This is in honor of our last supper of “Shepherds Pie”. This past week when dining with my dear friend Dereine at the Clyde’s in Columbia, MD, I of course ordered not only the “Shepherds Pie” but it was “LOBSTER Shepherds Pie”. And, it was tasty and flavorful with delicious morsels of lobster.

Thank you Ron for continuing to ride with me, especially now as my Gangsta Angel. 🎶You are always on my miiiiiiinnd. You are always on my mind.🎶 You continue to be missed for your booming yet tender voice, hearty laugh, hugs, nature hikes, words of wisdom, f*k em I got your back times, and the comfort I often long to hear. I am often comforted and thankful for the many moments where all of those loving treasures still fill my heart and I can hear and feel today. I continue to miss you so much my love. But, we out here doing the dayum thing and “Living Out Loud!” Kathryn LIVES! Ron LIVES! We ALL LIVE!

And, can we get a “HUUUUUU… U KNOW!” for our brother Ron as we enter Howard University’s Homecoming Week.

The Shepherds Pie Backstory: Ron called me one night on my way home from work (as we often did) and invited me over for Shepherds Pie. I accepted the invitation without hesitation because I hadn’t seen his face in a minute. Plus, it’s food. I was amazed that when prepping he was putting the kitchen sink in the pie. All types of cheese, meats, vegetables… By the time it was said and done that joint was an overflowing and bubbly hot dish of savory deliciousness. It was the most amazing Shepherds Pie I’ve had to date. (That lobster one was a close second.) If you didn’t know, Ron was a pretty good cook. It was fun in recent conversations, hearing him talk about cooking shows and him wanting to flex his chef muscle. He did that. I was impressed.

That night was also a concern as Ron was not doing well at all. He was having to take breaks in between prepping, with me and Sonia stepping in as his Sous Chefs. I spent the night as not to interrupt our connecting and I knew he’d like that with talking, laughing, and dozing off in the basement together. However, I didn’t miss the opportunity to strongly urge him to go to the doctor (as others were also). The next morning I awoke to feeling abundantly grateful for the time to love up on my friend and be loved up on and departed with the obligatory leftovers in hand. You know the next day those seasonings had marinated and honey… My palate is like “YAAAASSSSS” right now with remembering. That day Ron did go to the doctor which led to his being admitted to the hospital where he some time later transitioned.

I’m so grateful to spirit for so many reasons with guiding me and Ron to connect that night. I’m grateful he had that last occasion to create a delicious masterpiece on this here earth. I’m grateful that when in a split second I think to call you still to this day, I feel your presence sitting (with your legs crossed as if sitting on the floor) in the seat right next to me in my car. I’m thankful and blessed to have this memory and other yummylicious ways of remembering and honoring my dear friend who I continue to miss immensely. We can always explore loving and special ways to remember, honor, and bring into the space our ancestors. Remember that nothing is too big or too small. One of mine is honoring my dear friend by ordering Shepherds Pie whenever I see it on a menu. Humph! I need to learn how to make it though. With that said, Bon Appetit! And, Cheers! #BeDoLove #BeDoLoveSAVOR #Yummyliciousness #IDineToSavorAndWriteAboutIt #BirthAndLiveYourSOULfullPurpose #FindYourZen

I have a tendency to allow life, pain, and Ego to take control of the wheel. Me losing sight of who I am. What I love. And, what feeds and nourishes me. The frequency of my “Love Vortex” and mojo not operating at full power. Can I get a HELLO?!?!

Last night I experienced the most amazing time at the Sip & Paint party led by Pam Oliver Sip & Paint. Notice “Sip” comes before “Paint”. Priorities. (hiccup). Thanks so much to Cathy and Angela for hosting a wonderful evening of creativity, fun, food, libations, and energy filled (That hookah room convo was intense yet fun tho. Cough. Cough.) connection.

I am so grateful for the abundant ways in which this night fed me in a healthy way emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Some of us were having a conversation that the older we’re getting, the more introvert we’re becoming. People see me moving about in the world and have a perception that I’m on nonstop. As an extrovert-introvert, it’s all perception because folks would be surprised how much time I spend in my home, especially Friday nights and Saturday days. This is as authentic and genuine connections have become more important than mindless hangouts (while those can serve their purpose too). This Saturday was no different as I honed in my professional chill and required me to motivate myself to go out to get some pre-hurricane Florence air and connect.

What I had to remind self is that the opportunity to be creative allows me to not take life so darn serious. To not allow the pain and trauma of my life’s experiences lead me on my daily walk. However, instead welcome and allow the “New Moment! New Opportunity” joys of life to command their rightful, affirming and healing position at the forefront of my heart and spirit. So off I went.

The moment I walked into Cat’s beautiful home and laid my eyes on the nearly 20 stations set up with easels, aprons, brushes, and canvases, my spirit said “YIPPPPEEEE”! We had two projects to choose from. They were “Wine for Two” or “Walk by Faith”. Spirit led me to “Walk by Faith”. Faith being a necessary DNA component of my life. Especially now. It’s about believing. It’s about an all-knowing that ALL things are possible. Especially those that speak through the soul pertaining to passion and purpose. I remember a quote from Robin Roberts that says “When fear knocks, let faith open the door.” As an homage to the wine project and removing fear, I indulged by sipping on a tasty Red Zinfindel. My creative juices thanked me. (hiccup) However, presencing faith was the order of the night.

At the designated time and after some important sipping, I took my position at my station. The creative juices began flowing with each thought of color complimenting selections. What color for my shoes? How can I make the shoes pop based on the background color? This process attracted and elevated the Kathryn, who loves and knows what she likes, but welcomes being open to the colorful palettes of life. With each stroke of paint to canvas, I was consciously and subconsciously reminded to be present and not allow myself to be consumed by the heaviness of life. With each stroke of paint to canvas, the energy flowed from the canvas through my fingers to my wanting to be loved up on heart. Me exhaling what doesn’t serve me and inhaling calm, healing, peace, joy, confidence, and fun.

The beauty of the experience is, the night ended with not just a masterpiece on canvas, but with an all-knowing that I am a wonderfully made masterpiece. Just like I regrouped when I didn’t like a color I used, my masterpiece of self is ever evolving. I get to have do overs. I get to reinvent myself. I get to make mistakes. Regrouping, refocusing, reinventing, and Rebirthing as I pause, reflect, forgive, learn, grow, and choose a more appropriate palette 🎨 for my life’s journey. With self-care and self-love leading the way to self-worth as my lifeline.

So what are your zen and juicy sweet spots? Do you allow them to grow, breathe, heal, and bring life to YOU? What makes you salivate and ignites a bright glowing flame in you? What’s fun and creates a smile on your face, heart and belly when you think about it and experience it? Makes you feel alive? And, in turn, that “thing” providing comfort and joy to others? Dancing? Traveling? Writing? Landscaping? Chefing? Entertaining? Cleaning? Painting? Teaching? Knitting? Designing? Healing? Your life’s work? What is it for you that you have an insatiable craving to do and experience? And, when I say experience, I mean not in the doingness, but in the feeling and being present to the juiciness and gift it brings to you and others. Whatever it is for you in terms of extracurricular and/or professionally, unleash it and let it breathe with seizing the time for exploration.

Perhaps it’s an opportunity to honor your family who has passed down a tradition and talent to you. One you just can’t get out of your mind because your soul keeps nudging you. Hey, you? Wake up! Whatever that “thing” (or “things”) is for you, find some time in your life to tap into it. It could be your career path or it could be something you would enjoy doing during your free time if only for an hour each week. It’s those God given gifts and talents that deserve your attention. That will give you purpose, life, and have you be and feel FRRREEEEEE!!!

I hope and pray that you create the time to bring to life the magical, wondrous, vibrant, and colorful palettes of your beautiful life with love, fun, connection, and laughter. What you love with love. It sure does have a way of soothing, healing, and providing JOY to yourself and other love beings! Walk with an open heart and spirit. Walk with love. Walk with gratitude. Walk with confidence. With with your Goddess and God swaggalicous walk. But, especially “Walk by Faith” in to the Masterpiece of YOU! Exhale! Breathe! Enjoy! Love! Namaste! #BeDoLove #BeDoLoveCREATE #FindYourZen #HealingEqualsFreedom #BirthAndLiveYourSOULfullPurpose #JuicySweetSpot #SuperSoulSunday

Please tune into INSIDE OUT LGBT RADIO Show today Tuesday, September 11, 2pm-3pm as we discuss the topic of “To Be Queer, Black, and Polyamorous.” We will engage in the juicy topic of polyamorous, in terms of navigating the intersectionality of being queer, black, and polyamorous. Our very special guests will be Nina Love and Nyla Yemaya who are the founders of “The People’s Poly Collective”.

Tune in! Call in! Share your Voices!

Join the conversation at DC area’s WPFW 89.3FM or stream the show live anywhere at www.WPFWfm.org. You can tune in while at work, driving, working out, eating a late lunch… And, call in with questions and to share your thoughts at 202-588-0893.

Thank you for the love and support. Send us good vibes. Make it a safe and beautiful day and week. Be great. Be courageous. Be Bold. BeDoLove! Love! #WPFW #InsideOutLGBTRadioShow #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose

PS: Please subscribe to our podcast to enjoy previously recorded shows. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wpfw-inside-out/id1157698311?mt=2

Also, like our Facebook page at “Inside Out LGBT Radio”. And, follow us on Twitter @InsideOutDC. Love!

Update: If you missed this amazing show or loved it here is the recorded link.

http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_180911_140000lmpab.mp3

Click it and enjoy the show at home, your desk, while driving, preparing dinner… Or subscribe to our podcast on iTunes at WPFW – Inside Out to enjoy previously recorded shows. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wpfw-inside-out/id1157698311?mt=2. Come back and share your thoughts. Thank you for the love and support. See you next time. Enjoy! Love!

Pop: How scared do you think your president is?

Me: Maaaaan, I don’t know.

Pop: He’s scared.

Me: What do you think he’s most scared about?

Pop: Because he was doing something in Russia (This has been Pop’s belief since day one and before) that he had no business doing. Probably at the time when they were a big enemy. He’s acting like an agent. And, that meeting he had with “P”.

Me: Yeah, we really don’t know what they talked about.

Pop: And, then he came back (pop talking in a mocking whining voice) talking about Russia didn’t do anything in the election.

Pop: (in an excited voice) I see Florida is going to have a first black governor (Andrew Gillum just won the Democratic primary). Talking about they don’t want a black guy to “monkey this up”. Don’t they know monkey’s climb. Hahahahaha…

And, there you have it. See how Pop turned that around to work in our favor? Monkeys do climb. And, we will always be faced with moments where we get to take our power back. As long as you/I believe and keep the faith we/I will continue to climb on and persevere to victory, peace, love, joy, prosperity, good health and whatever else our hearts desire. Pray-fully with more days of it being effortless and with ease.

With that in mind, what are your desires? Your path? Your purpose? Your unfulfilled “sweet spots”? That thing(s) that never leaves you and speaks through your soul and is constantly buzzing in your ear saying “HELLO! HELLO! It’s time to…”. “THE VOICE” letting you know I’m not going to stop communicating with you until you do something about IT.

“YOUR” mountaintop (inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) awaits YOU love! Your promise land could be only a matter of one step away. You can do it. Step! Climb! Soar!

Enjoy this beautiful day and upcoming holiday weekend lovelies.

And, in the words of Pop, “Have a good day. Be safe. Don’t work too hard. Love!” Peace! #BeDoLove #MorningPopTalk #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose

https://andrewgillum.com

Article on Gillum’s Win – https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/us/politics/andrew-gillum-florida-governor.html

Gillum’s Response – https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/08/30/andrew-gillum-monkey-this-up-response-cuomo-sot-vpx.cnn

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Gillum

Martin Luther King, Jr. – “I Have Been to the Mountaintop” Speech – https://youtu.be/ixfwGLxRJU8

As a lover of food I have no problem with dining out. I take great pleasure and pride in sourcing amazing restaurant experiences. However, as someone who loves to cook, I don’t do it much except when I’m in a relationship. Whose out there said “oh, it’s just me so I’ll grab something”?

I’ve been taking time to chef more. Whether for me, family (I visited Brooklyn in June and I cooked more during my time there than I had in the past, I don’t know how many years.) or inviting friends over. Chefing is my happy place. My sweet spot. My juicy spot. My zen. And, my spirit takes great delight and gratitude in the preparation and creativity of it all with love. Experiencing my people as they take in the love that went into it and the flavors that marinate into their palates is healing and fun for me and I hope the same for them. The eye rolling back is a sign. Lol

This week in yummyliciousness news. Earlier this week I had some friends over. Utilizing what was in my cabinet and fridge was a win. I seasoned the shrimp to include Citrus Ginger Powder. And, sautéed it with Mango Chutney (Stonewall Kitchen is the devil) that was a random buy some time ago and had no clue what I was going to do with it or how it tasted (nice Indian flavor). Roasted the Brussel Sprouts with Mango & Passionfruit Balsamic Vinegar and Turkey Bacon (being nice because my friend Ardella doesn’t eat pork). And, you can’t go wrong with a box of Goya rice. HOOOONEY!!! The balance of savory and sweet was delicious. And, after the leftover shrimp marinated in it all, the next day it was… Humph! 😍

Hopefully today, tomorrow, this week, for your life you’ll find the time to tap into those people, places, things, and/or experiences that feed your spirit with healing, love, and fun. There’s nothing too big or too small for your self-care. Enjoy! Peace! #BeDoLove #BeDoLoveCREATE #BeDoLoveSAVOR #Yummyliciousness #IChefToHealDelightAndWriteAboutIt #FindYourZen

PS: The Pineapple (fresh cut) Cadillac Margaritas were something special. Hiccup!

PSS: If you live in the DMV area there is a woman black-owned spice shop in Takoma Park called The Spice Suite run by Angel. It’s a couple of doors down from Takoma Station. The shop is amazing. That’s where I purchased the Citrus Ginger Power and the Mango & Passionfruit Balsamic Vinegar. She also sells online. https://www.thespicesuite.com. And, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy!

I was inspired to write and honor Anthony Bourdain after his recent passing. You may visit this link for my tribute to THE man who embodied “Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown”. https://bedolove.com/2018/06/08/dayum-anthony-my-true-fantasy-chef-confessions/

One of my favorite quotes by unknown is “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” In his honor, I visited Urban Butcher in Silver Spring, MD for the first time the weekend after Bourdain transitioned. Their specialty is MEAAAATTT!!! They happen to have a great happy hour menu. The bonus that day was breathing in the fresh air after what was becoming the normal DMV rain rush from their open air bar.

Me and a buddy Anthony cheersed (sp) Bourdain over a refreshing Lavender Margarita. And, in true food exploration fashion, for the first time I excitedly delighted in the Lamb Tartare w/Moroccan Spices served with Hummus and Grilled Flatbread. The Moroccan spices were everything with each bite. Although, it almost felt as if I was dining on a raw lamb burger. Lol Which I will return to try. And, the flatbread was perfectly grilled and soft. While the lamb tartare is the star, the bread will make or break the experience.

I was grateful for our bartenders, CC and Liam who provided welcoming, friendly, and attentive customer service. I’m a new fan of this spot.

Thank you Bourdain for inspiring many to explore with an open palate for food, culture, connection, humanity, fun, and love. Your legacy and inspiration will most certainly live on in the hearts and palates of many. RIP!

And, may we all be inspired and motivated to have an abundance of joyful and YUMMYLICIOUS firsts in ALL things, experiences, and moments in the name of love and life. I continue to be reminded that I am deserving and worthy of it ALL. And, so are YOU lovelies! Cheers! #BeDoLove #Yummyliciousness #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose #HealingEqualsFreedom #AllRoadsLeadToMentalHealth #SuperSoulSunday

If you missed my show with Rev. La Tonia Taylor earlier this year, you must catch it today. If you listened then, tune in now for a refresher on Who are YOU? What is that thing? That longing that rests in your gut that’s yet to be explored or reached? Are you ready to be encouraged and inspired to ask yourself the question of, how can I let go, heal, and make room for purposeful shifts in my life? Please set your calendar and alarm and tune in to Inside Out LGBT Radio Show on DC’s WPFW-FM today, Tuesday, July 3 from 2pm-3pm. You are invited to partake in what will be a “straight no chaser” and passionate filled discussion with Rebirth International’s La Tonia Taylor, The RevCoach, Master-level Trained Life Coach and Ordained Minister. The time is now. Your time is now. Join us!

Please share. Mark your calendar, set your reminders/alarm, and catch the show on DC’s WPFW-FM at 89.3 FM or live stream ANYWHERE from your computer, phone or tablet at www.wpfwfm.org. You can tune in while at work, driving, working out, eating a late lunch…

Thank you for the love and support. Send us good vibes. Make it a safe and beautiful day and week. Be great. Be courageous. Be Bold. BeDoLove! Love! #WPFW #InsideOutLGBTRadioShow #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose #JuicySweetSpot #HealingEqualsFreedom #AllRoadsLeadToMentalHealth

PS: Please subscribe to our podcast to enjoy previously recorded shows. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wpfw-inside-out/id1157698311?mt=2

Also, like our Facebook page at “Inside Out LGBT Radio”. And, follow us on Twitter @InsideOutDC. Love and Instagram @InsideOutLGBTRadio!

Update: If you missed this show or loved it here is the recorded link.

http://archive.wpfwfm.org/mp3/wpfw_180306_140001lmpab.mp3

Click it and enjoy the show at home, your desk, while driving, preparing dinner… Or subscribe to our podcast on iTunes at WPFW – Inside Out to enjoy previously recorded shows. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wpfw-inside-out/id1157698311?mt=2. Come back and share your thoughts. Thank you for the love and support. See you next time. Enjoy! Love! #WPFW #InsideOutRadio #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose #JuicySweetSpot #WomenWhoColorOutsideTheLines

June is Pride month, complete with opportunities for the LGBTQA community to gather, connect, affirm, and celebrate. It’s also a time to recognize and honor those who have and continue to speak loud and clear the importance of treating the LGBTQ community with equality, dignity, respect, and love. We are also reminded of how ALL of humanity should be treated, as our nation is facing an atrocious issue of how those who cross our borders are treated.

Let’s allow this to be a time to be mindful and present to each other in an authentic connected way. To connect and honor each other in a true and meaningful way. To celebrate diversity. To be good to one another. To be compassionate. To be supportive and courageous allies. To extend a hand and the expression of “you matter.” Not just this month, but beyond. Peace. Love. Namaste. #BeDoLove #Pride #PrideMonth #HonorAndCelebrateDiversity #AllLivesDoMatter

The backstory:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. — Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/

Rainbow Flag – Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag for the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Celebration. The original eight-color version, pink stood for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag_(LGBT_movement)

Pink was removed because the hot pink material was not available for mass production during the late 70s. To honor Harvey Milk after his assassination, during the 1979 Pride Parade, turquoise was removed so parade participants could divide the colors evenly as they walked the parade route, three colors on one side of the street and three on the other. https://www.google.com/amp/s/gizmodo.com/how-the-rainbow-pride-flag-lost-its-pink-and-turquoise-1714201920/amp

Amber Hikes of Philadelphia led a campaign to add Black and Brown to the flag (Actress, producer, screenwriter, Lena Waithe donned at the 2018 Met). The flag was unveiled at the 2017 Pride Month kick-off event in Philadelphia as part of a new campaign, More Color More Pride, which aims to recognize nonwhite LGBT communities as part of the broader pride movement, starting with the most visible and widely-recognized symbol of the LGBT community. https://www-m.cnn.com/2017/06/13/health/new-pride-flag-colors-trnd/index.html

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lena_Waithe

Every time I fly and look out the window of the plane, I’m always amazed and marvel at the notion that I can ride in a big machine that will take me around the world to see and do amazing things. It’s a feeling that never gets old.

As I thought about it during this business trip it almost felt weird. Like unreal. Like Twilight Zonish. The beauty is there was no weird pug nose monster on the wing. Just a breathtaking sunset to remind me that life is beautiful. And, I’m grateful I get to see it with my own eyes. Enjoy! Love! #BeDoLove #Wanderlust #FindYourZen

“Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_at_20,000_Feet

Full Episode – https://youtu.be/LYVqMVXd1ak

I walked into my office and Fred was like “Yaaabaaa Daaabaaa Dooooooo!”

Oh, how I’ve missed this look. What are you going to do today to give you life? Small or large. You deserve it. You really do. Anything to have you giggle at self and cheerleader you on. To have a falling in love with YOOOOOUUUUU moment. 😍 Go for it. I triple dare you. Enjoy! Love! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #SwaggalicousAlert