Women's Quarter Series: Bessie Coleman

In the past few years, the US mint has crafted quarters to spotlight the remarkable accomplishments of women. Funny enough, I've only just learned about this. As we approach the final stretch of 2023, I decided to read about these exceptional women and reflect on their legacies. In a delightful twist, I shifted through my change jar and realized I already had some of these 2023 tribute coins.

My research about the honorees of these small tokens began with the story of Bessie Coleman. While you can find more about her online, here are some of my cherished facts about her. 

Coleman was an early American civil aviator and the first African-American/self-identified Native American woman to hold a pilot's license (1921). Born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised by sharecroppers, she later moved to Waxahachie before settling in Chicago at the age of 23. With the support of Robert Abbott, publisher of the Chicago Defender newspaper, she managed to pursue studies in France and acquire her license. She had to travel there due to country not allowing flight training for African Americans and women in the US at that time.

🛩️ Her flying exploits earned her the nicknames "Queen Bess" and "Brave Bessie," a testament to the daring stunts she fearlessly executed. Other honors include a January 26, 2017 Google doodle tribute,  American Airlines commemorated her with a special flight from DFW to Phoenix which was operated by an all-black female crew, and Mattel's Bessie Coleman Barbie.

Among the most touching notes that I read was that Mae Carol Jemison, the first African American woman in space, carried a picture of Bessie on her inaugural mission. What a beautiful thread of connection weaving its way through history. Her legacy continues with her namesake, the "Coleman Mons," adorning the edge of Pluto's heart-shaped Tombaugh Regio.

And the story continues...Pluto has a significant geological feature in its southern hemisphere named for another woman highlighted on a 2023 quarter. 'Ride Rupes' is named in honor of Sally Ride, the trailblazing first woman in space. Due to this connection, she will be the next luminary I'll read about in this inspiring series. 

Bessie Coleman, Curtiss Field, L.I. 1922 (Cradle of Aviation Museum)

 "I thought it my duty to risk my life to learn aviation and to encourage flying among men and women of our race, who are so far behind the white race in this modern study." 

 

Embracing Coziness: Fresh Ideas for Family Bonding

In today's fast-paced world, creating moments of togetherness and comfort at home matters more than ever. Beyond the usual options like cooking and board games, these ideas below add a special touch of warmth and thoughtfulness. Let's explore inspirational activities that can bring your family closer, spark creativity, and make lasting memories.

 

• Storytelling Nights: Set the stage for creativity by hosting collaborative storytelling nights. Each family member takes turns adding a sentence or a paragraph to a story, building on the plot in imaginative ways. This activity not only sparks creativity but also encourages active listening and cooperation.
  
  
• Movie Under the Stars: Create an indoor picnic with a celestial twist. Hang up fairy lights or use a projector to mimic a starry night sky on your ceiling. Lay out a cozy blanket and indulge in movie and treats while stargazing indoors.
  
  
• Time Travel Tea Party: Transport your family to different eras with a "Time Travel Tea Party." Choose a historical period, dress up accordingly, and prepare foods that were popular during that time. Engage in conversations about the past, learning and laughing together as you experience different cultures and traditions.
  
  
• Family Cultural Night: Choose a different country each month and immerse yourselves in its culture. Prepare traditional dishes, learn about customs, and maybe even attempt a few phrases in the language spoken there. This activity promotes cultural awareness and understanding.
  
  
• Themed Family Karaoke Night: Pick a theme, such as "80s hits" or "Disney classics," and have a themed karaoke night. Dress up, sing your hearts out, and make it a night filled with laughter and memorable performances.

"Coziness isn't just a feeling; it's a deliberate choice to cultivate an atmosphere of love and connection."

Snow Cones & Starlight: Romantic Date idea

Not too long ago, my husband and I planned a wonderfully cozy and romantic date night. He grabbed our favorite snow cones [because it's still so hot in Oklahoma] and we wrapped up in each other's company for a house date.

To create our magical evening, I gathered soft blankets, pillows, and then turned on some ambiance - stars and a swirling nebulae. We happen to have a  ' Love Beyond the Stars ' theme in our bedroom anyway so this was perfect -- short background on our bedroom's theme below. With candles lit and a movie playing [Armageddon], we enjoyed an evening of sweet simplicity and snuggles. I called it our 'Snow Cones & Starlight' date. I don't share to brag; it's just that after being single for so long, I want to capture cherished moments through my camera lens, ensuring they stay forever etched in my heart.

 

Garden Delights II - Nicebleed

The inspiration behind my " Love Beyond the Stars " theme

The idea was to create a bedroom that feels like love knows no bounds. Sometimes we turn on the projector to let colorful stardust twirl overhead and since a nebulae is described as a 'cradle for stars' this evokes a sense of snugness. The photographs of the lunar cycle comforts me when I consider it's consistency in the flow of change. At the heart of it all though is this painting of intertwined astronauts. I love it because, instead of the traditional scene of these adventurers on some gray planet with rocky terrain, they are in a meadow of blossoms. This couple is us--on a adventure as explorers ending up in a beautiful place we didn't expect. So for me as we too snuggle up in this ' space ,' time seems to slow down. Reflecting on Vincent van Gogh's words, ' The sight of the stars makes me dream, ' it's as if our room has become a canvas for this sentiment exactly.

 

Chasing Hope: A Night of Music with NF

Encouraged by my hubby, who always champions me to be adventurous, I recently set out on a solo trip to an NF concert. It was a scorching Wednesday in early August. The thermometer was struggling at 107 degrees and I waited outside the concert venue for over an hour. In some ways that only heightened my anticipation because I felt in my heart the night would be unforgettable.

As I finally stepped into Dickies Arena, the blast of frigid air was an invigorating contrast to the outside. The venue filled up with an eclectic crowd of happy odd-balls. I'm a fairly new fan so I didn't know what to expect. Some sported NF quote shirts, while others showcased an array of styles, ranging from goths with black painted smiles stretched across their lips [which is an NF video reference], to preppy folks dressed in t-shirts and loafers with a distinct absence of socks who were most likely Christian. NF is known for not cursing in his music. Despite the diversity we shared an air of friendliness and comradery.

As I took my seat, black balloons were being playfully tossed above the crowd on the floor level. The symbolism was not lost on me - NF often employs black balloons as metaphors for the burdens we all carry. He's skilled at helping others not feel so alone - so it was heartwarming to imagine people releasing their personal burdens to each other. It reminded me of his music quote, "I want you to know when you're alone and you feel afraid, You're not the only person in the world that isn't okay. There's millions of us just like you, like you, like you..."

As the opening act left the stage, we were plunged into darkness, amplifying the collective anticipation. A surge of music and fans rising to their feet sent chill-bumps down my arms. NF's artistry thrives on his willingness to share his struggles, his conversations with God, and even his sense of humor. Through his albums, he crafts cinematic experiences that span the decade, often intertwining them with meticulously placed "Easter eggs." His previous songs have reflected the somber realities he has been confronting in his life of childhood abuse, mental health challenges of OCD, depression and anxiety - especially on stage, and the death of his mom who unfortunately overdosed. After his Perception tour in 2018, he revealed his was not well and admitted himself into therapy. Since then he has married and had one child, a son, in 2021. His 2023 album, "Hope," marks a departure from a darker NF and signals a pivot toward fostering hope and some healing. I highly recommend the title song, "Hope." My struggles have been different but I've related to feelings expressed in his music and my spirit lately has also been feeling more hopeful so again, his music is timely.

As I look back today, I'm reminded of the importance of going to concerts of the artists who resonate deeply with us. Such experiences are worth having, even if our pockets are empty or if we must venture alone. It's in these moments that we find a richness of self-discovery, connection, and personal growth. Going solo to the NF concert might have been an unconventional choice, but it reaffirmed the old saying that the most meaningful adventures often begin with a single step.

So, dear reader, let this be an invitation. An invitation to embrace the unexpected, to journey solo if you must, and to create memories that are uniquely yours. Just as NF's music encourages his fans toward hope, I want to do the same. May every adventure encourage you toward your own amazing horizons.

Silent Recession: Inflation's Quiet Stranglehold

Microsoft Stock Photo

In the realm of economics, some downturns don't make headlines, and their impact often remains hidden beneath the surface. These are "silent recessions" periods of economic stress that don't manifest in the dramatic ways we've come to associate with traditional recessions. However, the impact can be just as significant for those of us who are struggling.

When we read the term "recession," our thoughts often imagine chaotic stock markets, surging unemployment rates, and news headlines dominated by financial turmoil. However, the concept of a silent recession remains somewhat unfamiliar, mainly because most of us keep our financial matters quiet, especially when there are difficulties. The silence intensifies as those around us appear unaffected and also refrain from discussing their own struggles. Nevertheless, I'm here to break that silence and address these issues openly. Food, gas, and basic utility prices are ridiculous right now. Recently I went into my neighborhood Goodwill to look for gently used organizational items. I thought I was being frugal but was shocked to see that even their current pricing was higher than if I bought the items brand new at a Dollar General (or Round to the Dollar stores, as I like to call them).

Here are some ways a silent recession shows itself:

1. Stagnant Wages: People might be working, but since the pandemic, many of us have had to go without raises and we can't keep up with rising costs. While inflation might not be out of control enough to make national news, wages aren't really keeping up with the rising costs of essentials like housing and healthcare. 
   
   
2. Growing Inequality: Economic growth doesn't necessarily mean equitable growth. Even as economic indicators like GDP growth suggest overall expansion, the subtle erosion of economic stability deepens the gap between the affluent and the disadvantaged, amplifying disparities.
   
   
3. Lack of Savings: Escalating living costs can quickly deplete financial reserves, leaving families exposed to unforeseen expenses like medical bills or sudden job losses. People begin living on a "bare bones" budget each month. The absence of savings magnifies the challenges. 

Behind every economic statistic, there's a personal story. The struggle to make ends meet can lead to stress, mental health challenges, and a diminished quality of life. Addressing silent recessions requires a shift in focus from just "economic indicators" shares to the actual well-being of individuals. We all know how vital it is to support organizations that advocate for living wages and the social safety-net programs, like unemployment assistance and welfare, which are lifelines for individuals and families navigating economic downturns. However, we also need to recognize and dismantle any stigmas associated with seeking help during economic uncertainties.

Most of us are feeling the impact of higher grocery bills, adult children facing soaring housing costs, and the unpredictability of fluctuating gas prices. What weighs heaviest on my mind today, however, is the critical importance of bridging the gap between data and lived experiences. Together, we must ensure this recession isn't hidden in silence. My friend and I have been openly discussing the challenges we face in our economy then exchanging tips and strategies to help each other navigate this time. Won't you join us?

Ultimately, addressing silent recessions extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it encompasses the sharing of knowledge and resources while nurturing a sense of community so that we can mitigate the impact on our families and safeguard the well-being of our neighbors.