Ri'ana Johnson

Happy Sunday, Happy Birthday

Good morning good people!

Happy Sunday!!

I encourage you all to be blessed to be a blessing today. When you awoke today you woke with power, even if your back hurts. Use your words, action, time, smile, and/or dollars to bless someone today. Be blessed. 🫶🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾✨

I woke up feeling grateful for my life, the people in it, my health, and the opportunities I have been afforded to take advantage of because of my family and my community and their belief in me. Count your blessings. The good times outweigh the bad. We always overcome.

As I prepare my heart and mind for the upcoming week, I look at the calendar and see I have multiple book readings, some substitute teaching, my first-born’s 6th birthday, a community event and other business work. (Takes deep breath.) ☺️

I feel grateful that yesterday we were able to celebrate EJ’s birthday and everyone had an AMAZING TIME!! 🧱🏎️🎂🍦EJ loves Legos so there was no question that his party would have a Lego theme. We chose to hold his party at Bricks N Minifigs. The kiddos got to build minifigs by putting together a head, torso, legs, some type of head cover, helmet, hair, hat, etc. and then add an accessory to their figure. It was pretty cool! I built one too. It was the right choice for us. I will be sure to leave a great review. Our party hostess was so sweet. Thankful for a such a great experience!

There was a little mishap with the distribution of the invitations, there was misinformation about the time and lack of information on how to RSVP. We are so thankful for each and every child and grown-up who showed up for EJ yesterday! He absolutely felt celebrated and important! 💙💙💙💙💙💙

EJ received numerous Lego sets as gifts, including two Creator sets from his classmates. One Creator set allows him to build a peacock, then use those same pieces to make two other figures. With the other Creator he can make a parrot and two other figures. It’s pretty awesome, and I know he will get it done. EJ loves Legos. He also got Tails (from Sonic), spaceship, racecar, and even a Nascar model car Lego set! We are going to have so much fun!

EJ loves Legos, lol! He also loves Tesla and Cybertruck. He used to really love Transformers. There was a time in our lives whenever we would see yellow cars, we would chorally shout, “Bumblebeeeee!!” Not at yellow trucks, just yellow cars. During the Transformer era of our lives, we also yelled out, “Optimus Priiiiime,” when a red and blue semitruck drove past. It was definitely a good time. So now EJ likes Tesla and for a while he’d yell out, “Tessslaaa!” I did not approve. It just didn’t sit right with me. EJ told me he really likes Tesla and wants to buy me a Cybertruck one day. Cool, but we are not out here just shouting brands. Instead, I told him when I was a child, and I really liked a car, I would “claim” it by calling out call out, “Bingo Lockdown!” So now he says that when he sees Tesla vehicles. For now, he still shouts, “Cybertruck,” and sometimes says, “Bingo Lockdown.” But hey, speak what you want.

That brings me right back to yesterday when EJ getting ready to blow out his candles. We told him to make a wish to keep in his heart and his head. EJ took a moment to think and then boldly stated, “I wish to be the owner of Bricks N Minifigs when I turn eighteen.” What?! Okay! That’s what’s up! Yes, baby! The party hostess jokingly said to call her when he turns eighteen. Pause, because what does my baby know about being EIGHTEEN? Boy, you are barely six. Slow down. But also, I love that he says things like this. He baffles my mind and pushes me to better and go harder. I’m here for it! ❤️🙋‍♀️

I say all that to tell you that EJ asked for an RC car and Legos for his birthday. He recently made a specific request that I did not get him any clothes for his birthday. So, I got him books because all children need books, even if they have two hundred in their home library. EJ is becoming a more independent reader and truly has a love for books, writing and drawing his own stories. The first item he removed from the gift bag, was a “Star Reader” Crown. He read the words and immediately put it on. It made my heart smile so. Inside the gift bag, EJ received an intriguing facts book, a joke book and a kid’s drawing guidebook.

As we were gathering our things and preparing to leave the event space to have lunch, I made a comment that I considered putting a copy of We Are The Community in EJ’s gift bag, stating that I decided against it because there are enough copies around the house and it may not seem like a real gift. Our hostess’ perked up as she inquired if I write books, or as I asked if she liked to read. I shared that I have written two children’s books of affirmations that are ready-made kind statements that children can read to one another. I also shared that I manage an international blog. She instinctively took out her phone and asked for the name. I was so giddy with joy! This is how the magic happens. How Recycled Flowers is becoming more of a community. How we grow as a people. When we see (people) women doing their best, being bold, brilliant, brave, beautiful, and blossoming into their best selves, we let them know. We encourage them, our hostess was gentle and kind, she offered many “Way to go, Mom’s!” and “Great job, Moms!” throughout the party and genuinely kept my spirits lifted.

Our hostess inquired about a devotional sweatshirt EJ’s dad was wearing and wanted to know where he attends church. She said that our party was great, and it was awesome to see the adults get involved and share the excitement with the children! We were all so happy to celebrate EJ. He makes it easy. My first-born son is turning 6 on Thursday and I cannot believe how fast the time has gone.

It’s also pretty cool to think that all his life, I’ve been writing, this blog and then my books. I truly believe that has grown his love for books and reading. I thank God for the life He has given me and what I am making of it. It’s not perfect, but I’m getting better every day and I am truly grateful for that. As I wrap up this blog because I have to get ready for church, I want to say thank you the readers, sharers and supporters of the work I do, in text and in life.

I have been sharing my books with children for three years now with the goal of putting smiles in the hearts of children and helping to know they are special, important and love. I try to ask after reading if the book(s) met the goal. They always say, “Yesssss!,” with big smiles. I explain that their smile, joy and confidence are their gifts to the world and they agree that they are tools to change the world around them. Read more about how in We Are The Community and We Are The People.

Each day I awake grateful and blessed to be a blessing. Remember everyone has a part in making the world a better place. Peace and amen.

G’night

The sun is setting

The evening is here

It’s getting darker

Bedtime is near

Dinner is done

The table’s been cleaned

The dishes are washed

It’s time to read

The birds are quiet

The neighbors are too

“Find your pjs, after you clean up your toys and the shoes.

Brush your teeth, use the timer.”

“I don’t wanna.”

“Shh, no whiners.”

Get ready for bath time, soapy suds

So fresh, so clean are my little loves

The traffic has begun to calm down

And all the noises around the town

Good night stories for my little dears

Time to lie down and say our prayers

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

Guide and guard me through the night

And wake me with the morning light

If I shall die before I wake

I pray the Lord my soul to take

Thank you Lord for all you’ve been

Lord please bless my family and friends

Near and far throughout the land

Lord please keep blessing my life

My heart , my soul and my mind

Bury your word in my heart

From your will, may I never part

Guide and protect me all the days

Change me from my selfish ways

Shine your light upon my house

Let your praises continually be in my mouth

For you are good and you are love

With love I send these prayers above

In Jesus’ name, amen

After big hugs and kisses are shared

Before Mommy departs into her lair

A short sweet reminder is always given

To tell of God’s love and alert Jesus is risen

“God loves you the most,”

Mommy whispers

As she shuts the door

And blows more kisses

“Alexa, play lullabies.”

Now it’s officially bedtime

Time to sleep, time to unwind

Time for peace and silent stillness

To prepare mentally for what is next

For tomorrow might just be the best day yet

Happy Holidays

This time of year is filled with love, magic and cheer

Happy holidays! and Merry Christmases you are sure to hear

We prepare our favorite dishes, sides, cakes and treats.

We deep clean the house and get ready to greet

With glee, and joy as family members arrive

To reveal their presents and oooo what a time!!

As we celebrate, we mourn, we laugh, we cry

Thank you Jesus! God is good all the time.

We remember, we hug, we laugh, we cry

About the the good times, the past times, as memories fill our minds

We smile, we admire, we laugh, we cry

With our children, your children, with our family with pride

Another holiday season you’re not here with us

Another holiday season in God we will trust

To comfort, heal, soothe and ease the pain and suffering that often dwells and remains

This holiday season…

God please mend my broken heart and piece together all the parts that hurt, are hollow and need your light

Come into me and make it bright

Shine through Me guardian angel

Be with me through the coffee and Kringle that this holiday season is sure to bring

Help me to be well to celebrate your life and the birth of our King.

The year is closing just a few days left. Let’s set goals to be our best

Keep thriving, striving, grinding and growing

Praying, fasting, grieving and knowing that each day is a new day to choose joy and keep going

Happy holidays!

Guns Down Now

Approximately 43,000 families are affected by gun violence each year

Who are joyfully and woefully filled with memories and tears

Who keep their loves lost near and dear

Who hold their heads high without shame, guilt or fear

Good people, we are wearing orange on this beautiful June day

To bring awareness to an ugly issue that plagues

Gun violence is a problem that comes in quick and slowly rips away

Taking away good humans through agonizing pain

From our schools, our homes, our communities, our nations,

the literature, the government, the churches and fire stations,

Gun violence affects our people, our families, our blessings, our expectations

Gun violence is a curse we must undo for this generation

What’s safety? Who’s safe? Is it safe? Are we safe? Why?

So many questions, so little protection, in the streets, out the streets, CRIME

In the hood, out the hood, doing bad, doing good, wherever you are, watch out

Be safe, use caution, be surveillant, use knowledge, and know good and well what you’re all about

Respect yourself and loved ones, stand up for what you believe in, no doubt

Forever remember your loves lost with a smile not a pout

Put down the guns, take a deep breath, reach out a hand, let out a cry

Whatever it is, a bullet won’t solve, take a deep breath, choose to be wise

Put the guns down, the violence must end, now’s the time

The message here today is please put the guns down

Think about the world around and the future unknown

What could be before you know? Imagine. Wow. (Clap)

Let’s stop the gun violence, stop the mass shootings, it’s time to pick up our crowns

Fill them with wisdom, knowledge, and power

To guide and guard through sorrow with valor

To keep them safe, to keep us safe, to be safe even now

In the streets, out the streets, in the hood, out the hood

Put the guns down and pick up your crowns

Hershey’s Sundae Pie

If you know me, you know that I have a sweet tooth.

If you know me, you know that I love desserts.

If you know me, you know that I try to avoid carbs in my daily diet so I can justify eating a cookie everyday.

If you really know me, you know that I am a foodie and show appreciation while savoring mouthwatering flavor experiences by closing my eyes and chewing slowly.

If you really really know me, you know that I have a Cookie Monster tattoo on a portion of my back fat that never seems to go away no matter how fit and trim I am. I attribute maintaining this part of me to my indulgence in cookies, brownies, muffins and cakes.

If you know me you know that I am grateful, ever so grateful to be able to balance my health, my cravings, my figure and my life, so I share here with you on Recycled Flowers.

When I was in sixth grade, I had a pretty cool English/ Language Arts teacher who happens to be an administrator at my son’s school now. This teacher, we shall call her Mrs. Grant, tasked her students to write a paper about their favorite dessert. While my Granny and aunts are amazing bakers, the sweet treat that first came to mind was Burger King’s Hershey’s Sundae Pie.

I will preface by bringing to recall that the excerpt below was written in like 2003, when I was in sixth grade. It should also be noted that all sentiments reflected here represent the likeness of the 2003 Hershey’s Sundae Pie recipe provided by Burger King during that time. Furthermore, if you know me, you that nowadays I rarely eat fast food and have not consumed a Hershey’s Sundae Pie from BK in quite sometime. So…

One time like a year ago, during the summer, I spent a day with my cousin Hailey. My family and I call her Halium. That day we spent most of the morning sleeping. Around noon we decided to really get up and clean up a little. We got dressed and completed our house chores.

After finishing our odd jobs, we turned the television on Cartoon Network and watched the Powerpuff Girls. We then decided we were hungry after only about eight minutes of watching.

Hailey and I decided we would ride our bikes down the street to get McDonald’s for lunch, until she remembered that Burger King was closer and that they had these new dessert pies.

As we rode, Hailey began explaining to me how I needed to have one of these pies, and how then I would really know what happiness was. I simply looked at her like she was brainless and speaking in another language. “How could someone speak this was about a dessert from a fast- food restaurant?” I thought to myself.

When we got to Burger King we waited in a line about four minutes behind a cute, little older couple and when it was our turn to order we got two Whopper value meals and two Hershey ‘s Sundae pies. We paid and got back onto our bikes. We headed back to her house so that we could demolish our meals.

As we rode back, we talked about school and friends, just your average girl talk. We got back, safely unloaded, and then we destroyed our burgers as we continued our premature gossip. I was done with my Whopper before Hailey was done with hers, so I started my Hershey’s Sundae Pie.

After the first bite I knew just what she was talking about when she said, “I didn’t know what happiness was until I’d had one.” It was so great! The perfect combination of a chocolate cookie crumb bottom layer, chocolate mousse, mini chocolate chips, whipped topping, and Hershey syrup. It was after that first bite that I let out a squeal of delight.

Hailey began laughing hysterically at me, rolling on the ground, screaming, and between gasps for air told me, ” See! I told you they were really good!” I yelled through a mouthful of chocolaty goodness, “Yea, you sure were right!”

Then I snatched away her pie and ran towards the back of the house where the bathroom was located. I fell onto the floor and realized how absolutely absurd I was being. So I washed my hands and face and went into the kitchen and devoured the pie. Afterwards Hailey and I were laughing frantically together in the kitchen when her older sister, Melanie walked in and began making fun of us.

That was a good day.

Mami Yana

Parenting is not a privilege, it’s a burden or vice versa

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and they’ll curse you

With the responsibility of someone else’s life in your hands

To be somebody else’s every single thing on demand

Making sure that little human eats, sleeps, breathes fresh air and gets sunlight daily

Prepares a healthy future for that itty bitty baby

Blessed are the babes in the Lord

Blessed are the doctors who cut the cords

The shielding of innocence becomes a constant

To be a vigilante for virtue is an honor

Without impeding on life’s authentic experience

Curving perception to be idealistic and utopian

But not fake, because we want to prepare them for real life

Protecting them from the destruction, disappointment and strife

To want what’s best and not know how to achieve it

To tell life’s lies without even meaning it

To be a wealth of knowledge with so many questions of your own

To be a hero whilst being fearful of the world you roam

Anxiety, depression, determination, blessings and dreams;

Motherhood makes it all increase

While fatherhood keeps them out the streets

Events I can’t control, so many triggers from childhood

Peace in my soul, letting go of the bitter entering parenthood

The pressure of perfection, the lasting impact knowing

The next generation and the one after that could be affected by the character I lack

Because parenting, yea, no, it’s not for everyone, kind of like college

Both could gradually turn you from sober living into a bumbling alcoholic

It’s challenging, it’s true, but don’t fall, crash and burn

Ask for help, seek resources, take solace and learn

To be patient with yourself, your child, your children, your spouse

To be understanding and know that then is not now

To be resilient and recover, reposition and rebound

To know when enough is enough, when to stand up and when to back down

To be all you can be and then become more

To walk with your head held high through open doors

To listen, love, and shine your light

To be the bearer of bad news and the keeper of good nights

To be a parent is a privilege and a burden

But to be someone’s hero and protector makes it all worth it

If you’re blessed to be a parent, be a winner, don’t forfeit

Because your child, your children are helping you fulfill your purpose

Speed Racer

If everything seems in control, you’re just not going fast enough.

-Mario Andretti, Italian-born American Former Racing Driver

I’ll admit that like to drive fast. I’m definitely not a race car driver, by any means, but I can relate to what this living legend is saying here.

I will be the first to tell you, I do not have it all together. Maybe you have it all together and that’s great. Good for you, keep going. But over here, things are not under control.

I accept that I am a beautiful mess, amidst the struggle, trusting the process.

At the beginning of 2023, I set out to become the woman of my dreams.

I decided that I would willingly embark on a journey that I envision will be ongoing, ever evolving and good for my soul.

I’ve learned through the growth, transformation and evolution of me that I’m not a “waiting for the right time” kind of person. I’ve learned and been taught that the right time never comes.

I am a “let’s make it happen!” type of woman. I believe that if we agree that something is beneficial, we should do it. We should ensure it comes to fruition.

If the other person is not ready or committed, then I’ll make it happen. This is not my favorite quality about myself.

I’m learning to engage equilibrium in the execution of my responsibilities to create peace in my life, my body, my mind, and in my soul.

You have the authority to make time for what’s right.

You have the power to hold space and time for what is necessary and required to fulfill your life’s purpose.

You have the ability to take what life gives you and leave your mark on the world while uncovering your deepest happiness and recovering your own joy. That series of development looks different for every person and that’s okay. That’s what makes the journey beautiful.

Although, I’m still getting it together and I tell myself often, “It’s coming together just how it’s supposed to,” I know that if I stay consistent and determined to reach my goals, that I will achieve what I have been constructing in my heart and mind.

I’ll be quick to announce, “I’m finding my flow or I’m trying to balance everything,” because it really is always something. Life happens fast.

Life is change and newness intertwined with habits and familiarity.

Life is a gift to be handled with care. Life is not something we are meant to control.

Life is an experiential learning process that we manage moment by moment.

“You live, you learn, you love, you grow,” has become one of my life’s maxims. This ideology helps me keep my head up. We all have encounters throughout life that stretch us and change us forever. We are created to outgrow habits, overcome fears, accomplish goals, set and reset boundaries.

Successful people might tell you, “the faster you fail, the faster you succeed” or “to keep failing forward.” During this time, you are actively trying, hypothesizing, projecting, wondering, praying, hoping, listening, preparing, adjusting, reasoning, meditating, fasting, living, learning, loving, growing and things are not in control.

When I came across this quote by Mario Andretti, I loved it. For me, it translated loosely into, “live your life with reckless abandon,” “make mistakes,” “go for it; don’t give up,” and “push through the adversity.”

As a person who is intentionally pursuing the big goals and dreams that I’ve received from God, this quote was affirming! You’re supposed to go forth, be obedient, and follow His plan to achieve great things. You’re supposed to feel lost, overwhelmed, afraid and uncertain at times.

His plan has components that we can’t see or imagine, for our own benefit and humility. God has not designed us to fail. With God we cannot fail. It is when we lean on our own understanding that things get all messed up.

Yes, training events are happening every other week, there are always birthdays coming up, the weather is unpredictable, the registration deadline is approaching soon, that one relative is perpetually sick, and you’re steady trying to lose those ten pounds, but somehow it all gets taken care of, usually.

And if it doesn’t, that’s okay, too. Most of the time.

The eustress of big events, the stress of bad news and poor planning, comes and goes, ebbs and flows.

Time doesn’t slow down. Time stops for no one. In fact, sometimes it feels like time moves faster. Move with it. Keep going. Don’t get stuck.

Life doesn’t stop because we made a mistake or failed to complete a task. Time keeps a-ticking and life keeps on life-ing.

Take time to reflect, to look back. What made today special? How can I continue to plant in this space? What did I learn? Did I do my best?

Give yourself grace. Everyone makes mistakes. Life has no operator’s manual and there are no tutorials.

Take time to listen to your elders They know the way. They’ve been there, done that and come back. Learn from their mistakes. Inhale. Exhale. Can I listen to learn? Am I teachable?

Take time to listen to your body. Am I thirsty? Do I need rest? Have I stretched today?

Take time to prepare, to plan ahead, to know that the best is yet to come. What can I do now? How can I strengthen my skills? How can I be ready to receive? How can I help?

Take time to listen to your soul and take time to listen to God. Am I doing this for my own enjoyment? Am I walking in my purpose? Am I pleasing God?

To take time and dedicate it to self-improvement is wise. It requires discipline. To continue doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is insanity.

Don’t take your time for granted, don’t wait for the right moment, don’t slow down too much.

Know that you are not meant to be in control.

Know that …

If everything seems in control, you’re just not going fast enough.

ABCs of Success

As an elementary school teacher we do something called bell work, everyday, first thing in the morning after the bell.

I’ve worked across different grade levels from first grade to seventh grade. One bell work activity that I’ve found is accessible to students of all ages is the ABC’s.

Alphabet knowledge is foundational knowledge. Once the students know those twenty six letters in their assigned order, then they can learn the sounds and begin making and breaking apart words. This is an extremely important skill. When students know all the sounds, they can start blending and learn more about tricky patterns while spelling and reading.

It is at this point students begin to gain confidence in writing their own words, stories, poems and books.

The bell work assignment is appropriately titled, “The ABCs of Whatever.”

I ask students to talk at their tables or talk with a partner about things they like. Sometimes I list their topics on the board, depending on the skills and ages of the students.

Then I have the students pick a topic. The assignment is to write “the ABC’s of whatever” they want. Finding a word related to their chosen topic for each letter of the alphabet.

For example of a student really likes dinosaurs the student can write the ABC’s of Dinosaurs. Starting with the letter…

Aa, Ankylosaurus

Bb, Brachiosaurus

Cc, Conchoraptor

Dd, Dilophosaurus

Ee, I don’t know a dinosaur that starts with E and maybe the students won’t either, but you get the picture.

Since you’re allowed to leave what you need to blank, it’s really all fun. Students are also allowed to add as many words to one letter as they’d like. Students just have to stay on the same topic, that’s the objective and fun.

The ABC’s of whatever they know a lot about, whatever they feel comfortable with, or really, whatever they like. I get students thinking and this activity gets students writing. It’s a great way to have them show what they know and recall vocabulary.

Sometimes in my classroom I do the exercise with students. A few weeks ago I found this piece I wrote called the ABC’s of Success circa 2018-2019 school year.

Accountability, attitude, action

Balance, belief, boldness, blessings

Creativity, commitment, consistency, character

Dreams, duplication

Endurance, entrepreneurship

Forward, future, fail forward, freedom

Growth, generosity

Hope, help

Integrity, independence, invest

Jovial, joy

Kindness

Loyalty, leverage, live

Mentorship

Nurturing, need

Opportunity, overcome

Perseverance, positivity, partnership, persistent, purpose, plan

Quest

Resilience, read, reward

Security, system, submission, spoken word

Together, transparent

Understanding, unity

Value, volume, vision

Win, wisdom, why

X-factor, execution

Yearning

Zeal

Now go out and be successful

Start Now

It’s amazing how straight from the start

We know what’s right down in our hearts

In this world we each hold a special part

We create a meaningful life, and call it art

Our ancestors paved the way

For our forefathers of yesterday

They toiled, were mistreated, they hoped and they prayed

For a day when we can achieve, excel and be great

A day like today

As you grow the more you’ll know

The more your story will unfold

When knowledge and power pour from your soul

Tell your story, until then do what you’re told

We live, we learn, we love, we laugh

We try to follow the straight and narrow path

Listen, learn, laugh, love

Laugh, love, learn, listen

Learn, love, listen, laugh

Because life around us is happening fast

Listen to your elders, listen to your gut

Follow your intuition sent from above

Listen to your mind, but don’t be headstrong

Take Granny’s advice, know you’re not alone

Learn to be brave, to move boldly and free

Learn from other’s mistakes, learn from listening

Learn to be taught, to be a coachable rookie

Learn to stand alone, you’re a tough cookie

Laugh in the faces of your enemies

Your laughter is your victory

For even when you cannot find words to speak

Laugh and rejoice and you will find peace

Love your neighbor as you love yourself

Show the world that you’re somethin’ else

You stand on the shoulders of giants, upon great relatives passed

You shall overcome, defeat and triumph

For you’ve inherited their wisdom and determination not their caste

You are the next, the now, the new

The future of our people depends on you

What will you learn?

Who will you be?

How will you act out this country’s democracy?

What is your purpose?

How can you grow?

Together as a people, we will flourish and glow

Glow up

Glow bright

So radiantly that you shine even in the night

Letting His light shine through you

Straight from the beginning we know what to do

Do good and good will be done unto you

As a people we can, UBUNTU

Regret

It’s not something I deal with

I don’t allow regret in my life

You live and you learn

Accept the consequences and do better next time

Sorry doesn’t fix it

Beating yourself up won’t make you better or stronger

Being sad about it isn’t going to change what you did or what happened.

So why regret?

It’s something to make you feel bad, that’s its purpose.

Maybe that bad feeling drives you to do something good.

But why make yourself feel bad?

I don’t like feeling bad, so I won’t put that on myself by myself

When you regret you think about what you would’ve, could’ve or should have

That’s not real. It can’t be answered.

You’ll never know. Why use precious time wondering what you would’ve, could’ve or should’ve done?

Everything happens for a reason.

God allows you free will to choose.

I was raised to believe you always have a choice. No matter what you always have a choice.

When you make the choices that you choose you also choose those consequences

I’ve never dwelled on the shoulda, coulda, wouldas

Because if it could’ve, it would’ve.

If it could’ve, it should’ve.

It didn’t.

Its over and done.

Choose wisely.