I can't even fathom...

For a moment...Take away a #uniform and #badge ... Even take away skin #color .  (In no way denying the large #racist elephant in the room but stay with me please... I do have a point.)

#Imagine being gunned down #walking #away from a bad situation; Imagine retreating, and returning to your car with your children in it to drive off, and just because you didn't listen to the person wanting to engage with you, they shoot you 7-8 times at point blank range.

Can you imagine #Hot searing bullets enter your #fleshly #temple with the intent of the aggressor to kill you? Just Imagine you... #or intent to kill your brother...or intent to kill your sister...or intranet your kill mother...or intent kill your father?

We even #teach as a society, ourselves and our children,  when someone is #toxic walk away ... WHAT HAPPENED HERE? The Bible even says before a quarrel "take your leave."

Those in authority, set the tone and example. Is this really ok with someone on my timeline or in my life? Can anyone even try to remotely #defend or justify this?? Can you even imagine?

I can't even fathom.

Walking away does not Justify attempted homicide with or without a badge.

Only #GodsKingdom will heal this world.

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."

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.

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!

Today

I miss you today

& I wish I didn’t.

Nothing to miss,

because

we’ve been finished.

&

you have replenished,

your energy.

Free of me

to love again.

Quickly

you moved along.

How did you forget me?

I envy your savvy

or are you just faking?

Is it real amazing?

That new love

from that stranger?

It’s stranger,

to see you

with someone new

who I know

Don’t know you

quite like I do.

Just admit that

what we had is untouchable.

Nope

you’d rather

work your

muscles and flex

your new

prototype.

She’s cool

But she’s

not me

just

a

cheap carbon copy

A mockery

a giant love to a jockey.

Yes, I am still cocky.

You loved it

when I’d kiss

and sing to your body.

I miss that most.

Can’t find that in everybody.

If I had

just one last

time with you though

love I’m sure

I’d light all my candles

And let all my love adorn you.

Just hold you in my eyes,

Kiss all over your face.

Then place your hand

on my heart

so you can feel

It beats for you still…

My Darling…

Nikki

Imagine This 1

Imagine..

You charge your phone. Tuck it in so to speak. Check your alarm for work in the morning, it's ready to go. So are you, you've prepared to brave your Monday!

But first you've prepared for sleep. You've slept great. Not one of the cat nap type of sleep, a deep Rem Cycle. Uninterrupted.

Uninterrupted! You're sleeping TOO GOOD! You overslept...about an hour. You start to think but realize you don't have time to think you have to get ready!

You send a text to your superiors alerting them that you will be right in....jump in the shower...hear an error....you'll send it again after you've dressed. You try again...another error. "Call Sprint later" you tell yourself.

Traffic is heavy today. Especially for this hour. You wonder is it you or does everyone have road rage this morning?

You try your text message again. This is at the 4-way stop sign that's taking foooorever. You attempt to call work....nothing no signal,no ringing. Restart, take battery out. OK try another call..nothing again.

Honk! The person behind you. Honks at you!

You make it work and park. Security is at the doors checking badges and Id's for entry. That's different. "Why?" you ask. "System down." they say. You get to your desk, start your computer, you see people talking in groups. No not about you. Something is going on here. Whose been fired? Or worse who dropped dead?

Seems like every landlines is ringing in the office. None of your work can up link to the Internet...Have you been fired?
Possibly?
Nah.

Coworker comes to you and asks you "Isn't this crazy?" Obviously you haven't gotten the memo. Puzzled you give no response when your co-worker says "NO INTERNET!"

NOT POSSIBLE!

Thinking back: no alarm, couldn't text out, couldn't call out, Heavy and irate traffic, no security system, no up link? Wait a moment had the Internet crashed?

A few co-workers near a radio...listening to a dry but frantic reporter give an" Update on the status of our Network Blackout and probability of a resolution."

Probability? What did that mean? Don't they mean when not if? So what else does that mean? No land line no phone service? No search engines, no: Snapchat,Facebook,Twitter, nothing. Social Media, No surfing, no testing, no email, no network no network reliant apps Ever again????

No streaming ,no sharing, no liking, no surfing, no downloading, no uploading, no passwords? No Internet.

Your world just changed..

Picture yourself there and picture the rest of your day Enjoy your imagination!