Sandra, out of the box

The best part about life is that it is ever changing. At least it should be. No one person is forced to stay in one lane, drive the same speed, use the same colors or stay in one box. This ability is the spice of our life. The possibilities are always endless, because if you put your mind to it and you want it bad enough, it can and will be done.

Challenge.

As easy as it is to say those words, I'll admit that it is hard to put it into action. Not because of what we posses or lack within, but because of fear from those on the outside of ourselves; family, friends, Society in general.

Growth.


To be all that we can be, sometimes involves vulnerability and taking chances. We have to put ourselves to the test....physically, mentally, spiritually. So scary, yet fulfilling and exciting.


Bravery.


Stepping out of the comfort zone. Constructive criticism. Breaking out of a mold.


This weekend I stepped out of my box, I was apart of something wonderful and bigger than myself.


I was one of the cast members of THE GIFT. An encouraging stage play that is all about choices that are morally sound. Appreciating and recognizing the various gifts that a person can receive and even posses, however ultimately understanding the most important gift of all.


By trade, I am no Thespian, but I am endowed with a love of the arts and It was a wonderful experience that I was privileged to be apart of.
Very thankful to Wholesome Entertainment for stepping out of the norm, to get this small production with such a good message seen.

(a few of the cast members)

(One of the scenes I was in)

I pushed myself to try something new, and I liked it!

*Check out the review and more pictures www.NaneTTeiZms.com/2009/08/gift.html

Forget what you planned

See this guy?

Hard working and industrious. Leaving before the sun rises each morning.

Each day begins the same, with the exception of today.

I turn over to greet Mr. Sunshine and This guy is laying next to me.

What?!

This doesn't happen on a weekday.

What is really going on?

Surprise...He decided to take the day off.

Yayyyy!!!!

Right?

Wrong!

Our carefully planned school schedule is a little more difficult to execute on this day. Everyone is up 30 minutes later, trying to get in extra cuddle time. Breakfast is late and school work started even later. And what ever I thought was on my agenda for today has been replaced with his agenda and mine is now rescheduled for tomorrow....

Yeah, so can you tell?

DADDY'S HOME

There is always two sides to a story.

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to view the exhibit Presented by Tavis Smiley, America I am. Right away, I said Yes! I heard a little bit about it but really did not know anyone personally who actually attended.

Let me just tell you, I was moved from the very beginning to the very end. The exhibit began with the profound words of W.E B. Duboise. I felt eery, solemn and reflective as I went Walking through a simulation of the "Door of no return" at the Cape Coast Castle, viewed the personal diary of Malcolm X and the chair in which Martin Luther King sat in during his trial. And hurt at my heart upon viewing the savage and beastly items that were used to enslave many victims of the African slave trade.

Although, one cannot discuss or create an exhibit of the African in America without acknowledging the disgraceful and sad events that it involves, one also cannot omit the beauty, skill, craftsmanship and ingenuity that they have brought to America. Which is another reason that I appreciated the exhibit. I was able to see beautiful pieces of cookware, basketwork, and quilting that was crafted by the hands of slaves. The exhibit tactfully yet with boldness let it be known that the once great economy of this country was built upon the hard labor of the enslaved African men and women.

Towards the end of the exhibit we were brought right into our day and time, viewing photos, donated clothing, musical instruments, and sports memorabilia. All from the many African Americans who have played major roles in pop culture, education and basically all things "American".

What a great experience for all who wish to know more, to gain a deeper understanding and empathy for the other side of history.

I had some techical difficutlies posting the pictures. So if you would like to view pictures of the exhibit, click here.

Sugar and spice, everything nice

MMmmmmm, mmm, mmm!! is all I have to say....Actually, scratch that. I have a whole lot to say, about CamiCakes Cupcakes.

Last Friday night I was invited out to a "sweetup" in a new bakery in the Buckhead area. I went with little expectations, a little curiosity and a small craving for the sweet potato cupcake that was all the rave with the Funky diva Girl.

Well, I was thoroughly and pleasantly satisfied with this bakery. First of all the owner was genuine and kind. Upon walking through the door I immediately felt drawn in because the decor is simple, yet charming, earthy, soulful and girly all rolled into one visually delicious treat. As I looked around I was so impressed with her pictures of music greats from times past such as the great John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington. I began to get a feeling of nostalgia, remembering the things I read about in the Jazz clubs of Harlem, New York. This place has charm I tell ya.... But back to the mmmm, mmmm, mmmm of it all. There were plenty of sample cupcakes to choose from, but once I had a taste of one, I knew I was sold! I quickly made a beeline to the counter and peered at all the cupcakes they offered (with stars in my eyes) and made an order of a half a dozen to take home and two to eat right then.

I had the chocolate raspberry almond cream cupcake and the pineapple toasted coconut cupcake....hmmmm.

Needless to say, my half dozen box never made it to a full 24 hours. My husband and I devoured the sweet little things.

But don't take my word for it. Try them for yourself if you are in the Buckhead area of Atlanta or if you don't mind taking a little trip for a sweet treat, you will not be let down.

I promise.

For more information on CamiCakes and their locations go to camicakes.com

Hello?...anybody out there?

Okay, I know I shouldn't say this but I cant help it. I'm just that girl who will have feelings and can't keep them to herself, I gotta get it out somehow or else I fear I may burst and you wouldn't want that to happen now would ya?

Here is my dilemma, I love to blog, it brings me joy and gives me a creative outlet. I am not overly shy so therefore I have no problem with sharing various aspects of my life on my blog and hearing the responses from my readers. However, let me let you in on a little secret...sometimes when I put up a new blog post and I get NO Comments I get anxious, a lil' bit nervous. I then wonder "is anyone even reading this thing? Like, Hellooo? knock, knock, knock anybody out there?". But I know it's being read, somebody is out there in the bloggasphere reading my words...somebody like YOU and YOU . I know this because I've noticed that each week I get more and more visitors to my site. (yay me!)Traffic is high, but no one is saying a word. Hmmmmmmm

I say that to lead into my newest revelation, the reason for this post...

A funny thing happened when I opened up my latest copy of the Oprah Magazine a few days ago. I noticed the article; The Praise Drug written by Martha Beck. She writes the column: Advice, etc. In light of my recent thoughts on my lack of comments, I was immediately drawn to the cover where it stated "Hooked On Praise? How to quit craving that constant approval" I was like "hmmmm, is this so?" Because I was Intrigued, I sought further understanding and delve right into the article. Let me tell you this article was quite enlightening, I felt as though I was being called out and at the same time relieved that I wasn't the only one with this "addiction." Basically Martha explained how many people are addicted to praise. Thriving off the adoration and esteem of others. She used the example of Sarah a powerful CEO who although successful much of what she did was to elicit positive attention from those around her, once she received that praise it was like a high and she wanted more and more of it. Upon not receiving it, it put her in a depressed state of mind.

Apparently This is a real condition and psychologist call it narcissistic supply...OMG. The article goes further to explain some of the variables in your background that can cause one to be at risk for this addiction and gives 3 signs that may indicate a Praise Addiction. Once you review the 3 signs, She gives four steps to recovery. She covered all the bases in the article, seriously. What an eye opener to what is an unhealthy way of living, thinking and even choosing friends! At the end of the article there is an option to take the "ARE YOU A PRAISE ADDICT?" QUIZ @ oprah.com/omagextras. Of course I took the quiz, and I don't even need to tell you what my score was.... The evidence of my addiction is obvious in my blog post.

So, here it goes..."I'm the mommy and I am a Praise Addict". I'm working on becoming sober and staying clean. I'm on the road to recovery, really. I. am. But until I am completely cured, would ya mind leaving me a little comment? Just give me a lil' sumthin' to tide me over 'till my next post. **side point, if it's a nasty comment. You can keep those to yourself. Only positivity and encouraging thoughts allowed here**

If you don't, it's cool. I understand. I'll be alright. I view it kinda like tough love. But, I know your reading me and I'm learning to be okay with that... *smiles*