauty of the promised land.
Demons shall not find me there.

Who will kiss me tenderly when my emotions rise high in a sleepless
night pondering on the pain of my ancestors. Wo will understand and
wrap me up ina warm blanket of hope. Who will wipe the tears from my
eyes as I wqeep until nights end. Who will be my earths long time
friend.

I’ll not make old bones, no…you’ve given me the pain of a thousand
men and yet I rise to try again. I’ll not make old bones, you and I
know my destiny, whoever you are.

Sing me a song sweet spirit, may I walk by your side and rest my
head upon your shoulder. Sing me a song sweet spirit, as I quietly
drift along, watching the grass move slowly beneath my feet. Sing
me a song sweet spirit as you finally write my destiny in my footsteps.
Sing me a song and I’ll be grateful. As I wrap my arms around your
invisible body and squeeze you tight. Know that I love you sweet
Spirit, know that I love you as I say goodnight.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: July 28/2011
Time: 12:28pm

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Let The Good Reign
2. On The Outside Looking In
3. Deal With The Powerful Few

Let The Good Reign

Hello everyone, once again let me say this…People can’t own people, if someone you love wants to leave you, though its sad, you need to let them go. You can’t cage them, lock them up in your house, follow them around and hope they’ll come back to you. When it’s over for most people, it’s over, they’re not coming back. You need to let them go and savor whatever good times you had together. Your memory unless abusive doesn’t have to be ugly. Keep the beauty alive so that when you speak of them, you can still smile.

I let one person go in my life and it was pretty much one sided, I feel I should have given our relationship more of a chance than I did. Back then and it’s only a few years ago, my mindset was this… if I felt I was being held back, I walk and I walk fast. I did feel that way but really I should have discussed it with my friend and maybe we could have salvaged that friendship. If we do end up having that talk and the person still wants to walk, wish them well, yeah I know, easier said than done sometime. Truly you can live without them and someone else will come along and the stars will shine again. So stop you pining and your endless thought of what you can do next to get these people back. Spending ridiculous hours trying to work out in your mind what you did, what they did, this is just going to keep you depressed. I don’t think any individual is worth the mental stress that some put on themselves. For those who think death is the answer, suicide laced in your mind because you can’t be with someone. My advice to you, is get help and get help right away because you re placing too much value in another human being and too little value on yourself. You need to see a doctor and get your head straight.

Unload that darkness and make way for the light to shine again. A friend of mine recently told me, if you are to find love for a third time, it will find you, don’t look for it, when you least expect it, it will happen. You deserve to give yourself that chance, don’t let anyone take that away from you. Listen to this, while you are pondering and immersed in sadness of this person, they are laughing it up with someone new in many instances so you are wasting your precious time. We’re human beings, we want to be loved but sometimes we give love and don’t receive, now could that be that we are giving to the wrong person and have not had our eyes open to see the person who loves us standing by waiting just for you. Keep your eyes open, love might be just around the bend. Seniors, it’s ok for you to have many friends as no one person may serve up all your wants and needs. Things change in our senior years if we are left a widower or widow, we might not be looking for that one on one, long term relationship anymore. Honesty is key in order for each person to know precisely where they stand. Let’s face it, by age 60-70-80 we are quite set in our ways so it might take more than one to bring what we want. I won’t go into detail but I’m sure some Senior’s would agree. If you are looking for that long term though, you might have to go younger on the scale, I’m just saying….

All in all remember “Love is the answer” be good to others and hopefully others will in turn be good to you. My thoughts…Melvina…..

On The Outside Looking in

Don’t cha love religious people who sling religion all over the dang place. Always reminding you how you will go to “hell” if you don’t listen and follow all the rules supposedly given up by God.

If you don’t do this, you’re going to hell, if you don’t do that, you’re going to hell. They best be very careful, what if the freaking tables change and I go to Heaven waving goodbye to them while their sinking in hell with all their boisterous threats.
You don’t have a dang clue who’s going where. Some of you speak against prostitutes, wayward women, bad men who delve into drugs and alcohol, oh yeah you call all these people down while you figure you’re wearing a holy crown lol. Let me give you a scenario.

You are all waiting in front of St; Peter’s Gate, the prostitutes and drug addicts are at the back, in place where you and they believe they belong. You have your finery on, to show your wealth and all you gained on this earth but at no time did you reach out your hand and grab a hold of someone in need. At no time did you give to anybody anonymously. No you see, you needed all the glory and forgot to give that glory to God but in your mind you were doing real good uh. Well now you have a smile etched on your face and some Angels are coming toward you, your eyes are sparkling and you are almost jumping for joy…O yes, you ready.

Now the first Angel doesn’t even eyeball you, uh uh, He walks on by like you don’t exist but that doesn’t phase you one bit, there’s a whole lot more coming along that path. But one, two, three, sixty two, ninety five…Oh dear! only a few to go. Well now, you and your fair-weather friends are left on your own. When you look back, you see that all the Angels, prostitutes and drug addicts are gone, then it happens. You hear thunder and streaks of lightening coming down and heavy sparks, flickering lights, a blanket of darkness appears overhead. You’re staring into the gray fever and flames are spouting out, surrounding you. If that’s not bad enough you see a fiery bed slowly coming toward you and you’re now beginning to beg for forgiveness…is it too late for the truth, is it too late for you. Did you give what you are now asking for to anyone on earth. That fiery bed is coming closer and closer and now…your eyes are fully opened and you can truly see. Let’s hope, what our Father in Heaven did for John Newton, He’ll do for you. Please understand as I’m not a religious person, this is most certainly not a threat, just a mere writers imagination unfolding on the page. Another what if per sae..

We ought not be so quick to hurl judgement lest we be the ones that are judged and judged harshly. I don’t walk in your shoes, so I know not what woes you are going through or have faced. I’m a mere person on the outside, looking in and believe it too, you don’t know where I’ve been…Melvina…..

If you sit around waiting for God to come and save you, continue to gaze at poverty stricken countries, watch little children blow up like balloons, watch them walk barefoot through urine waters,listen to them scream in hunger while you sit in beautiful houses of the Lord. Well, you might be waiting a very long time for that hand to come out of the sky, wave a wand and say, all is well.

We have been given all that we need, all the treasures, all the resources, an infinite amount of land and beneath it’s surface yet more and more richness there for the taking but the greed of “man” is where the problem manifests. It’s so simple to see, the masses are like sitting ducks, some working their fingers to the bone to make ends meet, others in food lines waiting for a handout, some purposely give up and stop trying and the poor continues to scream, help me! We scramble, slap our brothers and sisters down, steal ideas and run to make a name for ourselves. We crumble when the going gets rough, depend on drugs and alcohol to soothe the pain.

While the mass is dying of strokes and heart attacks, the few at the helm are still stuffing their pockets and have much armor by their side to protect them when protests take a stand. The same people that are struggling are the people used to protect the few in power. The same struggling people are used to fight and spill blood.

We are mummified by certain individuals who look like us and have made their way to the top. We watch them walk in clicks but they never seem to see you. Ahhh manipulation has it beauty mark and have tossed a blindfold your way and what you see is not what it is. By the time you learn to think strategically, your time on this earth is coming to an end and then you have an urgency within you to share and make others aware. Well, you know, often you stand and shake your head and know that you re speaking to a brick wall because nothing in penetrating. So many minds of the young have been used and abused. Baited by the powerful who know full well how to keep them in their place.

Well, you can keep praying, you can keep calling out and waiting for that intervention. You see, it’s what you have been programmed to think, yes, that something grand is going to come and take great care of business but what we perhaps don’t realize is the help has already come, the answers were already given and generosity was at a high but you didn’t get or stand up and take your piece of the pie because there were stopping blocks placed their by the powerful few.

However, all is not lost, coming together in mass is all it takes to regain what rightfully belongs to you…sanity, peace of mind, happiness, joy, a beautiful place in which to live, enough to eat and a comfortable place to rest and sleep. We have an abundance of all we need on this earth, right here, right now and sharing is where the bliss begins.

Well now…there it is in a nutshell, all you have to do is deal with the powerful few.

My thoughts…Melvina

My ruby fingertips, stained blood-pressure rich
displays my brains inability to connect in syncopated heartbeats
after my body’s heat rises high. Dry as the desert my mouth glues shut
and the moisture on my burning skin beads like rain bubbles.

A cloudlike veil glistens with hidden tears, threatening to flush like
the soiled thoughts simmering beneath the surface of the boney
structure above my brain and my mind screams, help me! Brow beaten,
physically assaulted, pain stricken, I’m dying inside.

Looking indignant, swallowing pain, I fumble without balance
forcing myself to think without cursing anything that moves.
Clenching my fists until my nails pierce the center of my palms. Far
beyond my comprehension in mindless fury, this scarred pot within
boils over.

Peering through the window of the darkest moments in time, I’m
reminded of such heinous and tragic acts where repetition became
the blanket of a nations despair. We’ve learned through trial and
tribulation, through heartache and pain, through skins pricked
penetration that one man can not pull us from the clutches of old
sin.

Traumatized our people suffer in memory of pillage and rape,
disrespect, degrading every fiber of our being. We cover ourselves
with flesh white shields whose accountable bodies are their to
protect. But has hate drained the river where barking dogs trailed,
can we trust those whose identity might fail.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Aug. 20/2014

82 million dollars taken by dating scammers all over the world people. That’s a lot of money some lonely hearts have sent to men and women who prey on their loneliness, their kindheartedness. So many are not aware of what is happening in today’s world. Their are monsters out there who could care less about our hearts, they are only interest in money and will groom you, woo you and gain your trust. Soon you want to give them the world and often they will bleed you dry. Some come here often as a matter of fact, I truly believe they are using me as a challenge. It’s one right after the other, I’ve had two this week with the last name “Smith” both very good looking gentleman.

One thing I’ve noticed, the pictures of these good looking men are always white males, no other nationality has shown up here. They always write in a way that you realize English is their second language and their notes are so cheesy, they make you want to vomit. These are clearly stock letters found on the internet, I tried to tap into one but came up with different ones but they pretty much sound the same. You are merley a dollar sign to these people. I personally don’t blame the teens involved in this scam, many of them are so poor and all they want is to be able to buy milk and bread to feed their family. This is often the only job they can find. It’s the owners of these internet houses who are the monsters with scripts and instructions on what to say and how to woo a person.

You will never meet these individuals, because they do not exist in the real sense. The picture is stolen so that person is a victim and he is not aware that someone is using his or her picture. Here’s my latest message from a scammer after speaking with him two or three times…

(I read the poems. It is so beautiful. My heart full of love and emotional after reading those poem. You put me at the right sleep after reading those poem. You have a love heart my dear Melvina. I think meeting you is a blessing to me because i never thought i will meet someone special like you. You are the most beautiful person I know, inside and outside and I see that more clearly with each passing day. You do something to me that no other has, you have made me so happy, the happiest I’ve ever been. You give me the most amazing feelings inside, the feeling of being in love. Do you know, every day I will be thinking about you. When my eyes are closed, when I sing and dance to a love song, when I’m checking my email, I will be thinking about you. When I go to sleep in the loneliness of my room and give in to wonderful dreams I will definitely be thinking about you. You’re the one who makes me beautiful. You’re the one who makes me strong. You’re the one who makes me feel so important; you’re everything to me. I have waited for someone like you, and now that I have found you I will never let you go. My happiness is having you as my best friend.)

This is all bullshit but to the lonely heart these words are tugging at their emotions and the grooming begins. I refuse to answer my emails but I’m sure if I did, I would find the same thing, more bullshit.

Melvina Germain

1. You Are Your Own Best Friend ( You may or may not relate to this)
2. Big Surprise
3. Give And Receive
4. Inspiring Words
5. Money
6. Body Heat
7. Do We Boycott Walmart
8. Good Riddance To 2013
9. Little Sisters
10. Tribute To Stay At Home Mom’s
11. Barbarism Is Not Needed In The 20th Century
12. My Blessings

YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND (You may or may not relate to this)

This title states, you are your own best friend. However, having said that, we know there are many of us that can also say…I’am my own worst enemy. Sometimes we are the ones to come down hard on ourselves. We look in the mirror and all we see is darkness surrounding us, up, down, all around. We see no light shining through. We are often filled with anxiety, fall into depression, become extremely insecure and may find ourselves in a paranoid state of confusion. We hang on to, low self esteem, we don’t trust ourselves and often allow others to do for us. We have developed a situation continually pressing low. Giving up on ourselves is vividly apparent and self loathing has seeped within.

Many say, I believe in God, so I ask the question, does it not state somewhere in the Bible that we are created in his image. Well I dare say, anything I mentioned above would certainly not compare with the image we are taught about God. After all, God is a magnificent being, so where is your magnificence. But you, have become your own worst enemy and fear, anxiety and depression has become a part of your soul for whatever reason. We have allowed our hopes and dreams to stand still as if cemented in a place and never comes forth.

Through all of your darkness, you find time to pray for others, wishing them well, asking for help on their behalf. When did you last pray for yourself, really got on your knees, brought your hands together and took that quiet time to be with your Father in Heaven. When was the last time you did that for you. Let me ask you some questions…Do you congratulate you…Do you smile at you…Do you become happy with you. Do you realize how beautiful you are…Do you love you…Do you realize your power…Are you ready to experience infinite happiness.

One of my quotes states and I wonder, does it fit you…You will do for others, but you never have time to do for you. Is it possible, you rest too much on the negative and your self loathing told you over and over again, you do not deserve the same things you pray for, for others. We have come to appreciate others but consider ourselves unworthy. We worship the ground they walk on but we are sinking in the mud. Well, we have our highs and lows and unfortunately the lows far exceed the highs.

What are we lacking, we do want to be as good as the next person. You know it’s really foolish but some think…if I make the other person look bad, perhaps I will shine and look good to others. Well the realization comes forth when you see that you have dug another hole for darkness to lay in within self. Now your self loathing becomes more entrenched in your soul where another demon shows its face. The demon of vile behavior to others, hurting others, deceiving them, exposing them to danger, you become mentally and perhaps physically abusive. The reality is…it’s that self loathing that is coming forth, though you are stringently in denial.

Now you self medicate, it might be alcohol, drugs, street or prescription, one or all. You point blame continually, it’s never your fault and only negativity finds your thoughts. To say it boldly, you become a real pain in the ass. Well, I always say, you never know what’s on the road ahead and lo and behold you have an epiphany in the still of the night. You get up and gaze in that mirror, taking a long look at yourself, you see the years piling up on your face. You feel pain in your body that you’ve never felt before, you take your palms and pat the extra flab around your belly that formed from your lack of exercise. While gazing at yourself in the mirror, questions come to mind…Who are you…where did the time go…what have I accomplished…Where am I going and you ask yourself out loud…What have I done to me???

Through these sober moments, you tell yourself, you want to change and you reach out. Well now, could this be the door opening where you realize you must care for you. Help is on the way, people see that you are making a concerned effort to make change. All that you were lacking is coming forth like thunder. Friends uplifting you, family having a renewed faith in you, pouring their love upon you. A new day, a bright light, you look to the mirror and while standing there, this time words come to mind and you smile while you think of them and voice them out loud. “I Love You”, then you look away and repeat, “I Love Me”.

All of a sudden, you are jumping, laughing, waving your arms about. This is you beginning a new life, you know the struggle is not over, with fortitude and tenacity, you realize you have the elasticity to stretch beyond and reach for that rainbow. You are deserving, you are worthy and with your new found, love of self, you have truly become your own best friend. Well, there’s much to do along the road of success. Now you must be consistent and must become resilient. There will be lows but you will bounce back, you’ll fall but you will rise up, you can shake your head, smile and yell, let’s try again.

Look in the mirror please, one more time…Ask yourself out loud…Who is your best friend…now answer, I’am…Do it again and again. Now ask yourself, who do you love and answer, Me…Repeat, I Love Me, I Love Me, I Love Me. Remember you are what you think, so you will act accordingly when you love you.

When you take a look back over time, you ponder. I reached out for help, I cried, I laughed, I celebrated, I fell and I got up and best of all, I introduced myself to my best friend…ME. You have found the formula, that brings you peace, love and happiness. You are walking on solid ground. It took awhile but you built your foundation and now you have what you want to share with others, “LOVE”…Loving yourself was the answer to all the pain and heartache. “YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND” By: Melvina Germain

BiG SURPRISE

This morning I wrote a piece about, My Blessings, well they certainly have not stopped. I mentioned, that God is a generous God and He continues to Bless me, that’s for sure. Well my goodness, my children told me the boys in blue were here to see me and I had to go outside to talk to them. I said, wait a minute, I paid my fine, they don’t need to talk to me and my daughter she began to spaz out with that excitable voice and when she does that, there’s trouble. She screams put your coat on, and I had my slippers on at that moment. My son’s are saying, things like, they’re here, look! I can see the police. Melody points down the street and says, see their they are and all I saw was a couple of people carrying a food tray into a house. Now I’m standing in front of this vehicle I never saw before and they are all staring at me, Melody points to the Tan Van and I looked and then stared back at them. My gosh, they bought me a vehicle for Christmas. I still can’t believe it, I was in awe and I’m standing on the street screaming, me and my half gray braids
and no makeup. I have to pinch myself and look out the window to see if it’s real. I’m so happy, they pooled their money together and bought mama/granma a car. Thank you to my three Children and my Grandson, you make me so so happy.

Well I say good-bye to a rough looking gray wagon, that’s taken me from point A to B for the last two years and when I received that Van, that was a Blessing as an old friend came back into my life and when my Van broke down all of a sudden, she gave me her old Van and I so appreciated that Blessing. So thank you Ms. D, it served me well and thank you to my youngest son who fixed any little thing that needed to be fixed. He babied that Van and I’ll never forget that. I’m told my oldest son looked long and hard and towed the vehicle into town. I had no idea what was up except there was a lot of talk and I wasn’t included. I tried taking each one aside and asking questions which were not getting answered. I said out loud so every one could here, something is going on and I’m the only one who does not know, what the heck. My oldest son should be a dang actor, he really had me fooled with his acting and concern when he mentions, I have to take care of some business, so serious and what not and the youngest acting like he knows nothing. So I call my daughter and I told her I think something strange is going on. Well they’re all dang actors and she comes up with a weird excuse and I buy it because she is always straight with me.

They fooled me and it was a huge and happy surprise, I’ll add this to my pool of Blessings. Hope you all had a beautiful day people…Melvina…..

GIVE AND RECEIVE

Positive pay back, I truly believe that what we put out into the Universe, we receive back. This morning I woke and my thoughts took me to certain people. One in particular that is always complaining about all the horrible things that is happening to them. How terrible their situation is in work and in home, nothing ever seems to be going right for them. So every time I speak to them, I’m literally feeling down, that negative energy tries to pull on me and I have to tear myself away, take a deep breath, shake my head. No mater what positive words you bestow on this particular person, they will come back with a negative and their life is not going very well.

The other person I was thinking of is exactly the opposite, this person always looks to the positive. No matter what only positive energy is coming from them. This person will take a negative and find a way to turn it into a positive and truly believes…what you put out into the Universe, you receive back. To me it’s the same as saying and feeling and knowing that when you give all your problems to the Lord and take that energy that you would waste in feeling down, depressed and trudging through life with a heavy chain on one leg. You pick yourself up, feel that positive energy, make yourself move and get things done. All the good energy is coming to you and you are acting accordingly. The good is coming back and you are reaping the benefits. We don’t give something out and sit back in a corner waiting for a miracle, we are the miracle and have already been given spectacular gifts, some we can not imagine. I often say, too soon old, too late smart but I believe that any time in life we can attain the open-ness it takes to realize our own personal powers and all through energy we can open huge doors and take what we want without bashing people over the head.

It’s a mindset, we begin our day in a positive mode. I believe that is why I’m not on medication or crippled up sitting in a wheelchair. I was told by this age, I would be using a walker, in a wheel chair, my hands and feet would be mangled. I met people that said they overcame my condition but they have the scars to show, with the bending of the fingers, and the balled up feet. I told my doctor years ago, the reason I could run up his stairs was because I was of positive mind. He didn’t believe me but gave me cut flowers from his garden anyway. Nine years later, he asked…why are you doing so well, can I run some tests on you. I reminded him about my thoughts on positive energy. He replied, well you know, you can take a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Today I’m medication free for my rheumatoid arthritis and so many my age are taking from 6 to 20 or more different medications for many ailments. I could see that I was on my way to the same thing when I decided, this is my body dang it and I’m not taking all those meds. I did whatever I had to do and kept that positive thought and overcame some very harsh medications. You can say, I don’t want and sit back or say I will not and do what is necessary to get where you want to be in your health.

Put out into the Universe all that is good, great positive thoughts, wishing your fellow man well. Welcoming new comers and enjoy their differences, do your best not to blame others for what we don’t have, but place your needs and wants out their, work on them and watch them unfold. Talk to God and know that He hears you, He is the Universe, that’s my thoughts, our higher power is huge, massive, invisible, powerful. You can feel the love and you can see the rage, think about it. When someone says to you, I see a rainbow over you, don’t laugh and think it’s nothing. That person is seeing your energy and they stand in awe. When someone looks at you, smiles large and says, every time I see you, I feel good. They are feeling your energy, and you are giving off positive vibes, know it and realize what you have and learn more and more about it.

I’ll end with the obvious…What you put into the Universe, you get back…Melvina…..

INSPIRING WORDS

Everybody has dreams and goals, everybody looks at those who have made it up that proverbial ladder, watched them raise their arms out far and say, I made it to the top. They looked beyond the rainbow and stepped outside of that box, soared pass their imagination and made it real, yes they made it to the top. Darkness could not hold them, you see some of us realize we have to fly. We can’t have our feet embedded in sinking sand. We have to move pass the norm and we know something special, we know “we can”. We are the very people who will trudge through the storm, kick those obstacles aside, force that smile on our faces, knowing we will more than survive. We know the inevitable will show up one day and yes we will be ready at the time to softly close that curtain but when we close it, it will be with a smile on our faces. We won’t have any dark shadows hanging round, nor regrets to be found. You see we turned our dreams into reality, we attained our goals, we tied up all loose ends, we reunited with old time friends. We passed over that block of insecurity, hurled to the wind that vice of promiscuity, kicked the temptation of drink and drugs, left the crooked road to losers and thugs. We tossed that darkness long ago into the deepest pit and soared through the thickness of anxious pain, raising ourselves to heights where the brightest light continually reigns. We did it and you can do it too…Have a Blessed day everyone.

Written by: Melvina Germain

MONEY…March 22, 2014 at 12:25pm

We’ve heard such phrases…”Money doesn’t grow on trees”, well to some it seems like it does because they have figured out a way to tap into making money and it flows in to their hands. Mr. Gates would be considered someone that has made that happen, he was able to build his own tree so to speak. “Money can’t buy happiness”, think about that…money can pave an easier path in life than can lead you to an abundance of happiness. “Money can’t buy love”…it can present to you, the time needed to spend cultivating a good relationship which leads to “love”…”Money can’t buy life”…Most would say…no way, it can’t. Well, I beg to differ on that too, money can make it possible to extend your life…the tools, the doctors, nurses, the place and whatever is needed to give you that little extra time that you want to spend with family. Having said that, you can see that money can enhance your life greatly.

You might ask the question, “is money a motivator” it doesn’t take rocket science to figure that out now does it. Of course it is in almost every aspect. Some people right now, here in Canada are working and are not satisfied with the money they are making so they take courses here, get what they need here and move on to other places that will pay them more money…(money motivated)…Many of our young athletes want to get into sports, again because the money is good, Oh they love the sport but money is the motivator and we can only hope that they will make it in that field. We lose again some of our best players due to more money in other places. (money motivated).

We can see this boldly right here in Canada where employers have forfeited quality for more money. I was visiting Costco not long ago and a whole lot of demonstrators were displaying items for the consumer to taste. I stepped up and asked a very basic question, only to be stared at with no response. When I questioned again in a stronger voice, I then realized the person probably didn’t understand me. Well that told me right there, the company who hired these people and it’s not Costco by the way. That company is hiring due to saving money on payout, if they hired someone who knew how to handle demonstrating, they would have to pay more, so again (money motivated).

We go on strike in Canada in order to force our employers to pay us more money…(money motivated). We will put our health in jeopardy for the sake of money by working endless hours overtime in order to get more money…(money motivated) Some will take chances and embezzle money from their workplace, many will exploit the poor. (money motivated) Money can bring a lot of light and or a lot of darkness. We make our own decisions, we know what we need, we know what we want. Some have learned how to tap into to the government for grants, easy for some, not so easy for others.

When someone says to you, money is not important, they either have an abundance of it or know how to tap into it, or they are being taken care of by someone else, or simply they have a good job. They might have a trust fund and live off of that for the rest of their life. People who have to work hard in order to feed their families, or Seniors who have no life savings, or those who have fallen through the cracks will never tell you, money is not important. They understand very well, that with it, their lives would become easier to face. We lose many each year due to lack of money through suicide. Many fall out of societies norm and become homeless due to lack of money, many drop from strokes and heart attacks just trying to make that proverbial dollar. Some are micro managed so bad that they feel the pain in their chest while working knowing if they don’t give it up, they’re next in line to drop down or drop dead. Now you see, I fit into that category…re: micro managing…God is good to me though and showed me that darkness and I knew it was time to get out and fast. The lesson was right before my eyes, several ladies dropped with strokes, a couple of heart attacks killed others, and many of the younger employees quit and there I was being micro managed by someone who was also being micro managed. Who was going to drop next, well the third or fourth sign of chest pain, I made the decision to get out and here I’am…

Realize that money is a tool that can help you realize your dreams in life. It is definitely important for your survival and certainly aids in fulfilling your life. We should not devalue others, using them for what they possess or have been given. Fairness is so important in this life, if you are an employer, pay people in a decent amount of time. Sharing is key, if you are receiving and using another individual to help you then you need to include them in the money you are making. If you don’t you are in fact devaluing them.

Unless you are at the point in your life when you can afford to go out and volunteer then you need to be paid for your efforts. When the time comes to volunteer your services, you will know and you can do. I’ve volunteered through my life when I was in a position to do so but had to work hard also to bring in that money. Don’t let people shame you into doing what you can’t afford to do and remember they do not walk in your shoes. Strange how their perspective of you is often far from what truly is. When you reach the point when you can give of your services “free of charge” then you are in a good place and many blessing to you but don’t expect others to do the same, only they walk in their shoes.

Written by: Melvina Germain

Now remember, not everyone will agree with what is shared in this piece, you take what you need and you leave the rest…We can always agree to disagree…..

BODY HEAT

Today on my timeline, we are discussing some concerns women have and often don’t talk about. I’m putting another in the discussion pool, the menopause. The unforgettable heat and sweating for so many women. Some the horrid night sweats of discomfort, sleepless nights. Having a business meeting and your skin drenched in perspiration.

I remember that devastation and decided the heck with this, I’m going to do what I have to do to sail through this as it is said Black women do. I stripped down at work in the middle of winter to a sleeveless top, while others were wearing their winter coats to shop in the mall, I was bare arms and low neck with short hair. If I poured perspiration while looking after a customer, so what! was my attitude. A couple glared at me while I prepared their package in my store one day and the heat came to visit, wouuu I said and smiled. The man saw me pouring and said, what is wrong with you? They were a beautiful Italian couple, she leaned toward his ear and tried to whisper, you remember when I use to get like that and he looked at her in silence. I gave them their package and stated that I was going through the menopause and it’s a normal situation. I’ll be over it in about 9 more years, I’m one year in. He shook his head and the wife smiled and bid me good-bye.

I was doing great with all the changes I made to compensate. I took my evening primrose oil and maybe it did help a bit because I did go sometimes for hours without a flash and maybe even a day or so. Mostly I wore fewer clothes and that for sure helped, I drank lots of water. We go through this change and many things happen during this phase in our life. Some women do not want to be bothered with men and try to stay far away from them sexually. Some men are totally oblivious to this and even those who are in positions of giving marital advice and so on.

I became very good friends with a Pastor who came to me for his flower needs. During those store visits we shared on different topics and often sat and had a conversation. He came to visit one early afternoon, I assumed he wanted a
boutonniere but that wasn’t the case at all. He asked if he could talk to me and I said sure. He explained, he was very upset because he believed his wife was having an affair with someone. He said she is no longer interested in me, I can’t get close to her. I looked at him and I had met his wife, a very nice, plain Jane woman who I believed only had eyes for him. I would have thought that his wife would be more worried about him looking around. I asked how old she was and he told me, I smiled and told him, your wife is probably going through the menopause. He had no idea what I was talking about. I sat there and gave him detailed information and explained what he should look for and that he ought to have a discussion with her about it. He truly was happy for the information, we never talked about it again after that but he did share that he was concerned that he might have given the wrong advice to others whose wives may have been going through the same thing. I can just imagine.

Husbands, sons, men in general need to have some knowledge of this very real condition that affects 80% of women. The symptoms vary from one to another and some real changes take place that even some women do not know. Doctor’s don’t have all the answers, they learn from us. Back in the day, women were put into mental wards at the hospital and given sometimes shock treatment, how horrible to have to suffer like that for a very natural condition of the body. Memory loss is a big concern, hot flashes as previously mentioned, cold sweats, sleepless nights, bouts of uncontrolled crying. You’ll often hear a woman say, I don’t know why I’m crying. I remember my friend who visited for tea, crying away. I had no idea what was going on. I didn’t know anything about the menopause until I experienced it myself. I learned about it while watching a comedy show and a bald woman was being interviewed by a well known comedian whose name I choose not to remember. She spoke of this insatiable heat and that was my first clue. No doctors, no parents, no friends shared any insight on the matter. You know many Black people have this secrecy they hold on to. Shhhhhh don’t ask her what she has, oh my don’t talk about what he died of. She doesn’t have the right to know that, what’s wrong with her, what? Don’t talk about it. Sorry but I remember back home and that secrecy is still going on.

Share and we’ll all know what’s happening in these beautiful bodies of the female…Melvina

DO WE BOYCOTT WALMART

What do we do, when we buy clothes at Walmart, we are supporting the hazardous conditions of workers in Bangladesh. If we boycott Walmart and put the squeeze on them and not purchase any garments from them, we starve the poor. These people, young children etc. need to feed their families, I’ve always said that when people talked about not buying items made in China. We stand in the way of those people being able to feed their families so what do we do.

Some might say, we can send money through donations etc. Well perhaps the sender has great intentions but with the corruption in some of these places, how do we know exactly where that money is going? What then, is it possible to find a direct link to the people and have them helped through donations directly. What do you think the outcome will be of these poor workers.

One of the buildings collapsed in Bangladesh and several workers were found dead. Some were still alive and one young lady was pinned down by two dead bodies. She didn’t want to go to work that day as a day prior, she saw cracks in the building that were not there before. She was afraid the building would fall down and she was correct. Now this poor girl has lost her mother who died that day and she has lost a leg which makes it harder to get back to work. She is willing in mind but her body won’t allow it.

Any idea’s folks, what do we do to help these people…Melvina…..

GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2013…January 2, 2014 at 12:44am

We say good-bye to this horrid number, a year painted Blue,for the coming of gray waters rained an ocean over you. Devastation wreaked with havoc, ripped and tore foundations loose. Some lost a lifetime of treasures and homes we need anew. Rise up and live, start from scratch and build again. You learned of great compassion with many gatherings of new found friends. Praise God much life was not lost, though death visited a few, we bow our heads in prayer, may God watch over all of you.

I felt the pain of the demon once again, that bold constricting evidence. My heart bled with a slow burning fire, as its embers whispered deep. I’m here to pull you down again, I’ll see you drop and weep. I wanted to cry out and scream, nooo this can’t be happening. Surely the beast is old and weary and ready to fall to sleep. Far from the truth, my eyes and soul could not deny as I sat with an empty vessel by my side. His spark had long ago ceased, laying dead while being alive. Swallowed in the jaws of pain, beaten down by societies brutes, robbed by evils heavy hand, addicted by the wrath of man. Black Angel, you are alone, though you try continually to please. That feminine beast wore a cowards cloak and ruled a narcissistic sleeve.

Cowardly beings can no longer uplift. Many answers were vivid on a cold sliced Day. No music, blues or jazz could tear such pain away. Red beast so slight and short, with a mask of innocence, held power over the mass. Still good Samaritans quietly showed their faces and one dared to speak a word or two, but evil had spread its blanket and those who spoke could not be heard.

That racist prick came back to bite me in the ass in the year 2013. Now I stand with eyes opened wide ready to pounce if ever need be. I’ll not be ruled by that demon again, it will not tower over me.

Evil has many followers and they come sometimes in one, two, three. I’ve had my share in 2013, more than one has followed me. Though I’ve never parted, I felt its daggers tear my flesh. It’s brutal force of evil tainted my soul, and as my life uprooted from the core, I asked my God, how much can I take, will you keep allowing more and more. Fingers of control pointed with daggers in their tips, ruled from the white tall pedestal with a powerful silent voice. I’m throwing you to the pit of doom and you’ll not have a choice. That demon will find it’s karma and soon will fade and die. I’ll not bow my head to pray, nor uplift my eyes to the sky. I’ve learned in 2013 that the fight for me is not over. As long as you have those you love and care so deeply about, O you’ll stand by their side and be ready to scream and shout.

Manipulation does not befall me, my mind is focused clear, and those who wish me not to pray can stay the hell over there. Tolerance is not on my menu, acceptance is all He wrote, all differences are a Blessing, and such with me stands vividly dear. Say good-bye to 2013, for some… bent screws were tight. Others felt sharp knives pierce their very soul, while heartache provoked them in the midst of a sleepless night.

O death you crawled the rivers, the valleys and mountains too. You left nothing uncovered, touching many who feared the likes of you. An unwelcomed visitor to most though some held open their arms. I cried a river, once, twice, thrice and more, you know it’s true. And if new deaths were not enough, you brought back memories of the year before and made me stand there gazing as if waiting at death’s door. I gazed at a family member, a youth of many wounds, my tears flowed like a river as I held my head within my room. I looked upon a man whose eyes sunk deep inside and he recalled a day when his wife in his arms did die. O yes many tears befell the memories in the year 2013 and I realized it’s truth as I laid within a dream. Memories of a good friend who

walked boldly deaths lonesome road, no fear, only a smile as she quietly slipped away. I was not there for her last breath but I remember vividly standing by her side for many a beautiful day. Now the curtain of death, slowly closed it’s window to the passing of the year. I say good riddance to 2013, how I wish you were never here.

May 2014 be a year to remember, create beautiful memories to recall. May Jesus be your guide, while our Father in Heaven watches over all.

Blessings to all of you this 2014-01-02

” LITTLE SISTERS”…….This post is for… “coming out” young ladies…January 15, 2014 at 9:49am

A man who cries without embarrassment, who rejoices with tears. A man who caresses you when you need it the most, who shows how much he cares. A man who provides and protects, this is the man you honor and will never regret…

I smile while writing these words, remembering my youth. All the girls gathering around, gazing at handsome boys. Laughing and giggling, dreaming… all wondering what it would be like to be their girlfriend, basing everything on “LOOKS”. Mom’s and Dad’s you needed to be grooming your young ladies long before the teenage years. All it takes is one good looking jock to cause years of pain. It may seem cute to some to see their children playing out adult roles and you think, O don’t worry it won’t go far. I shake my head when I say that as I’ve seen over the years many young girls who became pregnant.

True story…At age thirteen, Sheila is pregnant by the good looking boy down the street. Now where did cute go. Some parents need to take their heads out of the sand. The first stupid question a parent asks after a child becomes pregnant is…how did that happen? The school for gosh sake was offering to conduct sex education classes. When Sheila came home with a letter asking for your signature, you said no. Why I asked…We have to protect our children from that, when the time comes, I will teach them. Lady… the time came and went and now you have a baby on the way and who will care for this child. How does one hold back on teaching a child, preparing them so they know when and what to say “NO” too.

You left your daughter wide open, you didn’t take her to the doctor to arrange protection in case the act took place. No of course not, and I’ll tell you why…You said…My little Sheila is still a virgin, she doesn’t need protection. I wonder if that was the same Sheila we saw emerging from Tommy J’s house when Mom and Dad were not home. So when you ask the question…how did that happen, you should have a basket full of answers.

We really need to think long and hard when raising our young ladies. Answer all questions, do not hold back, if they don’t find out from you, they’ll find out perhaps the hard way. I remember when I was about 14 years old, this is so ridiculous, I don’t even want to say it but my Aunt had a big belly again. Finally one day, I asked her why her belly was so big. She smiled at me and told me, you come back when your 15 and I’ll tell you. You know, this seems really strange to write but it’s true.

I made the decision years later to answer all questions my children asked of me. Now my husband would not take part in that but I had no problem in that regard. I see girls today, who look to be age 17 or 18, in fact they are 12 & 13 with full make-up, fancy nails, high heel shoes. Personally I think this invites trouble especially if your girls are not taught properly. You’re setting them up for something they will not know how to deal with. Back in the day to be a virgin into your twenties wasn’t such a big deal. Now to be a virgin at age 15 is amazing. Young girls are losing their virginity at age 10 and 11. I heard the other day on TV, a young girl gave birth at age 11.

We really need to take charge in bringing forth young ladies who love themselves, who know they are worthy, who refuse to settle, girls who will set goals, know what they want out of life and be able to focus on that.

Girls who realize they are not entertainment for young or old men. Girls who know their power and understand they are the ones who bring forth the miracles of life. Remember this girls, if you decide not to bring children into this world, there will be no children. God gave this to you, He gave you the gift of bringing forth the miracles in this life, the future comes through you… Know it! You make all decisions, you decide when that will happen so only “YOU” are in charge.

Young ladies you need to learn to step away from jealousy and stand with your sisters helping to empower each other, to love and care for each other. You need to form a chain of love, caring and protecting each other. I’m not suggesting that you segregate yourselves from boys, of course not, but you must know how to behave properly. Learning to use the word “NO” is key and use it with strength, “NO” means “NO”, not yes like some young men think…

Right now the world is changing and it’s changing quickly for the worse not the better. What we don’t need are more children to add to orphanages, to foster homes or to the inside of wrecked cars in the arms of the homeless.

I encourage you to get your education, have self love, know that you are number one. Know how to protect yourself, stay out of harms way, listen intently and be aware. Above all, realize that your body is a temple and you should not settle but expect to get the best out of this life. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about any of that because believe me, you deserve the best. Life is not going to be easy but with patience, it will be what you want it to be. I love you my little sisters with all my heart…

Written by: Melvina Germain…..

TRIBUTE TO STAY AT HOME MOM’S… October 22, 2011 at 8:02am

Stay At Home Moms… personally I’m in awe of them, however I think for the most part
they are taken for granted and not respected.

I wonder, do we know what we’re talking about when we discuss the “Stay At Home
Mom” I might also ask, do we judge them inappropriately as women who simply don’t
want to work, consider them lazy perhaps. Could they be considered self-centered,
or are they women who need a man to support them.

Does society recognize their importance or help create children who become beligerent,
that bully syndrome, constantly bickering and complaining about the other kids moms.
You know the scenario, (Billy’s mom works, you just stay at home all day, doing nothing).

Do we cause her to feel inadequate at work functions, she attends with her husband.
Demean her with references brash and unfair.

When your colleagues are discussing their latest promotions, do they look at mom and
ask, what do you do for a living dear, and await in silence with a whisper, shhhhh she
doesn’t work.

Let me ask you a question, have you been watching the news lately. If so, has our
crime rate diminished or is it flourishing. Has depression taken its tole on the young. Is
the suicide rate higher or lower than back in the day. Has society become better or
worse. Are we excelling to the best of our ability. Is marriage a thing of the past.

We as a society have taught our children and our stay at home moms that they are
not worthy. We have stolen their self esteem and badgered them into getting a job.
Stay at home moms are worth just as much as a CEO, why…she is training the next
CEO. Every month without complaint their should be a cheque placed into her bank
account. We need to appreciate what this woman does on a daily basis and not take
it for granted. She should not at any time, be hunting in her purse for a few cents,
or feel controled by not having money or having to ask hubby for money. We all need
to recognize their worth.

We need to acknowledge her strengths, her intelligence, her softness and her ability
to negotiate, become a mediator, a motivator and a closer in all situations relating to
her children.

Society as a whole needs to instill the importance of the stay at home mom. Personally,
I think the idea of being a stay at home mom should be brought into the schools and
courses should reflect the importance.

All working people should respect the stay at home mom. Her job is endless, her
direction must be met with a clear functioning head. She too has the responsibility of,
teaching her children and others of her importance.

The “Stay At Home Mom” must always walk proud, head held high, shake hands with
others and demand respect. When one says, “I’m a stay at home mom” say it with
conviction, love yourself, you rock.

Truly we must celebrate our “Stay at home moms”. A bouquet of flowers every now
and then. A greeting card stating “I love and appreciate everything you do for me and
our children”. An arranged weekend getaway without the kids. How about a piece of
fancy lingerie for a special day off, away from home.

Men it doesn’t matter what field of work you’re in, truck drivers, taxi drivers, construction
workers, lawyers, doctors, accountants, vacumn cleaner salesmen, hair dressers, movie
directors, mailmen, courier drivers. No matter, their are floral shops all over the city.
Appreciate what you have, coming home to a meal on the table is almost a thing of the
past.

Stay at home moms, are precious, they’re intelligent, dedicated and commited to many
years of hard work and should be treated accordingly. At your next work meeting where
the wife is invited, impliment a segment with tribute to stay at home moms attending,
acknowledgment is key.

A “Stay at home mom” is just as important as our top leaders, for she is training the
leaders of the future.

May I raise my glass to you “Stay At Home Moms”, I appreciate you, I’m grateful for
you and I love you…..

Written by: Melvina Germain…Date: October 22/2011

BARBARISM IS NOT NEEDED IN THE 20th CENTURY

Today we watch our TV’s and we hear that a man is dead. A very powerful
and evil man, a terrorist who caused so much havoc in the lives of many. We
truly recognize that this man was covered with an evil veil, that he oozed the
giving of pain and destruction.

What did we do when we heard the news about this torturous man, this evil
human being. Did we stand and bow our heads in silence, knowing this one
particular man has been removed from God’s earth or did we stand, laugh and
jump around, cheering with adulation, celebrating the death of a man. I find
this behavior unsettling to say the least. It looks to me that Osama Bin Laden
won the battle. He managed to transmit his dark side to a mass of people who
are suppose to be peaceful human beings.

Don’t you find that characterization rather barbaric, it seems to me we are living
in the past, forgetting where we’ve come from, forgetting lessons taught and
learned, forgetting we are children of God. My personal feelings are, when we
celebrate because a person has passed away, we celebrate the life of that person.
If there is no life to celebrate, we simply let them go and dispose of the body still
in a respectful manner.

The mind of this person was somehow distorted as a young person. We don’t
know why or how but we should remember there was a time when there was
no evil. A time when he felt the warmth of parental love, he is a mothers son, a
fathers son, a grandparents grandchild. What happened, that’s what we need
to look at “what happened” so history does not repeat itself.

Many of you may not agree with me and that’s ok, try to look past the hate and
anger. We dwell on the disgusting deeds and we react to them somewhat in the
same detrimental way. We need to look past the darkness and focus on the why,
so it doesn’t happen again and again and again.

These acts of destruction are prevalent throughout history. We must put our
heads together in a constructive manner, work together as one to circumvent
the recurrence of such destruction.

Please note, I do not in any way diminish the absolute truth of this destruction
caused by Osama Bin Laden. The pain he injected into peaceful, loving families,
the absolute horrendous loss of loved ones. No! that we must never forget and
in so remembering, we must look for the answers as to why and act accordingly.
The bottom line is this…it is necessary to find peace so we can all live on this
earth in harmony. I truly believe we can do this globally.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: May 04/2011

MY BLESSINGS

Blessings, you know I’ve written many times, “you never know what’s on the road ahead”. I’ve also written, God never leaves me and He most certainly hears my prayers. Yes indeed He does, I also say that God has a weird sense of humor and we all know, He acts in His time not ours.

This new phase of life for me as a senior has been a huge eye opener. I’m in the process of making some huge decisions. I’ve had as many do, my ups and downs but you know, during those downs, God is watching and when you least expect it something amazing happens. I won’t go into great detail but He has Blessed me tremendously these last few weeks and has shone a beautiful light on my family. He has given me precisely what I asked for and believe me, He was more than generous.

A beautiful person entered our lives, one with a wonderful demeanor, a loving smile and soothing words. One that makes my child very happy and that makes me happy. Another person, though a little shy, has my heart and I smile large when I see her and the starry eyes of youth walked in the door and I could immediately see her beautiful light. Thank you God for all you do and for the presence of your son Jesus as He stands by me. All my shortages were immediately taken care of just out of the blue. I stood in awe and sat and counted my Blessings, I’m not a perfect person but let me tell you, God doesn’t forget me and Jesus pats me on the back letting me know all will be well.

I’ve spent a couple of quiet nights alone enjoying my own company, smiling, crying and outwardly laughing. My dogs love when I stay home and they are my only company. I’ve been abundantly Blessed to own such smart and loving dogs, they do their job well taking care of this family and they are two precious family members as well. lol I wasn’t very happy when I came in the house yesterday though and my poly-optic tree was on the floor and my tulle and netting ripped down. They have their ways of saying, hey! you left us too long. Well they’re real happy now, the house is full.

My Grandson called, Granma don’t buy a turkey, I’m bringing the turkey this year, well thank you and Jesus too. My oldest son took a new job and smiles now every time he walks through the door and he’s happy when the weather is horrid lol so I’m happy too. My youngest son, answers the phone and yells wahoo, what he was hoping for came through. My daughter comes to visit and runs from the car smiling and jumping with huge smiles on her face and if this isn’t enough happy, God says gurrl, yeah that’s how He talks to me, here’s what you’ve been asking for and I almost dropped, he covered my palm and I couldn’t see the skin. With all of that, the Blessings never stopped lol, O I can smile and I can laugh. I had to go back to the store to buy a few more things that were not in my budget, hmmm well that’s just how it is. So off to Co-op and I chose my items, always more than I go in for, that’s me.

A vibrant and beautiful young lady was ahead of me making the clerks laugh. She turned, saw me and I was smiling at her. She mentioned how her mama forgot a couple of items and she just ran back and they let her in the head of the line-up. Then she noticed I had cat food, Oh! she exclaimed, I forgot the cat food, I’ll be right back, I said ok hurry, I’ll keep your space open and looked slightly at others in the line-up and one lady gave me the eye, I just smiled at her. The young lady came back, here I’am and we both laughed. The clerk began to ring up her items and the young lady told the clerk, take her groceries and add them to my bill. I said, what, she said, they’re on me today. I said, O my gosh, paying it forward, I wanted everyone to hear, she said…yes. We walked out together, I continued to talk to her and said, you never know what God is going to do and she smiled and said, that’s so true, He is so good and she smiled large. Jada is her name, I asked her to spell it for me in the line-up as my ears weren’t picking it up as she repeated it.

I had a tear or two on the drive home and talked to God a lot. He never,ever leaves me. When I say, God is good, I mean God is good…Well it’s 7:27am and I must get my supper started soon, I wanted to share some of my Blessings with all of you. I’m off to begin my day. Once again, Merry Christmas and have a beautiful day…Melvina…..

Written by: Elizabeth Broadbent

On Recognizing My White Privilege As a Parent In the Face of Ferguson

As the ongoing events in Ferguson, Missouri show us, America’s racial tensions didn’t disappear when George Wallace backed down from the schoolhouse door. Dr. King didn’t wave a magic wand, and we never got together to feel all right. White America remembers this at ugly flashpoints: the Rodney King beatings, the OJ Simpson trial, the Jena Six, Trayvon Martin’s death. White America recoils in horror not at the crimes -– though the crimes are certainly horrible. It’s not the teenagers gunned down, the police abuse, the corrupt trials. It’s this: at these sudden, raw moments, in these riots and demonstrations and travesties of justice, White America is forced to gaze upon the emotional roil of oppression, the anger and fear and deep grief endemic to the Black American experience. Black America holds up a mirror for us.

And white America is terrified to look.

To admit white privilege is to admit a stake, however small, in ongoing injustice. It’s to see a world different than your previous perception. Acknowledging that your own group enjoys social and economic benefits of systemic racism is frightening and uncomfortable. It leads to hard questions of conscience may of us aren’t prepared to face. There is substantial anger: at oneself, at the systems of oppression, and mostly at the bearer of bad news, a convenient target of displacement. But think on this.

What if my son was black? How would you see this picture?

I have three sons, two years between each. They are various shades of blond, various shades of pinkish-white, and will probably end up dressing in polo shirts and button downs most of the time. Their eyes are blue and green. Basically, I’m raising the physical embodiment of The Man, times three. The White is strong in these ones.

Clerks do not follow my sons around the store, presuming they might steal something.

Their normal kid stuff –- tantrums, running, shouting –- these are chalked up to being children, not to being non-white.

People do not assume that, with three children, I am scheming to cheat the welfare system.

When I wrap them on my back, no one thinks I’m going native, or that I must be from somewhere else.

When my sons are teenagers, I will not worry about them leaving the house. I will worry -– that they’ll crash the car, or impregnate a girl, or engage in the same stupidness endemic to teenagers everywhere. I will not worry that the police will shoot them. If their car breaks down, I will not worry that people they ask for help will call the police, who will shoot them. I will not worry that people will mistake a toy pistol for a real one and gun them down in the local Wal-Mart. In fact, if my sons so desire, they will be able to carry firearms openly. Perhaps in Chipotle or Target.

They will walk together, all three, through our suburban neighborhood. People will think, Look at those kids out for a walk. They will not think, Look at those punks casing the joint.

People will assume they are intelligent. No one will say they are “well-spoken” when they break out SAT words. Women will not cross the street when they see them. Nor will they clutch their purses tighter.

My sons will never be mistaken for stealing their own cars, or entering their own houses.

No one will stop and frisk my boys because they look suspicious.

My boys can grow their hair long, and no one will assume it’s a political statement.

My boys will carry a burden of privilege with them always. They will be golden boys, inoculated by a lack of melanin and all its social trapping against the problems faced by Black America.

For a mother, white privilege means your heart doesn’t hit your throat when your kids walk out the door. It means you don’t worry that the cops will shoot your sons.

It carries another burden instead. White privilege means that if you don’t school your sons about it, if you don’t insist on its reality and call out oppression, your sons may become something terrifying.

Your sons may become the shooters.