Pardon Me...

But what the hell?!!! Lol

Come on don't front, we all have moments where those unexpected words fly from our mouths. I've never been one to let "curse" words be a regular part of my vocabulary. My motto has always been," you know way to many words to use curse words". Plus, I've always been told I sound to proper using them! HA

I have a super bad habit of saying, " what the hell"? It flows just about with everything I say. A few months back, I had gone for an evening run/walk with my Dora. I was standing in the kitchen talking to my daughter about my run/ walk and removing my sweat band. My son walked in and in good timing said, "what the hell"? My daughter looked at me and said, "Mommy I think he said what the H".. And he respond, "Nope, I said what the hell". We didn't know whether to laugh or stare at him. 

I know most of you have already cussed out Monday because you weren't ready.. Here's the brighter side, most will celebrate a long weekend!! Cheers to being excited for the weekend!! 

My loves, make the best of this week. You may have a few pardon moments but you'll live!! When all else fails, laugh and say, " what the hell"... I do and it gets me thru!! 

Signed, 

Excuse Me... 

Peace Justified....

There's so much beauty in Art. I've been able to appreciate the sights with different eyes this week. Yup, you've guessed it, Non Mommy eyes. When I'm with my children, most times I'm quickly glancing because my son is so busy and I have to keep up with him. But for the last 3 weeks, exploring has become my best friend. While most of my pics are that of an amateur, I find beauty in them. 

Today I share the Peace & Justice Statues. I'm not sure if those are the correct names but those were the words inscribed. I immediately thought of niece who is in law school and the countless men and women she will represent. I also thought of the many mothers I know. I know moms who have lost children, moms who have children who are incarcerated and moms who fight for their children daily. Some way shape or form, we're all in this fight for justice and peace. 

I remember being a Youth Worker for the City of Boston. If you know any of Boston's History; the two areas I worked in both had battles within. I worked in South Boston for 2 years and Jamaica Plain for close to 5. South Boston, was filled with racism and hate that stemmed from segregation and JP( as we called It) filled with violence. And here this black woman was put in the middle to make a difference. ( Google me, lol) 

During that time, I witnessed my teens bury parents, bury siblings/ friends, fight for justice and fight to be heard. My heart is filled with sadness and happiness at the same time because if Justice and Peace were for all, the battle would have ended after we buried so many innocent young people. My trauma team and I provided support to so many families that I soon became immune to the job and my face became a regular at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. 

In this life, all I've ever wanted to do was make a difference. All I've ever wanted to do was be the difference in the lives of the young people I encounter. Now that I'm raising a little black boy and a little black girl, I fully understand and feel that I've been prepped for this job all of my life. 

There's no feeling in the world greater than Parenthood. It's filled with a lot of ups and downs but it's also very rewarding. If you stay the course, stay involved, teach your children right from wrong, how to voice their opinions and to live as model citizens, you'll reap positive benefits. Don't get me wrong, you'll fight opposition but if you have it in you to fight, you'll win. 

Today my loves, I challenge you to be a carrier of justice and peace. Carry it with you everywhere you go. Be an ambassador for what's right. That IS what we're teaching our children, Right?!! 

Signed, 

Mother Justice , Mother Peace 

She Knows...

Lastnight as I sat in the kitchen after my hike, I got a text from my daughter. As most know, they are on vacation with my parents in Alabama. The text caught me a little off guard and it filled my eyes with tears and it filled my heart with love.. 

I was not expecting my daughter to send that. Although she is physically with me, she does communicate with her dad regularly and their relationship is loving. 

I've always cringed when ppl would attempt to honor me on Father's Day. I would quickly shoot down the wish because I'm confident in knowing I'm a great Mother. Although my role is a bit more challenging because I'm a single parent; it does not take away from who their fathers are. Had it not been for their fathers, my babies would not be here. I may not always agree with how they chose to be involved with my kids. However, I can honestly say it does not change who I am as their mother. 

Relocating was MY choice. Did I feel at times that my kids would lose out? Hell yes BUT in order for me to grow, soar and be who I am, I had to do it. Some days are harder than others. Some days I cry hard, some days only a few tears fall. 

Ultimately, I'm ok with just being their mom. I know there are things they can and will only learn from their fathers and I'm ok with it. I embrace them having a bond with their fathers. 

Today, in this moment my heart is full. Not because my daughter sent this text but because she understands that I play a significant role in her life. My Cubs and I are close. We grow together, we laugh together and sometimes we cry together. It makes us stronger.

I know some really Amazing Dads. I could never ever walk in their shoes as I would hope they would not want to walk in mine. I have one guy friend in particular who is the perfect model to keeping the lines of communication open after divorce. We talk quite often( well he does the most talking 💙) and he's always on the move to either see his kids or pick them up. I commend him quite often because dads are given the raw end of the deal. 

Today my Loves, let's find it in our hearts to forgive ourselves for some of the decisions we've made. As we forgive ourselves, let's then find ways to see the positive in our children's fathers( or mothers for my male subscribers). It's not always easy but it's possible. Our children's attitudes will be a reflection of our feelings and emotions. We grow wiser and stronger daily, let's pass that trait to our children.. 

Signed, 

I'm better because I'm NOT bitter 

Atlanta Night Life...

So I'm still enjoying my child free life. Cooking a full course meal is definitely not on my agenda of things. However, I nailed it with this macaroni salad 

I never knew there was so much to do in Atlanta at night because like any single parent, those free nights are far and few. BUT when I tell you I've figured it out these 2 weeks and I did most stuff for FREE?!! Yes, I'm winning. 

This week started off kind of slow but by Friday, I realized, "Girl you've been getting it in". Last night's adventures bought me back to the Atlanta Beltline on yet another excursion but this one was greeted by another cool event happening in the City. The Moon Ride. It's a 6mile bike ride that ends at Piedmont followed by a huge party lasting til the wee hours of the am( definitely added to my bucket list for next year) 

The best part about all of this me time, I'm able to get my runs and walks in. After completing 2 1/2 miles, I stumbled upon 2 #TinyDoorsAtl. This has been by far the best Atlanta night  excursions ever. I'm forever in debt to my #Sistergirl Karm. Thanks love!

I've now found 3 out of 7. I feel like a little school girl when I find them. Jumping up and down smiling all super big. 

Although my night life does NOT include me dancing, clubbing, drinking etc, I'm enjoying it MY way with awesome friends and sometimes all by my lonesome. 

If nothing else, this free time has reminded me I'm more than just a momm, I'm more than my business, I'm more than my women's org. I'm Cheneka and Cheneka is and will forever enjoy life... Stay tuned, there's a few more blogs in me as I celebrate my last week of Me Time.. 

Signed, 

Nek and these Atlanta Streets 

Atlanta "Free" Life...

I'm such a city girl. When I made the decision to move south, I knew the area we moved to had to have public transportation. I know that MARTA has no comparison to the MBTA but it's cool to know it's accessible. The City Girl in me wanted to be Diega the Explorer so, I parked at Dunwoody Train Station and caught MARTA. 

I'm a lover of cool things, nature and Art. So when I saw a sister girl post a Tiny Door in Atl, I had to find it.. The blogger in me instantly wanted to find as many as I could and share them. Who knew the task was not going to be easy.. Like the tourist I so wanted to be, I asked the streetcar conductor could I get to any of the locations via the route we were on and she basically laughed( note to self, venture out on MARTA a little more). Good thing there was a plan B in the making. 

I'm so glad I wore a pair of comfy chucks  because the amount of walking that was soon to take place, whew! 

So, my sister girls and I ended up at Ponce Market Place but then was told we were in the wrong area. Thank God for small cars and GPS. Lol

We walked the Atlanta Beltline for a little while, which is absolutely gorgeous and then headed on over to the Krog Street Tunnel area. 

If you're a lover of graffiti and Art, this is definitely the place to check out. When you're surrounded with cool people long walks turn into quick pit stops. I'm so happy that my circle ( although it's small) is kept tight with ladies who enjoy some of the things I enjoy. 

Although the night air was a bit hot and we didn't know exactly where we were going, I finally stumbled upon my first #TinyDoorsAtl and it was by far the coolest thing I've seen.. 

I hear there's a total of 7 doors... I'm amped to find more. Want to learn more about #TinyDoorsAtl google them.. It's by far one of the coolest adventures in Atl. 

So my loves, take a few minutes out of your busy life and find a reason to explore where you call home. As I began to branch out more, each day I find something way cool. Up next, WineDown  Wednesday...... Stay Tuned... 

Signed, 

Cheneka is having FUN!! 

I Came 2 Win

Life is full of so many obstacles. This year alone( and it's only June 15th), I've taken quite a few blows but I've always found the strength to keep going. On most days, where it would've been easy to wallow in my pity, I would hear my son's voice or my daughter would text me and instantly I was reminded why I have to keep going. 

Saturday evening, a sister friend invited a few of us to the ColorFest 5k. Although we arrived later than expected, we were still able to get in FREE and participate.  I must admit, this has been one of the best "Me Time" breaks in a while. I can honestly say, I've truly enjoyed doing what I want, eating what I want( I haven't gone to the supermarket since the kids left) and sleeping in late. 

Saturday night was a reminder that, I may not have everything I want but what I need is always provided in abundance.  As I watched the people around me and jumped up and down to the " What's up what's up", it hit me: Life is good. If I continue to press, stay Optimistic, support others and go after my dreams, one day I'll have it ALL. 

Love, Peace and Happiness surround me daily but I have to chose to allow them to manifest in my life. 

Today lovely people, accept what you cannot change and choose to Live your life happy and in color. 

So what it didn't work, so what you had to cry, so what you have a Buick instead of a Benz. You're here and ALIVE. 

I've Come to Win and losing will never ever be an option.. I challenge you, 2 Live!! 

Signed, 

Ms. Sunshine 

But it's Good For You...

My kids are gone for 3 weeks. I won't lie, within the 1st hour I wanted to drive back to my momm and get them. But I didn't. I'm a single parent and breaks come few and far in between. I made up in my mind to enjoy this time. Who knows when I'll be afforded the opportunity again.

Lastnight/ This morning... Sheesh where do I begin? I was hungry( since my kids aren't here I'm not pressed to go food shopping) I mean hella hungry. I thought to myself, it's the perfect time to get the girls together. We made a few detours and ended up at Fellini's Pizzeria on Peachtree. I know, kinda late to be eating a slice but oh well. We grabbed a table outside and the pettyNess began. 

I always say, being in Atlanta has afforded me the opportunity to meet great people but everyone is NOT a sisterfriend. These 3 though are the best. I'm glad we sat outside because the four walls could not contain the amount of hollering and laughter that went on. Petty pictures, petty names, petty posts. Yup, that's what we do( if you're not following me on Instagram I'm CheNeka T. Hobbs) 

I'm glad they all know my children and allowed me to talk about them for a brief second( I'm the only one with kids) but chile after I got it out my system, the conversation went straight south. When it's a bunch of women and 1 male( hey Marq) Sex is bound to come up. I must admit, it's good to have a guy's perspective when talking. You may hear some crazy stuff AND stuff you don't want to hear when you have a son but it's all good. 

Talking about sex is so risqué at times but it's a natural conversation. You're either getting it or you're not. And I know this comment may get back lash but if you're going to do wrong, you might as well enjoy it! And let's not forget about 

C-O-O-K-I-E-S..... A blog for another day, shrugs

Being around good people, food and a good beverage is ALWAYS good for the soul. I'm a bit sluggish this am because I haven't hung out that late ( I got in bed after 3AM, I think) in a while but it was well worth it.. 

So listen up, my kids will be gone for 3 weeks and I don't mind driving! Lol

I'm here for the fun and late nights. They make me happy. Call me, shoot a text, email me, leave a message. I'm here for it ALL and I want to live a little... Lol I mean it isssssss, " Summer, Summer, Summer Time"...( yessss Fresh Prince). 

Signed, 

A Momm on Summer Break 

 

Be Well Put Together...

I. Love. Clothes. My style is a bit different but I love putting things together and putting them on. Mommy hood does not allow me to splurge as I once did but I'm learning, when I purchase a piece it must be durable and can be worn more than one way. 

I've found a new love for African print skirts. I purchased my 1st 2 around Easter and was given this special one this weekend. Miche is wonderful and her styles are beyond amazing. 

I Do NOT have the patience to sit and sew but I'll happily purchase and support someone who does. I never understood why custom pieces are so expensive until I went to Miche's home to pick up my skirts. Not only did she have skirts but Blazers, Dresses, Kids Wear and pants. I cannot began to tell you how happy I am about the pants that will soon be available. 

Clothes make me happy. They do not make me, I make them! 

Signed, 

I'm so Fly!!