What I wouldn’t do to be able to have been sitting at the table with these two phenoms! Their refinement and resolve is infectious ( in life and in perpetuity). This interview is one of my favorites and I wanted to share it with all interested. The discuss aging, family, creative process, homosexuality, racial equality and MUCH more!

**This is not a video originally created by me. Any specific content issues are that of the creator and can be accessed by contacting them through thier YouTube and other social media. All credit given to the creator of this video on their Youtube channel. **
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With a cigarette in one hand, armed with crisp wit and refined indignation during the period of history that commanded its existence, James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924-December 1, 1987) was the voice that the world needed. This American essayist, poet, activist, and novelist was world-renowned for his ability to create a type of artistry with words that are likened to that of a painter's stroke of paint on a canvas. Know for authoring “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, “Notes of a Native Son ” and " If Beale Street Could Talk," Baldwin’s honest and raw view of societal issues made plain the need for deep, meaningful dialogue surrounding race and equality (among other things.)

​Although many of Mr. Baldwins' writings deserve a highlight, I wanted to focus on one of his essays that he wrote and gave a speech titled “The Artist Struggle for Integrity.” I know, you may be reading this thinking that this is an essay solely meant for artists. Contrarily, much can be gleaned for this writing that has practical applications for anyone willing to think with an open mind. Integrity is a quality that many feel is inherent to humanity and often confuse it for righteousness. The hope for many is that these two qualities can live in the same space; however, within the framework of equality, these qualites can be mutually exclusive. This essay allows the reader to explore what integrity means to them and how their personal view may not align with others. That’s ok! The next thing to consider is what can be learned and changed by the person's willingness to see the struggle as the big picture of the ownership of what integrity has been, is, and will be to them. That alone can be a struggle.

Please enjoy the audio recording as well as the transcript of the essay through the links below. **This is not a video originally created by me. Any specific content issues are that of the creator and can be accessed by contacting them through thier YouTube and other social media. All credit given to the creator of this video on their Youtube channel. **

Ok, ok. I know what I said. A month without my cell phone. Usually a woman of my word, I drug my feet about doing this 30 day tech detox. It wasn't for lack of desire, trust me. It was mostly out of the need for what technology had to offer me at a time of transition. With moving, working two jobs, building my brand, starting a business; the very technology that I feel is smothering is nothing short of helpful on a daily basis. Check out my first ever video recording of my podcast episode about my 30 social media detox. 

Check out the youtube video now!
https://youtu.be/yCc4p5t-SZw

For my podcast, click on the podcast tab at the top of this page Select the podcast platform of your choice to listen to this and all of my episodes.

Enjoy!

​I feel like crap. I got a cold suddenly and have been hostage to the comfort of my bed for the better part of 36 hours. I’ve slept, Netflix binged, talked to my Mom for an hour and a half straight, surfed the web and social media gorged. ​

And just like that, it happens. It's those quick, often mundane moments in life that are the moments that can be the most impactful. I recently had one of these impactful moments, to which I now have a different view of how I will interact with people and my environment. It was a wasp and a turtle that made me realize that, although I have made great strides in awareness and appreciation of myself and others, I still have some work to do.

I remember what it was like after my divorces. Getting back out into the dating scene was daunting and in some instances, downright weird. The dating-scape and rules of engagement of  the past have changed DRASTICALLY. Here’s a list of comments and questions that I have encountered on my dating quest. Some are funny and others are just downright bizarre. 
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I love sharing my experiences and helping others through story telling. Everything I share on this site is based on true stories that I have experienced and have impacted me (TRUE story..lol). I have had readers thank me for being willing to share and admire my strength and openness. But even the strongest people have soft spots. There are life events that touch us in profound ways and many times we don't know it until they happen. We can allow our responses and actions we take afterwards to effect us negatively or we can strive to find the silver lining.

No one ever wants to talk about the tough topics like racism, sexism, global warming, and the like. These topics and others like them are often minimized or even dismissed altogether. One topic in particular makes many so uncomfortable that they won't use the term. Since the release of some explicit tapes shortly before the 2016 Elections, conversations involving the objectification and assault of women has created heated debate. In this video, I share my personal story with the hopes to enlighten as well as empower my readers to not turn away from a real issue that effects each and every one of us. 
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FLASHBACK- about 15 years ago: I was feeling crappy. I was having a hard time getting moving in the mornings and sometimes by the end of the day I had NO energy. I wasn't eating healthy or sleeping well. Working out...YEAH RIGHT! Then my weight started to creep up. I was constantly light headed and craved carbs. In my mind, I kept thinking something was wrong, but I passed it off as me burning the candle at both ends. 

​Trees are known for deep roots and a fortitude that can withstand tests of time and strength. Like a tree, a person can be deep rooted in their identity, self-worth, and contribution to the community surrounding them. Trees can support whole ecosystems, but when they lose their ability to support, the effects on that ecosystem can be negative. We too,  like a tree, can lose our ability to practice self-love and  support those around us.   Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself if you are a tree that's self-worth is deep rooted and can withstand any test presented to you. 

​We can all relate to feeling isolated whether by choice or circumstance. I'm sure that you've heard someone say or you have said yourself "I'm lonely", "I want to be alone". These words are often used interchangeably but there is a difference. Knowing the difference between being alone and being lonely can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of others as well as yourself.

By no means am I an athlete, but over the years, I have incorporated exercise into my life and have become fit.  To me, having a dedicated exercise regimen is a necessity. I look at exercise like brushing my teeth, grocery shopping and putting gas in my car.  I look at it as a peripheral aspect of daily living required to make my life wholly stable. Through that commitment, I am the healthiest I have ever been. This past Tuesday was my first day back at the gym  and boy did I experience more than I expected. Who knew a simple workout could bring me to tears? 

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I created this website to tell stories that anyone can find relatable. The hopes is that through my experiences, people reading my stories can better themselves, question status quo and sometime just have a laugh to brighten their day. There will be times however, that I discuss topics that are relatable even when people don’t want to believe that they are. Something that we can all relate to is the concept of racism. Although racism is seen around the world, because of deaths of people in police custody, increased gang activity across the country and issues on race and immigration highlighted in the upcoming presidential election, I want to focus on what’s going on in the United States. 

I love Turkey Pepperoni! It's such a versatile food. I put it on my salads, wraps and even make random dishes with it. Because I'm not a brand groupie, I don't necessarily stick to any particular brand but how can you go wrong with Hormel. A trusted household name, I've bought their turkey pepperoni off and on for years. So, imagine my surprise when I realize that there is moldy meat in my bag!

From the minute we wake up to the moment you go to bed, every living being on this planet is in a state of constant communication. Sighs, shrugs, telling joke, crying, laughing

Committing to a workout regimen can be difficult for some people, but with a little determination and consistency, that commitment can turn into being a part of your regular routine like brushing your teeth or walking the dog. No matter what your level of commitment is, the smallest thing can demotivate you.

Words are powerful. What we say to others and even to ourselves has the ability to affect us and those around us more than we may recognize. Are the words you're using daily giving you power or taking your power away?