The Love of Life

Hey Divas and Gents! During these uncertain times I hope that each and every one of you are being extremely safe and that you’re doing well and that your family is well also.

We are living in difficult times. We have never seen such a massive force come into play and disrupt the lives of so many people as Covid-19. A change is not coming, a change is here; many of us have been quarantined for at least 3 to 4 weeks, some longer. We’re learning how to maneuver in a world that has drastically left us feeling uncertain, and frightened with no sense of control. I’m an introvert, and having control over situations in my life is a plus for me, take that away, and I’m like a fish out of water.

All I can and want to do is to stay in constant communication with the God I serve. I have to run to He that is greater than I, He who knows the beginning and the end, He who has promised to never leave me alone, to never forsake me, He who promises these things and shows me these things to assure me that He alone is God and besides him there is no other. As long as He has control and I believe it, then I think an introverted soul like me will come through this thing and I’ll be praying that you come through this as well.

Please be safe! Please be aware of your surroundings! Watch as well as learn. Be kind, be gracious. Be courteous.

All my love to you in this life!

-TDJ

Hello. I love you.

Hey Everybody.  I hope that everyone is staying safe and to the best of their abilities, helping someone else to stay safe as well.  I am working from home; I'm not suffering from cabin fever...yet, and working from home does pose some challenges, however I do realize I'm extremely blessed and I'm praying for my country and it's people as we navigate through all this uncertainty that coronavirus (COVID)-19 brings.  

I'm sure some geniuses saw this coming, I wish I had.  I will say though that I have learned a lot from this; one thing is when the CDC speaks, listen.  I have a great deal of respect for those scientist who work tirelessly to educate us and save lives, whether it's through creating vaccines, spreading knowledge, closing down cities, whatever!  THANK YOU.  

I'm hopeful that in time we'll heal, we just have to get over the hump.  One of those obstacles for me is social distancing. It's needed and may become mandatory so the spread of this disease can be contained, or at least kept from swiftly spreading. You just don't realize how much you miss the gathering of people and loved ones until you're not permitted to be a part of one.  I think it is most urgent especially now, that we make phone calls to check on or speak to our loved ones, our circle of friends, our associates, neighbors, colleagues, church members etc.  Download some fact to face message apps and let's show our faces.  We're all in this together now; it's no longer a one country thing  it's a global world thing.  

If you're looking for something to read, I hope you have stumbled across this message from The Diva Journals:  we are thinking about you, we love you, and we are praying for you relentlessly.  Be patient, show compassion, be kind and be safe everyone.  Much love. TDJ 

I Emptied That

Hey!  How you doing? The Diva Journals here, you know Queen She known as Me with some word rambling.  

Ever heard the phrase “I bodied that? Well today I’m using the phrase “I emptied that.”  How’d that come about?  Well here you go.

Last month I wanted to track my purchasing habits, look at what I purchased (for myself and other’s) and used during a month’s span.  So, I decided to save all the empties of what I used or consumed and at the end of the month take a photo. This month wasn’t too bad; a couple of things I will purchase again, some maybe and two I will NEVER purchase again.  I’ll let you guess which ones they are.

I won’t give a review of the products (unless you want me to, and if so request me to do so in the comments) but I will post the name of each down below.  

What I noticed is that most of my empties this month are body wash and body spray products. Heeyyyy, I smell good!  It’ll be interesting to see next month if it’s the same. 

Do you spot one of your favs?  Anything that you’re wanting to try or have tried and like or dislike?  Wanna know if I liked or disliked a certain product? Any recommendations? Comment below or email me, and we’ll chat!

From left to right:
Nivea Care and Orange Blossom Moisturizing Body Wash
Bodycology Pure White Gardenia Mist
George’s 100% Aloe Vera
Calgon Morning Glory Fragrance Body mist
Dove Nourishing Secrets Replenishing Ritual Body Lotion
ULTA Lemon Agave + Ginger Super Juice 3-N-1 Smoothie Shower Gel
Burt’s Bees for Kids Fruit Passion Flavored Toothpaste
BIC Silky Touch 3 Disposable Shavers

Happy Monday!

Hey There!

Diva’s and Gents!  Hey there, how are you? It's Queen She known as me here, and I’m hoping 2020 has already blessed you with health, wealth and happiness.  In my NeNe Leakes voice: whew chile 2019 has gone quicker than the Hostess chocolate cupcake left on my countertop while around my toddler grandchildren – it’s outta here!  

I’m hoping you had a successful year and that you accomplished at least some of your goals; like me, I got at least half of em!  Even though I didn’t learn 50 new words, I did learn at least 30, I didn’t read 12 new books, but I read some good stuff! And I’m still that avid reader.  In summation, I’m not going to beat myself up, or harshly self-bully, but I am self-critiquing in healthy doses.  I’ve found some new ways to connect, become more self-aware, be patient with myself, listen more, and slow down so I can become more of an intentional human being, living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Self-care is a huge topic on my list of things to learn, conquer, share and pass on.  I had to and still am deliberately doing things/ activities/ acts - in order to care for my mental, emotional and physical health.  In theory, it’s a simple concept, with huge benefits like improved mood and reduced anxiety and stress, but the tricky part of it is when asked by health professionals what you do for self- care, and you have nothing….uuhh, blank stare, well, I guess…yeah I learned none of that works!  And they don’t want to hear it!

Coming up soon I’ll be sharing some of my self-care knacks on The Diva Journals.  Stay tuned for that post.  In the meantime, if you have some that you’d like to share, drop them below in the comments.  Let’s converse, let’s chat! 

Still A Few Of My Favorite Things.

"Raindrops on roses

And whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things"

-Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music

I am a practicing minimalist.  I still have some things to learn, I am not as strict as some, but I comfortably can eliminate any excess and keep my living simple.  However, I still have a few of my favorite things.  Wanna see?  ok, let's take a look!

                                                                      

From top left to right: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Room Freshener, in Lavender, Raw Aquamarine crystal, Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate, Glaceau smart water, M.A.C.'s Retro Matte Liquid lip color in Feel So Grand, and Poo-Pourri Before You Go toilet spray in Original Citrus

Wednesday Word of the Week.

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hope your day is going well.  Queen She known as Me here with the Wednesday Word(s) of the Week!

Jejune

je·june
adjective

naive, simplistic, and superficial.

Synonyms: naïve, simple, innocent

Jurisdiction

ju·ris·dic·tion
noun

the official power to make legal decisions and judgments.

Synonyms: authority, control, power, rule

Karma

kar·ma

noun

destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.

Synonyms: fate, aura, kismet

Ken

noun

one's range of knowledge or sight.

Synonyms: knowledge, awareness, perception, grasp

Lethargic

le·thar·gic

adjective

affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.

Synonyms: slow, inactive, lifeless

Lucid

lu·cid

adjective

expressed clearly; easy to understand.

Synonyms: intelligible, comprehensible, understandable

Melancholy

mel·an·chol·y

noun

a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.

Synonyms: desolation, sadness, woe, sorrow

Tell all Tuesday

Today is Tell all Tuesday here at the Diva Journals!  I’m getting a little more personal and sharing a tiny secret; my vice is I am obsessed with Corner Bakery Cafe.  Now it’s not for the pastries and bread, the pasta, sandwiches or homemade soups (even though they too are super good) but for their doggone COFFEE!  There! I said it!

I have managed to position myself near a corner bakery if I’m home or at work; if I’m just out and about I have googled the closest location.  If there is a meeting at work, I have my mouth under the cardboard coffee carafe (well not really, that would be extremely gross) (but once everyone has theirs and they don't want seconds....) If I’m traveling out of town, I’m looking to see if one is near.  At my favorite one, one of the servers have seen me and my family members so often she now knows the gender of all five of my grands…okay the ages too.  It’s a problem, I know it, I like it! 

What can I say!  In the words of Stockard Channing in the movie Grease, “there are worse things I could do!” 

Hey, I got issues but you got em too!

Enjoy your Tuesday! Make it terrific

Image from Corner Bakery catering

Motivational Monday

Can you hear me back there?  Is the mic on?  Yeah?  Okay!

Hey yawl, Glad to see you, glad you’re here, glad I’m here with you.  It’s Motivational Monday at The Diva Journals, and the message we have today is: Take your dreams seriously and work hard to achieve them. 

Some of us are walking this earth with dreams worth more to us than sleep, but we are also walking this earth with dream killers walking alongside us disguised as friends or people who care for you; you know the ones whose fears have killed their dreams and hopes so they under mind your dreams and goals instead of helping you achieve and celebrate them.   

Let me be clear, crystal clear in fact! And please, please, please understand this: 

📣 your dreams are important, so please take them seriously.  Did you hear me?

Remove yourself quietly, or bold and loudly if you prefer, from dream killers.  Continue to wake up with determination, continue to dream big, and dare yourself to fail. And anyone who is not in your corner and does not wish to see your dreams come into fruition, then do yourself a huge favor and separate the BEST from the rest!

Happy Monday!  Be motivated. 

5 Fun and interesting facts

Fact. The first oranges weren’t orange.  In Southeast Asia the original oranges were a hybrid of tangerine and pomelo (a large green citrus fruit similar in appearance to a grapefruit). Hmm hybrid food.  Should I leave it right there? I think I will.

Fact. Q is the only letter of the alphabet that doesn’t appear in any U.S. state name.  Not a one! 

Fact.  Peanuts are not nuts, they’re legumes! ooohhhhkkkkkk

Fact.  Octopuses lay close to 56,000 eggs at a time.. Whoa.  And get this the mother doesn’t eat for six months because she’s protecting her eggs; she’s one helluva mum!

Fact. The Pope can’t be an organ donor!  Per the Vatican, because the Popes body belongs to the universal Catholic Church the Pope’s entire body must be buried intact.  In-ter-resting.

For these fun facts and more visit Reader’s Digest 100 Fun and Interesting Facts.

Change.

Creature of habit.  That’s how I would describe myself and my routines.  I always find what works, and I do the same thing in the same way for as long as it works.  Problem with that is change is a constant in life and I should become better at embracing it so that I can continue to excel and learn something new.  Sounds good?  Yea I didn’t think so either! It’s not so much that I don’t like change or the transition, I don’t like the dummy period; that time when a change has taken over and you don’t know jack about what’s happening, how to deal with it or live with it.  

Once I conquer that period I’m sure I can become a great agent of change.

With all that being said (whew) I had to change my hair care/upkeep regimen.  I fell prey to the myth that shampoo and conditioner that I’ve used for years were fighting against my hair and my hair in retaliation, developed a tolerance to it, and that was the cause of all my hair problems. Not true, what is true, is my regimen had to change for my hair care products based on other things, like my excess exposure to elements, my scalp conditioning and dehydration, and some needed dietary changes.  So, I had to enter the dummy period, which made me nervous about …. Dun-Dun-DUUUUN!!!! change.

You all wouldn’t believe how long I’ve been researching; reading review articles, product labels, and watching videos on hair products, causes of ailments, foods!  (if you knew me, you wouldn’t be surprised at all).  But hey, now because I have studied and looked closer at me and my situation, I’m armed with my info and I’ve made an informed decision/investment and change didn’t hurt at all.  

“A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are, embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” -Nikki Giovanni

I say whatever it takes to get you to a higher level, do it. Do it afraid.  Just do it. 

I changed those hair care products by the way, and because I did, more and more changes came up for me and I went along with what is to become my new regimen.    You ever had those times in life?  Drop me a line or two in the comments below, and let's all become bosses in the process of starting something new.

Life.

Life.  Let's talk about it. This remarkable thing that wields us into motion.  So much force and control at times, then again so loving and gentle.  If given a chance, it teaches us to grab hold of it and run with it, instead of chasing it, take care of it instead of abusing it because we only get one.  We only get one.  We only get one.  

Life pushes us into existence.  It takes us from a structural cell to a vital and functional being.  It stimulates, gives us the ability to reproduce, to transcend, to release, and to evolve. All of that.

Life has been referred to as being the shortest thing we'll ever have.  “Life is short” is what people say when, motivation is needed to live more fully, or when death strikes, but I feel, life is the longest thing you’ll ever have.  Think about it. What do you have that’s longer?

But what if life was something else?  

Like backwards? 

What Tina? 

Don't freak out, ride with me for a minute.

One day while reading, (avid reader of all things good) I stumbled across Urban Dictionary.  On their site, a writer that only went by “J” posted on August 13, 2004 the following about life: 

“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A death! What's that, a bonus?!? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. The you go live in an old age home. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, then, when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, and you get ready for High School. You go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little boy(girl), you go back, you spend your last 9 months floating with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, then you finish off as an orgasm!!  Uff.. Now that’s what life should be!!”

Well then. Now think on that. What if life was lived in reverse?  J! whoever you are!  You might be on to something!  At least you gave me a good ole belly chuckle.  

Wednesday's Words of the Week

Hey Peeps, It's Queen She Known as Me here with some Wednesday Words of the Week. 

Hyperbole

hy·per·bo·le

noun

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Synonyms: exaggeration, overstatement, magnification, amplification  

Hypnosis

hyp·no·sis

noun

the induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction.

Synonyms: mesmerism, hypnotism  

Integrity

in·teg·ri·ty

noun

the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

 Synonyms: honesty, uprightness, probity, rectitude,  

Irony

i·ro·ny

noun

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Synonyms: sarcasm, dryness, causticity, sharpness  

What'cha Reading?

A Diva checking in on her online journal just to be nosy and to see what good reads are out there.

Diva's and Gents!  Happy Friday!  Queen She known as Me here and I want to know what'cha reading!

I think I told you, I'm an avid reader and I love all things readable; I mean I could read the label off the back of a small fry at McDonald's and feel like I've been enlightened.  Seriously.  I'm that kind of  reader.  

I wasn't always like this, in fact it was a struggle for my mom to get me to read.  I would write in journals all the time, but reading I only wanted to do when necessary.  Hindsight, this made absolutely no sense at all, but hey, I am who I am. Mom did the same with my baby sister as she did with me; took us the library, preached literacy, (and good handwriting) (another blog post) because she has always been a reader.  Don't know what happened with me, but my lil sister, well one word comes to mind when I think of her...INGENIOUS!  

Of all the literary genres, self- help materials are my least favorite, but I'm reading one now that's different from the "stand in front of the blackboard teaching" self help materials that I'm accustomed to, plus it's just plain ol hilarious.You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life  by Jen Sincero.   Having a great time thus far moving on through it.  

Drop me a line below in the comments and let me know what you're reading, or suggest a good read for this journaling Diva!  

What Happens When You Smile

Did you know your smile has health benefits?  Like magic? it does; even when you smile at the person who's rude to you, or when you smile at the grumpy person who doesn't like you and never smiles or speaks back.  You are helping yourself out while attempting to make someone else's day.  Or maybe you're just a nice person and your smile is the best accessory you have; if it is, you're awesome, and you're helping yourself as well by sharing that smile.

There's a blog called The Best Brain Possible with Debbie Hampton that talks about the proven benefits of a smile; how a simple smile can benefit your brain and your body.  Don't believe it?  check it out.  Let me know in the comments below what you think after reading this.  Are you going to keep smiling?  I am, and if I smile at you, smile back!

How A Simple Smile Benefits Your Brain and Body

Wednesday's Words of the Week!

Hey Ya’ll!  Queen She known as Me here with three Wednesday Words of the Week.  Things like Spring Break and unexpected life events have happened, as they are supposed to, and I’ve gotten a bit behind.  Like I stated earlier in the year, I’m gonna learn these words!  All 52 of em! So sit tight, hold on and take a look at my list of “learn em” words for this week.

Fortitude

for·ti·tude

noun

courage in pain or adversity.

synonyms: courage, bravery, strength of mind, strength of character

Gallivant

gal·li·vant

verb

go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment.

synonyms: flit, jaunt, run, roam, wonder, travel

Guise

guise

noun

an external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something.

synonyms: likeness, external appearance

definitions from www.google.com

What I Love Doing on a Friday Night

"But I'm gonna [ you know the rest] cause it's Friday, you ain't got no job and you ain't got shit to do."-Smokey from Friday

Hey Diva's and Gents, it Queen She known as Me here and I want to let you know what I love doing on a Friday night.  Let me mention it's definitely not what Smokey had in mind for Craig in the movie Friday, but there are some things that I like and look forward to doing and they are:

1. If I have no plans, cook a Friday night meal; fish and hush puppies, love it.

2. Pop a cork on a bottle of wine. 

3. UBER out to my neighborhood Mexican restaurant-Huey Luey's Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar, no need to explain why I like to UBER here!

4. Bubble bath, and mini spa time.  Do a facial, pedicure, and some tub relaxation

5. Binge watch my favorite shows

These are just a few of my favs to do on Friday's, what's yours?  drop me some ideas down below, inspire me!

Wednesday's Word of the Week!

Queen She known as Me here and I'm hoping your Wednesday is going well, plus I got the Word of the week!

Fervent

fer·vent

adjective

having or displaying a passionate intensity.

synonyms: passionate, intense, sincere, feeling, profound, animated, spirited

www.google.com

Five Ways to Wind Down and Destress

Diva's and Gents!  Hey ya'll! I hope you're as beautiful as ever on this first day of April.

I was fortunate enough to be in the company of several friends this past weekend and one of the things discussed was ways to wind down.  

I shared that after hitting the job grind daily, most of us have other things, or responsibilities that feel more stressful than the job we just left, and sometimes even though our heads hit the pillow, our brains just won't shut off.  It wants to be twins with the Duracell bunny and keep going and going.  It wants to tell us how to do things like complete future pressing issues and tasks. It knows it should be resting or winding down, however it wants to elude deep and invasive sleep.  uugh.  However I have been trying to come up with some "me time" routines, and one of them is my "before bed to help me sleep better" routine.

I started earlier this year trying to combat rest thieves.  Here are five ideas that I've found useful in helping me to wind down.

1. I set aside thirty minutes to an hour before my actual bed time to start to wind down.  This gives me time to surf the net, social media, read or make those last minute phone calls.  This helps me release some of what's rumbling around in my mind.

2. Brew some tea.  One great benefit of Chamomile tea consumption is the powerful ability of its ingredients to aid in relaxation, and it taste good too!  I can sometimes feel my eyelids getting heavy after I ingest a good amount of it.

3. Develop and then utilize mindfulness bedtime exercises.  These include dimming the lights in my bedroom (even the lights on the cell and other electronics), my breathing exercises, and my praying/meditation.

4. I stopped trying to fall asleep, and instead I just relax.  If I forced it, I end up adding stress to my list of ailments.  Don't need that.  Just try and relax. and before you know it, you're in la-la land, at least I am.

5. Aromatherapy using linen sprays.  Company's sell linen sprays is several scents; petitgrain, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood rose, and lavender.  I DIY linen spray, it's very easy.  I take distilled water, add it into my 1 ounce blue spray bottle and add 10 drops of lavender oil, shake it and use it at night time to spray down the bed, the pillows and I spray some in the air.  I love it, and it works well for me.

If you have any suggestions, please drop them down below and share.  You know we're all about sharing here! Let's help everybody wind down!

 

Wednesday's Word of the Week!

Peeps!  It's me Queen She, here with Wednesday's Word of the week.

Esoteric

es·o·ter·ic

adjective

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

Synonyms: obscure, perplexing, complex

www.google.com