Just 1 of those DAYS...

When I sit down to blog, I always try and say something uplifting and encouraging.  I mean, that's just the type of person I am. I live to be the difference and to make a difference. I have 2 little people who look up to me and a MR who feels I'm GREAT.. But yesterday, was just one of those days. I questioned who and what I am, followed by tons of what am I doing wrong?

I take care of my family, I put the needs of others before me. I run a SUCCESSFUL business geared towards single moms and families on the go. I'm co-founder to a great Women's Organization, that's growing and making a difference. I mean, like really what else could it be?

I attend church, pay my tithes, help where I'm needed. I give without complaining and sometimes I'll go without so that someone else can have. I support my siblings, support my family and in my own way, I love unconditionally. But sometimes, it just feels that my yacht is going no where fast.

 Those thoughts seem to consume even the ones of us who feel we are very strong and confident. But, as I sit here, at 10:15pm, listening to FIYA & James Fortune(featuring Fred Hammond & Monica) I'm reminded to never let go and LET GOD... But the question is, Have I let go? I know that I have in some areas but events can happen that would lead us to believe and feel differently.

Have you ever just sat back, quietly and observed??? Yeah, I do it ALL the time!!! I'm not watching with a spiteful eye, I'm watching because sometimes we need motivation and when I see others doing well, it challenges me to be better and focus. Although people always tell me I inspire them, sometimes I need that same inspiration....

This isn't a sympathy post, so don't misunderstand what I'm typing, its just one of those moments where I needed to get something off my chest. Can't always be super woman sometimes; I just need to focus and be the woman I know I'm capable of being or as I've once heard before, " The Woman I am but don't give myself credit for"...

Signed,
It's me &I just needed to vent
#StillThankful

Give Until someone SMILES.....

 This past Thanksgiving was 1 for the books. My business KISS and my Women's Organization, Women who Network, along with some happy bubbly little people, hand delivered Thanksgiving Turkey cards to Senior citizen Facilities. What's known as a day of spreading cheer, soon turned into the brightest day ever, And, it wasn't just bright for us but boy did we make some seniors smile.

Our 1st stop was Huntcliff Senior Assisted Living. We handed out cards to a few seniors because most of them were already in their rooms. We shared some smiles there and headed on to our next stop.

The Seniors at the Dogwood Retirement Center were AWESOME. A staff person escorted us throughout the center to each floor and we hand delivered turkey cards to all of the residents. The cheer we shared and the way they received us was Ahhhhhmazing. The spirits and energy of these "forever young" seniors touched us in more ways than you'll ever understand.

We met Ms. Gladys, 97years old, oldest resident. Then there was Sherman, who saw us in the hallway, we gave him a card and then he started to give his own hugs and kisses. We deemed him, "Fresh Mr.Sherman". Then there was the resident who didnt' smile for anyone. We were challenged to make her smile and if we could Abduli( our escort) would pay us!! Let's just say, " Where's the money".. LOL

Then we met Mr & Mrs. Methi from India. Mr. Mehti is blind but one of the smartest and most intellectual men you'll ever meet. His wife spotted us in the hallway and we gave her a card. Once she realized we were delivering them personally, she gave her card back and insisted we deliver one to them personally.

We met residents from New Jersey, Massachusetts, Germany and ones with connections in California just to name a few.

But the highlight of the day, was Ms. Betty a DIVA in her own right. She was just the cutest woman you'd ever meet. She casually talked with us, asked questions and talked to the little people. How often do you find seniors, well in their old age with spunk like her? So why not take a picture for future memories? To our surprise, she agreed to the photo but before we could snap it, "Wait, let me put on some lip stick" she said!! I loved it...

Most of the seniors didn't go out put they did say, "We made their day" and knowing that was all the more reason to be #Thankful..
It's always good to give to someone who least expects it. In return you receive a feeling that nobody can take away from you. Our Christmas cheer event is already in effect because we were asked to PLEASE come back. And we certainly WILL...

Signed,
 I'm SO FULL

 

Actions mean more than Words...

" to be or not to be, that is the Question"...

 When I think of this phrase, I think of the many meanings it can have. It fits into my daily life, EVERYDAY. Is it just me, or do we all look for ways to improve and be better?

This was a weekend for the books. My business, Kid Inspired Sitter Services, prepared for our give back day by making over 70+ Thanksgiving cards to distribute throughout the Sandy Springs area. We adopted this concept during our 1st few months of business. It was our way of giving back to the Senior Citizens of the area who are sometimes forgotten about( or maybe not). The faces of the senior were priceless so we decided to make this a yearly event. This year, we made it a day for ALL of our KISS families and supporters. We had an awesome turnout out and my sister founder to our women's org, "Women who Network" participated in the day too. The day was filled with cranberry juice, graham crackers, hot chocolate, brownies, laughter, markers, glitter glue, eyeballs, crayons and color pencils.

Over 15 children and their moms joined in the event. It was an awesome event. As I sat and colored, my heart was overjoyed because, not only were the parents actively involved in the project but the children who delivered in years passed talked about the experience. We were putting our words into action.

 As we finished up this activity, Matt Parker of Inspired Snapshots Photography and representation from Women who Network, packed up and headed to our 2nd give back activity in Alabama. In conjunction with a local church, we distributed sandwiches, hot soup, coffee, fruit, water and blankets to homeless men, women and children. We made 4 stops along a specific route in the area.

I'm awful at wearing my heart and feelings on my sleeves, so during the last 2 stops I stood back and just watched, with tearful eyes and a thankful heart. It's one thing to say something but when you put it into action it becomes words followed by actions.
I thought to myself, I complain about my place being small but here these people are roaming daily and where they stop is where they lay. I complain about having a taste for something good while these people were just appreciative  to receive chicken and rice soup from Olive Garden and sandwiches from Jersey Mike's, Subway and other local eateries that donated.

It cost nothing but a few dollars to give but yet people will turn up their noses and waste $5.00 somewhere else before choosing to give back to someone truly in need.

My non-profit organization, Women who Network provide Actions and not just words and that's what this weekend was about SERVICE. Service is more than what we do for the people closest to us. It's when we can step out of our comfort zone and give to someone else. We currently have been advertising and soliciting for our Blanket Drive. We've reached out to numerous individuals but it seems to have fallen upon deaf ears. But, it will not stop our progress or mission. If you'd like more information on our efforts, please email us at womennetworkmovement@gmail.com.

To the various churches dReam Center Church of Atlanta, (gave back at the Gateway this past weekend) Victory World Church( Huntsville, Ala gave back this weekend) organizations, Women who Network (with service hours) and businesses KISS( service hours to make cards for the seniors) I take pride in being affiliated with you and commend you on allowing your actions to be more than just mere words!!

Happy Holidays~

Oh The Joys.....

It's the holiday season!! I love this time of year and what makes it so beautiful, I have children( 2 bonus girls although in another state) to share in the joys with. The food, movies, laughter, excitement, surprised faces, erases ALL of the ups and downs of the year and replaces it with moments of Love with family.

 Although it's a learning experience, children make the world go round. Without them there would literally be no tomorrow with nothing to look forward too. Everyday is full of excitement in my home and without it, I don't think it would be worth it. 

The biggest part of any child's childhood memories are the times spent with family and although some many never physically make it to the happiest place on Earth, being afforded the opportunity to visit at local arenas in their cities and see MICKEY & MINNIE is just plain AWESOME!!!

Feld Entertainment is preparing to do it again( Yes, again), just in time for the holidays they will present DISNEY LIVE: Mickey's Music Fest!!!Concert goers will hear greatest hits from the blockbuster movies, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams.  Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival strives to be the biggest concert experience to hit live family entertainment.  

This will be the concerts of ALL Family concerts to commence the ending of 2012 to bring in 2013.

Will you be attending?? I really think you your family will appreciate this most awesome gift. 
I will be there along with my family, ready to sing and Rock it out Disney Style... Oh come on, you know you're looking for a last minute fun activity with your family... Join us there and say hello!!  

See you there!!!

the 3 easiest words can sometimes be the hardest...

"I Love You".. We say it to our parents, to our children, our spouses, siblings, friends etc. Most of the time its derived from a happy place. I mean who really thinks about saying "I Love You" and never seeing that person again...

My family is facing this right now as we speak. My Grandmother"Mamount" had 11 children. My eldest Aunt Bobbie and eldest Uncle Ed jr passed a while ago and that left 9. Now my eldest remaining Aunt Linda is currently fighting for her life. And although we would love for our family members to live forever, its a contract they have with God and when their time is up, they sign on the dotted line, say their goodbyes and "I LOVE You's" and slip away into Eternal Rest.

I have tons of memories I hold in my heart of my Aunt. YES, she was a bit tough and called me fast more times than once( yall know what FAST mean right, LOL) but her LOVE was genuine. I remember when we lived in Florida, she would come over from Pensacola and we'd all hang at my other Aunt's house. It was like, we had aunts and uncles with us in Boston, then we had all the older aunts in Florida. My family is big and when my Mamount died, I saw just how big it was. She was in Opp, Ala when she passed and it seemed as though the entire town was shut down as we celebrated her life and said our final "I Love You's".

Trust me, no family is perfect and love cannot cover wrongs but in your heart its a vivid reminder that there's always hope and that somewhere out there someone shares your bloodline. While we cannot pick our family members( and some days I do wish I could change some members), I know each person that surrounds me, LOVES me in their own way.

Many thought I relocated because I was running behind a guy( a different blog for a later day) but that in itself was a LIE. I relocated so that I could LOVE me better. Once I learned to LOVE me better, I was able to heal, forgive and LOVE my family better. Now, when I say I LOVE YOU it comes from a sincere place in my heart. It comes from a place that has accepted being alone so I could embrace all the new love( yup children too) that would surround me once I found Me.

Yes, its easy to love and it's even harder to let go. To some, the Holiday Season is when you embrace the ones you LOVE... you appreciate them, love on them, hug them, share stories and reflect on memories. It's about remembering the LOVE you have for everyone whether they are close by, you see them everyday, far away or just a memory.

Though my Aunt will still be with us, I'm choosing to let this Thanksgiving be a reflection to ME of the person she IS~ hard working, loveable, loud( in a good way) funny, lover of fashion, always wore a tight short hair cut and jeweled out. I am going to visit her, its just a matter of understanding that, although I LOVE her, her contract will soon require a dotted line and I must be okay with that.

To my two cousins who call her Mom, nobody can or will ever replace her. But know, my mom is on her way along with our other Aunts and let them be your source of strength and allow them to comfort you.. Love you Aunti Linda and it's okay if you must sign the line. You've served God, Your Family, carried out your duties as an Elks Member and Eastern Star. Get some rest, you deserve it!


Signed,
A ReFreshed LOVE~