Loving

I am blessed to be able to love unconditionally. It brings me much comfort and great joy to do so. I know the quality of my life has improved exponentially since opening myself up to this wonderful abundance of feeling.

The down side is when you love unconditionally, you hurt unconditionally for those who hurt. Today I find my GF and my brother KD heavy on my mind/heart.

My "little" sister AW, is in a lot of emotional pain right now. Not being able to bear some of it, hurts. I am sending you love, hugs, my shoulder and anything else you can think of that will get you through this difficult period. Put your faith in God, and lean on the support system He's given you.

To KD I say, I've loved you from day one. This is a difficult season for you. Yes it seems long dark and at times scary, but I promise you it gets better. God can do anything but fail. Despite all the turmoil you are experiencing, He's provided you with blessings. Your friends, our family, and yeah He's even plaguing you with me. I love you so much, and just when you think you know how deep it runs, it increases a million times. We cannot always carry the load by ourselves, and when you are ready to allow me to share it with you, I am here.

Blessed beyond measure,

Having it all?

Exactly what is this "all" we as women are supposed to have? Since January I've been attempting to work my full time job, run a business, look after my Mom (who has had some health challenges lately), pack up an apartment so I can move, and negotiate a relationship.

I'm sitting in the midst of what used to be an extremely habitable place. It's a wreck. The upstairs doesn't look much better. The regular job is perking along, and I'm managing to squeeze in a few hours for the new biz as well. My Mom is getting better, and my burgeoning relationship is going nowhere. It's ok, I think we're better off as friends as we're almost the exact opposite of each other, including our work schedules.

So for you women who "successfully" juggle all of these things, what's the secret? Maids and housekeepers? Personal Assistants? For those who have mates and children to add to the mix, is it the Prozac that keeps you going LOL?

So if you come visit me wear a hard hat and watch where you walk. Unfortunately, the one thing you won't be tripping over is "MY" man. No need to be sad, it is what it is.

Still so very, very blessed,

Cleaning for a reason - For people undergoing chemo

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org


God bless,

Family

This is the only picture of the 6 of us. My cousin Tony passed when he was 10. Since this was taken, we've lost Leslie.

I miss her lots, especially on days like today. The Black Cowboys were on the campus today, and Leslie loved history. To see and hear them talk would have made her week.

Hoping those whom you love, respect and admire are still with you.

Stay blessed,

So if I release it to the Universe does it mean I'm giving up?

As I'm sure you know, life can and is challenging. That's what makes it so wonderful. Of course not having anything else to compare it to makes me a bit biased.

Since the beginning of 2010, I've led an up and down existence. Like most have encountered a few financial challenges. Concern over my Mom's health and my own dental surgeries have kept me busy on the medical front. My job has changed so far for its all good, and my business is coming along. Professionally I guess you can say I'm doing ok. Super busy, but still ok. My family (one member in particular) has had the rug pulled out from under him, and I'll be honest, I'm a bit worried about that outcome.

My "love life"? What love life? Met someone in the latter part of last year, and we hit it off. While I really like him, the relationship is not the kind I can see sustaining either of us 6 months from now, much less 6 years from now.

So with all that's going on, I've decided to release everything to the Universe. Some folk call it giving it to God. As I do this, I was wondering if it meant I was giving up or procrastinating on making hard decisions in the instances that need them. I choose, as always to let the Higher Power guide me. For those who do not believe in something greater than themselves, do you see this as a cop out?

Just wondering. In the meanwhile, I am sending a prayer of many blessings your way.

Always blessed,

Eva, Clora and Catherine

or Sissy, Sweetie and Shug (my Granma)  They were a hoot when they got together.  I remember when they discovered Long Island Iced Tea at a family cook out.  It was hysterical!  One of them (I think it was Granma) thought her legs were broken when she tried to stand up after drinking them in the sun for hours.  

I miss seeing them interact.  We would feel sorry for Granpa (a man of few words) when The Sisters got together.  Not only did they talk enough for 100 people, it was loud enough to be heard down the street.  

Sending you all my love, you are each missed by me.

Hoping you are as blessed as I was

Facebook and my past

Wow is all I can say. I've been an avid facebook user for almost 18 months. I'm enjoying it. Meeting new people, connecting with old friends. Catching up with family has inspired me to research my genealogy.

I admit it, I farm and play mafia wars darn near daily. For me it's relaxing and frees the mind of all the clutter. Yeah mindless is just what I need at the end of one of my hectic days. Sometimes I visit to ease into a day.

Do you Facebook?

Sending blessings your way,

I have no idea

why I like this song. Heard it for the first time on Thursday and it's been in my head since then.

http://bit.ly/ds7dq1

Yes I also like country music!

The "Joys" of being single/Taking care of me

Some days they are immeasurable. Then there are the other days when being single is a hassle. No one to talk to, no one to tell if if that picture is hung straight.

I love coming and going as I please, but do wish that I had someone to come and go with me. Oh well, until that happens, I'll keep making time to do the things I love, and learn how to start taking care of me first. My son said to me years ago "why would you expect others to treat you better than you treat yourself?" So these next 5 years are going to be about me treating myself better. No so much materially (I drive Gloria so I'm happy), but both mental and physical health.

We as women (and especially Black Women) are always the last to think of putting ourselves first. For me that means taking the time (and investing the money) with dentists, doctors, dermatologists and yes even going to the gym. I'm considering Lasik surgery for next year's gift to me. Time will tell if I get the courage to go through with it.

I challenge you to make your own 5 year plan. Yes, it's true we're not promised tomorrow, but suppose we are here 5 years into the future? Look at it this way. If we are blessed 5 years are going to pass, wouldn't it be a bonus to find yourself to be a better you?

Stay blessed,

Where does the time go?

We're almost through October. 2009 Has flown by. Because of all the ups/downs/twists/turns, Six Flags will be contacting me for their newest roller coaster prototype.

I'm not the only one it seems. Close friends and family are experiencing the same thing. Hopefully we'll all be on an even keel soon.

Sending out good vibes to each of you. May His blessings overflow your life. Remember to share them with those in need.


Stay blessed,

Working my way back to stability.

It has been more than a challenge these past few months. I have had my share (and fill) of passive/aggressive people. I've been observing people and their habits for years, and I still don't understand why people insist on making themselves the victim.

I can't get enough of those who are positive and refused to become victims, despite what life hands them. I wish I could take some of their essence and give it to those who could use it. However, on second thought, they'd probably complain that there wasn't enough or some such thing.

I have several friends who are going through hell right now. All I can do is stand helplessly by, at a great distance. I pray for them, and ask you to do the same.

I'm hoping your difficulties are turning into blessings. I hope your joy is just a heart beat away, yet lasts a life time. I pray that you will go out and greet the day and meet all it has to offer with an open mind, instead of waiting to see what will happen to you.

I'm taking deep breaths to keep my head clear (and up) and am reveling in life and all it's ups and downs. Won't you join me?

Be blessed,

My how she's grown

 

Fuss and her DaDa

Now and then. Definitely a love thang.

Reflections

I was talking to a good friend (more like a sister than friend) last week. She, like myself is a single parent. One of the things that I mentioned to her is that I wanted to have a 50th birthday party, but unless I organize and pay for it, its not going to happen. We talked about how that is the downside of being single. The lack of companionship. Not having someone who really knows you as you are now.

For 2.5 weeks, I battled a migraine, and although my son and his GF came by, I was still alone. The worst would hit at night when just as I would manage to almost fall asleep, a siren or a loud car radio would jolt me back from the edge. It was at those times when I wished there was someone beside me so I didn't hurt so much in the dark, by myself.

Yes I prayed and yes I took the meds and did as I know to do to relieve the pain. Yet and still, just having a mate who would tell me to relax, ask if I wanted water, remind me to wake up to take meds, and really just breathe beside me would have been wonderful.

I'm back on my feet again, and feeling blessed to have made it though. Back to the party thought. Yes I can indeed throw my own party, and Lord knows, my mate may not know how to organize his way out of a paper bag LOL. For me the importance would be he is MY mate, who would stand beside me sharing the blessing of (hopefully) reaching the 1/2 century mark. He'd celebrate with my (and our) closest friends, our combined families. We'd both be strong in the knowledge that this is the good times, and we have only to lean on each other to make it though the bad times. Idealistic? Probably. Unrealistic? Not hardly

Am I destined to continue this journey alone?


God bless,

Fuss is growing

My Weekend with Fuss

I had a ball! I think she had a good time too. We played, watched TV (whodda thunk 14 month old babies like TV?), we walked, we had a play date, and we went to visit relatives.

The part I think she liked best was when I gave her a cup of jello and a spoon. Then I told her to go for it, and that wiggly stuff had my baby talking and laughing when it went in unexpected places. Ummm I'm sure that "Shout" will get the red color out of her new dress.

She followed the dog (Doh DOH to her) around, feeding her whatever was at hand.

I love seeing this precious baby discover, investigate, run, laugh, point and chat.

I'm looking forward to our next weekend.

So blessed!

Looking Back

I can't believe I'm sitting here crying as I look at this picture taken almost 45 years ago. The adorable baby is now a beautiful, strong man. I am so proud of him, he's not only my brother, but also my best friend. He's got my back no matter what.

My Grandmas are gone now, but while they were here; Lord how they loved us.

We received thousands of kisses, tons of encouragement, and knowledge that building a future doesn't mean dishonoring our past. Add to that love beyond measure, compassion and the ability to know right from wrong, and a wicked/warped/silly/raunchy sense of humor, and you got my Grandma's down pat.

For me, it is how life is supposed to be, I don't know any different.

Acknowledging my blessings

Lest We Forget: God is running this here thang!

Earlier today I was watching HGTV. Something I tend to do all day on Sunday. I had a few errands to run, and was thinking bout getting around to doing them. The day was overcast and cool, and I was deciding between a heavy sweater or a coat. All of a sudden the sky got black, then this really horrible sound started. I went to the window and discovered it was haiing! Nice big gravel sized pellets were pouring out of the sky. Between the noise of it hitting the metal carport and the thunder, it was really quite a racket. Not five minutes later, buckets of rain came from the sky. It was hard and heavy. Ten minutes after that, we were back to overcast and cool.

Forty-five minutes later, the same weather was repeated. I guess in case a few folk didn't get the message the first time, God was letting everyone know, I've got this, and you in the palm of my hand. You don't control jack!

Not long after that, I had some bad news, my cousin had passed away. I'll write about that later, as it still sets me back on my heels when I think about it.

I admit that I am a little more humbled tonight than when I woke up this morning.

Be blessed,

Wow, it's been more than a minute since I've been here

On one hand so much has happened in this, the first quarter of 2009.  On the other hand, I'm wondering what else can happen in this first quarter of 2009.

I've had some really good things, and some really bad things happen to me personally.  Not to worry, I'm not bipolar, in fact that's the only thing I'm sure I'm not.  I've gained and lost the same 6 pounds, three times already.  That's the fault of King Arthur's scone mix, and double devon cream.

I'm currently fighting allergies, and I'm sad to say too many times, they win.  My family is healthy, if not always happy, and so far we've managed to keep our jobs, roofs over our heads, and food in our stomachs.  Not an easy accomplish in these economic times

I'm hoping you and yours are keeping safe, and appreciating each other for the gifts you have.

Battered, but still blessed

Now and Then My Fuss!

By His Grace and Mercy, in a few hours

I will be a witness to history being made. I can't help but remember all those who gave their lives for this moment. In particular, I'm remembering my loved ones who are no longer here to see the dream come true. It is for them, my Grand daughter and for America that I cast my vote on November 7, 2007.

President Elect Obama, I pray you have the strength, wisdom, compassion and the courage of your convictions to steer the ship of state with a steady hand, I also pray that no weapon formed against you prosper.

Once again I am blessed,

RIP Grandpa

Tomorrow is the 15th anniversary of my Granpa's passing. It's funny but it doesn't seem like he's gone. JB has so many of his ways. I have so many wonderful memories of him, and I can still hear him cracking jokes in my ear.

Arnold Sherman Whitten was a quiet man, who loved his family fiercely. He was a slender man who made up in greatness what he lacked in stature.

I miss ya Gramps, you would have gotten a kick out of the upcoming inauguration.

The Holidays Over

Wow they went by fast.

I'm so broke I can't pay attention. Now I have to take down the tree, put away the decorations, and clean up the leftovers that may still be hiding in the fridge.

Fuss seemed to have a good time. She'll be a year old next Sunday! She received a bike, some toys and lots of clothing. She also had many people holding and kissing her, I was surprised she wasn't waterlogged LOL. She hung in for almost 10 hours, but the next two days were not really good for her. She was over tired. On the third day she slept 12 straight hours and woke up with a smile. Since then she's been the usual smiley faced little joy bringer we're so in love with.

I'm still happily Freecycling, both giving and receiving. Got Fuss a bike helmet and a baby gate, the latter I'm sure she does not appreciate. Have some things to give away tomorrow. My rule is for every one thing I bring in the house 10 things must leave. I'm hoping that by the end of winter, I can actually find necessary items without burrowing through things I neither want, need, or have use for any longer.

Be blessed,

Vanilla Gift Card - NOT

I purchased one of the Vanilla Gift Cards for a holiday gift. As it turned out, I decided to send something else instead. Thank goodness I did.

This card is the worst thing to ever hit the market. Just trying to get the balance (I wanted to know if I had to go back to the store and get a refund) took 15 minutes on the internet. I had to enter the same numbers over and over again until they were recognized.

I've tried to use it several times, including Wal-mart and Sam's Club (where it was purchased). It simply doesn't at any brick and mortar store I've shopped in the weeks since I purchased it. Finally I decided to use it to purchase the ITunes items. It went through. Great so at 5:30am I toddle off to Wal-mart for some gift boxes and seasoned bread cubes for stuffing. You guessed it DECLINED. UGH! I then discovered I'm not the only one to experience this problem

I will go on line later and see if I can pay my telephone bill with the balance. If not, then I'l go online to ITunes and see if i can buy one of their gift cards.

Silverton Bank, NA, you'll never have to worry about me purchasing one of your products again. From what I'm reading on the web, there are a few hundred others who feel the same way.

Vanilla Gift Card Complaints


Blessed so I refuse to be stressed,

If I were a Rich Man

there are many great songs in this movie, however, this is my favorite. When I was younger I'd stand up and sing along with him.  Topol had a great voice.  Thanks for sharing it with the world.

"ya da dee da da

 ya da da

ya da da 

da"

From a GF...great questions

This week's topic: Ask Yourself These Five Questions Before the Year Ends

Dear Friends,

I pray this Christmas will be blessed, joyful and peaceful for you. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, please remember the reason for the season! We are near the end of another year and I thought this would be a great time to pose five important questions for you. We become wiser when we ask ourselves the right questions and discover answers that focus us in the right direction. The right questions can offer you an opportunity to grow and consider better possibilities for your life. Over the next week, ponder these important five questions as you close out yet another year.


1. What is the biggest lesson God has offered me over the last year?
When we take time to learn the lessons that our trials and triumphs teach us, God is able to mold our character and use us in greater ways. When you ignore the lessons of life, you often find yourself repeating the same mistakes and enduring the same challenges time and time again.


2. What is my "divine assignment" at this stage of my life?
Our purpose can transform over a lifetime. In order to remain in synch with God's timing and purposes, we must seek His "assignment" in the various seasons of our lives.


3. This time next year, what would I like to see different in my life? In other words, what's my vision?
You need a vision for where you are going in the coming year. No matter how insignificant you think your life is, God wants you to be deliberate about setting goals and moving forward. God's word tells us to "write the vision and make it plain" (Habakkuk 3:2). That means we should write it down and make it clear and specific. Don't overwhelm yourself with a lot of "New Year's resolutions." Instead, choose something meaningful, even if it is a seemingly small change, and take deliberate steps forward.


4. What have I been procrastinating about?
Putting off goals and things that God has laid on your heart to do is stressful. Fear is often the culprit and the New Year is a great time to ask yourself if it is time to get unstuck and pursue certain goals or drop them altogether, thus freeing yourself from the burden of an incomplete task hanging over your head.


5. How could I make more of a positive difference in the lives of others in the next 12 months?
Our lives really aren't about us. They are about the purpose for which we were created. What is it that you'd like to do by this time next year that will impact others in a meaningful and positive way?


My challenge to you this week:
Be reflective this week and notice what you've learned and what you've accomplished this year. Celebrate your progress.


Journaling assignment:
Answer each of the five questions posed this week. Is there an important shift or change you need to make as a result of the lessons and events of your life in 2008?

Merry Christmas!

Am I the only one wondering

Why the airlines haven't stopped charging to check bags? If I recall correctly it was due t the high cost of fuel. Sooooo what's the new excuse to gouge the passengers now? Just wondering


Be blessed,

I was in a mall today

Something I try to avoid at all costs. However since my favorite nail salon is there, I screwed up my courage and took the plunge. Including the customers in the salon I think I saw a whopping 25 people in the entire mall!

Wow, are we all staying spending within our means, or pointing and clicking our way into debt?


Be blessed,

Guess I'm no Magician

Ya'll know I'm an extremely blessed Black woman. I know from where my strength flows. I stand strong on the solidness of the love and support of my family and friends. Even Baby Dawg shows me love constantly

However, with all of that I question why am I single? Why is there no "magic" in my life

Maybe I'll find the answer to that question, and from there solve for Mr. Right.

If you are in a happy and healthy relationship, don't take it for granted. Let your partner know they're your blessing.

Looking forward to the holidays! Maybe next year I'll find my magic

Spoke with Elizabeth

We haven't had a good chat in 9.5 years! Anyone listening in would have never guessed it. LOL. We picked up where we left off like we spoke last night. It was wonderful letting my hair down Brooklyn style.

I really do miss my friend. She sustained me though the early, difficult days of single parenthood. Our children were friends, hitting the same challenges and milestones around the same time. A hug was never far away. Cuddling each other's child when they needed it was not only safe, but our boys expected whomever was near to provide them comfort. My son still says "droove" because as he would say "my attorney" says its a word.

I remember to this day, the first time I saw Elizabeth. I remember thinking she's the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I was right, her inner beauty has far eclipsed her outer beauty, and that's saying something.

Once again, I'm reminded of how very blessed I am.

Once again, I am praying you can say the same.

Yeah I laughed....bet you will too

While shopping in a food store, two nuns happened to pass by the beer, wine and liquor section. One asked the other if she would like a beer. The second nun answered that, indeed, it would be very nice to have one, but that she would feel uncomfortable about purchasing it.

The first nun replied that she would handle that without a problem. She picked up a six-pack and took it to the cashier. The cashier had a surprised look, so the nun said, "This is for washing our hair."

Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter and put a package of pretzel sticks in the bag with the beer. "The curlers are on me."

For some reason, the clerk's response made me think of my brother KD. I can imagine him saying the same thing to the nuns.

: D


Be blessed,

The yesterday is gone, and today but a few minutes old.

it was a long, exhausting day. I can't believe my feet hurt, despite wearing socks and comfortable sneakers. Got a lot done, still a lot to be done.

Writing that sentence, and looking around my unkempt living room reminds me of a story I read once. It was about a man who had an intellectually challenged wife. He told her that she had to get everything ready because the holidays were coming. Lo and behold two men knock on the door. She asks them if they were the Holidays. I forget the middle of the story, but I do remember that the man returns home from work to find his entire house devoid of furniture and food.

It's a story that pops into my mind when I hear people say they're getting ready for the holidays.

But I digress.

I ended my day by sitting in front of a blazing fire with Princess sleeping on her bed. No one rang the phone, or knocked on the door. It was a great evening...even if I did partially burn the ground turkey for the lasagna.

I'm blessed with a place to live and food to eat (scorched parts and all). In these very hard economic times, I pray that you can say the same.

Be blessed,

Furbabies

This past week a friend of mine had to put her 16 year old cat down. I may have met the kitty once, back in 90's when I visited her one time, but I can't remember.

My heart ached for my friend. She's had a rough couple of years, and even the not so rough ones, have had more bumps than I would have wanted for her.

If you are blessed to have a furbaby, go show them some lovin. Like humans we don't know when they won't be in our lives any more.

Rest in Peace JessieKitty.

Freecycle

I'm so glad it's in existence! I was able to give away a lot of stuff I would have either taken to the dumpster or (eventually) to the good will. I even gave away office supplies.  The best part is the people who want this come to you! HeHeHe!  Works for me.

"Changing the world one gift at a time" is Freecycle's official tagline.

If you don't use them, then get with the program.  Stop throwing away good stuff.

Rest In Peace Mama Africa

Sunrise 4 March 1932
Sunset 10 November 2008

My Old ladies. Y'all missed out by not having them in your lives.

A friend of mine sent a link to me. It was an interview with Bill Withers before his induction into the WV Hall of Fame. The man is still easy on the eye, and his voice can still envelop you. I didn't know he was from WV, but I digress. His song "Grandma's Hands" has always made me think of my Great Grandma, and Grandma's rolled up into one.

Agnes S., Catherine W., Frances S. and Emily K. Women who walk in and out of my mind frequently. I love you all so much. The knowledge that I'll never be loved up by you has me fighting back tears as I type. If my Fuss loves me 1/4 as much as I love you ladies, then I will have been a success as a Grandma.

"Grandma's hands
Used to hand me piece of candy
Grandma's hands
Picked me up each time I fell
Grandma's hands
Boy, they really came in handy"

My blessings started with them.