Category: blog

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

My name is Jemima, but most times, I shorten it to Jem. Jem is also short for Jemima, Esther, and Maureen, an encapsulation of all my names.  It isn’t because I hate the name, but I hate the jokes that follow the name. Besides, only my friends call me Jem. Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood and being black with this name was not easy with all the Aunt Jemima pancake jokes.  The food box with the big black woman on the cover. People could be so ignorant. But I never shortened my name in public. Too bad for them, huh?

Jemima is of Hebrew origin, meaning a dove.

My parents named me from the Bible, like one of Job’s daughters in the book of Job chapter 42 verse 14.  In 19th century England, it was a popular name. Throughout history and today, a number of women had and have this name.

It is a good and wonderful name to have, and I love it.

What’s your dream job?

Not just a writer( romantic suspense with a dash of horror) but one who could spin a good tale where people will enjoy, and I sell a ton of books.

I love storytelling, the art of it from the beginning to the end. It keeps me up late at night, boggles my mind, and keeps me at the edge of my seat with worry, but I love it.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is someone who listens to both sides and views the situation, concern, event, problem, or conflict from every angle before making a decision. This leader has to be ethically sound by not practicing favoritism but is fair.

Friendship does not cloud the mind, although kindness, and understanding are always shown.

Of course, a good leader has weaknesses, but this leader can not dwell on them in order to illicit sympathy. This person is human and will fail from time to time but is strong enough to own up to their wrongs and move on.

They need to lead with honesty and the fear of God in doing what is right.

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

There must be an easier way to make a living. Wake up early, get ready for work, go to work crushed in traffic or on transit, get told off at work by clients, the boss, the backstabbing coworkers, inhale your lunch cause you have a mandatory last minute meeting, finish a long day worried you missed something important, get home exhausted, sleep through supper, then fall into bed to wake the next morning and do it all over again.

I love my job…

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

It was my birthday, a day at every turn that grew worse. By the end of the day, I did not want to celebrate but wanted to forget the day as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next.

I came home, and no one was there to greet me. No one to sing happy birthday so I could cry my tears of self-pity.

I went to bed without supper, thinking how I get to show them I don’t care.

Then, in the middle of the night, my sister woke me and pulled me into the living room.

Happy birthday.

They all remembered.

I cried. It was one of those milestone years (I am not telling which one) I never forgot. I cried because they not only remembered my day but also that special watch I asked for. OK. Maybe I nagged.

I love my family. I miss my parents but I have great memories. I am blessed. I count my blessings every chance I get.