The Comment Section, a Teaser, and an Announcement

Until I tried to answer comments with my cell phone, I didn't know followers with mobile devices couldn't comment in the comment section. Only people who read my blog from a desktop or laptop can comment. *sigh* When Google abolished Google+, it messed up their algorithm. *sigh* But some of you are hard-headed and you comment on the social media platform you saw the blog post on and...
I Thank You for doing so!!!
And Please continue to do so until Goggle & Blogger fix the issues and I will answer you there(even on Facebook where I use my biological name).

Coming January 2020! Lips are Zipped until then.

Yeah, since I am not a member of the Plate Making Ministry, I now know Why I am Single.

Yes, you may laugh, because most of us ladies aren't/weren't members. But TV & Movies, especially the ones containing "Southern Hospitality" have written a very skewed narrative. We know many "I Can Cook" pick me culture that are just as single as the rest. Oh Meme Culture, how did I live & blog before you came?

Alright, leave a comment below or the social media platform you see this posted.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

It's Dark...But Grateful Anyhow!!!

So, let me rip off a bandage and bleed on this page. In early March of this year, my home was robbed. My family & I survived and materially very little was stolen. Some of it we have replaced.

Something that I can't replace is the mid-level of security I used to feel in my home. I have my theories on the who, why, & how we were robbed. I won't share them here. But the fact that I even have to entertain these thoughts at all pisses me off and darkens my world.

Yep, this incident has me fighting Depression. In the beginning, it was so heavy. Nowadays, the burden seems to get lighter.

And I am not one of those Christians who believes that if I just praise my way through I will be alright. God gave us Earthly resources to help me become mentally healthier, also. But praising God is the foundation of me getting to more brighter days.

I have to praise him because things could have been worse. Lives were not lost. We could replace what was taken. We called for family, friends, & police help and it all came quickly. I praise God for all of that. There are mental health resources for me. Praise goes up for that. I have the sense to do the mental work is praiseworthy.

If I could choose a song for this moment. I would choose the song, Hallelujah Anyhow. My praise won't be my mask. My Praise will be My Help! And I am Grateful for My Praise.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Settling These Holiday Side Dish Debates

The Top food debate my Instagram followers wanted me to settle is Holiday Meal Side Dishes. But you guys know in the My world it's never that simple. Why? Because I don't eat a lot of the traditional sides served with turkey & ham. I also have never had mashed potatoes, heck any potato dish with this meal. And since I think showing your gratitude is what is important, I won't crap on the stuff I don't eat by ranking them low. Oh, but I do have a vast opinion on what is on my plate.

10. Cranberry Sauce (Canned)- I prefer the whole berry cans over jellied cans. Actually, I think the jellied is for children but that's a childhood story for another date. But dressing is not complete without this stuff. Helpful Tip: If you don't have cranberry sauce, Do Not substitute it with Strawberry Preserves. Your tongue will revolt.

9. Roasted Carrots- I don't like sweet potatoes or yams as a side dish. They are a tad too sweet to me. Roasted carrots are a good alternative. They are like savory vegetable candy on my plate.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts- Believe it or not, I didn't have "little" cabbage ever until I was an adult. We only ate "big" cabbage. But these came to our table a few years ago and I really like their caramelized nutty flavor.

7. Dinner Rolls- If potatoes, rice or pasta are a part of any meal, I usually don't eat bread with it. There are two exceptions, this meal & lasagna, salad with garlic toast. I need a piece to make a small turkey & ham sandwich with. And a piece to sop the gravy with.

6. Gravy- Like cranberry sauce, dressing needs this to complete it. Also, I prefer the white meat of chicken & turkey. And we all know gravy helps give that meat a little more flavor.

5. Greens- Adult me likes greens(preferably turnip) cooked with smoked turkey wingtips. 

4. Cranberry Sauce (Homemade)- My cousin, Clois(blog name) made this one year & I fell in love. It's what the canned whole berry becomes when it decides to dress up.

3. Broccoli Rice Casserole- I miss this dish on our table. It gets forgotten about until we are setting the table. But have no fear, I have a few friends whose mothers make it and I help myself to a spoon or two when I visit.

2. Cornbread Dressing- My aunt, Stump(blog name) makes it the best. But I also have never had bad dressing. Stump puts meat in hers. My mom mixes cream of chicken soup in her recipe. Even the boxed version is good in a pinch. Just don't call it stuffing, at least if you want me to eat it.

1. Green Bean Casserole- Yes, I am Black & Southern and my Black & Southern family has had this dish on our table since my late teens. If my mom won't make it, she will share her recipe with only the person who will be making it. It is the True Star on My Plate. My mother's version is the best. Highland Park Cafeteria in Dallas is a cute 2nd. And I have had one bad dish of it. You have to fully drain your cans or the casserole will be runny. And no one wants this delicious oniony goodness with its crispy topping to be runny.

Alright in the comments, I want to know your top holiday side dishes. I really want to see them especially from those IG followers that suggested this topic.

No matter what you have to eat for the holidays, Be Grateful for those blessings. Somebody is not that fortunate. Happy Holidays!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Mental Illness Sucks at 30 Chances (Answering Questions)

The world has opened up and showed out. I  know you guys have been asking questions. I have been under the weather and have been catching up on some reading, but I am here now to answer your questions.

Q: If Kanye ever came to your city, would you ever go?

Do you think Dr. Jamal Bryant was right to give away the offering Kanye West gave his church?

You are a Christian, are you going to listen to Kanye West's Jesus in King?

A: Ok I decided to finally answer Kanye West questions before he does anything else. As you see I put all of them together & I am going to just give my whole opinion and the answers will be in it.

Most of the population doesn't really understand mental illness nor religion. But very often some handle, cope, and/or hide their mental illness with religion. Obvious examples are suicide bombers and sidewalk ministers that get their calling during a 72-hour hold. Kanye West said he was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder & admitted sometimes he doesn't take his medicine. After a few interview rants, where he praised 45 (the man that is the president at this time) & said slavery was a choice, he starts having outdoor performances using Gospel music. Using my common sense, I think Kanye is handling, copying, and/or hiding behind the religion, Christianity.

Then he goes on tour to various places with his Sunday Services. One church was New Birth in Atlanta, where he gave a sizeable donation. Another venue was in Salt Lake City, where he repeated his praise of 45 & mental slavery talk. Dr. Bryant became appalled and then gave the donation to an HCBU in need. I don't blame Bryant for giving the money to charity. I do blame him for not using his ears and hear that Kanye never apologized or walk back his MAGA stance before he came to his church. That's probably why I wouldn't go to Kanye's Sunday Service nor listen to his Jesus is King project. Because My Common Sense is observing All of it, the said and the unsaid.

Q: With the gossip and internet clips about Tank talking about who is not gay, different sexualities were talked about. What do you think about these discussions?

A: I wish sociologists & sex researchers were more vocal in educating us all. Because it amazes me the loudest discussions come from the most ignorant & knowledge confused about sex & sexuality. I'm a cis-heterosexual woman, who was never bi-curious nor had bi-sexual experiences. That's my story! Yes, I have "sexuality privilege".

I Believe in a Broader Sexuality Sliding Scale Needs to be Established.

I don't understand how a cis-homosexual man can previously have any type of sex with a woman and nobody wonders if he's gay when he says he is, but if a straight man has oral sex with another man twice, he can't be believed he is a cis-heterosexual man. That man is deemed gay or bi. But don't both have bi-sexual experiences in their pasts.
*sigh*
Let's just let everyone's sexuality by their sexuality. And until their sexual life affects our individual sexual health, we all should just Shut Up & Keep Learning!!!

Q: I was listening to T.I.'s podcast and I heard this question.

Pick One:

Give one guy 30 chances or Give thirty guys 1 chance.

A: Let's start with questions When did T.I. get a podcast? Is it good? Do you think I would like it? LoL

I'm assuming this "chance" is to my heart. If so, I will choose the 30 guys. Truth be told, I may have given 30 guys that chance by now. But no one deserves 30 chances to capture my heart. I can only think of one person who got 2 full chances to capture my heart and that ended with me leaving his burial site.

Wow, that was lengthy. But if you have questions send them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com. I will answer them.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

How Do I Put This?(October Awareness)

I know y'all get tired of my feelings on how the awareness of Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence are treated in October, the month designated for them. But I noticed how certain women-led talk shows rush to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness at the beginning of the month like it is an obligation. I notice how certain women-led talk shows can make sure they wear purple on October 18th aka Spirit Day for Anti-Bullying. Yes, Anti-Bullying campaigns are just as important, but it's just odd with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, certain women-led talk shows never mention that in the month of October. And well, I'm tired of it that, too.

But then I look at a national commercial for a popular item and I see the first non-family DV survivor I ever met on it. When I 18, I took Women's Self-Defense(I know how to change a tire because of this class) and Domestic Violence was the topic. The question was why do victims stay. And this woman said, "Because they are stupid". I remember side-eyeing her the rest of the class.

And when our lecturer assigned us to write a summary about the discussion, I honed in on her statement, said victims were not stupid, and told about someone I knew that had left a horrible relationship like that. A week later, we were made to read one another's paper. I found out she was a victim and she often felt bad because of it. Her story stuck with me. It was good to see her living her dreams and I pray she describes her self as a survivor & victor, now.

  I saw the church I grew up in aka My Foundation Church had a program & balloon release for Breast Cancer Awareness. It was good to see the survivors (even male ones) tell their stories on how they overcame this brutal disease. Many times we talk about facts and impact after a person has died. It is inspiring to see survivors speak about their experiences.

Yeah, I get frustrated while wearing pink & purple. Yet, I know my & other's heartfelt work helps somebody, somewhere. Maybe one day larger platforms will do more, but until I'll keep showing my awareness, my way.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

So...You Want a Web Series Update

What? I have been watching Web Series. I just didn't tell you guys about them.

Makeup X Breakup

It's the series finale. It's on a new channel, BETHer. And all the storylines get wrapped up well.

Pillow Talk

From the creators of Tough Love, comes the tale of Lyric "Lady Jones" Jones and her friends, Robin & Nina.

See how a Love Coach and friends navigate the love world. And keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces from Tough Love.

Hello Cupid 3.0

Yep, Black & Sexy has remixed one it's OG shows. This time the show moves from the dating site to the dating show world. Three men + Three Women = Shenanigans in the Name Love. Will Cupid successfully shoot his arrow?

The Lesbian Homie

This was really a "comedy" skit that turned into an interesting story. Enjoyable, Funny, & rather Thought Provoking. The only drawback is it is clearly written by a man, and I hope they consulted some ladies from the LGBT+ community. 

Black Girl in a Big Dress

Enter the mind of a cosplayer that loves the Victorian world of corsets, teas, ladies, & lords.

It's the world that Adrienne's heart is in. Even though her physical life is still in the modern world.

Hover & Click each title and Enjoy! And let me know if there are others I should be watching in the comments.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

🎶When You Hear of My Homegoing...🎶

...know that you shouldn't be hearing that song at my service.  I talked about some of this on Twitter. With the unfolding funeral drama of Atatiana Jefferson, the young woman killed in her home by a Fort Worth police officer at what was supposed to be a welfare check, my mind keeps going to making my wishes known in the event I leave this world like Atatiana, Botham Jean, and too many others did. I trust my family, but grief is a funny thing that foolishness likes to creep up in. I don't want some crazy fight that will include probate court. And I don't want sly civil rights lawyers & activists and the media to make my memorial services an event that doesn't represent me. They should make sure I get justice for my unlawful & illegal murder, only.

Just like if I die in any other manner, my services should be 45 minutes to an hour(90 minutes and I am Gone)
Processional & Final View: Highway to Heaven (The Upbeat Classic)
Scriptures Old & New Testament(Except John 14(One day I'll talk about this)
Sing-Along Time1:

Jesus Promise by Chicago Mass Choir
So Good by The Williams Brothers
(My Family loves to Rock Out to These Songs at Funerals)
Read the Obituary Silently
Sing-Along Time2:
He Brought the Sunshine by The Clark Sisters (If there is time sing Expect A Miracle, too)(I Love The Clarks)
Encouraging Word Eulogy (10 Minutes)
Recessional: I Bow Out Gracefully by John P. Kee

And if the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, & US Civil Rights lawyers & activists don't know the songs and only know John 14 for funeral scriptures, tell them my loved ones will join them at the rally after the repast. Because making sure my killer is properly punished is still
an objective.

I felt sorry for Michael Brown's(Killed by the police in Ferguson) mother, Lesley McSpadden. Cameras were all in her face as she cried so hard at his services for hours. That's not what I want for anyone when I leave this world. My services shouldn't be "We Shall Overcome" moment. Because in the grand scheme of it all...I will already have.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms