Author: ladynamera2020

Hello! Are you there? I am your guide, Lady Namera (Arabic for Tigress) to random musings of my mind. I am a quintessential throwback 1970-1980's Latch Key Kid. Some people call us Generation X which I believe provided a generation of my peers and I a creative foray into the world on our own terms. Hindsight has historians realizing we were not slackers but resilient stealth foragers of the world and its adventures. Innovation and work life balance are the security blankets we cling to after an early independence that framed the way we approach life. Much like many of my colleagues, you know the ones born 1968-1979, I appreciate keeping my thoughts close to my chest and find the collaborative nature or our day burdensome after a lifetime of figuring things out for myself. I'm using this forum to explore the potential catharsis expressing oneself provides or so I'm told. I do not have a channel, handle or other social media network to follow as this is my jump into the pond. So aside from testing the waters of putting my thoughts into the atmosphere, I hope to provide an eccentric joy of life perspective that gives a few moments of humor, insight and mindfulness. Enjoy the journey, its the only one we have. Have an amazing each day on purpose! Best regards, Lady Namera 2020
Posted on in HILARITY, PECULIAR

Wig in my Passenger Seat

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

“Why pray tell is there a wig in my passenger seat? Chile, I took it off cause it was hot!”

Lady Namera 2020 in an early January 2020 flashback

Good Day Wonderful Followers and Curiosity Seekers, Lady Namera 2020 here to provide a momentary escape into real life hilarity which is always more fun than fiction. I hope that you are well.

DISCLAIMER: Yes this is gonna be real and may require you to go to the loo before reading to ensure there are no accidents real or imagined.

So there I was. It was a long day and my lace front glue was giving way. Yes, Friends, my lace front glue was giving way. I tried to walk all prim, proper and cute to my vehicular destination. But the naughty wig had quite the mind of her own. Yes, I was a bit disconcerted that a mere gust of wind would blow her into the street causing an unavoidable traffic situation from shock, awe, laughter and well um potentially missing the curb and causing bodily harm to myself. Pause…….

Why was I wearing a wig you may ask? Well it is a bit complicated. See what had happened was I had this amazing epiphany that I should embrace my natural beauty, starting with nonchemically altered hair for 2020. Lets go back….

When I was a child I had this thick unruly hair that as I grew older I did not appreciate. I can remember when I was seven or eight my beautician attempted to use a Kiddy Kit (child’s hair relaxer) which was suppose to tame my hair. It didn’t work and she still had to use the hot straightening comb to tame my mane. Over the years I eventually came to become friends with lye perms which eliminated the need for the 450 degree straightening comb with its associated lingering scent of pressed hair, assorted neck, ear and forehead burns. Flash forward…..

At the end of 2019 I had hair breakage from stress and reintroducing chemicals to my hair after a 4 year natural hair journey. Why did I re-introduce the chemicals? Well my natural hair had gotten on my last nerve and I used the creamy crack chemical relaxer to tame my mane. Stay with me now. But now after the damage it seemed apropos to start all over, this time chopping all my hair off rather than transition to natural hair.

INNER MUSING: If you have never chopped all your hair off it is the most exhilarating thing to do. Plus, I found out I have a FABULOUS near bald head meaning I didn’t shave it but nearly. I cannot tell you the freedom I felt. It was EXHILIRATING and EMPOWERING!!!! I had this bright idea that I’d just wear wigs as an accessory until my hair grew out. I also wasn’t sure how my friends, family and co-workers would take my new found freedom. Chile, if I knew how hot those wigs, caps, glue and appurtenances would become I would have thrown caution to the wind sooner. And we’re back…

On the day in which I began this musing, I had to make a long road trip to pick up an item from an office that operates out of a loft. I mention this because it was when I went there with my windbreaker jacket over my suit (I had on long johns too) after wondering around trying to find the office that I realized I should have taken the windbreaker off. In my head I knew I should but my brain was set on departing soon and with it being January, I would need to stay warm. Well, the office I was visiting wanted to introduce everyone to me and I didn’t want to be rude. So, I began to glisten. For those who are uninformed, ladies glisten, men sweat. By the time I got out of there, walked the umpteen steps down to go back to my car, I was so undone.

As I drove back to my office I could feel the back of the wig attempting to do its own thing, the front was still in place. Unfortunately, I needed to brief my bosses before I went home. While briefing my bosses I decided it might be a good time to let them know my wig might fall off. They weren’t quite sure what to think or what I was going to say next, was I pregnant, was I quitting, did I want a raise, was I about to do bodily harm to them with my fallen wig???? The relief on their faces, when I told them I didn’t want to alarm anyone but wanted them to know I cut all my hair off, was priceless. I made sure they knew I wasn’t sick or acting out, just making a hair decision. Un-pause, play….

I made it to the car with out the wayward wig going airborne. What a day, what a day! As I drove home, I made a decision that enough was enough. No one should have to use prayer and sheer will to get their wig to stay on their dome. Then I proceeded to remove said wayward wig, cap, dangling glue and flung her into my passenger’s seat. I even opened the windows to feel the breeze on my new freedom crown. Then I had to close the windows cause it was rather cold outside. That moment became both a source of humor and relief at the precipice of my day. And that Friends is the story of how the wig got into my passenger seat.

I hope you find the freedom to laugh at yourself each day, it is a wonderful stress reliever, just make sure you go to the loo first or you’ll find a new stressor.

That’s it for this musing folks, have an amazing each day on purpose doing what brings you joy.

Until next time,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in INTROSPECTION

Let It Go Vs Happy

Photo by Susanne Jutzeler on Pexels.com
Photo by Samson Katt on Pexels.com

Hello, Lady Namera 2020 here, hoping you are doing well processing the New Year and its adventures as best you can.

Today I wasn’t planning to write but I saw an episode of NCIS that moved me. As I watched the episode I found myself more invested in the outcome of a 95 year old veteran than I would expect. This was fiction but it resonated with me as if it was my own story. At the end of the episode, my favorite character Gibbs had a conversation with McGee about the effects war had on him that was so melancholy yet so emancipating.

Why do we hold onto things that are not pleasant or thoughts we believe no one will understand? Have you felt off kilter as this year’s “new beginning” seems more like a stale continuation of Ground Hog’s Day than a fresh start? I know I am wired to keep things to myself and yes, this year feels so much like last year.

What does “Let It Go” versus “Happy” have to do with anything? Well that’s quite a funny conundrum. I have never seen the movie “Frozen” and thereby am not too keen on the song “Let It Go”. The song “Happy” was my theme song for a few years especially after I saw Despicable Me 2 (LOVED IT!!!). Up until maybe 15 minutes ago when I decided to look up the issue I had with the Frozen song, I learned I had no real reason to hate on “Let It Go”. You see, I recalled “Let It Go” winning over “Happy” during the 57th Grammy’s in 2015. Yes I can hold a grudge. What I missed was “Happy” did win two other Grammys. Oh my word!!! How did I miss that?? Huh? I opine you are wondering what?

Where this all converges to a nice conclusive muse is both are phenomenal songs that relay a TRUTH that you will miss if you hold on to things that need to be released. Letting “it” whatever “it” is go is fundamental to attaining and retaining happiness especially when we have no control of the “it”.

That little girl (the Latch Key One) from way back when who kept things close to her chest well into adulthood eventually learned to let things go in prayer and for a time to a psychologist who taught her about unpacking her mental closet of boxes to maintain her physicality and sanity. She’s even experimenting with the transparency of putting these ideas out there to total strangers who just might find some solace in her discovery.

You may let your “it” go through talking to someone, writing, working out or some other hopefully positive mechanism. If you haven’t found your positive outlet, I would implore you to find one. When you do, you too will find small reminders in everyday life or even a NCIS episode that reminds you of your humanity and how you can experience random spates of happiness through letting “it” go.

Wishing you a peaceful pleasant each day invested in things greater than yourself.

Until next muse.

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in INSPIRATION, INTROSPECTION

What’s Your Word?

Photo by Timothy Paule II on Pexels.com

Hello, Lady Namera 2020 here ready to brighten your day with a bit of the obvious.

Do you like words? I LOVE words!!! I’m a bit of a nerdy wordy type. Words have meaning with the capacity to make mundane breathe luminosity into the superfluous. A non nerdy wordy would simply say “lets call a spade a spade.” Notice the beautiful way the words in the previous sentence resonate vice the candor of the one that follows. In my mind, words have a wonderful playground to create lush tapestries for my innovative thoughts. My friends do think I’m a bit odd in my verbal acrobatics. Why did I have to wait until I was an adult to note not everyone loves words the way I do? Someone should have told me. Oops, I forgot I was too busy being an obedient silent LKK (Latch Key Kid) until spoken to so that’s my story and I’m sticking with it.

Wait, why all this dribble about words? Well, this is the start of a new year and many in our global society take stock in all the things they wish they did last year resulting in a laundry list of resolutions they intend to do this year. Here’s the thing, in not realizing that laundry lists are many times overwhelmingly unrealistic. the well meaning person quits the very things they set out to do many times within the first week. Reportedly, it takes at least 21 days to adopt a new anything. Doesn’t that seem defeatist? Ponder a moment, I know you’re great at multi-tasking or are you? We already have mandatory things we must do eat, sleep, go to school or work (commute or online), pay bills, chores, check in with friends and family, physical fitness, mental fitness, spiritual fitness and breathe. I don’t know about you but my time was already depleted last year and I haven’t found any extra seconds, minutes or hours to add to my daily 24 hours. Have you?

Photo by Polina Zimmerman on Pexels.com

Now, do not be alarmed I am not hating on goal setting, making deliberate (notice that word) actions to enhance your quality of life. Goal setting, planning, and innovative visualization are necessary to our existence enabling our becoming all we are purposed to be. What I am putting into the atmosphere is a simple alternative that may assist you in accomplishing all the things you desire. What is it pray tell? Simply a word.

I usually take a week off from work to relax, reflect, and refresh at the end of the year. As I began last year I had stumbled over an article about choosing one word to embody your intentions for the year. This was mind-blowing!!! So much more palatable than the list I could have come up with though I gave up on resolutions many many many years ago. I with my adventurous self decided to try it. Let me tell you it was revolutionary to my way of thinking. Remember, I LOVE words and the thought of picking just one for the whole year was rather daunting. But, when I tried it for the WHOLE year it made all the difference in helping me keep my sanity in the midst of chaotic 2020. The word I chose was DELIBERATE. Such a sassy saucy word yet it became my dear friend.

I noticed all the things I would have considered needing to do were accomplished and I even found time to do a few things I put on the back burner years ago. A few of the deliberate things I did:

  • Chopped all of my hair off because it was breaking from stress. Turns out I have a fabulously shaped head by the way. I will have to share the crazy adventure of going to work sans hair in a future post.
  • Reduced my verbiage in verbal and written form. This freaked some people out as they thought I had gone off the deep end.
  • Went back to school after a ten-year break to ensure I didn’t forfeit my Montgomery GI Bill.
  • Prioritized my time by providing the monetization required for me to continue the very bad habit of doing work on my unpaid off time. This one was a Hallelujah! moment for a recovering workaholic, as I.
  • Gave candid feedback on issues no one realized affected me until I was deliberate in expressing my truth.

My word for 2021 is DISCERNMENT. And yes, it is tied entirely to my Kingdom walk. If you don’t know now you know. I encourage you to consider the simplicity of one word. Check out the articles and websites below for more information.

2021
Goal Chaser
Homemade
Oneword.org
One Word
Tips

Well that’s it I hope today’s post provides a bit of inspiration to your day. Have an amazing each day on purpose for a purpose greater than yourself. Until next time.

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in INTROSPECTION

Your Voice Has Impact

Greetings Lady Namera 2020 here again, this time to provide a shoutout to making your voice heard.

Photo by Matheus Natan on Pexels.com

This time out I must confess a few things. My initial title for this post was going to be “Catharsis Thy Name Is Blog”. Then I realized I may have been attempting a bit of psychoanalysis of myself which would take volumes of books to get through, so I figured I’d spare you some valuable time by focusing on introspection from the point of benefit to those who may choose to view my post.

Let’s get to it, from my perspective as I’ve written before we LKK’s (70-80’s Latch Key Kids) are very skilled at keeping our mouths closed. Remember the “don’t speak until spoken to” mantra of being seen but not heard taught us to keep everything close to our chest. Namely, because it was considered we did not have much valuable knowledge to provide. Well if you know any of us you know that couldn’t be any farther from the truth. So what does that have to do with you?

Interesting you should ask. When we use active listening vice waiting for the other person to shut up so we can talk, we give ourselves time to hear the message, digest it, and if need be provide feedback. Back to introspection, over the years I blamed my conversation mishaps on the war and my diminished ability to retain what I was about to say. The funny thing is that while there are residual issues I deal with related to my combat time my brain faculties are quite magnificent. Actually, yours are too when you realize and accept the absolute phenomenal brains we are given with intricate functions, capability, and capacity for knowledge. Marinate on that thought. You have incredible ideas that need to be heard.

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

Have you ever noticed your actions when you’re in a meeting with presumptuous types who insist on pontificating to make others overlook their insecurities? No, I’m not hating, just making an observation. Here’s the thing. Once you listen actively noting their perspective, line of thinking, agenda or lack thereof, and lack of qualitative information relative to the objective of the meeting, you mentally check out. Ok, maybe that is just me. Once I recover from boredom or as I like to refer to it as “valuable time I can never get back”, I take a deep breath, exhale, and start taking notes. Why so, I don’t fall asleep to stay focused on the task at hand. Before I walk into the meeting, I write one to three items to cover if time allows covering the most important if time is short.

Here’s the thing. When you have something to say, do not let those who must be seen steal your opportunity to speak. Instead, exude grace and patience then succinctly make your point. This cuts through the minutiae and makes the most profound impression. Less is so much more! Your few words will resonate with everyone in the room even the pontificator because you respected their time. They will remember most of what you conveyed and only 10-20% of the verbose pontificator. Boom mic drop! Knowledge provided.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In case speaking in public bothers you check out the article or blog buttons below to help achieve the impact you desire.

5 Simple Tips
Media Coach
Public Speaking

Have an amazing each day on purpose for a purpose that is greater than you can imagine. Then you will know immense joy in the knowledge of your impact especially when you remember to use your voice.

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in INSPIRATION

Joy Cometh When We Least Expect

Good Day, Lady Namera 2020 here to drop a bit of knowledge on that elusive but oh so rewarding gift of joy.

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Have you ever had a really bad day, month, year, or just existence? What made you feel this way? Was it being overwhelmed with what seemed like the weight of the world? Or was it just being sick and tired of being sick and tired? The funny thing is life is what you determine it is. If you think it is going to be a bad day then it will be. Conversely, if you think it is going to be a joyful day then it will be. How is this possible?

Stay with me, we’re going on a bit of a journey of the mind, actually the depths of my mind. Don’t worry it’s not so cataclysmic as going into the rabbit hole of Alice and Wonderland. Though some of my friends would swear that is how my mind processes.

Once upon a time in my young existence there lived a creative mind that flourished. Kids from my era were not to speak until spoken to, as this was how well behaved children managed to evade the belt or switch. In the silence, the most miraculous things occurred, I had time to think of anything my heart and mind chose. Quiet time with one’s thoughts in youth builds resiliency to withstand great distress and turmoil. You see without any formal rules, training, or curricula whatever you think is possible. Settle with that thought for a moment. It is a game-changer that we have from birth. Children’s shows convey this, check out an old episode of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (https://www.misterrogers.org/watch/) or the Backyardigans (https://youtu.be/2eP5N9sMIwE) both will convey this concept in ways we tend to forget as adults. I have a theory that “happiness” comes from “happenings”; whereas, joy comes from within.

What’s my point? We determine how we approach each new day, event, project, and tragedy by how we think. Have you ever lost someone exceedingly close who had been sick for a long time or terminally ill? Yes, there is sadness in the loss but when we realize they will experience no more pain, that realization can give us so much joy. Why, because we realize that while being in our presence made us comfortable just to see them, they endured much pain to stay with us as long as they could. Yet, we could not remove their pain. Now they have no more pain, that thought gives me solace, peace, and joy.

What’s my point? I reiterate we determine how we approach each new day, event, project, and tragedy by how we think. I choose to be joyful because it is free and only requires me to remember it is an internal gift dependent on me to grasp it because no one can give it, therefore, no one can take it away. So the next time you are feeling depleted by life’s unexpected happenings, please remember you have a choice on how you process it. Take a few moments to as they say “smell the roses” or its equivalent for you, reflect, exhale, then choose a moment of joy for yourself. It comes in handy when you least expect it.

Have an amazing each day on purpose for a purpose beyond yourself. Then you will know true joy because it will be second nature to you.

Until next time, Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in PECULIAR

So what ever could a Latch Key Kid have to muse about?

Well Lady Namera2020 here to elevate your mind on the coolest, stealth and innovative generation known to man.

First, a shout out to all my fellow LKK’s (Latch Key Kids) we made it to adulthood without much fanfare but in case you didn’t know now you do that WE SO ROCK!!!! Before all the cool technology of today we learned to play and engage our minds without the latest gadgets. We saw the struggles of our parents and vowed not to be party to such drama. Plus a very wise dynamic woman named Ms. Karen McCullough Key Note Speaker Extraordinaire gives us mega props in the You Tube video further below. She also apologized to us on behalf of the Baby Boomers for the irreparable damage done to us that we take in stride. (https://www.karenmccullough.com/about-karen-keynote-speaker/) Remember that Melissa Manchester song, “Don’t Cry Out Loud, Just Keep It Inside and Learn How to Hide Your Feelings”?

We are cool as cucumbers, grace under fire with nerves of steel. How? Because we survived childhood mostly with our sanity, the ability to cook, clean and earn a living being industrious. Yes, picking up cans, having a paper route, working in a restaurant and being a stocker in a grocery store were the works of our hands that kept money in our pockets and a sense of accomplishment. We still had chores, helping with younger siblings homework, baby sitting younger siblings and basically managing the household while still being kids ourselves. Why? Because we were being supportive of the hardships our parents were making to make a better life for us. Also, I’m sure there couldn’t have possibly been labor laws for some of the things we accomplished. And if there were, we would NEVER EVER TELL. As this would cause any low income to middle income family more harm than good. But I digress.

While reviewing two blogs that piqued my interest and part of an assignment requirement, I thought what could this blog bring differently than others because I’m certainly not the wittiest nor most insightful. So, I looked at The Jennifer Chronicles and Not Always Right sites which are blogs that appeal to my Generation.

The Jennifer Chronicles (www.jenx67.com) – As soon as I went to the sight it hit me like a brick we both read Judy Bloom’s “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret”. Plus she has been blogging about Generation X since 2008, Surely, all her wit has covered myriad insight that I’d only be rehashing. Well I will say I really like the site’s layout and content. I recommend you check it out.

The Not Always Right (https://notalwaysright.com/related/) – I absolutely LOVE this site. It is hilarious with crowd sourced blog posts on several topics that are in the dark humor category. The layout of the site is aesthetically pleasing to the eye with multiple “Not Always Right” posts about Legal, Relatives, Romance and other categories including Inspirational. I definitely will be subscribing to the site and recommend you check it out as well.

So after reviewing both sites, was I discouraged in starting my own blog????? Actually no, the review made me want to add my thoughts into the mix. One of the things I am truly thankful for during the adventurous year of 2020 is it forced me to think. Simply to use the faculties I’ve always had to see the world with fresh rejuvenated eyes.

More about that in future posts. Have an amazing each day on purpose for a purpose greater than you!

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Posted on in HILARITY, PECULIAR

Big Bird, Pink Panther and Santa Claus

Lady Namera 2020 here, just wondering if I’m the only one.

So there I was being good not doing any wrong when, a very large bird thing on TV really caused me to pause. If you’re like me you watched very dynamic and captivating children’s shows like Captain Kangaroo, Mister Rogers, 3, 2, 1 Contact and Electric Company. These shows were educational and fun. Yet there was one show that didn’t quite set well with me because of one character. Cue in your head sinister music, duh duh duh…

Yes, I’ll say it, Big Bird ruined Sesame Street for me. I was immensely afraid of him, his beak, his voice and the fact that his timing just to me as a kid always seemed suspect. I think I even had nightmares about him. Don’t judge me! Look below, why is he about to bite or beak Gordon’s head? Yep, looks suspect to you too now. And while some may think me a bit odd, I’m not the only one who sees it. Check out: Dana Marie’s Muse and Views My Childhood Fears (danamarieintuitive.blogspot.com) and Evil Big Bird Invites Kids to Sesame Street (Drawception.com). Ok the second one is suspect but Dana’s site is legit and has the photo proof he was scary and caused other children’s nightmares.

Then there’s the creepy, spooky music from Pink Panther. While the Pink Panther himself didn’t really bother me that music messed me up. I had to listen briefly to make sure I had the version correct and I realized I still cringe at that music. Not cool.

And then there’s good old Santa Claus. Now before you think I’ve thoroughly lost it I have no latent fear of him nor of his breaking and entering homes through chimneys. Technically, we authorize him to commit crimes annually and NORAD tracks him so if the authorities really wanted to get him well there are ways. My concern is more with some of my older LKK (Reminder: Latch Key Kids) neighbors who told me during a snow day while we were making snow angels that Santa had gotten shot out of a helicopter. This is SO UNCOOL!!! Now I really should have done some more detailed investigative questioning of the informants but well I was only five or six and hadn’t learned the art of deception.

Until next time, have an amazing each day on purpose for a purpose greater than you!

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020

Epic Vacay and a Russian Fort

Aloha, Lady Namera2020 here ready to provide a look back at a fabulous vacation spot that provided a fascinating international intrigue historical siting.

Have you ever taken two weeks to just relax and enjoy the environment? Well for most of my adult life I did not even consider vacations anything other than time to go see family do home improvements and catch up on sleep. Well, one fateful day I received a call on my cell phone while out with my office mates. I reportedly won a trip from some slip of paper I filled out in one of those shopping mall contests. What????

Long story short the call was for a timeshare pitch. I did my research drove two and half hours to the location one Saturday morning ready to say no and pick up my travel voucher. Then something odd happened. The young man who was my representative got lucky he did not lie answered all my questions and because it was every two years I decided to make the leap. This was my way to force myself to take time off and not just visit family. Three years later, I took five weeks total of leave over the course of the year. A week in Las Vegas, two weeks at the location where I purchased the time share and two weeks in lovely Kauai. WINNING!!!

Most of the photos in the slideshow are from that wonderful two weeks in Kauai which I believe at least one or two are from Viva Las Vegas. You’ll notice my ride or die travel companion Lamb Chop goes into glamour photo shoot mode which is hilarious including her investigation of a pig and a potential scene of a crime atop my rental vehicle.

So now for the international intrigue. The photo further below was a panoramic I took of a historical location known as Russian Fort on the Southwest portion of Kauai. There are actually at least one or two other locations on the island Russia also laid claim to for a time. Thanks to the National Parks Service you can find out all about how the Russian American Company prompted it being built in 1817.

If you ever get a chance to go Kauai it is a must see location.

For more information on the Russian Fort check out:

National Park Service
Russian Fort History

Panoramic by Lady Namera 2020.

Until next time, have an amazing each day on purpose!

Best regards,

Lady Namera 2020