IN THREE WORDS

In this feature, I'll share a weekly guest with you, 

and you tell me in only three words what comes to mind.

In Three Words...

Josephine Baker

A BLACK OUT

As one is aware, I'm far from a huge, big box shopper...and beyond despise Amazon and Walmart. I'd sooner go without my gin and tonics that use them or one of their services. So, what's that tell you about how strongly I hate them? But today kids, is an Economics Blackout! Spread the word. A grassroots organization is encouraging US resident not to spend any money Friday as an act of "economic resistance" to protest what the group's founder see as the malign influence of billionaires, greedy big corporations, and both major political parties, on the lives of working Americans. The Peoles Union USA call the 24 hours of spending abstinence that started at midnight last night, till 12am this morning. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies including Amazon, Walmart, home improvement centers and other and big box stores. Other activists, faith-based leaders, and consumers already are organizing boycotts to protest companies that have also scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, seen to be weak and giving in to the Dump and his administration on their moves to abolish all Federal DEI programs and policies. 

WE THE PEOPLE don't need or want these conditions and treatments,

WE THE PEOPLE don't have to accept them either.

WE THE PEOPLE can and will make them feel it, 

and as momentum grows, we can and will get results whether here in this kind of protest, or hopefully everyone sleeping... will wake the hell up and WE THE PEOPLE will show our distain in the ballot box.

Happy Non-Spending Day. 

Anyway, just relax, have a cocktail, lounge and read a book. One day of not spending won't hurt anyone.

"LOUISE" KEELEY

Gene Hackman was a brilliant actor. So many good juicy roles and he sank his teeth into every one them. From the time I saw him in The French Connection and Bonnie and Clyde I was hooked. But I have to admit the two scenes alone from the birdcage use to have me in stiches. Especially when he emerged from the back of the stage in full drag!!!! Gene Hackman in drag??? And he looks like so many local queens from many cities I met. I don't think there was a role he was afraid to take.

"No one will dance with me. I think it's this white dress. I told them white would make me look fat.

Gene Hackman

January 30,1930- February 27, 2025

KENYAN SCRAPBOOK

It's been only three months since my trip to Kenya and most days that go by, I still have fond memories sneaking back in. I hope to never forget the sights I saw. I'm not sure why more people don't go to this amazing continent. There are only three continents I have not been too yet, but I suspect Antarctica won't be one. I love to explore different locales, not always feeling the need for city life or tropical beachfront, which one can get just about anywhere. If you're picturing a city of dusty roads and sweltering heat, think again. Nairobi is a fast growing, cosmopolitan melting pot with modern skyscrapers punctuating the horizon, and a mild year-round average temp of 75 Degrees/24 Celius. With two rainy seasons per year. While we only did one day in the city itself, it had the worst traffic I have seen anywhere and can be an expensive city to visit...either staying at the lovely accommodations on the plains and savannahs. or eating and drinking at city hotspots and high-end hotels. Our whole trip was spent out in the savannahs, a long dream of mine. Everyone it seems in Nairobi speaks English and road signs, menus and just about everything else is in English too. But locals love when visitors at least say hello in Swahili though, so go for it, start with "Jambo" for Hello and thank them with "Asante". A photo dump of more picture for the scrapbook of Giraffe Manor, Nairobi National Park, the Shri Swaminarayan-Mandir Temple,  Kijabe Forest Park, Nairobi Art Gallery and some local roadside market, wear I found many lovely handmade trinkets.

If you have ever considered doing it.... GO! A blog commenter told me once Africia is in your veins it will keep calling. I think I believe them.

TONIGHT'S EXTRA SPECIAL JUDGE.....

If anyone is looking for me, I'll be in Luigi's cell with him running lines...

 

SHIRLEY HEMPHILL

 

I always loved me some of the late, great and full of hilarity and sass of Shirley Hemphill. I also think back in the day I was the only white kid who watched and knew what, What's Happening was. I have no idea what this skit was from, but she cracked me up!

MOOD BOARD

 

Finally, some nice, warmth, a balmy 49 degrees yesterday. While no garden work is started yet, I did enjoy a nice pew outside with hot tea, watching the bird frensy at the feeders. And the two mockingbirds are still here, with a slew of bluebirds now. I introduced a new suet that contains oranges pieces that bluebirds and orioles enjoy. But we're far from spring yet, with another cold snap I'm sure, but I will enjoy this for the moment. I even came out of my hole of hibernation for dinner in York with the Capital Street Duo at our favorite Indian place Hamir's to celebrate the Dame's birthday. It was unfortunate we caught an impromptu motorcade for emergency vehicles and police cars on their way to the vigil of the brave police officer, Andrew Duarte, was killed in the UMPC Hospital hostage and standoff Saturday morning. It was amazing the whole restaurant, spontaneously and not planned took a moment of silence. Sunday was spent vegging and more cooking...and three more loaves of bread.

This is sooooo Mistress Borghese

Happy Monday Kids!

LATE NIGHT...KACEY MUSGRAVES

Some days you need to step back and listen to some beautiful music, beautiful lyrics, and calming sound, and for me Kacey Musgraves always fits that bill. I have adored her since 2018.  Her music and singing are good for my soul. I loved her even more when she refused to bend the knee for Nashville, Tenn record label executives, coupled with her massive success, proves she is Nashville's, big machines worst nightmare. She is yet another female artist who managed to find widespread success in an industry that tried numerous times to muzzle her, with her Titled album and song , Same Trailor Different Park and Follow Your Arrow...both of which found controversy, for LGBT issues, homosexual tones and recreational marijuana. Follow you Arrow is such an inspirational song, the south needs to wake up. But that year at the Grammy's her amazing album was even withdrawn for Album of the Year, (even though other music critics said it was amazing and very well written), and found her blacklisted from country radio...but screw them, she has found her career and a successful one, with seven grammy wins in addition to seven CMA wins prior to all this, and wide acclaim since. Two of these clips are from her recent stunning set on Austin City Limits.

FROM THE CANDY SHOP

 

It's not all South American with me...I sometimes like to throw in some Italian! And Mattia Gagliardi looks to have the right "stuff" for the Candy Shop. He is heavy into sports and modeling, and at first glance he has me thirsting for more. This gorgeous man knows what to do, and what buttons to push and he looks especially appetizing in that underwear no? Who needs Italian foods with a man like this?