#WisdomWednesday: Journey with me. I am…Honeybee’s Daughter.

I was saddened to hear that Ms. Toni Morrison passed away. I love this photo of her and I wanted to pay homage to her because I am so inspired by her life, her works and her fearless way of confronting life through creating art. I have been hearing so many stories lately about people implementing ideas. I consider myself a visionary; a creative. I have ideas for DAYS dating back to childhood. Some things I’ve acted on, but MANY I haven’t, usually for fear that it won’t work, people won’t like it, or people will laugh at me or it. Y’all KNOW how artists are sensitive about their ish…

”Creativity is an energy. It's a precious energy, and it's something to be protected. A lot of people take for granted that they're a creative person, but I know from experience, feeling it in myself, it is a magic; it is an energy. And it can't be taken for granted. ~ Ava DuVernay

What God and the Universe has been showing me more and more is that the Word is true…Gifts are really out here making room for us!! We have to accept that truth and do our part. I keep a notebook FULL of ideas and I’m always writing more. It is time for the world to see them. When I get an unction, I move on it. I’m working on doing it without question, so when I call on you, I hope you’ll be down for all my crazy ideas too. If it’s right though, I already know that you will.

So, y’all get ready. Journey with me. I enjoy seeing yours!! I am…Honeybee’s Daughter.

#BlackOwned featured: Taharqa by Noire Lips (use TISHA20 for 20% off)

MC Hammer was Right...We've Got to Pray, just to Make it Today...

Wow...it's been a minute since I last posted. So many things going on and honestly not all good. I don't like that after so long, I'm coming back with a negative blog, but that's life and it has its ups and downs.

Things have not been great lately. I've kept quiet about much of it, just been in kind of a secluded, reflection time. I'm so grateful for life and even more so since I've been dealing with death all around. Last week my best friend and Soror's father passed away and I couldn't get to the funeral...I feel terrible. Car issues that immobilized me for days...disappointing. A friend of mine was found dead, floating in the water at a local park. As I was writing this my sister-in-law calls to tell me my brother's biological father passed too. Lord help. Sigh...

All this going on personally, but worldwide the spree of senseless crimes... Folks randomly spraying bullets into crowds, killing innocent people, blatant racism ("Don't Re-Nig" REALLY?) and I cannot even verbalize my sorrow and outrage about the unnecessary, hate crime shooting of Trayvon Martin. My heart hurts for our Black Men, young and old. I know folks are rallying, but I have never felt so helpless...it's tragic.

It's downright depressing and the shit's gotta stop.

A couple of weeks ago, there was a message at church, "this is only a season". I know Pastor and I'm holding on to that...I need this one to move along. I'm ready for the next season. Aren't you? I know one thing...regardless of the season, I'll forever be sending knee-mails. Pray for me as I pray for you. Peace & JUSTICE. For real.

P.S. If you've been calling/texting me with nonsense...know your message has been deleted. Not in the mood.

When Given a Do-Over, Let's Live!!

Today is a melancholy day...but I find joy in it because it's another one I've been given to do something, do something different or even do it over.

Like much of the world, I'm in shock and in pain over the loss of Whitney Houston. The woman was incredible, regardless of the negativity she endured in the media the last couple of decades. Even though I keep hearing people say it's not a shock; it is to me. I'm even more shocked that people just don't seem to care about human life or the sacredness of the deceased. How can you reduce a person to their faults like WHAT they did is WHO they are? I'll never understand that. That woman gave the world WAY more reasons to celebrate her than to condemn her.

It never mattered to me what troubles she faced, I have always and "will always love you", Whitney. I saw she had demons, so I said a little prayer when I saw such craziness in the news. I'm so sad to hear of her constant struggles, but I'm glad she shared her God given talent with the world; her gift that proved to be much bigger than her addiction. Her body of work includes dozens of classics and no one can do it quite like her. May she rest in total peace...she always knew Jesus loved her (and us), no matter what.

Losing someone, even if you don't know them, always brings on a time for reflection. Reflection of our lives, our own actions or lack of them, and a conviction to do something. If you're happy with your life the way it is great, keep doing what you're doing. If you're not, get to living. If you have breath, you have been given a do-over. Let's live!!

My affirmation for today was in memory of Whitney Houston, 

"I know my Life has meaning and I make it 

meaningful every day!!" 

Time to Clean the Pipes & Clean Up the Life

You gotta love being a home owner. It's empowering and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes when I am cooking or cleaning, I pause to take in the fact that this is my home. I am so grateful for it and I find myself thanking God a great deal for this beautiful place. It's so wonderful to sit in it and say, "this is mine".

Along with all the wonderful feelings of it being mine, comes the challenges a house brings to my life. The issues and little things that give the house character are equally mine. From the yard, the basement, the landscaping, the crevices and the pipes...speaking of the pipes, mine are kind of old. I've only been in this house a little over two years and I've had a plumber here about 5-6 times...For everything that uses the pipes, I've had a maintenance call. Kitchen sink, bathroom sink, toilet and most recently the shower...

I believe there is a lesson in everything that happens to us and when I had a stopped up shower, the plumber had to come and snake the drain. He did, cleaned it out and now there's a leak. I called them again and the owner said something that was profound; sometimes when we clean old pipes, there's a leak. The only thing that was keeping the pipe from leaking before was the old stuff that was stuck. Something like that, I'm paraphrasing.

That hit me harder than thinking there was a clog in my life. See, I've recently started studying Feng Shui. They say that Feng Shui experts can visit a person's house and see exactly where people are doing well in their lives and where they are not doing so well. My own experience; I see what I don't like and I can draw my own conclusion. No need to pay someone to tell me what I already know.

I have gook I need to clean up and clear out of my life. I think this has to do with some anxiety about the future. Many people may not tell you this (or maybe they will) but getting laid off of a job, even one that you hate, is an emotional roller coaster. I still believe it is a great opportunity to find out something new about yourself and try a new field, but it's also a test of what you're made of.

In the quest to be open and available to learn new things, I have gotten away from my goals; my specific and tangible goals. What I've been putting on random pieces of paper are too general and most of all, unfocused. This pipe cleaning experience has awakened my soul. It has put a new fire in me to clean up things in my life and in my mind and truly go after what I really want. I took a lesson from my college self, where I was the most goal-oriented, achievement driven person on the earth. 

I remember my goal sheets then were divided into sections of my life. There were goals, action steps and deadlines for each specific target. So, I decided to do the same thing now. I broke up my life into 8 sections with 5 goals each and working to accomplish these 40 goals in the last 40 days of 2011. They are the following in no particular order:

- Health & Beauty

- Spirituality

- Family

- Career

- Home

- Friends/Socially

- Travel/Leisure

- Creative

I am a firm believer that you don't have to wait until January to make up resolutions. You can resolve to be THE BEST YOU any time of the year; in fact, it should be EVERY TIME of the year. Are you truly living your best life? Do you have a clogged drain in your life? Do you fill your life up with junk and get lost in the mess? Are you afraid to move forward? If you answered "yes" to any of these, perhaps you should pull out a pad and jot down your goals too. We can do this!!

Oh yeah, can't forget the affirmation(s),

My respect & Love for Life reflects in my actions & reactions toward Life.

and

I know my Life has meaning and I make it meaningful every day.

This Ending is just the Beginning!!

OMG!! Where do I even start? It’s now past the end of the month and I have completed my cooking challenge and I’m reporting back now. It was a success…but I didn’t cook everyday. I still ended up dining out a few days, I think 6-7 times this month. Mostly, it was due to poor planning and fatigue. I’m okay with my results though because I have again learned more about myself this month.

Sometimes the challenge you set out to do is not the only lesson you’re apt to learn. There were some down days…where restless sleep was abundant, but there was some encouragement along the way, to GET UP and GET MOVING!! I did not spend very many days in the gym and did not rake one leaf, but did get the chance walk a great deal. More than usual.

Career-wise…things began to flourish. I got away from writing during this restless time, but my thinking and creativity increased in other ways. I had the most awesome conference call that set some things in motion for not only me, but everyone else on the call. Great things to come!! That’s just one aspect. The ideas I received on other projects were both phenomenal and confusing.

It was not all cherries this month though…I had to have a serious talk with myself. I HAD to change my thinking about what I’m doing and myself. So, I pulled out some trusty tools to assist me. If you don’t already have this, I suggest picking up a copy of You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. It is the Affirmation Bible, as far as I’m concerned. I also have a loan of the Movie, from the library. It is a MUST SEE. My constant reminder in October was “Change your thoughts, change your world.”

It is as simple as that. You want to see some changes in your life, then change the way you think. Start and keep up with your positive affirmations. Speak them in present tense and EXPECT life to BE better!!

I had some fun “me” time stuff going on this month too. I trimmed my own hair and made my own hair and body butters. All natural, all healthy. I gave away almost every single hair and body product in my toiletries closet. No longer need them, I am sold on my own products!!

So, that' pretty much it in a nutshell. I've started two more challenges!! These things keep every aspect of my life in front, so I can put my focus where it belongs!! One should never stop trying to improve herself.

So...to help me professional, I am a first time participant of NaNoWriMo. It's National Novel Writing Month and I've entered the challenge of writing 50,000 words in November!! I'm not sure if mine is a novel, but I have developing characters, so we'll just have to see.

Personally, I decided to do the 31 Days to Reset Your Life Challenge November 2011 Edition. It's already been a challenge, but in a good way. It's not too late to join if you're interested!! On my journey to being an eternally Happy Black Woman!!

My mantra this month “I LOVE and APPROVE of myself! I am loving and lovable just the way I am!! I chose it because I often do affirmation work and it’s the one I use the most, because it helps me the most. It gives me the courage to do something I hesitate on doing. 

My song is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. It has ALWAYS inspired me and it reminds me I have yet to write my full story and I have so much to accomplish and share in life. It keeps me motivated!!

Day 14: The Story of Your Life

My life is a perfect blend of art and creativity. Creative things keep coming my way and in everything, I am inspired. I want to do so much, I feel like I'm always in a whirlwind. You ever feel that way? Even right now, writing this, there are a million things going through my head and I can't seem to write or type fast enough to get everything down!! I think I know how Tyler Perry feels when he's in the midst of writing a new piece....WILD!!

I could probably use a lot more focus and organization right now, but I don't think that's where I'm supposed to be in this moment. I'm on a natural, artistic high and I don't mind riding it as long as possible. I just would like to get some things out there!! My planning skills could use some work, everything seems so jumbled. LOL

So, yesterday was great!! I gave my sorority sister her computer lesson and we worked on internet navigation. I helped her set up her first email address, where I learned WE HAVE THE SAME BIRTHDAY!! Wow, that is amazing!!

She invited me to be her guest at the Masters Series Reception and Speaker at the museum. The museum was excited to have a newly acquired painting Van Campen Family Portrait in a Landscape by Frans Hals. Hals, along with Rembrandt and Vermeer, is considered to be one of the three greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age and TMA had been seeking an example of his work for 40 years. A true testament, that hard work and persistence does indeed pay off!!

The speaker, an expert curator from The Netherlands, was very colorful in his storytelling, taking us on a journey through some of Hals works and giving us the background stories. I never found history that interesting when I was in school, but hearing life stories are just fascinating to me. Maybe it's the reason I find such comfort in blogging...I love telling a story just as much as I love reading one.

I've learned that everyday we're writing our own stories...it's colored by our experiences, our ups and downs, the people we meet along the way and by the decisions we make. What page are you writing about your life today? I hope it's worth reading!!

Today's Affirmation: "Everything that I do, always leads me straight to my passion."

P.S. I forgot to do my fitness check...a few days ago I got in my closet jeans. You know the jeans that don't quite fit, but you don't dare get rid of them because you KNOW you'll get back into them. Well, I pulled mine out and put them on!! They fastened nicely, while I was standing upright (no pulling them up while sprawled across the bed on my back LOL)!! WOOOHOO!!

Day 13: Updating you on Destiny

Hello everybody!! I’m checking in and it’s been a while!! Well, as the saying goes, “no news is GOOD news!!” I can honestly say, I’ve been busy and in a very good way!!

Anytime I’m behind the mic, I am in heaven and that’s some of what I’ve been up to. I ended my last blog over last weekend and didn’t get the chance to share my creative Sunday. I wasn’t able to get to church because of my recording, but I’d like to think anytime I’m using my God-given talents, I’m honoring Him and the gift. The animation project I spoke of in August has now reconvened and we were testing mics and recording characters. I had a lot of fun with one particular character, trying out my bayou accent. As long as the writer/director liked it, I was good. It was fun to put my voices to work.

Okay, so besides being on that high, I was still very excited about the Writer’s Workshop I attended on Saturday. So I have been busy writing, writing and writing. I have some new ideas of what I want to go next and I also decided to participate in a 50,000 word challenge in November. This will be in honor of National Novel Writing Month at www.NANOWRIMO.org. I will be creating and building some characters I’ve already established for a project. I really didn’t know where those characters were going until this past weekend. Now they will take form in November.

On the exercise front, I’ve only found a little time to walk, so I haven’t been to the gym all weekend and probably won’t again until Monday. I do have my Turbo DVD at home…although I haven’t used that this week either. So walking will have to do. I’ve been walking in the neighborhood, parking lots, stores and even some serious movement at home. I will be tackling these leaves this weekend too, so you already know that’s a workout. My pop (or soda, for those not in my area) intake has been kinda steady…I promise I’ll do better though. I am still getting my tea in though.

I have been doing some cooking, but we’ve been invited to eat other places several times in the last several days. Plus yesterday was my daughter’s 19^th birthday. Go ahead and gasp…yes, she’s 19!! LOL We went out to eat and I didn’t eat all my food, like I usually do. I had some to save for later (which my daughter ATE)!! LOL

My last thing to report is that I have been spending time with one of my oldest sorority sisters and she is such a joy. In addition to her wisdom, I am learning patience. She’s 78 and asked me to teach her how to use the computer. Even though she’s filled with wisdom and has taught me so much, I admire her for being so willing to learn from someone else. So I helped her make a card for one of her oldest friends that turned 100 this week. It was cute to see how tickled she was when that card printed. So we’ve been working on her typing and getting on the internet.

As I proofread this particular blog, I can’t help but say, “Thank you Lord”. My life is truly blessed and when I say highly favored, I really mean it. All the trials and tribulations life throws at us NEVER compare to the great days we have. My good days far outweigh the bad ones. We can always point out what we’re not and what we don’t have, but I am so grateful for where and who I am now, for it is better than it used to be. Everyday we have the capacity to get better and I strive to do that daily. I wish the same for you.

Today’s affirmation is about being grateful for the life we live.

“I am grateful for all that I have, all that I am and all God has created me to be.”

P.S. I started on dinner early today!!

Day 9: A Creative Update

Wow, it has been a whirlwind of a week. The last few days flew by and I didn’t even have time to get online most days. It has been a creative weekend though, one that has sparked my interest and soared my motivation to do MORE than I’m doing now. I’m so excited to be getting on with the life I want and deserve to have.

In the last couple of days I have become so inspired by the many people I’ve met, as well as some people who I met all over again. By that I mean, I already know them, but after hearing them pour out their dreams and aspirations, I met a new side of them. Because they were so open to sharing ideas with me, my own ideas and visions have been stimulated.

I did some healthy things in the last few days, but most of my time was devoted to my creative career. So healthy first, I still haven’t dined out. Okay, let me take that back. Saturday, my daughter and I participated in a parking lot sale. We were rushing so much that morning I only grabbed a banana and water. I sent her back home for hangers and she ran to get herself something from McDonalds, who is doing their annual Monopoly game; we got an instant win for a Quarter Pounder. I had that for lunch. Why? Because I was running and didn’t plan well. I shouldn’t have, but looking on the bright side, at least I didn’t have to pay for it.

I still cooked that night, finally making those pork steaks, rice and veggies. It was very tasty and I was happy to finally have a fully stocked kitchen, after two months. Yes, Lord, I finally got to the grocery store and maxed out the budget I set at the beginning of the month.  The next night, I ate salmon croquette and rice at my Soror’s house. Both days I got in my walking time. Both Thursday and Friday, I walked for my exercise of choice, mostly because that’s all I had time to do.

Now Saturday…it was not the best eating day, not horrible either, just not great. I did have some water but absolutely no exercise. I just didn’t have the time. What I did have time for fed my soul, as it was creatively charged and I felt so alive in it. Saturday morning, I attended the Northwest Ohio Writers Forum’s Write Brain Workshop and it was AWESOME. I met some great people, learned about mind mapping and even found out I’m interested in writing other genres. After meeting extraordinary blogger Karen CL Anderson and hearing her story, I am convinced I’m in the right place at the right time. If you are looking for motivation in self-acceptance, check out her blog at http://www.kclanderson.com/.

Meeting people with diverse backgrounds and walks of life is truly a testament of how remarkable the world is. We are all so different, but met together for a common goal we all have: to be better writers. I loved that the atmosphere was so warm, inviting and just simply kind to all that attended. There were no negative critiques because we recognized that all have a gift; the unique ability to tell our story or tell another story from a perspective of our choice.

The stories didn’t stop there for me today, because I took away so much knowledge and curiosity to see just what else will come out of me. Stay tuned, I’m getting ready to stir up the gift and pour it out into the world!!

After a short break, I attended the film screening for a great film project I participated in last year. I was nervous to see what we all produced together creatively. I was very happy with the finished projects. We had our constructive criticism, but we all agreed we can correct and adjust those things for the next project. It’s such a blessing and a gift to see your dream come to fruition; to watch it be birthed right before your eyes; to sit back and see the fruits of your hard work. Not only was it entertaining, it also encouraged us to keep dreaming and continuing writing. Congratulations and shout out to LaPala Crawford for your first project’s progress from thought, to paper to film!! Thank you for the opportunity!!

One thing I’ve learned in life…If you want your dreams to come true, help someone else’s dreams come true!! You will receive it back 100 fold!!

 

Day 5: Got In Both "Me" and "We" Time

Well, I had the very best intentions, but I was pooped out. After all the work yesterday, I was too tired to actually cook that dinner I described yesterday. I promised my daughter I would cook it today, as she was very excited about the pork steaks. She must have been too tired after getting off work too because she went straight to bed (even though, I know she ate at work). So, I ended up eating the leftover brown rice/spinach…I did not realize I made so much; it lasted three meals.

So today is another day and it started off early. Got up to update my budget sheet and write my plans and “to do” list for today. I am loving the effects of moving my body. It is giving me great energy and I can’t wait to get to my workout. Today it’s a class called Crazy for Cardio. It used to be Cardio Mix divided into two parts: Floor aerobics and Zumba. Now it’s three parts: 25 minutes of Step aerobics, 15 minutes of floor aerobics and 20 minutes of Zumba. It’s awesome and there’s NEVER a dull moment.

I was running around so much today and my Mom called and told me my Dad was barbequing and for us to come over to eat. So...I got out of cooking again today!! LOL I had chicken and hamburger, potato salad, baked beans and green beans. Good thing I had my flaxseed and green tea earlier...

I totally cheated on this picture because I forgot to take one. Grabbed this one from the internet. It LOOKS like my Dad's chicken!!

Anyway, it was a good time over my parents house. We talked and laughed for a few hours. It's nice to just spend time with the ones that took so much time to help mold me into the person I am today. We caught up on our lives and "the stories". Did anyone else see today's episode of The Young and The Restless!! O-M-G!! I was crying!! LOL My Dad is not into that so he went to take a nap, but me and Mom were in there chatting away and shhing my daughter who wanted to talk during the good parts (which by the way today was the ENTIRE hour)!!

So, I'm just winding down now and able to get online to post. It was a good weather, good hearted day. The food choices could have been better, but oh well. At least I didn't overeat and I got in an awesome workout this morning. Now off to do some more writing and planning. Big weekend coming up!! Good night!!

Today's affirmation is about family:

"My parents accept and Love me for who I AM and all that I AM."

...and for that I am grateful!!

Day 4: Awesome. Clean. Grateful

Today was beautiful outside, and although I got the chance to see some of it, I spent most of the day inside working. The first part of the day was pretty domestic getting food and running errands. I got meat on sale and was able to use a church pantry to replace what I wasn’t able to get from Angel Food Ministries last month. I called them to chat about AFM to see if there was another program like it and they invited me in. I’m truly grateful!!

So I finished my menu for the rest of the week and today we’re having skillet fried pork steaks basted and seasoned with garlic, honey and barbeque sauce, seasoned rice and veggie medley. For dessert, we’re having Jello and fruit.

Breakfast was the usual toast and tea. For lunch I had the leftover brown rice, veggies and tomato slices. I’m feeling pretty good and this challenge, as well as all the comments, are keeping me motivated to stick with it. Exercise was nothing fancy, just plain old housework. I did some deep cleaning, window cleaning, lifting and moving, sweeping and dusting.

Side bar: If you really want a deep clean, you can skip the high priced stuff and go straight to any Dollar General, Family Dollar or Dollar Tree and pick up a bottle of AWESOME!! It's only a $1.00 and you will NOT regret it!!

Then I decided to follow up on some calls and paperwork. I started the list by calling to dispute a Red Light traffic violation I received in the mail. I KNOW I can turn on red, since there was no sign saying I couldn’t, so I had no intention of paying it!! I called and spoke to a very kind and helpful woman who told me about the ticket. Did you know you can view your red light violation video online? OMG!! That is sweet!! But if it proves you owe $120.00…it’s not that sweet. I didn’t come to a complete stop and if I had, I would not have received a ticket…I was a little upset, but I am grateful because I will have no points on my license and it will not be reported to my insurance agent.

Cleaning got me to thinking and I was so humbled today. I am also grateful for the things I received free this week:

-          beautiful vase with faux plants (great for my dining room décor)

-          food to replenish my cupboard

-          knee highs (it was a free gift to my Mom for an order she placed)

-          wi-fi thanks to the library

Whew, I really needed that that pep talk and cleaning spree. What a waste of money (the ticket that is)!! Lesson learned!! Well, at least my kitchen is spotless and I picked up my clutter and all the surfaces are clean!! Ahhh...good night!!

Oh, didn't want to forget today's affirmation:

"Life always deals me an easy card, and I gratefully receive it."