December 23, 2007
December 20, 2007
What Soothes Your Soul?
A really good friend of mine called me because she had come to the end of a surprisingly dreadful day and she needed to talk. Butter Bean, as she is affectionately called by some of her friends, was more upset than I had ever known her to be. She was not the type to be rattled easily, so I listened intently to her recount of the day's events leading up to her despair.
The next day, I called her just to check on her mood. I was hoping that a good night's rest had lulled her back into the calm place I was so used to finding her. As soon as she answered the phone, I knew that I had hoped in vain. This time, I decided that I would be the force that would lift the burdens that had recently attached themselves to her shoulders. So, after listening to her for about fifteen minutes, I began making silly jokes. She didn't laugh. I allowed her to talk and pout and sigh. In the spaces between the talking, pouting, and sighing, I threw in a downright stupid comment and a nervous giggle. I had every right to be nervous because she still didn't laugh. The Butter Bean I knew had been chased into a hole and she wasn't coming out.
By day three, I was not looking forward to calling her because I just did not know what to say. Sometimes just listening works but I instinctively knew that this was not one of those times. No way! Butter Bean needed a jolt to shock her back into her usual jovial self. Undaunted by the fact that I had no clue as to what would accomplish that, I dialed her number. As the phone started ringing, a silly little ditty suddenly formed in my mind. When she answered, I broke into song.
Butter Bean, Butter Bean! Why do you have to be so mean?
Butter Bean, Butter Bean! Why do you have to be so mean?
You know that man was just looking out...
But you had to scream and shout.
Butter Bean, Butter Bbean! Don't cha be so mean!
Whoa, Butter Bean! Don't be so mean!
She was really quiet the whole minute that it took me to get that out so I thought that I had failed again. But as my voice trailed off, I heard a familiar sound. It was a chuckle. I had done it! Butter Bean was laughing! She said, "You'd better write that one down." We shared a few more laughs that evening. She reminded me to write the silly ditty down one more time before we hung up. Butter Bean knew that if I didn't, I'd forget it. I still forgot, but the lines above are what I can remember.
It really didn't matter what I sang. The point is that music was the one thing that soothed her soul. I should have known that since it has always been the thing to make me feel better no matter what had put me in a foul mood. The genre doesn't matter and I could care less who's singing it as long as I like it. Let me make it clear that I am a terminally devoted Patti LaBelle fan but I listen to a wide variety of others. So far, no one has come up with a song that I like to blast when I'm in a bad mood better than "Victory" by Yolanda Adams. After all, one can't go wrong when you have "the victory in Jesus."
What soothes your soul when life has unexpectedly dealt you a difficult hand to play? Maybe it's a day at a spa, a long walk, getting lost in a good book, a long soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine or a drive along a scenic route. Whatever it is, as long as it works for you without adding to your problems and it is not detrimental to your health, indulge yourself! I'm pretty sure that it will always be music that does it for me.
Be blessed!
The next day, I called her just to check on her mood. I was hoping that a good night's rest had lulled her back into the calm place I was so used to finding her. As soon as she answered the phone, I knew that I had hoped in vain. This time, I decided that I would be the force that would lift the burdens that had recently attached themselves to her shoulders. So, after listening to her for about fifteen minutes, I began making silly jokes. She didn't laugh. I allowed her to talk and pout and sigh. In the spaces between the talking, pouting, and sighing, I threw in a downright stupid comment and a nervous giggle. I had every right to be nervous because she still didn't laugh. The Butter Bean I knew had been chased into a hole and she wasn't coming out.
By day three, I was not looking forward to calling her because I just did not know what to say. Sometimes just listening works but I instinctively knew that this was not one of those times. No way! Butter Bean needed a jolt to shock her back into her usual jovial self. Undaunted by the fact that I had no clue as to what would accomplish that, I dialed her number. As the phone started ringing, a silly little ditty suddenly formed in my mind. When she answered, I broke into song.
Butter Bean, Butter Bean! Why do you have to be so mean?
Butter Bean, Butter Bean! Why do you have to be so mean?
You know that man was just looking out...
But you had to scream and shout.
Butter Bean, Butter Bbean! Don't cha be so mean!
Whoa, Butter Bean! Don't be so mean!
She was really quiet the whole minute that it took me to get that out so I thought that I had failed again. But as my voice trailed off, I heard a familiar sound. It was a chuckle. I had done it! Butter Bean was laughing! She said, "You'd better write that one down." We shared a few more laughs that evening. She reminded me to write the silly ditty down one more time before we hung up. Butter Bean knew that if I didn't, I'd forget it. I still forgot, but the lines above are what I can remember.
It really didn't matter what I sang. The point is that music was the one thing that soothed her soul. I should have known that since it has always been the thing to make me feel better no matter what had put me in a foul mood. The genre doesn't matter and I could care less who's singing it as long as I like it. Let me make it clear that I am a terminally devoted Patti LaBelle fan but I listen to a wide variety of others. So far, no one has come up with a song that I like to blast when I'm in a bad mood better than "Victory" by Yolanda Adams. After all, one can't go wrong when you have "the victory in Jesus."
What soothes your soul when life has unexpectedly dealt you a difficult hand to play? Maybe it's a day at a spa, a long walk, getting lost in a good book, a long soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine or a drive along a scenic route. Whatever it is, as long as it works for you without adding to your problems and it is not detrimental to your health, indulge yourself! I'm pretty sure that it will always be music that does it for me.
Be blessed!
December 19, 2007
Clash of the Choirs -- Kelly's Choir Cut
Say it ain't so! Singer Kelly Rowland (of Destiny's Child fame)and her choir were the first to get cut from the competition tonight on NBC's Clash of the Choirs. Kelly is a very talented singer and actress. Although her choir sang better than Michael Bolton's choir (no offense, all the choirs did really well), it claimed the fewest votes. Rowland, who hails from Houston, Texas, will get to sing with her choir tomorrow night. The competition is actually a fundraiser for charity that will benefit an organization in the winning celebrity choir director's hometown.
In addition to Bolton and Rowland, Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, and Blake Shelton are also bringing out the best in amatuer singers from their hometowns. One of the remaining four will come to the end of the road tomorrow night. So, stay tunned.
As a serious Patti LaBelle fan, I knew that I would be watching the competition and voting for Ms. Patti, a Diva in the best possible sense of the word. Like one of her choir members, I also dream of singing with Patti one day. She does an a capella rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" for the soundtrack of the Kyra Sedgewick and Kevin Bacon movie, The Woodsman. If you haven't heard it, you are definitely missing a great performance. Her voice is astoundingly crisp and gripping. And if you're a parent, you should see the movie. If pedophilia never frightened you before, it will! Here's a link for the trailer: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361127/trailers-screenplay-E23472-314
Rowland fans can listen to her latest single, Day Light by clicking here:
http://www.nbc.com/Clash_of_the_Choirs/video/#mea=193375
I also like Kelly's "Train On A Track" on Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes' Maid in Manhattan movie soundtrack. Here's a link to the video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiVPrwlzEL8
In addition to Bolton and Rowland, Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, and Blake Shelton are also bringing out the best in amatuer singers from their hometowns. One of the remaining four will come to the end of the road tomorrow night. So, stay tunned.
As a serious Patti LaBelle fan, I knew that I would be watching the competition and voting for Ms. Patti, a Diva in the best possible sense of the word. Like one of her choir members, I also dream of singing with Patti one day. She does an a capella rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" for the soundtrack of the Kyra Sedgewick and Kevin Bacon movie, The Woodsman. If you haven't heard it, you are definitely missing a great performance. Her voice is astoundingly crisp and gripping. And if you're a parent, you should see the movie. If pedophilia never frightened you before, it will! Here's a link for the trailer: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361127/trailers-screenplay-E23472-314
Rowland fans can listen to her latest single, Day Light by clicking here:
http://www.nbc.com/Clash_of_the_Choirs/video/#mea=193375
I also like Kelly's "Train On A Track" on Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes' Maid in Manhattan movie soundtrack. Here's a link to the video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiVPrwlzEL8
It's Cold Outside!
The summer weather has left South Carolina. Baby, it's cold outside! We woke up to a low 23 degrees and frost. Of course, this is still a heatwave compared to the Midwest and other areas. Now it feels more like it should -- winter! The snuggle factor is at least an 8! It's time to get out the extra blankets and hot chocolate.
December 18, 2007
Clinton Comes to Town!
Although it never rains on Suni Daez, the clouds can really put a damper on things. Illness prevented me from doing some important things this past weekend. That in turn has caused me to miss the appearance of the rock star of former Presidents, Bill Clinton.
Some people think that Hilary Clinton is making a mistake having him campaign for her. I think that having a rock star former President in her corner is a great asset. Use the hell out of that, Hilary! This country has gone to hell in a Republican handbasket. Hilary can put the brakes on it and turn it around. I only wish that I had been able to make it to any of President Clinton's appearances on his wife's behalf in South Carolina today. I would be hoarse by now because I would have been screaming louder than everyone else in support of the campaign that is Hilary.
However, I came across this hilarious video on YouTube that is just too funny not to share even if you are in favor of Hilary or Barack.
Some people think that Hilary Clinton is making a mistake having him campaign for her. I think that having a rock star former President in her corner is a great asset. Use the hell out of that, Hilary! This country has gone to hell in a Republican handbasket. Hilary can put the brakes on it and turn it around. I only wish that I had been able to make it to any of President Clinton's appearances on his wife's behalf in South Carolina today. I would be hoarse by now because I would have been screaming louder than everyone else in support of the campaign that is Hilary.
However, I came across this hilarious video on YouTube that is just too funny not to share even if you are in favor of Hilary or Barack.
December 15, 2007
Shameless Plug
Hey comedy lovers! This book will have you in stitches.
I'm talking FUNNY!!! It also contains poetry like the much loved Chocolate, Relationships, and I want-I want.
Give the gift of laughter and make someone's day!
Available from the author's website, www.sunidaepublications.com,
A Christmas Poem
A Costly Christmas
The coming of Jesus was a miraculous event, indeed
His birth signified God’s willingness to help those of us in need
So His son, Jesus, was sent to earth to purge our sin
And perhaps the heart of man to dwell within
He worked to save all people...without regard to age, gender or race
He was rejected, betrayed, and then crucified in deplorable disgrace
Jesus endured great pain and suffering giving His life as the ultimate cost
He unselfishly sacrificed everything to save the souls of the lost
Christ was nailed to a cross with a wreath of thorns around his head
By the ninth hour, the glorious son of God, humanity’s savior, was dead
His body was placed in a tomb but He didn’t stay there long
The enemies who thought they were rid of Him soon found that they were wrong
Jesus Christ defied death... breaking free to live once more
Securing for all who choose it, eternal life and paving a path to heaven’s door
He sits to the right of Almighty God forever; yes, even today
Asking for mercy on our behalf when we cry for help, when we pray
So whatever we ask of God in the name of Jesus, He will faithfully give
If we obey Him and love, respect and care for each other in the way we live
Now there are those who think the incredible story of Jesus can’t possibly be true
Christians who have experienced God’s awesome power, merciful and divine
intervention know what He can do
So Jesus’ birth, His life as a miracle worker, His crucifixion, and
His rise unto heaven should no longer be puzzling to you
And Christmas should mean more than decorations, feasts and gifts.
It should celebrate the cost of Jesus’ life, too.
Sunida E.York © 2005 - 2007 All Rights Reserved
Note: Space restrictions impede proper formatting.
The coming of Jesus was a miraculous event, indeed
His birth signified God’s willingness to help those of us in need
So His son, Jesus, was sent to earth to purge our sin
And perhaps the heart of man to dwell within
He worked to save all people...without regard to age, gender or race
He was rejected, betrayed, and then crucified in deplorable disgrace
Jesus endured great pain and suffering giving His life as the ultimate cost
He unselfishly sacrificed everything to save the souls of the lost
Christ was nailed to a cross with a wreath of thorns around his head
By the ninth hour, the glorious son of God, humanity’s savior, was dead
His body was placed in a tomb but He didn’t stay there long
The enemies who thought they were rid of Him soon found that they were wrong
Jesus Christ defied death... breaking free to live once more
Securing for all who choose it, eternal life and paving a path to heaven’s door
He sits to the right of Almighty God forever; yes, even today
Asking for mercy on our behalf when we cry for help, when we pray
So whatever we ask of God in the name of Jesus, He will faithfully give
If we obey Him and love, respect and care for each other in the way we live
Now there are those who think the incredible story of Jesus can’t possibly be true
Christians who have experienced God’s awesome power, merciful and divine
intervention know what He can do
So Jesus’ birth, His life as a miracle worker, His crucifixion, and
His rise unto heaven should no longer be puzzling to you
And Christmas should mean more than decorations, feasts and gifts.
It should celebrate the cost of Jesus’ life, too.
Sunida E.York © 2005 - 2007 All Rights Reserved
Note: Space restrictions impede proper formatting.
Angels... They Do Exist!
The other day while traveling to another town, I was suddenly lost. For those who know me, it is understood that this is not at all unusual as I have a terrible sense of direction. In addition, I am a reluctant driver, which translates to "I hate driving!" I'm a decent driver but I just don't relish the task. And unfortunately, I am not the proud owner of a GPS system, yet. I became lost because that particular day, a tanker had overturned on the interstate, forcing state troopers to send traffic on an alternate route.
This was only my second trip to the pediatric gastroenterologist's office some three hours away from my home. I had mapped out my route on MapQuest.com and had no reason to fear losing my way. That was until I came upon flashing lights everywhere and officers with orange flashlights waving me to the exit to the right. I did what I normally do... I panicked!
At the traffic signal, I decided to turn left. There was a gas station immediately to the right, so I pulled in with the notion of going in to ask for directions to a portion of the interstate that would be past the point where I was forced to exit. I saw a man who had just finished pumping gas. So, I decided to ask him for directions. Once I told him what happened and what I was trying to do, he said, "Sure! Piece of cake! As a matter of fact, I'm going that way. You can just follow me." I thanked him and did just that. Can you hear that? I'm still sighing with relief.
He was right. It was a piece of cake. All I needed to do was turn around and head in the opposite direction where there was another entrance to the interstate. I had no clue it was that easy! My son and I were back on track and I was at ease.
I've always known that angels exist. That gentleman's kindness only served to solidify that fact. He was my angel that day. You probably think that I'm overreacting. Perhaps, but all that matters is that I don't. Getting help from a stranger with a good heart and no ill will these days is almost a miracle. So, to all the good people out there who don't mind helping someone, even a stranger, thank you!
If you've encountered an angel recently, feel free to share your story. Additionally, if you own a GPS, please give the name and pros and cons of your system (TomTom, Magellan, Garmin). Those of us trying to figure out which system is the best would love to have your opinion. www.CNET.com might be of interest to anyone looking for reviews and ratings on various GPS brands.
This was only my second trip to the pediatric gastroenterologist's office some three hours away from my home. I had mapped out my route on MapQuest.com and had no reason to fear losing my way. That was until I came upon flashing lights everywhere and officers with orange flashlights waving me to the exit to the right. I did what I normally do... I panicked!
At the traffic signal, I decided to turn left. There was a gas station immediately to the right, so I pulled in with the notion of going in to ask for directions to a portion of the interstate that would be past the point where I was forced to exit. I saw a man who had just finished pumping gas. So, I decided to ask him for directions. Once I told him what happened and what I was trying to do, he said, "Sure! Piece of cake! As a matter of fact, I'm going that way. You can just follow me." I thanked him and did just that. Can you hear that? I'm still sighing with relief.
He was right. It was a piece of cake. All I needed to do was turn around and head in the opposite direction where there was another entrance to the interstate. I had no clue it was that easy! My son and I were back on track and I was at ease.
I've always known that angels exist. That gentleman's kindness only served to solidify that fact. He was my angel that day. You probably think that I'm overreacting. Perhaps, but all that matters is that I don't. Getting help from a stranger with a good heart and no ill will these days is almost a miracle. So, to all the good people out there who don't mind helping someone, even a stranger, thank you!
If you've encountered an angel recently, feel free to share your story. Additionally, if you own a GPS, please give the name and pros and cons of your system (TomTom, Magellan, Garmin). Those of us trying to figure out which system is the best would love to have your opinion. www.CNET.com might be of interest to anyone looking for reviews and ratings on various GPS brands.
Who's Watching Your Child?
Who's Watching Your Child?
Often, single parents leave their young children in the care of the person they are currently dating when they need to go to work, run errands and such. Thankfully, most of the time, the parent returns home to a child who has been well cared for in the parent's absence. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the parent is left heartbroken and confused as to why the person entrusted with his or her child's care became abusive and injured or killed the child.
One such case is that of little Christiana Gallishaw of Columbia, SC. The beautiful two-year-old was severely beaten by her mother's live-in boyfriend on December 12, 2007. Daniel McAlister reportedly brought Christiana to a Columbia hospital saying that she had hit her head on a table. However, doctors immediately realized that the child had been beaten and possibly kicked in the head. McAlister left the hospital before police arrived and his whereabouts are currently unknown. As details emerge about the man an unsuspecting mother thought she could count on to take care of her daughter while she worked, it has been learned that McAlister has a criminal history that includes weapons and marijuana charges.
During what should be a festive, happy time, Christiana's parents, Cierra Gallishaw and Chris Anderson, and other family and friends are mourning her senseless and undeserved death.
For additional articles, video footage and pictures, click here. http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7494866
Often, single parents leave their young children in the care of the person they are currently dating when they need to go to work, run errands and such. Thankfully, most of the time, the parent returns home to a child who has been well cared for in the parent's absence. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the parent is left heartbroken and confused as to why the person entrusted with his or her child's care became abusive and injured or killed the child.
One such case is that of little Christiana Gallishaw of Columbia, SC. The beautiful two-year-old was severely beaten by her mother's live-in boyfriend on December 12, 2007. Daniel McAlister reportedly brought Christiana to a Columbia hospital saying that she had hit her head on a table. However, doctors immediately realized that the child had been beaten and possibly kicked in the head. McAlister left the hospital before police arrived and his whereabouts are currently unknown. As details emerge about the man an unsuspecting mother thought she could count on to take care of her daughter while she worked, it has been learned that McAlister has a criminal history that includes weapons and marijuana charges.
During what should be a festive, happy time, Christiana's parents, Cierra Gallishaw and Chris Anderson, and other family and friends are mourning her senseless and undeserved death.
For additional articles, video footage and pictures, click here. http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7494866
December 14, 2007
It Never Rains On Suni Daez
Kick off your shoes
Stick your toes in the sand
If you’ve got the blues
Or need someone to hold your hand
Suni Daez is here to help one and all
Pen something to put a smile on your face
Uplift you when you’ve had an emotional fall
You’ll be glad you found this Suni place!
Is a problem weighing heavy on your mind?
Some issue you’d like to talk about?
Maybe there’s a solution we’ll find
As we calmly and respectfully work it out
Nobody makes it in this world alone, not even you
Perhaps that’s why you ended up here at Suni Daez
Where the sun is shining and the sky is blue
Where hope and inspiration are offered, your spirits to raise
Sunida E. York ©2007 All Rights Reserved
Kick off your shoes
Stick your toes in the sand
If you’ve got the blues
Or need someone to hold your hand
Suni Daez is here to help one and all
Pen something to put a smile on your face
Uplift you when you’ve had an emotional fall
You’ll be glad you found this Suni place!
Is a problem weighing heavy on your mind?
Some issue you’d like to talk about?
Maybe there’s a solution we’ll find
As we calmly and respectfully work it out
Nobody makes it in this world alone, not even you
Perhaps that’s why you ended up here at Suni Daez
Where the sun is shining and the sky is blue
Where hope and inspiration are offered, your spirits to raise
Sunida E. York ©2007 All Rights Reserved
Christmas Humor
Christmas Blues
Oh, Christmas! Hurry and come. Then hurry and go!
Eighty degree weather down south… we wanted a little snow
A miracle! My face dampened by a large snowflake
No, no. It’s just a bird dropping. My mistake
A fashion model singing a line of “Santa, Baby”???
Please, Santa, slip voice lessons under her tree
Heading to the office party but not because I want to
The boss gave me a special invitation… “If I have to be there, so do you!”
Drank so much eggnog, I could just hurl
It must have been spiked… that cute guy turned out to be a girl
Yikes! A Grinch look-a-like tried to kiss me under the mistletoe
Hold up, wait! Hey, that’s my boss! Ho, ho, hell no!
No need to make a list ‘cause I never get my wish
Last year I asked for a diamond. All I got was a gold fish
The year before that, all I wanted was a new car
Santa left a certificate for my very own registered star
Oh, Christmas! I’m beggin’… hurry and come. Then hurry and go!
Too many stores and sidewalk Santas trying to separate me from my dough
Maybe I’ll make a new list. This time Santa might actually care…
I had a mishap with a curling iron, Santa dear. Please bring me some hair!
Sunida E. York ©2007 All Rights Reserved
December 13, 2007
In The Holiday Spirit
The Christmas holidays are well underway. Are you in the spirit? If not, what are you doing to get yourself there? Some of the things that are on my To Do list each year include listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies and television shows. I also like to see all of the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights that are on display.
Whether it's the holiday shopping, the eggnog with a hint of alcohol, the fattening meals, various Christmas parties, snow, or visiting family and friends, I hope you find the mojo that gets you into the holiday spirit. Happy holidays!!
Whether it's the holiday shopping, the eggnog with a hint of alcohol, the fattening meals, various Christmas parties, snow, or visiting family and friends, I hope you find the mojo that gets you into the holiday spirit. Happy holidays!!
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