When Peace Gets Interrupted

I stared at Crystal’s number so long the digits started blurring together. Fifteen minutes must’ve passed before I snapped out of it and realized I was giving this troll entirely too much of my energy. That was not my ministry, not my mindset, and definitely not my m.o.

Duane and I had errands to run for the wedding, but I decided to let him sleep in. Last night was heavy, and he’d had a little too much to drink. The least I could do was let him recover.

I went into the kitchen and whipped up a full Southern spread — fried chicken, grits, waffles, and eggs. A “heal-his-soul-and-shut-up-his-stomach” type of meal.

Ten minutes after I finished plating everything, I heard him moving around. He walked into the kitchen shirtless, wearing just pajama pants.

“Damn, baby… what’s all this for?” he mumbled, leaning over the food.

Whewww, the leftover liquor on that man’s morning breath? My God today.

“I figured you’d be hungry and a little hungover after last night,” I said. “And by that breath and that hair? I was right. Now go clean up and come eat.”

He chuckled, leaned in to kiss me, and I dodged like I was playing dodgeball in middle school.

“Oh no sir, you will NOT be kissing me with that morning breath. Absolutely not.”

He laughed harder, patted my behind, and shuffled out.

We ate breakfast in silence. A rare silence. The kind that meant both of us were thinking about the same thing but didn’t feel like disturbing the peace to say it out loud.

As he read his newspaper — yes, a newspaper, because he swears he’s a “traditional man” — I studied his face. I loved that old-school part of him. I always told him reading a paper instead of checking his phone was the “old white man” in him.

He smirked without looking up. “So, babe… what’s the plan for today? We still going shopping?”

“You feel up to it?”

“Yeah, why not? One monkey don’t stop no show — and that monkey that showed up yesterday definitely don’t.”

We both cracked up.

Then he shifted. “But seriously… I do want you to reach out to Antonette so I can end this before it gets messy.”

I raised a brow. “So we can end this. This is a ‘we’ thing.”

“You right, baby,” he said. “You absolutely right. So we.”

We got dressed and headed out for the day. I didn’t tell him Antonette had already given me the number. Today wasn’t a day for drama. I wanted to enjoy my man and enjoy planning our special day — without that heffa’s shadow over us.

The Gallery

The gallery was an hour away, and I loved everything about it—high-end stores, white-glove service, air that smelled like rich people and ambition. A mall on steroids.

Our first stop was the bridal shop.

Champagne on deck. Tailors on hand. Lace everywhere. A grown-woman bridal paradise.

I tried on six dresses, but the last one? Whew. It was the one. A lace, simple, curve-loving masterpiece. The girls were sitting just right, and Duane’s eyes told the whole story.

“That’s it,” he whispered. “That’s THE dress.”

And he wasn’t lying.

After that, we went to a custom men’s shop so he could get fitted.

“Baby,” he said, “after seeing you in that dress, I gotta come sharper than a hunter’s knife.”

We laughed, and then he kissed me gently.

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you too.”

He chose a navy-blue double-breasted suit, matching Stacey Adams shoes, a crisp white shirt, and a navy bow tie. He looked so regal I wanted to claim him again right there.

My man, my man, my man.

Lunch… and a Disturbance

We went to a five-star steakhouse nearby — the type where you know instantly it ain’t Sizzler the moment you walk in.

They sat us at a window facing the pier. Sun glowing, waves moving, everything perfect. I noticed Duane hadn’t brought up last night once. I was grateful… and suspicious. But I let it go.

We lifted our glasses for a toast.

Then I heard a voice that made every hair on my neck stand up.

“Hello, Duane. Stacey…”

I turned slowly.

Crystal.

It took EVERYTHING in me not to snap.

Duane shut it down immediately. “Crystal, how can we help you?”

The shock on her face told me she didn’t expect that kind of welcome — which is wild, considering the stunts she pulled.

“I don’t mean to cause any problems,” she started. “I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I was—”

“Oh no ma’am,” I cut in. “We are NOT about to do this here. My man and I are having lunch. A quiet lunch. Without interruptions — especially from you.”

Duane nodded. “Crystal, there’s a conversation to be had, but this ain’t the time or the place. Respectfully, we’re asking you to go.”

Her lips curled. “Would you like me to make like a ghost and disappear? Or is that something only you do?”

I blinked.

I KNOW this heffa didn’t just—

I opened my mouth, ready to gather her like Wednesday trash pickup, but Duane stepped in.

“Have a good day, Crystal.”

And just like that…

She walked away.

But the way she looked back over her shoulder?

Whewww.

Something in her eyes told me she wasn’t done.

And as I sat there gripping my wine glass, watching her walk toward the exit…

My final thought was:

“Lord… what is this heffa about to try next?”

🥗 Winter Citrus & Roasted Fennel Salad with Burrata & Spiced Pistachio Crumble

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, sliced

• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into wheels

• 1 cara cara orange, segmented

• 1 small grapefruit, segmented

• 1 small head of radicchio, chopped or torn

• 1 ball of burrata cheese (or substitute with fresh mozzarella)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & cracked black pepper

For the Pistachio Crumble:

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes

• 1 tsp maple syrup

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

🥣 Instructions:

1. Roast the fennel: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss sliced fennel with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.

2. Make the pistachio crumble: In a small skillet, toast pistachios with paprika, chili flakes, and salt over medium heat. Add maple syrup and stir until glazed. Remove from heat and chop roughly once cooled.

3. Make the dressing: Whisk orange juice, mustard, vinegar, and olive oil until emulsified. Season to taste.

4. Assemble: On a platter, layer radicchio, roasted fennel, and citrus slices. Tear burrata over the top. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with pistachio crumble, and add cracked pepper.

💡 Why It Works:

• Fennel and citrus are both at their peak in winter.

• Burrata adds creaminess to balance the bitterness of radicchio and tangy citrus.

• The pistachio crumble brings crunch, heat, and a hint of sweet smokiness.

On December 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

This decision ended years of varying dates, bringing consistency to the national calendar.

Previously, different governors chose their own dates, causing confusion.

During the Great Depression, Roosevelt's attempt to boost the economy by moving Thanksgiving up a week, known as "Franksgiving," caused even more division.

The 1941 law unified the holiday, fostering national unity and synchronized celebrations.

Today, Thanksgiving is marked by classic foods, family gatherings, and events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

New traditions are emerging, such as sponsoring turkeys at sanctuaries like Luvin Arms in Erie, Colorado, reflecting a modern shift toward compassion.

Meanwhile, the cost of dinner has dropped to $55.18 in 2025, despite some price increases for certain dishes.

Thanksgiving’s enduring spirit remains one of gratitude, unity, and ever-evolving tradition.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the empowered woman over 50 start a knitting club?

Because she wanted to show the world that age is just a number, but knitting skills are forever!

On November 25, 1952, Agatha Christie's renowned play "The Mousetrap" made its debut in London’s West End, launching what would become the world’s longest-running theatrical production.

More than seven decades later, this suspense-filled classic still mesmerizes audiences, celebrating both Christie’s remarkable storytelling and her keen sense of dramatic pacing.

In 2023, New York welcomed its first-ever Broadway presentation to mark the play’s 70th anniversary, inviting a new generation into its iconic murder mystery.

The enduring popularity of "The Mousetrap" highlights Christie’s skill in building suspense through what remains unsaid, drawing the audience into every moment.

Her approach—clear, restrained, and participatory—offers a masterclass for modern writers seeking to create stories with lasting cultural impact.

Christie’s legacy reminds us that timeless storytelling always finds eager audiences, no matter the era.

Interesting Facts

On November 24, 1859, Charles Darwin forever altered science with his groundbreaking book, On the Origin of Species.

This pioneering work established evolution by natural selection as a central explanation for life’s diversity.

Darwin’s research shattered long-held beliefs, influencing biology, medicine, and philosophy worldwide.

As the world marks 166 years since its release, Darwin’s legacy echoes through continued research and conservation.

In 2024, the Charles Darwin Foundation celebrated its 65th year championing science and biodiversity in the Galápagos Islands.

Institutions across the United States, such as the American Museum of Natural History and Yale’s Peabody Museum, invite the public to explore human origins and evolutionary science through engaging exhibits and collections.

Darwin’s fearless commitment to new ideas inspires ongoing curiosity and reminds us that discovery thrives through exploration and courage.

Quote Of The Day

"Today's quote for your newsletter: 'Age is not a limitation, but a foundation for wisdom and empowerment. Embrace your journey, unleash your potential, and create a legacy that inspires generations beyond.'"

Alfred Nobel's 1895 will, which created the Nobel Prizes, stands as a powerful testament to the idea that it’s never too late to reshape one’s legacy and impact the world.

This message resonates strongly with women over 50, inspiring many to embark on new journeys of reinvention.

Take Carol Gardner, who, after navigating a tough divorce in her 50s, launched Zelda Wisdom—a cheerful greeting card brand starring her English bulldog.

Gardner’s creativity not only rebuilt her life but also led to international success.

Similarly, Maryjane Fahey founded Glorious Broads: Age Against The Machine in her 60s, boldly celebrating women’s vitality in later years.

The FLY After 50 movement captures this spirit, encouraging women to pursue fresh ambitions, entrepreneurial dreams, or community leadership with renewed confidence.

Women over 50 continue to prove that powerful reinvention and meaningful legacy are always within reach.

Sharing is Caring - F.L.Y. After 50