Alright

It is Okay to be Fine, Alright. I don't mean "I'm Fine", but I'm still hiding my true feelings. I mean Fine like "I'm not happy or sad". I've been wanting to talk about this subject for a while. But life wanted to give me a pop quiz before I posted anything.

Recently, I was at home by myself for the 1st time. My mom had to take my grandmother to a regular physical checkup. I used to live by myself in my later teens & early 20s. But in my family's home and that was not possible. Someone had to be home to stay with my brother.

He couldn't be in the house by himself. That would be neglect. Now, he's not here and I had to start thinking about certain sounds & tasks that were actually not just rote but also comforting. My brother being in the house really was Home to me. It lightly had come up in conversation and Momma said she would just go to sleep. I can't sleep then. I also don't like working before or during doctor appointments, because family history has dictated that things can change quickly. Oh and I am working on less distracted living and I don't view TV before the noon news. The appointment was at 10:30 am.

The day came, we put Granny in the vehicle, & they said "We'll call on the way back". And I said, "I'll be Here" and I walked back inside and lived. Of course I wasn't exuberant but I wasn't in sack cloth and ashes until my folks got back. I really was okay with being home alone. I went on with my day as if others were here. I was okay, aright, & fine.

I think we put so much emphasis on thinking about being happy or sad, no one knows how to be fine. It is probably why the possible follow up questions when we say, "I'm okay". It is probably the reason some church folks say, "I'm Blessed & Highly Favor" instead "I'm Alright, this morning", like I do. It's okay to be Fine.

The adverb, Fine means to be in a satisfactory or pleasing state of being. Fine is feeling Okay. You're not in a great or horrible state. You're somewhere in the middle.

Feeling great is optimal, but I like being fine. It gives my feelimgs a chance to build up to great. Feelings are not into climbing from the bottom. Ok feelings still have a little lift to them. Things aren't best, but they are not the worst. Being Fine says that everything is alright. Alright!!!

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

I Guess Fans Have No Rights

*This Contains Spoilers*

Ok the word, rights might be a bit dramatic. LoL Black Panther has been very record breaking. I am so proud of this movie. But there is one presumed record it is breaking that I am not so proud of. Black Panther has to be the most crapped on movie, in recent years.

This movie was complained about as soon as the teaser trailer came out. All kinds of rumors & lies about at least one of the stars arose. And now that the movies is out and getting so much critical acclaim, the dislike has gotten greater.

• We know Wakanda is fictional. I was reading an article(HERE) about T'Challa being richer than Tony Stark & Bruce Wayne. I looked at the comments and most were complaints on how none of it is real. Well...Duh!!! And yes, we want to to book flights to Wakanda in colorful outfits. We are trying to be the wives of all the men, but W'Kabi of Wakanda. Some guy thinks he will treat Okoye better. And the new hello is the crossing of the forearms. But no one gets to play make believe in a land where Superfly hats & Wizard wands think they rule.
• Wakanda is Not Real. I was so tired of folks saying, "...all the money we gonna spend on Black Panther, we could have built a Wakanda by now".
  
  But didn't many of you, for years gave money to one of main vocalists of the Woke, Anhk-Right(I didn't come up with this term & but I like it) population to build a school "for us". And where is that school? Also, Black Panther, the movie grossed $500 million as of this date. I think a country is going to need more than box office, clothing, & toy money to be built.
• Michael B. Jordan's life still hasn't stopped one show. Before the movie came out he was reportedly dated a woman that is not black. Since, the movie came out, he also watches anime & lives with his parents. And even though this info was known months before, it has not stopped any of his fandom. Stop whining about his life & find out who are your fans.
• Everyone should have their own take-a-ways. W'Kabi was a grieving f*ck boy with conditional loyalty to the throne. N'Jadaka/Erik/Killmonger was stopped & broken clock and what he said was right, but what he did was wrong.
  
  Oh, N'Jadaka/Erik was abusive to women. He needed therapy. It did hurt that a member of Dora Milaje was killed. T'Challa, Nakia said the same thing N'Jadaka/Erik said. Guilt & anger caused by the sins of your father can be powerful. M'Baku was Right. And he's the best looking man in Wakanda. Shuri is the best character in the whole movie. Oh, the challenge dance is the "Bank Head Bounce" in America. And my takes from this movie, Black Panther should be just that, My Takes. Stop getting upset & learn from how others see the movie.

Never have I ever seen a movie get beat up by so many different people. But People Pick at What They Don't Understand. Oh and the Bible beating church folks are quiet, right now. A fictional country that "worships" a animal. Ask Harry Potter & Pokemon fans about church folks & their opinions. 

Just Watch a Movie about a Man's First Week on a New Job!!! It's Wig Snatching!!!

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

I Went to Wakanda...You Should Also

My niece, nephew, cousin, & I went to see Black Panther. It was a birthday gift for my niece & nephew, who have birthdays in the first two months of the year. No one had a frown on their face when we left. Why Not?

Because the movie is Very Good. Well since I was asked, let me give you my non-spoiler thoughts. And of course the pattern will be a hat tip to my favorite movie reviewer, Andre, the Black Nerd. I am giving you the Good, the Bad, and the Diva.

The Good:

This section could go on forever, but I will try to condense it to my favorite parts. Wakanda is a beautiful place. I loved how modern & colorful it is portrayed. Even the traditionalists had a modern look. Nothing was "left behind" and ancient. And the people of Wakanda weren't just worker bees & random background sidekicks. There is a couple who have a nice "B storyline" within the movie. I could watch a little movie short about them before the next Marvel movie. There is so much messaging in this movie. If you don't find at least 3 lessons to take away, don't discuss this movie with me. I took away 5 messeges. But the best part for me was how strong every woman in the movie was. The Dora Milaje could teach some classes about loyalty & instincts. Shuri is smart as a whip. I hope she gets more usage in the MCU. Her intellect needs be to seen. And even the female tribe leaders stood out. They weren't just cute, petty old ladies.

They showed they had legit concerns & questions about the handling on Wakanda. Then there is T'Challa, himself. I liked how we saw how vulnerable he could be. More than just a "ruling" king. I will admit after seeing his father's death in Captain American: Civil War, I was concerned to see if Black Panther's coronation would parellel the comic. Well, it did the comic justice. But against the comic book, I did love that we didn't have to be in Harlem. I almost thought Harlem was going to end up Mecca for most of Marvel black characters. Oh and there is one line I love, "Hey Auntie"! It was shady & hilarious and I agreed.

The Bad:
Oh, I'm versed in the Hudlin & Priest runs of the Black Panther comic. So, one of my bad parts stems from that. I get that the storyline of Nakia couldn't be the same as the comic.

I still wished we had a glimmer of her comic personality. Comic Nakia is the same loyal but with a little more vigor. Nakia was more subdued than I wanted her to be. Ok, let's talk death scenes. They are uneven. I felt for only two deaths in the movie. It was the first death seen & second to the last(not that one, the one during the big battle) death seen. The second to last death, made me say, "You Son of a B-" in the theater. But one was very anit-climactic. The reveal of the death was better. The rest are death scenes you kinda expect. Smoother death scenes could have been seen.

The Diva:
I don't have a lot of Diva moments from this movie, but I am still Excited to share them. Again women were handling life the best in this movie. But Shuri was my favorite. She was openly living life as a young lady nerd working in STEM field of Wakanda. She wasn't a dowdy & awkward stereotype.

Also, I am training with every piece of hair I own to protect me at all cost. LoL I'll need them in Wakanda. I also will be making a trip to Burlington to buy several coats & jackets. I have plans to become Mrs M'baku. I saw Winston Duke, who plays M'baku the leader of the Jabari tride on the purple carpet at the Black Panther premiere and I instantly added him to the Eye Candy list. He's Handsome, 6'5", and Thick. And who's idea that had him sitting on the Jabari throne in the "Come & Get It" stance? The thirst in me thanks you. Yep, Diva keeps a crush on somebody.

Black Panther is a very good movie. I plan to see it as often as possible & buy the physical & digital copies, so I can go to Wakanda as often as I like. It is that good!!! And as soon as Southwest Airlines opens travel space for trips to that nice land, I'm getting me a ticket. Then I can get a true glow-up. LoL

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms

With a Side of Brunch (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA'S Favorite Recipes)

It is no secret my favorite meal is Brunch. Someone can call me right now and invite me to brunch and if my schedule permits, I'm there. Matter of fact, men who are interested in me (Yes, You & You) have a cheat sheet posted right HERE.

And each & every place I enjoy brunch, I have a favorite. But guess what? My favorite brunch dishes to make side dishes. I like Chicken and Waffles & a Steak & Potato Burrito with Green Salsa. But what about their pairings that help make the meal so yummy?

A fruit salad is probably the most pairable dish in the culinary world. It can be an appetizer, salad, or dessert. What other dish can be all three of those? Fruit salad is simple, but to make it pop depends on the dressing or spread with it. Poppy Seed is my favorite for this dish. It's tangy & sweet and melds so well with the fruit.

Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 2-inch cubes
• ½ cantaloupe, cut into 2-inch cubes
• ½ honeydew, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 1 cup of vegetable oil
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• ½ cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

Directions

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the fruit.
2. In a mason jar, mix together the vegetable oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. 
3. Put the lid on the jar and shake until mixed together. 
4. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. Before serving, let the dressing stand at room temperature; whisk until blended.
6. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the fruit, and gently toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately.

In Dallas, there is a Southwest-style restaurant called Blue Mesa Grill. There was a time I was addicted to its brunch buffet. It has a waffle, omelet, a street taco, & dessert stations. There were enchiladas, adobe pie & grilled veggies. But the star for me was the Ginger Rice. It has a hint of spice that flavorful brought so much together.

Blue Mesa Ginger Rice

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter 
• 2 tablespoons sushi ginger, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
• ½ cup yellow onions, diced
• 2 cups of rice
• ½ cup of coconut milk
• 4 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon basil pesto
  

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepot over medium heat.
2. Add ginger, garlic, and onions, and stir frequently until the onions are transparent.
3. Add rice, turning frequently until well coated.
4. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let stand for 5-6 minutes.
6. Turn cooked rice into a serving bowl, add basil pesto, and toss with a fork to fluff and distribute the flavor

If Tortilla Soup is on a buffet of any kind, I will try it. If the said soup is delicious, I will be a major fan. Many times at brunch, that is how I get a portion of my daily vegetable needs. It's a no-frills soup of broth, beans, corn tortillas, tomatoes, garlic, & onions.

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 jalapenos pepper, finely diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup frozen whole-kernel corn
• 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 14.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 corn tortillas, grilled, cut into thin strips

Directions

1. In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil.
2. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalapenos and cook for another minute.
4. Pour the broth, corn tomatoes, and beans into the pot and bring to a boil.
5. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot.
6. Ladle soup into bowls top with a lime wedge, & grilled tortilla strips.

Ok, here is a little tiny naughty recipe extra. Mimosas are nice, really nice. And they are synonymous with brunch. But there are places mimosas are not the only drinks on the brunch menu. And my favorite non-Mimosa brunch drink is a Poinsettia.

Poinsettia Spritz Punch.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup vodka
• 1 1/2 cups 100% cranberry juice or pomegranate juice
• 2 ounces St. Germain elderflower liquor
• 3/4 cup champagne
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and St. Germain. Chill until ready to serve.
2. When ready to serve, add the champagne and cranberries.
3. Pour into glasses

It's probably the most important meal of the weekend in my world. Well, in my world I have also been to a place that has brunch 7 days a week, on a Thursday.  Good Times, Good Times!!!

Brunch is more than casseroles, biscuit sandwiches, and cocktail ways to hide champagne consumption. And I just hope in places where opinionated social media posts, think pieces & fast food places are trying to, in my opinion, bastardize Brunch, this post helps somebody. Brunch can be just as varied as we are. Brunch Love is what you make it.

Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!

That Infamous February Holiday

I have written this post at least 5 times in my head. But there are only so many ways to tell people to lift up their self-worth. So, I took inspiration from a frequently asked question, "Are you that ok with being single"?. Why does that last sentence sound like a minister saying the subject of a sermon? Oh Well, that's what this will be about. And Ushers you may be relieved of your duties. LMBO

You think I don't want to go out with a guy on Valentine's Day or any day for that matter. There are days I wish I was on a date. I would like for a man to ask me for my contact info after we've been flirting in store aisles for 15 minutes. Heck, I was minding my business and he bothered me with his niceness. I want to be held sometimes during cold & rainy weather.

I wonder if the lid to my pot is very warped & damage and has yet to get back to the potter's for fixing. And while worrying about my lid, I also go into the potter's shop when my pot handle needs tightening or to check for a crack or two. Heck I wonder am I the lid or the pot. That example always sounds good to use, but who is who. LoL Then there are times when I think my soulmate has passed me by. Sometimes, I wonder did I bury him already. Oh and don't forget about the learning thoughts after a few dates with or the silent, but yet foolish crushes on men that end up sightly as toxic as those of the past.

And yeah even though they might have to bring it up most of the time, I have a few people to vent to about these feelings & statements, Keyword is Few. My self-worth won't let me voice my being single frustrations to any & everyone.

There is a population that see ocassional open love feelings as misery. And misery loves company to commiserate or to be fixed up not to lonely anymore. Ever had a "I Want to Date" talk that turn into commiserate, feeling sorry for yourself conversation. It makes me feel gross & tired. I hate the feeling that the miserable bring. 

I Love Myself Not to Wallow in Being Single. Being single doesn't mean be sad. It means to use the time do the self-happiness work. Happiness will never mean loathing. I said I have those thoughts sometimes, not all of the time. Having those statements rum through my head is sad. I don't want to be sad. I take a little time to wonder & I get back to work. My life-long love will find or has found me working on me, no matter what.

What will your love find you doing for you?

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

You Sacrificed Eating Meat? (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA'S Favorite Recipes)

That's how some sound when you tell them you observe Lent. Lent is a religious observance in the Christian calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends around six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. The purpose is the preparation of the believer through prayer, repentance of sins, and self-denial. Many Christians commit to fasting, by relinquishing certain luxuries in order to replicate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's time in the desert for 40 days. Many also add a Lenten based reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar, to draw themselves near to God. All Christians do not participate in Lent. I was introduced to Lent in college, but didn't fully incorporated into my life until my late 20s.

One of the luxuries given up is eating meat. Most go meat free on Ash Wednesday & every Friday leading up to Easter. Some eat meatless meals all 40 days of Lent. Eating meatless can be difficult, if you let it. Dinner for me can be the hardest, but I pray throu it. Breakfast is easiest, because most of morning meals ideas are meatless. My favorite Lenten recipes are my go to meatless meals, even outside of the season of Lent.

My mother watches food & dining television with & without me. And it is not an unusual sight to see her take mental notes on a recipe. Pecan-Cranberry Salad is the result of her tv watching. It is a bright in flavor & simple to make. 

Pecan-Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups packed torn fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, onion, and pecans. 
2. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, & garlic, until blended. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. 
3. Serve immediately.

In classical cooking, this is considered a peasant meal. Pasta Puttanesca means spaghetti for whores in Italian. Traditional puttanesca has anchovies not zucchini in it. I'm not a fan of the little fishes, but zucchini is a good & less salty substitute. Peasants like their blood pressure low.
Zucchini Pasta Puttanesca

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 lb linguini
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 3/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 ounce can crushed tomatoes 
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over a medium flame. Add the onions and saute until soft.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, salt abundantly, and add the pasta. Drain when al dente.
3. Add garlic, olives, zucchini, red pepper flakes and oregano to the skillet, and saute for 2 minutes more.
4. Add the tomatoes and parsley and simmer until sauce is thicken slightly.
5. Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss well.
6. Serve immediately.

Imitation Crab a*k*a Krab is actually made with Surimi, a whitefish that is ground then  joined with wheat starch & egg whites to resemble a crab leg. Imitation crap tastes good to me. It is also rather affordable than the seafood it intimidates. And even though the protein is not the highest quality product, it goes great with fresher ingredients like yogurt & celery to make simple dish.

"Crab" Salad with Herb Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 cup of chopped imitation crab
• ¾ cup of plain non-fat yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon of Mrs Dash Onion & Herb
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup carrot, shredded
• 1 celery stock chopped

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl add the crab, yogurt, seasonings, garlic, carrot, & celery.
2. Mix together and chill for at least 1 hour
3. Serve with crackers of your choice

I also like making veggie patties that do not contain beans, peas, or tofu. And thanks to IHop for inspiring my favorite meat-less breakfast, a spinach-mushrooom hashbrown stacker.

No matter how one chooses to commemorate Lent, remember the ultimate sacrifice it symbolizes. An innocent man who laid his life for his friends. That's why I observe Lent, I am his friend.

As AlwaysTalking to You In Adult Terms.

Define Good, Bad, Hoe, & F*ck Boy (Answering Questions)

Time to tick off everyone but maybe me and two others in one post. Oh, also know that I have answered and had follow up discussions with the person who sent in this question. Thank you so much for your mature understanding. *wink*

Q: Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?

A: I HATE this question. I also HATE it's counterpart statements, "Good Guys Finish Last" & "Hoes be Winning".

Has anyone else looked at the pop culture terms frequently used?

• Good Girls
• Bad Boys
• Hoes
• Bad Girls
• F*ck Boys
• Good Man
• Good Guys

Look at who gets a Respectable Adult term. How often is Good Women used in pop culture? Go Figure!!! And because of this, "Good Men" are lead into the idealistic sexist entitled belief, Good belongs with Good.

Oh wait, this post will speak in hetersexual terms but its message is not just to the heterosexual. "Good Men" & "Good Women" in the LGBTQIA+ community have the same beliefs about Good Girls, Hoes, Bad Boys, & F*ck Boys. This is a Human message.

Now do me a favor, define Good & Bad people. Is the definition steeped in stereotypes? Is it based on personal experiences? Do you have tangible definition?

Why do "Good Girls" like "Bad Boys"? Because it is their choice. No one is forced into dating anyone. Also in the dating/romance/love world, there is no where stated that Good must date, screw, or marry Good. "Good Men" are not given first dibs on who "Good Girls" date. "Good Girls" have the only dibs on who they date.

Good People are doing just that, being Good. Good people are

• Honest
• Happy
• Respectful of Others
• Confident
• Emotionally Secure & Open
• Self-Disciplined
• Take Pride in Themselves
• Compassionate

That is a lot of stuff to be responsible for. So apparently, who the other Good people are dating is a quality of a Good person. Good people know that Life is based on the sum total of Learning Experiences. That includes dating & romance. They respect everyone living our own dating equations. Which makes asking, "Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys" a flaw they shouldn't have to ask.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms of