Thrifty Thursday

As February draws to a close, look ahead to places where you might enjoy these discounts.

Depending on where you live and your age these store discounts are worth investigating.

• Farm Fresh : 5% discount Tuesday and Thursdays 55 and older
• Kohls: On Wednesdays, Kohl's extends a 15 percent discount to all shoppers ages 55 and older.
• Hy- Vee: depending on location usually offer 5 percent discount on Tuesday and Wednesday. Some stores set age to 65 plus
• Piggly Wiggly  - Varies depending on participating stores
• Fry's Food - 10 percent discount on the first Wednesday every month to all baby boomers with VIP card
• Walgreens - On the first Tuesday of the month, Walgreen offers customers 55 and older a 20 percent discount on regularly priced merchandise in the store. 

Over the past few months, my exercise friends have been excited about this store, Ollie's Bargain Outlet.  I encourage you to visit the store . Get over the messiness... there are real bargains! In addition, if you sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program you will receive a 15 percent enlistment bonus.

Which outlet store do you recommend? What on line store offers the best deals? I would love to hear where you find deals.
😀

Images from the past ...

Tucked away in my craft room, I have Black Memorabilia. The Salt and Pepper Shakers are a painful reminder  of  images that were used to promote products. Black Face Collectibles and Black Memorabilia were widely produced from 1900's until the 1950's.  Are they still available?


Yes ...

A few years ago, I purchased mine at a gas station in West Tennessee.  Located on a shelf with other local trinkets and souvenirs, I saw the black mammy and the salt and pepper shakers.

While those images are from the past, I am shocked to see how some images are still persistent. Stereotypes and images are hard to irradiate.

Black Face products were used to promote the following products: syrup, oranges, cigarettes, oysters, greeting cards, post cards, cookie jars, skillets, shoe polish, dolls, ash trays, banks, books, sheet music  ( Was You Always Chocolate : A Coon Song), Coon Chicken Soup, snow globes... just to name a few.

In recent weeks, our country has recently uncovered portrayals that have a current and disturbing history. Governors, entertainers and others still use black face as a way to have fun.

 Those images and the ideas behind those representations continue to be sad part of our country. Tragically other ethnic groups have also been been the subject of stereotypes.

Too often authentic conversations regarding issues of stereotypes and racism are often avoided. If we have the opportunity to address those issues, speaking the truth in love may be starting point.

I think we  have to be diligent to inform and teach each generation to be thoughtful about images from the past and how we use current social media to foster positive images.

Monday Musings ...

In recognition of Black History Month to honor George Washington Carver. 

“It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile that one drives, 

nor the amount of money one has in the bank, that counts. 

These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success."

George Washington Carver

January 1, 1864

January 5, 1943

stay on the path ...

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I will seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD:
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statues
as one rejoices in great riches,
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect. your word.
Psalm 119: 9 - 16 

Keno

Keno is this week's pet.  At the American Kennel Club site , they describe the Bichon Frise breed  as  playful, inquisitive, and peppy. This site continues by giving these details : "Since antiquity, these irresistible canine comedians have relied on charm, beauty, and intelligence to weather history's ups and down." What a delightful way to describe this breed.


Jodie is the owner of Keno. She  describes Keno as a great traveling companion. Keno was also a comfort while a friend was undergoing chemotherapy. I love that Keno is a great pet but also a great support when a friend is need of love and comfort.

The American Kennel Club describes this breed as small, sturdy, and resilient.

Friendship Friday

" One of the greatest gifts in life is a friend who will make you laugh."

Margaret Feinberg 

When the gift of friendship is combined with laughter it is beautiful.  Margaret Feinberg  also shares this thought in her recent Joycast, "Laughter is like glue, it helps friends stick together." 

Becky
She is always ready to help me.
Thank you!
😃

Becky is a dear friend who generously shares decorating tips, cooking ideas, and ways to garnish a dessert.  Over the many meals we have shared together, I remember with fondness the laughter! Several years ago, she and other friends collected donations for the Black Nurses Association This donation was to honor the memory of a special RN, my sister Beth.

If you are interested in knowing more about Margaret Feinberg, check out her new book,  Taste and See: Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers.

Here is her website Margaret Feinberg Once you check out her website, you are able to click on  Joycast to listen to an entire interview. Check it out! 

Tasty Tuesday

Earlier this month, our son-in-law and daughter gave us a gift certificate for a local restaurant.  What is better than not having to cook? Having family bless you with a free meal.

Monday Musings ... Marriage

Do you think Book Clubs have personalities? If you are a member of a book club how would you describe your group's personality? If we look at the titles of the books that a groups selects, we might be able to discern the group's identity.

Over the past three months the AM Amazing Book Club (this is the name this particular group) has selected some varied books.  We meet in the morning... thus the name of the group. 😃


At our most recent book club meeting we discussed, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. This  book  offered  rich topics for discussion. As part of our time together, we delved into  marriage, class, income, mass incarceration, innocence, race, education, illiteracy, HBCU's, fidelity, trust, and commitment.

At the end of our time together it was evident we had not exhausted the issues address in the book.

Pet of the week, Esther

Esther is a wonderful example of the  breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. How are they described? One on line source describes the breed this way: affectionate, fearless, patient, sociable, and adaptable. 

Esther's owner Randi describes her this way, " Esther tends to be shy. If a person is at the door, it usually takes her awhile before she warms up to them. She follows me around the house most of the day and can be usually found near me. 

Thank you Randi for taking time to share a bit about  sweet Esther. 

Friendship Friday

My friends ... awesome wives, moms,
and teachers. 

A true friend accepts you, prays for you, prays with you, loves you, and encourages you to live your best life. Our best life is to love God and love others. 

Myth, Legends, and Celebrations

Today, we celebrated Valentine's Day like millions of other Americans. We exchanged cards and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Our son blessed with a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Beyond the candy,  flowers and cards  is there special significance to this holiday?

According to the Voice of the Martys, this is an interesting history to this holiday.

Voice of the Martyrs has produced a  series of children's books that share stories of  of individuals who lived lives of extraordinary courage and faith. One of the books in the series is about Valentinus.

You will find details about the real Valentine story at their website.

Save me

Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might
Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.

Arrogant foes are attacking me
ruthless people are trying to kill me
people without regard for God

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Let evil recoil on those you slander me,
in your faithfulness destroy them.

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you
I will praise your name, LORD for it is good.
You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have lookin in triumph on my foes.

Psalm 54: 1 - 7 (NIV)

Puppy of the week

This is a Cane Corso puppy. This breed has been described as gentle, kind, and protective. He is an energetic and playful puppy.  His ears have not been clipped. He coat is a beautiful metal gray. 

"Just like butter melts on a hot pan,
your heart will melt when
your cute puppy takes a nap
in your lap." 
 This quote is from Instagram 

Friday Friends

The man of the hour and
Aquatics Director

 5,110 days ...

What is the significance of this number? This number represents the number of days in 14 years. Fourteen years ago, Buckley had Whipple Pancreatic Cancer Surgery. If you are aware of the prognosis of individuals who have  this form of cancer it is very sobering.

Many individuals do not survive the surgery. Buckley's journey has been remarkable. Last night, he invited friends to join in the celebration of the milestone event. 

What a night! There was standing room only to enjoy the music, food, fellowship and laughter. Many of us in attendance attend exercise classes with Buckley. He always takes time to visit with class members, offer encouragement, and give health tips. 

Buckley is a blessing. I pray God will give him many more days and years. 

The event was also an opportunity to donate to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. 

Wife of the man of the hour and friend

A room full of friends 

enjoy the company of ordinary people

"Live in harmony with each other. 

Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. 

And don't think you know it all. "

Romans 12: 16 (NLT)

Tasty Tuesday

For years I have been a part of group of friends who meet on the first Tuesday of each month for lunch. Each month, we would rotate who will be hostess for the lunch. We  would select one recipe from the recent issue of the magazine Cooking Light.

The something happened … In December, Cooking Light issued their Farewell Issue. No more Cooking Light magazine!  What will become of our group.

In January and today, we have met at a local restaurant. Today, we met at the restaurant Eppings. What a treat! The menu was fascinating! Our food was delicious. 

I look forward to seeing how our group will have new experiences. 

I will sing of your love

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; 

for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 

Psalm 59:16 (NIV) 

Saturday morning fog

Driving in a fog is a bit mysterious.
Familiar landmarks has disappeared. I struggled to get my bearings.

"Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights,
but you can make the whole trip that way."
E.L. Doctorow

Friendship Friday

#AKApinkgoesred In honor of Heart Health Month, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are encouraging members of the sorority to wear red to bring awareness to heart healthy habits.  The American Heart Association has given three simple but important tips, move more, eat smart, and manage your blood pressure. 
Visit their website to look for more information.