Nothing like freshness

Each New Year we talk of starting fresh and anew.

That said, I realize how much better most anything is when it’s fresh and new. Activities, jobs, people, and especially food.

My mother is a bread snob. She only consumes Sunbeam King Thin bread and will not eat it after a few days. Mom has spent up to 10 minutes in a supermarket trying to find that ideal loaf of bread. She refuses to buy a breadmaker and make her own and will not place it in the fridge. This is her way and how she likes it.

I honestly didn’t see her point of view until I realize how my friends in the coffee business, Shane and Thomas, have such high coffee standards. They don’t make coffee that’s your average store or gas standard brand. They grind and brew every cup fresh. You may wait up to five minutes for them to make your drink but trust me, it is worth it.

Quality standards is a great thing to have and it starts with your product being fresh. This especially goes with fish. I don’t know of many that will consume fish that is less than. It’s one of the reasons I go to the coast annually because I know I am getting that quality seafood taste.

Therefore, remember in our society of drive thru and instant gratification, it’s often more worthwhile and enjoyable when something takes time and is freshly made.

Bear in mind this is not just food or products. Keep these standards in every area of your life.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

Bullying story: liking dance

Jordan is a heterosexual male that’s single. He has nothing against the LGBT community although he has some homophobic friends and family. Many of them are very macho and old-fashioned.

Jordan knows two dance instructors, both women. They have taught him classic and instrumental dance, as well as introduced him to movies and shows such as Dance Mom, Save the Last Dance, Dirty Dancing. Over time, Jordan loved anytime with “dance” in it.

Now we’re not talking about the type of dancing that involves a pole or when Cash Money takes over for the 99 and 00s.

Jordan is ridiculed and called cruel names by people that thought loved and liked him. He learns there are people that will turn on you simply for being different, which is very immature. Dance is a classical and one of the oldest forms of artistic expression. It’s also great cardio workout. Simply look at the physiques of many dancers. They didn’t skip leg day nor did they have McDonald’s all week.

Jordan respects that and the art form. However, he is only able to share that with a select few. Some of these same people believe in keeping it real and expressing yourself. Apparently they needed to be more specific.

He is hurt that his own people are doing this to him. He, however, remembers his scriptures and how Jesus was done similarly. Jordan also confides in his two dance angels, Joy and Patrice. They are his confidantes and shoulders to cry on. He and Patrice got really close. Somehow she liked him because, although he has two left feet, he stands up for what he believes in.

A year later, Jordan and Patrice are exclusive. They show up in front of those same people and of course they are getting looks, like the Owen Wilson “wows”. Jordan’s not an ugly man or awkward. But none of them thought he could pull a chiseled queen like Patrice. One of those morons even tried to slander Jordan and say he was way more man than him. Patrice defended him and said she was happy with her mate.

Jordan went after his passion and found his queen. They are very happily in love with dance and each other. Those friends have faded away, family has came around. They have others that support and love them.

Remember when you are true to yourself and follow your heart, the good will always manifest.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

Bullying story: “stutter”

Lester is a good, accomplished man. He simply has a slight stutter. People like to poke fun about it, especially on public forums.

One week this guy that he thought was a friend simply called him out in public for it. Lester tried to find the guy and talk it out but it was as if the guy kept running from him.

One thing we have to remember is many bullies are cowards. It doesn’t matter the form, they are cowards. They run and hide when it’s time to man up and get things done or face off. Lester realized this and although he has has speech and voice classes, worked on his craft once more. He has to speak a lot in his role at his profession and he wanted to be crisp.

He noticed that criticism came from people that are hurting, insecure and simply negative. You better believe the saying “hurt people, hurt people.” Nevertheless, Lester fought through his own demons and learn to know where to draw the line.

Family, let’s uplift each other instead of breaking each other down. We will make mistakes but let us come back from them stronger than ever!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes