I never gave it much thought until now. Someone told me that Tia means “aunt” in Spanish. Okay but not that enticing so I looked it up or rather I googled it. I’m known as the Google Queen and it did bring up some interesting meanings.
I found out that Tia is a girl’s name of Arabic origin and it means “happiness,” “joy,” or “princess.” Tia also means “goddess” or “divine” and it is a very versatile name that can be used in a variety of contexts.
Do I want to know those different contexts? Not really. Let sleeping dogs lie, I say and we’ll leave it at that.
Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
The 47th President, Donald John Trump was sworn in with pomp and circumstance and the celebrations still continue as Americans celebrate, well some are while others look on with mistrust and even horror at a new era of who knows what. Coming back to the inauguration, it was a peaceful transfer of power and it was for all purposes democracy in action as it should be. Remember what happened 4 years ago when Trump lost and the instigated attack that ensued on the Capitol? This time around there was none of that and you know why.
The new president has promised, “Your head will spin when you see what’s going to happen,” referring to his plans for Day 1 of his administration. Nothing new here because President Trump is known to run before he can walk.
On the agenda are immigration raids in major metropolitan areas to deport undocumented migrants. Following that or perhaps not in that order are the January 6, 2021 defendants waiting for pardons to be handed down which Trump has promised and others across the globe will be awaiting to see what plans he will put in action as far as “tariffs, land grabs and an end to grinding wars.” He has promised to issue more than 100 executive actions during his first week in office.
A new sheriff is in town folks and he’s going to make it be known that he’s the boss. All just hot air? It could be but it could be different this time around according to one of his advisors as told to CNN. “We want to come in and show just how serious we are. Trump is back, it’s go time. Like a shock to the system.”
Hmm….
Yes folks, the spin cycle is on and it will be dizzying to say the least. What about retribution? Remember he promised to “investigate and punish his adversaries, especially those involved in his four prosecutions and the congressional investigation of the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. However, President Biden might have made a preemptive strike on that one. Joe Biden has issued last minute pardons to Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House Committee that investigated the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol, including former Representative Liz Cheney.
Did this move take the wind out of Trump’s sails? You can bet your bottom dollar it did but who knows what else he has up his sleeve. All will be made clear in time as a new Trump era dawns in Washington. Will we see a kinder, gentler and classier Trump now that he has the tech giants by his side or will it be business as usual. You know the schoolyard bullying antics of throwing temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. Will there be more of the same?
I think the real Trump will show up sooner or later. It is just a matter of time before he steps out thumping his nose at rule of law. Donald J. Trump is not known for “grace under pressure” and so I say, don’t hold your breath as far as the person he presented yesterday, the one who wants to Make America Again and his role as a peacemaker and unifier notwithstanding all the promises he rolled out. Many have tried and failed and if it was as easy as that, it would have been done already. The problem is wanting it and getting it are two different concepts altogether. It takes more than a scripted speech to do that and he is fully aware of it or perhaps not.
One thing is for sure, there will be much for the press to talk about, to decipher and shred as he takes office and goes about showing America and the world that he is the “new Messiah” and only he and he alone can right the wrongs and get everyone back on track. A big job for an old man who can’t even keep his thoughts in line, let alone one who has trouble making complete sentences that make sense!
Good luck and may God Bless America and the rest of the world.
Looking back at 2024, it was a year of ups and downs, of small successes and big failures, of letting go and holding on and of falling down and picking myself back up, dusting off and moving on. It was of learning who I am, of surprising myself with what I discovered and accepting the inevitable. Through it all, there was hope at the end of the tunnel and like a beacon it beckoned. It said, “you can make it if you just put one foot in front of the other.” So I kept going clinging to the promises that hope made.
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” Christopher Reeve
Here we are in the new year and it is time to write on the blank page. Today as I glance at the new year ahead, I know I’ve grown, I’ve learned some lessons and I have let go of things that don’t serve me anymore. I hope that the path ahead will be easier than the last but then again when have we known life to be easy. But there is hope.
I hope I will find what I am searching for. Finding that elusive thing called love will not be easy. I am hoping that when I do, it will light me up from within and I will learn to fly again. There is hope.
Fear would have taken a step back and I will set forth wearing my armor of courage and nothing will make me stumble and when fear beckons as it always does because it has been a constant companion in this journey I call life, I will look it in the face and keep on forging ahead. There is still hope.
The road to success is paved with many stumbling blocks but putting one foot in front of the other will take me there. Looking up at that insurmountable mountain will make me want to run and take cover and fear will tell me that I am not going to make it but the path ahead is where I need to go, one small step at a time. There is hope.
A friend told me that he was alright in his comfort zone. He was happy sitting on the ledge and staring into the distance of nothingness. I told him life does not exist in a vacuum, my friend. It was time for him to move and take that tiny step forward. ”But what if I fall?” he asked. ”Oh but what if you fly?” I said. There is hope.
No one knows what the year ahead holds. One thing is for sure the journey forward won’t be easy and at times more than daunting. The miles to walk will be long and scary and looking for those elusive answers will be like looking for that needle in the haystack. But when all is said and done, I hope I will be standing at the finish line when this new year is done and looking back with a smile on my face at a year full of surprising finishes and much success. There is still hope.
Nikki Banas says it like this.
“If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way. Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to where you are meant to be. Because during these times, hope will be the very thing that carries you through.”
So my friends, let “hope” take us through this year and to the finish line.
We’ve heard this quote before, one that puts the spotlight on lies and lying and keeps it there. It goes like this:
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” Sir Walter Scott (1808)
According to Mark T. Edmead, it means that “when you act dishonestly, you are initiating problems, and a domino structure of complications, which will eventually run out of control.”
Yet we all lie or have told lies in one form or another. It has become a pastime for some of us and for others a way of life. Some may be viewed as harmless in the grand scheme of things but in the long run, it morphs and takes on a different persona, one that could destroy and cause tremendous harm. The basic ones such as “white lies” are the least serious of all lies. However, after time “white lies” tend to lose their credibility and reappear as black ones if used often enough. The difference between the two? White lies are told to please someone and carries very little dishonesty whereas the opposite is done to gain personal benefit by telling black ones. It’s sole purpose is to harm while protecting oneself.
Let’s look at some of the other forms of lies. I will concentrate on just a few, the ones that are everyday fare for the seasoned liar.
Dawson McAllister of TheHopeLine has pinpointed many different forms but here are the ones that hit close to home.
Bold Face Lies
It is “telling something that everyone knows is a lie. As we get older, we try to be more clever with our cover-ups. Some people never grow up enough to deal with their bold-faced lying even though others know what they are saying is completely false.”
Lies of Deception
This type might seem harmless and at first some might even call it “white lies” but in actuality it can be used as a “powerful and hurtful tool. It can be very subtle yet deadly.”
Compulsive Lying
It has been said that “compulsive lying is caused by low self-esteem and a need for attention. A compulsive liar tells their mistruths even when telling the truth would be easier and better. It is more than ridiculous, it is a tragedy.”
This is the kind I am most used to. I was married to someone who didn’t think twice about the lies that came out of his mouth. Once he realized that his “lies” had power to detract and deceive they the “lies” became a way of life for him. I was on the receiving end and it hurt and brought me down to my knees but compulsive liars will not acknowledge or see the destruction they cause instead they will find bigger and better ways to get their lies across AND claim it is the truth and nothing but the truth. I used to say, “one day you are going to cry wolf and no one will come to your rescue.”
“Only cry wolf when the wolf is really there, otherwise you risk losing everyone’s trust.” Unknown
I have met many liars since then. Perhaps because I was in a vulnerable state in my life. Since I started the journey I am on, I am learning that I am more than I used to be. There is strength within this small frame of mine. Calling on all liars, please be aware. I am no longer your stepping stone and I can spot you a mile away!
“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect, he ceases to love.” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Nicely said but I like this one better.
“You can dish it out but you can’t take it when your called on it. Grow some balls and own up to your lies.” Unknown
This is a hard one. These days I don’t work because I have chosen to step back from the chaos that reigned supreme in my life to a much quieter one where I can concentrate on writing. I am currently working on two books and I take my time doing that.
However, if I had to choose, I would say working in the White House. This would have been a dream job. I think it would be exciting, adrenaline pumping and I would be right there where it all happens. The hub so to speak. Nothing would beat that but I think it would be very exhausting not to mention the stress factor which would probably be through the roof!
In my next lifetime I would like to do that! For now, I am happy where I’m at.
This question couldn’t have come at a better time. The 47th president is in the wings ready to take the helms of the highest office in the land as many of us grit our teeth and wait with bated breath to see the unfolding of what he has in store for America and the rest of the world.
The man is bold when it comes to certain issues BUT he is also impulsive, undisciplined, tradition-defying and doesn’t speak the truth. Shading the facts is his expertise and blowing hot air from both sides of his you know what is another area where he is well-versed in. Put this together and you’ve got what a good leader is NOT about!
That said, a good leader is a person who has integrity, courage, one who commands respect, who is able to communicate effectively and a leader who puts the will of the people front and center and the “me” concept somewhere in never never land!
Approach with caution or not at all! You will meet many different types of people when you put yourself out there in the dating scene so be careful. Here is one type that you need to stay away from at any cost if you want to walk away with your self-esteem, your heart and your mental state intact.
A young man sat by a river gazing at his own reflection. ”How beautiful he is. I wish I can be with him forever,” he said to his reflection. He was obsessed and couldn’t pull away. Eventually he died of thirst, hunger and unrequited love. His name was Narcissus and he was the son of the river god in Greek mythology. Narcissism originated from his name.
Narcissistic personality disorder is defined as “a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships and a lack of empathy for others.” According to the Mayo Clinic definition, they also have low self-esteem and are extremely sensitive to criticism.
“The narcissist devours people, consumes their output, and casts the empty, writhing shells.” Sam Vaknin
Scary? You better believe it. Ever met one of these walking disasters on your trek into the dating world? If not, you should thank your lucky stars. If yes, you know what I am talking about. The problem is you might be in a relationship with one of these types and not even know it because they are hard to spot. Here are some signs to look out for.
The number 1 trait of a narcissist is, “an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and they require constant, excessive admiration.” If that doesn’t make you want to slam the door shut on them, the following will help you to do exactly that. They are arrogant, lack empathy, are entitled, have feelings of superiority and grandiosity and they have a need to be powerful, successful, smart, admired or loved. They usually get away with wrongdoings and when denial doesn’t work, they turn to rage and all this at your cost I might add.
According to Dr. Brenda Wade, narcissists only think of themselves first and foremost, they want to win, they do not care about your feelings, they are always manipulating for their own personal gain and benefit and they make you think that you are the problem. Finally, gaslighting is their stock and trade.
Why haven’t you noticed these traits right from the start? It seems there is this thing called the ‘fantasy’ phase where you are idolized, more specifically it’s the where you can do nothing wrong phase, but it goes downhill from there.
“The narcissist is like a bucket with a hole in the bottom: No matter how much you put in, you can never fill it up. The phrase, “I never feel like I am enough” is the mantra of the person in a narcissistic relationship. That’s because to your narcissistic partner, you are not. No one is. Nothing is.” Ramani Durvasula.
If you have been in one of these relationships you might walk away questioning your self-worth, what you stand for and won’t stand for and more often than not it leaves you broken to the core afraid to step out there again. Where? The world of dating is fraught with many minefields as I have said before and this particular breed is nasty, uncaring and not worth your time. If you are going to be out there, arm yourself first with knowledge and if you should by chance meet a narcissist, RUN don’t walk!
“It’s so nice when toxic people stop talking to you. It’s like the trash took itself out.” Karen Salmansohn
Or this:
Relationships with narcissists are held in place by the hope of a ‘someday better,’ with little evidence to support it will ever arrive.” Ramani Durvasula
Finally this:
The Narcissist’s Prayer
That didn’t happen. And if it did, it wasn’t that bad. And if it was, that’s not a big deal. And if it is, that’s not my fault. And if it was, I didn’t mean it. And if I did, you deserved it. By Dayna Craig
I was talking to someone this morning and I asked the question, “What if there comes a time when you can’t do one or the other?” I was referring to his love of traveling and diving. The answer back was alarming to say the least. He said, “I would be dead!”
“Change….A simple word with a difficult meaning.” Unknown
The “difficult” part is not being able to adapt to change. Whatever that change entails. I can’t stand change for the most part. It means I would have to get out of my comfort zone and that scares the hell out of me. It also means going within and doing battle to accept the changes coming my way which is what change usually means. Adapting is never easy but life as we all know it is a never-ending series of changes. Staying put is never an option.
Charles Darwin said it well:
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
Does change have the potential to kill you? It may feel like that at the beginning because letting go of something you’ve become accustomed to is HARD. However, saying no is not an option either. Look at it this way.
“Life is like underwear, change is good.” Unknown
You can change and you can adapt and that is the truth of the matter. We are all pre-programmed to do just that. Going back in time, I had to adapt to so many of life’s happenings and after the usual, I CAN’T, I gave up and let life take the lead and I went along for the ride. Some things turned out almost perfectly and others, well, let’s just say it wasn’t the outcome I expected. All in all, I had no choice or rather the choices were limited. Move or get run over was the message.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates
Adaptation, it seems is a key crucial element to change. The more you fight it, the harder it will be. There are no remotes available so that you can press a button and get instant gratification. In order for life to happen and for change to take place, you have to get up and change it yourself. Scary? Definitely.
Opray Winfrey said:
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”
That simple huh? No, not that simple but there is truth in that saying. So change your attitude, grab the reins of your life and make change happen. There’s a whole wide world of possibilities waiting out there and one of them has your name on it. You can only have it if you adapt. Nothing more, nothing less.
I would un-invent emojis. It was created in 1999 by Shigetaka Kurita to facilitate electronic communication but it has taken the world by storm and now there is one for any emotion you can think of sans the emotion of course. In a world where everything is digitalized and emotions are taking a backseat, this is the last thing we need.
Reaching out and showing any kind of compassion or emotion is done by sending emojis. Sad? Here’s a sad face emoji or a tear-drop one. Happy? Here’s a smiley face. In love? Here’s a heart emoji or kisses. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned hugs, the compassionate voice on the telephone or even the human touch?
In my opinion, we are becoming too digitalized and hence I would un-invent emojis if I could. Cute but some things need or deserve the human touch.
Daily writing prompt
If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
I took a walk in nature today to clear my mind and somehow came back home with love on my mind. What is it? Is it just a feeling or something more? Don’t ask me why or how I got on this topic but it crossed my mind and here I am ready to see what it’s all about it.
“Love is a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment. It involves care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection and trust.” http://www.verywellmind.com
I decided to look a little deeper and found some quotes that describe love in all its entirety and here are some of my favorites.
“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” Paulo Coelho
“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times.” Ann Landers
I like the next one a lot. Why? Because I am a romantic at heart and it speaks to my soul. See what I mean?
“Love is when he gives you a piece of your soul, that you never knew was missing.” Torquato Tasso
“I don’t want a perfect person. I just want someone to act silly with, someone who treats me well and loves being with me more than anything.” Unknown
“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” Oscar Wilde
Oscar said it well, don’t you think? Simply beautiful.
“The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.” Marilyn Monroe
Who knew Ms. Monroe had it in her. The blonde bombshell went deeper than her looks and I love that quote.
Next is my girl, Carrie Bradshaw. She knows her love material well.
“I am someone who is looking for real love; ridiculous. inconvenient. consuming. can’t-live-without-each other love.”
“I’d like to think that people have more than one soulmate. If you miss one, along comes another. Like cabs.”
I am not too sure about that one. Perhaps they won’t be called soulmates anymore. Just run of the mill types who walk in and out of your life and that might be a more appropriate description.
My favorite of them all is this one below.
“The heart that’s meant to love you will fight for you when you want to give up, pick you up when you’re feeling down, and will give their smile when it’s hard for you to find yours. They will NEVER get strength from seeing you weak, power from seeing you hurt, or joy from seeing you cry. The heart that’s meant to love you wants to see the best of you, not the hurt you! Never forget that.” Trent Shelton
Feeling all loved up? I know I am. Enjoy your day.
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