Ask Me How I Feel (Black Music Month)

In 2013, when the news broke that Tina Turner relinquished her citizenship in the USA to become a permanent resident in Switzerland, I felt I understood why. After watching Tina, the documentary on HBOMax, I knew I wasn't very off. For me, at what point in life will Tina Turner be free of her abusive ex-husband, Ike Turner. I hate having to pose that question. I can imagine how many times Tina has had that question herself.

And let's tell the truth how much do we know about Tina Turner before & after her marriage to Ike Turner. And that was one thing I took away from this documentary. Yes, they go over the years with Ike that we know about. But as a person that wasn't born while she was with Ike didn't know about her being various games & variety shows to make ends meet after she left. I loved seeing what it was like for her to make Private Dancer & We Don't Need Another Hero. Those are my favorite songs by Turner.

Did y'all know Tina Turner has written two books since I, Tina? One in 2018, My Love Story, A Memoir & in 2020, Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good. Turner described this documentary as a parallel story to her latest memoir. And of course, we see what journalists & the media won't report. Tima Turner is very fed up with questions about Ike Turner. We see how she handled those questions in a very classy but firm many. Tina even shows the interview where she says beside Angela Bassett that she hadn't seen the movie, What's Love Got To Do With It. She didn't want to relive those moments. 

And even though this blogger started this blog my thoughts on why Tina became a Swiss citizen. It's not exactly the full case. Tina Turner fell in love. Yes, with her husband, German Erwin Bach who gave her a kidney & is 16 years her junior. She also fell in love with the simple life of Switzerland. America is not so modest for Tina Turner. She's been through a lot. Why not pick the easiest living area she loves? I truly understand her telling America goodbye.

Of course, my takeaway of Tina on HBOMax is nowhere near how this nice film is. I'm just happy it delivered on what the opening song begged it to do. Ask Me How I Feel. Go watch it for yourself.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

But Someone Did Ask...

I'm going to take you back to my 5th grade Social Studies class. The final homework question for the day was, "Why was the Civil War more Hurtful than the American Revolutionary War"?. Mr. Carry-On was our teacher. He was white, young, from Pennsylvania, and teaching his 2nd year in an all-black student school in South Dallas, Texas, near the Fair Park. He was not ready for the question he was going to receive next. One of my classmates asked, "Why doesn't this book talk about Juneteenth"? Mr. Carry-On was puzzled & ask what was he talking about. And the classroom was in an uproar. How hadn't he heard of Juneteenth? He was a teacher. Bless his heart! He didn't know we were taught in and out of school by parents, grandparents, and teachers(Black, White, & Jewish) about the day Texas slaves found out about the Emancipation Proclamation two years later since before Kindergarten. That textbook tried to fail us. And somebody failed Mr. Carry-On.

June 15th, 2021, I'm far from the 5th grade, but I thought about Mr. Carry-On. The Senate unanimously voted for Juneteenth to be a National holiday. Some Black people(some I am fans of) think that act is performative. We're going to have our cookouts & drink red drinks, but what about voter suppression & student loan reductions? 

Trust me those things are very important. Texas is one of the states trying to change things before the November 2022 election. Without voter suppression, many including the governor could be out of a job. And I want my student loans forgave. As far as I am concerned, Sallie Mae and her biracial niece, Navient are my pimps & I work for them.

But why is make Juneteenth a National holiday thought to be so frivolous?

Is the 90+-year-old, Opal Lee walking campaign to Washington, D.C. to make it a National holiday, frivolous? She's from my neighboring city, Fort Worth. Lee is considered the Grandmother of Juneteenth. She has worked tirelessly to raise national awareness to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Read about her & her efforts HERE.

Making Juneteenth a National holiday helps Opal Lee and 5th-grade Outspoken_Diva and her classmates educate too many that don't know about June 19. And let's tell the real truth, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, on Jan. 1, 1863, the US doesn't openly celebrate that factual day either. Don't believe me. Look up why many Black churches have Watch Night services. But what is the rest of the country doing? It wasn't just a New Year to some of our ancestors on that day.

That's why Juneteenth is not "just been made into some National holiday".

And just like we're working on so many other issues of inequality, some work went into this too.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

When You Think of... (Answering Questions) (Black Music Month)

If You Can't See the Video, Click HERE

"When You Think About the Decade" is a challenge that a few have done that focus on the songs that instantly make you think of the decade you were in childhood, high school, and college/young adulthood. They don't exactly have to be your favorite songs.  Some are doing 10 songs per decade, I'll keep it at three. And well, being born in the late 70s, I was a child in the 80s, in high school in the 90s, and college & a young adult mostly in the 2000s. So, let's see what songs remind me of these periods.

The 1980s

If Only for One Night - Luther Vandross

Long ago and so far away there was a radio show called the Quiet Storm. And Luther would sing a song about wanting a chance for a little romance even if it was for an evening. Dang, he had it bad.

Supersonic - JJ Fad

This song instantly makes me want to do the Wop & the Waco when it comes on. I remember on the playground all the girls were trying to rap fast as JJ Fad. And I will admit I never got a "That Was It". Are You Shocked?

Completely Yes - Sandra Crouch (ft. Jean Johnson)

You are some kind of heathen if you don't know this song - Football Nerd. As a little girl, I remember every church but Foundation church sung this song back in the day. My favorite part is the breakdown at the end. "Myyy Soooul Says YES, YEs, YeS, Yes, Lord" makes my soul say Yes!

The 1990s (High School)(I went to Middle School & College during this decade also)

Tootsee Roll - 69 Boyz

Back when Twerking was called Booty Boucin', you could either make it sensual by adding the Butterfly or give a hip hop vibe and do the Tootsee Roll. And with or without pain pills, I can still do those three dances.

Clean Inside - Hezekiah Walker & the Love Alive Choir

"Won't He Make You Clean Inside"? Those are all the words to this song. And all the Youth Choirs were singing it.

Count on Me - Whitney Houston & Cece Winans

It was my high school class's graduation song. The band dedicated it to us. LJ, the Bestie Boo and I tease & sing the chorus to one another every graduation anniversary.

The 2000s

We Fall Down - Donnie McClurkin

The first episode of Girlfriends I saw was McClurkin singing, " We Fall Down, But We Get Up" in a church scene. I was hoping he was the role of their pastor. Oh well, a girl could wish.

Dangerously in Love - Destiny's Child

Have ever been around a group of women when this song comes on. It's an automatic sing-a-long. Trust Me!

Chicken Head - Project Pat

"Yeah you like my outfit, don't even fake the deal". Nothing screams college in the 2000s than dancing to questionable lyrics. Don't look at me like that. I'm human.

So, what music reminds you of certain decades? Let me know in the comments. Now, I off to find a playlist and reminiscence.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Hey Will Forever be a Great Greeting

Shoutout to Foundation church for being warm & Outspoken_Diva-defined normal, recently. Just a bunch of acceptable "Who", "Child...", a confused "How are You", "Hey...", lots hugs & chuckles. *nice sigh*❤ Let's call them the inspirational backbone for this post.

Reunion Season is upon us. I avoid the people of my past a lot. It's not that I am so hurt, contrary to popular beliefs. I'm just not a fan of that particular social norm. I like pure interactions, not "Let Us Hang-Out & Catch-Up Because Traditions Say We Should". It's Weird!

I wasn't raised with structured Family reunions. We gather when we gather. And I know the family I know and I am good with that. School reunions since the 10-year high school one get a No. Thanks to social media, I'll see them at the 50th. I see church past at weddings, funerals(service, not the repast), and random public run-ins while shopping or visiting others.

I'm horrible at keeping up with the past. And when I know I have to be around the past I worry about

• Greetings
• Reminiscing
• Keeping Up in the Future

One day, maybe (Keyword...), I'll talk about Reminiscing & Keeping Up, but let me give my thoughts on the Greetings.

I know look the same, but others do not. And I loathe & cringe at, "You act like you don't know me", because if I say, "I don't", I'm the a-hole. Believe me, people can be harsh when you don't remember them.

What is wrong with honestly not remembering? What's wrong with knowing maybe you changed physically? What's wrong with a good old, "Hey! How are you?" Is the art of the greeting dead? Can it be revived?

Here is a list:

• Hi!
• Hey!
• How are you?
• How are things (with you)?
• It’s good to see you.

Let's work on those. And if the person is honestly confused say, "Oh, you don't remember me. I'm *insert your identity*" with some understanding & decency. Stop being rude! That's uncalled for. Remember each human brain is different and not wired the same. Charge to their heads and not their hearts.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Well Duh...(OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

If You Can't See the Video, Click HERE

A Garden Salad

Ingredients

• 8 cups lettuce
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled & chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (radish, shredded carrot, purple cabbage)
• 1⁄4 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 6-12 pitted black olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons dry-roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon garlic croutons

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (cider, balsamic or white)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• salt-free Italian seasoning to taste

Directions

1. Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Place dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed.
3. Toss salad with dressing to taste and serve immediately.

It's that Simple! Now, how do you make it? LoL

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Revenge Costs Too Much

Read THIS and come back.

There are days y'all remind me I've never been in love & I don't think like many.

Never have I ever lied to an ex about my dating status. I have an ex that sometimes wants to visit whenever he's in town. His question is always, "Would your man mind if I came by". If I am single, I let him know I am. And I don't let guys use me in a lie to their exes. If Football Nerd had not passed away, he could testify to that fact. The night I met the mother of his child, on the way to church he asked could he say I was his girlfriend. I refused him. Why lie? The funny part was she thought I was his lady then.

And unlike the ladies HERE over at The View, I don't agree with what this 24-year-old lady did. I am most like the good folks HERE at Dish Nation. Her revenge was very costly for her. But I get it! I was 24 at one time. And yes, Heartbreak is Painful. I was actually still reeling some from the heartbreak of the aforementioned unnamed ex and Football Nerd at that age. That's why I am using these two in this post.

And do you know what was my revenge? Going on living my life and letting my heart heal. Back then, I was in preparation for getting my Bachelor's degree. I just had to play through the pain. And you know the end of the stories, ended up doing some healing, I got the degree, Football Nerd became my best friend (He was at the commencement.), and that other ex just checked on me during the Texas Snow Storm of 2021(You may not have known the last part. But now you do.) I refused to let a lie give anybody that kind of power. And like the wise songstresses, Envogue says, "When you Lying, You're Losing". Who wants to do that?

Heartbreak should never be strong enough to let you do crazy stuff. Lying is crazy stuff. Spending money on the lie is crazy stuff. And the fact others around her went along with this is crazy stuff.

But many like crazy stuff!!!

*sigh*

Wholeness with Healed Hearts is the Best Revenge. And you can challenge me on that.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Ride or Die Gender Lessons (Answering Questions)

You asked me questions. I answered those questions. And the cycle goes around and around.

Q: Would you hold a man down if he went to prison?

A: Simple Answer is More than likely Not. The judge will break us up. I have experience dating a guy who had been to prison before we met. You can read about that HERE. My stance hasn't changed. And I don't give a definitive No because there might be a tinge of belief in his innocence depending on the crime. Like if the crime is embezzlement from charitable funds. I would have to see the proof, especially if our finances didn't increase. Plus I've seen a few local politicians go down for a few months because their name was signed on the sneakily placed paperwork. Oh and I can see true accidents as such. But if he clearly did a crime, I'm out. Because knowing me, I told him not to do that mess, and/or he lied to or deceive me.

This Post's Q&A Video

If You Can't See the Video, Click HERE

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. 

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As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!