Congratulations To Tyler McKinley On Scoring 1,000 Points!!!!!!!!! πŸ’™πŸ’š




On Tuesday, January 30 during Winton Woods vs West Clermont, Tyler McKinley scored his 1,000th point as his teammates, family and friends looked on. Going into the game, he needed 27 points to reach his goal and he ended the game with 29 points. We are so proud of Tyler!!!!!


ETW | Basketball Moms Edition | Patricia Thompson | Mom of Dorian Williams

 

Welcome to "The Evolving Takes Werk Podcast" where we are diving into the captivating stories of basketball moms this season. In this episode, join us as we sit down with Patricia Thompson, mother of Dorian Williams, an elite athlete in both basketball and football at Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Patricia shares her unique journey and offers an intimate look into her family's experiences navigating the world of youth sports, particularly with Dorian excelling in dual sports at an elite level. Patricia provides insights into the joys, challenges, and sacrifices that come with raising a young athlete.

Discover the behind-the-scenes realities of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth, as Patricia sheds light on the dynamics of supporting a son who's not only a standout athlete but also a remarkable individual. Whether it's cheering from the stands, managing hectic schedules, or instilling valuable life lessons, Patricia's story resonates with the dedication and love shared by countless basketball moms everywhere. 

Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the unwavering support and unwritten playbook of basketball moms, as we explore the triumphs, setbacks, and enduring bonds that define their extraordinary journeys. This is a conversation you won't want to miss! 

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion that celebrates the spirit of basketball, family, and the unwavering support of mothers behind the game.

ETW | Basketball Moms Edition | Heaven Warren Part 2 | Mom of Chane Behanan



The Evolving Takes Werk Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the basketball world from a unique perspective – the lens of a loving and dedicated basketball mom. In this special episode, join us as we sit down with the incredible Heaven Warren, the proud mother of former high school and college basketball star Chane Behanan.

Get ready for an intimate conversation filled with heartwarming stories, insightful anecdotes, and a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of being a basketball mom. Heaven shares her experiences of supporting Chane through the highs and lows of his basketball career, from the early days of youth leagues to the pinnacle of college hoops.

Discover the sacrifices, the joys, and the lessons learned as Lisa recounts the rollercoaster ride of being a basketball mom. Hear about the moments that made her heart swell with pride and the challenges that tested her resilience. From cheering in the stands to consoling after tough losses, Heaven's journey as a basketball mom is a testament to the unwavering love and dedication that goes into supporting a child pursuing their passion.

Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, a parent navigating the world of youth sports, or simply curious about the human side of the game, this episode promises to be a slam dunk.

It's more than just a game – it's a story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her basketball-playing son.

Also, check out our latest segment "The Scouting Report" with Alex McGlothin. He'll be highlighting each player for The Basketball Mom Edition.

ETW | Basketball Moms Edition | Heaven Warren | Mom of Chane Behanan


The Evolving Takes Werk Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the basketball world from a unique perspective – the lens of a loving and dedicated basketball mom. In this special episode, join us as we sit down with the incredible Heaven Warren, the proud mother of former high school and college basketball star Chane Behanan.

Get ready for an intimate conversation filled with heartwarming stories, insightful anecdotes, and a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of being a basketball mom. Heaven shares her experiences of supporting Chane through the highs and lows of his basketball career, from the early days of youth leagues to the pinnacle of college hoops.

Discover the sacrifices, the joys, and the lessons learned as Heaven recounts the rollercoaster ride of being a basketball mom. Hear about the moments that made her heart swell with pride and the challenges that tested her resilience. From cheering in the stands to consoling after tough losses, Heaven's journey as a basketball mom is a testament to the unwavering love and dedication that goes into supporting a child pursuing their passion.

Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, a parent navigating the world of youth sports, or simply curious about the human side of the game, this episode promises to be a slam dunk.

It's more than just a game – it's a story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her basketball-playing son.

Also, check out our latest segment "The Scouting Report" with Alex McGlothin. He'll be highlighting each player for The Basketball Mom Edition.

Hello December!!!!!!





It's the first Saturday of December. What are you doing that's good for yourself today? 

Tips

✨ Watch some Hallmark Christmas movies. You can never go wrong there. 🍿πŸͺ☕️

✨ Start gathering those things that you want to give away or throw away before the new year. πŸ—‘

✨ Create a plan to start cleaning for the holidays. (Don't be stressing out cleaning on the 22 knowing you have to pick the Honey Ham up on the 23rd. ijs) πŸ—“

✨ Spend some time laughing and having charcuterie with your girlfriends. (Where are we meeting and when? πŸ‘€) πŸ§€πŸ«’πŸ‡πŸ―πŸ«

#SelfCareSaturdays

1-on-1 with Tyler McKinley, UC's Latest Basketball Commit

My Trip To CAVA In Belle Meade TN



Last week we traveled from Cincinnati, OH to Memphis, TN for Session 4 of EYBL. I knew that there were CAVA locations on the way to Memphis (but not in Memphis) and I was glued to our directions to see if we would be near one.  I discovered CAVA while staying in Addison, Texas for Session 3 of EYBL. I'll post about that in an upcoming blogpost. At one point, during our trip, Tyler asked for food and we got off the exit outside of Nashville. 

I checked for the nearest location and discovered there was a CAVA close by. Now granted CAVA was 20 minutes away and it would add 40 minutes to an hour to our trip, I considered the fact that there is not a location in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana. Add to that this would be the closest I'd be to a CAVA for awhile.

It was around 7 p.m. and it stated that the store would be closing soon. I rushed inside to place my order and there is no line and no counter. It's giving minimalism vibes. lol Alex and I look around and we realize that we need to download the app and place our order. This location was a Digital Kitchen. I had never heard the term before. I kinda panicked, thinking that I wouldn't get my order placed in time. I couldn't have come this far and not leave with an order of pita chips. 


I ordered a Crispy Falafel Pita, two orders of pita chips and a blueberry lemonade drink. Whew!!! We made the deadline. 

After a short while a young lady comes in and like us, she realizes that you have to download the app and place your order. I was happy for her to make the. 8 p.m. deadline. Once my order was placed we leave and we see her about to pull off. She tells us that she had never been to CAVA and because of time constraints she was just going to the grocery store. 

I'm sad that this is her first experience with CAVA and she doesn't get to experience it. I tell her that I ordered two orders of pita chips and I wanted her to have one. She was so sweet in telling me no. Then I share with her that I was traveling from Cincinnati and felt it was only right to share. Guess what she said, "I'm from Cincinnati too!!" Look at God!!!! What is the possibility of two people traveling from Cincinnati and ending up at CAVA in Nashville?  

We smiled and continued talking and. discovered that even our names are similar. See, I didn't go to CAVA just for me last week. ;) 






And It's Ok | Evolving Takes Werk Podcast

    Has anyone been stagnant? I'm amazed at how I've not completed the podcast. For the season, how I have not been writing or blogging. I have still been creative a little bit Canva and still creating content for clients. However, writing has been hard. Is it a writer’s block? I’ve also had to deal with onset of depression and some disappointing things happening in my life. I can only go so long with saying, “I’m ok.” When clearly I have not been, and you know what? That’s ok. 

    That's ok to be where you are and to feel how you feel. It's ok to reflect on that it's been rough lately but today is good. When you think about practicing gratitude and being present it’s important to be true to how you feel in that moment. Being thankful for what you have, being thankful for what is and is not. And practicing mindfulness, being present in that moment and saying you know what today was good a good day. For instance, right now, I am typing out my blog for this podcast. I’m grateful for creative energy right now. Learn to be fully present daily and in return be thankful that today isn't like it was yesterday or heck, like it was last night. 

    Sidenote, the last two nights have been rough. I’ve not felt like the best version of myself physically and it showed up looking like another stroke. I’m super thankful that it was not and I the opportunity to spend the night in the hospital where so many wonderful people cared for me. For the last 48 hours I had to sit in the space that said, ‘You know what Arlinda? It's OK that you don't feel well and it's OK that you've come to the emergency room. It doesn't make you less than anything to say you I'm not feeling well. 

    The experience that I had was amazing. I met so many nice people. I'm in the hospital taking tests, I'm giving out oils, I'm exchanging phone numbers and we are affirming young black women. Oh my God! They had such beautiful hair and nails. I'm both ill and encouraging, I don't know how that happened, but it did. Because I've suffered a stroke, I think it's important that whenever I feel signs that things are off with me, my thought is, “Oh no! I need to get some help.” That's what I did, and it all worked together for good for me and for the people that I encountered. 

Listen to the rest on "And It's Ok" on Spotify
      



The Journey Of A Basketball Mom | 7.28.2022

As I sit here and reflect as my younger son, Tyler McKinley, is at the EYBL Session 4 in Kansas City with All Ohio Red 17U I'm in awe of this journey. Not just because of my sons' accomplishments. My older son, Alex McGlothin, began playing when he was kindergarten, he'll be 30 this year. Yes, they are 13 years apart. That's a whole nother post. lol

I am reflecting on how I've been able to withstand the expenses and time dedicated to what they love to do. It may look effortless, it hasn't always felt that way. When they were born, I didn't set out for them to play basketball. I could never have imagined spending a great deal of time in gyms, some with no air in the summer, searching for size 14 and 15 shoes and socks, and wondering how to afford staying in hotels for weekends or sometimes for an entire week. 

With Alex, basketball was the furthest thing from my mind. Though, once Alex began to play, the journey began. It took us places that we had never heard of but loved immediately, Orange Lake Resort and Ron Jon for examples. It became much more than playing on the court, basketball was opening up doors and our eyes to so many new places and things. 

Now, when Tyler was born, he was birthed into travel basketball and high school basketball. Quiet as kept, I didn't want him to play until 7th grade for various reasons. One being, I thought Alex had played way too much. Little did I know that Tyler would play even more, travel more and require more as a basketball player and a current D-1 recruit. There's a scripture that says to whom much is given, much is required. Tyler had been given a lot of training and coaching by his older brother and at some point Alex realized that he needed to find high level trainers and camps for little brother.

I think it says a lot when your brother sees something in you and comes up with a blueprint. That plan has costs all of us some things. For instance attending family and social events, missing church and birthday celebrations. The three of us have had to sacrifice greatly on and for the journey, especially in the beginning. It's one thing to travel within Ohio or event to Indy. It's another thing to travel to Orlando, Memphis or Charlotte for a week. Or!!!!! To drive, to Alabama one weekend, for The Battle of the Magic City Classic, and the next weekend to St. Louis, for the Coach T Classic. 

The day would go like this. Go to school and work. After work grab our luggage, get in the car and drive. There might be practice or a team meeting once we hit the city. The rest of the weekend was basketball and a long ride home.

On Monday, we were back at school and work. It was also the day for me to balance everything spent for that weekend and make sure bills were paid. Honestly, bills were not always paid. Hey, let's keep it real. The 90s, early 2000s, it was rough. Once Alex went to college it kinda eased up. Kinda, until Tyler started playing. Now, I was back on the road. Fortunately it was a familiar one. 

I think what has made the difference is Alex really taking an active role in Tyler's life. He's like a brother, trainer coach to Tyler. He's been the father figure to Tyler that he wanted when he was younger.

(It's December 7, 2022. In nine days Alex will be 30. Which essentially means that I have been a basketball mom for about 20 years or so. While we have had struggles and sacrifices, there has also been a lot of joy on the journey. For that I give thanks.) 



August 28, 2002 | All Things Work


In the 90s I went to see Iyanla Vanzant at the Aronoff here in Cincinnati. That's when I first heard Angelo and Veronica. They starting singing a song and it stayed in my head for the rest of the night. The chorus repeated, "All things work together." I wanted to know what worked together.

I called my mom and told her about the song. I asked her where was this in the Bible. She simply told me to read Romans 8.  Since then Romans 8:28 has become my favorite scripture. I live by "even if it's not working out" "even if it don't feel good", it's working out for my good.
Today marks a new journey for my family and me. I'm honored that God would allow these things to occur on 8.28. The number 8 represents new beginnings. Good things are happening. It's all working together for good.
My prayer for you and myself today is to know that all things are working together for our good for His purpose.

Evolving Takes Werk Podcast | SZN 2 Episode 3 | You Have Everything You Need


On this episode of the Evolving Takes Werk Podcast we'll discuss that decluttering project from our previous episode and how after clearing the clutter we found what we needed to make a repair in our home. 

We'll also touch on what to do with the things we find as we declutter. Should we trash it, give it away or keep it? Though only keep it if it sparks joy. 

Also in this episode, I'll share how Steel Cut Oats by Better Oats became important to my life after suffering from a stoke and my experience during the pandemic of creating an eBook. 

Let's get to werk!!!!


Congratulations To Tyler McKinley On Scoring 1,000 Points!!!!!!!!! πŸ’™πŸ’š

On Tuesday, January 30 during Winton Woods vs West Clermont, Tyler McKinley scored his 1,000th point as his teammates, family and friends lo...