Yet another leaving this here moment

Once again, it behooves your humble blogger to amplify something that speaks to the needs of the moment.  What's been crying from the rooftops as of late is the food insecurity may are and will be facing. While we've been far overdue to not be numb to those dealing with hunger, now is as good a time as any to not just listen, but hear the cry of those in need. 

Version 4.4

Your humble blogger is one year older.  What has been the lesson? Perseverance. Persevere in community,  love, faith hope, and positive priorities. It may not be a walk in the park, but it will be well worth it. 

Ms

RanaDee 

In which your humble blogger puts her Cabaret fan hat back on

If you were to have met yours truly around 25 years ago, chances are you would hear about her fandom of the musical Cabaret.  Unfortunately, my proto-blog from that time is off in the ether so it's hard to provide receipts. Fast forward to now, it feels apropos to put the fandom cap back on, given the latest Broadway production is getting buzz with Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace closing the show's run as Emcee and Sally Bowles. 

 Never in a million years would 20 year old Ms.RanaDee have imagined that two Broadway heavyweights that look like her would be the leads in her favorite show, let alone close out its' run on the Great White Way. To understand why this means so much, watch this video:

https://youtu.be/_qmyW1NAXew?si=XiwPxKZ1fuZDzlXu 

Learning lessons and not being too late

 What's been on your humble blogger's mind as of late is the idea of not being too late to learn important life lessons. A person's pace is a person's pace. Sometimes it takes a while for important things to sink in. Once the lessons are being learned, though,  the process is not easy. Part of that is regretting not have learned earlier (for fellow Catholics out there, you may be familiar with Teresa Tomeo 's reference to the old school V8 commercial "I could have a V8"). Within that, though,  it seems like the more time passes,  the more one has to given themselves grace when learning an important life lesson they didn't before. Is it easy? No. One day at a time, though.

Yours truly,

Msranadee 

Another "leaving this here" moment

Again, some points are so good they need to just be shared and reiterated, no commentary. Word to Prof. Sunn M'cheaux.

 

Celebrating Small Business Month

 It's Small Business Month and your humble blogger is excited to highlight Small business, especially BIPOC ones. Here's some that I've personally patronized:

Denisio Truitt Atelier- denisiotruitt.com 

(The crop top and earrings are from this shop)

This store has been mentioned before on this blog, but Denisio Truitt Atelier deserves all the love. Denisio is an artist through and through and her wares definitely deserve to be in your closet, jewelry chest or on your wall.

Woodward Throwbacks -https://www.throwbackshome.com/

Love home goods? Shop Woodward Throwbacks. Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay bring new life to salvaged pieces in their furniture work. Check out their home decor and drinkware as well. If you're in Detroit, check out their showroom in Hamtramck.

Studio Nena- https://studionena.co/

Based in Miami, Studio Nena has one of a kind pieces begging to be part of your wardrobe .

Baobab Fare- https://baobabfare.com/

Of course your humble blogger has to highlight another Detroit spot. When in town, grab a bite at the restaurant. Their east African fare is sure to please. For those unable to make it to the Motor city, order a bag of their Burundian coffee or other east African goods through their Soko Market.

Nur Ceramics- https://www.nurceramics.com/

(Incense from Soulful Vibes Co. https://soulfulvibesco.com)

Anyone in love with design, especially minimal design, will love Dina Nur Satti's ceramics. In fact, to speak of Nur Ceramics strictly in terms of design is an understatement. As stockist  Covet + Lou notes, Satti's pieces are "vessels rich in culture"

If you have the chance to enjoy any of these brands, don't hesitate to do so.

-Msranadee

Back again at U.S. Catholic

Check out the April 2025 issue of U.S. Catholic 

Help Tahiri Broom's Family

 You may have heard of the murder of Tahiri Broom last month. On this Trans Day of Visibility, it behooves your humble blogger to boost her family 's GoFundMe. They're almost at goal. She deserves to be remembered with dignity and her family deserves all the support they need. If you're able to do so, please donate or share 

https://gofund.me/fe5f2938

-Msranadee

Leaving this here

Once again, Janelle Monáe comes with a quote that stops you in your tracks and begs to be shared.  This time, it's in their forward for Octavia Butler's Kindred:

The idea of a 'hero' asks that we think about not only their bravery but also who or what is being saved

Humanity has been enamored with the hero's journey since time immemorial. It seems to be always taught as a lesson on how to behave,  especially in trying times. Yet, Janelle breaks down the idea of heroism so well in just one sentence. It's something to meditate on and take to heart, as life calls us to always stand for what's right and those most vulnerable.

I made it to AZE Journal

You humble blogger's poetry has been accepted by AZE Journal! Check it out-

 https://azejournal.com/article/2024/12/22/does-there-have-to-be-a-reason