80!

Happy last weekend of the month! Just two more months left in 2010. Time waits for nothing. That's what I know for sure. Time to step back and look at what I still hope to accomplish this year. Overall, I'd say this year has been pretty fantastic!

I would love to check off a few more things from my Bucketlist. What about you? Let's see before Jan. 1, 2011 I'd like to:
**Write my 100th blog
**Paint!
**Visit MOMA
**Read two more really good books
**Celebrate grandma Johnson's 80th bday
**Convert my VHS tapes to DVDs :-)
**Confirm dress for my special day ;-)
**See Prince rock in NYC~ maybe.....
**Go to the Jimmy Fallon show!

Sending smiles your way on this lovely Saturday night. Tag you're it! 

Oh and please go out and VOTE on Tuesday. It really matters! :-)

Yes! :-0)

Hello and welcome to the weekend! Yes!!!! It's Friday. What a week. It's been too long since I've last checked in here. Glad to be back. I'm looking out my window at work and the sky is baby blue with puffy white clouds. Just looking at the big, bright sky makes me realize how small I am in the scheme of things and how great God is always. :-) Lie down on the grass one day and look up at the great, wide sky. It's an amazing feeling!;-)

This week I was challenged with feelings. Yep, good ole feelings. We all have them. It's part of being human. Different experiences ignite various feelings. Simple as that. Yet, sometimes I tend to allow the not so positive feelings to take over. I find myself allowing what someone says take me a little lower than I want to go. These days I'm pretty good at catching myself before I succuumb to the place where I find my mind thinking the "I should have done this," or "I'm so not doing this right," or "I am not good enough for that." I usually can nip those bleak thoughts right out of my mind...usually. However, this past Wednesday, I let my mind get away from me, all based on what I felt after a conversation with someone. And for the remainder of that day -- my blah day of the week -- I was gone. I felt like a dark cloud was following me until I literally fell asleep. I wasn't even able to clearly articulate how I was feeling, except to say it's just one of those days, a blah one. My first instinct was to scold myself (in my mind, not aloud), b/c I should know better than to allow what someone says make me forget my worth. Then, I remembered this is the journey---and having and feeling all emotions is a part of it. Just don't stay in the dimness too long. Come back to the light. And, with lots of meditation, prayer and talking to someone I really trust these days (my fiancee), I was able to get back into the flow of wellbeing that I constantly yearn to live in. Yes! I'm feeling like myself again. This just reminds me that life is like the ocean with smooth waves and rough ones. We just have to keep our balance and do our best to enjoy the ride. :-)

Today, I say YES to everything life brings to me~in all it's colors. Life is really good even in the midst of all the trials of the day.

I'm grateful for some really wonderful things that I had the joy of experiencing in the last week of my life. The first being my first trip to Chicago. I say YES to that. I was charmed by the windy city. It reminds me of a mixture of DC, NYC and ATL. What was even more special than going to the home of the Oprah Show and of course taking pictures outside of the studio~ like the crazed fan I am, was meeting my new extended family, my fiancee's brother (from another mother), his wife and their two delightful daughters. We had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday. I was embraced with love and kindness and just pure goodness. It was so special to be around people who share a history with my fiancee since his parents have passed on. What really touched my heart was seeing the "brothers" laugh and reminisce. One precious moment was when I glanced out the restaurant window and saw the "brothers" walking with their arms around each other down the block as they went to get the car. That's family. That's pure, unconditional love. This is what makes all those not so pleasant feelings that dampen our moods, at times, bearable. I am so very grateful to have love and to have good souls in my life making the journey so worthwhile.

May you all have sprinkles of sweetness this last weekend in October and embrace a new month with enthusiasm and love. After all, what else is there? :-)

Sending everything that makes you say YES your way. Tag you're it!

I'm loving it! :-)

What a wonderful day it was. I'm extra~happy to be writing a bit tonight. Fall is in full swing up here. I actually wore a turtleneck today. 

So, I've been thinking of what I'm loving lately. Of course, I'm totally loving life, sound mind, and having energy! Yes. Today I've been laughing so much my cheeks hurt. Have you ever had a day like that? It doesn't happen too often, but when it does, revel in it!

Here are a few more things I'm loving right now:

**The rust orange, reddish hues of the leaves. So pretty. It was especially lovely when I looked at my office when to see the tip tops of the trees golden yellow.

**This skirt ~I'm so loving! It's called the Ava Skirt. It's totally stylish, stretchy, comfy and comes in gorgeous colors!

**Bridges. I'm fascinated with architecture of bridges. They're really beautiful. I"m grateful for all the bridges that allow me to travel from point A to B. NYC has over 20 bridges. I just happen to have a perfect view of the 59th street bridge from my office. I can take a breather (from my computer) every day and look out the huge window and see the big, blue sky and the bridge. :-)

**I'm digging this bag. It reminds me of a classic Coco Chanel bag, but not for the Coco price. ;-) And the color is nice! (Leila Rowe).

**Water towers. I'm loving water towers. I just like them! I like the shape. I like their height. I like how they compliment a sunset. So cool!

Finally, I'm loving Ralph Waldo Emerson. He has some really fantastic quotes. Here's one I want to leave you with: "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."

Sending all that delights YOU your way. Tag you're it!

two cent tidbits ;-)

Four days complete, one more work day to go. Ahhhhh, yes it's Thursday night. I hear the raindrops gently hitting my window. Almost as if it's washing all the strife and blahness away. Rain is good, because without it we'd not appreciate the sunshine.
What's also good is that this makes my 77th post! I like double numbers. And 7s are just fun. It is supposedly the most spiritual of all numbers. Although 8 is my favorite number. Looking forward to posting my 88th blog. It's coming....Slowly but surely. :-)

So what's going on out there in the world? Lots. As always and as it should be. Here's my two cents. I'd love to read yours too!
**The miners are safe and sound. How amazing that they survived underground for 69 days! Another example of miracles happening. Where there's a will there is most certainly a way. May they never have to mine again. From what I'm reading a flood of opportunities are coming their way--from book deals to tv shows. I say soak it up!:-)
**Elections are coming up. VOTE. You voice matter and it's only heard through voting.
**I'm so proud of my little sister. She's getting fit and looking hot! Go Jana Kay. Keep shining!!

**Did you hear about this new talk show, The Talk, premiering on CBS on Monday? It seems to be a funkier View. The hosts are: Holly Robinson Peete (dig her), Julie Chen (anchor/journalist and also wife of the CEO of CBS~Les Moonves), Sharon Osborne (ball of fire), Sara Gilbert(remember her from Roseanne?), Leah Remini (totally hilarious actress who starred in King of Queens), Marissa Jaret Winokur (uh, drawing blank...). That's a lot of gals. Hope it's not too much noise and some deep, thought-provoking discussions. :-)

**I"m looking forward to seeing For Colored Girls...I performed a piece from the play at my high school graduation. Whenever I hear anything related to it, I get sentimental. I'm so glad Tyler Perry is expanding his portfolio beyond Madea. Yay! Loving the cast!!!!

**I actually like the show Giuliana and Bill on Style network. I didn't plan on liking it, but they are a good, solid, healthy couple and I'm just drawn to that.:-)

**I'm really absorbing so much goodness from the latest book I'm reading--Soul Liberation by Michael Bernard Beckwith. Don't you just love a good, helpful, inspiring book? Ahhhhhhhhh. It's refreshing.

**Do you know that it's NEVER too late to change. You can do whatever you deeply desire to do. Don't hesitate just do it! (as I say it to you, I say it to myself) Whoo hoo!!!

**God is good. Life is good. I am ever so grateful each day I wake up with eyes to see, ears to hear, arms to embrace and something to share. I eagerly receive and reciprocate the gift of love!

 **Lastly, I came upon this quote tonight and it is simply the truth:

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins. ~Bob Moawad

 

Sending light your way, shine! Tag you're it!

perfect 10.

Happy day after 10.10.10! How awesome is that day? Supposedly, there were 35,000 weddings held on this date. I'm sure next year on 9.10.11 there will be even more celebrations. That date is just too cool!

So let's talk in tens. I'll go first, then you! :-)

Ten things to say Yes to:

+Sleep-- let's face we need it to be healthy, calm, lovable humans!
+Laughter. I try to get a good dose or two daily. It makes EVERYTHING just so much better. It is truly essential to the soul's care.
+Moving....your body, that is. No pain, no gain. ;-)
+Give. Whether it's a hello to a neighbor, office mate, random person on the street, share a sweet word or simple how are ya?. Giving of ourselves can make a real difference in someone's life.

+Trying something new/different. Why not? That's called living. :-)
+Hugs.
+Sunshine. It is good for the body, mind, mood. (just remember sunblock and don't over expose)
+Photos. Memories are just priceless!
+Fun.
+Forgiveness. It's freeing!

Now you tell me.
p.s. it's pouring rain here, lightening and thundering. wow. approximately 8:34pm. Hope it stops really soon. :)

Sending peace your way. Tag you're it!

Ya dig? :-)

Hey! I've missed blogging. Ahhh, it's Friday. It's been a good, emotional, blessed week. The sun is shining very brightly and that makes me feel simply marvelous. Remember Billy Crystal in the 80s on SNL--he used to say "you look marrrrrrrrrrvelous!" That always makes me laugh. :-)

Ok, so my thoughts are really random today. A few things I'm digging and a few I'm not. Here goes:

***Water. It's really beneficial. I'm on a mission now and forevermore to drink, drink, drink it up! :-)

***What's up with Rick Sanchez? I mean really. Why apologize. It is what it is.

***Sade is going on tour next year. YAY! I've never seen her, but I will next year. ;-)

***I'm really excited about the holidays and the special events happening in November and December. Particarly my grandma Johnson's 80th Birthday!!!! The grands--myself being the eldest--have planned something really special and fun to celebrate this precious occassion. God is grand!

***I'm ready to do something exhilarating!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's happening I feel it!

***It's ok to feel good. I used to hide my joy or shrink depending on who I was around. That really does nobody any good. Embrace your emotions, and let your light shine. That gives others the boost to do the same. right? :-)

***Ok, I was listening to Steve Harvey this morning (as usual) and it was his time to answer women's questions...Lady calls in tells Steve she has been in an "on again, off again" relationship for 5 years now. Since she's taken her "guy" back this last time he has been even WORSE, no love, etc. She wants to know why. Steve said it's your fault. These type of relationship don't provide growth. Meaning if you keep taking someone back over and over and over again, the dude or gal is not changing. It's like a kid--if you let them get away with eating candy before dinner or talking back to you, guess what they are going to keep doing it. People do what you allow them to do. I know for sure you can have whatever you deeply desire from your partner, you do not have to settle for less. When you do, think about it, are you really, truly loving yourself?

***Today, I have lots of Aretha Franklin songs on my mind.... especially Rock Steady. lol

***Am I the only woman not wearing chocolate or black nail polish? I know it's the "mod" thing to wear this season, but it's just not me. :-)

***Loving the ponchos I'm seeing this season. I want a nice, chunky, colorful one!

***Fela was really energizingly entertaining! I love Kera Kay~ song #10 on the website.

http://felaonbroadway.com/

***Words are power. Choose them wisely. ;-)

And so I have to share these words from a very wise author, teacher, spiritual leader that I admire, Michael Bernard Beckwith:

In the nowness of this moment, I claim for myself gratitude for the countless blessings in my life, those of which I am aware and those of which I am not. The Self-givingness of the Spirit shows up in every aspect of my life. So I am grateful for my body temple that is even now vibrant with health, vitality, and vigor. I give thanks for the beauty that surrounds me. To every individual in my life, I say "thank you" for loving me, for sharing yourself with me, for inspiring me, and for uplifting me on days when I could not see my own inner beauty. I give thanks for all the good that flows into my life.

Sending sundrops of joy your way. Tag you're it!

Take 5ive....

Hello out there. What a day! Today really felt like Fall. I was in Atlanta for the first few hours of the day and I returned to NYC by evening. There was a crisp chill in the air. Definitely time for warm, cozy sweaters. I will do my best to embrace the cooler weather, despite being a summer gal :-). It is a chance to wear funky boots and chunky, big sweaters with leggings, and cute hats and jackets. Ok, I can deal, as long as I'm bundled and comfortable. ;-)

So, I was reading a thought-provoking magazine on my plane ride back, and of course I wanted to share a bit..... These questions sparked my interest. I hope to read your responses too.

**If I could say one thing to myself 20 years ago ...Take more chances. The only failure is to NOT do something.

**My favorite place is in the world...The warm, blue, clear ocean. And in my BBP's arm's.:-)

**The lesson I keep learning over and over...Law of attraction is real. (the mind is a powerful tool.)

**Personal Philosophy...Love thyself and it's easier to love others. Live in gratitude. Be of service in someway, somehow. Let go & appreciate the now.

**I always make time for....Prayer.

Your turn!

Sending rejuvenation your way. Tag you're it!

Age on....beautifully! ;-)

Hello and welcome to October! A new day, a new month and it's Friday. Yes! The sun is shining and the weather is comfortably warm..in Atlanta, that is. I think it's rainy in NYC. Everytime I think of October, I think of change. The colors of the leaves changing. The time changing. The fashion--changing. Change. The one thing we can depend on always is...change. 

Change makes me think of aging. I watched Oprah yesterday and she was interviewing Teri Hatcher, remember her from Superman in the 90s (the tv show, that is) and now she's one of the stars on Desperate Housewives. Well, Teri did a really cool thing. She took off her makeup, the "glam," and took snap shots of herself and posted them on the net. She then took it a step further and did a little video of her day from the time she opens her eyes in bed till the time she unwinds at home after a full day of living the life of a mom, TV star, and just a real woman. She said she hoped that her being naked in the bath--without makeup and all--makes women feel a bit better about themselves. I know she's not the first to do this. I remember Oprah did it for her magazine a few years ago, Tyra has done it, Jamie Curtis and maybe more. And each time a woman shows her natural beauty it really does inspire me to do the same! I love it when a woman is strong enough and confident enough in herself to go "bare." The fact is we have so much pressure to look "good" all the time. We are constantly bombarded with products to keep us from aging, wrinkling, gaining weight, shrinking, losing hair, and the list goes on. It's so crazy. We want to live, yet we want to retain the body & face of a 21 year old. In the midst of this never-ending yearning to ANTI-age, we lose the real beauty of growing older. Isn't it a blessing to reach another birthday, gain another year of experiences, lessons and most importantly to get wiser?
One of the saddest things I hear now and then from women over 35 is "I'm old" or "I can't do this now because I'm old." Or I look "old." Or getting old sucks. What disturbs me even more is when I hear such things from women 50 and older. I want to hear the exact opposite from the women I look to for advice, encouragement, and wisdom. It's clear if you look at TV for just 5 minutes how obsessed we are with our looks and how to stay young--on the outside. But, what I've learned it all stems from the inside.

 I grew up a very self-conscious girl. I think it started at around 9 years old when I got my first pair of eyeglasses. I slowly began to hate my eyes, my lips, my skinny legs, my long fingers, my long, frizzy hair and the big glasses didn't help. lol. I went through teen aged years still feeling ugly...until I got a little boost at 15 yrs. old when I finally got contact lenses.
                                                                        Before the dreaded glasses. ;-) @ 7 yrs old.

However, the funny thing is, it would take over 15 more years for me to finally be able to look in the mirror and see beauty and smile at myself and love myself. It wasn't because I got prettier on the outside. It was because I began to value myself and like myself on the inside. And makeup, contact lenses, short hair or long hair can't really do that. I guess what I'm hoping to articulate here is that aging is a beautiful thing. Because with age we gain so much. I know for sure as I age I become more and more comfortable in my skin. I become more at ease with these lips I was born with, these thick eyebrows and hairy arms that got me teased on a little, and this frizzy, thick hair and even my the ever increasing moles I keep discovering each year--hey, aren't those tiny beauty marks, though? :-). As I grow older, my view gets so much clearer. I appreciate all that I am. I don't yearn to look like this person or that one anymore. I am me. I let go of comparing myself, my life, and my thighs to any other person on this earth. I breathe. I understand this is how God created me-perfectly unique-and I'm a work of art! Just like you are too!                                                        

                                                                                     Me and grandma Johnson

So, my gal pals, my aunts, grandmothers, cousins, let's take a vow to embrace aging. (Guys you can too. :-)) They say life begins at 40 anyhoo! and Oprah, Tina Turner, Maya Angelou, Susan Sarandon and I'm sure a lot more women say and know (and make sure that) 50s, 60s and 70s rock! Look, nothing stays the same in this life. Nothing. But that doesn't mean it has to get worse. Age on! In beauty, in light, in laughter and in love!

Sending empowerment your way. Tag you're it!