Lordy mercy, folks. You can see where I am pretty much, can’t you? I don’t have the faintest who these folk are on either side of me but I kinda caught their eye, I suppose. Been over here in the middle of the east for the last month. I didn’t tell you I was leaving but I had to slip out and stay on the low-low for a minute. How you like my outfit, by the way?
I wanted to share some postcards of live drawings I’d done since being here but to tell you the truth, I haven’t done not one. For one, it’s too hot out there and the big number two is, I ain’t allowed to just be sitting around. Now, I know you may be asking yourself, “Totsy, what in the world you doing over there and just whereabout in the middle of the east are you?” Well, I can’t rightly answer you. I mean, I know where I am and why but that I’m okay is good enough, I hope. I’m still transitioning and being over here, I’ll only say so much. You know, a sistah ain’t trying to be stuck in no foreign jail and whatnot. Or any jail, for that matter. Shit, I’m claustrophobic, so that wouldn’t work out for me at all. Know what I mean? I can’t be making trouble over here and whatnot over a blog of all things. I can tell you it was a two-day flight and I touched ground on March 25th. So, there you go.
I know. I’ve been talking about everything but. Wasn’t easy breaking the news to you or myself, for that matter. This explains the slowness of my internet, folks. Also, know that I’m trying to read your blogs as much as the internet will allow me. Yesterday, I wasn’t even able to log on to this here blog. I was all nervous ’cause if ever I need to talk to some folk in “the world,” it’s NOW. I’m telling you, this ain’t no joke. But it’s all good, as it can be under the circumstances, and by that I mean the lifestyle adjustment and whatnot. I’m not actually located where I thought I’d end up and how I thought I’d end up in that other place, I ain’t figured it out yet. I mean, I must’ve had my eyes closed when I was reading my paperwork ’cause the place I thought I’d be ain’t typed nowhere on the papers. Damn! The image above was one I got when I was still in the states, so uploading is still a problem. But it’s nice to see a new image, ain’t it? I was so tired of seeing Beatrice and that one eye lash.
Anyhow folks, thanks for hanging out with me. You’re even much more appreciated with me being over here. I’m telling you!!! Shiiiit, it ain’t been all that easy and I was writing about other stuff ’cause I didn’t wanna be boohooing all over this blog. I didn’t wanna get on my nerves and yours too. I’m dealing with whatever challenges okay though. I mean, I’ve whined and all that to my kinfolk back home so I could spare you.
As my day is more than halfway over, I’m gonna water down my insides so it won’t feel like I’ve had sand for dinner.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Well, you still look cute, Totsy. I hope you’re okay. Kudos to you, I could never do it. Whatever IT is. But judging from the photo, it’s certainly not a women’s world that you’re inhabiting.
Oh yeah, it’s definitely a man’s world. I’ve encountered some things that’s been rather surprising but you know, I get to see and experience it all for myself. Believe me, it’s been a trip and then some.
Keep hydrated, and remember, if you need a way outta there, I’ll send you a beard and some pants.
I always carry no less than two bottles of water with me. I don’t know how fast I could make it out even in disguise, Zen. I have to have an exit visa, you know. In the meantime, since I forgot to do so, send the president a letter and let him know my whereabouts should anything go down.
Keep heart. I have photoshop. We’ll get you that exit visa if needs be. It’ll be in the beard that’s wedged between the fruit bread nobody ever wants and the copy of my last book that nobody bought. No one will ever think to look there.
Now, that’s what I’m talking ’bout. A woman with a plan.
What’s the name of your book? I can get it on my Nook through B&N?
Best to let it die among the recycling waste. It’ll be more useful. Lol. I’ll be coming out with something a lot better hopefully soon. In the next decade…century. You know, when the kids quit pestering me.
You are awesome btw.
Keep me posted. The first book is always a hard sell, I think. I’m kinda isolated so I have a lot of time to write without distractions. My mind isn’t heavy or nothing like that. Maybe it should be, with where I’m located and all but really, I don’t feel like being worried about it.
Totsy, get away from there as soon as you can – it’s not safe down there no matter where in Middle East you are. With everything what is going on in Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan – just come home safe to your little Totsy and all of us.
It’s okay, Ariana. If it gets crazy, we have to get somewhere anyway.
How did you know Little Totsy wasn’t with me? But yeah, she’s in the
states living the good life. Me? I’m like, WTF…
Walk safely wherever you are.
I’m walking with caution. Thank you.
A real eye-opener, I tell you that much.
Stay safe! We visited Israel a few years ago, and the realities of the dangers hit home. It was an amazing, life-changing trip, but not one I would call “fun,” at least in a true, light-hearted sense.
Yeah, I imagine Israel is a whole different animal from where I am. I wouldn’t call this fun either. It’s a huge culture shock, for one. And then you just become thankful for where you come from.
Well, I thought you were acting kind of funny. Hmmph! You been there a month and you’re just now getting around to telling us. When you think you drank enough water, drink some more. Alex says when you walk ouside, it feels like a hot blow dryer is turned right on you! Just keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind. It’ll be fine. Girl! You give a new face to the word “Adventuress”.
I was acting funny? You know, I was trying to wrap my head around this new situation because my life is definitely different.
You’re such a diva. My mind’s on my money, so yeah, I’m hanging in there. Thanks.
O, where are you? Are you like, a secret agent or something? I knew you were IMPORTANT. I can’t wait to hear more!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Xxxxxxx Blessings flowing in the sand…
If only my life was that interesting. I’m just a southern girl over here trying to do a little somethin’ somethin’.
Come on home now, Totsy!
Why, Annie?
I’m just about as confused as hell !!
What you mean, Helen? I still have the same accent and all.
I’m confused about where the hell you are and why!!!
I’ll explain a little later.
Oh Goodie ‘cus I don’t care to be left outta the loop ya know
Oh Totsy. I don’t know if you’re happy about being so far away from home… It looks like you’re not. I really hope you’re having a little fun.
Take care!
I have up and down days. Today was good, so I’ll take that and not think so much about being so far away from home. And thank you. I’m taking care.
Very interesting…carry water with you and be safe
Oh yes, the water is a must. Funny how you get thirsty just looking at all the sand.
Totsy Mae! You crazy woman. Get yourself back here right now. You ain’t looking too good in no robe and hood.
Oh no, George. No, you didn’t say crazy. LoL!!
I have to agree though, the hood and robe ain’t all that on me. I try to dress it up with my Hollywood sunglasses and walk with swag.
Bring me back a burkini. With bathing suit season right around the corner, I’m digging the full body coverage.
Well, they’re filling up the pools here and putting up large sheets with signs that say “KEEP OUT” so you’re good to go if you have a private pool.
You tease you! I’ve been storing up all the clues you been leaving but no way I thought of this one. Are you working for the United Nations?
Yeah, you were the only one kinda onto me. The whole guy holding onto passport story and all was when I came here. I’m not doing anything as interesting as working for the United Nations though. Hope I don’t lose my accent and whatnot, being over here and all.
Why didn’t you just come on my road trip with my bro and me? I could use your help trying to get the man to believe I’m right when I say, “Turn left at this light.”
Men think they have an internal GPS. Tell your brother that making a quick left and then going right always works.
One of these days, you’re going to write about all your experiences in this middle of the east place and that other place you were for a minute last year. At least, I keep expecting you will!
Where ever you are, keep safe and away from the sand –it’s havoc on the skin, and computer equipment. How long you gonna be there anyway?
I may do that. I can’t say my life’s all that interesting though. I definitely have a few experiences to share and will. I’m not sure how long my stay will be at the moment. It shall be a little while though.
Okay, let me get this straight. You’re not in Georgia or any other state in the South? You’re somewhere near or in the danger zone, perhaps what Bush would call the axis of evil? I’m worried about you, Totsy. If for nothing else, come home because the internet here is faster!
Yep, I’m a very long way from Georgia but it’s on my mind though. Up north, near Iraq actually. Don’t worry. I’m not. But it would be nice to get fast internet. I look forward to that again.
You are gonna tell us all about it eventually, right Totsy?
Yes, I will. Won’t leave you hangin’ anymore.
You have definitely peeked our curiosity. We all want to know what is happening! Love to you, Tots!
~Jodi
I’ll share here and there. Trying to take all this in with a little humor. Definitely not any place like home.
What an adventure! Thanks for sharing what you can. I really enjoy your blog. I love the photo too.
Thank you. I thought the photo was pretty neat. I really should’ve thanked Google for the contribution though.
It has been pretty chilly here in the East (although I’m in the North of the East), so the Burqa must come in handy on those cool days and nights…
It has its benefits and inconveniences, which I won’t get into now. Even in the heat, it can be a good thing though. Getting hot really fast here.
Whatever else you’re doing over there, I’m sure you’re soaking up stories. Take care of yourself, come home soon, and enthrall us with them,
I feel like I could and should be able to dish out many stories. I’ll have to figure that out though. This is a very restricted lifestyle here but nonetheless, I’m learning.
Oh Totsy, you look…hot!! LOL! Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
Sending a cyber-smile your way. You’re a trooper, so I know that you’ll be fine. Keep on writing, and we’ll keep on reading! Be well, little traveling buddy. 
Oh, I am hot…was real hot when the AC went out on the job yesterday. I handled it like the trooper I am though. Just hope that doesn’t happen too often.
TOTS, I kept wondering why you were complaining about slow internet, as I know too many folks in your home territory who were not having any internet speed issues! I totally understand why you are on the down-low-low over there. Very wise! I also totally relate to why we here in Blogville mean so much to you over there. Also, you have given me new inspiration and giggles over some future episodes of my critters traveling ever eastward on their journey! Seen any Old Crows over there?
Do bring the critters over this way. They’d better bring their own water supply in all this desert though.
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