The Dog Days of Summer

The Dog days, a name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3rd to August 11th. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun. In the latitude of the Mediterranean region, this period coincided with hot days that were plagued with disease and discomfort. The time of conjunction varies with difference in latitude, and because of the precession of the equinoxes it changes gradually over long periods in all latitudes.

Due to a very slow wobble of Earth’s axis, the Dog Star now seems to rise later than it did in ancient times. Its ascension no longer coincides with the start of the Nile flood (which does not occur anyway, because the river is now controlled by the Aswan Dam), but Sirius still makes its appearance during hot summer days.

Old-timers believed that rainfall on the dog days was a bad omen, as foretold in this verse:
Dog Days bright and clear
Indicate a happy year;
But when accompanied by rain,
For better times, our hopes are vain.

Dog Days are approaching; you must, therefore, make both hay and haste while the Sun shines, for when old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such an unsteady, crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him.

–The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1817

You Listen- A Poem

You listen as the rain pounds the rooftops & window panes.
Leaving wet traces behind as you peacefully fall asleep.

You listen as the television & radio play favorite tunes and movies.
While birds, locust & crickets together sing sweet melodies.

You listen as the howling wind whips through the trees.
While sounds of rustling leaves create perfect harmony.

You listen as the ocean’s waves sway to a gentle breeze.
While friends confide in you their fears, hopes, and dreams..

You listen as aggressively dog’s bark protecting our home at night.
As you awaken to another day of great possibilities.

You listen patiently to so many things,
But why my love will you not listen to me?

Jasmine D. Parker ©

MY LORD – A Poem From the Movie “The Innocents”

What shall I sing to my lord from my window?

What shall I sing for my lord will not stay?

What shall I sing for my lord will not listen?

Where shall I go when my lord is away?

Whom shall I love when the moon is arisen?

Gone is my lord and the grave is his prison.

What shall I say when my lord comes a calling?

What shall I say when he knocks on my door?

What shall I say when his feet enter softly?

Leaving the marks of his grave on my floor.

Enter my lord.

Come from your prison.

Come from your grave, for the moon is arisen.

Welcome, my lord.

MOBE SHUT DOWN BY FTC on 06/04/18

MOBE which stands for My Online Business Education owned and created by Matthew Lloyd McPhee who brought his virtual training program to the online marketplace in 2011.

On June 4, 2018, it was shut down by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). An FTC investigation into MOBE has been ongoing; and currently, every MOBE corporate website is down. Here’s what we know.

MOBE is an online business training company that was created by an Australian entity known as Matthew Lloyd McPhee

On Monday, June 4, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission, an agency of the United States of America (“FTC”), filed a civil lawsuit against the following persons and entities:

• MOBE Ltd., d/b/a MOBE, d/b/a My Online Business Education, d/b/a My Own Business Empire (Malaysia)
• MOBEProcessing.com, Inc. (US)
• MOBETraining.com, Inc. (US)
• Transaction Management USA, Inc. (US)
• MOBE Pro Limited (UK)
• MOBE Online Ltd. (Mauritius)
• 9336-0311 Quebec, Inc., d/b/a Business Education Training (Canada)
• Matt Lloyd Publishing.com, Pty Ltd., d/b/a Matt Lloyd Publishing, d/b/a Home Business Builders (Australia)
• MOBE Inc. (Panama)
• Matthew Lloyd McPhee, a/k/a Matt Lloyd, a/k/a Matthew Lloyd
• Russel W. Whitney, Jr.; and
• Susan Zanghi

The lawsuit, which is styled Federal Trade Commission v. MOBE Ltd., et al., case no. 6:18-cv-862, is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. In the lawsuit, the Court has entered an order that enjoins the Defendants from certain activities and appoints a receiver for the companies listed above.

As with any job, research on the company must be done; Although many individuals working through this company were generating huge incomes, there had to be something that stood out to the FTC to shut them down and issue a temporary restraining order against them.

Something like this can get tied up in the court system for a long period of time. Hopefully, for Matt Lloyd and everyone else involved, everything that was done, was actually done legally and this will be settled in a short time and they can get back to business. Something like this can ruin a reputation for the business and owner.

My thoughts and prayers go out to each individual who invested money no matter the amount into this company, only to have had it frozen and potentially lost forever. For now, we’ll stay tuned!

DISCLAIMER: I am not an Attorney nor am I providing legal advice of any type.

There Were Twelve

My son and daughter-in-law asked if they could have a birthday / swimming party at my place for my grandson who turned 7 last month.  Of course, I said yes and that it would be great fun.  We went over the details of the party and what would be served on the menu.  My grandson loves baseball, although he doesn’t play yet, his cousin, my other 7-year-old grandson does play. We went over the party guests and who all would be invited and we arrived at six due to obligations other parents had with their children on this date and that was fine with me.

The menu sounded delicious, I ordered the cake and requested the decorations my grandson wanted. As time grew closer, the party guest grew larger than previous. It was funny because my daughter-in-law forgot about a friend she has that has 7 children. She asked if it would be ok with me if she invited her and I told her yes it would.

The day of the party:

My grandson was so excited about this day, he loved the decorations and the big number 7 candle for his cake and all was well.  The guests started arriving my other grandchildren came and an SUV pulls up and out of it spills 6 children and their mother. The oldest child didn’t want to attend and rightfully so, she is a teenager and has teen stuff to do.

It was amazing how we made it work especially during pool time.  I love parties, but when parties and swimming pools are mixed together I want to be especially careful and watch each child.  I can say it was extra special, every last one of the children had a great time. They swam and swam, enjoyed themselves and when it was time for refreshments, they were ready.  My grandson somehow got his hands on the 7 candle, opened it and broke it. We didn’t have any more candles, so we had him pretend to blow out his candles.  He opened his gifts, there were plenty of photos taken, and all of the children and adults were so tired when it was over.  I was ready for a hot bubble bath and my pajamas.

 

 

 

 

 

Not a Good Week to Remember!

Often times it’s hard to watch the news.  There are so many stories that don’t make the news that would enlighten so many and bring hope to those who believe there is no hope left.  Then we have the sad & shocking stories that do make the headlines that leave us all in disbelief and feeling like we just took a trip into the Twilight Zone.

Tuesday with the death of Kate Spade hitting the airways and the sad news that she committed suicide. Then Friday rolls around and we hear the news that Anthony Bourdain has died and he also committed suicide. These two sad stories brought so much sadness to so many people.  You could hear the pain in the celebrities that were interviewed and read the pain in those who wrote statements and fans who wrote comments on different articles.

I have no idea if Kate or Anthony knew one another, but the situations surrounding their deaths are still sad all the same.

Not only were they both celebrities; but they were around the same age.  Spade was 55, and Bourdain was 61; both with different careers and fan-based demographics.

The media has not released whether or not Anthony left a suicide note or not.  At this time it looks as though no note was left so that still leaves the question as to why he felt so lost that he couldn’t reach out for help?  Many people wear a mask and are one way around people or the camera if they are famous and a complete other way when they are alone. The Great Coverup!  As sad as it is, two great people are gone suddenly and two families are devastated and two daughters are left without their parents.  Kate’s daughter cannot go talk to her mother when older about boys, her Senior Prom and all the things young girls and mother’s talk about or help her daughter prepare for her wedding when older.  Anthony’s daughter cannot go to him and discuss boys and the fact that a boy wants to take her out or to Senior Prom and he won’t be there to walk his daughter down the isle one day when she gets married.

Common Denominators:

Both highly successful in their careers and both left behind young children to forever be confused as to why their parents chose to leave this world the way they did; and questioning, if it might have been something they did or if their parents loved truly loved them.

Kate Spade did leave a note telling her daughter how much she loved her and ending it with ask Daddy. The note only leaves more questions than answers for a young child and who knows if her daddy really has the correct answers or not?  The last I read Kate’s husband stated that she was suffering from depression.  Let’s just hope he and the rest of the family can provide this beautiful child with the love, attention, and therapy she is definitely going to need to pull her life together.  My heart goes out to them all.

Often times when a person commits suicide, they have been contemplating it and maybe have even tried and failed.  When celebrities take their lives, it usually creates a spike in suicidal thoughts and actions. Fans and everyday people look at Celebrities as individuals who have it all together and are living the good life that many of us would love to live.  Many of us forget that these are just ordinary individuals who may have careers on television and are in the limelight, but they are human just as we are, with emotions and problems that they face on a daily basis with deadlines to meet, bills and taxes to pay as we do.  These people have marital problems, family issues, and have an image they must try to live up to for the public.

There has been an increase in suicide in the last few years and the age of the victims are getting younger and younger.

Risk Factors According to the CDC:

More than half of the Americans studied by the CDC who died by suicide did not have a mental health condition. Substance abuse, financial stress and relationship problems or loss are all factors that contribute to suicide risk, data shows. Suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Questioning suicide? Call someone, anyone: A friend, neighbor, family member, religious figure, hospital, doctor, mental health specialist, the police department or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Anthony Michael Bourdain – The Death of a Great Man. June 25, 1956 – June 8, 2018

Anthony Michael Bourdain was born on June 25, 1956, to Pierr & Gladys Bourdain in New York City.  He was an American celebrity chef, author, travel Documentarian, and international culture, cuisine, and the human condition.  He was noted by popular sources as one of the popular sources as one of the most influential chefs in the world.

Bourdain was a 1978 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a veteran of numerous professional kitchens, including many years spent as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. He first became known for his 2000 bestselling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. His first food and world-travel television show were A Cook’s Tour, which ran for 35 episodes on the Food Network from 2002 through 2003. In 2005 he began hosting the Travel Channel’s culinary and cultural adventure programs Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005–2012) and The Layover (2011–2013). In 2013, he switched to CNN to host Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

Though best known for his culinary achievements and television presentations, along with several books on food and cooking and travel adventures, Bourdain’s lesser-known writings include both fiction and historical nonfiction.

I remember watching my first episode of No Reservations back in 2010 and The Layover which premiered November 21, 2011. I was immediately hooked on both shows and Bourdain’s charismatic personality and no-nonsense approach.

He leaves to mourn his death his daughter Ariane, who was born in 2007 to Bourdain and Ottavia Busia, his parents, Gladys Bourdain & Pierre Bourdain, his younger brother, Christopher and his partner Asia Argento.

Many friends and celebrities have given their condolences and shared many fond memories of the handsome, colorful chef that we all had the pleasure of enjoying and traveling via television each week.

He will live on in our hearts and many prayers go out to his family & friends!

If you or anyone you know may be contemplating suicide and need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ‘1-800-273-TALK (8255 …(1-800-273-8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org..

Fashion Icon, Kate Spade – 12/24/1962 – 06/05/18

Katherine Noel Brosnahan (December 24, 1962 – June 5, 2018), known professionally as Kate Spade or Kate Valentine, was an American fashion designer and businesswoman. She was the founder and former co-owner of the designer brand Kate Spade New York.

After working in the accessories department at the fashion magazine Mademoiselle, Brosnahan and her husband Andy Spade founded the business in 1993, identifying a market for quality stylish handbags. Those she designed and produced quickly became popular, and the company expanded into other product lines. In 1999 she sold a 56% stake in Kate Spade New York to Neiman Marcus Group; in 2006 she sold the rest of her shares. In 2016, she and partners launched a new fashion brand called Frances Valentine.

The 55-year-old was found dead in her apartment in New York on Tuesday following an apparent suicide.

Kate Spade’s devastated husband has rejected suggestions she was abusing drugs or alcohol or had been dealing with business problems.

Andy Spade said the American fashion designer had been seeking help for depression and anxiety for “many years” and had been taking medication after seeing doctors.

In a statement to the New York Times, Mr. Spade said she had “sounded happy” when they spoke the night before.

“My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her. We are deeply heartbroken and miss her already,” he told the newspaper.

Mr. Spade said they had been living apart for the last 10 months, but had not legally separated or discussed divorce.

Their daughter, Frances Beatrix, who was born in 2005, had been living at both their homes and they maintained a semblance of family life for the youngster.

“We loved each other very much and simply needed a break,” he said.

“This is the truth. Anything else that is out there right now is false.

“She was actively seeking help for depression and anxiety over the last five years, seeing a doctor on a regular basis and taking medication for both depression and anxiety.

“There was no substance or alcohol abuse. There were no business problems.”

Mr. Spade said his late wife had not left a note and he was “appalled” that a private message to their daughter had been “so heartlessly shared with the media”.

His priority was now protecting her privacy, he said.

Spade was best known for the eponymous handbag brand she founded with her husband in 1993. The brand became a household name with stores around the world and an expanded product line including clothing, footwear, and stationery.

She completed the sale of her share of the business in 2006 for 124 million dollars (£93 million), and left in 2007, taking time off for charity work and to look after her daughter, who was born in 2005.

Chelsea Clinton was among the public figures to pay tribute to the designer, saying: “My grandmother gave me my first Kate Spade bag when I was in college. I still have it.”

Today is My Birthday and the Anniversary of the Death of My Husband

Grieving the loss of a spouse is hard. Death, regardless of the details, can be devastating to those left behind. The loss becomes greater when it occurs on a special day such as the surviving spouses birthday. I am writing this because my husband passed away 6 years ago today, on my birthday while talking to me on the telephone.

Stan, my husband was an incredible man and human being. He had a way of looking at a person and peering deep into their soul and finding good within. All who knew Stan loved him and his amazing personality. I tell people he and I fell in love over Sirius XM Radio.

Stan loved Sirius XM radio and had one in his vehicle and another for the house. When he and I met and started dating, it was unconventional for some but a sign of the times for others. We met online, clicked, started dating and eventually married. It was a match made in perfect heaven. I didn’t really know anything about Sirius radio, so he used it to his advantage asking me what type of music I liked listening to and programming it into his radio. We would ride around talking, listening to the radio and just enjoy our time together. Talking about finding love on a two-way street! We fell madly in love! After dating almost a year, he asked me to marry him, I said yes, we were married and our lives were filled with bliss. Our families blended very well and we created a love haven and our marriage left an incredibly positive mark on all who met us. One thing about my husband, he truly loved me, supported me, encouraged me as I loved, supported and encouraged him. We lifted each other up daily. I shared my passion and love for writing with him and he thought it was just the coolest thing and was most encouraging. He loved sitting and/or lying in bed reading things that I had written and would encourage me to go further.

My husband was a truck driver and I enjoyed traveling the road with him. We traveled many places and were able to connect to one another one a much deeper level. Having met so many people out there on the road, I can truly understand why men and women love the trucker life.

June, 4th, 2012, I was not out on the road with Stan, because I had started back working. He and I had talked several times that day and he jokingly was teasing me about getting older as this was my birthday. We laughed and talked and told one another we would talk again when I got off work to discuss what we would do to celebrate on the weekend when he came home.

When I got off work, he called and I talked to him while driving home, but during our conversation, the call dropped. I just figured it dropped because he went through a dead zone and after trying him back and no response, I just figured he would call me back when he was able to get a better and stronger signal and drove on home.

Later after showering and climbing into bed to do some writing, I saw the State Troopers pull up in front of my house. The one on the passenger’s side pointed to their computer and then to our house. They both exited the vehicle, put their hats on their heads and proceeded to walk up our sidewalk. I put my robe on, they rang the doorbell and I answered the door. The officer standing closest to the door asked me if I were Mrs. Parker and I stated yes and he then asked if I knew Stan Parker?, and I said yes; But as I said yes, I started shaking my head saying no, no, and tears flooded down my face as I started screaming and instinctively knew my sweet husband was gone. The officers confirmed that he had passed away while driving down the freeway. Onlookers stated that his truck slowed down, veered to the right, ran off the highway and through a bobwire fence and came to a stop in a hay field. The troopers both stated that my husband was deceased when the EMS arrived on the scene.

It was confirmed that my husband passed away from a massive heart attack caused by degenerative heart disease. To lose my husband was hard enough, but to lose him the same day of my birthday, became almost too much for me to bear. The pain and heartache of losing him caused me to sink into a dark depression.

The pain of having to tell the children he was gone and to put one foot in front of the other was harder, but it had to be done. I am so grateful to the family and friends who were there for me in my time of need. I truly am thankful for people who dedicate their lives to counseling those going down the dark path of Grief!

Through my faith, I found the courage to hold my head up high again, love myself, love life and continue to pour my feelings and emotions into writing. I had no idea that there are so many people in this world who are in such a deep state of Grief. I meet people at the mall, grocery stores and other places who start talking to me because they feel something or see something in me that makes it genuinely easy for them to talk to me.

My name is Jasmine Parker, today, June 4th is my birthday and I remember the love that I lost on this day 6 years ago. My husband, Stanly W. Parker. One day we will see each other again, but as selfless as you were in life, I know you would want me to find love again and live a wholesome life!

Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet

We’ve all heard these various animal quotes:
“A Dog is a Man’s best friend,”
“Outside of a book, a dog is Man’s best friend.”
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”

These are humorous quotes and when you take a look at your beloved pet, you can truly see why these quotes were created.  Animals can truly become a best friend and a huge part of one’s family.

The love and bond shared between a family and their pet, is truly unbreakable. A pet is truly a member of the family and often times pets accompany their families on vacations, to the pet stores as well as their daily walks in the neighborhood & parks.  A pet can detect when someone is ill and have often detected when a person was having a seizure.  Dogs have been known to assist the blind, bring joy and happiness to the elderly, sniff out cancer, illegal drugs as well as assist in finding missing people or recovering the bodies of individuals who have been murdered.

Animals are a huge asset to society and love their human families as much as they are loved by their human families;  But what happens when that beloved pet becomes ill or passes away suddenly?  The trauma of the loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as the loss of a human family member. The passing of a pet can bring out emotions one never knew existed and the loss can send that pet owner or pet family into a journey of grief and mourning.  The pain is real and for anyone to say that it was just a dog or just an animal, can be very insensitive to the grieving pet owner.

If children are involved, it is best to sit down with them and break the news of their beloved pet gently and allow them to be a part of the going home ceremony depending on their age.

These days there are pet cemetery’s, headstones and grave markers for pets.  Many may find themselves needing to reach out to support groups and/or therapist to help with their healing process. Going out and buying or adopting another pet right away,  may just be what some families or individuals need to help with their healing process, but for others, they may feel it’s too early and require more time to heal.

One thing is for sure, pets are amazing,  loving and faithful!