j-so Poetry

Janis Small Omide

j-so, Janis Small Omide, shares her poetry and other thoughts.

  1. A Memorial to my friend, Byron A. Merriweather

    06/17/2021

    A Memorial to my friend, Byron A. Merriweather

    My friend, Byron A. Merriweather, of 20 years transitioned June 3, 2021 (from cancer) into a final freedom and an infinite light.   In 2008, Byron had been assigned (at the Oxford House World Service Convention) to be the Ghana Outreach Services Representative to start an Oxford House in Ghana.  Byron used the "Oxford House Model" (a community-based approach to addiction treatment, which provides an independent, supportive, and sober living environment).      Byron did that and much more!   Byron was living with his wife, two sons, one step-son and one step-daughter in Ghana (Africa) when he transitioned.  They will miss him, along with many others in America, Ghana and the world over—especially, his immediate family in Chicago, IL (USA); and his recovery community in Richmond, Virginia (USA).    I wrote two poems …. the second one is to his two sons – they are too young to understand it now, but someday will.___________CREDITS:   j-so Poetry’s theme music is provided by JuJu Drum   j-so Poetry’s Sound Engineer is Sherie Farmer   The Great Jazz Artist Ahmad Jamal(an American pianist & one of the most influential musicians and bandleaders of all times), graciously granted permission for j-so Poetry to use his signature piece, Poinciana, for this program.    j-so poetry is equally appreciative of the permission granted by Mr. Steve Peake – Director of Indigenous People, a non-profit organization based out of England with a goal to highlight how happiness and well-being can be enhanced by participation in cultural activities, as exemplified by traditional African drumming, dancing and singing, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth – please visit their website:  www.indigenouspeople.org.uk    For copies of the poems you heard, you can visit the website:  getjsopoetry.com    If you would like to share comments with me, then you’re welcome to send an email to:  contact@ohmedaykiss.com   Don’t forget to share with your friends, subscribe and, until next time . . . Be Safe, Be Well, Be Kind to Yourself & Others.

    17 min
  2. 04/03/2020

    Comfort During The Coronavirus-Part 3 (Episode 7)

    Thank you to Ju Ju Drum for this podcast-vibe: Ju Ju Drum collaborated with wife, Corey Garlic, and wrote and performed (as a gift) this special j-so Poetry podcast tune:  TIME WILL TELL © 2020 Ju Ju Drum Music Ju Ju is a professional musician living in Hampton Roads since 1988.  Born in Washington, DC, Ju Ju has shared the stage with many world-renown artists such as Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Chris Vadala (from Chuck Mangione), Najee, gospel legend Albertina Walker, James Brown, Ricky Smiley, Danny Glover, Jasmine Guy, Russell Simons, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tim Reid, and more. Hampton Road’s #1 Steel Drum Performer!   Ju Ju Drum performs solo steel drum performance of popular Calypso, Jazz, Latin, R&B, and Hip Hop tunes for parties, banquets, festivals, or concerts. Special requests are honored. Also, a music instructor, Ju Ju has over 75 students and teaches drums, bass guitar, percussion, vibes, keyboard, jazz, and music technology for recording and music production.  With over 30 years of musical experience, Ju Ju is able to entertain people of all ages, having played many styles of music while keeping up-to-date with the music of today.    But more than anything else, he is a wonderful husband, father and friend—a true gift to this world—and his vibes are needed more now than ever.  Much love.   _______________ PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS of Assisi* Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace!  That where there is hatred, I may bring love.  That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.  That where there is discord, I may bring harmony.  That where there is error, I may bring truth.  That where there is doubt, I may bring faith.  That where there is despair, I may bring hope.  That where there are shadows, I may bring light.  That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.  Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort, than to be comforted.  To understand, than to be understood.  To love, than to be loved.  For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.  It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.  It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. *The original author is unknown.  In most of the published versions of the prayer, the text is abridged, paraphrased with an original copyright as early as 1912, in French.  The above version was borrowed from the book, 12 STEPS AND 12 TRADITIONS (Step 11).  _______________________ Until the next time . . . happy listening ... oh, and share with a friend … Stay safe & stay well, j-so

    2 min
  3. 04/03/2020

    Comfort During The Coronavirus-Part 2 (Episode 6)

    Something Worth Sharing ... Motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, has emphasized, “I hope everybody understands how fear suppresses the immune system. Stress suppresses the immune system. This is not a time to be afraid or stressed.” Since the coronavirus outbreak, Iyanla has given powerful Daily tips on managing stress (via YouTube). One of my favorites was Day 10 ... check it out: Daily Anti-Viral Message Day 10:   https://youtu.be/R7k_jh-HEB4When you feel stressful (as we all have/do), I strongly encourage you to view any of Iyanla's daily YouTube videos--they have been most uplifting and meaningful for me. Until the next time . . . Stay safe & well, j-so _______________________ Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe:   Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings POUR ME OUT A BLESSING—from his album LOVE OVER HATE--which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.com      K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. _______________THE  SERENITY PRAYER* - (long-version): God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, taking as Jesus did this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with you in the next. --– *Original author unknown; however, in some research the poem is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, and also to an 18th century pietist, Friedrich Oetinger ________________Happy Listening .... tell a friend!

    6 min

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j-so, Janis Small Omide, shares her poetry and other thoughts.