Send Off Bag???

I'm so glad social media engagement looked different when I was younger. I can not imagine sharing my silly dating hi-jinks as folks do now. I think my close friends only know most of my goofy stunts, let alone the world wide web.

Have you guys seen the "Send-Off Bag"? I saw it on Facebook. The contents of it were interesting, to say the least.

It is very carb-heavy. I don't smoke, so the weed is of no use for me(FYI It won't get wasted.) And the money is touching the sandwich(I hope it is a sandwich and not just a slice of bread) and that's gross and not edible. I hope somebody tells homeboy if he is going to make this thing, pack a more sanitary bag. Presentation is Key!

But here is my question to the person who posted the photo. Are you going to fool with him again?

If it were me, I wouldn't. Even if this is a hook-up/smash and dash situation, you never let someone give your "sex" value.  This goodie bag, the pre-made gesture seems thoughtful, but so is a text message to see if you made it to your destination safely. This is the same as if he had put the $40 in a pretty card & it said, "Thanks for the Tail". Now would anyone have shown that off on social media? Sometimes just have your "fun" and leave the internet discussion points alone.

But then I wouldn't get a chance to learn & talk about it.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Chasing Chasing Destiny

I saw the news that the author, Eric Jerome Dickey passed. And now, I am on the hunt (physically & mentally) for my favorite book by him. I have a craving to hold this book. And it is not on my Favorites bookshelf. (Yes, I have a bookshelf dedicated to my favorite books) Fun Fact About Me: I only own three of my favorite books in e-book format. They are The Bible, The Scarlet Letter, He's Fine But is He Saved. Two were free & the other is The Bible. So, I can't just pull it up on the tablet.

And Looking for This Book is Making Me Sadder.

My college & 20s hands would be emptier without many of the books of Eric Jerome Dickey. I remember staying up and reading his stuff in one sitting at night. Dickey's works are very rich in describing people who look like me, work like me, and love like me.

I remember the book, Friends & Lovers and imagining the comedian faces at a sad event. I remember my friends and I discussing & sometimes giggling at some of the vivid intimate scenes like in Genevieve & Milk in My Coffee. And it is safe to say his books have shaped a few of my viewpoints on heterosexual dating. Matter of fact, if there are any guys with children(teens in particular) interested in dating me, you might want to browse this book I am looking for. Spoiler Alert: Separation is not Divorce.

I Must Find This Book

Eric Jerome Dickey will be missed. I thank him for helping me see myself. I thank him for being an author that help the literary world understand that Black People are not a monolith. I thank him for being him.

I've Located My Copy of the Book! It Will be With Me, Soon!!

As Always Talking You in Adult Terms!

Oh, 2020 Won't Get a Cookie

It was nowhere near the best. I had plans and none of them looked like this year. There may be some truth to the wives tale about whatever you're doing at Midnight when the New Year arrives, you'll be doing that all year. I was watching Watch Night services in my bedroom. I have been in this same place watching a lot of content in 2020, including church services. I've been in this same place planning work things, errands, & my "social life". I'm in my bedroom typing this blog post.

I want the questions, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years? or 10 years?" canceled from the world's lexicon. Because thanks to 2020, none of us will ever guess or plan anything like this. Plus, I've never like that question anyway.

If "Write your plans in pencil, then give God the eraser" was a year, 2020 had to be it. Because everyone had a jolt of change given to them. And the ride of its low lows & high highs will lead into 2021. I won't even say I want off this ride because I don't want to know where I would be dropped off at. I'll see this thing until it ends if I am allowed.

Youtube Me would like a word.

I appreciate its lessons. But the year's delivery system needed work. 2020 won't get a cookie. But with the words of the talented Sir Elton John, I have a message for it.

Because With God I Am!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

I'll Name This, Diana!

I was on time for my family's Christmas Zoom call. And I watched All of the movie, Wonder Woman 1984 on the HBO Max app that day, too. I was ready to watch it in theaters like the fan I am. I bought my mask in July when the film was pushed back from its August date. It was at a fraction of its current cost.

Well, I reviewed Wonder Woman, so it's natural for me to give the Good, the Bad & the Diva on its sequel. All in all, WW1984 is decent for a sequel. But decent is not perfect.

The Good

Unlike its predecessor, WW1984 is brightly shot. It is a love letter to the 1980s. It has the fashions, hairstyles, greed, & corruption. I was a child in the 80s, I remember those years well. The opening scene was wonderful & a good introduction to one of the lessons of the film. And of course, it was great to see Themyscira. Yes, you saw Steve Trevor in the trailer and he's in film & it will make sense why. The method is a tad cruel, but it will make sense. Cheetah's storyline ending was nice. It was subtle. *wink* And like this blog post's title alludes, WW1984 is a Diana tale. I like that because the viewers got to see how her beliefs & mindset grew over the years, especially now that she lives on Earth.

The Bad

It is a Diana tale and Wonder Woman is shortchanged. I only liked the concluding freedom confrontation. The other action & fight scenes were formulaic. I know I asked the Invisible Jet to be in this movie. But it needed maybe a memory scene to go along with its "appearance". Maxwell Lord was a typical cartoonish DC villain. And we got it with his wants in the movie. Did we have to hear him talk about it all the time? Despite the usual CGI issues I liked Cheetah, but Barbara Minerva looked very musty. I know she was to reek with desperation, but I swore I smelled her until she came into her own later. 

The Diva

As a person who dislikes 80s fashions & all animal printed clothing & accessories, I loved Cheetah's outfit when she arrived on the scene. Very transformative! And I asked the Wonder Woman creators for non-stereotypical black female representation. Even though the scenes are not long(one is very quick), they are still powerfully seen. I saw the name of the most known black actress in the movie & I was concerned. But trust me the film let me see me in it. And lastly, stay for the credits. A familiar face in a beautiful cape will appear. And you don't want to miss it.

Wonder Woman 1984 will be on the HBO Max app for 31 days after its premiere. I will be watching this decent sequel many times before it goes away. And don't worry about my WW mask. It like what Diana Prince does for her world protects me while I'm out of the house.

As Always Talking to You in Adults Terms!

This Post Packs a Punch (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

 

A loanword from Sanskrit, punch means "five", as the drink was originally made with five ingredients: sugar, the juice from either lime or lemon, water, and spices(usually nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon). Many get a little parched while decking the halls, sometimes. And whether alone or a group(a small one of less than 7 during a pandemic), there is nothing like a little punch to quench ye ol' thirst.

My best friend, Intellectual Diva(ID) & I are stans of a clear soda & sherbert drink. She calls it Frappé because she's fancy. I call it Annual Day punch because I'm churchy. And it not shocking that she shared a holiday recipe (cutely named after the Dr. Suess character)she saw on Facebook with me.

Grinch Punch

Ingredients

• 1 2 Liter bottle Lemon-Lime soda or Ginger Ale, chilled
• 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
• 48 ounces Lime Sherbet

Directions

1. Mix ingredients together
2. Serve & Enjoy

Hot Chocolate is not technically a punch, but it can be a good solo or group drink in my opinion. What is cold weather without a hot cup of chocolate? And this one is spiked with red wine. Whether you might be having a holiday movie night with just yourself or friends or maybe a trendy little trip to a cabin, this cozy drink should keep all the spirits bright & warm.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 4 packets Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
• 2 cups 1% Milk or Water
• 1 cup Red Wine Blend or Pinot Noir
• 1 tsp powdered cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Stir hot cocoa and milk or water together to taste in a small pan over medium-low heat.
2. When you see steam rising from the pan, add the red wine and a shake of cinnamon.
3. Warm through, taste, and adjust with a little extra sugar if needed.

Oh, that first picture of a red & green layer punch is just a little Hawaiian Punch Green Berry Rush & Grenadine. You can see how to layer it HERE. 

No matter what you wet your whistle with, I hope you're blessed to do it in joy & peace. Because no matter the time of the year, festive beverages, like punch should be enjoyed with lovely feelings.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Christian Makeup for Ambiverts & Their Past During a Pandemic(Answering Questions)

Question have Answers. Answers have Questions. And that's all I came up with.

Q. One of the spiritual advisors of President Trump died of Covid-19, another one, Paula White's prayed & dispatched African angels for him to win the election, and Brian Carne backtracked his prophecy about who will win the presidency, did the 2020 election make you embarrassed to be a Christian? Because I am.

A. I'm not quick to be shamed that I am a Christian because the world makes the fun even when there is nothing problematic going on. We are a peculiar people. And That's the Bible!!! Those people you named don't embarrass me because they don't represent My Christianity. Jesus Christ is my only ambassador to follow.

I didn't know of Bishop Henry Jackson, Jr at all until he passed away. I only know Prophet Brian Carn's name because of chatter & giggles about possible inaccurate prophecies. The questionable 2020 election revelation is not the first time his name has come up. And my ears turned deaf to Paula White-Cain once she publicly aligned herself with 45 a few years ago. It's not a liberal vs conservative issue for me. It is a use of common sense & following someone who understands the job thing for me. That was not the person who was in presidential office from 2017 thru 2020. So, I let my life tell my Christian story. That way humans can't let me down.

Q. I saw this meme and will you answer it?

A. I would look around the room, ask has everyone introduced themselves to one another and who brought dinner. Because I know they weren't expecting me to cook. I know 2 losers getting cussed out & leaving because they probably won't be pitching in to make the meal or financially to purchased it. The rest will go together to get the meal or the groceries to make the meal. Then I would go to sleep because I locked them out. And I'm somewhat of a heavy sleeper.

Q. When did you realize or finally accept that we'd be in this pandemic at least through the end of the year?

A. This Summer was when I accepted that Covid-19 would be here a lot longer than reported & thought. I couldn't go on a planned trip & concert for my birthday. I was bummed out. I did have a Whine With Wine call on Hangout with my travel friends to ease some of the pain. But when my family decided that we would spend the holidays talking on Zoom, it didn't bother me one bit. That when I accepted this panoramic life for what it is.

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 in 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

Not a Documentary, a Musical

I almost titled this "Coming to the Stage, Spike D", but I felt it was too crass. Anywho, here is a funny observation. Men like for others to know if or if not their reproductive organs don't function properly. I bet if I turn on a few podcasts right I will hear at least 1 ad for a product called Blue Chew(do your Googles). So, why did I have to find out about Spike Lee setting up a musical about the making of Viagra, the pill used to treat erectile dysfunction on Youtube? Y'all can talk about election news & Covid-19 vaccination research, but you are mum about this. Maybe you didn't know about it. So, read about it HERE if you have not.

Have you ever seen Lee's movie, School Daze? Remember the beauty shop musical scene. When I heard about this all I could think is was these lyrics, "Talk about Good not Bad D---. If You Want to Please a Chick".(*sigh* As soon as the church opens, I'll head straight to the altar because of that.)  I expect it to be like Menopause the Musical. I saw a commercial for it years ago. "I'm having a hot flash".

I see in my research for a video this show has been all over the nation, touring internationally, and can be streamed as of the date of this post. Lee says he does this musical with his late mother's fandom of Rogers and Hammerstein in mind. My mind wonders if she would have enjoyed the Menopause show.

I don't know who producers & writers want particularly for the cast. But I hope they consider the guy who played "Smiling Bob" from the Enzyte (another E.D. product) ads. He is probably the most recognizable person in the fight for male reproductive issues. I hope they reach out to him to audition. It should be a fun show. Well, at least funny. Viagra, which was originally supposed to be a heart attack medication has had its share in-jokes at its expense. And interesting it will get its shine on stage.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!