I'm Almost There....

Back in January, I completed my 1st vision board ever. I just knew it was going to be such a hard task completing everything on it. I was thinking how am I going to do this?? As March becomes last month, I look at my vision board everyday and I smile. A far greater percent of my board is complete and its still the beginning of the year. My board is the 1st thing I see in the AM and the last thing I see before bed( after kissing and tucking in my babies, praying and playing a few rounds of words with friends)

I'm starting to learn and believe,I'm GREAT & I can accomplish ANYTHING i put my mind too!!! I've learned the concept of applying myself and going after what I really want. The will power and strength is already in us, we just have to tap into it and go forth.

If we wait for people to support us, pat us on the back and motivate us; 9 times out of 10 its not going to happen. They are way more concerned with watching us fail vs succeeding.

My 1st vision board was what I perceived to be a Challenge. I wasn't sure how I was going to tackle each part. But, when I focused LESS, I completed MORE. Ultimately, it was a good challenge and I've learned a challenge is just an inside way of pushing ourselves to the limit.

Make this Day Stupendous.. Tap into your inner self and remind yourself... I'm Almost there~

This is for U Girl...

I LOVE my sisters. I have 2 biological ones and a host of ones I've adopted. Ever so often, I gt the urge to just write about ya'll! This is for MY Girls~

This has been the year of transition. As I reflect on my vision board, more than 1/2 of my goals have been accomplished or started. One of my biggest was working on my family issues. I have my Mom's side and My Father's side. Every family has it's ups and downs but I can honest say I feel a shift and it's a good 1. I've reconciled with my sister Kendra and my prayers and hopes are that we continue to move forward. I also have a new appreciation for my Aunt Karla and although she carries the title "AUNT", she has become my "Friend". I mean, she hung out with a bunch of 30 year old's til about 2am for my 33rd bday this year! You better work it girl!! LOL

Then I have my SISTERS who have just been there for me unconditionally without judgement but in LOVE and Support. If I started to name each of you, I'm sure I'd forget someone. My LOVE and their love as well, stretches from the East Coast where I hail of Boston, Ma: thru Conn to the borroughs of New York, straight thru Jersey and Baltimore down to the DMV area, to the Carolina's, Florida and back up to my new home and love the good ole ATL Shawty.

Not to mention, the good ole St. Lou,Minnesota, Tennessee, KY, Cali, Arizona, my Chi town steppers, and Michigan. As I sit and think of each sistergirl and the state she represents, I appreciate your style. It's that piece of you that connects US.

There are 3 WOMEN who have taught me that friendships never become old but they are refreshed daily. My very 1st BFF ever Lequila West( whom I recently reconnected with thru FB), my middle school BFF and Godmother to OUR DIVA( because she has all boys) LaTara Grady, and my 3rd BFF who gained the title by default because she didn't like me, Moneka Jones. We've grown together from girls, to teenagers, mothers, Wives and WOMEN. I LOVE Yall.

We become so engulfed in our day to day living that we forget the small things. So, today before I'm overwhelmed with my day, I sit with a nice glass of lemon water with ice and have a sip to my GIRLS~~

Cheers, this is for the tears we've cried, the smiles we share, the hairs we color and the friendships that have outlasted it ALL~~

LOVE Yall~

( As i scratch my head, I pray I've covered every state)

you Straight?? I'm Good~~

I LOVE absolutely LOVE talking to my brother Dyrell aka Turkey Sandwich. Although I'm the oldest, my brothers swear they are older than me. The three of them definitely surpass me in height but I got them on age.

Whenever Turkey calls(his nickname, he's gonna kill me if he sees this)the 1st thing he says," What up Neek, you straight"? Before I tell him anything, he awaits my " I'm good Turkey, how about you"? He's my heart. Since relocating, he and I have become closer. We speak at least 3/4 times a week( yup, another welcoming phone call).Our relationship is different from my other 3 brothers. Growing up, we used to tell people we were twins, Michelle and Michael. Because we look so much alike, there was really no way for people to doubt it. LOL

When I moved to Atl, he told me "Neek I'm proud of you and if you and my niece need anything you call me". With tears and snot I said, Ok. There's something about our bond I just cannot explain. He was the 1st of my mother's children to marry. He's constantly looking for ways to just be better. He's an AWESOME father, son and brother. But like any other male, he goes through the ups and downs of being a Black Male. He goes above and beyond the call of duty for his children and our family.

Everytime we talk, the conversation is not complete if we don't talk trash. It's that kind of trash only siblings would understand...

Today's blog is dedicated to Antuan Dyrell (Turkey Sandwich) Hobbs. I've finally come to the place of meaning, "I'm good" from the heart. I'm loved, appreciated, accepted and I'm living for me. Thank-U for always being in my corner. Thanks for the Love and support. You're 1 of a kind homie...

So, umm yeah...
I'm GOOD~

Ahhhh, that was Rfreshing

I swear I hate answering the phone. Growing up, the phone was my best friend. Now that I'm older, I'd prefer a text over a phone call. I know, sounds kinda assign but it's the truth.

Growing up, the phone was associated with drama, gossip, arguments, yelling and fights the next day. Now that I'm older, I know how to hold a decent conversation without the need to share what someone said( you know you indulged in the game telephone, LOL)

Lately, I've allowed a number of phone calls to go straight to the answering machine. WHY? I'm certainly not dodging anyone, I just don't have an interest for the phone. God forbid you call and it says UNKNOWN or BLOCKED you definitely go unanswered!!

As I went about my day's work on today, what happened?? My phone rang.. Sheesh come on.. I looked at the ID and who was it calling? My GRANDMOTHER! I quickly grabbed the phone and ran to the back room to answer it. About 2 weeks ago my Grandfather surprised me and today was my grandmother. How refreshing. We talked, caught up for a while and ended with an " I LOVE YOU". Now, these are the kinds of phone calls I welcome daily!

While my disdain for telephone calls will never end, welcoming calls that are unblocked are always a sweet treat.

Have you picked up the phone and called anyone today? Think about it.. Send some telephone love someone's way!

I'm fighting, Gotta get off Life Support...

I searched and searched and it's evident I did NOT own a hoodie. With what has been taking place lately, is it a good thing or bad thing? would I be an assumed target?

The message went out and my Pastor ( William Murphy,3rd) requested that the Partners of The dReam Center Atl stand in Solidarity, Support and Unity in memory of Trayvon Martin. For the ones of us who wore our hoodies, it was such a beautiful sight.

As Pastor bought forth God's word, " He's Still Making Away", It's evident that although "Minority" America has and will be forever attacked, there's still a glimmer of hope for us to eventually get off life support. What is life support? We're days away from the plug being pulled but as long as there is still breathe in our bodies, there's still room left to fight. God has not bought us out of slavery to return to slavery. We can no longer go down and be attacked. The world has the issue NOT US as the person.

What's embedded in us will always show itself forth, its just a matter of us taking/making a stand against what's wrong. How many times, have you looked at a person and assumed the worst? They don't look like me so something is obviously wrong. They talk funny, look even funnier and I swear the clothes they wear are the funniest.

It's very unfortunate that this young man, Trayvon Martin( 17 years old) was gunned down and killed and his "KNOWN" killer has yet to be arrested. In this day and age, when violence against black has somewhat become the norm, we do NOT have to take this laying down. If you have the energy, FIGHT.

Today's message "He's Still Making A Way", had two meanings for me.
1) Although I don't always see it, provisions are made on my behalf daily. I fail somedays, He's Still Making A Way
2) Although we're still struggling as a people "the Minorities" He's Still Making A Way

Instead of feeding off the negative that surrounds us daily, we must tap into our Spiritual being and understand that challenges come and go. They either make us or break us. There are stumps that just won't budge but right when we're at the end of our rope, there is a message just waiting to be revealed and made clear.

We have to sow into the ground/land in order to reap the benefits that have been set aside just for us. Because we are surrounded with violence we do not have to be the VIOLENCE. While some may view us as the problem, our individual PRESENCE is the CURE.

If 7 out of 10 people walk, speak and live in Peace;the other 3 will either see the good and soon live by those traits or disconnect themselves.

Fight to be the change, fight to be heard and understood. Our circumstances as a RACE does not determine our outcome as a Person. I will not allow my circumstances to kill me or run me away from what IS for me.

I choose to LIVE, I will not succumb to death. I'm on life support right now but it won't be for long. There is strength and Unity in numbers. If we began to portray ourselves in a positive light, eventually the dark cloud will soon break up and disperse.

My son, my nephews and cousins COULD be Trayvon Martin, BUT because of the seed I'm sowing into the ground, it's going to change the outcome of what could be DEATH. My determination is and WILL keep me on track. The world is expecting violence to attack this act but it won't. Together, we're standing unified and Solidified because enough is enough. W're taking back our lives and FIGHTING. There's a war going on and the ability to win starts with just one person.

It took the death of a young 17 year old boy to bring us back in alignment with God and the Fight. Today, I profess that We Are 1 and together the world will see us and Respect Us~~

Hoping your Sunday is gReat

The Struggle x 10...

We all struggle. My struggle isn't the same as yours but to me it's my struggle. My biggest struggle is my weight. What am I doing to fight it? I'm starting my walking routine again, I jump rope, don't drink soda( sucks because I LOVE Peach soda) and I try my hardest not to eat to late.

Oh but it's hard! With being an at home mom/business owner its hard to ignore the calling of my name from the kitchen.. Cheneka( yes, the government name) you know you want an oreo..Forget about that grapefruit and eat these canned pineapples drenched in heavy syrup.. It's a battle that I refuse to loose.

Well, what are you doing to win ole girl( I keep it real with myself)?? I put it in the atmosphere that today I will win and I WILL make time for me and my Health. I'm learning, I can talk til I'm blue in the face but until I challenge myself there is no progress... Even if I only walk for 15 minutes and jump for 5; as long as I attempt I've WON..

Now, you're struggle may not be mine however it does exist. What are you doing to fight it?
If it's your credit, are you paying bills on time?
If it's finishing school, are you registered?
If it's learning to drive, are you taking drivers ED?
Finding employment, are you "ARMED" with your resume'?
Standing Up for your rights, are you aware of YOUR rights, are you AWARE that there are people who will try and silence you?

Don't let it happen!!! If it happens once, trust me people will continue to knock you down. Make your voice heard.

Alot of us are a bit bothered, upset and full of rage over the Trayvon Martin case. As people of color, we should be. However, let's not jump on the bandwagon without being fully aware of the STRUGGLE... It's time to make it happen. It's time be about our business, know our rights and speak up for what's right.

I'me seeing the hoodies, glad people are speaking up but what's next? Zimmerman is arrested, what's next? The case goes to trial, what's next?

Let's continue to make progress and beat the struggle. It's said that there can only be 1 chief, well if enough of us Indians follow the lead, get together and rally, then our village will win. The struggle is still being fought, let's NOT get weary... I'm not tired yet...

Let me get up and get my water... What are you getting up to do???

~Make today GREAT~

Relationships: The ties that MAKE or BREAK US~

I'm telling you Marriage, Relationships & Love Lives are hard.. I sit and think of the ups and downs and sometimes because I'm worrying so hard I miss the Special Occasion, which is just being in LOVE. Having a BFF, who listens to me, cares about my thoughts and appreciates me for who I am.

Yes, there's nothing we can do about the hard times we encounter, nor the ups and downs. However, if there's less finger pointing and more communicating, there's a glimmer of longevity. You know, it is possible.

I was engaged in a conversation lastnite and a very poignant statement was made. If we do NOT make more time to fix issues vs blaming each other, screaming and forgetting why we're together, LOVE will no longer exist( i'm somewhat paraphrasing). If we're constantly saying what's wrong and never putting our thoughts together and developing a solution, we will never move forward. And, if you happen to embark upon a new relationship, you will take these same issues with you because you have never faced and attacked them head on.

I Love LOVE, being in love and seeing others in love. In my community of Black America, good relationships are hard to come by. Just the mere existence of two parents in a home is a hot commodity. While to some, all we see is the smile on the outside, we do not know the struggle( if any) that's taking place behind closed doors.

With so many women on their Independent (Black) Woman journey, accepting a (Black) Man into your heart and life is hard. This is a definite barrier. We're used to doing everything, He WANTS to do everything. We're used to opening the door and its his job to open the door, CHILVARY anyone?
The option of going forward is hindered based upon the woman's actions( YES women, let's admit it we mess up sometimes with trying to be Super Woman). We tend to become Super Women based off circumstances beyond our control. BUT we should not allow that minor setback be the basis of our future relationships.

Men, you will not( and you shouldn't) want a woman like your MOMMA... Ewww, you want to make love to your momma?? While you mother has been there to set and example( whether good or bad), you are to take bits and pieces of her and find someone to suit you.

Women, because your father wasn't present, don't expect every man you encounter to owe you something. It's not his fault and don't hold him accountable and blame him for it. Allow him to love and appreciate you for the woman you are( and vice verse).

Together, learn to appreciate your mate for who they are. Not for who you "THINK" they should be. There's a bit of unique"NESS" about each of us and we must learn to appreciate it. There will be good days and bad days. Let the good out weigh the bad and let the bad be lessons for the other days to come.

We have the power to have relationships that model President & 1ST Lady O'Bama. I just love them. He has the toughest job in the world and when he goes to bed at night, he has the toughest woman to listen to his hopes and dreams for the future.

Women, love your KING and men love QUEEN. We tend to feel a certain way when our races mix and mingle with others, but if we learn to appreciate them, then you know the rest... We cannot control who we fall in LOVE with, the challenge is once we do find that special one we go the distance to make it work...

Make sure they have the 'IT FACTOR".. I was told that's the defining characteristic!!!


LOVE on your MATE today... Caress their thoughts and help the dreams become a reality~~~

Make today GREAT!!

Today is NOT that day....

Writing is therapy for me. As is shopping, gossiping,walking, running and solidarity is for others. BUT, what is NOT for me is thinking it's okay to treat my brothers and sisters like crap and expect the next man to see them in a different light and treat them better.

If a Mother, continuously calls her children no good, they will in turn call each other no good and produce no good actions and children of their own. They will continue the cycle. And who will break it?

If BLACK people continue to sell each other drugs, rob, steal and kill, HOW can we dare expect other races to treat us any different? YES, racism sucks to the highest level of sucktisity( don't judge my words..LOL)but we all carry a bit of racism within us. And until we whole heartedly cleanse our minds and thoughts, we will produce actions that in turn will show our true colors.

In an intimate setting with family and friends, YES I will say the word nigga( NOT nigger, take heed in the difference of spelling)! But, let someone of an opposite race say it, I take offense to it. But honestly, WHY? I mean, we're sitting around saying it so why not allow someone else to say it... Oh, I know I'm boiling some ppl's blood but right is right and it starts at home. I'm very cautious not to say it in front of my daughter but what will I do if she hears it?

Today is Not the day to dwell on the faults and sins of others. For one, who are we to judge? Secondly,there should come a point in each of our lives where WRONG is WRONG and we speak out against it.

with all that is happening in the world, there is no room for us to just take what's dished laying down. I constantly say, I'm working hard to leave my children wealth and not debt. BUT, how about I work even harder at defending what's wrong in the world and not just in my little corner?

I AM the change and the difference but I must challenge myself to live and walk the talk DAILY...

Today is NOT the day to continue assuming the worst,
It's not the day to walk blindly and aimlessly through life,
It's not the day to be a fake or phony..

IT'S the day that we WAKE UP~
Wake up and know you're rights,
Wake up and defend what's right,
Wake up and B TRUE TO YOU..

Leave malice and disdain and the door steps. Walk in your POWER as the (insert your ethnicity) BLACK Woman I Am( You are).
I come in Peace talking with a voice of reason. Don't come at me wrong because I may be forced to tell you about yourself and keep it moving!

Make Today GREAT~

If I Were a Boy..

If I were a boy I'd tell them,
Don't make me famous through the innocence of my life being snatched away,
But know me for the son I am, the brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, friend, student I AM~

Know me for my accomplishments in school
Judge me based off my character not the clothes I wear..
Entertain my thoughts by starting a conversation,
Follow me because I'm going somewhere in life, not because I'm going down the street to commit a crime.

If you must have conversations about ME and make my name trending,
Let it be because I Love Jesus and my Life..
I Love cheese doodles and beef hotdogs, I like skittles and Arizona ice Tea
I enjoy playing lacrosse and I can rebuild a mean car engine..

I'm a Boy, your neighbor, even your son's best friend but you will never know because you have Silenced ME~~

So,
On his behalf I speak!
I am HIS mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend!
I know 1st hand of the boy that lives within.

He's more than the Black little boy who looks suspicious to you.
He's LOVED, CARED for and Appreciated.

He's more than the tag you put on his toe after you've realized you've made a MISTAKE in taking him from us.

I stand and Speak..
But, MY voice isn't the one you need to hear.
You need to listen to him, the voice of
the little Black Boy~


I'm a Mother to a handsome little black boy, I'm an Aunt and cousin too. It's such a sad day when we have to speak on their behalf because their voices have been silenced.

Enough is enough.. America is the land and home of the free but YET we struggle with equality and being judged based off what we wear!

Father God, open their eyes and help us all see when the lights go off we're ALL the same...

Your Star, Your Lane, your Life....

~Everybody wants to be Somebody but Nobody wants to be who they Are~

Yay, another Monday. NOT~~~ LOL
Another week to live, shoot for your dReams and make it happen. If you're anything like me, everyday is a new day filled with tons of possibilities. I'm learning that, in order to keep going forward that I have to drop some people along the way. Life is so not the competition that some would like it to be.

I remember the phrase, " Oh, you trying to be like the Jones'" growing up. I truly didn't get it nor understand until I blossomed into my own. Competing with the Jones', everything they get you want, everything they do, you want to do it better. And the Jones' isn't necessarily a family with the last name Jones, its just the way its worded(LOL)..

Everyone has the ability to be GREAT. Each night, there are over a billion stars in the sky. When I look up, I wish upon a different one but in my mind, if it's positioned in the same spot, that's MY STAR~

Let's look at our lives in the same perspective.
~I write, you sing,
~I'm a business owner, you work for someone,
~I have a used truck, you have a new truck,
~I went to a 4 year school, you got your GED,
~I'm extra, you're Normal(o_O)
(These are RANDOM comparisons)

There's no difference in US, we just choose different paths. Never allow someone's opinion be the reason you make alterations to who you are. You are the STAR of YOUR novel. you control the LANE you drive in and you live YOUR LIFE according to your terms.

When we all learn to appreciate our lives and worth for what it is, we'll all become better and WIN in the END. Continue to personalize your life. Your canvas isn't mine but I like it and Good for U~

March Madness...

I tell ya, March is crazy! It's the month after my birthday, the month my baby girl was born and the month before my son's birth. I have tons of family members born in this month as well. Aside from birthdays, it's the month we embrace Spring and Spring forward( the time changes). We changed our clocks on Sunday and I swear before God, I've been waking up late since( poor me)!! However, the early bird gets the worm so I better get with the program.

March also signifies the change of Season. I rarely pay attention to Spring because it's still that in between stage with the weather. It's not cold but not yet hot either.

Lastnite, I thought long and hard about the changes of Season, "LIFE". I fell asleep early and couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned and toyed with grabbing my phone and writing. Needless to say, I dosed back off. As I laid in my bed, I thought of Life & Seasons. I also quoted bits and pieces of one of my favorite scriptures, Ecclesiastes 3: To every season, there is a reason and purpose under the sun. Hmmmmmmmmm, I'd like to share with you MY interpretation of this chapter...

Winter brings forth a time of hibernation. We have prepared by working hard and setting aside goods( saving of money). It's the end of the year and this is the time of rewards.

Spring, the EARLY BIRD will reap the rewards. This is now the time to be about your business. Losing weight, branding your business, working hard and building your empire. Use this time to fight thru whatever it is that has held you back from going forth: STAGNATED, shake it off during this season.

Summer, you have and still are continuing to work hard. Don't stop work harder. you are seeing the benefits but not enough to stop. There's a goal you must reach, status you must attain, keep striving!!

Fall, it's finally here!!! Ahhh, a little space to breath but not enough to take your eyes off the prize... You want to see the world? Winter is around the corner and if you have saved for your rainy days you're about to reap benefits. Don't forget about the people who have helped and supported you along the way. They have all served their purposes and reasons, don't forget it!!

As you step into your season of MARCH MADNESS, go forth in knowing if you faint not, this season of being the early bird will pay off~

Make it Great!!!

My 1st Love...

I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. Between business, home life and mommyhood I barely have time for myself.

However, I do know that I can't stay away from my 1st love and that's to WRITE.. When nobody truly understood me and what I was feeling or going thru, my pen became my best friend.

My 1st love got me thru the loss of my grandmother, the loss of my 1st born, bad relationships, my uncertainty while developing my OWN relationship with GOD on MY terms, family issues, my journey to find me, parenting and the list goes on and on.

My 1st love was there during my numerous hand surgeries too. I have a reoccurring condition called ganglion cyst. Knots intertwine with my veins in my left hand. I have more surgeries than a little bit.

My 2008 surgery was the worst. BUT I used it as an eye opener. My best friend said it best, "Cheneka, you are a writer. The devil is going to try and discourage you, but you WRITE". Thank-you Moneka Jones, I hold those words to my heart and when I feel like the pain in my pinky finger is unbearable, I write.

I write to encourage, I write to inspire and I write to change.

I Encourage, because I've now figured out that in order to encourage others, start by encouraging yourself. Tell YOURSELF, you matter. Tell YOURSELF you look good and trust me, you'll be amazed at how you began to view and appreciate you.

I Inspire, because somebody inspired me. There's strength, courage and power when you learn to inspire others. However, this task can only be achieved after you've learned to inspire yourself. Develop your dReam, write it down, open your eyes and make it HAPPEN.

I write to change because Change 1st started in me. I wasn't living to my fullest potential and I knew it. Through it all, God remained constant and he birthed something inside of me that yearned for more. It was like I was talking to myself but from my heart.. When I think of my journey, I think of this line from The Help..
You is KIND
You is SMART
You is IMPORTANT

I had to believe this for myself. I couldn't wait to hear it from family and friends, I had to condition my thinking and believe it for myself.

I haven't completed the journey because keep going down different roads. I've found the roads of
An UNBREAKABLE relationship with GOD,self help, business owner, mommy 2nd time around, appreciation, networking, positive energy and TRUE LOVE!

When you stop chasing what does not belong to you and what does NOT want you, your prize is humbly there awaiting you to claim it.

So, to my 1st love: Thank you for consoling me during sleepless nights, thank-you for helping me to find my voice, thank-you for running out but never running away, Thank-you!!

People come and go BUT true words that only I can express come from my 1st love and that's my Heart, PAPER and PEN~