Short answer: because we all have something to communicate. This is therefore a brave and intentional space for creative self-expression inspired by my relationship with God. I am motivated to write from observing some of what I believe God created-by-design—nature, family, love, relationship. And, each piece is written by me, Dee, hence the title: “createdbyDEEsign” …
God Shabbat. Yes, God rested. He showed us rest before he “commanded” it. His rest is power. He invites us to remember: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”, He says. He goes on to explain that He wants for us to work throughout the remaining 6 days like He did when He created …
Part I Once upon a time in the land of hearts Happy hearts glided along the cloud nine express While enchanted hearts delightfully soared on ecstasy rockets One lonely heart crouched down, despair concealed in the heart-break corner Away from the buzz of new-found love She diligently works to put herself back together again This …
This short story is for Fandango’s One Word Challenge. Today’s word is motion. She disembarked the express train at Grand Central Station coming from one appointment with exactly 10 minutes to get to the other appointment which was about a 10-minute walk away. In other words, she’ll be right on time or late. She puts …
He reached her in places she didn’t know existed ©2021 createdbyDEEsign This post is a contribution to Linda’s One Line Wednesday: Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Before-word: healing is a process, it takes time and it’s messy. Some days you’re ahead of the curve and other days you’re playing catch up. The key is to keep evolving into the best you. If you can’t move forward, that’s ok; maybe a easier step in that moment is not going back. Don’t understand …
Thanks to spring, the birds are back in their chirping splendor. There’s a special little cutie that’s been dropping by regularly. I love him (I assume he’s a “he”😀) because of his red feathers. In enticing him to hang out with me, I thought I’d get him this birdy bird feeder. Can’t wait for him …
This post is part of Weekend Writing Prompt: the word is “vista”, the length to be 29 words! Retraced ancestral path Standing in the “door of no return” The beauty of the vista before me obliterated I see instead anguish of fore-parents Shackled, stolen into slavery Copyright 2021 createdbyDEEsign ... enslaved Africans kept at this …
This post is part of Stream of Consciousness Saturday: today’s prompt is to start the post with who/whom Who am IThat You—the Almighty-God cares for meThat You consider my feelingsAnd gather each of my tears in Your bottle of consolation Who am IThat You—the Creator-God thinks of meThat You built art in the middle of …
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” St John 14:27 (Holy Bible) I took this photo last night as the sun was setting, ushering in another Sabbath. And …
Heart overflowing Love, spilling over in tears Complete surrender Copyright 2021 createdbyDEEsign Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Before-word: this year to celebrate my birthMONTH I declared an affirmation for each day. At the end of the month I conclude with the affirmation to self love, because you must first love yourself in order to love anyone else. This emanates from the ultimate love—the love of and for God. This was the April …
Continue reading BIRTHmonth: Day 30 Concluding Affirmation—I Affirm Today to Self-Love
In my native dialect (patois) we say: “wha a fe yuh, cahn be un-fe yuh” (literally—what is for you, can’t be not for you). What the Most High intends to bless you with, you will receive because not only does He shut doors, He opens doors too! When a door closes, don’t pry it open, …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 29: I Affirm Today to Appreciate Closed Doors
This is for One-Liner Wednesday: lovers’ quote: “you taste like more, I want more”! ©2021 createdbyDEEsign all rights reserved Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Check out her blog for the rules and to see who else is participating today. Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog …
I was helping my nephew with his assignment, when I saw a pensive expression that was far too intense to be just about his school work. I asked, “what’s up with that look?” With deep sincerity he asked: “why are you helping me ?” And he was not satisfied with “because you’re my nephew” or …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 28: I Affirm Today to Live in Gratitude
Today I just wanna thank the Most High for each gift He’s blessed me with. May I sow seeds from each gift received. Gift expansion! ©2021 createdbyDEEsign all rights reserved Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and follow the blog👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
It’s in the melting of snow, the thawing of the earth ... ... and rain-logged-swollen rivers cascading It’s in colorful rainbows formed after rain suspends its falling ... ... and in days growing longer, warming up in sunny splendor It’s in the colorful array and fragrant smell of flowers blooming ... ... and the new, …
Physical, social, mental and spiritual self-care—caring for your mind, body and spirit—is not a luxury nor is it selfish. Self-care is a necessity. When you exercise self-care, you’re committing to protecting your physical, mental and emotional health. And, you are absolutely worth it! ©2021 createdbyDEEsign all rights reserved Thank you for reading! Follow the blog …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 26: I Affirm Today to Prioritize Self-Care
This piece is a contribution to Fandango’s One Word Challenge. Today’s word is “vagrant”. Unsteadily she trudgedEarthly possessions hauled in tattered, torn bagsHand extended in alms for she’s got hungry babes to feedBeneath the load she stumbledBalancing the weightClumsily breaking her fallMuttering in whispers she only hearsWords to comfort self, assail distressTo you she’s just …
In an age where we are most socially connected (digitally), under this pandemic we are the most isolated (humanly). How many are slumped over (literally and figuratively) from grief, loss, discontent or isolation causing what feels like a gaping hole in our core. Melancholy—the void that debilitates, immobilizes—is the essence of what Albert Gyorgy communicated …
It rained all last night and most of today. At the first sign the rain was abating, me and my trusty iPhone headed down the stairs and across the street to the walk path and river to capture nature in her glow. First I encountered the hydrangeas on the steps as I’m heading out, they’ve …
Continue reading Sunday Photo Reflection: Spring Blooms & River Flow
Written for Fandango’s One Word Challenge. Today’s word is “finesse.” She dances with leaves Cascading, serenading Dripping in finesse ©2021 createdbyDEEsign all rights reserved Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
There are moments that some may call “happenstances” and others “coincidences”. I call them God moments - moments that mark the times when the ordinary of our lives is interrupted and interjected with the extraordinary. They are moments that cannot be explained, or are so perfectly orchestrated they are truly too good to be of …
Accept you as you areBelieve in the good, do good Cultivate an attitude of gratitudeDo what you love, do you Embrace the flawsFind peace of mind Give with no expectationsHappiness is fleeting, create joy Invest in experiences, things are ephemeral Jump around in bed some times, find your inner child Kindness is life-changing, be a …
When the Most High God created us, He gave us a most powerful and beautiful gift—choice! The power and beauty of choice is that it’s predicated on there being more than one option or possibility; and, the path taken will over time make you you. If based on your hopes and not your fears, your …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 25: I Affirm Today to Exercise the Power of Choice
Written for Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt, the word is “restless”, length of 19 words. Words laced with malice hurling Balled-up fists pounding Cowering Shaking Fingers interlacing Body convulsing He finally broke her NOTE: 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. This is a crime. Stop violence …
Spring Blooms captured on my morning walk while embracing the gift of Sabbath—rest, reflection, restoration. ©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. ©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. ©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. ©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. ©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
You are enough. You have enough of what you need to be the exceptional you. You are enough. Don’t diminish your shine to blend in. You were made to standout. You are enough. You are worthy of love and acceptance. You are enough. All of you—flaws and all—make you uniquely you. Rock your flawsome. You …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 23: I Affirm Today I Am Enough
It’s another milestone achieved and only possible because of you ... yes YOU!!! So thank YOU for not only stopping by and reading but liking as well. I appreciate you!!!! Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Life sometimes hits hard. Nowhere is this most true that in our relationships. No matter the source of the break or wounding, forgiveness is the best medicine for healing and restoration. Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
She’s the beat in my heartThe air in my breathThe spirit in my soul She’s the melanin in my skinThe rhythm in my stepsThe swing in my hips She’s the kink in my hairThe roundness of my noseThe fullness of my lips She’s the lineage in my genesThe legacy in my ancestryThe history in my …
God has a purpose for your life. Before you were even formed He knew you—the color of your eyes, the number of hairs on your head, the color of your skin, even your talents and abilities. He has equipped you with all you need to fulfill your purpose. Knowing and being sure that you possess …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 22: I Affirm Today to Self-Assurance
When you’ve done everything that’s within your power to do, let IT go and let God. IT — relationships; life; love; job; parenting; finances; future etc. — let IT go and let God. Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Help me Most High to live each day so I can truly say: I loved You with all my heart Followed in Your prescribed path I pursued my dreams Got up when I fell And tried and tried again I won some and I lost some Settled for nothing but the best I was good …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 20: I Affirm Today to Live With No Regrets©
One of the good-good gifts of The Most High God—NATURE! It’s morning where I am in the world and it’s evolving into a beautiful gift which I’d like to share with you in this short video clip and photo montage with one intent: to bless you as I’m being blessed right now. Thank You creator-God! …
I’m not a patient person. No judgment. Just saying. Knowing, however, that patience is indeed a virtue I’ve been praying specifically for patience. And this prayer has truly been an object lesson in “careful what you pray for, you just may get it”. I don’t know if I thought God would have waved a “magic …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 19: I Affirm Today to Find Peace In the Waiting
Today I affirm and reaffirm to let God be my Most High. Period! That’s it! Photo provided by Pexels Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Written for today’s Fandango One Word Challenge: focus #FOWC Unending lists of things “to-do”, less check marks on the side Moving hither, moving thither, all around is stimuli Linking breath with motion, getting present in body and mind Breathing-in-breathing-out, finding equilibrium Finding mountain, finding drishti, meeting palms at center of heart Pressing foot into inner …
Betraying yourself is being unfaithful to the authentic you. The you with all your weaknesses, quirks and flaws. The you with all your strengths, uniqueness and flawsomeness. When was the last time you said something unkind to yourself? Maybe even using words you’d never use to someone else. Or, have you been unkind or unloving …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 17: I Affirm Today NOT to Betray Myself
I love decorating, period! It’s one other medium of my creative self-expression. I especially love decorating for Christmas; and, my number one most favorite part is decking the Christmas tree. I love it so much the tree often stays up way past the “acceptable” time. Dee’s Christmas Tree Only this year I thought: why not …
It’s spring time I’m abounding with joy There’s a cute little bunny that drops by the garden each spring He’s an elusive frisky little fella Ears always at attention, pointed straight up to sky like soldier resolute to flight, not fight At best I’ve managed only to stare longingly at “His Royal Cuteness” Face pressed …
Have you ever met “they”? You know that all-encompassing “they” that direct and control your life course, your choices, your happiness? The “they” in “what will they say?” or “what will they think?” But, they don’t live your life, do they? Then why should their opinion matter as much as they do, or at all? …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 16: I Affirm Today, Only My Opinion Matters
Why do I celebrate my birthday or do something meaningful to mark the day? It’s for one reason only: my birthday is a reminder of the moment in time that God designated as “mine”. I was born with a purpose-tag on me, and every day I’m afforded life it’s a reminder that my purpose-tag is …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 15: I Affirm Today to Live in Purpose (Haiku)
Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Shout out to Gottfried over at https://banterrepublic.blog/ (a fantastic blog) who single-handedly broke the record of most likes in one day. One love @Gottfried. You totally rock!!!! Thanks!!! Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Beforeword: I was searching through email for something and came across this message. At the time, I had just moved to NY for work. On the day I wrote this email, I was sitting on the cusp of history being changed and didn’t know it ... Last Thursday, after a day of trekking through New …
Life is a journey, and we each have our unique way to move through it. But, no matter how different our journeys will be, we all will end life in the same way. Different journeys, similar destination. The state you’ll be in when you arrive at the destination is based on the choices you make …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 13: I Affirm Today to Trust My Journey
Today the blog reached another milestone—100 follows! Yippee 🥳 THANKS to each of you. I appreciate you so much—you’re part of the motivation for my writing. From Mauritius to Macedonia, from Ghana to Sudan my words have traversed the globe connecting with people in places I’ve never been: how incredible is this?! THANK YOU! I …
Basing your happiness on anyone besides yourself is giving people way too much power over your life. Period! Happiness is subjective, stimulated from within. It won’t be achieved based on acquiring things but the extent to which you’re satisfied with and grateful for what you have and use it to the benefit of others. This …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 12: I Affirm Today NOT to Base My Happiness on Externals
We all have scars. Whether visible—from physical wounds, or invisible—from soul wounds. Scars are the evidence and reminder of a wounding or a traumatic experience. But, no experience is wasted. “Everything in life is happening to grow you up, to fill you up, to help you become more of who you were created to be” …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 11: I Affirm Today to Wear My Scars Like Beauty Marks
Life is for more than just surviving. The Bible says it this way—life can be lived not just abundantly, but “more abundantly”. That means not just surviving life, but thriving in life. A thriving life will look different for each of us. I’m aiming to show up to each day fierce and bold; and to …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 10: I Affirm Today to Thrive
word of the day—RELEASE—to allow substance to flow out of What’s done, is done Release yourself from what is done for it cannot be undone But, you may do differently A good starting point is forgiving yourself Self-forgiveness will open you up to receive grace, compassion, healing, restoration, love Thank you for reading! Follow the …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 9: I Affirm Today, Self-forgiveness
Word of the day—PURPOSED—to have as one's intention or objective I read somewhere a definition of FEAR as False Evidence Appearing Real, and it stuck with me. The biggest obstacle to leveling up in life, love or relationship is F.E.A.R. The fear of rejection, or of failure, or of what someone may say. But, if …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 8: I Affirm Today to Level Up
Word of the Day: RELEASE—to be relieved from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses To have the YOU that isn’t defined by the hurts or losses of your past, means letting go mentally and emotionally. Letting go doesn’t mean “getting rid of”, but “letting it be”. Release. Truth is, you can’t receive the now when …
Word of the Day: LOVE—an intense feeling of deep affection Never make excuses for the way your heart loves Love ❤️ honestly Love ❤️ naturally Love ❤️ completely Love the way your heart knows how to love Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee
Word of the day: STORY—telling an account of imaginary or real people and events What is the story you’re telling yourself? Whose story is it anyway? As the day unfolds, inevitably we’ll tell ourselves stories about what’s happening around us—in our own lives, about people we’re interacting with, and about ourselves. The story or narrative …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 5: I Affirm Today to Tell My Story Like It Really Is
Here I am again, this vaguely familiar place Miles away from all that matters Memories of you bring soft smiles to my face Although you and I are in different parts of the world tonight I wonder what you’re doing, if you’re thinking of me This distance keeps us from touching, that just ain’t right …
Word of the day: COMPROMISE—accepting standards that are lower than what is desirable Going along to get along, or to be liked, is the worse kind of compromise. Why? Because it means you’ve given up something that you value to please someone else. The reason maybe you want to be liked or you want to …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 4: I Affirm Today Not to Compromise at My Heart’s Expense
Celebrating this milestone with YOU—the you who read the words I write, the you who show your appreciation and encourage me with comments and “likes”—THANK YOU! The journey continues. I remain motivated by your interactions with the words I write, the thoughts I express and my perspectives on this beautiful complicated “thing” we must live—life! …
Word of the day:INTROSPECTION—to observe/examine your own mental & emotional processes You have a voice—not just the sound you utter through your mouth; but the power to express your opinion and attitude. Be bold and confident and own that voice in your head. Your voice is the embodiment of who you are—your voice is your …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 3: I Affirm Today to Speak My Truth
Word of the day: RESOLUTE—to be admirably purposeful, determined, unwavering It takes courage to be your unique authentic self, to be resolute in who you are at the core, to “do you” when everything else and everyone else around you screams at you to fit in a mold/in the status quo/in what is expected. When …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 2: I Affirm Today to Stand in My Truth
Before word: Today marks the start of my birthMONTH. Yes, I don’t just celebrate birthdays I celebrate the entire month. I’m dedicating this month to blog words of affirmation, celebration, gratitude and life. Please join me in celebrating with/through words. Quietly, quiet Change, through seasons renewingLife, in makeover Thank you for reading! Follow the blog …
Continue reading BirthMONTH Day 1: I Affirm Today I’m A Work in Progress (Haiku)
I wish you love of the purest kind Love that never lays the blame Even when the cause is clear Love that says I’ll help you tame That heated temper when it flares Love that doesn’t mind being wrong Keeping vows made in tact and strong Love that always generates a smile Melting away, bridging …
with graceful ease you gave your children lifefrom the deepest and loveliest part of youyou shaped and molded us into the strong and dark image of youwith your lush vegetation you adequately provided for usyou sheltered us from the sweltering sunfrom the bowels of your soul came treasures untoldalways, you make us strong—MAMMA then the …
When I’m alone and missing you, my mind goes back to yesterday I can’t remember when we first met It seems you’ve always been there In my dreams your face eluded my glance But I loved you just the same When I’m alone and missing you, I think of yesterday When I’m alone and missing …
Here it comes again Living in the past What could have been, should have been Deception Preconceived notions Not knowing what she thought she knew so well Discovering beliefs Navigating norms Wishing things were different If only she could change, erase Hoping about impossible situations Retaking pathways of pain previously travelled Not letting go Troubled …
Before-word: Long before the written text, poetry existed. It was the reciting to memorize genealogy, laws and culture. It was the verbal incantation of hymns, love songs and chants. It was the conveyor of prayers, stories, historical accounts, and instructions for everyday living. Long before colonial conquest—from the Nile to the Volta River valleys, from …
Before-word: Poetry has the unique ability to capture and reflect the creative nature of our souls; and, to evoke authentic expressions of one’s self, culture, norms or mores. In this tribute piece to World Poetry Day 2021, I personified poetry as the embodiment of my being. i am POETRY Embodiment of rhythms and rhymesMetaphorical language …
Continue reading i am POETRY©: A tribute to World Poetry Day
The longer I live The less I need: Just Words Love And You
... yeah, she gotta love jones—for him: It’s the handsome way he stands out in a crowd Strong muscular features that complement Chiseled angles of caramel-toned face Perfectly-formed brows arched protectively over Pools of dark-brown eyes Eyes that glitter with mischief, laughter and delight Or, could it be nose gently protruding Above the sensuous pout …
