Love!!! Work with Me

Someone once said:
 "Love is a many splendor-ed thing." 

I've also heard love referred to 
as a five letter word for a female dog. 

The Good Book describes love 
as patient and kind 
bearing all things
 believing all things.

 I know for a certainty 
that's true. 

Why?

 Because God is love. 
The very essence of 
His Majesty is loving. 

So long as you 
are giving His Grace 
something to work with,

 a honest effort, 

 to Him 
you are worthy.

But think back to Bible times...

 when He dispensed punishment 
to different ones. 

He would give ample time 

and He always warned them first.

In my home 
growing up 
that was called: 
"Fair warning".

 You know the speech you got 
about what you better not do again
 or at all, 

accompanied 
with a realistic time table 
and 

it's counterpart 
of what 
you should be doing,
 if you had any sense, 

coupled 
with the outcome 
of punishment
 to be expected should you 
not heed said "fair warning". 

It may have sounded something like: 
"If I come home today 
and find you outside again 
there's gonna be a problem. 
Now if you know what good for you, 
you gonna have these chores completed.... 
Or 
I'm gonna tear you lose from the frame."

Sound familiar?

Anyhow... 

God gave ample time 
and 
fair warning 
to all 
before he would act. 

If they adjusted 
to the proper degree 
then
they were spared His destruction, 

maybe not 
the consequences of their actions,
 but 

He lovingly 
allowed them 
to continue to breathe. 

But 
what if they didn't adjust? 

What if they wasted time...
 didn't heed fair warning 
and 

gave Him nothing to work with? 

Well let's just say 
it was never was pretty.

We are made in His image.

 To be able to display 
and

 feel loving emotions 
for most of us 
is second nature. 

All other virtues like 

kindness, patience, mildness may need 

to be cultivated 
but 
we are certainly capable.

The Good book also 
tells us what love
 is not.. 

not jealous..
 not puffed up with pride..
 it does not brag... 

doesn't seek it's own interests... 
doesn't become provoked, 

doesn't rejoice over unrighteousness.

Is there a relationship 

you are feeding that is 

indicative of what love is not??

Unlike God

 we don't dispense perfect justice 
in the manner of 
destroying or ending a life. 

No. 

Rather, 
if we haven't been given 
anything to work with 

from someone whom we love 
and expect to love us 

after 
ample time 
and fair warning...

we do have the option
to give the love 
to ourselves instead. 

It may be necessary 
to destroy 
or 
end the relationship. 

Or simply
refresh the boundaries of it. 

Feed your soul. 

Do the healing. 

Take a step back.

 Read. 

Meditate. 

Redirect. 

Regroup. 

Reevaluate. 

Revamp. 

Reformulate. 

Redistribute. 

And relax. 

Even The Almighty Himself 

can't make someone, who ought to, 

love Him. 

Neither can you.

Let that marinate for a moment.

Rinse and Repeat.
Then

realize 

it
 may not be personal for you

 or 

possible for them. 

Whatever you do...

do not 

internalize this. 

Question?

Do you think the Lord
 gives pure Love 
then

 blames Himself 
when its not reciprocated?

I doubt that highly!

 Remember

The only thing in this life 
you can control

 is yourself. 

Work with that first 

and foremost. 

True Love WILL follow.

Peace & Blessings

Vannique

Growth

People can change.

 Not everyone will believe in the fact that you are different. 

Some may even attempt dragging you backward or provoking you into negativity...

Why?

 Because it's they themselves 

who are stuck. 

KEEP GOING 

KEEP GROWING.

Raining Petals

It was raining red and pink petals of roses, when I requested your company in the carriage. Strong was the scent of the beautiful blossoms.

You held my hand tightly, tightly as I paid for our horse and carriage. Squeezing it afraid to return to the confusion of our past, wondering if it would hurt... If this time it would last... I offered comfort and assurance this was just a way home. 

We would dine and dance; only tonight not alone. 

Of course I love you! But only as a friend. We were children wishing  before now... but not ever again. 

People from our past watched as we fell into our oh so natural groove. Knowing each other too well with nothing to prove. I ordered your food. You chose my dessert. We danced so very close... with temptation it seemed we did flirt...but we knew for a certainty no future was involved we enjoyed our time as the moon revolved. 

The clock began to strike here came the end of night. We walked slowly to the carriage...You whispered in my ear a secret. I promised to keep it. Just know I felt the same. 

Rescinded Invitation

You were there in your decadence.

The opposite of Heaven sent,

you embody and personify maleficent.

Far away from the benevolent

In shock I took you in my eyes. 

Wondering how you arrived.

You took me in 
with your colored glimmers 

& 

Smiled donning the teeth 
I'll always remember 

& 

once admired so dearly. 

I was surprised by you... 
as you were uninvited. 

But unlike then 

I knew 

 I was not safe with you. 

"Leave" 
is what I demanded! 

Then to my front door 
I escorted my old heart. 

Once you stepped out the door

it closed. 

The White Door began to bleed out 

Scarlet and Crimson.

Goodbye

Power of Peace

When you make positive changes in your life...and turn your face completely toward God 2 things for sure will happen:

1. God will bless and protect you.

&

2. Satan will send hater to try and remind you of what you came from.

Perhaps you can view it like this: "Wow, I've come a mighty long way with God's help!"

Here's a tip: Care not what people say...only care how God feels. (1Cor 6:9-11)

If you're moving forward in the right direction... just keep it pushing. Let the haters live in your past but don't join them...and don't involve them in your future👍Make room for the peace in your life that you've been granted. 

Peace 

Blessings

&

Agape

TEMPLE CLEAN

Golden Temple India

TEMPLE CLEAN

At the house of your estranged, dead wife I dined. My mother and I were welcomed to stay as long as we wanted or so the invitation read. At the door a knock. I stand to look out of the peephole. Now my stomach turns.  Two scantily clad women then you. You in all your misery... stumbling.. smiling... enjoying the decadence of your debauchery. Your presence is unexpected and unwelcome. Now the doorbell. Look at the smile you wear. Disgusted I ask "What brings you here?" Recognizing the voice of the little girl whose body you violated, whose trust you earned so very undeserved, whose life you turned upside and out with your perversion...  your smile widens. My stomach stopped turning and rage began burning. I now realized... You are the devil... it wasn't the action of violating my body that thrilled you...it was the action of corrupting my soul...not the tarnishing of my temple... but the rusting of its contents was your true pleasure. If it's contents were destroyed by vandals and scandal then it could be a home for any old transient, derelict and harlot. From your point of view it would make your type worthy of entry. I opened the door. Did you somehow believe that little girl was still I...all these years later? Did you think that the single bullet remaining in my .38 wasn't especially reserved for you? Where'd your smile go after I pulled the trigger and let the pistol blow? Your women didn't weep. Your women didn't run.  They took decent clothes from their bags, dressed, smiled and turned away. My mother runs to the door. Behind me I hear her voice: "What have you done sweet child of mine?" My response as I stepped over your lifeless body gripping her right hand while the left covered her face in shock: "The world a favor." Your smile vanished as did the tarnish of my temple as did the corruption of it's contents...as did the pain of the memories. 

Just a dream

Safe it was in the house of God.
The Hall of the Kingdom was a refuge.
I was given the keys and I used them.
My two cousins were in need of a place to sleep. I let them in the Hall. They were grateful. It was the longest night but we rose in the morning as tight knit family.  Just a dream it was.

The Iron Necklace

I'd come to this place of the past a visitor. Happy to have traveled back, honored by the experience. Not knowing the taste would leave me full. At the start a man of fame caught my eye. When passing I requested his autograph. He sensed I was from a different time.. that my dignity was in tact. He winced at my request... grimaced at my skin...wrote his name on the thin piece of paper; I smiled. Seeing my smile the man of fame tore the paper in two threw it to the ground spit on it and said: "I don't care about you." 

I opened my mouth and sharply told him that he meant nothing to me. I wanted to tell him that his hate was foolish, unfounded and ignorant but before my tongue lashed my tour guide grabbed my arm pulling me away; begging my pardon. As quickly as it happened was as quickly as I forgot it. But the past would not. "We must leave this town quickly" my guide says "get you someplace safe." 

 At the local market beside the building there were trucks all the drivers leaving soon. I boarded a truck with a man named Irie, who never spoke to me, only my guide asking: "Where are you headed?" "To the gym" my guide announced. The road offered no scenery. Just streets surrounded by blank white space as an empty page. 

I entered the gym firstly teeming with life a ball game in progress. Food offered at the door I accepted my delicious tomato and cheese sandwiches wrapped in wax paper with picnic patterns. Holding my sandwich I was asked to play the game as 1 team was short a person. I didn't have time  to officially accept as the ball was passed to me at the same time the question was posed. I caught the ball that smashed my sandwich but carefree I shot my jumper. As I came down from the air I brought down all the smiles in the room or so I thought. Smiling social faces were now silent, broken spirits with eyes full of fear. Every single body moved from the court  Every head bowed down eyes to the ground.  I sensed danger not looking around to lay eyes on it, I sought cover behind a tall curtain of a window in the gym. Through the curtain I could see two figures walking toward me. One with brown skin and poor mans clothing holding what looked like a medieval style helmet but there was nothing where the head should be. Just a neck piece of iron with a crank on the outside. The other a man white of skin in regal bright purple gold and blue cloth and the shoes of a Jester. Wearing a face that showed repugnance for all his eyes could see. His name was known as Justice.  I took a bite of my smashed sandwich and watched as Justice motioned for his hound man to pull back the curtain. As the curtain pulled back the smile of the brown hound man widened...a face like that of a shark. Teeth small and sharp... eyes that darkened and widened ... a shark who had just smelled blood. Frozen paralyzed with fear... simultaneously curious: "What do you want with me?!" The whole room gasp at my outspoken spirit. Justice didn't flinch. The brown man began to pant like a dog excited. "3 minutes." the Justice said while holding up 3 fingers. The brown hound man took the neck piece and placed it over my head and around my neck it went. Neck stiff I looked for my guide, with only my eyes, who was now gone. The brown hound man cranked the handle slowly and the length of the neck piece elongated stretching my neck. My chin from my shoulders further and further. Until it became almost impossible to speak. My tongue lodged between my teeth. Forced biting down I could taste my own blood. Jaws forced closed I moaned loudly in pain. Justice motioned to the brown man to stop cranking. "Do you have something to say?" Asked Justice. I couldn't speak ... I couldn't nod my head. I tapped the Iron Necklace. Justice standing with crossed legs and hands behind his back, a stoic countenance, lifted 1 hand to motion to unwind the crank just a little so I may speak.

"You've got the wrong person... I'm a visitor to this time. I committed no crimes." 

"Did you not offend a man of fame today near the market?"... looking down at his watch he declared: "2 minutes" with 2 fingers in the air and motioned for his hound man to crank the necklace to induce pain. I felt as if this time he just continued to crank. I could feel my head separating from off my body. The pain was unbearable I lost consciousness. 

I woke in a line. In clothes that weren't mine. Being yelled at to rise and enter the coop. Slave quarters. When I entered my consciousness separated from my body. I was now watching as they took her into her small room covered in feathers and hay with barbed chicken wire as the only walls and doors. She who was once I found a full plate of delicious food placed on a ledge for consumption: Mashed potatoes, yams and a savory meat. She who was once I ate her fill as she spoke openly of the strength instilled in her by her mother. A green bottle of sweet wine she who was once I began to drink. The consciousness knew that wine was not to be drank to enjoy with dinner but to soothe the pain after whippings. She who was once I was clueless. The wine made she who was once I jovial enough to sing. The pain it would soon bring. In the hallway of the large coop a fat black mistress watched on hating every note. She removed her whip from her holder and cracked it. Vowing to break my spirit. She asked if she who was once I thought of myself as "Special?...I'll fix that." she declared! She marched off to prepare my whipping post. She who was once me was careless...careless and drunk. But 2 small men raised in the coop, that stunted their growth, emerged from around the corner of the coop hall speaking of the mistress one said: "The whipping isn't over until she's done." The other said: "And shes not done until she sleeps."

Two of You

There were 2 of you

and only 1 of me.

Cousin Taylor and I sat at a pictureshow very back row. You were with ya crew. Ya crew covered for you. The you that still loves me. They went on lookout for your current lover and called the second you, whose face always frowned at even the thought of me, to come down to the pictureshow so you and I could be alone and talk. We never got the chance to.   Your new lover showed up on a hunt for what's now hers. And even though there were 2 of you. Both of you feared losing the new lover. The new lover never knew there were 2 of you. The you that loved me whispered: "Meet me at your house."  As you left, the you that hated me arrived and I was forced to deal with the evil countenance of it. I couldnt take it. I went home. Not before Cousin Taylor held a mirror to my face and made me aware I looked desperate and foolish. I didn't to her listen and left. It was worse than I imagined. The you that loved me, made way to my house long before me but didn't arrive to me until long after I had and was still too afraid to stay. Everyone who saw you on your way to me would tell your new lover or so the you that loved me thought.  I knew she now meant more to you than I did. Could it be I stayed away too long?  Still I couldn't understand... She didnt match my beauty at all, my love will always be unsurpassed, no ones hurt me more than you and still I loved, nothing compared to our history; the good and the bad of it... and she was even more possesive and out of control than I had ever been.  Couldn't you see her as clear as I could? You said you'd be coming back. You never did. I didn't cry. Funny thing about time it's too busy ticking to stop.

The White Tower

In the old gold car I rode as a passenger. With company bad for me.. destination unknown but certain to be dangerous. Parked in front a tall white tower and left alone.

When the taking was long down came a devil-man to thieve. He reached inside the old car to take whatever he could and took me. Still I protected the cars contents. I don't remember the ride to the 12th floor. I just remember the room. Familiar,  dresser and bed pictures on the wall. 3 visitors came and went whilst a devil-man described me. Was I hostage? No,  but had I stayed I knew I'd regret not speaking up. "I need the elevator!" I spoke. "This way" I was told... I boarded the crowded lift and pressed a floor.. strictly from fear 12 ...the floor I was on. The light turned off. 8 was pressed by a rider then 4 was pressed by a rider then 1 was pressed by me. The elevator passed all floors and went straight to 1. But the doors did not open. The elevator began to malfunction up to 8 it went... back to 4 but the doors never opening. Then higher than 12 or ever before. I felt the elevator snap and then swing. Everyone was calm but me. The devil-man who took me high up spoke of my character while we took the elevated journey: "She is wise, kind and fat."

The devil-man was  7ft and large.. I said to him "You have no room to speak"... he laughed. The elevator plummeted to the basement floor finally opened the doors to a dark shaft room. Walls and floor painted black. The riders filed out with no fear. I followed the crowd into a diner I appeared. My bad company called my name. Surrounded by food and 8 African women. "I thought you were dead or I thought you left and took my prized possessions...I didn't care. Lets finish the meal and leave." And so we did. Me in the 3rd row with 2 others. My bad company in the second row with 3 others

And the front row with 3 including the driver.  Bad company talked to the women on his right who danced for him.  I spoke to the woman on his left who sat in front of me. And the woman on my right engaged a stare. Reviewing pictures as we drove to our next stop that I had hoped was home.  The woman in front of me sharing pictures then introduced every one to me. The first 2 I knew the 3rd in the first row I didn't. The 2 on the right of Bad Company I didn't. The 2 to my right I didn't.  The night was dark but the streets were lit up by signs and clean from rainfall. We drove inside a lounge where the top of the car pulled back. The live music filled the room the audience sang along to the cheerful song and swayed to the reggaeton. A New World. Was it safe? As everyone exited the car... I stayed put.

Souls Windows

Her truth

cannot be contained. 
She tries to refrain

her eyes 

though beautiful

tell all her pains.
They examine, search and find.

Shaped for almonds.
As diamonds they shine.

Her tears

carry her fears.

Tasting of salt.
Her eyes 
when satisfied 
dance The Waltz.
Danger in a glare.
Piercing thick layers.
Imagination in a gaze.
Intricate is the maze.

Intimate are the whites

that carry her light. 

It has yet to dim.

Her lashes

encompass her laughter

& passion. 

Her eyelids

conceal her lust

& guard her heart. A must.

The same eyes 

from her youth til now.

Despite the continuous fight

& troublesome nights
They have not grown weary

They still flicker 

filled with glitter.
How they wonder.

Her eyes speak volumes over her voice.

Wichita Eats: The Sweet Spot

 

My senses were completely unprepared  for what was behind the tall wooden doors at The Sweet Spot, which has two operating menus: Lunch and Dinner.

Even though the outside is more than inviting, it's the moment you enter the second set of tall wooden doors you realize that: You didn't come here to eat... you came here to "Dine."

A Full bar, elegant yet comfortable seating, ample space, (which as we dined we saw being put to use by hungry patrons) adjustable lighting, equipped with a private dining room, and a visible chefs bay.

Dining is not just about the taste of the food. The ambiance, the staff, and the service all play a major role in whether one would return or not. The General manager, Rich, was accommodating to say the least. His buoyant and attentive spirit allowed us to feel at home even in this upscale setting. 

Our server was fantastic. Not only did she not need paper to remember the specials but we never went thirsty as she kept our waters filled to the brim. Her table service was impeccable; clearing dishes from the table as they became available. From the antipasti until dessert: no awkward waiting times. Too fast means: "Is this fresh? How long has this been made?" Yet too slow is: "We are hungry...whats the holdup? Are you killing the cow back there?" Not at The Sweet Spot... all courses were delivered with perfect timing.. meaning made to order and with care on how its presented.

Foolishly, we opted out the special. Rich informed us: "All specials are really special." Next time I'll find out just how special. However, our meal did not disappoint.

For drinks I began with a glass of the Caposaldo Moscato imported from Italy. I'm fully aware this is a dessert wine however, I was in the mood for something sweet. How sweet it is! Crisp and sweet with a strong almost fruity finish. Think Sugar and Champagne. #refill

My mother and father opted for Tawny Port Wines. Father had the "Fine Port" aged 10 years. While mother opted for Port that had aged 20 years. Well of course I had to taste the 20 year... and might I say: "WOW". Sweet, nutty, with an oak finish that revisits your taste-buds well after it hits your palette.

Antipasti

 1. Bruschetta- Forget what you thought you knew of bruschetta this was Beef Bruschetta. Pulled beef seasoned to perfection in addition to the traditional fixings of tomatoes and garlic. The bread itself drizzled with balsamic vinegar. One word: Delicious

2. The Sweet Spot Shrimp- Lightly breaded large tail-off shrimp and carrots. Topped in a citrus sticky sauce. Finger licking good. I'm picky about how my carrots are prepared and will rarely eat them. However these lightly breaded delectables are a game changer: #Moreplease

Included in the dining experience are complementary rolls. Made in house, served warm and with the most delicious cinnamon rum whipped butter you've ever had in your life. Every bite a bang! #hardtopullaway

When our food was ready rather than bring it out to us while still picking away at the appetizers... the server consulted with us: "Your food is ready would you like it now or should we wait a moment?" We had antipasti left but we were so excited to see our dinner plates we just shoved them aside. #NEXT

The Entrees

I ordered the Trio Tournedo Filet. Medallions topped with green onions and a port demi glaze (delish) served over a bacon potato hash.

I requested my filets medium. My first bite told me all I needed to know. This was not only seared perfectly but this was quality certified Angus meat... tender and juicy. Not for the faint of heart. The potatoes cook to the perfect texture held together by Fontina, Gouda cheese and bacon.

Mother ordered the Picatta. With a side of asparagus. The Picatta: Angel hair pasta served with fresh... I repeat... fresh vegetables cherry tomatoes, capers, lemons, seasoned squash and zucchini topped off with herb marinated chicken.  My mother has such great taste I had to try a bite... OK 2 bites...OK fine 3 bites! Each beyond a delight.  Fresh herb and buttery sherry wine finish on every single bite. The chicken one word juicy #fullofflavor. #drool

The asparagus: Not tips... spears. Flavorful and cooked to the proper degree not mushy and not crunchy right in the middle every inch of every spear edible!

Father ordered the 14oz Boneless Ribeye Served with mash potatoes. It looked great! I would gladly detail it had I got to try it. But it was devoured before I could stick a fork in it. My father did say though that in his lifetime he's not had a steak as tender as this one. You know a steak is good when you require no sauce, no salt and no pepper.

Dessert:

It wasn't on the menu but it was recommended by Rich, who stopped by to make sure our meal was to our liking; A Berry Mascarpone Cake. Father and I split this cake right down the middle. As one slice is large enough to do so! Moist layered white cake separated by lemon mascarpone.. the soft outer crust dashed with powdered sugar. This slice did a dance on your tongue all the way to your belly. #smile

All in all, I must say our meal hit:
 THE SWEET SPOT 
& 
SO SHOULD YOU!

Finance or Fetters

Unlimited Money or Freedom

You pick!

One is an illusion.

One is Elusive.

Which one is guaranteed?

Which one is backed?

Which one is Tangible?

Where's the confusion???

To have all the money you need makes you free? 

Is this true?

Or do the wealthy feel confined as you? 

To be free as a post civil war slave; I'd suppose...what a change but still aren't some trapped in a figurative cage?

What of those who wish to be freed from real steel bars and locks? Would they exchange their pains? Would they loosen their chains if they knew they'd struggle for nickels dimes pennies quarters change? 

What of the "free" would they risk "freedom" to attain "wealth"

Many actually have...is money bad for your health?

Is freedom real or Ideal?

Have any of us experienced the real deal?

Is wealth real or longterm?

Is money actually just printed paper ...a virus and germ?

If you had to pick one in exchange for the other which would you choose???

Which is elusive?

Which is an ideal?

Which means more to you?

Which is an illusion?

Which has no backing?

What's your conclusion?

Peace & Blessings 

Vannique

Dark Chocolate Dream

Bittersweet in my belly

Haunted by your face in dreams

I drew away knowing
 even there you're no good for me
Used by a passing spirit
"You're coming through often"
was all Blue said
or so I was told.

Shadows of tethered ships

Unrecognizable after heavy storms

Battered from weather

Thick handwritten letters 

from strangers on one side

The pages lost

  my heart torn open

Open and close
did the
unlocked doors

Who is this in my bed?
Then I found a new place to lay my head

Pictures in my wallet I don't recognize 

Where have I been?

Everything is new

In the mirror 

A smiled is viewed

Bittersweet in my belly