Which fruit was once considered a symbol of immortality and was buried with ancient royalty for its “beauty-preserving” powers?

When the Past Pulls Up

Duane and I spent the rest of the day wrapped up in each other—laughing, planning, and breathing in peace like we hadn’t in weeks. We talked about wedding details, honeymoon options, and the pre-trip cookout where our friends could finally meet.

He had his boys. I had my girls.

We both agreed—it was gonna be interesting.

I told Duane how Antonette had already scoped them out at the restaurant, and he cracked up.

“Which one you think she gon’ pounce on first?” he teased.
I laughed. “Please, she don’t pounce—she hunts.”

He shook his head, smiling. “Then Lord help whichever one she picks.”

For the first time in a while, our laughter felt easy. Real. Like the storm had finally passed.

We decided to invite the kids and my parents too. When Duane’s voice softened, saying how much he wished his mama could be there, I kissed his cheek and whispered, “You can share mine.”

He smiled through his sadness. “You sure she got room for another son?”

“She got room for love, baby. Always.”

Everything felt right again. Our home felt warm. My heart felt safe. The thought of losing him again? I couldn’t even go there.

The Cookout

The day of the cookout, Antonette called early.

“Girl, can I bring a plus-one?”

“Of course,” I said. “Just make sure you extra cute—all Duane’s boys gon’ be there.”

She laughed. “When have I ever not been cute?”I smirked. “You right, my bad.”

By two o’clock, the music was vibin’—Frankie Beverly and Maze bumpin’ through the surround sound. The smell of barbecue and my auntie’s mac and cheese danced through the air. There was potato salad, collard greens, monkey bread—the works. Duane had the catering handled, and my family handled the soul.

Guests trickled in. Laughter filled the yard. The bartender was mixing magic, and the sun hit just right. Chanel was chillin’ with me on the patio when Antonette finally walked in around three-thirty. Her plus-one trailed behind.

Crystal.

I knew her face—she’d tagged along to a few girl outings before—but she wasn’t part of the main circle. Still, I greeted her with a smile and welcomed her in.

That’s when I noticed one of Duane’s boys staring a little too hard. His expression shifted from cool to something tight, unreadable. I brushed it off… at first.

Collision Course

We were at the bar getting drinks when Duane came over. He kissed me softly, and I turned to introduce him to Crystal—but before I could open my mouth, her face froze.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” she said, eyes wide. “If it isn’t Mr. Duane himself. I thought I’d never see you again in this lifetime.” The air snapped.

Duane’s whole posture changed. “Ms. Crystal James,” he said flatly. “Didn’t think I’d ever see you again either. Matter fact—I could’ve gone the rest of my life without it.”

Then he walked away. Just like that.

Antonette and I stood there, mouths open. The music still played, but the vibe? Off. Way off.

Crystal turned to me, bold as ever. “So… how do you know Duane?”

My jaw clenched. “He’s my fiancé. And this—” I swept my hand around— “is our home. You’re standing at our meet-and-greet wedding party.”

She gave this little smirk. “So he finally decided to settle down. Good for him.”

Her tone had too much history in it. Too much nerve.

Every part of me wanted to snatch the truth out her mouth, but I bit my tongue. Not yet. I needed to see where this was going.

She floated over to the fellas, greeting each one by name. That’s when my stomach dropped.

This wasn’t some random run-in. She knew them—knew Duane’s circle.

I turned to Antonette. “Girl, she lucky she came with you. Otherwise, I’d have her out that gate before she finished her drink.”

Antonette raised her hands. “I swear, I had no idea! She never mentioned Duane or his crew. Hell, I’m tryna figure this out just like you.”

Whispers and Warnings

A little while later, I caught Duane slipping into the kitchen. His shoulders looked tight, like he was holding something back. I followed.

“Baby,” I said, keeping my voice low, “is there something you wanna tell me?”

He sighed. “Yeah… but not now. I’ll explain later. Right now, I just wanna know why she’s in our house.”

“Antonette asked to bring a plus-one, and I said yes,” I replied. “I thought it’d be good energy—more women, less testosterone.”

He shook his head. “It would’ve been good if it was anybody else but her.”

Questions crowded my mind—Who was she? What happened between them? Was it recent? Old? Messy? I told myself I’d wait until the guests were gone to ask again, but patience ain’t never been my strong suit.

I went into the pantry for napkins, trying to calm down. That’s when I heard the patio door slide open.

Crystal’s voice.

“Hi Duane… it’s been a long time. Can we talk?”

Duane’s response came sharp, cutting through the air. “Absolutely not. We have nothing to talk about. The fact that you’re in my home is already too damn much.”

My heart stopped. I had never heard that tone from him before—cold, clipped, furious.

I stepped out, just in time for her to turn around and look startled to see me—like I was the intruder.

“Excuse me,” I said, voice steady but sharp. “The party’s outside.”

I brushed past Duane and guided Miss ‘Can We Talk’ right back through the door. The whole patio went quiet for a second when they saw my face.

Duane’s boys exchanged looks. Chanel and Antonette were whispering near the bar. The energy was thick—too many eyes, too many questions.

I shut the patio door behind her and turned just in time to see Duane on the other side of the glass—head low, shaking it slowly, drink in hand.

That’s when I realized our quaint little party was going to be a long day.

But I was not about to let this chick ruin my day. As long as she didn’t step out of line again, everything would be okay.

But me and Mr. I-got-a-secret?

We were definitely gonna talk about this tonight.

I’ll be damned if I go to bed without having this conversation.

🥗 “Smoky Fig & Sweet Potato Autumn Salad with Pistachio Crunch”

This salad fuses roasted comfort with bright, modern flair — caramelized sweet potatoes, fresh figs, and pistachios meet smoky paprika dressing. It’s indulgent yet clean — the kind of dish that looks like art on the table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups baby kale
  
  

• 1 small roasted sweet potato, cubed
  
  

• 3–4 fresh figs, quartered (or dried if out of season)
  
  

• ¼ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
  
  

• 2 tbsp goat cheese or ricotta salata, crumbled
  
  

• 1 tbsp thinly sliced red onion
  
  

• 1 tsp olive oil (for gloss)

Smoky Paprika-Honey Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp honey
  
  

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  
  

• ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• Pinch of salt + cracked pepper
  
  

Whisk until velvety and slightly tangy.

Why It Works

This salad feels like fall on a plate — the smoky sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with ripe figs and the crunch of pistachios. The paprika dressing adds subtle warmth and color contrast.

It’s both elegant enough for entertaining and grounding enough for a quiet, soulful lunch.

Sustainable finance is transforming U.S. investments by prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

This strategy seeks both strong financial returns and widespread positive change.

April 2024 saw the EPA dedicate $20 billion to community banks and nonprofits for clean energy projects, with special attention to disadvantaged communities.

Efforts include energy upgrades, EV charging, and cooling centers, aiming to reduce carbon emissions nationwide.

Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration underline that these plans empower communities, with 70% of funds going to underserved populations and an expected $7 return for every federal dollar spent.

Major recipients like the Coalition for Green Capital will lead the way, even amid political debate.

An additional $366 million investment will deliver clean energy to rural, remote, and tribal areas, creating jobs and improving affordability through solar, heat pumps, and microgrids.

These actions reinforce the nation’s commitment to cleaner energy and social equity through strategic financing.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the autumn leaf get promoted?

Because it was outstanding in its field. 🍁

IPB University is fostering sustainable change through its Sustainable Solution Champions (SSC) initiative, rooted in the belief that daily, consistent actions drive big transformations.

The centerpiece, Eco Journey, encourages students to adopt eco-friendly habits for 30 straight days.

Guided by Dr. Rina Mardiana, the program emphasizes how personal moral responsibility strengthens collective harmony with people, nature, and the Creator.

The journey consists of two phases: building sustainable character and cementing voluntary habits as second nature.

Participants take part in impactful activities such as Anti-Food Waste, Planet-X, EcoWalk, and BioDiscovery, each promoting simple yet powerful lifestyle shifts.

Reflective journaling deepens self-awareness, with students like Nasywa Aulia Artha and Wafa sharing lessons on food management, gratitude, and resourcefulness.

IPB’s commitment shines nationally and globally, evidenced by a top-30 global ranking from UI GreenMetric 2024 and ASEAN’s top spot for environmental education in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025.

Through these initiatives, the university cultivates leaders in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Interesting Facts

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing tiny home design through generative architecture, enabling efficiency and deeply personalized living spaces.

Instead of relying solely on manual drafting, architects are now collaborating with AI tools that generate floor plans, daylight studies, and even furniture layouts, allowing for enhanced creativity and reduced errors.

This technology optimizes crucial details in tiny homes, such as plumbing placement and natural light, streamlining construction without sacrificing uniqueness.

Homeowners can input their daily habits—like favorite coffee nooks or relaxing sunset spots—so the software adapts designs to fit personal routines, making every home feel singularly tailored.

Innovative models like the AI-Transformer Home, a 400-square-foot smart home priced at $98,000, automate features and expand living space as needed, reflecting real lifestyle flexibility.

With the tiny homes market expected to grow by $3.71 billion from 2025–2029, AI-driven customization is becoming the new standard, creating adaptive homes that truly understand their residents.

Quote Of The Day

"She remembered who she was — and the game changed.”
— Lalah Delia

Audiences were spellbound in 1952 when Bwana Devil brought 3D magic to the big screen, making paddles leap out in striking realism.

This leap in cinematic experience mirrored a deeper transformation now unfolding for women over 50.

Today, women are embracing life through new lenses—seeing greater depth, clarity, and vibrancy in their journeys.

As careers, relationships, and personal health are reevaluated, layers of untapped potential emerge.

The traditional, one-dimensional roles of the past give way to empowerment and renewal.

F.L.Y. After 50 captures this multidimensional revival, celebrating newfound confidence and sharper self-definition.

Instead of an ending, women now recognize beginnings and expanded horizons.

Aging reveals what truly matters, allowing purpose, creativity, and well-being to come into sharper focus.

This new vision proves that confidence evolves—and gains dimension—with every passing year.

The pomegranate — known throughout history as a symbol of eternal youth, fertility, and radiant beauty.

Sharing is Caring - F.L.Y. After 50