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Question of the Day 1.21.26 📚
I’ve been wanting to read these two books for years and haven’t gotten around to it. I started The Pillars of the Earth once and stopped. It wasn’t bad. I guess my attention was needed elsewhere. I have several books in my home that have been sitting on shelves unused for an embarrassing amount of time. I like the classics, biographies and history. I’m trying to work through those. Roots and The Pillars of the Earth are not on one of my book shelves. They’re on an entirely different long list. This is just what popped into my mind first. I have a lot of reading to do.
Roots, Alex Haley
The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett
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Question of the Day 1.16.26 🐘
What is your favorite animal?
I like elephants. They are big, strong, smart and communal.
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Question of the Day January.18.2026
Daily writing promptWrite about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.To the best of my knowledge Shannon is Irish and it means something like little wise one. I have no significant Irish genetics nor do I identify with Irish culture. Shannon was a trendy name from the 60s-80s. My parents gave me one of the popular names of the day.
There is no significance to my name personally aside from the era in which I was born. Ask any Gen Xer. They went to school with at least 2-3 Shannons. I’ve noticed that most people that I run across named Shannon are Gen X or Millenial.
Even though Shannon is a unisex name it was no match for Gen X juggernauts Jennifer, Jessica and Erica. I went to school with at lest ten of the listed each. Jennifer and Jessica were both name considerations when my parents were trying to decide. I think they went with what they thought was a bit different. Had I been born a bit later they would have gone with Shelby. If I had a younger sister she likely would have been Shelby. (I don’t have one.)
Gen Xers have the same two dozen or so names per gender. If you grew up around a lot of Black people five or so more names can be added i.e. Taneisha, LaToya, etc. That’s the story of my name.
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Question of the Day 1.15.26 🛐 👐🏿💰😇
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
Jesus already saved my soul and died for me on the cross. I really can’t ask for more. However, a gigantic sack of cash (or two) would be nice.
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Awesome Legacy – RIP Richard Smallwood ✝️❤️🔥🎹💿🎶🎵🎤
Gospel singer Richard Smallwood died on December 30, 2025. He died in an assistant living home in Maryland from kidney problems at age 77. Richard Smallwood wrote one of my favorite songs “I’ll Trust You”. “I’ll Trust You” is a tearjerker. I have to be careful where and when I listen to the song so I don’t ruin my eye makeup. I came to know of Richard Smallwood from the “Wow Gospel” music series that was popular in the early-mid 2000s. I bought the “Wow” Gospel and Christian Contemporary CDs for years. They introduced me to some great music and artists.
Richard Smallwood also wrote and performed the very popular song “Total Praise”. I didn’t know this until he died. “Total Praise” is heartfelt and expresses admiration, love and devotion to our savior Jesus Christ. It’s a great song.
Most of us won’t leave behind a significant legacy and that doesn’t really bother me. But Richard Smallwood left behind a wonderful legacy of faith and praise with his music.
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Question of the Day 1.10.26 💿🎵🎤
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
I got a boom box with a CD player for Christmas or my birthday when I was middle school age. I still have it. I used it regularly until about two years ago. Now it’s in my basement.
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Question of the Day 1.9.26 🌅☀️👶🏾👧🏿👩🏿🦱👩🏿🦳👵🏿⚰️🪦🕊
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
Every day is a gift and a new opportunity. I’m grateful for every day.
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Winter Review – Barbie Movie
I watched “Barbie Movie” on TBS during the holidays. I liked this film more than I expected I would. The film is based on the Mattel toy Barbie and the world she inhabits. Barbie’s world is lead by women and caters to femininity. “Barbie Movie” explores modern womanhood, gender roles, ego and empowerment.
Barbie and Ken leave the world they’re use to and travel to the real world. Barbie is confused by the real world. She’s aware of who she is and she use to feeling empowered by feminine beauty. The real world is hostile towards Barbie and it shakes her confidence. Ken loves the real world and has no desire to leave. As a man Ken is empowered by the real world
Barbie and Ken return to their world. Ken tells the other Kens about what he experienced. Male dominance takes over Barbie’s world. Barbie and visitors from the real world come up with a plan to course correct.
Barbie has a personal crisis in the later half of the film. She becomes less than ideal and doesn’t know how to cope with her imperfections. Everything comes together at the end.
I recommend “Barbie Movie”. It makes many valid points and can inspire discussions about relationships between men and women and gender roles.
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Winter Review 2026: It’s a Wonderful Life
I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the first time on Christmas Eve. I had been meaning to watch this Christmas classic for years but just got around to it. I liked it but I don’t like it as much as other people. I watched it on NBC. NBC and other media outlets aired and edited version of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. There were pivotal scenes cut from the NBC broadcast which were criticized by those familiar with the original version.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” isn’t sappy. It’s not like Christmas movies that run on cable. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is straightforward and a little gritty. I like that about the film. Modern day Hollywood asks us to tap into an alternate reality. Old films address the audiences like they are adults with adult life experiences. Old films quietly tap into our understanding of reality and day to day human experiences.
The main character in the film is George Bailey and starred film legend James Stewart. George was established as a family man and held a job. He got to a point where he was frustrated with his life and wish he was never born. With supernatural help from an angel George got the chance to see what his loved ones and would be like without him.
The lives of those around George were grim without him. George saw that he was a blessing to others. Because of the love for his family, friends and community George came to appreciate his own life.
I liked “It’s a Wonderful Life” but I didn’t love it. Perhaps the edits make a significant difference. I will watch the original version in the future. I recommend “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It’s a classic and a good way to relax during the holidays.
Thoughts, Observations, Impressions
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Shannon's Life in the Midwest 