Podcasts about sweet mother

Classic African Oldies Mix – Sweet Mother, Yéké Yéké & More Highlife classics, Soukous floor-fillers, Afrobeat gold, Makossa grooves, and township jive from the 70s, 80s & 90s—all in one nonstop throwback party! Press play and relive Africa's golden era with iconic anthems from West, East & Southern Africa: Prince Nico Mbarga's Sweet Mother, Mory Kanté's Yéké Yéké, Yvonne Chaka Chaka's Umqombothi, Brenda Fassie's Vuli Ndlela, Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata and many more. Perfect for nostalgic family moments, road-trip vibes, or an old-school house party.

The last days before the Great Hunt.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“Can the scorpion ever stop being a scorpion? “"Do we get our legally permitted weaponry back?" The bishop still held my hand."Sure. If it makes you feel better.""I would like to meet your people then," he gave my paw one last shake then released me. "Shall we go?""I will have someone take you to your car. I want to briefly meet with the President, of Havenstone, then I'll join you in the garage. We'll drive over to JIKIT and I'll make the introductions. Good enough?""That is acceptable," he nodded."What about you two?" I regarded the nun and the Swiss Super-soldier. The nun remained vigilant, and silent. The Swiss' eyes flickered to his boss before settling back on me."It is what I volunteered for," he stated firmly."Okay. Please never say I didn't give you a chance to take the sane way out. Also, Bishop Nicolö, circumstances have conspired to up my prospective wedding date to January 1st.""That will be more difficult. Why the change?" he remained grim."We are having twins. By March, this will be very visible.""That is, unfortunate," he shook his head."You have no idea," and then a brainstorm. "And I am curious about resurrecting the Order of the Dragon, the Societas Draconistarum." Technically that meant 'Society of the Dragonists' which was more appropriate than the literal Ordo Draconis."Precisely how do you plan to recreate a crusading Christian Order which was the purview of the Hungarian monarchs?" he didn't sound the least skeptical, just curious."I have billions of euros to fund such a thing," I winked. "Of far greater critical importance, I know where I can find the supernatural guidance and spiritual imperative for such an organization.""You are going to produce a dragon?" his eyes grew larger even as he fought down his fear. Good man. He was adaptive. He'd need to be."I never said such a thing. That would make me sound crazy," I smiled broadly. "Besides, when I say 'dragon', you think 'devil' and that's way too pedestrian for where we are going.""I am not a moral relativist.""Neither am I. I'm out to save lives and nurture the drive in the human spirit to reach for freedom, love and liberty. As you might imagine, I'm pretty freaking outnumbered.""I think you are crazy," he re-evaluated things."I just might be. In all honesty, you should back out now. Take your two compadres back to 25 East 39th Street (the Holy See's Permanent Observer Offices to the UN in NYC) and report 'Mission Failure'. You'll most likely live longer," I reasoned."I am not afraid to die," Sister Rafaela Sophia finally voiced an opinion."That's idiotic," I scoffed before the bishop could reprimand her for opening her mouth. "You should be.""My soul is in God's hands," she set her jaw."Does he talk to you?" I countered."His message is clear.""Not what I asked. I asked if he specifically directed you to toss your life fruitlessly away as an object lesson for the reckless, or careless?""This is uncalled for," Nicolö intervened."Nope. I bet you a phone call to my Brother to physically restore your bishopric that there are four people in this room who have murdered in cold blood," I kept eye contact with the nun, "and she's the odd one out. Right Juanita?""Yes, Ishara," Juanita slipped up. Her spycraft, like mine, needed work."You were in the military?" the bishop asked my bodyguard."Was? I am. Right now," she related. "I will be until I die."That earned me looks from the three Catholics."She is loyal," Nicolö nodded slightly toward her, referring to Juanita's declaration."Huh? To me? Nope. She's loyal to my office, which we shan't get into right now. Back to you, Sister Rafaela Sophia. Are you out to be a martyr, or has some saint, or angel, given you a directive the other two seem to be unaware of which causes you to devalue your life?""I am devoted to the One True God, Christ, our Savior," and Juanita snorted, "and the Virgin Mary," the nun stated firmly. "I don't hear voices in my head.""Juanita, that was rude. Apologize to our guest," I kept looking forward."No." Well, fuck you too."Gun," I commanded. I held out my left hand."What? No. I will not give you one of my guns," she resisted."Juanita, give me your primary weapon, or I will ask Pamela to beat you up the moment I depart for the Great Hunt. After yesterday's stunt, you know she will," I threatened. Fair, I was not. She drew a Glock-20 and handed it to me. I went through the routine, dropped the magazine then ejected the round before opening the door.Oh look, there were four SD chicks outside, ready to escort my visitors downstairs. I didn't even need to waste a phone call. It wasn't like the conference room wasn't being monitored."Excuse me," I took a half step out the door then hurled all three items down the hall. Looking back at Juanita. "Go fetch.""Fuck you," she snapped."And insulting her faith was as degrading to both her faith and her as me doing this to you is degrading to you right now," I lectured her. "It is important to her, therefore it is important to me because she is my guest in the same way it is important to me that I let my bodyguard do her job without being a total asshole all the time. Now go get your God-damn weapon," I barked. Off she went. I left the door open."Now Sister Rafaela Sophia, the point of all this is: I don't give a crap if you are willing to die for God. In fact, that makes you less than worthless to me and the team. I want to know if you are willing to put other motherfuckers in the ground so that Bishop Nicolá, or Mathias, might get to keep doing their jobs.""Murder is a sin," she declared."Go home," I sighed while shaking my head."She answers to me, the Church and God, not you, Mr. Nyilas," the bishop stepped forward."Then you can go home too," I shrugged. "I'm not asking for remorseless killers. I'm asking for people willing to kill to get the hard work done and best of all, for people who know the difference.""Everyone on JIKIT is a professional soldier, or killer?" he asked."No, but the ones who aren't don't carry guns and know to get down when things get funky," I bantered."I vouch for her," he insisted. Juanita came running back into the room."Cool beans. I don't know you either.""You apparently know my service history," he volleyed."Yeah. Ten years a foreigner in the service of France, then you went straight into a university which turns out Jesuits," I riposted."What turned your life around?" he evaded. That was okay. I'd gotten what I wanted. I was willing to bet he had read every bit of public information about me and it was rumored the heavy Catholic membership in the FBI had its benefits to the Church as well. Not so much as to give them insight into JIKIT, but,"Someone risked their life for me. It's been pretty much downhill from there," I confessed. It was the truth. After Katrina gave me the life line on Day Two, it had all spiraled to the revelation of my heritage, Dad's death, Summer Camp, the Hamptons, Romania and Aya's kidnapping."A person, a soldier, died saving my life," the bishop empathized. "Her story is similar. She seeks redemption. She is not suicidal. I am staking both our lives on it."Did he mean him and Mathias, or him and me? I wasn't certain. Still, it was good enough for now. I'd gotten a look at their emotional make up, even the relatively quiet Swiss."Very well," I agreed. "I have to go see the President about my new job description. I'll catch up with you at your car." To the SD team leader, "Take them to the garage. I will join the group of you very soon.""Yes Ishara," she nodded. I exited the room, Juanita in tow. Two SD entered. I was gone before the Papal team left. Upstairs we went, with one last chore to discharge. I had to check on Ms. French to be absolutely freaking sure it was Shawnee, because anyone else would spell disaster.{8:30 am, Monday, September 8th. Last day}A Room full of asistants:Well, there it was, the office of the Executive Director to the President, and not 'Executive Assistant', because this was Katrina's final 'fuck you, no, just her final 'fuck you' before the Great Hunt got underway. I shouldn't assume things, dang it!Anyway, according to the gray-haired matron running gatekeeper to the Office of the President, this was where I was supposed to show up. I shot Juanita a worried look. She glanced my way and shrugged, momentarily willing to not give me shit about the past 24 hours because where I was situated would determine how easily she could do her job.In we went. In the suite were three desks, the 'big' desk situated at the far end of the office space and two far more modest ones on either side of the entryway. The room expanded beyond the chokepoint formed by the two closest desks into a cluttered area. The walls were cluttered with inset bookshelves and portraits of women. Facing one another were a loveseat on my left with bookend plush chairs in an 'L' facing and a full sofa on the right. There were end tables at the ends of the sofa and the corners between the loveseat and each chair.As the door opened, I hadn't knock as this was my office, or so it seemed, the occupants, who had all been sitting in quiet conversation in the central section, began reacting. Oh look ~ Constanza! I nearly had a heart attack before I realized there were three other Amazons also in the room. Sadly, none were behind the 'big desk', so I couldn't tell who was in charge. Two of the other three choices weren't too much better. First off,"Ishara," Marilynn Saint John stood to greet me. I'd last seen her when I'd dedicated her grandmother's (Hayden's) spirit to the halls of my ancestors, not hers, after forcing the political crisis leading to Hayden's suicide ~ her taking herself to the cliffs and in doing so, destroying the Amazon Cult of Blood Purity. Marilynne was clearly still bitter with me. Umm, I could still incite passion in women I hadn't slept with, yet, woot?"Cáel," the senior-most and only friendly face in the room spoke next. Thank goodness it was Beyoncé Vincennes, Head of House Hanwasuit and House Ishara ally."Cáel Ishara," the third individual was deferential which I wasn't sure how to take as the last time I'd encountered her, yeah, things hadn't gone well either."Beyoncé," I started off with a smile. From there, I had to figure out, ah, Beyoncé's eyes flickered to Constanza then Sabia. I knew Marilynn, with her young age, had the least seniority, "Constanza, Sabia, Marilynn. How's tricks?"Glum faces by everyone except Beyoncé. I didn't ask about Sabia's particular well-being. It had been months since I'd beaten her into the mats of the Full-blooded gym. She'd attacked Yasmin, the Brazilian Hottie and my Brazilian Jujutsu sparring buddy, and I'd retaliated by ambushed her when she turned her back on us. Besides, she'd been giving me shit before I even could see straight.Constanza was minus her left eye because of her dire insult to me. If she wasn't capable of working, she wouldn't be here. If she appreciated my 'mercy' in sparing her life ~ her insult was worthy of her death ~ Constanza hid it well. I hadn't spared her expecting a change of heart. I hadn't felt words alone warranted anyone's death. I was a big boy and could take a few insults. House Ishara, as represented by me, could care less. These days, my sisters would be less understanding despite them knowing my heart."Constanza Landau of House Jaya and Marilynn Saint John of House Anahit are Assistants to President Shawnee French," Beyoncé eased things along, "so will be working closely with us, at least for the short term. Sabia Noel of House Guabancex, who I now think you know as well, has joined you as the other 'Assistant' to the 'Executive Director to the President', (that would make me an 'adept', but adept at what?), and since two of the three Regents are unfamiliar with the workings of Havenstone proper, Shawnee has asked me to perform in that role."Beyoncé was, or had been, Havenstone HQ's CFO (Chief Financial Officer). From what I was quickly piecing together, she would essentially be making all the day-to-day decisions concerning the running of Havenstone (how the Host made the majority of its money) until the Regents got up to speed.Only Buffy had actual experience with the New York office and, from what she had told me, solely within Executive Services. While ES knew 'who' did what inside Havenstone, they weren't aware precisely how those Amazons got their jobs done. That would have been an impossible task. Katrina could do it, but she knew it was beyond the ability of most of us 'mere mortals'. Since we were currently at war, the Host needed Katrina completely focused on her duties as Chief Spy-mistress, not baby-sitting the adults.Shawnee indeed had much gravitas among the other House Heads. Not only had she risen up to lead a First House, she had performed heroically during the final days of the last Secret War. Afterwards she had moved into the realm of Amazon jurisprudence and mediation. Until yesterday, she had lived in a House Arinniti freehold in Minnesota's Great Lakes region thus her desire for the 'Training Wheels' period.The Regency would not rule through telecommunication (the upper echelons feared being eavesdropped upon beyond the standard Amazon (read: paranoid) levels) and Havenstone: New York was the center best situated for the current war-fighting operations, so here she lived. I was sure a team from Executive Services was buying, outfitting/spy-proofing and fortifying a dwelling suitable for the President of a Fortune 500 company. Hayden's home would remain the domicile of Sydney thus Marilynn.The same rigmarole would be done for Rhada and Buffy (though I imaged Buffy would bitch endlessly). Publically, they were VP's of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they had to present the public trappings of such leaders.Why did the Amazons do this ~ unmask their leadership to public exposure? Legal-simple: they could request and expect all levels of public and private security for their executives who happened to also be important officials of the Host. Certainly not all executives at Havenstone were officeholders, House Heads, or House Apprentices, but the high level of competence which permitted one often led to the other.Beyonce:As an example: Beyoncé wasn't the most 'bad-ass' lethal chick in House Hanwasuit. As she was preparing to be casted, her intelligence, creativity and diligence at her future craft, finances, was noted by the Host and the members of her House. In due time her name was circulated as Apprentice and the elders approved. When her elder cousin, the prior House Head, took herself to the cliffs, Beyoncé assumed the top spot. Beyoncé wasn't even one of that woman's three daughters.Mirroring her advancement in her House was her advancement in Havenstone's Accounting, Acquisitions and Banking Divisions until she was appointed CFO Havenstone HQ ~ the supreme financial authority inside Havenstone, though the individual regional branches had a greater degree of autonomy than you might normally expect from a 21st century conglomerate, or a Bronze Age autocracy.I had to constantly remind myself, despite the near-constant feuding, Amazons exhibited a phenomenally higher level of trust than I'd ever found in any other society I'd ever witnessed, or read about, before. Though technically Beyoncé could have gone to President Hayden to enforce her decisions ~ or now the Regency ~ she was far more diplomatic in her approach in dealing with the other 'continental' CEO's and CFO's.That meant she had to wrangle the aspirations and resources from:North America (including Latin America, the 'Canadian Arctic' and the North Pacific Ocean),South America (includes both the South Atlantic and South Pacific as far as Samoa),Europe (mostly Central Europe these days plus Antarctica, the 'Russian' Arctic and the North Atlantic),Africa (mostly West-central Africa),India (the subcontinent plus the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean) and,Southeast Asia (which includes Australia)All of which suggested Havenstone hadn't redrawn the Amazons' geographic demarcations since the late 19th century. As an example, an East African venture, say in Tanzania, was as likely to be under the purview of Havenstone: India (due to its control over the Indian Ocean) as Havenstone: Africa (which traditionally had no East Coast holdings due to their constant struggles versus the Arabic slave trade).Returning to Beyoncé: initially she had held the proper 'conservative' (aka man-hating) mindset. My behavior during that first Board Meeting began to change her opinion of me and the New Directive. After the Archery Range incident, Beyoncé became a vocal proponent of the New Directive and faced challenges within her ranks. House Heads do not have to accept challenges and Beyoncé didn't, reasoning with her detractors they had no alternatives save the 'Old Ways' which spelled doom for the Amazon Race.Bing-bang-boom ~ I became the Head of a resurrected House Ishara by the Will of the Ancestors and Beyoncé was vindicated. Not necessarily in the New Directive, but in her support of me thus the rebirth of a sister First House. The purge following High Priestess' Hayden's death was her ultimate absolution. The Ancestors and Destiny had spoken and shown Beyoncé had been piloting House Hanwasuit along the proper course all along.Back to my current circumstances:Oh, why was I Assistant to the Executive Director to the President? It gave me direct access to the finances of Havenstone which was a critical leg of the war-fighting stool ~ people, morale, money and equipment. As Chief Diplomat, I helped with all four of those in varying degrees, allied troops, allied victories, allied bank accounts and allied armaments.The Great Khan, my spiritual 'Blood-Brother', was ramping up his logistic support for my Amazons in Africa, Asia and the Americas. We were 'Allies in the Struggle' and he wasn't going to wait for the Condottieri to begin coordinating with the Seven Pillars to declare them to be his enemies. They were already fighting the Amazons and 9 Clans, his allies, so their fates were sealed.In Japan, my Amazons provided small yet highly effective strike groups which the Ninja families furnished all the support services for. Everything from food to bullets to medical attention as needed. Without reservation, we shared their death-grapple with the Seven Pillars.From the dispatches I was getting back from my family members and envoys in Japan, we were making serious diplomatic inroads with the Ninja. Once again, it was the Amazons shocking capacity for violence as well as their fanaticism, professionalism and proficiency which all impressed our hosts and terrified our enemies, and this from people of a philosophical mindset which had them historically battling samurai.The Black Lotus were running around like rhesus monkeys on crack cocaine unleashed in a China Shop and given RPG's. While the Amazons couldn't help them in China, Indochina & Thailand ~ the Khanate could and was. The Amazons were of more help in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Black Lotus and Amazons were going everywhere on the offensive against the Seven Pillars while the normal tight cohesion and iron-clad confidence, traits which made the 7P's so dangerous ~ were shaken by their horrendous losses in the 'Homeland' aka Mainland China.Less we forget, the 'military intelligence' wing of their organization had been decimated by the Khanate's Anthrax attack due to members of the Earth & Sky sacrificing themselves by being injected with the toxin then allowing themselves to be captured, which always ended in torture and death.Furthermore, the People's Republic of China, while having a scary 18% of the population either captured, imprisoned, dead, or displaced due to the Khanate invasion, that had come with the loss of 63% of their landmass (they had lost all of Nei Mongol, Ningxia & Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions, Qinghai and Gansu as well as 90% of Yunnan, 80% of Sichuan and 20% of Shaanxi provinces) to the Khanate and the 'abomination' that was a free Tibet.Then came the Russian 'stab in the back' which entailed the loss of another 10% of their people falling under foreign dominion as well as losing 8% of their most industrialized territory, Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces ~ the Nei Mongol portion of 'Manchuria' was in the Khanate's greedy clutches, from the viewpoint of a Seven P's warrior).Don't get me wrong, they weren't about to throw in the towel. If anything, they were becoming more dedicated to trying harder, digging deep into their knowledge of every atrocity, inhumanity and perversion now deemed necessary to re-chart history back onto its 'correct' path. It was this willingness to act in an even greater sociopathic manner which was being used against them. After all, the 7P's had plenty of proxy allies, who were starting to get really nervous about what their paymasters were now asking them to do,We Amazons were getting some extra special help too. The Booth-gan (Do not call them Thuggee ~ the confederate 9 Clan member based out of India though long since ensconced within various Hindi enclaves across the Globe) had created an all-female group of ultra-fanatical Kali-devotees ~ a gift for the upcoming battle fomented by the Will of the Goddess herself.While Aya was our Queen and the Regency would rule until she wished to assume command of the Amazon People, the nuts-and-bolts of the Host's activities were handled by Saint Marie as Golden Mare (our Minister of War) (technically she held the top spot due to our State of War, though no Golden Mare had ever exercised such authority over a Queen (and she definitely believed Aya was our Queen)), Katrina (as Minister of Intelligence and Security), Beyoncé (as Havenstone (the multinational corporation) ~ our Treasurer/Economic Tsarina) and me (our Foreign Minister).Saint Marie had decided to forgo a public face in order to better facilitate her moving around to various battle fronts and holding clandestine meetings with her junior regional commanders. Her Havenstone corporate title was 'Chief of Security Training and Certification'. As an extra level of deception, the head of Security Services wasn't even a Director-level position, instead being folded into the duties of the Office of the President.To my current circumstances ~ I had been given Constanza's house name which could only mean she wasn't currently assigned to the Security Detail; a fact that couldn't have made her bad attitude any better. Marilynn had completely lost her way as an Amazon when I first met her, burying her pain and confusion in endless partying and intoxicants. I believed only her grandmother's status as High Priestess kept her from the severest of reprimands, or death. I didn't even know what Marilynn's caste was. Sabia,"While I'm sure you are both far more qualified than I, precisely how did you two get these jobs?" I had to ask my two non-coworkers. Constanza glowered. Marilynn flinched."I have an in depth knowledge of Havenstone security procedures and resources," Constanza replied."Shawnee requested me," was Marilynn's comeback. "I also have intimate knowledge of the City of New York and its environs.""Actually, Buffy Ishara recommended you both to Shawnee," Beyoncé corrected their misconceptions. I knew the score. I'd be working intimately with the tight community around the President (Shawnee) and Vice Presidents (Buffy & Rhada). Buffy wanted me to be surrounded by women who hated my guts, so I wouldn't end up boinking them. It rarely worked that way. All too often ladies who hated my still-beating heart ended up punishing me with sex. I wasn't sure why that happened, but it did."Beyoncé, didn't the Chief Diplomat of the Host have her own office? I'm pretty sure Troika had one before her unfortunate collision with Saint Marie," I felt entitled to inquire."Do you feel you've earned that office space?" she riposted."Oh, fuck no!" I waved my hands one over the other to accentuate my denial. "I was just wondering where I could stick Juanita while I'm hanging around, here.""She has the desk right outside the door, Cáel," Beyoncé smiled knowingly. "So there is no way you can sneak past her.""Oh," I grunted. "Buffy again?""No. Pamela Pile put in that particular request.""Oh, Sweet Mother of God, now she is conspiring against me too?""Yes. Some of us realize the greatest hazard to your health is yourself, Ishara," Beyoncé chided me. "We'd like to keep you around, so we listen to those charged with that nigh impossible task.""Is she going to be hanging around the office often?" Constanza asked, either myself, Juanita, or Beyoncé; I wasn't sure. She = Pamela."Please, Constanza," I attempted to intervene, "don't make Pamela kill you. It will upset Mona." Constanza's scowl was accentuated by the eyepatch covering her ruined left socket, the one Pamela had carved out when Constanza had insulted me and House Ishara on our first day of rebirth. I didn't tell Juanita this, because Juanita might just shoot Constanza over the insult before Pamela got a chance to finish the job.The tension was palatable."Mona and I have talked, about Romania, and other things," Constanza grudgingly allowed. It took me a second to realize there was a hidden meaning to what she said. Mona was part of my personal Security Detail bodyguard unit. If she felt Constanza, the woman who had raised her after her birth-mother had died, was a threat to me, she'd feel duty-bound to snuff Constanza first. Amazons were hard-ass bitches alright and I think Mona had made that clear."I hope things can improve between us," I offered to Constanza. "Beyoncé, I just stopped in to say 'hey'. I'm off to JIKIT and I've got three of the Pope's people waiting on me in the garage so,""Vice President Varma requested a moment of your time," Beyoncé smirked. "She is in 2604.""Who?""Vice President Rhada Varma, a moment of your time, alone?" she clarified."Sure thing," I backed out of the office. Once I had some space, I turned to Juanita. "Give me three minutes then bust in and say, I don't know, a tsunami is about to overwhelm the city, or something. Otherwise, I won't get out for at least an hour and I think I've put the Bishop and his people through enough delays as it is.""Are you actually asking me to stop you from having an in-office liaison?" she studied me intently as we walked in the direction of Rhada's office."Yes. It's not likely to happen often, believe me.""Oh, I do, in that you won't ask me to do it often," she grumbled. I'd deal with Juanita's morale problem later. Right now, I had to gird my loins so they wouldn't do anything else with Rhada. I had work to do, damn it!Rhada was sitting at her desk, working on something, stylus raised up so she could chew on the end. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, the type that captured the rear half of the hair in a ponytail while leaving the front and bangs free to flow down. Rhada's blouse was white & billowy and, as I was soon to discover, her pants were ultra-tight and contour hugging."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. "I would like a moment of your time," she relayed what I already knew. She was more than a tad nervous to boot."Vice President Varma," I started off."When in private you may call me Rhada," she interrupted."Rhada, you look more ravishing than ever."That got up her and coming around her desk, which revealed her ultra-tight pants with no sign of her wearing underwear. Yikes! My cock was preparing to do what a cock was meant to do and I just didn't have the time, Really!"Do you have any time?" she let her bosom heave."Not today, ugh," I groaned. See, Rhada took the stylus and dragged it down her chin, throat and in between her bountiful mounds.All of which exposed the top of her black bra."Are you sure, Master?" she enticed me by turning around and then leaning over her desk, point that ass in my direction. My mouth began salivating and my groin ached. I found myself quick-stepping to her and giving those buttocks two firm slaps, one on each cheek."No, damn it, though I'm going to make you pay for this when I get back," I rumbled."Master will make me wait?" she taunted me."That will cost you even more," I growled. "I have business which simply won't wait and here is my captive teasing me with the treasures of her flesh. Bad, war captive," I spanked her yet again, hard. "Bad!" and I spanked her a fourth time. With each beating, Rhada gasped in pain and then exhaled in pleasure."If I've been bad, Master must be extra harsh with me when he returns in triumph from the Great Hunt," she gloated. Rhada had gotten what she wanted, which was another affirmation of my lust for her and our 'game'. I could provide her the release she so desperately craved while allowing her the safety of remaining in the Amazon fold. It was a perfect pairing, for her.I had other problems, such as all the other baby mamas in my life plus the extra-marital affairs I was contemplating. I still took the moments we had to snuggle with Rhada, her grinding that tush into my rod while I held both her arms tightly to her side while raining kisses down onto her neck and head."Sir! A giant tsunami is approaching the city!" Juanita exploded through the door."What?" I coughed. I had a face full of hair."Huh?" Rhada pushed up and away from me. I let her go."Right now," Juanita insisted. She really needed to stop taking me so seriously when I gave her such advice."Really?" from Rhada. She shot me a curious look so I shrugged. What else was I supposed to do with such a flimsy lie forcing our separation? At least I got out of there on time?{9:50 am, Monday, September 8th ~ Last day}(JKIT HQ)"Is this a common occurrence?" Sister Rafaela Sophia whispered to the closest woman, who happened to be Wiesława, the Polish Amazon. Since she hadn't arrived with us from Havenstone, the nun might have assumed she was with the 'Americans', or British."What?" Wiesława responded evenly."Weapons combat, they look real," the nun clarified."They are real. We always practice with real weapons.""Really?""Of course," Wiesława smiled at her. "We believe a few cuts and scrapes now will save lives when the true tests come.""Oh, you are with, Havenstone?" Rafaela clued in."Yes. I am Wiesława of House Živa. I am currently assigned to Unit L, Cáel's unit within JIKIT," she offered her hand to shake. Despite being a full-blooded Amazon from a freehold, her 'human' skills were progressing nicely. The nun shook it."I am Sister Rafaela Sophia of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that is a Roman Catholic Religious Order." Pause. "Do you hate Catholics too?""Yes. We have lived beside your people for many centuries and found your clergy to be much more dangerous than your pagan predecessors. Still, Cáel thinks you can be relied on and he's proven we can trust outsider women, which I was raised to believe was unlikely, and outsider men, which was basically anathema, so I'm willing to set aside my prejudices and judge you as an individual," the Pole imparted."Outsider men?" Rafaela mumbled."Well, yes," Wiesława smirked. "You are a nun, right?""Yes.""So you set aside the World of Men to live mostly among women, right?""Not entirely," the nun chose her words carefully. "We still rely on priests for religious rights and of course obey the life teachings of Christ and follow the leadership of his Holiness, the Pope, a man.""No one is perfect," the Amazon bantered back."Do you know the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ?" Rafaela ventured into dangerous waters."Yes. He was the semi-historical Son of your supposed One True God. We are not monotheists. We are Polytheists. Živa is my House's matron Goddess. It is also the name of the first woman to lead the House, her birth name surrendered to Destiny so all the daughters who came afterwards would be equals.""Oh, is Mr. Nyilas also pagan?" she inquired."I am unsure. From what I have been told, he has commended the spirit of his fallen father to your Jesus in a sacred ceremony then, in the presence of your Trinity and the Goddess Ishara, brought in new members to his House. I suspect he may be both," Wiesława reasoned. "Why don't you ask him?""Because he's fighting for his life?" Rafaela looked my way.See, the entire time their discussion had been going on, I had been sparring in a spare room at JIKIT HQ with Estere Abed, the Hashashin assassin (rather redundant ~ like saying the Sahara Desert). I had two tomahawks while she had a scimitar and curved dagger. While we sparred using the furniture as obstacles, Agent-86 was briefing me on various World events to get my input.Addison Stuart (CIA) and Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke (MI-6) were having a chat with Bishop Nicolé de Santis, verifying for themselves he was worth adding to the team. Juanita was having a similar discussion with Rikki Martin (US State Department) concerning my earlier encounter with the Papal team. Nicolé's buddy, Wachtmeister Mathias Bosshart of the Swiss Guard, was getting acquainted with the other security personnel.In comparison, those two had it easy. Both men were in their elements. Nicolé was a spook who pretended to be a diplomat for the Pope and was well acquainted with terms like 'deniable assets', 'plausible deniability' and your direct superior referring to requests concerning your identity/diplomatic status by saying 'I never heard of him and if I had, I have no idea what he was doing when you caught him doing what I don't know what he was doing', or something like that.Mathias was in the company of military-security specialists, brother professionals who were introducing him to his 'sister' professionals. Our Homeland Security gang were almost entirely former military by now. They got along with our JSOC folks and both had gained a limited acceptance with the Amazon security contingent.They bonded over the fact they were forced to work with really shady characters ~ the 9 Clans menagerie ~ who didn't always appreciate JIKIT operational security. Without going into particulars, the Wachtmeister was given the impression the abnormal was the norm and if you didn't think there was a 'down-side' to being able to carry your personally favorite bang-bang (the SG 552-2P Commando in his case) with some serious attachments (read: grenade launcher) around in downtown Manhattan, you probably didn't belong on this team.Back in the room,"He's not fighting for his life," Estere laughed. "He is fighting for mine.""Right," I responded sarcastically. We went through a flurry of exchanges, ending up with me kicking a chair at her. Estere stepped over it, colliding with me.I blocked her dagger, disarmed her scimitar and,"You are dead," she panted down at me, smiling. I was on my back, her straddling me. She had a belt-knife to my throat. I hadn't see her draw it. The scimitar 'disarm' had been a distraction."Woot!" I exhaled."But you're dead," Sister Rafaela misunderstood my good humor."He survived a minute and thirty-four seconds more today than his previous record," Estere responded. She slithered off of me, doing my arousal no good whatsoever, then offered me a hand up."And that's better?""He's a rank amateur with a few months on the job. I've been training to kill people for nearly two decades," Estere smiled. "Care to have a go?""With him, or you?""Either," Estere offered."I don't have a knife, or any hand weapons," she stated."We'll need to remedy that," Wiesława stated. "You should at least carry a knife.""Really? Why?""It is a nearly universal tool," I verbally stepped up. "Even if you are disarmed, you should be able to find one relatively easily, people are less likely to miss a stolen knife than a purloined gun, and a concealed blade could come in handy.""Do you train in knife-work?" Rafaela eye-balled me."Absolutely. It is part of my culture," I grinned."Okay. Can we spar, hand-to-hand?""Sure," I nodded. I put my tomahawks in their harnesses then put my harnesses aside. Estere gave me a wink before giving us the fighting space."So," Rafaela began to circle, "are you Christian?""By your definition, or mine?""By the definition of the Catholic Church."Oh cool, she went for a Savate stance. This was going to get ugly.My "no," was followed by her kick and my block, lunge and grapple. She wasn't nearly as good as Felix. I had her down and in a choke hold within fifteen seconds.Perhaps she thought I'd take it easy on her. She tapped out. I released her, retreated and flowed back to my boxing stance. It took her a moment to realize this was 'practice', not 'an interview'. She hadn't failed in anyone's eyes. We were both doing this to get better."See, I really, truly believe I have talked to supernatural entities ~ some who are considered divinities," I continued. This time she was more careful, trading jabs and blocks with me. "They don't claim to be the One True God. I believe in such a thing, but I also believe having been given the Message, Humanity has been left to muddle things out for ourselves."Whoops, she popped me one."The Woman-Thing this morning?""Yep," I evaded another flurry. She got cocky and I landed three blows, dropping her to the ground. I didn't help her up. Instead, I withdrew and let her get back up on her own before deciding if she wanted to continue. She did."I believe I've seen dragons and ghosts. I have felt legions of my ancestors give me quiet encouragement when I needed it. I know the dead have been brought back to life," I came at her. This time we both went for body blows, knees, elbows and fists. She was not SD-caliber and she needed to be. I grappled and she was forced to tap out again. After she regained her feet, she held up a hand for a pause."Do you believe any of that?" she addressed Estere."I am an adherent of Ismaili Islam yet nothing Cáel has encountered is contrary to my belief system. The Universe is a complex place and the Divine Light is often seen through a fractured lenses," she counseled the nun."Among the escapees were lawyer Francisco Luemba, Catholic Priest Raul Tati, economist Belchior Lanso Tati and former policeman Benjamin Fuca who are serving jail sentences of between three and six years each for supposed links to the rebel group FLEC (Frente para a Libertaé'o do Enclave de Cabinda), which carried out the attack on the Togolese football team at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, 2010," Agent-86 read off yet another bit of global minutia."We need to get to them," I half turned. Sister Rafaela punched me in the gut and I folded up."Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry.""Okay," I mumbled. I had to keep with the plan. "Those men. We need to contact our Coils people in Kinshasa and the Warden of the Mountain Ways ('she' was the Amazon Host's leader of Africa ~ in the ancient times, the mountain ways had been the routes of southern vulnerability for the Amazon tribe thus the name).""Okay," both Agent-86 and Estere answered."Why?" 86 added."The Coils and the Host have had a serious problem with no nation in Africa giving them even back room recognition so we are going to take over our own country, Cabinda. It's been struggling to be free of Angola since 1975 and, by latest estimates, we've got strike elements of over 2,000 Amazons ready and waiting next door in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.""So you are going to go to war with Angola?" Estere frowned. "Don't we have enough enemies?""Au contraire," I grinned wickedly. "The resistance movement is genuine," I ticked off my points, "they have tons of offshore oil, and after we set off some spectacular explosions in the two main Angolan ports which are just down the coast, we allow global panic to bully the UN into intervening before the Angolan military launch an effective counter-offensive ~ considering the Angolan Armed Forces (I'd been reading up on a ton of CIA & MI-6 briefings) will most likely involve attrition warfare since they can't beat us in a stand-up fight.""They, the Angolans, have no overland access, they are separated by 60 kilometers of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo over some sad ass roads Plus the Congo River itself which is freaking huge by the time it gets that close to the Atlantic, Cabinda rests on the Atlantic Ocean by the way. No bridges. The Angolan Navy is anemic. Let me think."I began pacing."Hmm, they have no paratroopers though they have some Special Forces, we will need to hit as many of them in the barracks as we can. Their last invasion was from the north, overland, from the Republic of the Congo, in 1975, not likely to happen this time, though I may have my 'Brother' weasel up a battalion of Indian paratroopers to act as convincing peacekeepers after the initial take over.""Perhaps we can recruit some Vietnamese. I'm sure they'll love fighting in someone else's jungle for a change. We'll need some of 'our' guys to seize the port of Soyo, it is on the wrong side of the river, but has the major refinery the Cabindans will need. Since the entire surrounding province are the same ethnic make-up as the Cabindans, we'll have to take that too.""Man-o-man, I bet by the time this is over they'll really wish they'd given little Cabinda independence back in 1975. As for their other refinery, it is in their capital, Luanda, a few big explosions there too will get the markets jittery. Check that ~ the complete and utter destruction of their major petroleum facility will create a stampede for Peace," I continued. I walked over as our resident computer intelligence genius worked his magic."Blowing things up, you mean killing people," the nun blanched."Yes. This is what I do," I spared her a sympathetic glance. "I've got a madman roaming around in my head who provides me truly epic military advice which normally, but not always, means blowing shit up and killing folks. Welcome to the team," then as the data appeared, "Holy Shit! Did they build their oil refinery in the midst of their ghetto?" I was staggered. The refinery in Soyo was isolated from the town so it could be easily (and safely) seized. It was the one in Luanda which was the 'Holy Shit' site."It looks that way," Agent-86 agreed nonplussed. "Hmm, yeah, here is the port facility then your neighborhood of shoddily constructed one- and two-story dwellings between the refinery and the inland storage tanks, the perimeter barrier appears to be a chain link fence. I'd hate to be their Chief of Security.""Oh yeah," I choked. Estere slipped around to get a look."Whoops," she snorted."What are these people thinking?" I continued. "The whole shebang is exposed to the northern quarter of the city. The storage tanks have residential dwellings on all four sides with numerous side streets. Two teams with RPGs and four rounds apiece, Holy Crap. Sorry Sister.""But I want to save lives," she sputtered."Limiting the collateral damage could be pretty tough," Estere frowned. She toggled throw a series of maps to multiple pictures."Oh, look (dripping sarcasm); they light up the refinery at night. You can sit off the coast in a speed boat under cover of darkness and attack from there," she noted."Damn. Those are a lot of lights," Agent-86 agreed."24-7 operation," I suspected."We will need some experts," the government agent nodded."Or we are going to kill a fuck-load of innocent people. Not just the workers, but can you imagine a fire spreading to those neighborhoods? Shit," I muttered."You can't seriously be contemplating doing something like this," the nun sputtered. "It is inhumane. Think of the families, the children.""Lady, yes I am. Do you have any idea what the Human Rights record of the Angolan Army in Cabinda is? It is truly horrific and in case you missed it, one of the guys in dire need of rescuing by me, due to him being a huge rebel leader who has managed to escape, is also a Catholic priest. He's going to be part of the new government we are going to install once we kill a few hundred Angolans ~ mostly soldiers (more like well over a thousand).""We are going to kill a few hundred so a few hundred thousand can live free, democratic lives without worrying about the local police and political establishment torturing and murdering them. It is all part of the plan.""I think I need to talk with the Bishop.""Hang on. Let me finish," I forestalled her. "He'll get briefed along with everyone else. After all, it is a majority Roman Catholic country as is Angola, so I'm sure your guy can be of immense help.""The people you are putting at risk don't deserve this," she protested."They never do," I nodded in agreement with her. "It rarely stops terrible crap from happening to them though."I felt sorry for the Sister. She thought the Bishop was going to put a stop to this. Poor girl; he was going to do the exact opposite. See, the two competing forces at play here were a communistic kleptocracy (currently ruling Angola) and Catholic liberation theology united with a Cabindan national identity dating back to 1885. At stake was 900,000 barrels a day of petroleum. That was a bunch of funding for somebody. Last I checked, the state run energy conglomerate had misplaced $32 billion, in just three years.Mind you, the Coils of the Serpent and the Amazon Host didn't want to help the People of Cabinda out of the goodness of their hearts either. They wanted cover for the importation of weapons and other war-fighting material so they could kill the Condottieri in Africa. If the rebel leaders-turned-legitimate government didn't play ball well, the Coils were in the 'assassinating people' business and somewhere along the line the survivors would figure out keeping 'us' happy kept them alive. Problem solved.It was Bishop Nicolé de Santis' job to facilitate that understanding. If certain people with Vatican credentials explained the 'facts of life' to the new regime a lot more lives could be saved, Catholic lives. In turn, he could work to make sure the new group in power wasn't nearly as corrupt as the gang we were tossing out. Better education and quality of life, improved infrastructure & security and a nice shiny cathedral, or two.We, as in JIKIT and our component members, didn't want to rule the country and dominate the people's lives. We needed the ports and the airfields with a blind eye turned to our skullduggery. Sure, there would be future considerations. Amazons and Coil members would be fighting and dying for these people's freedom ~ public recognition definitely not required. No; the Amazons wanted to be left alone in their deep jungle homes which was an isolation they basically already had. This was a future chit which said 'don't come looking'.The Coils? Let's just say in the future Cabinda would have embassies around the globe and if occasionally they wanted someone to slip through under diplomatic cover ~ they were good for it. And if the Cabindans ever needed help in the future they knew they had friends in dark places who were now invested in Cabinda's survival. It was a win-win-win, unless you were an Angolan big-wig, or one of their foot-soldier currently serving in Cabinda. Amazons weren't big on taking prisoners, or even giving the opposition the option of giving up.For me, it wasn't lunch yet and here I was plotting to overthrow yet another government in yet another country ~ though in only two, small provinces this time. Thank the Goddess I had the rest of the week

When Shopsydoo's (Adesope Olajide) father came to visit him in the UK he couldn't believe the life his son was living. He asked him - “You left a life as a prince to come and live like a pauper here?”But he stuck with his dreams for himself and his family. Now, no major Afrobeats concert in Europe and the United Kingdom is complete without Adesope. He is of the country's biggest hype men and MCs.  We talk about how that industry and that sound has changed over the years - from 2face and Psquare to Rema and Fireboy - changed the world and changed his life. “Black women didn't want to date us because we had Nigerian accents,” he tells me. “But now, because of Afrobeats it is now mainstream to be African, to come from Africa, to be part of the culture.”He says he will forgive Tiwa Savage and Wizkid because these pioneers made it possible for this change to happen.And he tells me the greatest lessons he has learnt from the great successes and great failures of Nigeria's music industry. Consider this a masterclass. Exclusive Patron-only Content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armagh take on Galway in the All-Ireland Football Final today. Brendan spoke to two men who were in the commentary box the last time their respective county won it. Jimmy Smith is a former Armagh captain and commentator while viral star Ollie Turner calls matches for Galway Bay FM.

Bishop Strickland wrote “We find ourselves at a strange moment in Church history when Archbishop Viganò is excommunicated swiftly while Theodore McCarrick remains unexcommunicated after years of his crimes against the Church have come to light.” Dr. Taylor Marshall comments. The Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (prayed by the Carmelite Sisters) O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God and Mother of mine, support me by your never failing love and help and protect me. Show me that you are my Mother. May I, unworthy as I am, come one day to exchange your scapular that I had the privilege to wear for the wedding garment of heaven, and dwell with you and all the saints of Carmel in the kingdom of your Son. (Here make your petition: Let us also pray for those preparing to make their vows.) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your loving hands. O Mary, my Mother, I consecrate myself to you forever. I offer you my body with all its miseries, my soul with all its imperfections, and my heart with all its affections and desires. I offer you all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings, my struggles and especially my death with all that it will entail. I unite all of these, Mother, with your own joys and sufferings. Amen. Queen and Beauty of Carmel, pray for us. DR. TAYLOR MARSHALL PODCAST #catholic #catholicchurch 

Sweet Mother. Proverbs 31:27,28,29 and 31

In honor of Mother's Day, TODAY Moms gather for a celebration of mom's everywhere. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer share their gratitude for each other and why ‘motherhood is a sisterhood.' They open up about the joys and challenges of motherhood, life lessons they learned from their own moms, and what their greatest hope is for their children. They even get a surprise Mother's Day message from their kids.

When Betti Jo Weber of Sweet Mother of Pie first wrapped her hands around an apple peeler, she didn't realize she was setting off on a voyage that would transform her from a country girl into a pie-making maven in Hood, Texas. Our heartwarming chat uncovers the layers of this journey as she recounts how 600 pounds of Granny Smith apples and her mother's pie crust recipe became the foundation of a business that's about more than just delicious pies—it's about change, legacy, and the unexpected turns that sweeten our lives. Betti Jo's narrative is a reminder that embracing the 'yes' in life can be the critical ingredient to discovering one's true calling.The oven heats up as we whisk you away to the bustling Betti Jo's Junction, where what started as a quaint garage sale desire unfolded into a vibrant marketplace that buzzes with over 500 visitors. In the tales of Betti Jo's encounters, like that with an octogenarian with a zest for life, we see the profound power of pies to connect us. The episode rises as we sift through the secrets of creating a space that's more than just commerce—it's the heart of a community, brimming with stories, laughter, and the shared satisfaction of a slice of pie.In our final taste of this episode, we savor the essence of pie at the Pie House—a place where regional recipes spark memories and trust forms the crust of the community. Discover the power of pies, not just as a dessert, but as a vehicle for dreams, a binder of families, and a reminder that the simplest pleasures like a trust-based pie stand can become the cornerstone of a fulfilling, limitless life. Join us as we serve up a slice of Betti Jo's world, where every pie has a story, and every bite is a step towards home.https://aarondegler.com/

Today the boys figure out everything from who could pull off directing the ancient greek tale of Oedipus Rex. 

Today the boys figure out everything from who could pull off directing the ancient greek tale of Oedipus Rex.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Lexi shares the importance of connecting to the earth and the benefits that come from it. Get back to your roots— LITERALLY!

Our Lady of Mt Carmeland the devotion of the brown scapularO most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that have recourse to thee. (Repeat three times)Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (Repeat three times)Amen.

Now that Morning Show host Nikki Medoro is officially the mother of a teenager, she reflects back on what the world looked like when she turned 13 in 1991 and there are some interesting parallels. Daughter Marley also shares how much she's changed in the last ten years with a fun and creative Medoro tradition all parents should adopt!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://osazuwaakonedo.live/oh-sweet-mother-no-one-compares-to-you-i-swear-2face-idibia-celebrates-mum-shares-lovely-photos-of-self-kids-with-mum-without-annie/26/09/2021/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/osazuwaakonedo/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/osazuwaakonedo/support

Sweet Mother of God!! Things have turned to shit in Melbourne but the fellers are here to lift your spirits. Evo's wedding hangs in the balance while Tommy heads out to Panton Hill and encounters a punter with a very strange request. They also take an email story from a listener. Sit back, relax and enjoy some "Good Banter"

Impromptu basement session in the Clippert Studio. Sweet mother we surrender to you. We give you all that we have. We don't need it anymore. All we want is your grace. Bless Mother Earth. Featuring Zico Alame and Brad Lake.

London-Ish #37 | Sweet Mother I No Dey Forget You by London-ish Podcast

We're back! To honour Mother's Day this Sunday, today we're talking about motherhood and our perceptions and experiences with our mums from childhood until now. What do you have in common with your mum? Are you her "favourite child?" Also, what do we think of the parallels drawn between motherhood and womanhood, and the way people may intertwine them? Enjoy this episode and treat your mum this Sunday! Current faves mentioned: How Great Medley - Israel & New Breed, He Still loves me - Fighting Temptations

Hello! I'm happy you joined me here. In this first episode of 2021, I'll be sharing why I changed the name of my podcast previously known as Sweet mother podcast. I'll also share a little bit about me in case you've just stumbled on this episode and wondering who is the princess behind this awesome voice! So, welcome and journey with me.    

Our Guest, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, use Labi Siffre’s song, Something Inside So Strong to unpick the migrant narratives in her collection of short stories, Manchester Happened (published in the USA as Let’s Tell This Story Properly), we explore the ways in which Sweet Mother by Nico Mbaga contribute to conversations on the treatment of indigenous Ugandan feminism in relation to western feminism in the novel, The First Woman (published in the USA as A Girl Is A Body of Water), and we also draw explicit parallels between Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Makumbi’s Kintu.Listen to Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi’s curated playlist on Spotify, and Deezer. Follow @booksandrhymes on Twitter and Instagram to stay informed on the latest news on classic and contemporary books by writers of African descent. We would love it if you share your thoughts & tag us in your social media posts of this episode. The song you heard in the intro and outro of this podcast is titled: Reset by Meakoom (Meakoom) link to her music is available on Bandcamp Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi's Bibliography: - Kintu- Manchester Happened (Published as Let's Tell This Story Properly in the USA)- The First Woman - (Published as A Girl Is a Body of Water in the USA) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Music: Post Malone - "Candy Paint"Stand-up bits cited in-episode; featuring Bill Burr on SNL, Bobby Lee, Patrice O'Neal on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn & Nicole Burch. 

Warm, welcoming and made from scratch with the finest ingredients - this has always been the cornerstone of the Culinary Combo, established by Jodie and Jim Polk in 1989. The business expanded from catering and pastries to include gift baskets filled with fresh baked goods. In 2018, the Culinary Combo’s world was turned upside down when Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away one month later. With one half of the Culinary Combo gone, a new combo was born. Jessica Barris made the leap and left her job to partner with her mom, opening their first retail location Culinary Combo Bakery (CCB). Offering a range of baked goods, from a classic lemon bar to the outrageous muddy buddy cookie, CCB has the treats to satisfy every sweet tooth. Stop by our bakery for a goodie-on-the-go, assemble a custom order, or send one of our pastry-filled baskets as a delightful gift. No matter your choice, we provide a friendly, comforting, “cookies just out of the oven” experience. Here’s what we discussed   Our favorite sweet treats   Running a family business   Rebranding and repositioning in business   Changing with the times during COVID-19 Connect with Jodie & Jessica  Website: https://www.theculinarycombo.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulinaryComboBakery/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinarycombobakery/ 

In this episode we consider another poem that highlights the sacrifices and care mothers give to their children. Thank you again and again. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today’s episode, Bev and her guest Priscilla discuss motherhood and balancing school and their careers. GUEST: Priscilla Ihenacho @teampyt on Instagram! #MILFS is an honest, funny and authentic podcast by a mother who talks about any and everything. From parenting, to relationships, work-life balance and other everyday life experiences.  If you have any questions or testimonies that you would love to share, send an email to: theofficialmilfs@gmail.com Be sure to follow on social media:  Twitter: @milfspodcast Instagram: @milfspodcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga

Early LifeOlli was born on 12th September 1970 in Watford, United Kingdom to his parents. His mother is from South America and his father from Africa.Olli is the first of three children.In 1974, his mother with her children travelled to Africa to join her husband who already left United Kingdom to Africa.EducationAt the age of five, Olli attended the Unijos Staff Primary School, Africa. In 1980, he sat for the National Entrance exams and passed all his papers including the interviews and was given the admission letter to Baptist High School (a Missionary school run by Americans). In 1986, Olli sat for the General Certificate of Education in eight subjects where he passed all.He gained admission into Federal Polytechnic to read Civil Engineering in 1986 and obtained Ordinary National Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1988.In 1988, he gained admission into the University at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria to study Civil Engineering and obtained a degree in Engineering in 1995.Musical CareerIn 1986, Olli joined the St. Pirans Church Youth Fellowship where he participated as one of the back-ups in the choir.At the age of 19, he joined the Victory Choir in Bauchi State as one of the tenor singers whilst he was a student. He also participated as one of the back-ups in the Chapel Band and played the set drums.In 1995, he joined the Solid Rock Choir in Abuja and hence Olli has now built on that Foundation which has now led him to become a gospel songwriter/singer. He was also inspired by so many gospel artists like Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Nicole C. Mullen. For further details, please visit www.olli-one.co.uk.Olli is married with two children and has gone back to the studio to record his best work.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for finding joy, happiness, peace and success in many areas of our lives. In this QUICK TALK, I talk about what I'm grateful for everyday and how gratitude makes me see life. I also share one simple way we can incorporate gratitude into our everyday lives, to connect better family, friends, business, jobs and to God.   Follow Us: Email: sweetmotherlife@gmail.com   www.thesweetmother.com www.instagram.com/thesweetmother www.twitter.com/IffyChukwu http://www.facebook.com/thesweetmother     Rate and Review  Head on to Sweet Mother Podcast on Itunes. Rate and review this show, to help more people find us and benefit from listening to the show.  Sweet Mother - is a podcast for that mother who needs a bit of encouragement, inspiration, creative ideas, tips, fun and maybe a little laughter - that would help her to be joyful, shine her light and embrace her everyday moments, irrespective of what life has thrown at her...in her journey of motherhood.   Send us an email if you would love to be a guest on the podcast or if you have any questions you would like us to talk about on the show. Much love Iffy

Matt and Mike gettin ya through Hump Day as only they can!

On today's episode, I discuss mummy guilt and how people's expectations of us is the topmost reason we are burdened with guilt. I shared how terrible I felt when my daughter had her first tooth at 22 months!  I also highlighted how some mums feel when they have a C-section. I don't know why, but as a Nigerian mum, I've heard people asking this question after a new mum has just had  her baby...Congratulations! Did you have a normal birth or C-Section?! The big question is..WHAT IS NORMAL? I also share some ways to manage mum guilt.   Subscribe to the Sweet Mother podcast:  https://apple.co/2UYfjOV Connect with us Instagram: 

Today in the guest chair, we have Chinyere Erharuyi but I call her Extraordinary Chichi. She's an amazing mum of two, who lives in the UK. She shares her journey and the battle she faced with infertility, the stigma attached to it, her complicated pregnancy, the doctors’ death sentence and much more!  The song she sang at the 23rd minute brought it all home for me. Everyone, this is a MUST LISTEN!    Some highlights. “I felt as if I was in a sea adrift. I didn’t know where the waves were going to take me. The only thing I was sure of was that I have this God that was not wicked. ” Chinyere Erharuyi “The pain of remembering that I don’t belong if I don’t have a baby in my marriage was another willpower. I wasn’t willing to give up.” Chinyere Erharuyi. Connect with Chinyere for guest speaking here: chysuyi@yahoo.com To sign up for our weekly email updates, please visit us at Sweet Mother and use the sign up form at the bottom of the page.   Stay connected:   Sweetmotherlife@gmail.com   Sweet Mother Website Sweet Mother on Instagram Sweet Mother Facebook page   Rate and Review  Rate and Review Sweet Mother Podcast on Apple podcast/Itunes to help more people find us and benefit from listening to the show.  Listen on Applepodcast, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Castbox, Spotify.

I did not plan to take a break from podcasting but one thing led into another and time just flew by. As a mum of four, I had a lot to sort out before the holiday. Thanks to those who sent me emails asking if I was okay. I was touched. In today's Voicenote, I talk about KidStoryTime with Iffy, my other YouTube channel. Here is the link  KidStoryTime with Iffy If you are an African mum/mom with infants, young kids or teenagers and you have a story to share, please send us an email to sweetmotherlife@gmail.com   Rate and Review Head on to Sweet Mother Podcast on Itunes. Please rate and review this show, to help more people find us.  Sweet Mother - is a podcast for that mother who needs a bit of encouragement, inspiration, creative ideas, tips, fun and maybe a little laughter - that would help her to be joyful, shine her light and embrace her everyday moments, irrespective of what life has thrown at her...in her journey of motherhood.  This is a weekly podcast.Use a podcast app on your smartphone so you can subscribe and listen easily! THANK YOU!  

On today’s episode, we learn how Phinnah Chichi Ikeji, mother of four and an accountant found her passion in coaching and mentoring today’s teenagers. We also dive into the recent increase in knife crime among teenagers (boys) in London, social devices and boundaries , talking to your teens about sex and African parents and their teenagers in the diaspora. You've really got to LISTEN to this! Books Mentioned: Daily Inspiring Declarations: Using God's Word to Win in the Battlefield of the Mind STAY POSITIVE: DAILY AFFIRMATIONS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS   Parting advice: “When we know better as parents, we do better.” Phinnah Chichi Ikeji Connect with Phinnah PHINNAH ON INSTAGRAM PARENTING TEENS SOLUTIONS   To sign up for our weekly email updates, please visit us at Sweet Mother and use the sign up form at the bottom of the page.   Stay connected:   Sweet Mother Website Sweet Mother on Instagram Sweet Mother on Twitter Sweet Mother Facebook page   Rate and Review Sweet Mother Podcast on Apple podcast/Itunes to help more people find us and benefit from listening to the show. Sweet Mother - is a podcast for that mother who needs a bit of encouragement, inspiration, creative ideas, tips, fun and maybe a little laughter - that would help her to be joyful, shine her light and embrace her everyday moments, irrespective of what life has thrown at her...in her journey of motherhood. Thanks for listening.

Check this out. I just saw.........cops here. Wow. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/evanwrekn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/evanwrekn/support

Asian MMA Podcast weekend update for May 17tth -19th of 2019 ONE Championship Enter the Dragon and ROAD FC 53 This is your Asian MMA weekend update for May 17tth -19th of 2019 We had two massive events this weekend with ONE Championships Enter The Dragon in Singapore and ROAD FC 53 capping off their lightweight tournament and awarding the million dollar prize. And Don’t forget to subscribe to the Asian MMA Podcast so you don’t miss out any Asian MMA Goodness. Let’s start things off in Singapore with ONE Championship, which put together an amazing card. And before I get into the fights from that night, I want to highlight Michael Schiavello calling the fight cage side for injecting some of the best Game of Thrones references and just slipping them in at the perfect time. It really added some fun audible moments. For some reason, Mei Yamaguchi vs Laura Balin was on the prelims, Yamaguchi came out strong and made quick work of Balin with an armbar finish at 3:45 of the first round. I love watching Mei fight, I think she is one of the most talented women on the ONE roster. Her fighting on the prelims is really a crime. We also had Garry Tonon back in action against Yoshiki Nakahara. Tonon is an absolute beast! He came out strong like we have seen him do in every fight, and he dove for a heel hook and had it locked up and Nakahara tapping in less than a minute. Tonon is just unstoppable right now and making short work of people. Kicking off the main card we had Miao Li Tao get a highlight real finish over former ONE Strawweight Champ DSA. It was a nasty KO. DSA just wasn't getting his hands up and Tao saw that opportunity and put him to sleep. In other action, we had Dagi make short work of Amir Khan who got a second shot at moving ahead in the lighweight grand prix, but Dagi had his number and his striking was just too much and too powerful for Khan as a series of uppercuts and hooks crumpled Khan against the ropes The first of the two fights we absolutely have to talk about is Sage Northcut making his debut against Cosmo Alexandre. Before I get into the craziness of this fight, did anyone else notice that ONE announced Sage as a 77-time world Karate Champion? Despite the fact that he is 23 making that seems a bit difficult. I went and looked this up anyway and it turns out they were referring to the youth championships he has won in Karate. I’ve got to give ONE a yellow card for that attempt at subterfuge. On to the fight. Sweet Mother of Science, I did not expect it to go down like this. For some reason, Sage thought it was a good idea to stand with Cosmo, a multi-time Muay Thai and kickboxing champion. This is a guy who has shared the stage with some of the greatest fighters of this generation, he has wins over John Wayne Parr and Mark Holst. Cosmo had not fought MMA in almost 3 years but has been active in kickboxing and Muay Thai in that time so one would think that Sage would have had a better game plan then to stand with a killer. Well, it only took 29 seconds for Cosmo to absolutely crush Sage with a single punch, causing 8 fractures in his face in the process resulting in Sage needing a 9-hour sur

In this week's episode, Laila talks about the trending stories involving some famous moms, since Mother's Day is days away. Laila dives into the conversation surrounding the birth of the newest royal baby, plus a famous mom getting backlash for sharing her insecurities, and finally a deal for moms who need a break from mothering on Mother's Day!

N A I J A G I R L T A L K S P O D C A S T Episode 07: Sweet Mother In this episode, we discuss our personal relationships with our Mothers and how that has helped our cast members, Deb and Shola with their own journey as new Moms! Listen as we gist about the matter! If you enjoyed the talk, please be kind to share with a fellow girl. Ose baddest! Follow us on IG @NaijaGirlTalks. Find us on Soundcloud and Apple Podcast at "Naija Girl Talks Podcast." Podcast Intro Song: "Sweet Mother" Cast Instagram Olamide: @UrbanDisciple Shola: @OluAndSho Deb: @beecoming_ Contact us: NaijaGirlTalks@gmail.com Follow Us on IG @NaijaGirlTalks

Voice Notes - From time to time, ‘Sweet Mother’ host Iffy Chukwu will record short audios that just can’t wait until the next episode. It’ll be a place to share an observation or a thought. Basically to get connected and touch base. In this bonus episode, Iffy shares a book recommendation. Show Notes Heart & Hustle, written and narrated (in audible) by Patricia Bright.  Topics in the book. Your brand. Your business. Your beliefs.      Rate and Review Head on to Sweet Mother Podcast on Itunes. Please rate and review this show, to help more people find us.    Sweet Mother - is a podcast for that mother who needs a bit of encouragement, inspiration, creative ideas, tips, fun and maybe a little laughter - that would help her to be joyful, shine her light and embrace her everyday moments, irrespective of what life has thrown at her...in her journey of motherhood. If you are an African mama or a friend, please feel at home! This is a weekly podcast.Use a podcast app on your smartphone so you can subscribe and listen easily! THANK YOU! It would be great if you could join our community of mums who are discovering their joys and shining their light against the odds. Please head on to www.thesweetmother.com and sign up for our newsletter. Thank you!  

Hello and welcome to Sweet Mother podcast. Thank you for tuning in. I’m your host, Iffy Chukwu, and this is an introduction to the podcast. In this episode, I'll tell you who I am, why I created this podcast, what my goals for it are, and what you should expect from listening to it. Show Notes My name is Iffy Chukwu, mum of four, a children’s author who loves reading books! I’m from Nigeria and I live in London. Sweet Mother - is a podcast for that mother who needs a bit of encouragement, inspiration, creative ideas, tips, fun and maybe a little laughter - that would help her to be joyful, shine her light and embrace her everyday moments, irrespective of what life has thrown at her...in her journey of motherhood. In this episode, I talk about a framework I created for Sweet Mother podcast. This would serve as a guideline and its based on the meaning of the acronym for J.O.Y.F.U.L. Juggling life Overcoming challenges Yearning for God’s blessings, guidance in your family Following your passion Understanding and making meaningful connections through reading good books Loving yourself Listen on Apple podcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Soundcloud and Google Play   Links Mentioned: www.thesweetmother.com/episode 00   Follow Us:   www.thesweetmother.com www.instagram.com/thesweetmother www.twitter.com/sweetmother1 http://www.facebook.com/thesweetmother   It would be great if you could join our community of mums who are discovering their joys and shining their light against the odds. Please head on to www.thesweetmother.com and sign up for our newsletter. Thank you!  

Dance your way through this enchanting meditation from davidji.  Travel the beauties of mother earth while you are guided on a journey of enlightenment, hope and empowerment.  The majestic images and uplifting music will energize your body and mind and send your soul on a blissfully soothing trip.  Hay House shares free guided meditations from inspiring authors to help you make the most of each day. Subscribe today to receive free guided meditations from Hay House.  

Welcome back patrons to another episode of Loreseekers! This week at the tavern we're preparing you for Summerset as we cover the latest news, meet the organizations of Summerset, learn more about what we can expect to experience on the Isle and continue our Lore Lesson series with the Dark Brotherhood! Pull up a seat, order a drink and enjoy the show!

Sweet Mother of teenage Jesus! Jamie and Madison are back and ready to chat about Grace and Frankie Season 2! Join in as they react to S2E1 "The Wish" and S2E2 "The Vitamix". Show link: https://www.netflix.com/title/80017537 Contact us via email at: navigatingnetflixoriginals@gmail.com Hit us up on twitter: @NNOPodcast

This week the lads return with a new #TouchlineFracas podcast as they discuss the recent transfer activities, how the clubs are shaping up in pre season, a discussion on football IQ as well as taking your listeners questions. Make sure to get involved using the #TouchlineFracas hashtag on Twitter. follow @TouchlineFracas. Morayo - @Whodeknee Ayo - @Disunomics Demz - @DemzChappelle Kane - @MonsieurKane Anton - @ThemlotsDad

Welcome to The Shaun Tabatt Show! Leonard Sweet returns to the program today to share about his brand new book Mother Tongue: How Our Heritage Shapes Our Story (NavPress, 2017). Here's the ground we cover in this conversation: Let's begin with the story behind the book. What prompted you to want to write on this topic? (00:37 - 02:01) Was there anything that stood out as either unique or particularly challenging about the experience and journey of writing this book? (02:02 - 03:07) Give us a bit of context. What are a few of the key things we need to know about your mother? (03:08 - 07:30) You selected “artefacts from” your “memory box” to help tell your mother's story. Can you give us an example of one of these items and tell us why that item is meaningful? (07:31 - 10:26) What do you consider your mother's biggest challenges and greatest accomplishments in life? (10:27 - 12:33) You explain your home as a “religious community.” Please elaborate on what made it so and how that impacted you. (12:34 - 16:19) You say in your book that “Home is where your books are.” How did reading and books shape you? (16:20 - 18:30) Your mother advised you, “that if your mission can be completed in your lifetime, it isn't a big enough dream”. How have these words motivated and inspired you? (18:31 - 21:24) When you think of readers getting to that final page of Mother Tongue, what do you most hope each of them takes away from reading your book? (21:25 - 23:39) Leonard, if the listeners want to find out more about you and more about your books, where should they go on the web? (23:40 - 24:04) About the Book:  Most people know Leonard Sweet, one of the world's most influential evangelicals, as a sharp cultural critic who helps us see how to get in front of the future rather than be bowled over by it. One of his greatest influences was his mother, a groundbreaking (and sometimes controversial) minister who defied convention while honoring tradition. In this exceptionally personal work, Len Sweet opens his mother's memory box, and in the process he helps us all embrace the future with confidence while tethering us to a faith that transcends time. Through Len's experience, we all will better understand and process how our own heritage affects our legacy. An ideal resource for mothers, adult children, and families seeking resources to set up their kids to flourish. About the Author:  Leonard Sweet is a popular global speaker and prolific author, and he holds professorships at George Fox University, Drew University, and Tabor College. His daily social media postings have made him one of the most influential Christians in the US and around the world. Leonard is also the premier writer and owner of the fast-growing, innovative preaching resource preachthestory.com and has published more than 1,500 sermons.  Connect with Leonard: LeonardSweet.com PreachTheStory.com Facebook Twitter (@LenSweet) For additional show notes, visit ShaunTabatt.com/146.  

Sweet Mother of Dragons! The return of the ice cold Penguin! Breaking down the R1 Featurette. Fisher dishes about kissing Han Solo, and oh yeah, Riley still has a crush on Daisy Ridley! All on this week's episode of the STAR WARS REPORT! Star Wars Report is available on iTunes! Be sure to subscribe, rate and […]

This week on Episode 106: Sweet Mother Sweet Mother, Aggelos (@Aggelos_WoF) and Avi Optimal (@Avioptimal) talk all the latest news this week including Weekly Vendor review, Patch 2.3.9, ESO at PAX East, The Elder Scrolls Legends, and all things Dark Brotherhood! Sweet Mother, Sweet Mother, Send your Child unto Me, For the Sins of the […]