What's going on?

Happy Tuesday! The birds literally woke me up this morning. Really. I'm not being "corny." lol. There's a big tree right outside my window and my neighbors have a cute birdhouse that the birds tweet around inside. :-) Guess what this is? My 30th post on my blog. Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing. This is really fun!

Ok, so all I could think of this morning is What Is Going On? In this world....So much, some horrific, some good, some silly. Let me know what you think about the following.....

**Catastrophes galore! Oil spill in the Gulf; Nashville flooding; The oil spill is overwhelming, devastating. It affects more than wildlife. It affects us. Our beaches, our health. How can Obama alleviate this problem? I pray he finds a brilliant mind asap to figure this out.

***Georgia History teacher allowed her students to wear Ku Klux Klan outfits. Uh, why??? Catherine Ariemma teaches US history with film education. Students spend the year viewing films and later create their own films to watch in class. This class chose to trace the history of racism in America. Something worth discusses, in my opinion, to learn from the mistakes and to acknowledge the wrongdoings. However, permitting students to wear attire that clearly represents hatred, violence and pure evil was a poor decision. Ms. Ariemma admits this. FYI, the class had 15 students of multiple races, no blacks. Ariemma is currently on leave and could lose her job. hmmmm

**On a lighter note--did anyone see Grey's Anatomy's season finale? Wowsers. That had me on edge. It was goooooooooood. :-)

***Ok, I have to admit I had no idea our schools were serving such unhealthy lunches until I watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Come on America, get with the program. We can't be that cheap to skimp on our children's health, their future. It is a sad day when parents (are predicted) to outlive their children. What's going on?

**The great news is, people do care such as Jamie Oliver and our own first lady, Michelle Obama. They have campaigns that we all can get involved in. Check out:
http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition
http://www.letsmove.gov/join/

**I have to also mention Dr. Oz's health initiative to get our kids and communities in charge of their health. Health Corps. This is what I helped to raise money for and I strongly believe in what it's about. :-)
http://www.highwaytohealthfestival.com/

***I just read on Yahoo that Washington, DC ranks the fittest city in America. Way to go DC! NYC is 21. Atlanta # 16.

Signing off for now. Amidst all that's going on in our world, our cities, our communities, I hope you are being good to yourself no matter what. Keep shining! Keep moving!!!

Sending peace of mind your way. Tag you're it!

Celebrate something

Happy Monday morning! Back to work, whoo hoo! I hope you had a rejuvenating, kind of weekend. :-) I really enjoyed the last two days. I spent time with my dad, stepmom, and the best stepgrandfather ever! I am grateful for my family. I appreciate their love and our time together.

As I get older, I become more and more aware of my blessings. I am so very blessed to have a healthy mom and dad. So glad I had some one on one time with dad yesterday. He's a funny man. No matter what I know he loves me from the depths of his soul. :-) I get to see my mom this Friday. YAY!!!!! I am looking forward to a supercalafrajahlistic weekend! Mom needs a weekend away. This will be our first time ever going to the beach together. How lovely, right! It will be me, mom, and my sister, JanaKay. Ahhhhhhhhh.

So, I just want to start off this Monday morning in gratitude for all the blessings. I hope I can always be a blessing in this life, as well. I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance of the universe. I want you to remember that even in your darkest hour, you are blessed. You are here for a reason. You matter. You are a light in this world. Shine your light. Keep fighting for your good life. Spread love. Spread joy.
Be peace. <3

Top five things I'm so very grateful for right now. :-) I would love to hear yours too!
1. Waking up!
2. Family. Friends. love. laughter. and the ability to enjoy it all.
3. My BBP being safe, sound, & lovable!
4. Hot ginger tea. Yum
5. Energy to share with you right now!

Have a wonderful day & week!!! Sending joy your way. Tag you're it!

"Rise and rise again until the lambs become lions." quote from Russell Crowe in Robin Hood

Two cent tidbits

Happy, glorious Thursday!!!! The sun is glowing bright from the clear, blue sky this morning and I'm very grateful. It's been like the Fall here in the Tri-state area, which is way too chilly for this time of year. So, welcome back warmth, we missed ya!!!! :-)

I have had a very, busy two weeks. It's been good. God is working things out as always. I'm learning that you must have faith and put in efforts and the rain will pass. The sun always comes out again. Sounds "cliche" but it's real. May has been a delightful month! Yay for May! I hope you've been open to your blessings too. Keep your heart and mind open and receive your good. :-)

So, as usual on Thursday, I have a few 2 cent tidbits. ;-) Here goes:
**Did anyone see the Miss USA pageant? I know, probably not. :-) Me neither, but I did happen to see the last 3 mintues when they announced the winner. Congrats to Miss Michigan! Yes, I know the controversy began the second the crown graced her head. Yes, I've seen the "racy" pictures of her pole dancing. Honestly, I do not think it's a big deal. Since when is pole dancing a crime? I think Ms. Fakih has personality and beauty! She is extremely thin though. I wish her well in her journey! :-)

~~ Ok, I was watching some entertainment show yesterday and what do I see? A Houston teacher giving a 13 yr. old student a "beat down." Huh? What the heck is going in schools? I mean, really. I tried to find the video, but it has been taken off the net. I would guess b/c this may go to trial. Gabriel Hahn Mosely resigned on Monday. Listen, I understand teaching is no easy gig. Some of the kids have no manners, budgets are extremely low, classrooms overcrowded and the list goes on...However, taking it out on an unruly kid in the way she did, hmmm, not ok. Kids need a foundation from home. Teachers, God bless them, need amazing patience!

**I am really inspired by our first lady, Michelle Obama. I love what she is about. She exudes a "can do" attitude. She adores her children, they come first. She is an avid activist for all children. She is about being healthy --physically and mentally. She makes me want to be a better me. She's not too shabby on fashion, either. :-)

*** I'm not watching American Idol this season. However, I heard Andrew Garcia's rendition of  Straight Up by Paula Abdul and I dig it. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGhgto_ktRA&feature=player_embedded

~~ So, I went to the Wendy Williams show yesterday to be in the audience. What a fun time. I've been to a few talk shows here, but I have to admit this one was a blast! The studio is much smaller in real-life, as is Ms. Wendy. She is very down to earth. As they seat you, the dj is playing great music that just makes the crowd even more cheerful than they already are. We had to arrive before 8am for the live 10am taping. Isn't it ironic, about 10 years ago when Wendy was on a well-known hip hop radio station here, I didn't really care for her. However, I appreciate her being a successful, mocha woman. And I love that she's forever young at heart, but still wise (and on-point) with her business! Glad I got to experience the show. :-) "How YOU doin'?" lol

** Can New Orleans get a break? Help out if you can. I want to visit New Orleans this year. I've never been. Have to find a way to get involved. Even if it's just through tourism. :-)....Prayers go out to Nashville, as well.

That's all for now. May your day be as wonderful as you are! Sending smiles your way.

Tag you're it!

Say it like you mean it

Happy Sunday Evening! Wow, have I had a busy weekend. Change is good. :-) As I've purged my closet and drawers, I've let go of the stuff clogging my life, my being--as well. Now, my space is open to receive fresh, new, beautiful blessings. I feel lighter. I believe when you clean out your home, you are also spiritually ridding yourself of junk. Opening up yourself to more wonderful experiences. Ahhhhhh!!

This morning, when I went outside, I was very warmly greeted not only by the sun glowing from the sky but also by my neighbor. He's always very cheerful. Today, he was bright and cheery-eyed as he trimmed the hedges of his plants. He said to me "Good morning, how are you?" I replied good morning, thanks, great, how are you? He then replied, "Really good! Have a great day!!!!" Now, this may not sound like such a huge deal. However, what makes his greeting stand out to me is the fact that he was so cheerful and from the tone of his voice, he really meant what he was saying. And, his enthusiasm was passed on to me, just in that brief moment of chitchat. Really. :-)

Last Sunday, I had a similiar experience. I was at the Live Your Best Life Walk, waiting with my fellow team members in the VIP section, for the festivities to begin. I met some cool women. I also had a birdseye view of all the celebrities as they went to the stage. Mary J. Blige was one of them. She was in arm's length of me, so I reached out to shake her hand. She reached back to me. Once I had contact, I said to her, 'I love you!'--in the excitement of the moment. She paused, looked at me through her sunglasses, and said with pure sincerity, "thank you, I love you too." She also touched my arm. Her engagement was so warm. In that barely, one-minute encounter, I felt her authencity. I felt appreciated. I felt heard. I felt acknowledged. That is priceless!

Engagement with one another is so important. Think about it. Think about how you feel when someone really listens to you. Being listened to, engaged is a form of validation. It is one of the most precious things you can give to another person. I want to be more engaging. Say thank you like I mean it (which I really do!).  I think that's another way to shine our light (my light, and your light). :-)

"I believe that love expands. As you give love out, it's received and reciprocated - and it grows. That's the beauty of it. Love is an energy. You can feed it to people, and they in turn feed it to others, and eventually it comes back."--Hill Harper, actor, mentor, activist

Sending energy your way! Have a fantastic week!

Two Cent Tidbit Thursday

Happy Thursday!!! This week really flew by. I'm looking out my window and the sky is pretty pale blue and the sun is shining. It's only 45 degrees- so far. But that's ok.
Just seeing the sunshine makes my heart warm! :-)

My two-cent tidbits....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVIE WONDER!!! 

Growing up my mom simply adored Stevie Wonder. I mean it's funny to me, because she rarely listened to "secular music" which is what she called all the music I liked (as a kid). :-) However, when Stevie was singing on the radio she was gaa-gaa. It was fun! I love this clip from the Cosby Show when the family got to go to Stevie's studio. I had to share.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrRUeCsVyc

~Ok, did you hear about the Personal Genetic Test Kits? The test scans your DNA to determine if you are at risk of getting about two dozen diseases; looks at how a person might react to certain drugs and whether you might pass on certain diseases to offspring. Would you buy one? Walgreens will be selling them soon. Right now, they've delayed putting the product on the shelves since the FDA challenged the legality (*according to Huffpost). I don't think I would but this test unless I knew for sure that whatever was discovered (in my DNA) could be cured. :-/

~I have a new admiration and respect of Will.i.am. He paid off the mortgages of two families this week on Oprah. He was so humble and so authentic. He is also starting a fund I.Am.Home to do more to help so many on the brink of losing their homes. He is starting this fund with his own money. I think this totally rocks. He is really living what they say--to whom much is given much is expected. Bless you, Will!

~So, Elton John turned down 33 million dollars to replace Simon on American Idol. Wow! What would you do for 33 million? :-)

~Speaking of American Idol, who is your favorite winner, not from this year, but of those who've won or come close? I have to say I haven't really watched since Ruben won. I like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Ruben and Adam Lambert. I'm really digging his new song "Whatdaya Want From Me?" 

~I've been wearing the baby blue braclet I received Sunday at the Live Your Best Life walk which says: 

Hara Hachi Bu. This is means eat until 80% full, an Okinawan philosophy. The charity I raised money for, Health Corps., gave these bands out.

~I left the suffering club! If you saw Oprah yesterday, you know what I mean. She interviewed the author of  Women, Food and God. Deep.

~Lastly, one of the many gems I took from my amazing LYBL weekend comes from one of the workshop I attended with Dr. Oz who said "get on the playing field of life. Act first and get motivated after!" 

Sending you buckets of joy. Tag you're it!

Song in my heart

Good Wednesday Morning! Can you believe it's 46 degrees in the big apple right now? Brrrr! The bright side is that the weekend will bring warmth--70 degrees. Yes!

So, this morning I woke up with this song in my mind and heart--"I Will Trust in the Lord". I remember the end of my dream and I was singing this song. Now, I grew up in the church. Really, it was like a second home to me. I don't remember a time from birth to 18 years old when it wasn't a part of my life. You may know this song too. Not too many words, simply, I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lorddd till I die. Does anyone remember that song? It was a song the Deaconesses used to sing during testimony time, or as the Deacons and Ushers passed out communion to the congregation. This song brought back memories of childhood and the strong influence music had on me (and still does).

I love all types of music. Gospel music included. I cherish memories of me and my cousins singing "Soon and Very" (we are going to see the King, soon and very soon) when we got together at grandma's house. We loved singing. Something about gospel music just moves my soul. Many gospel songs are testimonies by the author/singer. The words telling a story of how he/she made it through a trial or tribulation. Many times, when I hear gospel music I'm encouraged. I am reassured that all is well. God is working everything out for my highest good. Just stay faithful, keep working and being of service. Music makes my heart smile and my spirit soar.


I want to leave you with a few of my all time favorite gospel songs. May the song in your heart make your spirit shine always!
** God is Amazing
**Near the Cross
**God has Smiled on Me
**Ride on King Jesus
**Count Your Blessings
**God Is
**Let Your Spirit Fall Down on Me
**Yes Jesus Love Me
**Jesus, the Light of the World
**God is good
I could go on forever.... lol. Share with me the song on your mind today. :-)

Sending blessings your way! Tag your're it!

Nothing On You

Happy Monday!!! Oh, what an amazingly wonderful weekend I had. I'm still absorbing all that I experienced. I participated in Oprah's Live Your Best Life Weekend, which was also O magazine's 10th anniversary. So it was a celebration!
On Mondays I like to focus on celebrating. So, this past weekend was just the boost I needed to do just that. I learned so much. I felt joy, delight, and appreciation. One of the most precious things I'm receiving as I grow is an appreciation for everything and everyone, including myself. :-) This weekend was overflowing with the theme live your journey the best way possible. Put yourself first, fill your cup so that you can have something beautiful to give others. Let your light shine. Each of us has a light worth shining & sharing! :-)
I really enjoyed the music playing throughout the weekend, as well. One of the songs that is still in my head right now is Nothing on You, which is probably playing as you read this.;-) I think in life you have to believe that "they got nothing on you." Not in a selfish way or in any way negative. Just know that YOU are the gold. You have what it takes to live the life you yearn for. Go for it! Shake off the shackles and start dancing yourself to your highest purpose! I'm taking my advice to move step by step closer to my best life ever.
It's a daily masterpiece. :-)

I have much more to share from my weekend. For now, I leave you with 4 things I'm celebrating today.
**Falling in love with my authentic self. (never to late to love all that you are and becoming.)
**Meeting a sweet, smart, and very giving woman at the Evening with Oprah named Janice.
**Waking up to sun shining in the sky, love in my heart, energy in my bones, and so much to live for!

Sending enthusiasm and all that is pure goodness your way! Tag you're it!

Friendship, such the perfect blendship

Happy Wednesday Night! Today was the most perfect day outside. Hooray for sunshine and no humidity!!!

I've been thinking about friendship a lot lately. As a little girl, I always had a best friend. I think my very first best friend was Meredith Guerraro. I remember we were in 3rd grade and she always had the sweetest treats in her lunch, like fruit roll-ups or something, and she'd share with me. She also had a huge collection of smurfs. I liked going to her house because she had a cabbage patch doll that wore her own baby clothes. I was in awe because her mom kept many of her baby clothes. That was so cool to me. I mean we were 9 years old, so for her mom to still have her baby clothes was like mind blowing to me. lol. I often wonder where Meredith is today. I've tried to find her on FB, but no luck so far. I'll never forget her. Those were precious years.
By 4th grade, I had another best friend, Tuesday. One of my favorite memories was putting together a dance for the talent show Ms. Cochran let us have on Fridays. Tuesday and I created a dance to the song "Hey Mickey!" I still remember most of the steps. It was so much FUN. And we bought these mint green mini skirts and polka dots tops to wear for our performance. Ahhhhh, those were the days.
By 7th grade, I had yet another best friend, Janet Lee. We were two peas in a pod. She lived up the street from me. She had really long hair, just like me. I really liked styling hair, braiding, ponytails, whatever. So every morning before school, I'd walk up to her house and do her hair. It was fun. We rode the school bus home together every day and giggled till our cheeks were sore and tummies hurt. We went to the mall together. We had a club together--The Musical Youth Lovers. I was President, of course. :-) Wow,as I am typing this out, I'm smiling really big. Friendships really make life's burdens much lighter.

Friendship. What a wonderful gift! Now, don't get me wrong. There have been friends that have come and gone in my life. It took me a while to get over one very close pal who I loved with all my heart, but we grew apart. I realized after much prayer and thought and reflection that people come and go. It's ok. Some people come for just a little while in our lives. But each person that we really care about leaves a mark on our soul. I know each friendship I've had throughout my life has made me the person I am today. Taught me a little, made me better "me", helped me to blossom. Even if we may be on different paths now.
To me, a true friend laughs with you, cries with you, tell you like it is~gently, encourages you. She/he is someone I can talk to about everything and nothing. Someone who knows my quirks and loves me anyway. Accepts me as I am, yet roots for me to be more. A friend sees my beauty even when I can not. A friend knows when to just listen and when to just give you a shoulder to lean on. Many times we find these qualities, not in only one person, but various people.
I appreciate all the friends I've shared my trails and triumps with throughout my three decades of living. The experiences make my memories colorful and joyful.
I cherish my friends, both old and new. Friends are gems you keep close to your heart.

In honor of friendship, I found one of my favorite episodes of the Cosby Show. It's when Claire's childhood best friend comes by for a visit. They get girlie and silly, just like I would with a longtime pal. Fast forward to 5:09 minutes to see the part that I'm referring to. It will make you smile!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RIYNXegWJ8&feature=related

I also love this click from I Love Lucy with the classic best friends of all time--Ethel and Lucy. They are singing "friendship, friendship, such the perfect blendship...when other friendships are long forgot, ours will still be hot!"
This makes my heart smile. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbo4OYSLTdI

Sending hugs your way! Tag you're it!

Celebrate

Good Monday night! It was a darn great day! Yay! I have to celebrate the little things! Here goes: ~I got to work extra early today. Yes!!!!
***I made it through another Meatless Monday. Yum!

~I had an energizing workout. I am woman, hear me roar! lol
**I tried pure coconut oil as a pre shampoo conditioner and it works! My hair is feeling healthier already!

~Just 5 days until I check off something grand from my bucket list---- seeing Oprah live the Live Your Best Life Weekend! yeah Baby!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited about this weekend!!!!
***Walking on Sunday to raise money for Health Corps. Dr. Oz's initiative to get kids in better health. You can still donate if you like. :-)http://www.lybl2010walk.com/cherylmcpherson

~Had a wonderful conversation with my sweetheart this evening. Nothing better than good, thought-provoking conversations. ;-)
**Spoke to my mom and she was feeling mighty delightful and that always makes my heart smile!

~I've been inspired to design a necklace for myself this week. Can't wait to see what I come up with. :-)

Your turn!

Sending tons of terrific-ness your way!

live your truth~

Good Sunday Night to you! Once again, the weekend has come and gone oh so fast. What a beautiful one it was! I am grateful to have spent all day in the sunshine. I can't begin to express how peaceful, joyful, and at ease I feel on a warm, pleasant Sunday afternoon. I hope your weekend was just as lovely.

Aside from basking in the sun the past two days, I also watched Oprah's interview with Rielle Hunter. I'm sure everyone knows who she is -  mistress, (perhaps now girlfriend), of former Senator & candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, John Edwards. According to Rielle, no one,  not even "Johnny," as she refers to John, wanted her to do the interview. However, she had to live her truth, as she said in various ways throughout the conversation. I believe that Rielle really believes living her "truth" was to help Johnny, as she calls him, find himself or get in touch with his authentic self. Listening to her talk about the affair, the lies, the destruction of many lives, as a result of her living her "truth' made me wonder, what does it really mean to live one's truth. If your truth hurts the wellbeing of others, is it really a truth? Does living your truth mean only positive outcomes?  Hmmmm, not so sure about Rielle.


What I do know is that truth means authenticity, validity, sincerity. I think living my truth has to mean living in honesty and living without giving false impressions. I believe living my truth also entails being real with what is best for me; to make choices for my highest good. I believe if I am living my truth, this will allow me to be of service and purpose in this world. Deep in my soul, I want to believe that if everyone is striving to live their truth we will draw all that is good to one another. To live my truth is to be of good use on this earth. I hope each day I move closer and closer to living my truth. I aim to be true to myself and never focus on trying to be anything but the most wonderful Cheryl Denice aka Lylah God blessed me to be. I gotta be meeeee. ;-) 
In the meantime, I welcome your thoughts on Truth. Living your truth.

May you walk in the light and continue to shine this new week and new month! Sending smiles your way!

Really....

Happy Friday Afternoon!!! The sun is back and so am I. Forgive me for not sharing in the last 3 days. (did you even notice? :-)) Hope your week was everything you wanted it to be. I'm simply delighted because the forecast says tomorrow will be 80 degrees in NYC. Now, that's my kinda weather (minus humidity of course). I hope everyone has a bright, relaxing, and gorgeous weekend!

In the meantime, I have some ponderisms, some things that make me think really? hmmmmmm. Some of these I have my own answer for and some I don't. Would love your take. Please note some are pure silliness-too,lol.  Here goes:
**Does Rosetta Stone really work? I mean will I really be able to speak another language in 10 minutes?
**Is the Beverage Tax, that NY Gov. David Patterson is proposing, really the worst thing that could happen to families trying to make ends meet? http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-08/paterson-backed-sugary-beverage-tax-is-unfair-opponents-say.html  I mean really. Personally, I think it's for the best. Do kids really need to drink sugarary, empty-calorie drinks anyway?
**Is it really important to go to the dentist once a year for a cleaning? I went today. But that's something I really don't get a kick out of!
**Do men really notice if women get their eyebrows waxed, threaded or plucked?
**Is love really contagious? That's one of my favorite songs, as you can see, from my playlist here. :-)
**What about laughter? Is it really contagious? I think so.
**Are there some things in life we really will never understand? I really believe that's just the way it is, sometimes.
**Is forgiving really a way to peace for the forgiver?
**Is silence really golden?
**Does love really conquer all?
So, if you have time this weekend I'd love to hear from you. What do you really think? Today, what I really know for sure is that I am the prize. And guess what, so are you!

Shine your light! Sending good vibes your way!

todays photos are from flickr.com