💙 #ILoveSomeoneWithAutism

#1in54

On this last day of April, please know that autism is a road traveled
everyday by so many families and remember to keep them in your prayers.

Tomorrow is Not Promised...

You came naked.
You will also leave naked.
You arrived weak.
And weak you will depart.
You came without money and things.
You will leave without money and things.
Your first bath? Someone washed you.
Your last bath? Someone will wash you.

This is our fate as humans!

So why so much pride, so much malice,
so much envy, so much hate,
so much resentment, so much selfishness?

We have limited time in this world
and we waste it on meaningless stuff.

Author Unknown

Spring in Full Bloom

Me and the hubby had a nice lunch at Not Your Average Joe
and these photos were taken at Suburban Square in Ardmore, PA!

Know Your History

P.S. Assuming that you know who Vice President Kamala Harris is, click on the image or text link if you don't know who Ruby Bridges is... that would be your first indication that you need a history lesson yourself before attempting to talk to your children about it!

🤧 Ahh-Choo!

Allergy season is here, which is no joke, but it could be
worst. Thank GOD it's not COVID. Bless you and me too!

💙 Autism Community

PAP is serving Philadelphians on the autism spectrum, their families, and the wider community. The goal is to connect and support autistic individuals and their families in using resources and through innovative programs. Click on the image or this text link to visit the website for more information. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Photo of the Day

#WomenInPower

Check out US Rep. Maxine Waters at 82 and Madam Speaker
Nancy Pelosi at 81... The Stiletto Squad is here to stay! I love it!

Sermon Topic of the Day

"I Am The Way" and the rest to be continued... #SBC

💙 Autism Quote

"Autism is a journey we never plan but we love our tour guides."

Meme of the Day

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! #DerekChauvin

New York World's Fair 1964-1965

Opening day at the fair was 57 years ago today. One of my fondest family road trips from childhood was traveling with my parents and aunt to this fair when I was 6 years old. Most of my memories are vague, but I do remember seeing a lot of things for the first time—color TV, picture and push-button telephones, and Disney's "It's A Small World". I also rode in the 1964 Ford Mustang with my father and we put our feet in the pool around the Unisphere, which was the official symbol of the fair.

The first-year run was April 22-October 18, 1964 and the second-year run was April 21-October 17, 1965. The fair had 140+ pavilions from 36 nations and 21 US states, and most of the pavilions were sponsored by commercial companies right here in America. It was located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the NYC borough of Queens. The fair grounds covered 646 acres and also included numerous amusements, fountains, pools, and restaurants.

The theme of the fair was "Peace Through Understanding", which was devoted to the concept of “Man on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe.” Just like its predecessor, the New York World's Fair 1939-1940, Westinghouse deposited another time capsule under the fair grounds to commemorate this event on October 16, 1965, the day before its two-year run came to an end.

We came home with several souvenirs but unfortunately, no pictures were taken. Because I was so young at the time, I decided to do a Google search for information, memorabilia, and photos in the hopes of recreating what I forgot, revisiting what I remember, and getting a better understanding of the things I couldn't comprehend in 1964. I created a nice photo album on Facebook and really enjoyed the walk down memory lane in the process!

🕊 My Mom Was Born Today

Today would have been your 89th birthday. You transitioned from this life 9 months ago but sometimes, it seems like yesterday. You are always in my heart, and I still love and miss you very much!

⚖️ State of Minnesota Vs. Derek Chauvin

#BlackLivesMatter

Guilty on All 3 Counts! Bail is revoked, do not pass GO, and back to jail! I will never forget the look in those eyes when the verdict was read. Prayers going up for the family, jurors, and country for there is definitely more work to be done. R.I.P. George Floyd!

Restore The Earth

I CORINTHIANS 10:26 (NIV)
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."

💙 #ILoveSomeoneWithAutism

Acceptance, Awareness, and Support Matters!

COVID-19: SBC Vax Clinic

Quote of the Week

#AuntieMaxineWaters

Spring in Full Bloom

I went downtown Tuesday, saw these gorgeous
tulips outside of City Hall, and forgot to post them.

It was my head, not my heart, because I love tulips.

Well, you know what they say... better late than never!

Living While Black (Say Their Names)

If you need to run some errands today, to ensure you get there alive, don't take public transit (Oscar Grant). If you decide to drive, remove all air fresheners from the vehicle and double-check your registration status (Daunte Wright), then make sure your license plate is visible (Lt. Caron Nazario). Be careful to follow all traffic rules (Philando Castille), signal for every turn (Sandra Bland), keep the music volume low (Jordan Davis), and don't stop for a meal at a fast food restaurant (Rayshard Brooks). You might be too afraid to pray (Rev. Clementa C. Pickney) and you better hope the car doesn't break down (Corey Jones).

While you are out and about, be sure not to dance (Elijah McClain), or stop to play in a park (Tamir Rice), or patronize the local convenience store for snacks (Trayvon Martin), or walk around the neighborhood (Mike Brown). Once you are home, don’t stand in the backyard (Stephon Clark), or eat ice cream on the couch (Botham Jean), or play any video games (Atatiana Jefferson).

Maybe you should stay home and watch a movie. Don’t leave the house to go to Walmart (John Crawford), or to the gym (Tshyrand Oates), or on a jog (Ahmaud Arbery), or for a walk to watch the birds (Christian Cooper). In fact, just sit and remember what a blessing it is to breathe (George Floyd), and definitely don’t go to sleep (Breonna Taylor).

All of these are normal things that white people don't have to think about as they live their lives from day to day (White Privilege), and it is our constitutional right to do the same (Black Lives Matter)!

⏳ #FBF We Knew She Was Special...

Meeting my youngest granddaughter for the first time!
She was born on 04/16 @ 4:16pm. What are the odds?

My Granddaughter Was Born Today!

Monday's child is fair of face and my youngest granddaughter is 9 years old today! I won't ask where the time is going again because I know the answer... it's just going w-a-y too fast. May God continue to bless, guide, and watch over you every day. Grammy loves you and He loves you more! #AriesTheRam

⏳ #TBT Sometime in 1960

Me and mom sitting on the bed having a thumb break!

Policing Done Right

Black Buffalo Cop Fired For Stopping Chokehold Gets Pension

Kudos to Cariole Horne! In 2006, she was a veteran police officer in Buffalo, NY. She physically intervened during an arrest to protect Neal Mack, a 59 year old black man, after her white colleague, Gregory Kwiatkowski, put him in a chokehold for an extended period of time. She warned Kwiatkowski that he was choking Mack and grabbed his arm from around Mack's neck. Kwiatkowski responded in kind by punching her in the face.

Two years after the altercation and subsequent investigation, Horne (a mother of five) was fired without a pension. At the time, she had served on the force for 20 years and was just a few months away from receiving the pension. The police department claimed that she had put Kwiatkowski and other officers at risk, even though Mack was handcuffed and unarmed at the time. She lost everything, but Mack did not lose his life.

Long story short, after a 13-year legal battle Horne was vindicated and awarded her back pay, benefits, and pension yesterday. She always knew that saving Mack's life was the right thing to do and she never wanted another police officer to go through the same for intervening on behalf of a suspect when necessary. Apparently, the court determined that her actions were indeed warranted at the time of the incident, so any previous decisions that were made against her regarding benefits, pay, and pension were reversed.

God don't like ugly and, of course, there is more to the story regarding Kwiatkowski--but, this blogger is not going to waste another minute of her time on him because this was another situation in which the police needed to be policed. However, I do want to say "thank you" to Cariole Horne for what she did, which probably saved Mack's life, and it should not have taken 13 years for her to be vindicated. Click on the image or text link underneath to read the full article on MSN News.

🤔 Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

Driving While Black #BlackLivesMatter

🤔 Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

Question of the Day #BlackLivesMatter

🤔 Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

Question of the Day #BlackLivesMatter

COVID-19: Vax-A-Nation

💯 Fully Vaccinated! How 'Boutchoo?

COVID-19: Proud G-Mom

I love it! I need these to add to my Grammy stuff collection!

Meme of the Day

#Grateful

When you are searching for one thing and find something

better. I love this meme and thank you GOD for everything!

COVID-19: SBC Vax Clinic

🌈 The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to The Rainbow Bridge. There are hills and meadows for all of our special friends so they can play and run together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine where our friends are comfortable and warm. 

All of the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made strong and whole again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are content and happy, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all play and run together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress their beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then, you can cross The Rainbow Bridge together... 

Paul C. Dahm

⏳ #FBF Classic Music

#StarDate040821

"Everybody Is A Star" according to Sly & The Family Stone, so this one is for me. The song was released in Dec '69 and reached #1 on Billboard's Top 100 in Feb '70. I still love the sentiment to this day. Remember when there was always a message in the music?

Philly Stand Up!

This annual city-wide clean up effort will take place at hundreds of locations across Philadelphia on Saturday, April 10th, 9:00am-12:00pm. Click on the image for more information regarding what you can do to participate and/or organize your own neighborhood clean-up.

❤️ Till Death Us Do Part

He is 85 years old and insists on taking his wife hand in hand wherever they go. When I asked why is your wife distracted like she isn't following anyone, he replied, "She has Alzheimer's." So, I said, "Will your wife worry if you let her go?" He replied, "She doesn't remember. She doesn't know who I am anymore. She hasn't recognized me for several years." Surprised, I said, ′′And you still continue to guide her every day, even though she doesn't recognize you?" The elderly man smiled, looked into my eyes, and said, "She doesn't know who I am, but I know who she is... She is the love of my life!"️

COVID-19: Vax-A-Nation 2

Mission accomplished! I got my 2nd Moderna shot today, so I took a few more pics this time because I'm done. I want to give a shout out and thanks to Penn Medicine, who operated the vax clinics I attended (TLA, South Philly) and the hubby (SHC, SW Philly). Also, kudos to the Black Doctors Consortium for all they're doing to get our communities vaccinated ASAP, including home visits.

Now, you'll have to excuse me because my arm is killing me and the bed is calling my name. The hubby is suffering with a sore arm, etc. but other than that, I think we will survive the shots. So, as for me and my house, we are fully vaccinated and putting our trust in GOD. HE is still in control!

COVID-19: Vax-A-Nation 2

The hubby received his 2nd shot of the Moderna vaccine

yesterday morning. It will be my turn later this afternoon!

Meme of the Day

🌞 Hope you had a blessed, happy, and safe weekend!

Black Voters Matter

Tamika Washington is running for Judge of Common Pleas Court. Please remember her name and click on the image to visit her website. Every election is important, so make sure you get out there and VOTE!

😇 Happy Easter & Resurrection Sunday!

From The Lady (Bug) of the Household 

An Old School Event

UPDATE: 💯 The Earth, Wind & Fire and Isley Brothers Verzuz was awesome! They performed for just under 4 hours, 25 songs each. I think this is going to be a tie, both are winners. If you missed it, you missed a treat and this one is going to be hard to beat. Good music lives forever! 🎶 #Classics

A Special Tribute For Autism Moms

When The Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into his sixth day of "overtime" when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have 180 moveable parts – all replaceable, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a lap that disappears when she stands up, a kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair, six pairs of hands, ears that will hear things she doesn't want to hear, a mouth that can gently kiss away scrapes and bruises and yet, tear the hide right off of those who try anything against the best interests of her child."

"Yes, this model will have to be able to sit patiently and listen to outlandish reports about her child without flinching. She will have to hear how hopeless it all is and know that it isn't so. She will have to have those kinds of eyes which don't tear when she hears other mothers talk about how well things are going for their children," said the Lord.

The angel shook its head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands? No way!" "It's not the hands that are causing the problems. It's the three pairs of eyes this mother has to have," said the Lord. "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded and said, "One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another pair here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know and, of course, the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up for the 99th time and say, 'I understand and I love you anyway' without so much as uttering a word."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve gently, "come to bed. Finish her tomorrow." "I can't," answered the Lord, "I'm very close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick, feeds a family of six on one pound of hamburger, and gets her 9 year old to stand under a shower." The angel circled the model of the mother very slowly. "It's too soft," the angel sighed.

"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure." "Can she think?" asked the angel. "Not only can she think," said the Lord, "she can reason and compromise."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran a finger across the cheek of the mother. "There is a leak," the angel pronounced, "I told you that you are trying to put too much into this model." "That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a tear." "What's it for?" asked the angel.

"Tears are for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride… this mother will know a lot about all of that," answered the Lord. "But you know," He continued, "I don't even remember putting that tear there." "By the way," asked the angel, "what will you call this model?" The Lord replied, "I will call this one simply, the mother of an autistic child."

By Erma Bombeck

America, This MUST Stop!

#BlackLivesMatter

What if the knee was on the other neck? Frightening thought, isn't it? Stop pretending that Derek Chauvin didn't "murder" George Floyd! You know what he did was wrong, so stand up for police reform before YOU are the one under the knee!

Agape Love: Good Friday

The Crucifixion By Anthony Armstrong
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34)

💙 It's World Autism Awareness Day

#LIUB #WAAD

Since 2010, we have been lighting it up blue for
World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd @ 12:00am!

💙 It's World Autism Awareness Month

#1in54 #WAAM

Remember to "Light It Up Blue" on Friday, April 2nd for World Autism Awareness Day, and please make a donation to the autism organization of your choice during the month. Any and all contributions are ALWAYS appreciated!

🙏🏽 Rest Peacefully in Paradise

This first day of World Autism Awareness Month is also set aside to remember all of the autistic children who have lost their lives after wandering since last year. Please burn a candle and say a prayer for their families.