Healing the Heart: Some Journey's You Have To Take Alone!!

Healing the Heart: Some Journey's You Have To Take Alone!!: When I saw this picture, it really spoke volumes to me!  It helped me to, one, realize that this is exactly what I am on in my own...



Each of us experiences sorrow and grief in our own individual way. Each of us heals at a different pace.

Eviction from old home and now Moving to my new Home

Eviction from old home and now Moving to my new Home

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to All! I'm being evicted from my apartment after 22 years. I cannot pay the rent and my cousins who were supposed to help me trashed the place. My cousins stole, damaged and broke many of my personal belongings. I'm moving from Queens to Brooklyn. They were Emotional Vampires.   I need Help moving. 

Strong men with vans & trucks. 
Some of my things are going into storage the rest to my new place. 
I also need help packing, lifting and cleaning since I have a bad back and am partially blind in my left eye. I have from November 25th to my actual move out/move in day November 30th. If you can assist me please contact me at deborah.palmer280@gmail.com Financial donations to either PayPay or Thru Western Union are also greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless. 

Two Favors 
Need two strong guys or gals who own or have access to a van and/or truck to help move my belongings from Queens to Brooklyn. Will pay movers $200 to help me lift, pick up and move my furniture and boxes. Scheduled Day to move is Friday, November 30th but I may still need help on December 1st. 

I would like to store three boxes and four bags containing my and my parents personal papers, if it is not too much trouble. Thanks. Call me at 347-8914741 between 9am and 11pm Eastern standard Time. May God Richly Bless you. 

Conquerors through Grief and Sorrow

17 Jun

Conquerors through Grief and Sorrow

“Funerals are for the living.” That’s what my father Edward G. Palmer used to tell me.

Ecclesiastes 9:5

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even their name is forgotten.

Prayers, incense, the pouring of libation, the lighting of candles, wakes, viewings, observation of anywhere between seven and forty days are just a few of the rituals associated with mourning the death of a loved one. The songs sung and the music played at the funeral, viewing or wakes are all designed for families, friends and loved ones of the deceased. Even side shows, videos, photo displays are arranged to present fond memories of the one or ones who have passed away. We remember a life well lived.  The deceased has gone from labor to reward.
When someone close to us passes away we not only celebrate their life but we are faced with our own mortality. Numerous questions arise “Am I living my life to the fullest?”  “What will be my legacy once I leave this earth?” “Will I ever realize my deepest heartfelt desires, wishes and goals in this life?” “How can I get to the place I want to be in the short time available to us?”

Black Unicorn moving towards the Rainbow

Our Earthly Time Span Question
Many of us try to establish patterns in our lives all in an effort to make it seem like we have control over adverse circumstances. Sometimes this involves lying to ourselves and others hiding our true feelings because nobody likes a sour puss. We’ve been taught to operate with a stiff upper lip, think positive and remain stoic in the face of adversity. However the inner collapse has already happened. Try as we might to stifle the surging volcano of frustration and discouragement sooner or later the top will blow. If not directed towards someone else suppressed anger manifests itself externally through headaches, stomach aches, forgetfulness, and joint pain, physical and/or mental exhaustion.  Frustration without resolution leads to discouragement.  These symptoms of a greater problem cause our souls and spirits to die small deaths each day. The cause is suppressed anger. A mismatch of expectations between what we want and what actually is. Once burnt twice shy, we are hesitant in putting ourselves in a place of vulnerability. Adversity causes us to be reborn as skeptics, a legion of Doubting Thomases/Thomasinas hemmed in by emotional barbed wire. We are misfits out of context with our perceived natural environment. Destinies aborted.
Everyone is assigned a ministry in this life. That is that something special that we are specifically anointed to do that no one else can perform because the position is uniquely designed for us. Not necessarily a calling to the collar but a mission and a purpose especially designed for us. When we fail to operate in that office we feel a tugging, a pulling apart within our spirits until we function within our calling.
Walking Dichotomies
Some of us seek to exchange our current stifling identifies for one provides the realization of an unattainable lifestyle.  Perhaps this explains the popularity of Superheroes in our culture.  Most Superheroes start off as ordinary people who through some serendipitous and unforeseen circumstance, happening or even accident are transformed into beings that not only have powers that enhance their lives and the ability to positively affect the lives of those around them.  In reality these super powers often have unanticipated consequences that change the lives of these Superheroes both positively and negatively.
Or we live vicariously through our children. Their lives are just beginning ours are either in the middle or at the end. Children represent a fresh start whereas middle and old age often find us cynical and jaded worn down by the realities of daily living. Will the purity and innocence of the young redeem those seeking another chance to capture the brass ring? Highly unlikely. We can no more embody their hopes, dreams and goals anymore than they can ours. Let us not make the mistake of forcing our lost vocations cut off midstream upon the young people in our lives.
Often we spend our lives trying to be someone else or attempting to meet the expectations of family and society. We strive to become the “other” all the while failing to live in the here and now.
Life is like marriage. We take this life for better or for worse, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health.  Like the Psalmist King David we feel that void of emptiness deep within our souls despite the outward appearance of privilege and comfort.

Psalm 42:5

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

But as our Biblical counterparts Ruth, Esther, Judith, DeBorah and Mary we press on through the challenges, the defeats, the sorrows and the pain to see God’s promise revealed and manifested to us and others. We may suffer defeat in battle but we have won the war. We stand as warriors bruised yet conquerors.

Donations to this Ministry for the Housing Fund can be made in U.S. Funds via money order or bank checks made payable to Rochdale Village Inc. 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434, Account No. 083-11G-16924.  Donations can also be made via Paypal using my email: deborah.palmer280@gmail.com.

Thank you and God Bless.

Quest for Wheatgrass -- A Journey to Wellness

Saturday June 16, 2012

Undaunted and still a seeker for better health I went on a pilgrimage back to my old neighborhood, St. Albans, Queens, NY.  Quest for Wheatgrass juice successful. Mission accomplished at Vital Health Foods, 196-14 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, NY 11412, Phone: 718-525-0992. Open Monday – Thursday from 9:30am to 7:00pm, Friday – Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm.If you live in Southeast Queens Please patronize this wonderful health food store. Let’s support Black owned businesses that are creating a healthy environment for our people. Boycott the fast food restaurants and buy good healthy food from Vital Health Foods! Yes it may be a little pricey, a might expensive but the cost of poor health and sickness is even more expensive and debilitating. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Now Wheatgrass does have a unique taste however the gentleman at Vital asked me if I wanted ginger and garlic added to my 2 ounces (the little plastic cup is about the same size as the ones on Pepto Bismal & we know that tastes gross), I said Yes. It definitely added a punch & a kick taste wise but you just gulp it down in one shot and keep strutting. I’ve also found eating Activia yogurts to be helpful but the juice is the best solution yet. Wheat -grass is an interesting fusion of flavors. Making small gradual changes helps to ease the transition.  I have entered the Kingdom of Wellness.

Healthy whole Foods

I have a proposal to combat poor health habits within the Black Community. Since there is a church located on every other block and we all know the Black church is a bastion of fried chicken dinners and other unhealthy foods why not each church have a small section devoted to being a health food store outlet. The same way churches give away foods during the week they could set up small juice bars/raw food eating establishments that would promote healthy eating.

Quest for Wheatgrass -- A Journey to Wellness

Saturday June 16, 2012

Undaunted and still a seeker for better health I went on a pilgrimage back to my old neighborhood, St. Albans, Queens, NY.  Quest for Wheatgrass juice successful. Mission accomplished at Vital Health Foods, 196-14 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, NY 11412, Phone: 718-525-0992. Open Monday – Thursday from 9:30am to 7:00pm, Friday – Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm. 
If you live in Southeast Queens Please patronize this wonderful health food store. Let’s support Black owned businesses that are creating a healthy environment for our people. Boycott the fast food restaurants and buy good healthy food from Vital Health Foods! Yes it may be a little pricey, a might expensive but the cost of poor health and sickness is even more expensive and debilitating. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Now Wheatgrass does have a unique taste however the gentleman at Vital asked me if I wanted ginger and garlic added to my 2 ounces (the little plastic cup is about the same size as the ones on Pepto Bismal & we know that tastes gross), I said Yes. It definitely added a punch & a kick taste wise but you just gulp it down in one shot and keep strutting. I’ve also found eating Activia yogurts to be helpful but the juice is the best solution yet. Wheat -grass is an interesting fusion of flavors. Making small gradual changes helps to ease the transition.  I have entered the Kingdom of Wellness.

Healthy whole Foods

I have a proposal to combat poor health habits within the Black Community. Since there is a church located on every other block and we all know the Black church is a bastion of fried chicken dinners and other unhealthy foods why not each church have a small section devoted to being a health food store outlet. The same way churches give away foods during the week they could set up small juice bars/raw food eating establishments that would promote healthy eating.

Given that African Americans, Black Women in particular spend lots of money on our hair and nails we must make an equal investment in our inner physical persons. We can shut down McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, KFC, Popeye’s and other greasy fried food joints by not going there. Refuse to buy from those artery clogging places.  Black neighborhoods are a plethora of junk food restaurants. The alternative for eating at these heart attack/stroke establishments is winding up with the two most prosperous Funeral Homes: Roy Gilmores  or J. Foster Phillips.

On November 7, 2008 I was rushed to the hospital from my job with extreme high blood pressure. Both numbers were nearly 200. The nurse at that time at my workplace had no idea how I was still standing much less being alive. Thanks to speedy treat at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital I'm here today but not without problems resulting from the hypertension. In January 2010 I had retina surgery on my left eye to restore some of my vision. At that time I was almost completely blind in my left eye. I could only see light and dark. I could not make out anybody's facial features nor could I see anything approaching from my left side. Since the operation I can see out of my left eye but in terms of reading that ability is gone. I'm more or less legally blind in that eye. Sometimes I feel sad about not being able to read using that eye but at least I still have my right eye. Ignoring high blood pressure and eating the wrong foods brings consequences. I've since not only given up dairy products but red meat and most caffeinated drinks. I'm a soy milk, juice & green tea drinking woman now.

Organic Products -- Food for Life

Yes like any other woman I get my hair and nails done but once my digestive and other health problems got in the way of going out with friends and enjoying life I had to take action. That carrot juice/apple juice combination did wonders! I was able to attend a concert yesterday evening and enjoy a great meal at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with my buddies. No stomach pains! Was able to enjoy the music and the meal knowing my stomach was a peace. I know that returning to my Wheatgrass regime will also yield many good health benefits. I’m a Happy Camper!

 Friday June 15, 2012

Health is Wealth!! Progress is being made in the tummy trouble area. As some many know I suffered from food poisoning back in January. I've battled stomach ailments since my recover in April, but I'm winning! I’m beginning to feel better. Less and less indigestion. These videos you posted so inspired me that I went on my own little local health quest journey:

“Quest for Wellness” Hope Rae Dawn Chong will pardon the pun. Today is my normal day off and as usual I enjoy taking a little walk before I start my day. Motivated by the young gentleman in Video #2 I said perhaps there is a Health Food store selling wheat grass juice along a short stretch of Merrick Blvd. Those of you who hail from Southeast Queens aka Jamaica know the neighborhood. I only walked a short distance along Merrick Blvd and within about 7 or 8 blocks I past the following:

Dunkin Donuts, several dirty fried chicken restaurants, BBQ Pitt, a diner, a Subway restaurant, Bagel Factory, Jerk Hut, many liquor stores and numerous ads for “Mickey D’s”. Finally tiring of the heat and with no desire to walk into Nassau County I hopped on the bus in the opposite direction bound for downtown Jamaica. Hoping to secure secure the wheat-grass prize I went to the Jamaica Farmers Market. Yes they do have a Juice store within but they mostly sell shakes that include milk which I cannot drink or carrot juice with an addition of another type of juice. I decided upon Carrot Juice mixed with Apple Juice. It was good. For lunch I did have some Chicken Teriyaki. A Girl has to keep her strength up!

Heart Healthy Foods

Queen Afua on Precise TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMNowHdbbWo&feature=colike



Given that African Americans, Black Women in particular spend lots of money on our hair and nails we must make an equal investment in our inner physical persons. We can shut down McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, KFC, Popeye’s and other greasy fried food joints by not going there. Refuse to buy from those artery clogging places.  Black neighborhoods are a plethora of junk food restaurants. The alternative for eating at these heart attack/stroke establishments is winding up with the two most prosperous Funeral Homes: Roy Gilmores  or J. Foster Phillips.

On November 7, 2008 I was rushed to the hospital from my job with extreme high blood pressure. Both numbers were nearly 200. The nurse at that time at my workplace had no idea how I was still standing much less being alive. Thanks to speedy treat at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital I'm here today but not without problems resulting from the hypertension. In January 2010 I had retina surgery on my left eye to restore some of my vision. At that time I was almost completely blind in my left eye. I could only see light and dark. I could not make out anybody's facial features nor could I see anything approaching from my left side. Since the operation I can see out of my left eye but in terms of reading that ability is gone. I'm more or less legally blind in that eye. Sometimes I feel sad about not being able to read using that eye but at least I still have my right eye. Ignoring high blood pressure and eating the wrong foods brings consequences. I've since not only given up dairy products but red meat and most caffeinated drinks. I'm a soy milk, juice & green tea drinking woman now.

Organic Products -- Food for Life

Yes like any other woman I get my hair and nails done but once my digestive and other health problems got in the way of going out with friends and enjoying life I had to take action. That carrot juice/apple juice combination did wonders! I was able to attend a concert yesterday evening and enjoy a great meal at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with my buddies. No stomach pains! Was able to enjoy the music and the meal knowing my stomach was a peace. I know that returning to my Wheatgrass regime will also yield many good health benefits. I’m a Happy Camper!

Friday June 15, 2012

Health is Wealth!! Progress is being made in the tummy trouble area. As some many know I suffered from food poisoning back in January. I've battled stomach ailments since my recover in April, but I'm winning! I’m beginning to feel better. Less and less indigestion. These videos you posted so inspired me that I went on my own little local health quest journey:

“Quest for Wellness” Hope Rae Dawn Chong will pardon the pun. Today is my normal day off and as usual I enjoy taking a little walk before I start my day. Motivated by the young gentleman in Video #2 I said perhaps there is a Health Food store selling wheat grass juice along a short stretch of Merrick Blvd. Those of you who hail from Southeast Queens aka Jamaica know the neighborhood. I only walked a short distance along Merrick Blvd and within about 7 or 8 blocks I past the following:

Dunkin Donuts, several dirty fried chicken restaurants, BBQ Pitt, a diner, a Subway restaurant, Bagel Factory, Jerk Hut, many liquor stores and numerous ads for “Mickey D’s”. Finally tiring of the heat and with no desire to walk into Nassau County I hopped on the bus in the opposite direction bound for downtown Jamaica. Hoping to secure secure the wheat-grass prize I went to the Jamaica Farmers Market. Yes they do have a Juice store within but they mostly sell shakes that include milk which I cannot drink or carrot juice with an addition of another type of juice. I decided upon Carrot Juice mixed with Apple Juice. It was good. For lunch I did have some Chicken Teriyaki. A Girl has to keep her strength up!

Heart Healthy Foods

While there is still time: On Self-Respect

While there is still time: On Self-Respect

Points to Ponder — Images of Women

Life is one giant learning experience. I chalk up the misplaced words of bitter jealous insecure women as signs of immaturity and deal with them on that level. Would I fight over a man? No. Why. Because Honey there ain’t that much “love” in the world and I’m saving that love for the happy trio of me, myself and I.
Unfortunately we as women live in a society that pits us against each other. Something like a female “Hunger Games”. Women are made to feel that they are in competition with each other over the few crumbs of favor, perks or success some man in authority and power may throw our way. Not so. Yes we do live in a male dominated society but women must band together and make their own opportunities but not at the expense of our images.

This is what I hate most about shows like, Love and Hip-Hop, Basketball Wives, Housewives of (fill in the blank), Mob Wives, etc… These women who’ve only had a semblance of “success” through a rich husband or father throw themselves into the TV Roman arena, then commence to claw, rip and shred each other apart. The first two shows I mentioned make well-to-do Black Women or rather Black Women in general look like gold digging sluts. Unfortunately this is what our young Black women model themselves after. How long are we going to going to be dazzled by this bullshit?

The mindset of these negative TV shows is so pervasive that it’s even seeping to the psyche of older women. That makes for the older women vs. the younger women slugfests. Women of a certain age feel they have to slice, dice, ice, pull up, straighten out, fly, dye and pull to the side various parts of their anatomy in hopes that an admiring man preferably wealthy will look their way. As a 50+ Black Woman I refuse to allow male dominant culture to marginalize or put me out to pasture.

More than likely the war between age and youth has always been in place but the advent of technology escalates the situation to a whole new level.

With the dawn of cable TV, the Internet and social media the heat is on women who feel they’re past their prime to belly up to the bimbo bar. All of sudden superficiality has replaced substance. Hair, nails and make-up have become more important than morals, values, academic knowledge or intellectually bearing. Don’t get me wrong I too color my hair and get my nails done but my reason behind these beauty treatments are they please me. The pampering makes me feel good as a woman and naturally I want to look good. However anyone who knows me well also knows I’m not the type of woman to dumb myself down for a man. I come from a place of intellect, intelligence and knowledge. I believe my sexiness is internal manifesting itself in the external. Yes I can look great in a mini-skirt, dress or shorts but I can also hold an intelligent conversation on a range of topics from literature, history and sociology. This brings me to my next point.
Where are the TV shows that balance these horrible images out? Where are our Black Women writers, scientists, researchers, anthropologists, astronauts, historians…..? Mae Jemison, Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, Zora Neale Hurston, Fanny Lou Hamer, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

Shameful Silence. How much do you Ladies want to bet that the cast of Basketball Wives has no knowledge of these great Black Women? On the other hand would they want to?