When Should Family Members Separate?

Abused family members can step out of obscurity… and be healed! Sometimes it means stepping away from one’s own family to do so. A Christian family is not excluded.

Remember that Jesus spoke about divisions within a family:
“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Luke 12:53 The context of this meaning is not like that of the precursors of cults where the gospel is keeping others away from the new believer, but quite the opposite! It simply means that the news of Christ will separate many due to its impressive truth, including the closest of relationships… that a family will not be preferred over Christ Himself. In other words, how could God in the flesh  (Immanuel, Jesus) possibly suggest what many establishments would consider cults, (anti-social/establishment groups) should be brainwashed to believe acute separateness is necessary for religious preservation and holiness status?  That pulling the family apart comes to true Holy Spirit infusions? Not so.
Should there be divisions,  they never come without reason, love, and eventual peace marked by the confirmation of others.

Abuse never fully dies until an abused one comes forward.  This is what happened to two particular adult children. At the risk of someone being offended, the one seeking redemption from family flaws matured and made some positive choices in their endeavors with educational pursuits and career overtures. The healthy support of an understanding spouse helped to enable that direction and choice. The other adult  was held up by wasteful bouts of past substance abuse, and though recovered for the most part, is still being hung over by its consequences… boxed in by fewer visible signs. Seems the hidden triumphs are not seen by others the way the other sibling's has.  Not to worry, it is seen by the Almighty!

Should guilt, therefore, be felt by the one who accomplished more in the educational world? Of course not! Should the one who has not yet achieved similar personal achievement bring the sufferage of the family to the face of the other just to remind him/her that the origin is the important factor, and anything else is snobbery? Again, absolutely not! That is coveting ( desiring what someone else has with an envious attitude).  Guilt and envy never brought a family to the same mind pursuits. Nor did snobbery, narcissisms, or negative superiority complexes.

I conclude with something that may surprise and challenge many readers. If someone is in a mentally stable place and seems to feel robbed by weighty family issues that nearly tore him or her apart, it’s best that person let go, at least for awhile, or the essence of abuse could repeat itself.  With the redeeming virtues of  persisting care and forgiveness, I personally feel confident that there will be a resuming of partnership down the road that oddly will be sweeter than ever before!

Media Flags Hostility

Seems there is a gross parody within lawful procedures surrounding Casey Anthony- a double indemnity for her safety after being acquitted of all felony charges linked to the death of her 2 1/2 year old daughter. And now the latest is the discussion of whether she satisfied the probation which was appended to a 2008 check fraud charge. Probation that supposedly was served during her 3 year sentence stemming from that separate charge. Huh?

In spite of the confirmation letter confirming the successfully completed probation, she received a notification from Judge Strickland indicating otherwise ordering her to return to court. Clerical error or not, the state of Florida has juristriction on the issue and must be debated. Judge Perry took over as Strickland's administering the letter had a kink in it. So what? Hasn't this astonishing case taken up enough of America's concern,attention, and tax money?

Casey has been protected by artful attorneys that won her an acquittal with all murder charges of Caylee because the child's manner of death never had to be proved, sad to say. The courtroom drama was exercised without bending too many rules and carefully handed the doubtful murder evidence for the jury's deliberation. The shock of not guilty of anything but a slap on the wrist for obstructing justice and misleading law enforcement slid down our throats without swallowing and choked television viewers.

All of these cleverly maneuvered tactics even afforded her special treatment due to the inflamed media exposure, however dangerous should she have to go back to court. The woes of celebrity bury her under the debris of a hidden joint somewhere with a few glitchy benefits to pacify her until she can make up her mind on million dollar interviews. Does this seem like an example of a kind of freedom, like the song says-..." just another word for nothin' left to lose?"

We can't really blame her for all of this outcome, really. Whom do we have to thank or point to for this overage of cushy provision? Yep. The very TV artists (quasi journalists) who bring it into our living rooms. Although this particular trial has increased awareness enough to propose a new "Caylee Law" (felonizing the act of not immediately reporting a small child) this manifesto reeked with horror to get it there.

Wouldn't it be easier to turn off these networks who are working day and night, flagging the hostile audiences? This way, we can think more clearly, put down our bats and let the mallet of Providence rule in the right favor.

How To Commit A Crime, Get Away With It, And Later Get Paid To Confess

Four score and seven years ago, the American judicial system was created to treat crime and its perpetrator with utmost scrutiny for the fairest result. At least that was the ideal. Our fathers brought forth on this country the balance of clemency and punishment but with the positive idea that someone is innocent until proven guilty. Even in the most heinous of crimes, our system has a brilliant plan to provide habeas corpus for anyone being tried for a crime. This way, one's motives and intent are carefully represented by studied lawmen for both sides while employing a grand jury to participate in the fate of the judgement. This selected group of everyday people is given a specific criteria by which to make a determination based on hard evidence and without hindrance of bias. After studying all the elements, they singularly and collectively discern the defendant's actions for a public conviction.

Well, now we see riveting examples of how someone can be indicted for murder, be acquitted due to the lack of hard evidence, become medianized (colloquialism which means to be aggressively processed by the media) to a level of mass panic, and be offered an insane amount of money to tell the real story. Ah, but to lie again or tell the truth-that is the question! Even Shakespeare would fancy addressing Gettysburg with the same idea as Lincoln. Only, neither would understand that if the person confesses, they don't have to worry about being tried for the crime again. This is due to the variances of double jeopardy from state to state.

But recently, we've come to a crack in the system. Doesn't seem fair, now does it? So what should be done? Obviously, there needs to be a new law or bill that punishes a criminal for not telling the whole truth to begin with so that everyone's lives aren't put on hold for years and costing tax payers 5-6 digit fees, I guess this is for the lesser fairness (for lack of a better descriptive).

Unless there is a precedent to this kind of acquittal that provides a lucrative future for someone like Casey Anthony, we can see a worn moral fabric of a you lose-you win bonus at the end of the rainbow. That is... if there really is a rainbow. I don't know. Makes me glad that there is a higher Judge to which none of us can be acquitted unless He says so. And in some of the words of Abe Lincoln, "... It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced..." Not a dubious statement with the intention that everyone gets what is coming to them, even if it was addressing a civil war and the deaths of so many at the time. Law is law.

Is this big idea echoing how much more we can sleep with these unlawful, immoral and non-

consequential secrets under the pillow? Your take?

How My Wrist Was Broken (3 Versions)

First Version: Nobility Restrained

I was helping an old man cross the street in the middle of a tornadic thunderstorm with winds impacting at sixty-nine mph. His vision was impaired and he misjudged the step from off the curb. As he tilted over, I held on to both of his arms to break a fall. It was too late. The flooding wind-forced waters pulled him toward the street drain and his boney hands began to slip out of my grip. I was horrified because I lost control. The wind was pulling me down with him and all I could see was a tiny man being swallowed into the street hole with only head exposed ... his pruney face in wide-eyed terror!
Suddenly, in less than a second, I began to slide toward the opening, nearly going down with him. But I braced my straddling legs, propping one on each side of the drain while holding onto only one hand. The man's right arm changed from mine to grab my ankle. With double force, he strained and I reached for his elbow, both of us pulling with all our might until he was sucked outward. He squeezed through the opening and fell full force to my left side. The airstream thrusted our bodies parallel blocking the drain. I nearly fainted as the wind picked us up into the air and dropped us in the concrete whipping my hand sideways full force.

We were rescued by fire fighters and both taken by ambulances to the hospital. The old man suffered a mild heart attack and I had a double fracture in my wrist.

Later, the local and national news reported the incident and proclaimed me a heroine whose life was compromised to save his!

Second Version: Self-crediting With hints of mild narcissism

It was after a winter ice storm that I finally decided that with all my talents, I could once again hit the ice. It had been years because I was giving so much time to domestic matters. My sleep yielded a dream that prompted to make it the first thing I do the next morning.

I said a quick prayer of thanks when I saw the sun peak around the last of the snow clouds causing me to spring out of my bed and fiendishly jump into a few layers of winter wear. I even color coordinated with a lipstick red scarf, hat, and white mittens. Looking into the mirror, I liked what I saw and hurriedly headed out the door, my 1972 white skates hung over my left shoulder.

Driving down the quiet path to the lake, I saw others running toward the ominous circle of skaters, gliding in and out with a backdrop of skating music. It took me a little longer to put the skates on, squeezing my size larger feet into the leather uppers.
"This is so worth it," I thought, in spite of the pulsing throb in my toes. Then, forgetting how long it had been for me, my visions of grandeur overruled precaution. I ran to successfully jump onto the ice, throwing my arms up into the icy air embracing the joy.

I was so proud of myself that I decided to do a figure 8, first rushing forward, voraciously changing in reverse completing what would be the best foot cutting I ever did as others watched. It was so glorious, I decided to give them the show of a lifetime with a waltz jump, but once I cut over the other foot, I slid too close to the side rail and bumped into the light pole behind it. It was full impact when I not only bumped between the rail and the light like a pin ball, I swirled to the left and tripped over my own foot pushing me full force back on the ice. I stopped breathing for a second, scared to death I was dying.

Last thing I remember was someone calling 911. I found myself in the ER surrounded by some of the skaters whose shirts read "Rockefellar Center Ice Dancers".
I did not pass out from the agonizing pain. I was mortified and filled with the dread of a broken ego.

Third Version: Last of the Luggage Ladder

There was a tornado warning blasting from our weather radio while the weather channel was prompting us to prepare for the worst. Otherwise, all was cozy and quiet as our grandchild was going to sleep. But I have always worked miracles under pressure and decided to hang a new curtain over her closet. The stool was too short, so I found a suitcase and placed the stool on TOP. I was confident that I could hang the new curtain when suddenly, I heard a popping sound, then a knocking noise.
" Uh oh," I thought. "Hubby would flip if he saw me do this now!"
I even recited my favorite scripture so that I could accomplish what seemed impossible.
" I can do all things through Chirst who strengthens me". Yeh. That'll do it. My grandchild was scared. "Careful, Nanah." But long as I was exampling the faith of Christ, how could I go wrong? After all, I've used it many times before. It's been well exampled and witnessed. It was a keeper. I don't want to call it 'magic', but it seemed to describe its quick results

Too bad. Forgot about human will and obstinance as the warning for me to get down was probably His prompt. I slid full force off the stool that was tumbling off the suitcase and fell like an iron grate sideways. I knew something was wrong and my husband ran in terror toward the bedroom
"I'm all right!" I assured him, confirming that I wasn't dead. But I was not okay.  I lost my breath, my head was swimming and thought I was going to pass out. My wrist was in horrific pain and it was knotted up. I was seeing black around me and nearly fainted. My husband couldn't help ask 'why' I would do such a thing, putting myself in danger. We had to go to ER in the middle of a horrible thunderstorm, street lights and utility wires falling behind us like vines from the sky.
Once at the ER, we were cautioned to go to the hallway where a tornado was confirmed to have touched down. It wasn't long, however, before they took an x-ray to diagnose two fractures and a dislocation, making me a temporary tape cast.

I cried when I got home, wishing I could have spent the last two hours in bed instead of having this injury. Next time, I recite a scripture like that, I will make sure I'm not standing on luggage. I'd travel better!

Sixty's Teen Gets the Gigs!

       Terese Grotius McKannan, long-time veteran musician and singer has it better than some these days when it comes to landing music jobs. At a time when there is so much hype on competition, television contests, getting a record deal, or even regularly working in one's hometown, she is in high demand within the senior communities.
     As a teenager who grew up in the 60's, she was highly influenced by her mother, Najla Macksoud Grotius, who was a singer and pianist for one of USO's first '40's entertaining groups during WW2 while professor-father and drama director Robert Grotius  encouraged them to put a little theatre into the act.  Terese and the other five Grotius siblings rehearsed with their mother's instrumental backup, tight harmonies, and snappy delivery which also launched their professional music careers.

       Terese began her own career in high school and gradually expanded  her repertoire till she was booked in popular piano bars. With her lively presentation and remarkable ability to engage audiences with familiar TV show themes and commercials, she kept the night clubbers awake as they asked for more. Before long, she was working the plush hotels, piano bars, clubs, and restaurants, both locally and across the states while moonlighting. Though between the traveling gigs she took a few brief jobs in the mainstream work force, she always came back to playing music.

        Now getting older has its perks as there will always be the elders whose needs include more than good health care. They need to be entertained, wooed by the sounds of their time, emotionally taking them away from the mundane and melancholy. Terese decided to give back to our parents' generation by dedicating a 45 minute program to a few nursing facilities. They loved her! With letters of introduction to many more senior venues, some photographs and a resume of her musical career, calls began to roll in. It wasn't long before she nearly had more than she could handle. But she was happy. Happy because she was doing something she always knew and loved and could do it full time while care-giving her own mother.
       She delivers a punchy medley of national and state anthems. Among them are:
God Bless America, Back Home Again In Indiana, California Here I Come,Georgia, and many others.  She also performs show tunes like Cabaret, Hello Dolly, and Moulin Rouge. The best of the Beatles also roused the memories of those who raised their own children of the 60's making it easy to smile, cry, and sing along. The icing on the cake is the love and endearment she has with the residents who attend her programs.
     "I become very close to many of these wonderful people," Terese reports . "I've spoken with some notables as well. Like Bettie Engelbrecht, whose dance team performed with Debbie Reynolds in the movie, Singing In The Rain. And Marilyn Durham, author of  The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing."  Terese was honored.  She tears up when telling about her chat with haulicost survivor Veronika Federowska Samila who jumped off a train while in transit toward Auschwitz to escape her eventual brief encampment. (Compassionate as well,  Terese makes a point to see their extended families whenever a resident passes away.)
      She  lives in Evansville and and serves nearly all local facilties, and more  frequently  at Newburgh Healthcare,The Heritage,  The Protestant Home, and others.
       If you want to hear a few sound clips, I'm afraid she's old fashioned, doesn't mess with the computer and needs me to speak on her behalf since she's my sister! Terese would like to invite anyone to come to one of her events. To request a list of upcoming gigs,  you can email me directly: czeal@hotmail.com  Subject: (RantingsFromRiverBayBlog)

Yes, so I cook too...what of it?

I'm a right-brained person who has to constantly perform at something, even if I'm sleeping. (talk about dreams!) When I was in the music business, my craft and output were being refined, but once I had a few weekends off, I didn't know what to do with myself. To the kitchen stage we went.

I have a cookbook full of gourmet recipes that, when as a younger naive bride, did not know what 'gourmet' meant, so I just followed directions on every item. On a short note, I've been cooking ever since. Yes. I'm good at it. I give first credits to my Mother whose Middle Eastern heritage afforded me a unique step forward. If you've never had Syrian, Arabic, or Lebanese food, then, you've got to try it. Kibbe is everyone's favorite, but all of the meat and vegetable dishes are screaming with flavor that will bookmark a memory.

In the next several months, I will give you some recipes that will replace normal comfort food with EXOTIC comfort food.

Do New Mores Plagiarize Design? (A view on Same-gender marriage)

         A copyright is a legally approved document, patent, or seal protecting the creator with his or her invention or literary work. Anything that proves ownership and is wrongfully used by another constitutes copyright infringement, and can be punishable by law. If a speech were recited by someone and never gave credit to the true writer, that would also be considered plagiarism. There is no reasonable doubt otherwise. This excludes many subject matters that can be duplicated, embellished, or composed by another writer.

         For instance, if someone were to write a story about a famous person who lived a hundred years ago, fictitiously recreate dialogue, or a narrative not proved to be true, it would not be a violation because it has long since been placed to public domain. Now for hard evidence to the topic of this particular blog.

           Science and technology tell us things about what is correct and effective in the world of electronics. One can not get a charge, light, or any electrical emission without two opposing forces. If it is a battery, there must be a negative and positive so that the unison produces the effect. When plugging in a lamp or any electronic device, there must be a ‘male’ plug and a 'female' receptor so that there is light or other function. In other words, two of the same forces cannot produce the effect.

           Among many current issues that have been unplugged from what has been considered absolute or truth without opinion challenging society is the question of same-gender marriage. How does this have anything to do with copyright and infringement, or the science of electronic law? According to spiritual law, and documented in the bible, God is the author of life.

            Firstly, man did not invent co-sexual unions. God did. From the beginning, He wrought a purposeful world and destiny for the first humans. His intention of the union was called ‘marriage”. It is proven by the biblical documentation, as well as physical design. It is God’s creation in the order of His first design with the purpose of bringing more beings into the world. Most believers in God know that no human being is self-evolved. A new person can not be made without two opposite genders putting God as the original creator along with any laws or concepts that surround this creation.

           So what about the idea of same gender marriage if this is true? How can we ordain something which was never ordained by man to begin with? Just because we think it to be fair, can we just pick and choose anything that has been first invented by Him and recreate our own law?
          As it is with anything where God is concerned, we should surrender our complaints, issues, and debates to Him who has a higher purpose and definite direction for His people. After all, since He is the author of life, shouldn’t He be the one to designate how it should be used? Should same-sex unions be called something other than what God called and designed it? (If one does not believe in God or what is documented as truth, then it would be considered fair that he/she do whatever they want as long as they are willing to accept the possibility of consequence. Another blog!)

The defensive response that "love" is universal, not bound by gender, race, nations, or any human group, is however, a valid subject that deserves mention. God is love. He alone creates the precepts of spiritual law. He, alone, judges, but we can partake in how he would respond to this universal love. In all twelve mentions of homosexuality in the bible, the jury rests with the deliberation of it being against His design that in ancient times was punishable by law.

We are free to do as we want, but believers are subject to a higher calling. And given the very difficult life the gays have in coming out or choosing sanctity instead of what seems 'natural' to them includes them in this higher calling.

I value that not everyone wants to be with the opposite sex for the rest of their lives, and they don't have to be. And, in my compassion, I don't pretend to understand why they are so drawn to one of their own. But it still does not give license to all the privileges that true biblical marriage provides. It will plagiarize the design. Perhaps many don't think it is, or don't care that it is, or do not have the conviction anymore due to the media's apparent support. But if it isn't any of those reasons, what is it?

This is not opinion, but fact, and I can't say I am glad that it is. But as God's child,  I would never want to tell Him how He should make exception just because I 'think' so.

For study on this design and verification of God's clarity on the matter:

• 2 refer to rape (Genesis 19:5, Judges 19:22)
• 5 refer to cult prostitution (Deuteronomy 23:17-18, 1 Kings 14:23-24, 15:12-13, 22:46, 2 Kings 23:6-8)
• 1 refers to prostitution and pederasty (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
• 4 are nonspecific (Leviticus 18:21-22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Timothy 1:8-10)

Post Script:
I love you all. Truly I do. I owe the truth as sanctioned by the author of life. Plain and simple.

"WINS Verlies-Gained LOSS"

This is more than gorgeous poetry. It is a collection of voices who have met head on with intense pain, isolation, tragedy, and experiences that have moved their souls toward the edge.  A  lovely writer/therapist/editor from South Africa (Myra Lochner) invites these special spirits to share their awakenings in beautiful verse that transcends them to a new path toward healing. Their words are like wings flying over the precipice that once kept them in physical and emotional paralysis. You'll be changed by it. I promise!

Order requests by email:
 myrataal@mweb.co.za

Mailing Address:
Kreativ
PO Box 4404
6539
South Africa         

Within South Africa:

Kreativ
4404 GEORGE-OOS
(SA-POSBUS4404)
( SUID-AFRIKA)



Request your copy today!

Jury Duty in a Criminal Case

Recently, I was drafted to report for jury selection for a criminal trial that involved a father who was charged with child neglect, the most severe charge being a Class A felony making him responsible for physical abuse of his 4 month old daughter, whose many bruises and battery resulted in death. I was reluctant, but looked at the entire situation as not only an opportunity to proactively show my citizenship, but assume this as a divine appointment to which I could be changed in a most significant way. I am grateful to have been chosen. Now that it is behind me, this blog is more detailed on the actual input of the jury of a case rather than the narrative and case per se, so here goes.

Stepping Out Is Walking In
We were given instructions and criteria on which to base the jury's process toward the final day of deliberation, which made our job a little easier. And the fact that we had the fellowship of one another,( the required 12 jurors, as well as a 13th juror as extra witness), kept each of us from being overly burdened and always supported, even during disagreements. We were going to step out of a comfort zone and into a place where conflicts were everywhere. An entire week of interviews, listening to witnesses whose clinical studies and researches were tirelessly pointing to both the defense and prosecution polls, caused me a sickening that can't be explained. I literally felt nauseous most of the time. Starting at 8am, sometimes earlier each day, challenged my attention span, self-confidence and level of intellect.

How could I possibly contain something so 'big', and deliberate toward a fair verdict? I asked myself. But we were surrounded by so many services in every required field for establishing viable witnesses to help us along. Law enforcement, forensic scientists, medical professionals, pathologists, radiologists, clinical psychologists, and experts in child protective services, educated us on what is most necessary in delivering a verdict without emotional bias or opinion.

The Case In General ( Intense Descriptives)
The prosecution was stronger in its findings than those of the defense, but I was very impressed by the defense attorney's statements whose job must have been over the top in effort to stay honest without surrendering innocence on behalf of her client. She used sharp examples of how a person can assume what they see to be the truth to uphold doubt of the father being the perpetrater. At one point she used a FedEx label to illustrate that we can see the sign, but not a hidden 'arrow' within the text of the design, which was apparently used to advertise its focused and fast service. It took me awhile to 'see' the arrow, but the abstract illustration was used to contrast a more concrete suggestion. Clever. Without going into too much graphic detail, we had to see photographs that stung us. A baby whose several cranial lacerations and dotted bruises and broken bones was more than anyone could imagine a responsible parent could induce making its severity central focus. As a jury, we knew we had to speak on her behalf as well as other children in the future to minimize such things happening again as prompted by the law. The timelines had to be examined, which made a difference to the decision of death. For instance, what happened between the doctor's appointment where the child was considered healthy, (other than a virus with low grade fever) and the fatal 911 call from her father at around 6:30pm. that night reporting that this little girl had stopped breathing and her temperature was only 94°? The bruises and lacerations were not seen by her pediatrician earlier, so the child's blunt trauma had to have taken place within three to four hours to give time for her temperature to drop.

Questions on why the report was made at the time she stopped breathing and not sooner defused and clouded the defense. It was becoming more and more obvious that the father and mother, though they were together after the doctor's appointment, and even took time to visit with friends before finally going back to their apartment without the filled prescriptions, were both responsible for at least the neglect. The blunt force trauma, however, pointed to the father who indicated he spent the first part of the late afternoon hours alone with the baby. Although he did not testify (nor is required to), his initial statement was incriminating. He told law enforcement that he and the child's mother, alternated taking naps, leaving the baby on the couch for an undetermined amount of time. Once the 911 call was made, the father was instructed to give CPR to the baby, while the initial ambulatory and fire department came with life support to ascerbate the major efforts of reviving the child. Once arriving at the hospital around 7:30 pm, the CPR efforts allowed for the heart beat to return while also being placed on a respirator. This caused her temperature to raise to a normal range for at least the next 3 1/2 days, though her breathing never did. It was clear the child suffered brain death that began on February 5th until she was formally pronounced dead on February 9th.

How Must We Look At This?
In summation, although the attorneys, judge, and bayliff treated us with uncanny honor and respect, the long hours of sitting still and being attentive to every possible element of the trial, put our bodies and minds in a kind of mild paralysis. I was sore all over and my stomach still has not returned to normal. My family said that my demeanor has been quite serious since the trial's final verdict was delivered to the judge, and I am a little afraid I could not stand up to this much pressure again, although I can't swear to it. Should you be called for jury duty, you'll remember that not everyone is nominated, and even fewer elected. It is by law that you must at least show for the draft process, but be honest if you do not think you can give it your best. I would think you should at least try; nothing negative will happen if you do not.
Also, remember that certain cases require a specific chemistry of individuals on one type of trial, while others require a different breed so that you do not take it seriously should you not be selected. There is always a next time. I hope this has helped you in understanding the process as well as some general ideas on what faces a jury in the instance of a criminal law trial.
Photo: Example of Similar jury seating, courtesy of Seattle Weekly: http://www.google.com/imgresimgurl/

Dots that Connect To the Future- My Culinary Prophecy

    When I was only 9 years old, I created something that would follow me many years later though at the time it did not click. I made a space in our clothes closet and stacked two small empty drawers on top of a small table. It looked like a small china cabinet. Then on the small table, there was an aluminum pan that resembed a sink. I loved taking my tea set, plates, and other miniature things which I arranged on the tiny china cabinet, and pretend I was washing them. I remember that the wooden floor under me was warm due to the length of time I spent in that tiny home manufactured kitchen. Jumping forward to literature class when I was 15, we were asked to create a pseudonym that we could use to author our short stories and poems. I chose "CookieZeal". 

    The first name was reflecting a playful and childlike name. The last had to reflect how I would like to be known. I chose "Zeal", as the virtue attracted me as enthusiastic, energized, and even flambouyant. It took me an extra 40 years to realize this. Yes. When I was 55, and enjoying the artistic approach to cooking, I realized why I was inspired to choose that name. I have practiced on cooking, smoking meats and barbequing, wonderful foods that required time and study by trial and error, which fulfilled the cooking portion. 

    I also have spent more time in the kitchen than anywhere, including my study while writing, because of all the dishes I've washed. How do I pull this together as a big picture? The closet symbolized the cacoon of my future travel. Burrowing in this infantile sac, I was unknowingly rehearsing my adulthood with all the premature versions of cooking. The pen name venture was what I thought could be used for authorship, being a young writer of the 60's with little or no mentoring on how to become published by my real name. Being introduced to the internet, I thought it be just as well to cloak under that name as well. I did not want to be an imposter, but I was being precocious of my identity. The dots connect again, when in these later years, I not only am collecting social security, but my spiritual awareness is showing me that God had a pick in this whole marauding of identity.

Cruelty Begins The New Year for One Family

A family of 5-a mother, father, two natural children and one godchild, are forced to move out of the same house for the second time in the dead of freezing temperatures as we speak. The father’s mother of this family is coping with cancer and their godchild’s mother threatened to take the child away if he and his wife did not permanently keep the child. How could this happen? What else could go wrong?

The family was renting a home on the south side of town for about 2 years. The landlord sold the home so that he did not have to pay taxes on it. The new owner charged the residents with the taxes which they could not afford and which caused them to move out and choose a house in a lower quality neighborhood. He went ahead and paid the taxes, but decided that since they liked the house so much and improved the interior , he would allow them to move back in and verbally contracted them to pay for the home in partial payments to insure their ownership. Delighted to have the house again, they moved back within a few months in hopes to proceed with the buying. However, there’s been a change of mind by the landlord. He is not only reneging on his original agreement of partial payments, he increased the price of the home. The buyers were terribly upset and tried talking to the owner about their original plan and even told them they would have had to go to their church to help with the taxes if they were expected. He had the nerve to suggest that they could ask them for the money for the home as well. Huh?

A caring neighbor told the family that he thinks he knows why. Another woman down the street has expressed to buy the home right away. Shocked and confused, this hardshipped couple sought legal counsel and were advised that due to the depraved way things were being handled, to go ahead and move out.

Could a person be this covetous that he could put a hardworking family out again and really expect to sleep nights? Insult to injury, the owner is digging up old law offense records of the father( not legally relative) in order to validate his reasons. I call this a case of slander, and scrooging cruelty. What do YOU think?