What's In Your Bag

10/11/2026

Rise and shine!

I hope this morning finds your mind peaceful and spirit strong. Today is a perfect canvas to prioritize your mental and spiritual well-being. Start your day with powerful, ownership-driven affirmations by speaking “I am” and “I will” into existence. As you move through the hours, build firm boundaries to protect your inner peace. Clear out emotional and spiritual clutter by setting small, achievable goals that keep you grounded. I take long rides to nowhere with a camera in tow. It enables me to revisit my peace while traveling through life’s storms. ❤️

Finally, before you close your eyes tonight, seal this day with “Thank You!” Gratitude is one of the gateways to inner peace. Everything that I say to you is life and light into my path. So, extend love and light to someone else. Perform random, selfless acts of kindness with zero expectations. Be intentional about sowing deeds of kindness and seeds of love into the paths of strangers. Always remember to “Leave More Than You Take.” Your blessing lives in the quiet joy of giving. ❤️

I L o v e Y o u!

Mike
❤️🤚🏾

10/06/2026

10/03/2026

Good Morning,

I love my family. Periodically, I take a roadtrip instead of flying just to be able to visit, hug, laugh, reminisce, and break bread with loved ones, who I don’t get to see outside of a family funeral. On this day, I drove to Alberta, Virginia just to visit my Big Cousin John Louis Wyatt. His grandfather George Fields and my grandmother Gertrude M. Fields Williams were siblings. For no other reason, I just wanted to shower him with love. So, after the hugs and conversation, my heart smiled as he called everyone to let them know his little cousin came to see him. That was also great because I was able to briefly chat with other family members as well. After my visit, I continued on my road trip. ❤️

Roadtrips are great because I get to travel through places like Dolphin, Lawrenceville, Warfield, Freeman, Alberta, or other settlements within Brunswick County, Virginia. It runs along the southern border of Virginia. It is also the area where a chunk of my maternal grandparents Dea. Albert J. Williams and Gertrude Fields - Williams and their siblings were raised. Often, my Mom and her elder siblings told stories about growing up in Brunswick County from 1920 - 1947. So, visiting loved ones, capturing beautiful scenic landscape and Alberta, Virginia’s little bitty Post Office through my lens, while experiencing nature are all ways that I prioritize self-care and manage my mental wellness. ❤️

10/03/2026

S u n s e t C y c l i n g 🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🏿‍♂️

I had a wonderful time taking photos while cycling with my brother Jose on the Neuse River Trails in Raleigh, NC. Jose and I always have always spoken about riding together since he, over 35 years ago, reintroduced me and Dwayne to the sport of cycling. So, after spending the morning in Charlotte, NC at the ‘Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery,’ cycling here in Raleigh, North Carolina with Jo was indeed a blessing. God bless you Jo in all things done and the positive indentation you’re making in the earth. ❤️

I love you, Bruh.
❤️🚴🏿‍♂️🚴🏾‍♀️🚴👌🏾

10/02/2026

‘Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery’
presents
‘Creating Culturally In Diverse Mediums’
featuring
Artist Jose Manuel Cruz

Curator: Joanne Rogers
Proprietor: Author Rogers

I had the distinct honor of touring ‘Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery,’ a 100,000 sq/ft art gallery located in Charlotte, NC, where Curator Joanne Rogers is featuring the work of my brother-friend Jose Manuel Cruz. As a close friend to Jose, it is one thing to see the creative process of each installation. However, there is an emotional connection that I experienced while standing in the middle of that huge gallery space. It was as though I was in the middle of his creative mind and heart. ❤️

On another note, I was pleased to know that Proprietors and Curator Arthur and Joanne Rogers look like me. Author is an esteemed realist fine artist, who specializing in oils. So, for those of you living in the Charlotte, NC area, take a moment of your time to visit the ‘Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery,’ at 700 N. Tryon Street. Charlotte, NC 28202. Jose’s show run ends October 29, 2026. ❤️

Once again, Jose thanks for sharing your gifts with the world. ❤️ 🖼️ 🎨 🖌️

10/01/2026

I am having a wonderful dinner with my sister-in-love Jean. She is AWESOME. ❤️

09/29/2026

Good morning,

Despite our differences, we are intertwined on this journey throughout life. We are essential parts of the universe, and you matter just as much as those you might disagree with. Our interdependence as a community is our shared strength. It exposes wrongdoers while creating guardrails of accountability. So, as you go throughout this day, commit to being considerate and kind to others while also being gentle with self. Many among us suffer in silence, and just because you may not see or feel their pain, it is not a good enough reason to ignore another’s humanity. Offering empathy and showing concern is a choice. Choose it. ❤️

Have an intention-filled day sowing deeds of kindness and seeds of love into the paths of strangers. I love you. ❤️🤚🏾

09/28/2026

Mount Sinai Holy Churches of America Inc. 101 Holy Convocation

Today concludes our Annual Mount Sinai Holy Churches of America Inc. 101 Holy Convocation. Even though I only made it there for Sunday morning’s service, it is such a blessing being in worship and fellowship with so many of my loved ones from around the country. I am so sorry that I didn’t get a chance to hug and chat with so many who I saw from afar, including my Big Bruh and Pastor Dr. Clarence Wright. Here are some photos of family and childhood friends. ❤️🙏🏾

MSHCA Youth

09/22/2026

The Proud Snitch video never gets old 😂😂😂🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

09/14/2026

S e n I o r S e r v i c e s

Tonight finished the township of Woodbridge Senior Olympics. I had a ball watching, and in some cases, participating in activities. I joined the WCC because of the multiple services they provide for their residents, seniors, and community. During the week, they offer services that focus on the health and wellbeing of their seniors and residents. I believe Woodbridge can be seen as a great senior model for other municipalities to duplicate. I love where I live, and it has many perks. However, I can only wish that my town do more for our seniors. ❤️

woodbridgecommunitycenter