A smile in a Box...

I can't even begin to put into words what and how I've been feeling lately. Somber? Yeah, maybe that's it. I mean, I'm still going on with my day to day living, activities etc but something is missing.  I've never experienced a loss during the holidays. This year I did. My uncle died. Today makes one week that we bid him a final goodnight, sweet dreams. Maybe I'm still trying to process that...

But the beat must still go on... sighhhhh

Yesterday, my little people took flight on a mini vacation with their grandparents. So we were a bit busy. Mom's you know how it is making sure everything they'll need is packed ever so tightly. Pajamas, socks, outfits( if you're like me, I pack clothes as outfits with socks and undies rolled as well). Everyone's suitcase was packed, I was dressed and we could finally head out the door.

As the kids and I walked out to head to the airport, there was a package  on the steps. I thought, I definitely haven't ordered anything what in the heck is it?! I picked it up and instantly my face smiled. A package from a Sistergirl back home. I still had no idea of what was in the box. I still smiled though and super hard, something for me? Maybe?

I got the kids to the airport, chatted for a bit with my parents, niece and nephew( as the kids are traveling with them) and went over a few more dos and donts with my little ones. My father said, " They'll be fine but I get it, you're still their mom".. lol I watched them board and I left the airport.

You know when it's quiet you have time to think. I thought of the holiday season that's approaching, thought about the little boy that my Women's Org adopted, presents for my kids, work, getting a new piercing( I so want an industrial piercing) and what shall I do with all of this free time?

I finally made it home. I binged on Criminal Minds, ate some leftovers, drank water and went to bed. As I turned off the lights I tripped over " the box"... dang it! I'll open it 1st thing in the morning.

And I DID!!!!! What a big smile I now have plastered across my face. Last year for my birthday, I wanted to give out 37 pairs of socks as I turned 37. But life happened and I wasn't able to do it. I had mentioned to a few friends that I wanted to do a Birthday Sock campaign and my dear heart Nellie said that she wanted to send socks. Opening the box this morning, oh did my heart smile!! Socks for days and it hit me, Ma'am; you have tons of socks that you can now add to the care packages this year..

 Nellie attempted to send the box last year but it was in between my move and things weren't forwarded to the new address. But "the Box" surely arrived on time this year and the smile is the biggest ever.  It wasn't something for me per see BUT it was. It was the smile I needed on this day.
I find joy and pleasure in doing things for others. This year, as we prepare to but things in boxes for the different organizations and families we're sponsoring, I'll do so with a huge smile. These boxes are being packed with smiles and I'm sure my sisterfriend smiled as she picked up the socks.

Even with a slightly sad heart, I'm still smiling big.

My lovies, I challenge you to find an organization and drop something off in a box to give. Pack your box with a smile and just think, the person on the receiving end will open " the box" with a smile because someone thought of them. Give outside of your box( your family) and share a smile!

I definitely plan too!!

Signed,
Sad Hearts still Smile!!

Pictures speak Volumes..

I absolutely LOVE pictures.. to some it may seem excessive but I have personal reasons as to why I love them so. When my mom divorced her 1st husband, we left in such a hurry that most of my childhood pics were left behind. Once I became a parent, I promised myself to snap every single moment as I did not want to lose or miss anything.

I've been very fortunate to always be in circles with photographers. BUT: there's nothing like having your own personal dope as hell photographer. My sissy Karm H aka shutterchic_atl is on FIYAH!! I mean hot like hot sauce! She's dope but yet humble. I joke with her all the time that she's the humble sister.. I remember when she told me she was going to start taking pictures. We talked about cameras, equipment how much it would cost etc..
  Being the sissy I am, I instantly jumped on board and told her to go for it!! Go all the way. What started as just a hobby, has turned into something so much more. She's absolutely one of the best I know. She's not an in the box type photographer, I mean this chick shoots everything. Although she said it was a play shoot, I'll never forget her taking time out of her Sunday with her family, to shoot my parents( son, daughter & niece and nephew). It was a very overcast kinda day but when we saw the pictures you could not tell.

From weddings, personal shoots, selling her pics to celebrity churches,  she remains extremely humbled and focused. When I tell you I talk to God about her and her business!! I'm just happy that I get to watch it unfold and have a front seat...

I would be selfish to forget mentioning Rodney( rod_cali)!! If I tell y'all how the three of us really became super connected you'd think we're crazy.. but he's my MeyMey brother for life! Another dope photographer. His pictures speak to my heart and soul. I'm thankful for his photogenic eye. Although they shot differently, together they are one dope force to be reckoned with..

I woke up this morning to a text that bought tears to my eyes! They are BOTH featured on Buzzfed as the top 10 photographers to know in Atl! My sissy and Rodney!! I mean live and in color!!

Listen, book them NOW because by this time next year, you'll be in line with the rest of Atl!! I'm proud to personally know them and I'm proud to be in their corner. Two of the dopest I know and I can personally call them my Sissy and Brother!!

My lovies, stop selling your hobby short. If it's something you love make it yours, nurture it and watch it grow.. we all have it in us..  Let your hobby speak for you!!

Signed,
The Picture Queen

The Little Things...

These last few months, I've had to find reasons to smile because I know for sure I wanted to just say forget it! This is to hard.

I found myself talking to God more and I stopped complaining. I mean I literally STOPPED!  How was God ever going to bless me while I was so caught up in what I didn't have? It was in that moment He reminded me, " sometimes I'm all you need"..  when I tell you the moment I stopped complaining,  small blessings startedconing my way. In my alone moments, quiet moments and moments when all I could do was cry, God simply said, " So are you going to trust me"?

We get caught up in watching others get ahead that it discourages us. This morning God simply reminded me, He put something on the inside of me and it's his word. When all else fails his word will lift us up and carry us.

As I read this morning and prepared for my day, a peaceful calm overtook me. I can't explain the calm but I can say, something big is on the horizon. Not just for me but for all of us who believe. Let's take heart in God's words and promises. Let's take heart in knowing he has us.
I promise, theres always a light at the end of the tunnel. He makes provision when we can't do it naturally.

I promise, with all of the curves, God is making a straight path just because. It's not the struggle that's making us, it's our Faith in God that's building us and shaping our character.

My lovies, I challenge you to hold on. Hold on to the little things because they turn to much when we put it in the Master's hands.

I totally had a different twist on The Little Things but my heart felt and my fingers typed something else. To some, you're always arriving to late but to God your arrival is On time! And that matters more than anything else...

Signed,
Simply Thankful