In the month of October one year, We were renting a home in a small village in Massachusetts where we were right by the ocean. The view through our big window from the 2nd floor was breath taking. In the summer time, the road below us would be traffic by people walking, motorcycles, cars flying, and loud loud music coming from cars and random nearby houses. It was very lively. But when the cold temperature set in, the road below become very still with occasionally flying cars zooming pass. When snow has sticks to the ground and start stacking up on each other to the point the plowing trucks are requires, it shakes the house letting me know that plowing trucks has been driving pass. I didn’t have to look outside to know. They were scrapping the road which is pretty loud and I can actually hear them sometimes without needing to wear my hearing aids depending on what they were doing with their plowing methods.
As the cold and the heat weather temperature starts to battle. The beautiful green leaves on the trees starting to transforming to yellow, red, and/or orange and even brown. The air is slowly coming crisp with chills. In the early morning fog, you would see your breath sending mini fogs. My partner (at the time) and I would take our children to apple picking. We would easily bring home anywhere from 5 pounders to 10 pounds of apples. There was one year, we actually brought home 69 pounds of apples.
In the beginning of our apple picking yearly tradition, we decided that one year to dive into recipes and see what we could come up with. Each of us would pick one of our own choices. This one was picked by my youngest child, G. My child was around 5 or 6 years old when he picked this Apple Surprise recipe.
I dive to work and got that made. The aroma from this recipe was drawing everyone into the kitchen wanting their first bite. I told everyone to have their dinners first then we can have this as our dessert. Oh my. It was gone within days.
Eventually, we moved into a beautiful home that we purchased then shortly after, my (ex) brother in law and his son along with his beautiful pup, Spyro moved into my home with an open arms.
One of the apple picking trips we took.
In the Autumn of 2012, One of the children came to me and asked me to make it again. I hunt down into the piles of recipes that was sitting on my kitchen shelf.
After collecting the ingredients I needed, I went into the kitchen and began to work. My ex-brother-in-law walked in and asked what I was making. As the food started to come together, I noticed my brother-in-law pacing in the dining room. I asked him what was going on, and he said it looked really good and that he wanted a bite. I laughed at that. My ex walked into the dining room, and the two brothers began diving into a range of topics at the kitchen table. As soon as I pulled the tray out of the oven and placed it on the rack, my brother-in-law was eyeing it, but I told him, “Not yet.” As it cooled down a bit, I was able to put the glaze on.
My BIL took his first bite then 2…3. His daughter walked in and grabbed 1 then 2. My brother in law’s snatch 4… 5 … 6. My niece just couldn’t stop herself so she grab 3rd one. My niece’s older brother saw his younger sister and his father was grabbing some so he happily grabbed one … then two. They start chiming each other saying how delicious it was. My BIL announcing “Take it away! I can’t stop!” My children was standing among them happily eating theirs with a biggest grins that they could make.
After the 2nd time I’ve made the Apple Surprise, my children would ask the Apple Surprise even before we head out to do our yearly apple picking. They would ask me to make this because they were looking forward to it so it became our tradition in my home.
I would share photos of my work on Facebook for years and my best friend decided one year to ask me to make this for one of her parties she hosted for her family and close friends. Her father was eyeing this as well so when I posted my work. He goes, “I hope your bringing some to the party this weekend. ” It became a buzz of excitement to try and they too couldn’t stop at one.
I am happy to share this recipe so you can bring everyone to your table with a buzz of excitement from my home to yours.
Not a photographer but I love taking photo of my work
NOTE –
Tablespoon = Tbsp
Teaspoons = Tsp
Apple Surprise Recipe –
Credit – My son, G picked Better Homes and Garden on their website
1 Package hot roll mix 16oz
1 cup – medium cooking apple, finely chopped
1/4 cup – mixed dried fruit bits or raisins (I tend to use raisins)
2 tbsp – brown sugar
1/2 tsp – ground cinnamon
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup – sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp – milk
DIRECTION
Heat 375 degrees – Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.
Knead the dough; allow it to rest as direct.
In a small bowl for the filling, stir together apples, dried fruits bits or raisins of your choice, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Lightly coated two baking sheets with cooking spray. Set aside.
Divide the dough into 16 pieces. Flatten each piece into a 3 inch piece.
Spoon one rounded teaspoon of filling onto each circle.
Shape the dough around the filling to enclose, pulling dough until smooth and rounded.
Place rounded sides up, on greased baking sheet.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size. (About 30 minutes.)
Baked in 375 degrees oven for 12 to 18 minutes or until golden.
Cool slightly on cooling rack.
In a small bowl to create icing, stir together powdered sugar and milk to make drizzling consistency. Drizzle over rolls.
MY MINOR CHANGES DIRECTION –
I follow the triangular shape and enclose the filling inside without forming a circle. I just slide it into the oven without letting it rest, as that seems to work for me. I’ve found that if I let it sit, the longer the liquid seeps into the dough, the more the dough refuses to seal properly when I try to close it.
I recently joined Legal Shield world in August, 2020. Since we all were restricted to stay home during this pandemic, I joined so many zoom meetings, and jotting down information from the Deaf leaders. There was so much rich information that helps me to grow as a person and learning about the services that it was providing to the people.
On Feb 3, 2021, I became curious what it look like on the another side, the hearing world. What does their presentation look like and do they do similar system to what I’ve been learning with the Deaf leaders. The calendar that they’ve build within Legal Shield were filled with meetings and I decided to browse through to see what works for my schedule. That the part I like the most, I choose my own hours. I mean, who doesn’t! So I saw Mel Roberson’s and it works with my schedule so I jot the time in my planner. I reserve my spot and all I had to do was to show up.
At 9pm Eastern time zone, I pulled my phone next to the computer that I was using and made the volume go high enough that my phone was able to caption live. I sat back and watch the whole presentation. At the end of his presentation, he goes “My name is Mel Roberson. We got about 30 minutes until Chicago PD I was on. I don’t know. I can’t tell you what’s about to happen. You got it tuned in.” and my jaw literally dropped. I’m like… wait, YOUR a actor. NOOOO WAY!!! While he was chatting but my phone was still captioning so I could read later, I pulled up a website to quickly fact-check and sure enough, he was in it. I went back to zoom and my eyes just wide open. I couldn’t believe I was watching a guy who is a actor IN the part of Legal Shield. Wait, Whaaattttt?! I was in complete disbelief. I couldn’t watch Chicago Police at the time because I had no cable. The cable was cut off for 10 years or something at that point. I told myself, someday, I’m going to watch that show. Somehow. ((Note – I have the transcript of this very presentation that I actually printed it out and kept. ))
A month or two later, I follow his business page and I saw he was live-streaming through Facebook. That perk my curiosity so I hopped on. I was actually disappointed with Facebook for not providing closed caption and I realized it was them just chatting. I decided to hop off. Days after that, I couldn’t seem to ignore the urge to watch and I thought that was very weird feeling to have. A month later, I believe, he came back on live-streaming with his people and this time I decided to listen to my urge and just watch. I pulled up my phone app so it can do live-captioning. They were talking about being single and they were engaging with the audience. They asked us if we have any questions, we could ask. I was thinking, how often do they come across to a Deaf person. I go Eh, lets give it a shot. I asked the question if they would date with a Deaf woman. Someone in the chat was uhh, .. all I can say was rude. I was SO upset and I didn’t want to make Mel and his people to look bad so I left to respect their space. If those men have answered my question, still to this day, I have no idea and that is fine. But it is out there. The ” Deaf ” has been expose and that was my goal to raise awareness that there are Deaf people out there. It is not something to go HaHa about.
That night, I received a private message from one of the men apologizing, and I was honestly floored. The next day, I got another message, and this time it was from Mel. I had to stare at it, thinking, ‘Is he really talking to me?! Is this really happening?’ Once again, I was floored by his message. He, too, apologized. They told me that this person had been banned. In that moment, I felt they were my ally.
You have NO idea how much that means to me… well, maybe but as a Deaf person who has been push aside, made fun of, treat as a trash but that small action of saying, ” No, your behavior is wrong” may be very small but it means huge.
I don’t know celebrity in general, I admit. I’ve always vision celebrity are snob and I guess that what society’s influence my thinking. But in that instant when I felt I had an ally, that celebrity snob thoughts has been destroyed. I am eternally thankful that I had that moment with a celebrity to allow me to say, “No, that is not true.” After having that conversation with Mel, I had to think back to Jonathan Taylor Thomas who have repeatedly said in his interviews, he is just a person who just happen to be famous. I had to really sit down and remembering his words and Mel’s action. It really have changed my thinking how I view things even more.
In April, 2022, I was newly divorce and homeless. Legal Shield was celebrating 50th year anniversary in the state of Oklahoma. I had lived in Oklahoma near Tulsa area years earlier, and it have held a special place in my heart. 50 years celebration and it is at OKC, Oklahoma, You bet I’m going! I made plan with my good friend, A-Team that we would fly out to that amazing event.
On my traveling day, I flew out from Massachusetts to Oklahoma so while in flight, my hearing aids battery decided to act up. I recently changed the battery a week prior so I was shocked to hear the beeping noise notifying me that it was dying. Once landed, we dropped our bags at the hotel then ran to get ourselves registered then dive into meetings that was taken place that morning. During quick breaks, Will Fairy and I quickly discussed during the long break, we would get together to grab lunch and hunt down hearing aids battery so I don’t have to listen to the beeping anymore.
During the long break in between morning meeting and the afternoon meeting, Will Fairy and I stood outside waiting for our ride and had a interesting moment that would be share in another post eventually. We hopped into Uber and I shared the story with Will Fairy who couldn’t stop laughing after that. We grabbed the battery I needed. We quickly walked over to Mexican culture restaurant who was just about to closed for the day but kept open for us. I cannot ask for a better service and the food was delicious.
During my conversation with Will Fairy, Mel topic came up somehow and I share my special ally moment story. I told her that I wanted to say my thanks in person. Will Fairy’s jaw was honestly dropped because she couldn’t believe I didn’t share this story during in our many zooms meetings. I told her, I have no idea why I kept that story to myself but I did. She share her respect for Mel and told me that I am meeting him after afternoon meeting. We rushed back to our afternoon meeting because hunting for the battery in unfamiliar space actually took up a lot of our time so we were bit of a rush.
Afternoon meeting was done. Will Fairy tap my shoulder and say, ” lets go! ” and walked away. I’m like, “Wait, now?” in my head and I had no choice but to follow. My legs were shaking and my thinking was full of “Am I really doing this? Oh gawd, I see him, we’re actually doing this!” That was reeling in my head. During my walk over, I saw this woman standing by Mel’s DJing spot and my instant thought of her that she was beautiful. I had no idea who she was but I could see that Mel knew her. I looked away to watch Will Fairy’s back walking like in determination that we’re getting this done. I looked at the floor so I’m not bumping into anything and my mind was reeling. I was also trying to tell my legs to stop shaking. I was definitely nervous but it was something I felt needed to happen.
Will Fairy had a quick moment of hellos with Mel and then looked at me, signaling that I had something to say. She gave me a “Go. Do it.” gesture. Initially, I hadn’t planned to speak, but I was shaking inside. I knew that if I used American Sign Language (ASL), my signs would reveal my nervousness. I also realized that Mel might not understand if I signed, but I knew Will Fairy would interpret if needed. So, I immediately set aside the idea of signing and looked at Mel.
In that moment, my heart and mind aligned. I wanted him to hear my gratitude directly from me, from the heart. First, I asked if he remembered the situation that had come up, and he vaguely did. I struggled to find the words because I was feeling so much. Ultimately, I expressed my thanks.
He asked me if he could hug me and I … that share moment I had with him is not something I can explain into word. All I knew in that instant, he was a gem. A rare one. He found a way to come down from high space and embrace me into his open arms. I felt the hug was sincere and with respect.
Thank you Mel.
OKC April 2022
I went home after that trip and I held that moment close to my heart. Thank you Will Fairy for pushing me forward. This is something I will now forever cherished.
A year later, Charlotte NC in April, 2023, I made a goal in January during Burning Bowl experience that I wanted Mel and his soul-best friend, Monique who I grew to love through posts on Facebook. I wanted both of them to be people to present the ring when I successfully reach $50,000 commission goal. So with determination I have in my mind, I was ready to ask the question but finding the time to do it is when?
Wall of Why 2023
I was roommates with a few Deaf ladies and one hearing person. Throughout the trip, this hearing person turned our hearty laughter into frowns and frustrated faces. I was the youngest one among them, and this woman seemed to enjoy talking to me.
Then came that special night when Mel and his amazing friend hosted an event that was not related to the convention—a space where people gathered to share their deepest moments in a public setting. It was a space that needed to be held with respect and love, free from judgment. I felt it was important to honor that sacred space where they welcomed me to sit and listen. I had experienced something similar back in OKC when I went to support Mel. The things shared there earned my utmost respect, and I wanted those Deaf ladies and this hearing person to have that experience as well.
However, this hearing person pressed certain buttons, and I had to step out of the event for a bit to collect myself, but I couldn’t. I bawled privately. I simply couldn’t believe this hearing person had the nerve to disrupt the respectful space that I had come to love. It didn’t belong to me; it was theirs. I felt it was my role to listen quietly.
I sensed her white privilege strongly as she barged into the space, demanding things to be provided. I swallowed my pride and stood up to her, saying no. In that moment, I realized that if a hearing person entered a Deaf space and acted like that, I wouldn’t like it one bit. Her blatant display of white privilege was a jarring wake-up call for me.
Thankfully, that woman left, but I was feeling a whirlwind of emotions after days of being together, all crashing into one overwhelming moment. That flood of feelings is why I cried. I knew right then that she wasn’t someone I wanted to spend time with after going home. After taking a moment to myself, I was able to calm down enough to walk back to the table where the Deaf ladies were sitting. They instantly became concerned for my well-being, and I reassured them that I was okay.
The event started. The poems. The songs. And the moments that was shared from the community will forever remain close to our hearts because after that night, the Deaf ladies talks about it dayssss after. It was buzzing. I just had to sit back and let them take it in because they’re saying all the things I was saying and feeling a year prior. I was being thank over and over for welcoming them witnessing that beautiful event. Even a year later, they still go “Hey, remember that poetry night …. ”
The event took longer and we needed to sleep so before heading back to our place for the night, I wanted to grab my special moment with the beautiful couple, Mo and Mel before the next day. That is when everyone starts to fly home. I remember being shaking because I had a break-down moment just hours earlier and my courage to ask was building up to that point. It was out of my comfort zone but I knew it was something I need. I needed that goal. I want SO badly wanted to be them. They have became special people to my heart that I grew to love and adore. Without their knowledge, their posts on Facebook is something I look forward to because they both are r e a l. It can’t be said anything better than that. They are r e a l. I asked them to be the people to present the rings and both said yes. In that instant, all the bad days I was experiencing with this woman was gone. Instantly. That special moment with the Robersons became my another favorite.
Thank you Mo and Mel.
Photo credit: Monique. April 2023 in Charlotte, NC. This picture I printed out full size and framed.
We met again in Oklahoma City, April 2024. You came up to me like you were sneaking behind my back and close my eyes and say BOO. That how it felt in that moment which is pretty funny because it was day-light at Legal Shield headquarter. I could have seen you coming and I totally didn’t. I was surprise. I must have been totally into the conversation with someone who had my full focus. That hug, Mel. I can’t say enough about that hug of yours. Thank you.
Thank you for teaching me from afar. Thank you for being my ally. I hope I can be one of yours as well. I see you. You are one rare gem gentlemen. I hope I get to meet someone like you.
Happiest Happy Birthday, Mel.
MO! Don’t forget to hug him for me! ❤ I love you both!
As a a small child, I remember one time when it was beautiful outside. My four sisters and I were playing in the backyard of the apartment we lived in. The yard was pretty flat, with one side that sloped down, making it perfect for small sledding in the winter because there was a fence at the bottom. The hill was probably between 5 to 8 feet slope, but that was enough for us. Since I was a small child, my perception of the hill’s size might be a little off.
Anyway, I remember playing tags and we were all over in that yard.
Before I knew it, one of the sisters—though I can’t remember who—ran to the circle that was near the hill I mentioned and started singing. The circle was probably about 5 inches off the ground and was made of rocks of various sizes. It was about 4 feet in diameter, and the middle was filled with soil, where some weeds were growing. I remember there were no flowers or any other plants, just weeds.
Photo credit to OnSuttonPlace website. I’m just using the photo for references.
Three of the sisters heard their sibling singing and recognized the song. They ran to the edge of the circle, standing on the rocks, and joined in.
They were doing the hand gesture that goes with the song and that when I knew it was “Bunny Foo Foo.” I didn’t have the song memorized so I just stood there and watch. I was enjoying watching all my sisters faces were smiling so huge. In the end, it was happy voices that was shared by my sisters.
That day keep appearing in my memory because it was one of the rarest moment that we were all together and JUST …. happy.
I had to hunt down the lyric and here the song that my sisters sang …
NOTE * Sing it like melodically similar to “Itsy Bitsy Spider” song.
— LYRIC of Little Bunny Foo Foo —
Little Bunny Foo Foo, Hopping through the forest, Scooping up the field mice, And bopping them on the head.
Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you, Scooping up the field mice And bopping them on the head.” “I’ll give you three chances, And if you don’t behave, I’m gonna turn you into a goon!“
Little Bunny Foo Foo, Hopping through the forest, Scooping up the field mice, And bopping them on the head.
Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you, Scooping up the field mice And bopping them on the head.” “I’ll give you two chances, And if you don’t behave, I’m gonna turn you into a goon!“
Little Bunny Foo Foo, Hopping through the forest, Scooping up the field mice, And bopping them on the head.
Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you, Scooping up the field mice And bopping them on the head.” “I’ll give you one chances, And if you don’t behave, I’m gonna turn you into a goon!“
I gave you three chances, And you didn’t behave, And now I’m gonna turn you into a goon.
As summer ends and cold temperature will be here before we know it. Today, I’ve been reflecting on the definition of “family” in light of the upcoming holidays.
According to Google, family is defined as “a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage” and can also refer to “friends and family who provide support.”
Unfortunately, I don’t feel supported by many family members. Instead, I often encounter with silence until they wanted something from me, ghosting, criticism without constructive guidance, a dismissive ‘I know what I’m talking about’ attitude, eye-rolling, and comments like ‘you should have listened,’ all accompanied by a general negative vibe. Many people have doubted the stories I’ve shared, but when they see the evidence I present, their attitude shifts.
I have became fearful, unsure, low self-esteem, outspoken, frustrated, not being heard, very angry, rebellion, repeated the cycle of the same-ness situation that seem to be showing up over and over during my growing up. Honestly, looking back at my past, I dislike her so much to the point, it disgust me looking at myself in the mirror. However, I also recognize that some of my past behavior was understandable given the circumstances.
IknowI am a human being and mistakes will be and has been made.
What I know now moving forward, I am and I have been making a lot of progress in my personal growth. In my previous state, I had an amazing support system. There was several different people sat down with me bringing certain things about me or the situation to my attention saying that isn’t right. Here what you can do if this is something you would like to do and they gave me options. What I discovered about myself is to talk them out then seeing what fits me best helps to shape my choices that I was willing to make. Understanding my past self has helped me identify behaviors I want to avoid.
So, as a supporter to myself and to my children, and as a family unit, I am taking what I know now and continuing moving forward, making an effort to become a better person both to those around me and in the cyber world and to be a better Momma. I plan to hold myself accountable and recognize that change is an ongoing process. I understand that evolving and improving is a continuous journey.
It’s never too late to make changes, regardless of your age. I want to encourage everyone to reflect on what type of person they want to be and consider the changes they are willing to make for themselves and those around them.
I will admit, I looked around to see what would be a great question to answer and this shows up. Ooh. That is a tough question.
My immediate answer is: Momma.
I can’t exactly remember how old I was when I someday wanted to be a Mom and I actually grew up thinking I wouldn’t be a Mom. I always believe that I wasn’t on anybody radar to be a friend with. Well, I have two beautiful children and I had almost 20 years relationship with this guy who is no longer in my life today. I thank him wholeheartedly for giving me two beautiful children. (Note: I want to acknowledge the parenting of the children upbringing, I cannot speak for him. I can only speak for myself and me only. ) My children are so different from each other and they have some same interests. Their relationships with each other is something I am so proud of because they have stronger relationship with each other than I had with some of my sisters. Its like… I did that. I have had people coming to me saying “Wow, your children are so polite. How did you do that?” Well, I was their role model and I had to display whatever I say, I show the same. For example if I tell my children not to swear then I don’t do it either. You know the motto “Monkey Sees, Monkey Do” I actually made it to my own, “Kids Sees, Kids Do.” and that motto for me worked.
I also applied / poured into my children that quote and they would rolls their eyes at me when they got to pre-teen ages but they still applied it to their life today “Treat Others The Way You Wanted To Be Treated.” I really poured so much of that because I was badly bullied growing up and I tolerated none of that from my children. My children are VERY aware because they did test me and regretted that decision.
Everyone is unique in your own way. Whatever weakest may be someone else’s strongest may help you, and teaches you. Your strongest skills may help others and use that to teach them. That is another one I applied on my children.
So, back to the question, What I like about myself. Ha. Umm. For a long time, I’ve been told I was non-judgemental person but a uptight person. Well, I was uptight because I was being bullied about what I looked like, my upbringing, I was liar, I was paranoid, I was this and that. No one seems to understand I am who I am. There were many times I wasn’t lying. I was only speaking of my own truth and what I saw. I may hear things differently or saw something that you guys did not see. Of course, I may read things (body language, the situation, and of course, conversation) differently than you would have. I am me. Now I sound dumb because I now ask for clarify on things. I now trying to stop assuming things. “Oh, You Know” No I don’t know because your experiences and your point of view is largely different than mine. I don’t know. I want YOU to tell me. So yea, I sounded stupid but honestly, at this point of my life, I don’t care if I sounded that way because I am learning.
I had very limited social life for several years so I was pretty shut off from the world because I either choose to and/or I had limited choices at that time of my life. Social skills are something I will openly admit, I suck. at. it. And I need help. I’m learning daily. As a Deaf person, I can speak but I don’t know how to start the conversation sometimes and/or even control the conversation. I’m just awkward in that area. I’m noticing in the past few couple years but more so, recently now speaking to people outside of my home that I was not very clear on what I wanted to say. I am noticing that I was half-clear and it has cause several misunderstanding which I take accountability for. I do wish people have bring it to my attention. I would very much like people to WANT to clarify things with me to make sure that we are on the same page.
So, what do I like about myself – again, its Mom. I dealt with so much bullying in my childhood from school and even at home. I felt I was pretty push aside at home and events that we, as a family, went to. I am the fifth child and the baby of the five girls so its understandable that they had their lives. As a fifth child, there are several things that I strongly believe plays roles in my relationships and honestly, that shouldn’t have been the reasons. There is good chance that it wasn’t intent to be that way but on my end, I see it daily. Even my own children sees something was off in my relationships and they came to me with their own feelings which validate so much of my growing up. When I expressed those feelings and I was told, that was all in my head and yet, my own children are feeling the same exact emotions I felt. I’ll openly say that I actually cried for them and for myself for dealing with this and we should not have to.
I was searching my own identity. I really did have that black hole .. uhh, a missing puzzle piece that I felt was big enough – bigger than me that I felt was needed to be answered. Few years ago, I found that puzzle piece and I’m happy to report that I felt more calmer. Questions around that piece has the 75 percent answered but if those 25 percent wouldn’t be answered in my lifetime, that is okay because the big question I was searching for is done. Thank you DNA.
Umm.. So, what do I like about myself – ha. I’m just another human being. I’m no one special. Why do anyone wants to hang with me? Honestly, I don’t know. So yea, family and friends – Surprise. I do feel this strongly about myself. This is partly why I’m here away from home to discover myself and I’m on a journey to find me as me. I don’t need my childhood BS to control me. The drama is crap. Seriously, why upset on every bitty things. Spending time with someone you love should be more than that. The anger and the hidden truth … it steals the person and keeping them from who they could have become. It has stole me. For a long time. But I will not deal with the BS. I’m so done with that.
I’m learning to listen more. I’m trying so hard to keep my mouth shut and listen. That is SO much needed in the today world. There are so many people seeking validation. I’m one of them. I admit.
I’m going to stop right now. I’m feeling a lot right now. To my family and friends, I love you. To my children, you are the reason I am still breathing today to the deepest core of my being. ❤ I am proud to be your Momma. I love you.
My Friend, Laura have came in my life when she walked into the classroom I was in during high school days. Now, in the Deaf school that I was attending, everybody knows everybody so if there is a new person comes in, we immediately know about it. There is no secret so if you tries to hide a secret, good luck maintaining that unless you kept your mouth shut or in this case, don’t use sign language anywhere in that building or to anybody. You know the saying, in the small town, there are no secrets because somebody knows something, it is pretty almost identical in the Deaf school environment.
My immediate judgement of her book-cover was that she was quiet but a little snob. As a high schooler, I would get information from other friends pretty much bad-mouthing about her and things that she have done to other friends, I didn’t agreed with. After that, I stay polite but pretty much stayed away from her. That is pretty much the extend of my friendship during high school.
Years goes by, Laura was dating with this guy who happen to have same name as my former-husband, Daniel. I actually do not remember if I start talking to her again before or after I had my 2nd child but I’m starting to believe it was after I had my 2nd child. I was married at the time. Laura was trying to form a family of her own at the time. We somehow linked up through social media and just started talking through private messages.
Laura living in Florida while I pretty much bouncing between states because of my husband’s (at the time) work, so without listing them all, I’ll list the last two, Massachusetts which is east coast of USA, then currently, in Illinois are in central-ish northern part of USA. My divorce to my husband has happened in Massachusetts and I personally decided to move to Illinois. Anyway, before Laura and I became close, we had to clear up some air to have a better understanding what happen during the high school days. Once we did that and shortly after, Laura and I were faced with some heavy life stuff ourselves and we just happen to be there during those moments. We share many comforts in knowing that we journey certain things in life together miles apart and experiencing them unexpectedly months of each other. There was some hardships, laughing moments, crying, sadness, smiling, memory down the lane stories, in your face truth, feedbacks, opinions, motherly nagging being thrown in there somewhere, hard decisions making, and honestly, I cannot ask a better friend than Laura. This beautiful soul, Laura experienced her own pregnancies, and birth of her children and the life trials was thrown at her is something I would admire her for, the bravery and the struggle to keep putting one foot in front of another.
Laura and I tried our own home-businesses personally to try to create some money flow. We tried our couponing website together when it becomes a big thing during that time. There was death in families, animals we love, and school staffs/students since high school days – we were able to be there when we could in the cyber world. Laura kept in touch with certain people from the school days start to realized that Laura has a direct contact with me, trying to reach me which I choose to denied my relationship with these people. Laura and I can go for months without contact then linked up like we had been chatting daily all along.
Laura and I in summer, 2015 while my mini-family stopped by during our trip to Disney.
I was honestly stunned and surprise to find out I was invited to Laura and Justin’s wedding. And to find out I was the only person from the school to be invited, I was floored. For some reason, I always thought she had a stronger friendship relationship with someone else and I wouldn’t be invited. It is something that I personally struggle with because I’ve always felt I wasn’t a great friend to anyone. So being asked was a great honor to attend and witness the most treasure moment between two beautiful people becoming as one will not be something I would forget.
First thing first, Thank you, Laura, for being there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry after discovering a beautiful human being has passed away during my traveling and giving me the hugs I most needed when I arrived. That was totally unexpected news to receive during my traveling. I love you, Laura. Thank you. The wedding itself was beautiful. It was done in a local galaxy space and their set up was perfect. Laura’s dress was perfect. Laura was beautiful. I must say Justin was very handsome. I am very glad to meet Justin in person and see what he is like. I can see why Laura is in love and I’m .. I can’t put it in words because from what I saw in Laura in high school days then pre-wedding seeing her being in love is … word-less, but galaxy of priceless sight to see. Those giggles you both share. Hand holding moments. Just beautiful. It is something I would forever cherish the memory input in my brain.
I thank you Laura and I’m truly am bless to have you in my life being my best friend. I treasure you and I appreciate you. I love you, Laura.
I was living in Providence, Rhode Island as a small child at the time. The murky yellow and icky brown colored apartment was at the intersection.
We hear sirens constantly to the point where they becomes a background noise. Cars, motorcycles, buses, and random trucks becoming comforting because it entertaining me by watching people doing their thing. I do remember hating motorcycles because how loud they could get in the summer; I am fascinated by the motorcycle artwork designs. There were constant foot traffic on the sidewalk below because there was a convenience store underneath of my apartment. There were a Fish and Chip restaurant at the another side of the intersection that we would order dinner there whenever my mother was not in the mood to cook which is very rare for us. Occasionally, we would hear airplanes, and helicopters flying above us from the nearby airports.
On rainy days, the street would sometimes oddly quiet down. The smell of the rain was refreshing during summer, yet at the same time gloomy. As a child, I wasn’t allowed to play outside in the rain, but it provided a nice break from the humidity and heat since we didn’t have air conditioning; we relied on open windows for a cooling breeze. On sunny days, my sister, K and I would hook up the hose to cool ourselves down in the backyard and make games out of it.
Whenever the nature decide to pour rain in Providence, I would stand at bay window staring out of right side window for an hour or two. I’d be silent, watching the street below or into the distance, my mind just calmed to no thoughts at times. I would hunt down rain drops to watch, or the water overflowing from gutters from different houses, the impact of rain hitting the vehicles passing by or random rooftops. It capture my attention just watching while I can hear out of my hearing aids on how heavy to the lightness pour from the open sky.
There has been times my family would call my name several times until they had to shout to get my attention. The entrance of the house was maybe a foot away from me, so there has been visitors that came in without me noticing. The vibration, the sounds behind me, and whatever was happening behind me didn’t capture my attention until I look around me to see what was going on. I cannot count how many times I would ask what time it was and realized so much time had passed; It often feel like it was only 10 to 15 minutes. The rain has calming effects on me and that apartment is only place I can remember I would go into that zone.
Rainy night were the best. The gentle breeze and the cool night air helped to cool down the apartment. I enjoy rainy weather and would grin as I breathed in at bedtime.
Have you experience a moment like this with the raining zone?
I saw their store front window that being painted into 80s and 90s classic games. I looked inside and realized it is arcade. My mind went flying colors on who would love to walk into this amazing place.
Several months later, I walked in with my date for the first time and we were floored by amazing artwork and the classics that was on the walls, and the games. They had JAWS playing on the television for anyone who wants to watch. The music was lively. My date and I decided to sit down and have a meal first so I decided on a burger and fries while my date settled on pizza. We were thrilled with our foods and we couldn’t stop eating them after the food arrived. Seriously, look at those Tetris tots shapes! I love it!
That was on a date with a guy who helps me realizing that I was able to love someone again. This person is no longer in my life.
Here are few photos I took from different visits altogether.
Those signs are constant changes and I just love the greeting art.
Yoshi and Kirby! My two favorite characters!
Aero FightersPac Man. Galaga.
After eating, we walked around and played some classic games. We were having a blast. There was some games that I have not seen for years and that was definitely nostalgic. I’m not going to spoil by detailing everything because I definitely want you there in person and experience the experiences like I did. I will share a few examples such as…They do have board games, and NES and other devices, you could play but have to ask bartender permission so there isn’t any overlap requests. Classic games such as Jenga, Clues, Monopoly and more. For the NES, MARIO BROTHERS! How can you not love those Mario Brothers. I did not have a chance to play NES and/or any other devices there because there is always someone using it.
The greeter, bartenders, the staff, the waitress were all friendly. Once they realized I am Deaf, they would try to accommodate communicate with me to the best of their ability.
After that day, I start bringing in different people and all were floored by this amazing place. Children would enjoy this space and I’ve seen people bring their little ones there. They seems greatly enjoyed as much as the adults did. I would stop in by myself to drink a glass or two every Fridays and without fail, those workers would greeted me with a wave and asked how my week were. Every week with their amazing creativity that I love, they would have drinks and foods themed to match.
Those poster, food and drink photos are owned by Play Arcade and this is one example of their drinks/food special for that week back in Jan, 2024. Look HOW good those looks!
All year, they have karaoke night, trivia night and few others events that they regularly host. I also want to add, they are largely supportive of a small businesses and I appreciate that whole heartedly.
In the summer, they have this beautiful balcony on their rooftop that looks over the city to the beautiful nearby ocean. Just pure beauty.
Photo Credit: Play Arcade
I cannot say enough about this and I do miss this place. I am no longer in the area anymore but whenever I’m in the area in the future, this is one of must-stop places to go.
This is in Massachusetts, USA in the city of New Bedford. So if you happen to be in the area, definitely check this place out.
DeafAmanda 