Pushing forward , possibilities and opportunities

I’m feeling really good right now, kinda breezy. My mind is swirling with ideas and possibilities. I love this feeling. It is the feeling that I get regarding entrepreneurship that pushes me to the next level. Then when I attended the Atlanta Blogger's Connect Seminar yesterday, I knew I was on the right track. According to Lamar Tyler it is called c.r.u.s.h. - can’t rest until something happens ! I have a passion for what I do and I am delighted that I can share it with others and at the same time make a living from it too. Can it get any better than that?

*Check the video

However , just in typical fashion of life nothing comes easy. Sometimes it is trial and error, blood sweat and tears along with many late nights deep in thought. Without encouragement and focus it is so easy to second guess myself, my intentions and my abilities. Which is why I was so happy to see an article sooo right on time from the execumama Akila. I don’t know how she knew my thoughts, how she understood my unspoken feelings but her post “3 reasons to not give up on entrepreneurship” was sheer perfection. ( not that I wanted to give up, but it can be hard on a sister sometimes)

*check her article

Between her post, The Gatekeepers Are Gone web series and my own ambitions. I am ready for the next level. I believe I can do it. What about you? Do you have similar feelings about your own possibilities and opportunities? Go for it!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: "No longer a SECRET"

I find it interesting that in today's society people can find any and every reason to celebrate, bring awareness to or have a holiday from work or school. It can range from the silliest thing to a very serious thing. With that being said, there are some people who like to "celebrate" and acknowledge it all. Me? Well, I tend to be a little more selective in my celebrations and acknowledgement's.

I was aware of Breast Cancer Awareness being promoted during the month of October, and I am in support of that movement. However, imagine my surprise when I learned that it was National Domestic Violence month too.
I took it upon myself to investigate this info and I was pleasantly surprised to know that on September 22, 2010 President Obama made it official by signing a Proclamation.

This does my heart good to know that more light is being shed on this very sensitive matter. It is vital that voices are heard. More women and children than we are aware of suffer the ill physical and emotional effects of domestic violence. I speak on this subject from personal experience. Coming from a family both immediate and extended where this is/was common place I have seen, heard and experienced more than I care to openly admit. Trust me....it stays with you. A child never forgets their recollections of witnessing or experiencing abuse first hand. Ultimately the physical child grows up and learns to cope, but it is the inner child that always carries the burden.

I feel fortunate that I had other positive forces in my life to help me counteract such negativity so that I was able to break the familial cycle, and I pray that neither of my children find themselves in it. However, not so many children and adults can say the same. Hopefully the more this is spoken of and against, the less of a problem it will be. It starts with early education, support, honesty and communication. Setting aside the month of October to speak about it is a great start, but it shouldn't end after 31 days.

My stance on holidays & celebrations remain the same, The Day is a great reminder but the practice should be done everyday of the year. My theory holds true to speaking on Domestic Violence as well. #SPEAKUP

If you have a couple of more minutes to spare, please view this video with some insightful facts from the White house website and share it with others...

Change of the seasons

Well, it's that time of year again. The time of year when the nature around us sheds it's physical layers and begin preparing for less activity. I actually really like the fall, it is so beautiful. So many rich colors that warm your soul and cause a person to reflect and give thanks. This is the time of year that I love to go camping with my family, hike nature trails and sit by a nice fire. Oh, and don't forget it's perfect cuddle weather.

I am hoping to get in more reading these next few months going into winter. There are books such as Sula that I have on my nightstand begging me to open it. I hope to also get in some crocheting (yes, I crochet) for my brother's new baby girl to be born this month. I have a list of things that I would like to use this time of the year for. I hope I will be able to scratch them off the list. *Sigh* So much I want to do, better get started 5,4,3,2,1....

Why we gotta talk about this huh?

This is the time in my children's life that I sorta dread. It is the time in which they are very aware, and the light gets brighter and brighter on the concepts that I wanted to keep in a dark corner. Hidden under a basket. Suffocated. It is the time that seems to creep up on adults and take away the innocence from the eyes of the child.

In our home we had a recent stream of incidents that required some explaining of things in depth to the individual children.I Didn't want to, but due to the circumstance it needed to be done. My husband and I try not to make a big deal over such things, well at least not to the kids face. Inside my heart and behind our closed doors I am cringing and feeling sad because I want to keep their eyes and ears virgin like, forever. Of course, we know that option isn't really feasible, and so we press on providing details in increments as they are needed and required.

The most current situation to date involved me having to explain to my 11 yr old about a pkg. of condoms that were found in the nightstand drawer ( stop laughing & stop wondering). My initial reaction was like " well what you doing in my drawer anyway? Stay outta my bizness, chile!" *insert eye roll* But of course that was not the appropriate, responsible adult reaction. My husband was not home for me to throw this burden on his shoulders and off of mine; "hot potato!, hot potato!" The look on this child's eyes told me that I was not getting out of this no time soon. He wanted answers and he wanted them now!

So, I took a deep breath and proceeded to explain some things to him as best as I could. Adding on to the foundation of information he already knew, trying to fill in a few more gaps. I hate this...it feels weird...he looks weird as I tell it.... I would rather not! Where's his daddy?!

Fast forward a couple of days...

Well, while I was in my aesthetics class today, the other students and I began a brief discussion on sex and children and I was shocked to learn how other parents deal with the "sex talk." Actually NOT deal with it. These young women explained to me how they never had the talk with their parents. They had to learn it on their own, resulting in premature dating resulting in sex at a tender age. Having to make choices for birth control on their own. Wowwwwww, really? They encouraged me to keep talking to my children. Had they had "the talks" with their parents they would not have grown up so fast. By their own admission it is very necessary and they longed for it.

After hearing it from that perspective I decided that I just need to suck it up.

Getting things in check

So, today is Monday the beginning of a new week. New goals to achieve, new ideas to be thought of. Today I find myself in a familiar place, the space within my mind and emotions. Not in a bad way, but like I am taking note of who I am within. Going through the internal maze, doing a house check so to speak. Recognizing the places that are a little bit dusty, realizing that some areas are getting more attention than others. Looking to see where and how I can put it all in balance. I hate to be off balance, I need and thrive with things being even. However life is not always that way. It is not always "even", which is why the house check is in order.

I plan to enlighten myself with meditation, prayer, some breathwork and soothing music without lyrics. Walk quietly so that I can listen to the goings on of mind. Take a Look at where I have been and where I am going, feeling the path that I am on and making my connection with it. This is a renewal of my spirit, a rejuvenation. I always feel better and focused when I do that.

I have my way of doing things to get back in balance, what about you? What is your way?

Do You Remember The First Time?

I know that during the month of February, many people are thinking of romance. Valentines day has love in the air, with men and women wondering what can they do THIS year to top what they did last year.

I am a firm believer in showing my love year round and not waiting for V-Day. It's a normal day with a lot of hype. However being the frugal man that he is, my husband cannot pass up the chocolates that are on sale or the flowers that get marked down at the last minute. Hence, by default I may receive a lil' sumthin'- sumthin'

Recently, since the beginning of the month I have been seeing and hearing the phrase "first kiss." Even on The Wendy Williams Show, Wendy have been asking all of her guests to tell about their first kiss experience. Some of the stories were so cute and very memorable and others well, not so much. Hehehehe! This had me thinking. Thinking back to my first kiss. It was all so long ago, and was given to me by the son of my parents best friends (typical). He was older than me by a couple of years. Dark, bowlegged and mannish! Our parents spent a lot of time together so it was only natural, I guess.

Since that first kiss, there were several more (kisses) over the teenage years. Most of which were okay. With just a couple of *yarn*sigh* less than fascinating ones.

Fast forward to 1990, age 18 when I met my husband. We were friends (with a serious attraction) for the first 6 months, then on April 1st 1991 we agreed that our platonic friendship should be more. We shared our first kiss and it was like fireworks, Snap!Crackle!Pop! After that first kiss we have been together ever since. Although the kisses have varied over the years, the feelings are still the same. There have been a few times when the fact that I will never experience another "first kiss" has crossed my mind. However, it's a great feeling to know that my first kiss was my last first kiss but it is also my best kiss.

Back in the Day, we handled things so differently

I have a dilemma, if some of you have been following my tweets you know that last night my son had to be taken to the ER. Yeah, on a Friday night the ER is not cool. I mean not that I had something cooler to do...I wish, but anyway! It's not the point! Whether I had something cool to do or not does not take away from the fact that sitting in the ER on a Friday night is not cool.

Why were we there? Because my children and the other neighborhood kids decided to play cops and robbers with the Nerf guns. As they are frolicking in the yard one overzealous boy began to shoot my son point blank range in the eye! Not once, Not twice, but several times. My son is telling him to stop, tries to run away but to no avail. The kid wont let up! And to make matters worse, he began to tease and bully him. Calling him "soft, a sissy, and a wuss." Let me just say for the record: My son is not a wuss! He's just sensitive ;-)...In the end my boy wound up with a corneal abrasion, requiring a topical antibacterial ointment to be applied 4 times a day.

My husband and I are old skool. We grew up in different states, He in the south and I in the north. However, when we were kids, playing with wild abandon on the streets of our neighborhoods we knew how to handle ourselves. If ever I was playing and somebody tried to get bad with me, I got badder. Even If scared I would not back down and run home. I stood my ground and was ready to scrap if I had to, and I still have the scars to prove it. ( really, I do) Growing up partly in Harlem and the Bronx NY, my parents did not take kindly to me coming home saying "I got beat up." That was NOT acceptable. They never encouraged me to fight recklessly, but they did expect me to protect my self if I had to. That's just the way it was.

harlem, circa 1970's

Here is my Dilemma: As we are raising our children in the 21st century, full of awareness of what is socially acceptable, appropriate and what is not, it is hard to turn aside those old school ways. I certainly don't want to encourage my son to use violence to solve his issues, or hold him accountable for not being able to "fight" , but at the same time, I do not want to see him getting his butt whooped in the neighborhood. This is the 3rd or fourth time, this other kid has fought my son.

What does a parent do when you are teaching your child to be loving, kind and respectable to others while other parents are not instilling the same values? We have taught our son to put on the Christlike personality and to turn the other cheek when situations get heated. Walk away, remove himself from the situation. However, unlike the times past kids today don't just slap you a couple of times or beat you up, leaving you with a simple bruise. Kids today are vicious, they will beat you within an inch of your life, sometimes actually taking another child's life. Other kids may join in or watch and cheer from the sidelines.( you've seen the news reports) This leaves me totally freaking out at the thought of the possibilities of what could happen to my children if they don't fight. It is what causes my husband and I go get straight old skool and start telling our kids to "go crazy on that fool, if he starts messin' with you again!" " Beat the crap outta him!" "if you go off on his butt one good time, I bet he'll leave you alone!"

This is just awful to me. I feel so trapped between a rock and a hard place with this situation. We live in the suburbs and are far removed from the city streets that we grew up in. So therefore our children do not have those same natural street smart skills. I never wanted to raise my children in "the hood", but there are times like this that I wish we did, in my own mind it seems that they would be a little tougher and more adept at dealing with bullies.

Goodness, I'm trying to raise these children right and get them to adulthood as decent moral citizens, but it is not easy is it?

Can't we all just get along?....kumbaya people, kumbaya.

I want to be brave, but it's kinda tough

As I have mentioned before, I am embarking on a new business venture. In addition to my Hippie Chicks bath and body line and Reflexology practice. Well, it is sort of a merge of my reflexology practice with the massage therapy practice of my cousin. We both have a love, actually a passion for our individual therapies and are thrilled that we have found a way to blend them and work together. Our name? Very simple, Be.Beautifully.Well. It is all about being beautiful inside and out, mind, body and soul.

Coming up with our concept seemed easy and very natural. We have some plans to host a few events in the months to come and can I just say "OVERWHELMED?" I feel so nervous about it. Nervous because I am having to really venture out of my comfort zone. We are pushing ourselves into arena's that are not really our own. Lots of networking, actually contacting people that I have met at these networking events and sharing our ideas. uuuggghhh! Do you know why that makes me nervous? One word....rejection. But I have heard and read enough motivational talk to know that I can't get to the acceptance without going through the rejection. So I keep on with eyes and head lifted upward, believing in my heart that we are on the right path. So far there hasn't been any rejection, but there are a few obstacles.

But, I can do this... right?

Somewhere along the way, I lost it.

I don't remember when I lost it. I'm thinking that it may have occurred somewhere within the last 10 years. It just slipped away from me.

I'm talking about my game- my shoe game to be more specific. By my own admission (and by a couple of snickering remarks from my homegirls) my
shoe game is wic wic wack!

I want to blame it on something, but I don't know what. Could it be bcause I've begun to choose comfort over fashion? Or is it my limited clothing budget? Or could it be... That I just don't have good shoe style? GASP!

I am so perplexed by this.

My "summertime" shoes are not as shameful as my closed toe "wintertime" shoes , but regardless....It's time for a makeover. So in 2010 I'm planning on stepping up my shoe game. I'm going to get my shoe mojoe back. I am stepping out of the box and putting my best fashion foot forward, literally.

I just hope that I don't break the bank doing it. The husband will not be pleased with that.

So this is my fashion resolution for 2010. I resolve to improve my shoe fashion, and unleash the DIVA that I am within. Do you have a fashion resolution? Or do you have a shoe fashion tip? Please share...help a sistah out.

*for your chuckling pleasure here are my worst pairs of shoes*

The green bombers

The white wedges

The infamous Rocketdogs

The red pointed toe

My open toe metal strip, Sunday go to meeting shoes

My square toe, square heel sunday go to meeting shoes

2009 : lessons learned

As are the many years that have past, 2009 contained numerous life lessons. No matter which phase of life a person finds themselves in a lesson of some sort can always be learned.

I tried to think of the experiences that I went through in 2009 and decided that it was too emotional /dark to share in a way that my readers would appreciate. 2009 was not my best year, but it wasn't my worst year either. It was an emotional and mental roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Filled with highs and lows that are bound to change me for the better, in ways that I look forward to.

So instead of putting together my own list of lessons learned, I compiled a list from others. Friends and family and a couple of my own. I am thankful to those folks that participated in my little survey, it was a lot more interesting than my own.

9 Lessons learned/Realized in '09
#1 " I learned that finding a job ain't easy "- A.B.
#2 " Debt is a burden and a distraction, and rekindling old friendships make you realize how awesome friends can be" - N.H.
#3 " I learned that trying new and different things aren't as hard as you think once you make the first step toward it." - E.B.
#4 " True friends are REALLY true friends, the rest are just posers." - S.H.
#5 " Just because someone is talking to you about their problems doesn't mean they want help. Sometimes people just need to vent" - V.B.
#6 " Do what you believe and don't worry about other peoples oppinions! " - E.C.
#7 " Depression is real and can effect anyone, don't wait until it is too late to get help" - S.H.
#8 "Money doesn't always make you happy. It's essential but not worth sacrificing friends and family. Living simple will make you happy." - L.B.
#9 "This economy sucks!" - D.S.

So, that was what we learned in '09, could you relate? I'm wondering what lessons we will be blessed to learn in 2010?

What once was, is no more

Well, well, here it is the end of week two. The first week of my recovery, as you may recall was blissful. The second week? Lets just say the first week has a level that is historic in my book.

This week I have a multitude of laundry scattered and stacked all over the place, although clean I may add. My husband does not seem to highly value the efficiency of putting the clothes away. My children's rooms are a complete disaster, & my dog is running a muck. My Hubby still gives me kisses, but my pillows have gone flat. My son still brews my coffee alongside my daughter who preps my breakfast. However, the hour that I have to wait for it, makes eating the cold meal less than desirable. I continue to eat my favorite snacks for comfort, which leads me fearful wondering if my designer jeans will fit later on.

Sigh! One more week to go. Will I make it? And if I do, will all my rest be in vain because of the exhausting work I may have to do to get my house back in order?

Any suggestions? Better yet...any volunteers?

Just what the Doctor ordered

The Doctor gave strict orders as I was discharged from the hospital. No lifting, no pushing or pulling of any objects. Complete bedrest for about 2-3 weeks. How's that been going? Well, here's what I've been dealing with for the past 7 days.

In the a.m. my son brews my coffee just the way I like, while my daughter places frozen waffles in the toaster and cooks my bacon not too crispy. My Hubby comes home from work in the p.m., does the laundry, cleans the kitchen, puts dinner on and brings it to my bedside with a smile and a kiss. "Do you need anything else?" Once I have completed our homeschooling lessons for the day, my only care is: which of my favorite movies do I want to watch? Catching up on t.v. reruns, reading great books & journaling. At the end of the night my sheets get retucked, pillows are fluffed and comforter is smoothed out.
Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm!!
A sistah can get used to this. I wonder if I can get a Doctor's note for an extension on my recovery time? This is like the best staycation I ever had! Too bad I had to lose a body organ to experience it.

Just sayin'

I'm so old fashioned

Can this be happening? I used to wonder about how people functioned without a computer. I used to wonder how a person can go days without checking their emails. How can an able body actually be unplugged? Without the random 140 word tweets and facebook status updates, a person is actually forced to learn what is going on in the world the "old fashioned" way.

Well, I no longer have to wonder.

With three...yes, three computers in my house down at the same time. Each attacked by some cruel and heartless virus (even though I have virus protection on each computer). I now know what it is like.

This is so unfair.

Don't get it twisted

I am the type of person that has deep emotion. I am a peacemaker and a peace lover. If I have a serious problem with someone or something, it is important for me to set matters straight by eventually making my feelings known. It helps me to move on from the situation and not hold on to it. Holding on to negative feelings often create a place of bitterness and resentment, hiding in small crevices of the heart and mind. It never really allows a person to be free, causing one to be stagnant in life. Some people get it and some do not. Those who don't, seem to misunderstand the whole point. Feeling as though talking about things is a waste of time and energy. However, If done properly it can create a bridge to better understanding and a strong foundation in all relationships.
Recently I was told that I was making myself a victim because I chose to discuss a situation that hurt me deeply. I had the impression that my choice to express myself gave the other person the perception of weakness. How untrue that perception is. In fact, it is because I try to think through various issues, getting to the root of them that I am NOT a victim. Of any given serious situation which involves me. In fact I consider myself a survivor, because I fight everyday to push myself ahead. Doing what I do in spite of my trials. Going through my thoughts, I was reminded of that song ; Survivor, by Destiny's Child. How appropriate to post it up here today. It goes right along with my feelings.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

I have something I need to say.

I am concerned about some of the websites that are designed for young girls, specifically targeted at the age group of 7-17. Many, if not all of them seem to focus heavily on materialism and what I call the "Paris Hilton life style". These websites although designed with good intent to boost self esteem and stir up creativity, appear to also stimulate a sense of discontent. I say this because I have watched my 8 yr old on these sites. Generally I believed them to be cute and entertaining. My daughter received much joy from creating new hairstyles, designing fashionable outfits, and being a makeup artist. She really is a Fashionista in the making.

I never really thought too much into her time spent on these sites. I mean, I always checked to be sure they were sites suitable for children of course. And to be frank, I enjoyed the free time that it gave me when she was engrossed in "designing". However, it was not until recently that I began to think twice about what was really going on. How she was being affected on an emotional level.

Recently, my daughter came to me and asked if she could become a superstar. I did not know what she was talking about. I told her; "you're already a superstar honey." Her emphatic reply was that she wanted to be a REAL superstar and she needed my credit card to do it. Hold up! What? My credit card? OK, now she has my attention. She eventually was able to show me what she was talking about. On this site there is a lot of basic fashion pages, equiped for a paper doll type avatar that each girl can call her own. However, every girl can move on to superstar status if they pay $5.95 per month. "huh?" I questioned what was this fee for? Indya, went on to tell me that the fee will enable her to have bigger and better things. A nicer apartment, furniture, expensive clothes, a nice car etc. etc. As she was relaying this information to me, she appeared to be a little bit too desperate for my liking. Am I hearing this right? This is supposed to be child's play, right?

From my very core I was disturbed. What kind of message is this really sending to young girls? I asked a friend about my feelings and she understood my thoughts. I have always tried to help my daughter create a strong sense of self. And believe me she does have a strong sense for an 8 year old. But I do not care for the idea that she could possibly gauge her worth by the material things she possessed ( virtual or not). Too many girls today are growing up with the idea that more is better and bling is bliss. Focusing on the external and not enough time spent on developing the internal. Early on girls are forming cliques in schools based on status (believe me, I've seen it even in 1st grade), the mean girl mentality is evident. Remembering my days as a young girl/young adult with low self esteem, it just is not a path that I want to see my child going down. She needs to feel, know and believe that regardless of what she has, or what group she fits in with, she is still a superstar at all times. In real life, material things come and go. They can only carry a person to a point. However, strong character and inner beauty will never stop pushing a person ahead. Finding pleasure and happiness in the simple things that make life truly enjoyable and meaningful is priceless. Worth more than silver and gold. That is the area that I want her focus on.

I began thinking that maybe I'm taking this a little too serious. After all she is just a little girl having fun on a website that I allowed her to be on. But still I felt uneasy. So I pondered on that, but decided that a mother can't ever be too sure. sometimes the very simple signs are the very things we tend to take for granted and often can be what will snowball into something bigger later on. How many times has it been said "if I knew back then what I know now, I never would have allowed...". Yeah, I know I can't predict the future of my daughter, nor shield her from all the emotional curves she will encounter. However, what I do know is that I can be mindful of the example I set and the role that I play. Keeping an eye on how I feed into behavior patterns.

There for I decided I would not purchase the superstar status for her. For me, it just felt like going too far. I believe I would be contributing in some way to some unhealthy ideas. I recognize that perhaps I will even need to reevaluate some of the sites that she visits and set some new guidelines for her. None of which is limited to just the websites, but television, and music videos too. This will cause some upset, but this mom has got to do what she has to do. If my daughter wants to continue to play virtual dress up, makeup artist, etc. she will still have the freedom to do so. However it will have to be done within what I deem to be healthier parameter's.

With the increase of technology and media our children are being exposed to more and more ideas and values that are not our own. Those of which creep up into our lives oh so subtle. Which means we have to be that much more aggressive or quick to correct, encourage and refine the fibers that create a strong foundation. I don't know all the answers, but what I do know is that I want to build something more substantial within my little girl so that she can soar and be the woman that I know she can be. And I definitely don't think that buying her way to SUPER STARDOM is going help her to do that. I'm just saying...

Oh Happy Day!

Mozzarella cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives and white wine

A bouquet of Flowers that was given to me a couple of weeks ago.

I took a picture of these two items because looking at it made me feel happy. Feeling happy about this bouquet inspired other happy thoughts and so one happy thought turned into another and another. So I came up with ten things that made me happy.

1. A lovely bouquet of flowers, given to me unexpectedly.


2. A well balanced check book.


3. A Freshly made bed, with 600 thread count linens.


4. A Picnic in the park.


5. To be wrapped in a warm embrace by the luvofmylife.


6. Watching my children sleep peacefully in their own beds.


7. Sharing happy memories of times past with my family.


8. A hot cup of Caramel Machiato with heavy whipped cream and drizzles of caramel from Starbucks, as I curl up with a good book on a really cushy sofa.


9. A clothing sale so good that I walk away from the register feeling like I stole something.


10. Having good friends that see me for all that I am and love me anyway.

Happy thoughts beget happy thoughts and happy thoughts make life easier.

What spurs your happy thoughts?...

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*

I think I can! I think I can!

Over the past 5 years I have been an entrepreneur. Some of those years successful and some not so successful. I am a person who thrives off of creativity....kinda like "when I'm hot, I'm hot and when I'm not I'm not." I often get creativity in waves, the times of which my mind is going "boom, boom, pow!" During these times I come up with some pretty cool projects that I absolutely love. But when I cool down, I have trouble with keeping things going. I have been thinking lately of really focusing on being consistent. Consistency seems to be the key (duh) but sometimes it seems like the only thing I am consistent on, is being INCONSISTENT. I really wish I could afford to hire a manager and marketing professional...but, I digress.

I know that I have many great talents and abilities and because of them I refuse to give up on my entrepreneurial spirit. So, I continue to look for more pathways to aid me in staying focused. I must admit, reading blogs from other women like myself (small business owners and WAHM) I get energized and inspired to continue pushing through with my own plans. If they can do it, then so can I. So, thanks to all the blogs and women out there who unknowingly inspire me to keep it going! Some of the networking sites that make me Think I Can are: www.mompreneurcafe.com , www.momtv.com , and www.twitter.com where I meet many inspiring women entrepreneurs focused on reaching their goals and having fun while doing it.

Currently I am working on some new projects, and trying to revive some oldie but goodies too. I am excited about them, and most importantly I am focused on it (well at least I'm trying to be).

So, that's all for now...

The soundtrack of our love

Do you remember the song you heard when you first fell in love? Or the song that was playing when you went out on that special first date? I do, and it seems like lately I've been hearing "our songs" alot.

It just strikes at a totally unexpected time, I'm in my car minding my own business and bing! I hear it, and in comes the warm and fuzzies like a flood. Then the butterflies start up right on Que, just like it was yesterday. My mind takes me back through 18 years when I was just a senior in highschool...Wow! Oh the fun times, the joy of feeling like nothing else even mattered but he and I. The late night phone calls only to hang up and call each other again as soon as we woke. Finding any and every excuse to be together and sometimes it felt like even that wasn't enough. I know, sickening right? Hehehehe.

Well, recently after going down memory lane musically, I thought to myself "what would the soundtrack of our happiest moments be like?" From that thought came a play list that I created based on the songs that I thought my hubby and I shared a common sentiment about.

Wanna hear it? Here it go:

http://blip.fm/profile/Hicksgirl93/playlist
Creating the soundtrack of your love is very romantic, and is a great way to "stir it up" with your #1. I've shown you my soundtrack of love, what songs would you add to your own soundtrack?

Quality Family Time

In today's society we are often surrounded by technology, sometimes overwhelmed by it. With cable t.v., the Internet, traveling game systems and high tech cellphones it can be so easy to disconnect from our family, too far and few in between is the quality time that families are spending with each other. My family is no exception, we have been guilty of this, why? because it is just so easy to sit around on our butt's.

Plain n' simple.

Recently we decided to turn off the t.v. (at least for a few hours) and head to the local state park. Oh what fun! the kids brought their swim suits and as soon as we found a great spot overlooking the lake, with a table and grill, they jumped in. I'm so happy that they enjoy and are comfortable in the natural surroundings.

It was so nice outside, the sounds of the boats riding by and happy children. Hubby and I got to talk (I know right?!real one on one convo!). I brought a book and just fell in love with life all over again. How could I not? When sitting amongst the beauty of creation with the ones you love, it just happens.

I just hope we continue to remember what we love the most ,which is not the technology we are swamped with, but the quality time spent being active outside with each other. The best part of it all is that it costs little to nothing to do it. You can't beat that in these hard economic times.

My hubby and I even decided that we were going to implement a NO T.V. week, every month...ahem! yep! you read me right....NO T.V. for one whole week. Sounds drastic? Well sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do. We will get outdoors, finish up projects, and play board games ( which BTW, we love) . If you like board games too and want something new to add to your quality family time, go to this website ; www.boardgames.com for suggestions to get you started.

The weather is great and you have your love ones around you....you gotta get up, get out and do somethin'.