Circle of Life....

BalletMonet.....

"I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they posses inside..." Whitney Houston "Greatest Love of All"

Growing up, my dream was to Cheer. In middle school, I did not make the cheerleading team and I was heart broken. Then came high school. All of my friends made the squad freshman year but I was to chicken to try out. 10th grade, I found the balls and tried out. I made the squad and became an official Lady Tiger( go O'Bryant)!! Lady Tigers we rock hard we rock til the break of dawn...

I digress.....

Now that I'm a Mother, I find it my responsibility to help my children find what they are passionate about and make it into their reality. My daughter has tried out a number of activities and has excelled at them all. Swimming, Soccer, Singing/Dancing at Church and Cheerleading. I make it a priority to introduce her to something each year. Although she has become a lover of soccer and passionate a cheerleader, I constantly reminder her that the world is hers and she does not have to limit herself to these activities only.

I recently read a story about this beautiful young lady Leah. She started dancing at the age of 8. Although I have not physically met her, she is my niece (in my heart). I remember growing up in a single parent home and instead of having a hobby after school, I came home did my homework and kept my brothers safe until our Mother returned from work. We were latchkey kids because we lived in a single parent home. Growing up, I found myself bothered that we weren't able to do as much as other kids did because Mom had to work ( and sometimes she worked 2 jobs). Now that I'm an adult and a Mom myself, I make it a top priority to be available and provide structure and balance to the lives of my 2 little people.

Leah's mom Monique is a Wonderful Mom. I'm sure like many of us, she has made sacrifices. Going without so Leah can have. I've seen how many pairs of ballet shoes that have been purchased over the years. I've watched( through pictures) the dedication and commitment she has given to her daughter's dream. This is what Good Mommies do. Give less to ourselves and more to our offspring. It's not a choice, it's a sacrifice.

I know we all have things going on in our lives but I challenge each of you to go to http://www.gofundme.com/balletmonet read her story and find it in your heart to donate.
In life, there's a circle. What we give comes back around to us. Believe it or not, we may not be direct recipients when the circle takes full form but the benefits could more than likely be reaped by our children. The circle of life reaches us all.
Do your part whether big or small and help my "Niece" Leah, reach her goal and live out her dream.

Signed,
 I give so MINE can HAVE~

You want to borrow WHAT??? Say WHAT???....

Nek, what you doing, I hear on the other end of the line. Is this who I think it is I say to myself, ahhh darn I should not have answered. She only calls when she wants to borrow some shoes or a bag....

A few of my faves BAGS&SHOES

Anyone who knows me, know I love with a capital LOVE shoes and bags. I still have my very 1st coach bag and my mom purchased it about 18years ago( hmmm maybe I should pull it out and carry it just because, Thanx Mom). My 1st passion was sneakers. Up until about 9/10th grade, all I purchased was sneakers and I had all kinds. I even remember having the clear "bubble shoes" as we called them back in the day. I've watched styles disappear and re-appear. I wish I had of kept somethings I had growing up because many of them are back in style( although my size has changed... another post on a different day, LOL).

I own high end designers down to bags I've found at consignment shops. I'll buy a bag just about anywhere as long as I like it and can match it up with something. How funny is this? I'll stand in the mirror with the bag on and imagine me carrying it with one of the many outfits I already have in my closet. I know, EXTRA.. LOL

Now, when buying shoes, the approach is totally different. I think of the bags I own to make sure I have something to carry when I wear the shoes. I know, sounds weird but it works for me!! Clothes, I'm constantly picking something up here and there but shoes and bags, those purchases are followed with strategic planning. It's almost like a job for me given by me. I can't let myself down and whatever I purchase must be eye popping and "ohhh & ahhhhh " worthy. don't front, you have those vain moments too!! LOL

Its funny because my mom will come to my house and always try and leave with something when in actuality we DO NOT wear the same size shoe and she has a closet full of bags( some she has gotten from me and never used, like that Prada I spent an arm and leg on, Hmmmmm I feel an Indian given rising up in me..LOL)

I have been judged because some ppl think I spend to much on bags BUT if bills are paid, home is happy and I won't consider returning it when I'm broke( yes, bum chicks do that) then let me live!! What's the use in never enjoying the fruits of your hard earned dollars. Some take trips, I buy bags... Some go out to dinner, I buy shoes. Some ppl like Payless, I like Just Fab, nine West, Aldo and DSW just to name a few!!! Too each his own.

My Godsister/BFF (back home) Tara and I used to shop more than the 7 days in a week. That was before life and children( for me anyway). My bag purchases are now planned out and saved for. I buy expensive ones 3 times a year now, where as before, if I had it to spend it came home with me..

with Life comes Living and Lessons and today's lesson is, I LOVE sharing and giving things away but PLEASE do NOT fix your lips to form the words,,, " Can I borrow a pair of shoes or a bag" bc 9 times out of 10 I'm going to stare at you with the blank stare and respond NO....

Signed,
Ask Wisely!

Respect..... I'll pass or will I???

This past weekend, my family and I were in Florida to lay my mother's older sister to rest, Auntie Linda. She battled cancer for 3 years and when she felt like she'd had enough, she took her last breath and transitioned from this world. My heart smiled because on the day she transitioned, my brother and I were able to speak to her and tell her that we loved her.

Friday am, we loaded up the truck and made our way to Pensacola, Fla. It was an easy drive and we made it there in about 5 hours. Upon our arrival, the feeling was quite somber. We arrived at my cousin's house( My aunt's daughter) to meet to head to the funeral home for a family viewing. I'm not big on all of this but I had to be there for my cousin and mom( and other aunts, cousins and uncles). The memorial chapel who my family entrusted my Aunt's remains to was Amazing and there was my 1st encounter with RESPECT...

As I viewed my aunt, my heart smiled until I couldn't find a tear to shed. She looked BEAUTIFUL. Just like she was resting. Her hair was laid( like always) and she had on a nice off-white suit. As I walked out of the chapel, I stopped in the office and said " Thank-You to Mrs. Tracey for her hospitality. My head almost fell.... Me: Mrs. Tracey, my aunt looks so beautiful. Thank you for a job well done. Her: Yes ma'am, it was my pleasure.... WHAT Pump your Breaks... Yes ma'am, to me?? I looked because Tracey and I looked the same age( it was further discussed that she is younger than me, well heck I'm only 30 for the 4th time)...

The whole "Yes Ma'am" thingy makes me cringe. Not because I don't like it but I'm a northerner and those same sentiments aren't shared there. I mean, I said "Yes Ma'am to older, way older adults but not ppl within the same age bracket and me.

When we 1st arrived in Atl, we spent Thanksgiving with my daughter's extended family( her dad's side) and her grandmother continuosly corrected Li( then 4) for not saying "Yes Ma'am". I became a bit agitated and out of frustration, told her" Li isn't accustomed to saying that". Fast forward back to last weekend. It's now Saturday and we are gathered for family prayer before the service. My cousin's son DeVincent was standing near me. I said, "I'm your cousin Cheneka( yes, used government) and you are the most handsome little man ever". He flashed this  50grand smile with dimples and said, "Thank-you Ma'am".... Whoa! I grabbed my heart. Baby, I'm your cousin, you don't have to say Ma'am to me... He flashed that smile and responded "Yes ma'am" AGAIN!!!!

... Tishhhhhh( his mom) please tell your son to stop saying "Yes Ma'am", oh no Nek, she said" It's a form of respect, he WILL say it"... My aunt Anne chimed in, "He'll say what she asked", " Yes Ma'am", Tish responded. "Oh yeah baby" said Auntie Anne, we're big on respect down here. We don't play that. You say it to us willingly or be forced by someone else to say it..

Yes ma'am, Yes Sir, no Ma'am, no Sir.... I mean, I did live in the South for a good portion of my life. I was introduced to that form of respect but by 7 years old, we had relocated back to Boston and I mimicked what was in my environment. To respond with a simple Yes or no, but NEVER what or huh... Simple enough huh? I guess not.

So, along with seeing family and friends I haven't seen in what seemed forever, I was reintroduced to RESPECT( smile). Although I don't think I'll enforce those responses with my children, if they say it I'll just smile and accept it...

Signed,
I'll Embrace Yes and No Ma'am~~

Success, Not where you're from BUT where you're AT....

 Have you heard??? Women Who Network hosted their 1st Mixer of 2013 and it was very successful. I must admit, I was a tad bit worried at first. We didn't have the same backing and support as we did the last time. We had support from as far as California ( and other surrounding states too). Our venue was packed and we knew most of the people in the crowd which provided comfort. But we couldn't ride off that success. We'v grown and it was time to stand alone and make it happen.

This go round, the only familiar face was our vendor Tonja, Owner of Selena's Collection. So, we had to wing it ourselves. But the end result was PURE SUCCESS. Not only was it a success but we made new connections for our next event.

If you're in the Atlanta area, check out Kat's Cafe, located on Piedmont Ave. The owner Kat, opened her doors and allowed Women Who Network to do what we do best, Talk, Network, Share &Work the crowd. She was friendly and warm which set the tone for the atmosphere. Her spot is known for the live music, singing, spoken word and the vibe is nothing but refreshing, laid back and drama free( which we LOVE)... It's definitely a hidden jewel here in the heart of Atlanta.

Mixer 2013, provided LIVE Entertainment from the beautiful Lara Belle of Soulful Entertainment. She provided over an hour of live music( along with her guitarist Brandon). She got the crowd to sing and even introduced a few of her other singing buddies( Latriece and Trei but WAIT Trei does more than just sing, hold on). She sang a few of her original pieces and even threw in some Jill Scott because we're definitely taking our FREEDOM off the shelf and carrying it with us EVERYWHERE we go. (Living MY Life like it's GOLDEN)!!!

Giveaways... Who LOVES giveaways? I certainly do. Thank you to some wonderful supporters of WWN, we received Budget Bracelets from Tiff the Budgetnista, giftcards to Express & Macy's courtesy of Tommy from Nationwide Insurance( hey, it was my bday where's my Macy's giftcard..LOL), pencils from KISS( kid inspired sitter services), books signed by Authors Matthew Parker and Earlina Banks, along with other cool stuff in the gift bags.

And lastly, to promote an event; sometimes a commercial is needed. We thank our new buddy Ms. Trei of Treihouse Radio (on your am radio dial), for making that possible. She also provided a live chat session with Lina(  one of our Founders of WWN). Got a business and want to share? Trei is definitely the person you want to connect with.

All in all, Mixer 2013 was a success. What is success without a lil bit of anxiety and fear? No, not fear of failure BUT fear of the unknown. I can HONESTLY from last year up until this point, WWN has definitely been on the move. Family, LIFE, Personal issues, Work etc has not stopped our mission. This is truly just the beginning. Speaking on behalf of Lina and myself, I can say we both have grown and our journeys from where we started( our hometowns) to our current state of residence is no where near over.

So, we THANK You.. We 1st thank you God for giving us the vision of WWN( yup started right in my living room), we THANK our supporters, we THANK our private funders who give when we need it and we thank our immediate Families( here in GA). You all are apart of the vision and process you will be GREAT because we are GREAT!!!!

Want to learn more about Women Who Network?
We're on twitter: @womenbldgnetwrk
We're on Instagram: WomenBldgNetwork
Or Email us: womenbldgnetwrk@gmail.com

Until our Next Event, Live like it's GOLDEN!

Signed,
I'm Still Growing & Learning
...... But I'm making MOVES... cause I'm like Jagger~~~lol