Are We Even Thankful?

I know why I celebrate Thanksgiving. Truly every day is a day of Thanksgiving for me. Every year I mentally mute the "Woke" population of America wondering why do we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving. Because we know the real history behind the tradition of being Grateful for Safe Passage & Survival to & in the New World. After the Indigenous Peoples shared their bounty with the destitute Europeans, the Europeans gave them pox-diseased blankets and also violently seized their land.

Then I heard a news anchor ask why does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving, this week. "Did they have Pilgrims & Indians, too"?

For those interested, "Long before Europeans settled in North America, festivals of thanks and celebrations of harvest took place in Europe in the month of October. ... And since Thanksgiving for Canadians is more about giving thanks for the harvest season than the arrival of pilgrims, it makes sense to celebrate the holiday in October." From Why Candian Thanksgiving is Celebrated in October Also, Thank You to my long-time buddy, Coast2Coast (Blog Name) for this resource.

I couldn't roll my eyes & let an annoyed sigh out hard enough. I know the news anchor may have been executing a joke. But y'all know I am a firm believer in "Being Dumb Aint Cute". And I am sorry, that was stupid for the news anchor to say. This post was set to be snarkier in tone, but my mind took a more calming turn. And I decided to go the route of my childhood Thanksgivings. Some Thanksgivings the younger than 18 family members had to tell what they were thankful for. Then I sighed again with the question, Are We Even Thankful, Right Now?

I mean the Christmas movies were brought out before Halloween. Dr. Fauci, CDC & the other medical experts suggest we lessen the number in attendance at our dinners. (They didn't have to tell my family that. We agreed on a corporate family prayer Zoom call back this Summer.) And even though the stores will be closed(a good thing that the pandemic caused), online Black Friday deals are already being rolled out.

But how long would it take us to sincerely answer the first meme on this post? We can't wallow in feeling bad and making others feel bad. Are you a person who will need to be in line because you can't afford groceries, let alone a holiday meal?

Do you have a job to go to? Is No the answer to the question, "Was your income decreased this year"? Did you have to bury a loved one? Were you stricken with Covid-19? Did you survive Covid-19 after catching it? You did it because you're reading this. And how many of us are thriving through depression this pandemic crept into our lives? Let me raise my hand. Because as I'm writing this, I could give this current time the middle finger. I fight dread constantly these days. But when I list the positive things that are going on in my mind, these weary times get to slither away for a while.

And I know that is a Happy Happy, Joy Joy approach, but it keeps me sane. Try it and tell me how it turns out for you. I bet wondering why Americans & Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving will be a trivial thing to think about. If you need help, let Walter Hawkins & the Love Center Church give you some ideas.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

And Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

Gotta Break a Holiday Rule... (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

...but I won't tell you precisely how. Which rule? "You've had all year to practice, don't debut new recipes at the holidays". The funny part is I've broken this rule a few times in life. My first turkey made was my actual first turkey made. When I make my mother's green bean casserole I use different seasonings & no one has known the wiser. Heck, they didn't know I made it for 3 years straight until my mother told them to give me the good credit instead of her.

But this year, "experimentation" is a must for me. We are downsizing our family celebrations. Yep, we're Zoom calling a prayer & then eating, instead of 20-30 people gathering at one house with their assigned dishes. 

It's been the plan since mid-summer. And yes, thank Covid-19. We're cooking for 3 people. That's fine if I wasn't a "lazy" meal preparer these days with restricted oven & stove space and time. (In my memoir, I'll talk about this.) But luckily, the emotions about my laziness has leaked into my thoughts. But after a small trial run of these researched recipes, they should be a hit.

It's not Thanksgiving without Muh Diva's recipe of Green Bean Casserole. But if you're a true reader, you know this is not hers. She doesn't trust everybody to do it wrong, correctly. LoL But it is a tasty recipe that goes low & slow in its heating and a little easy on the waistline.

Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 (14.5 Ounce) Cans of Green Beans, Drained
• 2 (10.5 Ounce) Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/4 Cup Plain Nonfat Yogurt
• 3/4 cup 2% Milk
• 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 6 Ounce Can French Fried Onions
  
  
  

Directions

1. In your cooker combine the cream of mushroom soup, yogurt, milk, and seasonings, and whisk to combine. 
2. Stir in the green beans, parmesan, and half of the french fried onions. Place the lid on your cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.
3. After two hours stir the casserole well and add the remaining french fried onions to the top. Replace the lid and continue cooking for 30 minutes, up to one more hour.

Sweet Potato Pie is a family favorite, especially during the holidays. And one day going down a Youtube rabbit hole, this gem came on the screen. I knew it would be nice for my "roommates" and me for dessert. Yes, they are fried, but the portion sizes are smaller than that wedge that is usually cut. Helpful & not over-indulging. 

Fried Sweet Potato Pies

Ingredients

• 3 refrigerated pie crusts (from 2 boxes), softened as directed on box

Filling

• 2 cups fresh sweet potatoes cooked & mashed (about 3 small sweet potatoes)
• 1/4 cup half n half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• salt pinch
  
  
  

Directions

Sweet Potato Filling

1. Add cooked sweet potatoes and half n half to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Place sweet potatoes in a bowl and stir in butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until well combined and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
4. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use

Pie Frying

1. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough (see note).
2. Unroll 1 pie crust; roll into a 12-inch round. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds, rerolling dough as necessary. Repeat with second and third crusts.
3. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges, crimp with a fork.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet (375 F.) and gently place the pies into the hot oil.
5. Fry pie until golden, about 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove pies from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack to drain.

Make the Glaze

1. To make the glaze add all glaze ingredients into a bowl and stir until smooth.
2. Brush the hot pies with glaze and let it hardened. Flip and glaze the other side and then repeat.
3. Once the glaze has hardened. Serve immediately.

Notes: Filling Amount: There will be plenty of filling leftover in case you prefer them stuffed. But be careful not too overstuffed them or they will not seal correctly.

How are you celebrating the holidays this year? Please spend it celebrating & relaxing some way, somehow. Sitting back and taking a moment to breathe and appreciate something seems small but if you do it watch that moment swell to make you happy.

Have a Happy Holiday Season🙂❤🙂

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Candy Bracketween?!?

Yes, you can blame The Today Show on NBC for this post. They put out this bracket. Americans must love brackets. I like them. But do we care about that? We care about what Halloween candy reign supreme according to me, Outspoken_Diva. Because on this platform only my opinion counts. Plus, Halloween candy is nostalgic for me. It's the one time of the year, we got to eat candy, without restrictions.

Round 1

York vs 3 Musketeers

3 Musketeers

Chocolate & Mint is not enjoyable for me.

Mounds vs Almond Joy

Almond Joy

I'm not a fan of coconut. But my mom, Muh Diva loves Almond Joy.

Twix vs Reece's

Reece's

This one is hard. It's Caramel & Cookies versus Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter it is.

I hate Twix got out early

M&Ms vs Skittles

M&Ms

I can't remember the last time I had Skittles. But I know I had M&Ms at the beginning of the pandemic shelter-in-place because of boredom & stress.

Milky Way vs Snickers

Snickers

I am not a fan of chocolate candy without nuts or crispy cereal.

Twizzlers vs Starbursts

Starburst

I've had cravings for Starburst. I usually eat Twizzlers only because they're around.

100 Grand vs Baby Ruth

100 Grand

I don't remember 100 Grand. But I know I'm not a fan of Baby Ruth

Payday vs Butterfinger

Butterfinger

Peanut Butter is the best version of peanuts.

Round 2

Almond Joy vs 3 Musketeers

3 Musketeers

The Battle of the Dislikes

Coconut vs Plain Soft Chocolate

Reeces vs M&Ms

Reece's

M&Ms are just one note. Reece's has two flavors.

Snickers vs Starburst

Starburst

I like Snickers a lot. But I prefer fruity candy over chocolate.

100 Grand vs Butterfinger

Butterfinger

Again I don't remember 100 Grand. I may not have had one.

Round 3

3 Musketeers vs Reece's

Reece's

I don't like soft one-note chocolate.

Starburst vs Butterfinger

Starburst

Butterfinger gets caught in my teeth.

Final Round

Reece's vs Starburst

Let me just say the facts. I Love Peanut Butter. And I could eyeball this bracket and knew what candy would win. 

So, Congrats to Reece's. You're not my favorite. Heath Bars, Laffy Taffy(Except Banana), & Pixy Stix(I have no, zero self-control with Pixy Stix.) come before you. But you are still tasty to my taste buds. And we thank The Today Show for not putting those on this bracket. My tastes bubs don't need to know they miss them.

Oh HERE are the results of The Today Show's official brackets. I'm kinda not shocked. People love that candy. It is popular. And if you dare fill out this bracket, let me know your results. 

Happy Halloween!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Sallie's 45 Divas (Answering Questions)

 

Yeah, the answered videos are ready. I had some time recently to film. Cherish the moment. I never know how to fill my free time. Maybe next time I might get some reading done. Lord knows I need to read a few books to fulfill my goal.

Q: Saw this meme floating around. Do you agree?

A:  Heck Yeah!!! Remember I answer this as a woman who has never been to jail. But I need it all in writing(notarized), copies of the writings, & my own lawyer. And I want the Lori Loughlin & Felicity Huffman treatment. I don't trust the government not to fool me out of my freedom. They could be more in cahoots with my pimp, Sallie Mae & her bi-racial niece, Navient(Freddy Mac's daughter) than they already are. Trusting them could lead me to death row. In my deal, I want promises that after that week, I walk away free of debt and owe no man.

This Post's Video Q&A 

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

Child...Don't Ask(Answering Questions)

This post should have been the 2nd or 3rd Answering Questioning video on this blog. Oh well, it is here now. I know you asked the question. I answered it. Oh, you didn't see it on the blog. Here's why. Hope I'm not too stern. LoL

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

A Fictional Character? That's Very Telling... (October Awareness)

Let me be honest. I am writing this post in September. I am writing this in September because this is when I saw the foolishness. And maybe by October, there will be people who will think this post is overkill. I won't because speaking against Domestic Violence(DV) and harmful attitudes about it is never overkill.

There is a show many (including me) watched this summer called P-Valley. I talked about it HERE. Domestic Violence is a part of one of the storylines in that show. Spoiler Alert!

A character, Keyshawn a*k*a Miss Mississippi points a gun at a man who cares for her, Diamond so that he would stop beating on her abuser(who is also racist, by the way), Derrick. It was painful to see. But Social Media lost its collective mind. And forgot one real fact,

There are Keyshawns among us every day.

Seeing the comments about the situation made me sad.

"She's a dumb b*tch"

"The List of People Who Can Go to Hell: 

5. Keyshawn"

"Give Hailey the gun back, your silly *ss don't know who to point it at"

Those are the few I could stomach to share. 

I am sad because they are not reserved just for that character of this show. I know they are not. This is how some people talk to and about domestic violence victims in the real world.

And it is a shame. No matter how much advocates, like the writer's room of P-Valley, teach & preach about the psychological perspective of DV victims, numerous people still want to finger wag the sufferers.

But folks like P-Valley because it "keeps it real". But that storyline is not fake, as well. And actual victims, the Real Keyshawns saw & heard the comments on the vlogs & podcasts, the GIFs, & the tweets. But the other sad reality is that some of it came from current & surviving victims, also. My heart goes out to them all.

This Mindset Has to Stop!!!

*sigh*

Can't believe this was the direction this October Awareness post had to go. You know what... while you're being mean to a fictional victim of Domestic Violence, make sure your loved ones and/or you are doing self-checks for breast cancer. Also, ladies, go get your mammograms. Be proactive in your awareness of Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence.

Save the Tatas

Keep Your Cruelty to Yourself

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

Ladies, Don't Test Him

Watch this discussion HERE.

Is it me or it that ladies who were involved with men that were ever suspected or later revealed to be a part of the LGBT+ community can say some of the most ignorant stuff? I know a bi-sexual woman who believes (maybe, hopefully, it is "believed" at this point) there are no such people as bi-sexual men. It was a guy she dated who ended things because he was coming to terms with his sexuality that she blamed for her stinking thinking. So, what Lisa Raye said was not unheard of to me. But it still immature to say the least and rather toxic.

What if you do take Lisa Raye's advice?

It proves nothing. There are heterosexual men who like their butts touched. Also, some sexually informed heterosexual men know that a male orgasm can be achieved via the anus. And it could also get somebody hurt. There are men of both homo- and hetero- sexuality that don't like their butts touched.

I saw a woman pat a male stripper's towel wrapped butt once while he was talking with some ladies. That guy said, "Hold on Y'all", rose, and went directly to her and told her not to do that. That was not fun or sexy to him. Also, there are some ignorant violent men out there too. Touch their bums and they might feel the need to hit you. Not to excuse those actions at all but is that how you want to be answered?

What is wrong with having a conversation? I mean ask him and listen to his answer. Listen to what he says & doesn't say.  And don't wait until you suspect anything. If you are getting to know one another, get to learning. Listen to his tone also. People who are less discriminating with a person's past may raise an eyebrow hearing, "I ain't with that gay mess" for an answer to a same-sex experience question. But I rather hear that than some fool putting his hands on anyone because a person physically tested his sexuality.

Oh and I almost forgot about the unhygienic population of men that don't wipe or wash between their butt cheeks, properly or at all. Go ahead and test to see if the man is gay, bi, or like butt play. You'll mess around and have crap on your hands.

I think it's safe to say... Don't Take That Advice from Lisa Raye

And I hope I am preaching to the choir. I really pray I am.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!