REPOST: This is a repost from December 31, 2017. But, still relevant as I’m watching the SyFy marathon and we move into 2022.

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I’m believing more and more that God sent our angel of truth Rod Serling as a profound messenger of our doom if we don’t get our moral compasses in check. That we as human beings indeed aren’t the only ones residing in this Universe. And, we will be conquered as we’ve already been conquering each other. I am convinced Serling was channeled through to deliver important messages and crystal ball moments of art imitating life. Talk about being obedient to one’s soul induced calling. Thank you Serling for being present to your gifts and being unafraid of being diagnosed with a huge case of the weirdos. Thank you for being a muse for me and all writers with inspiring to live, breathe, and bring to life the imagination of our SoulFULL Purpose.

I live each year for “The Twilight Zone” marathons, usually falling around New Years Eve (now on SyFy until Tuesday morning) and the 4th of July. The Definitive Collection is on my wish list (hint hint), especially since I hear the episodes airing on television are not all in their entirety due to making room for those pesky commercials. Sure the psychological thrillers are quite bizarre, quirky, and frightening yet entertaining, which makes the beauty of these touched by an amazingness collection of unexpected twists works of arts. However, there are two lessons of life, this series that came about in the ’60s teaches us even as we go into 2018. 1. Many of the episodes focus on a moral code. This based on how to treat people. How to respect and love one another. 2. That we better get our heads right as our world continues to experience catastrophic shifts in its structure and existence.

The serendipitous beauty is when I awaken with joy during the marathon at the uncovering of an episode I’ve yet to see. I woke this morning with my first episode being a new one for me. It was “A Piano in the House”. It’s about a sadistic and hated theater critic Fitzgerald Fortune, who buys a player piano that has the power to reveal the souls and innermost thoughts of all who hear it. He spoke profoundly about the “hidden faces” we all have. I also call it when we send “our representative” out. This is by hiding the vulnerabilities of our true character for fear of being anything but in control and in power. As it was revealed that Fitzgerald married his wife not for love, but to bully and humiliate her. Finding out later that he feared and envied people as he operated from the hurt little boy of his past. A painful and hurtful way that many operate not only damaging self, but also the spirits of those we claim we love. Another new one I just saw is “The Mirror”. It’s about a leader who’s a tyrant. Yeah! Reality as we live and breathe today.

Rod Serling is a genius with his creation and writing of the majority of the series. And, being easy on the eyes, with his almost clenched mouth narrative delivery is purposeful and perfect. He was a young 50 years old when he transitioned in 1975. To think he was 35-40 years of age when he was the writer and narrator for “The Twilight Zone”. It is noted that “Serling was active in politics, both on and off the screen, and helped form television industry standards. He was known as the “angry young man” of Hollywood, clashing with television executives and sponsors over a wide range of issues, including censorship, racism, and war.” –Wikipedia. Check out this cool Serling Interview. http://youtu.be/q8sT6nz7VUM

Two other profound episodes I love and can also be seen on Hulu or YouTube:

“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” In 2009, Time named it one of the 10 best Twilight Zone episodes. It showed how easily, when in a panic, we can turn on each other rather than support and ban together. The aliens saw this and created paranoia and panic by turning off the electricity, and concluded that the easiest way to conquer the planet is to let the people become their own worst enemies as they turned on each other. They also discussed the fact that the Earth is “full of Maple Streets” and the aliens plan to move from one to the next creating havoc and destruction.

“The Midnight Sun” is how the Earth falls off its orbit and starts moving closer to the sun. In Serling’s opening narration he says “And all of man’s little devices to stir up the air are now no longer luxuries – they happen to be pitiful and panicky keys to survival.” Ending with the closing narrative of “The poles of fear, the extremes of how the Earth might conceivably be doomed. Minor exercise in the care and feeding of a nightmare, respectfully submitted by all the thermometer-watchers in the Twilight Zone.” In this episode, there is no more nighttime, people are fleeing NYC to Canada, and it’s the hottest day EVER! And, while seemingly all a dream, later in the episode the earth has changed its orbit and now there is no more sun, it’s snowing, people are fleeing to Miami and they are pending a freeze-out. HELLO!!! GLOBAL WARMING!!! HELLO!!! You see the similarities. This was also captured in the episode “Third From the Sun”. Imagine seeing both of these doomed filled episodes back to back. Even Serling was in touch with the Earth’s pending doom if we don’t heed the signs. Floodings, earthquakes, tsunamis, ice melting in the coldest corners of the earth, losing track of our seasons. Global warming is real.

Mood shift! What’s so cool to see is celebrities (we’ve known and loved, young, handsome, and beautiful). Although I always feel for William Shatner when he’s being terrorized by the pug-nosed monster on the wing of the plane on “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”. He really should have taken that sedative. And, when “Talky Tina” went gangsta and pushed Telly Savalas down the stairs… DAYUM Kojak! Other actors like Burt Reynolds, Robert Duvall, and Robert Redford looking like he was no more than 20.

Yet, even with all 156 (Serling wrote 92 of them.) episodes which were created from 1959-1964, (Real talk alert.) I’m reminded that Black representation is extremely rare. And, on the rare occasion when a Black actor pops up on the screen, it’s an “OOOHHH! AAAHHH!” treat. Although I read that Rod Serling was a champion for diversity and wanted to include Black actors more. But not surprising that the network powers that be at CBS would control Mr. Serling in this regard. “I Am the Night-Color Me Black” is about one morning where a man is about to hang for the killing of one of his bigoted neighbors. And, the townspeople find themselves thrown into an unending night.

Well, whether you’re a fan or not of TZ, my prayer is that as we move into 2018 we can all LIVE coming from a space of who we truly are and not from what we want others to see or perceive ourselves to be. Succumbing and LIVING our truths and purpose. Operating with love, compassion, and respect. Understanding that the healing of past wounds is important to reviving a loving and exuberant spirit. This all includes me with being courageous and risking in living a transparent, authentic, and loving life. With the importance of cultivating safe spaces for a pure and wonderful existence, whether with those I create for myself and others to BE! DO! LOVE! Wishing you all and me peace, clarity, love, and joy in 2018 and beyond. Namaste! ONWARD! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSOULfullPurpose #HealingEqualsFreedom #SuperSoulSunday #SupportTheArts #TheTwilightZone

Chat About Black Actors in TZ – http://twilightzonewor.fr.yuku.com/topic/3793/Black-Folks-On-TZs

A Piano in the House – https://youtu.be/NBEza8h2qm8

“The Mirror” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mirror_(The_Twilight_Zone)

Full Episode – https://youtu.be/OxRpfV9oKXQ

“Living Doll” about Talky Tina – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Doll_(The_Twilight_Zone)

Full Episode – https://youtu.be/YMf7D6tl5Y0

“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monsters_Are_Due_on_Maple_Street

Full Episode – http://youtu.be/jlHSD6uo7Mk

“The Midnight Sun” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Midnight_Sun

Full Episode – http://youtu.be/BetX2wfnRJs

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

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

“I Am the Night-Color Me Black” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_the_Night—Color_Me_Black

Full Episode: https://youtu.be/W93Y9s9Wz-Y

12/26/19 Flashback – Pop: 🎶Goooood Morning! Happy Boxing Day.🎶 Not, Happy Boxill Day. But, Happy Boxing Day. But, Happy Boxill Day too.

Me: 😳😆 Pop, What is Boxing Day?

Well, read what Pop had to say about our Trinidadian “Boxing Day” history and additional history about the Boxing Day holiday in this link, https://bedolove.com/2019/12/26/morning-pop-talk-parang-happy-boxill-i-mean-boxing-day/.

Now about the movie. “Boxing Day” the movie on Amazon Prime is now a favorite and must see Christmas romcom. It has all the makings of a Christmas romcom filled with love, fun antics, comedy, drama, threats of moving, mixed with a familiar West Indian family banter and flair cherry topped with a dope soundtrack.

“Inspired by writer, director, and star Aml Ameen’s life, Boxing Day follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America, who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée, Lisa (King), to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test as she discovers the world her fiancée has left behind.” —Deadline

Here’s an interview with Aml sharing his thoughts about the movie. https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/boxing-day-trailer-breakdown-interview-aml-ameen/

Love seeing Aml doing his thing. I first became a fan watching him in Sense8. I loved having this cultural memory of Pop as tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of his passing! 🙏🏾💜🙏🏾 Enjoy! Happy Holidays! And, as Pop would say, “LOVE!” #BeDoLove #SupportTheArts #TwoSnapsAndATwist #BoxingDayMovie #BoxingDay #BlackCinema #CaribbeanCinema

Trailer: https://youtu.be/OZTJcQA9kFE

During a Tulum taxi ride, I’m grateful my eyes caught the women whose faces were made up so beautifully and funky. Quickly catching the name of the spot they stood outside of before it was out of sight. A divine moment of appreciating slow Tulum traffic.

After looking it up, the next night I decided on Art Beach Tulum (opened in October) for my special date night on the eve of my birthday. WOW! Art Beach far exceeded my palate desires as it’s truly “Where food and art emerge.” Making it the serendipitous and perfect experience for a grieving and healing heart.

Their dinner show was a serendipitous and memorable culinary experience from the moment I was welcomed at the door by handsome and smiling Nelson, to the beautiful beach breeze and night sky, to the sexy ambiance, to Candi @canndans taking attentive care of me at the bar, to the music by @dj_fildoc, and the additional entertainment. The beautiful harp player @valentinaharpist and dancers were captivating and came through with the sexy.

EVERY dish and hard to decide cocktail were eye-catching and euphorically delicious and satisfying. Candi did an exceptional job offering recommendations and passionately describing how to enjoy the meals. Kudos and a round of applause to culinary director Maximiliano Sola and the gastronomic eminence Martin Berasategui. Thank you Art Beach, Nelson, and Candi for an unforgettable and what felt like a special VIP birthday experience.

I delighted in the:

~TEPACHE SOUR – Bulleit Bourbon, Tepache, Lemon Juice, Egg White

~CREAMY MUSHROOM RAVIOLI – Foie Gras Soup, Iberian Ham

~GITANO – Tanqueray 10, St. Germain, Green Chartreuse

~SUD VIDE STRIPED SEA BASS – Asparagus Risotto, Seawood Cream, Kalamatas and Fennel Air

~CALIPSO – Havana Club Rum, Grand Marnier, Coconut, Vanilla

~LEMON ICE CREAM – Chocolate Crumble, Touch or Basil and Pea Pod

The next day while in a taxi, I once again passed Art Beach. To my surprise Nelson saw and recognized me and we both waved enthusiastically. I wished I’d gone back for seconds of his dreamy eyes. Oh, and for the delicious cuisine and cocktails too. The best to you Art Beach. I’m sure you’ll be one of my first stops on my next visit. Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #Wanderlust #ColorOutsideTheLines #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #Tulum #TulumDining #ArtBeachTulum

Farm-to-table and powered by solar panels, Hartwood is one of those world renowned and hard to get into restaurants found even in a quaint low key town such as Tulum.

On the double nickel anniversary of my birth, I arrived at Hartwood at 5:30pm with eyes wide opened at the sight of an already growing line. I took my place in the queue, not aware of who had reservations (They start taking them a month in advance.) or who was also participating in the moment of silent prayer to the foodie Gods for one of the four coveted bar seats. Rolling solo, my only option was one of those first come first served stools. With each person/group seated, I was a ball of emotional confusion, exhaling and growing more anxious as I was one step closer to the entrance. The restaurant filled up just like that, I as the third bar guest. YAAAYYY MEEEE!!!

The music like basically all of the spots in Tulum was pumping the perfect playlist which relaxed me from my brief yet stressful line experience.

Instead of passing out menus or being directed to the QR code, the menu items were described from a blackboard. I requested repeats and clarifications to ensure I choose items for what would be the makings of a delightful birthday dinner.

I thankfully opted for the eye-rolling, fresh, and flavorful explosion in my mouth “Ceviche De Quelites.”WOAH! My palate was like GUUUURRRRLLLL!!! 😋😋😋 Next up were the mouthwatering and falling off the bone ribs. I wish I could have bottled up the BBQ Tamarind Sauce. I sipped on the tasty Espina Mezcal Cacahaute. How can I get a bottle mailed to the states? The “Honey Pie” arrived with a flickering candle and accompanied by a 🎶Happy Birthday…🎶 serenade, which were the perfect finale to my evening. I’m grateful to Hartwood and the other bar stool guests for being so kind to me on my special day.

My evening delights were:

~CEVICHE DE QUELITES – Snapper, Fermented Pineapple, Capache???, Herbs, Mango Chile Oil

~COSTILLAS AL AGAVE – Ribs, Grilled Pineapple, Pickled Cabbage, Pickled Chile, Tamarind BBQ Sauce.

~HONEY PIE

~DE ESPINA MEZCAL CACHAUTE

I’m still dreaming about the ceviche. It was sooooo good. Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #Wanderlust #ColorOutsideTheLines #SweetSpot #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #Tulum #TulumDining #HartwoodTulum

My first Tulum dinner experience was at Bal Nak @balnaktulum, which is a modern Mexican restaurant that opened in 2018. Prior to visiting, they were very responsive on WhatsApp and extended to me a nice welcome to Tulum. Similar to many places in Tulum, entering their open space is an experience in itself with the magical jungle motif.

Everything was delish. Especially the “Chocolate Clams.” My first thought was that the dish would have chocolate as an ingredient, since Mexico is known for that. However, that would be too easy. It’s actually because of the clams rich chocolate color and the silky texture of their shells. This delicacy is harvested in The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastal region of the Baja Peninsula. With the various flavors and textures, the “Chocolate Clams” dish was like a sensual party my palate was happy I was invited to.

With my intense sweet tooth, the “Coconut Ice Cream” was the perfect welcome to Tulum dessert. Honestly, I didn’t have another dessert in Tulum that came in even as a close second. It had me this close 🤌🏽 to asking for seconds or returning for more. The ice cream was so smooth with the Passionfruit jelly and butter cookie crunch as tasty enhancers.

The menu also consisted of an assortment of cocktails, which included the tasty “Mexican Elderberry.”

~MEXICAN ELDERBERRY – Tequila Reposado + passion fruit + lime.

~CHOCOLATE CLAMS – Cucumber + onion + pumpkin seeds + house sauce.

~PAAP POOP – Tequila Reposado + spic liquor Habanero + roasted pineapple + agave honey.

~SMOKED SHORT RIBS – Mushrooms + pickled onions + mashed avocado + hibiscus marinade. The short ribs are cooked for 18 hours and then grilled.

~Coconut Ice Cream – Butter cookie + Passion fruit jelly + almonds

Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #Wanderlust #SweetSpot #ColorOutsideTheLines #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #Tulum #TulumDining #BalNakTulum

@Samjmx I know you sent me to @escama.tulum to purchase a good bottle of Tequila, but it was so much more.

Oh, the bonuses let me count the way.

~They were walking distance from the hotel. Taxi’s aren’t cheap here.

~Escama – Cantina de Mar just opened in October. The have a boutique selling tequila and wine and a restaurant specializing in seafood cuisine. The seafood soup was warm, delicious, and comforting. 🍲

~They have a nice selection of classic and craft cocktails, which included a pretty darn good Aviation and Mezcal Manhattan prepared by @gilbertmoct who was showing off with his cocktail making skills. Both cocktails are the type that the taste is enhanced with each new sip.

~The Mezcal Manhattan was prepared with women owned Xila Mezcal @drink_xila. 🍸

~I capped off the night with a tasty sip of Tierra Noble’s Tequila Blanco @tierranoblemx.

~Sidebar: I’d love to find both of those tequila brands.

~Oh, and the music they played and the live band Quintana @nehemiasmusic put me in a total zen and fun vibe. To include them coming over and serenading me. (Tee hee) ☺️🎤☺️🎤☺️

Thank YOU everyone for a wonderful experience as I continue to celebrate my Saggilicious birthday. The best to Escama and Chef @miguelrhidalgo as you continue to grow. Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #Wanderlust#ColorOutsideTheLines #SweetSpot #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #Tulum #TulumDining #EscamaTulum #SupportTheArts #NehemiasMusic #TierraNoble #Xila #Tequila

Kathryn I love YOU! You’re my best friend. Through the heartbreak you continue to grow. You seek and push through the deeper levels of healing. You’ve been serendipitously and purposefully guided to people, places, and things that fill your tank as you seek peace, joy, and freedom. I love how you continue to strengthen your “yes muscle” to only what feels right and what you desire. I appreciate your perseverance and being an open vessel for “living out loud” despite the moments where it’s heavier than you care to bare. Kathryn you’re a chameleon of love, beauty, spirituality, strength, fear, fierceness, softness, feisty, lovable, city, urban, quaintness, spoiled, giver, introvert, home body, adventurer, sociable, quiet, high pitched passion, courage, fun, silly and cooky friend, sweet lover, sensual, smart, curiosity, creativity, over thinker, leader, student, impatient, overly patient, compassion, empathy, f*k you… I love every level of humanness that makes you YOU! I do hope I’m my parents and ancestors “wildest dreams.”

With that said, Today I’m in Tulum on my 55th birthday. Spirit said Kathryn for this birthday and for your healing, leave the states and go get kissed by the sun, bathe in the beach, and delight delicious vittles all in the backdrop of cool quaint vibes. For this I choose Tulum, Mexico. Or Tulum chose me as it’s been calling out to me ever since I’ve visited on day trips a couple of times. And, it’s been perfect thus far. This was me last night, taking myself out on a lovely birthday dinner date at Art Beach Tulum.

Honestly caregiving and then caregiving during a pandemic topped off with menopause emotional swings WORE.ME.OUT! Like deep depression OUT! Like developing anxiety attacks on the Beltway/495 in the Fall of 2020 and I’m still fighting my way through them. With the help of Naturopathic doctors, therapists, family, friends, coworkers, and most important with self-care I’m doing a lot better.

Day by day, I’m feeling more like myself. My free spirit and adventurous self needed the world to open up. Needing to balance the grieving of Pop transitioning and caregiving and pandemic PTSD with living, connecting, and luxuriating.

I’m so grateful and blessed for this day. My life. My family and friends. I love and appreciate IT ALL. I love and appreciate YOU ALL. Thank YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU Mother, Father, God!

Remember, our world and many are still not doing well. We need each other. And, that’s okay. Be mindful of the silent. Be mindful of the emotional stuffers. Someone you know needs to know they matter and are loved. Let them know. Show them by words and deeds. And, if that many is you, you don’t have to sit in it alone. There are safe spaces God and your angels have and will continue to guide for you to land on. Don’t run from them. Run to them. Peace. Live. Love. Namaste. #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #SweetSpot #Wanderlust

Last Sunday I delighted in a delicious Sunday brunch with my dear Bison friend Jon. I was a first time caller (Jon as usual has established VIP status. 😆) to Mad Cow Grill in Laurel, MD (They also have a location in Brandywine.) and it did not disappoint.

The restaurant specializes in American and international fare, including some of my favorite Caribbean dishes. I was expecting a small restaurant and instead was greeted by a very lively nice size restaurant that includes outside tented seating. The music was mostly a fun selection of ole school Caribbean, rap, R&B, and pop. And, you can’t beat $16 bottomless mimosas.

Jamaica born Chef Neville was on point with the:

~Callaloo, Salt Fish w/Fried Dumplings, Provision, Tomato, and Onions

~Rasta Pasta – Tricolor Rotini, Shrimp, Sautéed Vegetables, Herb Coconut Cream Sauce

~Unforgettable Braised Oxtails w/Plantains, and Rice and Beans

Mad Cow will definitely be included in my restaurant rotation. I hear they have a Fish Friday. Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #ColorOutsideTheLines #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #MadCowGrill #Brunch #SundayBrunch #LaurelDining