Books by J. A. Jackson - July 2020

The Children Know What Love is...

Have you ever watched little children at play? 

Have you ever seen a friend bring over their new baby and watch as a toddle vie to hold the baby? Asking repeatedly, “I want to hold the baby? I want to hold the baby!”

I have, and they are all beautiful sights to see. Watch the little children for they will show you what love is.

What is love? The dictionary say it is an intense feeling of deep affection and it can encompass a range from a strong and positive emotion to a deep powerful affection that defies all reason.

What is racism? Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.

Nelson Mandela said…

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela — 1994, from his autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”

And Maya Angelou said…

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” Maya Angelou

And the bible says Love is…

Paul’s great hymn to love: “Love — agape — is patient and kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. … Love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:4–8a).

Why do I say all of this? Because love to me seems to be there from birth, yet racism is something that seems to me, to be taught by those who’s plane of existence rides on the wave of fear, of others.

Little children know what love is.

If young children are born with so much love, why are the observations, associations and education of our children ingrained with so much racism?

For if you want to really know what love is, watch a young child ask to hold a baby and watch while that child holds that baby and stares at that baby with love and ask yourself, why in the world would we want to change that?

Learning New Things Is Crucial for Happiness!

Every day at my job, I learn how to write better, edit better and publish better.

To me, I believe learning new things is crucial for happiness and it wards off memory loss.

That being said my job or position is that I am a writer. Yes, I get to totally stay home and write each day.

The total number of books I have written and published are eleven (11).

Yes, I have a couple of book series. And how these books series and stand-alone books came to be, is because I learned something new each day.

I believe that learning can give us a range of perspectives and I love to apply this to my writing.

For example, I get inspirations for my books and for living this life, through “what-if” moments throughout the day. Each new situation I encounter, read, or watch on TV can inspire my “what if moments” for characters, plots, etc., in my writing.

Visiting new places can be a learning moment for me also, that inspires ideas for my books, new cooking recipes, ideas to spice up my bedroom exercise (code word for sex) or even redecorating my home.

Learning something new each day can gives us all a range of perspectives to call on, it helps us to better adapt to new situations, or emergencies in our life. Learning new things can also help you socially.

Another big example on the benefits of learning new things, is the new learning we all have had to do, daily, with the COVID-19 Pandemic we all have been subjected too.

We each have learned about the importance of washing our hands, wearing masks and social distancing, to name a few.

All of this, to me, show how beneficial learning new things can be.

And if you don’t believe me. Think of it this way. If you and I had not taken the time to learn about what we could do to protect ourselves from COVID-19, you wouldn’t be here to read my article, and I wouldn’t be here to write it. Ponder that one…

Happy 4th of July! O, let America be America again— from Let America Be America Again (1938)

O, let America be America again—

The land that never has been yet—

And yet must be—the land where every man is free.

The land that’s mine—the poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—

Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,

Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,

Must bring back our mighty dream again.

— from Let America Be America Again (1938)

Feeling Stressed? Pandemics can be stressful…What You Can Do!

We are living in a frightening time. The coronavirus is holding everyone hostage. One day cities and states are saying they are reopening and the next day, all chaos breaks loose, and they are closing down again.

If you turn on the television news, their numbers scare the living daylights out of you as you watch the number of deaths from the coronavirus go up. (It is now over 125,000 deaths in the United States.)

With doom and gloom on the television every day, no wonder we are stressed. Not to mention this virus impacts each of us differently.  Some of us are worried about our own health, or the health of a loved one. Some of us are worried about our financial situation. Some of us are worried about a job or the support system or services that we may rely on.

Whatever form your stress or anxiety takes there are things you can do to take control over your stress and anxiety.

First up. Set limits on how much television you watch and place special emphasis to the news. Watching too much news can be a bad thing. Take a break from watching the news. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. If nightmares are stalking, you. Some health official suggests turning off the television or not watching the news at least one hour before you go to bed. Relax and or meditate if possible, to ensure a good night sleep before going to bed. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible.

Take care of your body. Exercise regularly. Watch what you eat. Drink plenty of water.

Take care of your mental health.  Connect with others like minded souls such as yourself. Remember that “emotions are contagious,” so be wise about who you turn to for support.  Remember Mother’s wise words. “Everybody ain’t your friend.”

Be kind to yourself.

Maintain a routine. Get regular nightly sleep, whenever possible. If you are in school or have online classes, maintain those routines. The same with your meals, keep your mealtime a regular routine also. By doing these things it can help you maintain a sense of normalcy.

Maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system.

Take a break. Take time to yourself throughout the day.  Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help renew your sense of self.  

Take time out for activities you enjoy. Read a good book, watch a comedy, play a fun board or video game, make something—try a new recipe, a craft, or a piece of art. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it takes you out of your worries.

Get out in nature, if possible. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Even a walk around your neighborhood can make you feel better. Just be sure to avoid crowds, keep your distance from people you encounter, and wear a mask, if you have one. Better to be safe, than sorry.

Avoid self-medicating. Be careful that you’re not using alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression.

Are you in crisis?  Here are some audio meditations that can help you relieve stress. 

For audio meditations that can help you relieve anxiety and regain inner calm, click here.

Cajun Spaghetti Supreme!

Got to cook for the family for the 4th of July? Need a crowd pleaser? Try Cajun Spaghetti Supreme. This scrumptious delicious recipe is an old-time favorite with a touch of Cajun spice. You can make it mild or extra spicy. Just add or decrease your cayenne pepper. Always add you spices “little by little” and taste. By starting little, by little, you control the spice. You can always add more spice if you need it. But you can’t take away spice once you add it. So always think, add spice. “Little, by little,” and you can’t go wrong. Enjoy! 

 

Cajun Spaghetti Supreme!

Ingredients:

·1 package (1 pound) spaghetti, broken into 4-inch pieces

·1 bottle (16 ounces) zesty Italian salad dressing

·1 large cucumber, diced

·1 large tomato, seeded and diced (or 20 small cherry tomatoes cut in half)

·1/2 cup diced black olives

·2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

·1 teaspoon Salad Supreme Seasoning

·½ teaspoon Slap Ya Momma Cajun Seasoning Salt (season to taste)

·Pinch of cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

·Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place spaghetti in a large serving bowl. Add the remaining Ingredients, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.

Chapter 7 When A Taker Dreams!

ENZO RAWLINS hadn’t a care in the world as he laid back as Kalita Lopez worked magic with her tongue.

The sun crept up against the windowpane just as he screamed her name. “Kalita, baby! Kalita. Damn that was good.”

Kalita Lopez was a mesmerizing beauty.  The kind of woman who knew how to use her sex as a weapon, an instrument of pure pleasure, and a way to support herself.

“Enzo,” she purred. “Kalita likes you. But you don’t pay the rent. It’s time for you to go. I must meet a diplomat at two o’clock today. I need my rest. By the way, pick up those empty champagne bottles and put them outside in the recycle bin for me when you leave.”

“What?” Enzo stared at her with hurt dark eyes and realized he hadn’t seen that coming.

“Look Enzo don’t be hurt. Everyone has to earn a living. You’ve been with me almost four days now. The money Ryker gave me was good, but I’ve been handling you on charity for the last two days and that’s because you’re pretty good with that weapon you’re stroking right now.”

“So, you’re not one of Ryker’s old flames?” He asked but didn’t wait for an answer. “You’re a hooker.”

“Hell no!” she said in perfect English.

“And you’ve got a phony accent too? What next?”

Kalita got up out of the bed and picked up Enzo’s cloths and threw them at him. “Look Enzo, this is Silicon Valley in case you haven’t noticed. Rents and mortgages aren’t cheap. Now don’t you have a job or something to go to?”

Enzo shook his head and then thought about it. Why not tell the truth for a change? “No, I’m sort of in between jobs,” he said. “Hell, I should get paid to do what you do. I could use some fast money.”

Kalita studied him slowly. His naked male form was sexy to behold. Her mind raced. Enzo was good at wielding that penis of his, like a gallant Knight on a mission. But was he sincere, she wondered? 

She knew what social skills were needed to handle a job like she had.  Enzo had those skills. Plus, he was good at laying down some really classy, sexy, sweet talk on a moment’s notice. Not to mention that sexy thing he did with his tongue.

Kalita was good at judging people. And then she made a decision and flashed Enzo a grin. “Well…Well …Well,” she said thoughtfully. “Are you just looking for a hobby to do when you get bored? Or are you serious about that making some fast money?”

“And how,” Enzo said with a lascivious grin.

“You know you are a sexy stud muffin and I do know a few wealthy elderly ladies who would just get a kick out of letting you use that weapon you call a penis on them.”

Enzo grew silent.

Kalita decided to sweeten the pot. “I know a company that is hiring, and all you have to do is be nice to a few women and let them see how capable you are in the bedroom,” she hesitated, smiling wickedly.

She let her words sink in watching his brain digest the information.

“Are you serious Enzo?  I mean about making some fast money,” she finally asked.

“Hell yeah, I’m serious. Who do I have to fuck?”

Kalita spoke clearly. “Are you really serious enough that you are willing to put yourself out there, for money I mean?”

Enzo’s brow shot up as the lips on his face curled up. “You are the one telling me that you know a company that is hiring. Paying steady money, and all that I have to do is, do something that I love to do, fucking?” He considered how much pleasure it would be.

“Screwing for money isn’t as easy as it seems,” she said. “You have to do whatever it takes. It’s a business you know. You’ll have overhead cost. The boss has to get paid.”

He gave a smirk.  “So, you’re in the Ye Ode House of Prostitution business? And you’d be my pimp?”

Kalita let out a breath. “I don’t like the word pimp. I wouldn’t mind you calling me the Pimptress, but I prefer Madame.”

“Funny, I didn’t know I had agreed yet,” he replied. “How much money are you talking about?”

“Lots…And I could make sure that they threw in a bottle of that Gayot Rosé Champagne you like to drink.”

“Lot’s ain’t a number,” he said lowing his brow. “You’ve got to interest me with actually dollars.”

“Hump,” she shot back. “As your Madame I would be expecting my cut, since I’m the one with the hook-up for the prominent wealthy women that are willing to pay.”

“I figured as much. So, what are we talking here?”

“During the week, I’m thinking our deluxe escort services can make five thousand dollars an evening. Who knows maybe you’d become in such demand we can have morning and evening sessions?  The weekends will bring our premium prices. We can have you available for those women willing to pay extra for that much needed boyfriend experience to attend events with.  You have a handsome hunky presence that I’m sure will fill out a tuxedo just right.”

 “Wait a minute, you’re talking twenty thousand dollars? Who’s going to want to pay that?” Enzo asked.

Kalita giggled. “Women who want to be discreet,” she said giving him a piercing look. “That will be minus my cut of course for hooking you up. You would be amazed at how much money woman give to charity.”

Enzo thought back. He’d heard her say that word before. “Charity? What do you mean?”

Kalita only pressed her lips together and shook her head.

 “I won’t tell you another thing, unless you want to take this job. So, Enzo. Are you working for Kalita the Madame or do you want to go home?”

“You know I want to make some fast money,” he grinned. “I’m in.”

Kalita didn’t believe in wasting time.  “Good! I have the prefect client for your first job. She lives on Oak View in Alamden.  Do you know that area?”

“Yeah that’s a pretty high-end real estate area.”

She giggled with her thoughts. “Good, because I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable on your first assignment. Here write your cell phone number down. I’ll call you once I have everything set up for tonight. Why don’t you go home and take a shower and get some rest and be ready to be at your first assignment by say nine o’clock tonight. Oh, and expect to be there over-night.”

Enzo licked his lips. “Sure, that sounds like a plan.”

Dating During Coronavirus on Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Plenty of Fish!

Dating During Coronavirus on Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Plenty of Fish!

Read any strange and unusual news lately? Well I did! Did you know that even though everyone was supposed to be shelter-in-place,  dating apps; like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, POF (Plenty of Fish) and many other dating sites have seen an increase in usage during coronavirus shelter in place.

Since people are spending more time at home, they have been increasing their activity on dating apps.

In fact, video and audio dating is surging and Plenty of Fish has launched a new feature called “LIVE”. This feature has seen a surge in use with the coronavirus outbreak. Users in Washington, New York and California are now able to live-stream with friends and potential matches.

But is dating online right for you? Many people prefer to meet people in real life. If you believe the “real” image is everything, do you really want to chance doing a FaceTime date without your best face forward. I mean with all the beauty salons still being on lockdown, are you ready to put your “real-face (the one without the beauty parlor tricks)” forward?

What about those “health warnings?” Health officials have warned that doing things like kissing and hugging could pose a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus, so what are you going to do, say after your third FaceTime date, and  you, two, want to meet?

Not to mention, how are you ever going to know about the guy’s or lady’s eating habits? You know what I mean. Remember when you were on a dinner date with  that guy, who farted at the table? You quickly deleted his number. Bet you don’t want to experience that again.

Should you set up a dinner date, online, from each of your prospected homes and film it to see, how he holds his fork? Or if she slurps her soup?
Hmmm? Something to think about.

Well, relationship experts say if you are going to do the online dating thing. It’s better to really get to know someone over text, first, before you schedule that “meet cute” one of a kind boy meets girl for that first live in person date.

Oh, by the way the relationship experts also say you should wait, and really get to know the person before you meet up.  One relationship expert said to do at least one month, of texting back and forth, before you meet up.   And then there’s that 90-day rule thing. (You know that 90-day rule thing… explained here).

“The 90-day rule refers to when a person waits 90 days in a new relationship to have sex. Usually, it refers to the woman waiting 90 days, but it can apply to anyone.”

Come to think of it, I’ve been told by a couple of my best friends forever, they’ve actually had good luck with the 90-day rule thing. In fact, a couple of them have informed me that’s there has been a few books written about that 90-day rule thing, and if you follow it, it works.

Hmmm… Something to think about. Well, there you have it.  On-line dating it’s the new trending “in-thing to do” and it comes a long with a friend, virtual dating. Wow how times have changed!

Hey Mr. De Mille, my toes are ready for their close-up! How To Do A Pedicure!

Pampering our peds used to be a regular routine and everybody knows regular pedicures make your feet look fabulous! But with many states still having their Beauty Salons and Nail Shops on lockdown because of COVID-19, what’s a “Girly-Girl” to do?

Go to the dollar store and buy yourself a basin. Even Target has a 12-quart basin for two-dollars, Walmart has one for about six dollars, Bed Bath and Beyond one for under six-dollars, and your neighborhood Ace Hardware one for under five dollars. Heck if you got small feet use a bucket or pail, if your feet can fit in it.

Once you have your basin fill it with warm water, add some Epsom salt, or foot soak, be use to add a little soap. Remember the Palmolive commercial with Madge the manicurist? Madge was one smart manicurist. Madge knew to soak in Palmolive. Add a few drops of Palmolive. Now soak those feet of yours, get then clean.

If you are using a foot soaking product, read the label before putting it in the water. The recommended amount may vary from product to product.

Soak for at least five to ten minutes.

Next take a foot scrub or pumice stone and scrap that dry skin away. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone or foot file while they are wet. A pumice stone is a light, porous volcanic rock often used to remove dead skin cells and calluses.

If you like a foot scrub product. Now is the time to apply it. Apply it to the top and bottom of your feet. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of foot scrub into your palm, and then rub it between both hands. Then, rub your hands over both of your feet to apply the scrub. Rub your feet in small, circular motions to exfoliate them.

Next, place your feet back into the water to rinse them off.

Next use a toenail clipper and cut your toenails straight across. File them if needed.

Next, apply cuticle cream to soften cuticles. Next push back your cuticles using a cuticle tool or small nail file. To do this, simply lay the curved end of your tool over your nail bed at a 45-degree angle, and gently push your cuticles.

Next, apply lotion or cream to hydrate your feet.

You are now finish unless you want to paint your toenails. Then first clean nail bed from any creams of oils before painting. You can use a cotton ball saturated with alcohol to clean nail bed before polishing.

Now paint your toenails with a base coat first then let it dry completely before applying color.


You are now finished with your pedicure and can say… “Mr. De Mille my toes are ready for their close-up!

Say Thank You to Essential Workers! & Other’s Advice!

When you are making essential trips outside of the home, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, say thank you to essential workers. Ask them how they are doing, be kind and express gratitude for their sacrifices and the work they are doing.

Being an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic means potentially exposing themselves and their families to COVID-19 while performing their job duties. Essential workers are having to deal with new stresses, like having to add social distancing measures to their jobs, dealing with changing shift work hours, and even managing their own changing childcare needs with school closures.

Who are the essential workers?  Health care professionals, grocery store employees, first responders, mail carriers and many others are still going to work every day. They’re risking their health to help our community.  Let’s show them how much we appreciate them.

Make Signs of Thank You:

Need a project to keep the kids busy? Got some construction paper lying Willie nellie around the house? Great! Kids love to be creative. Have your little ones help by drawing thank you signs for your neighbor, the essential worker, or that family member who’s an essential worker.

Support families of Essential Workers:

Maybe you have a neighbor whose an essential worker or a family member. If you are able, consider cooking a meal for your essential worker’s family, so they have less to worry about, or pick up groceries when you make your own trip to the grocery store.  Remember every little bit helps.

Don’t Have the Time but Want To Show Your Support:  Maybe you don’t time to spend doing some of the things I mentioned. But don’t give up!  You can still show your appreciation in other ways. Here are a few gift ideas.

 

·                  Gift Cards: Essential workers might not have as much time to cook for themselves, so give them gift cards to local restaurants or food delivery services.

·                  Entertainment: They could probably use an escape now more than ever. Help them take a mental break with a streaming subscription, a book or a preloaded e-reader.

·                  Home Essentials: Your favorite frontline workers are also braving the grocery store for the basics. Gift them a healthy stash of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other must-haves to save them a trip.

·                  Self-Care Items: Everyone deserves a few minutes to relax each day, no matter how busy work might be. Help local essential workers take a load off with soothing soaps, lotions and bath salts and oils.

·                  Thank-You Note: Sometimes the best gifts are the simple ones. You can leave a handwritten thank-you card, send a friendly text message or write a thoughtful email.

You will be amazed how a simple “Thank You” can make someone’s day and let our essential workers know, just how much they mean to us.

Delicious Shrimp Lettuce Wraps!

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps!

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 onion, diced

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 zucchini, julienned

1 or 2 carrots, julienned (optional for low-carb, keto diet)

Fresh chopped chives

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 head Boston lettuce (or Bibb, butter…)

The peanut sauce

4 teaspoon peanut butter

2 teaspoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons coconut milk

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey (optional for low-carb, keto diet)

1-inch fresh ginger, grated

1 clove garlic, grated

*Optional if you are allergic to peanuts try PF Changs Mango Sweet & Sour already made on your sauce aisle in the grocery store**

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the peanut sauce: in a bowl, combine all ingredients (peanut butter, rice vinegar, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, ginger and garlic) until smooth, and set aside. You can use your blender for a creamier texture.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add raw shrimp and cook until golden, about 2 – 3 minutes.

3. Stir in crushed chili pepper, cumin, ginger, onion and cook for 1 minute. Add zucchini and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute, then add carrot, jalapeño, garlic, bell pepper and chives. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes more, vegetable should be still crunchy. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style. Serve along with the remaining cooking juice if you like. Don’t forget to dip in the peanut sauce — Enjoy!