Take Me Away

For Christmas this year I received some lavender body wash and lotion. I love lavender. It calms me and allows me to focus on those things that are important to me.

When I woke up this morning I couldn't figure out if I was coming or going. That is when I reached for my Bath and Body Works products. The beauty of the bathroom and scent from the soap sent me into a serene moment.

I also use Johnson's Baby Oil, the Lavender scent, to anoint myself daily.

For the New Year I would encourage you to find the beauty products that aid in your feeling totally good about how you are. Once you find those products find some uninterrupted time when you can enjoy the scent of your choice.

Happy New Year,

Lindar

The Way The Cookie Crumbles and The Ball Bounces

The title comes from what I have heard my mother say for years. I am going to deal with the "ball bouncing" portion. A little over 16 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful boy. When I looked at my child I knew that I wanted him to be educated and responsible. I wanted him to grow up and make our family proud. He exceeds that.

My son plays both high school basketball and AAU basketball. Our lives have been infused with the sport of his choice. You often hear about parents wanting their children to be well-known athletes or cheerleaders and going to great expense for their child's name to be popular. I never desired that. I don't like a lot of attention. I simply wanted a well-disciplined and educated child.

Well, I got more than that. My son is so many wonderful things. I have seen his name mentioned in different media formats. People often stop me, at games and other functions, and tell me how nice and well-mannered my son is. Often it takes me by surprise that so many people feel that way about him.

Being a parent of an athlete is a huge sacrifice. During our two week winter break he has had only one day off from practice. Which means that I am taking him to practice and making sure he has a way home. Once home he collapses after eating and trying to spend time with his younger brother, who looks up to him so dearly.

When my son decided that he wanted to strictly play basketball I knew that during the season he would be obligated to his academics and his sport. I make sure that he attends church too, got keep him grounded.

Last night his school played their first home game and we had a nice group out to see him play. My cousins, my girlfriends, my nieces, my nephew, and childhood friends all came out to support him. My cousin and childhood friend had not seen him play at this level. We had a ball. By the time we came home we were so exhausted.

We had to get up this morning for practice at 10:00a.m and boy were we looking like zombies. New Year's Eve and I am off to the gym. I can't even figure out what we will eat today. Talk about sacrifice. That is just the way the cookie crumbles and the ball bounces.

Lindar

Cheesecake Please!

The holidays were so wonderful. I did not expect the peacefulness that the season brought me, but I certainly welcomed it with open arms.

I shop for Christmas on Christmas Eve. It had become a tradition for me when I worked in retail many years ago. I figured by then everyone would have what they wanted and I could go into the stores and pick out my gifts and groceries. This year I had a surprise companion. My son woke up and wanted to go with me. So much for shopping for him in secret. He was so into the last minute shopping that he forgot his phone and his money. We tackled two stores before basketball practice started. Yes, he had practice on Christmas Eve.

After we conquered the first two stores we were so tired but we had so much fun. I cooked at my home like I knew what I was doing. Our menu was simple we had honey ham, corn pudding, spicy green beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. I even baked two carrot cakes. All of this was prepared by noon. I was so proud of me.

My New Year's resolution is to be a little more tidy and definitely more organized. I started on Christmas Day and I believe that I am doing well. The kitchen counter is proof.

After lunch at home we headed out to visit relatives. My mother was at home and she went a different route. She had beef ribs. OMG! Had to have at least one. I wanted to take some home but that did not happen. She wouldn't let me. ;) I might have to buy her some ribs to cook for New Year's.

We ended the day at my aunt's house. Now normally I would eat until I couldn't eat. Not this year. I only wanted those things that brought back warm memories of my grandmother. She would bake dressing and make this gravy. The gravy contains boiled eggs, celery, and turkey meat. We only have this delicacy for the holidays. I had been looking forward dressing and gravy. Gravy is not my thing to cook. My aunt mentioned something about a rue. I am just not there yet.

We are watching a Lifetime movie and my aunt asked me to get her some more ambrosia. No!!! Not ambrosia!!! My mother and grandmother would have ambrosia during the holidays. Having ambrosia means Christmas is really here. So I had some ambrosia too. Boy I am so happy now. Life could not get any better. Until. Did somebody say "Cheesecake"?

My aunt makes cheesecake from scratch and that is how I ended my Christmas Day. Before we cut the cheesecake my cousin and I had to take a picture. It looks like it came from some upscale restaurant doesn't it?

Christmas was wonderful and filled with family, food, and meaningful gifts, (Aqua Globes, throw blankets, and lavender. A girl could not have asked for more.

Recreate Your Circle

The year of 2008 was an amazing year for me. I really began to focus on my talents and trying to walk out God's plan for my life, that is not always an easy thing to do. Throughout the ups and downs my circle of friends stayed pretty consistent during the year.

As the year ended I had several conversations with some of those friends that were beginning to feel shifts in their lives. They discussed how life was different and they did not know how to handle the changes they were going through. My advice to them was "recreate your circle".

There does come a time in your life that your friends don't have similar desires or drive. I am not saying to sever the ties with those friends. I am suggesting that you align yourself with others who think like you and who want to live a successful and positive lifestyle.

Choose friends that you can share your dreams, your successes and your downfalls. Make sure that they support you and who you are striving to be, no matter your shortcomings. Invite your circle of friends out to lunch or to your home for tea so that they can all come together and build stronger relationships.

Behold I do a new thing!

Lindar

Green Thumb...Who Me!?

For years my grandmother would give me planters and instructions on how to keep them alive. I would be grateful for my gift and I would take it home. Once home I would forget about the plant and it would dry up and fall apart. If my grandmother asked me about the plant I would tell her that I did not know what was wrong with it. I knew what was wrong with it. The universe knew what was wrong with it. It needed WATER and someone to care for it.

Grannie loved her grandchildren, plants, flowers, cooking and quilts. I remember that. She was always talking about one or the other. Sometimes she would talk about them all. Grannie passed in 2004. What a blow that was for my entire family. It was February and it was cold. We buried my grandmother on Valentine's Day. It is clear like it was only minutes ago. That evening I went to visit my parents and as I was leaving I noticed a planter on the porch. I asked my mother where did it come from and why was it sitting outside. For that was a lasting memory of that somber day.

I went home with the planter and I vowed to take care of it just like Grannie would have. Now mind you I knew nothing about plants. My son's father taught me how to care for the plant and eventually we had to split and place them in different pots. I was on the road to figuring this whole plant thing out. That particular plant has been split more times that I can remember. The philadendria is several feet long and sometimes I stare at it in amazement.

Well today I have over 15 plants in my home. I have learned to keep them watered, to tell when they need water, and even my younger son will help in keeping the plants, and the floor, watered.

This Christmas I went to visit my aunts, Grannie's daughters. And no sooner than I entered the living room my aunt informed that I have a plant to take home. The one in the pic. When I saw it I knew that my grandmother was smiling down on me because I had finally figured out what my grandmother was always trying to instill in me. You can do anything you want, if it is something you really want to do.

I wanted my grandmother to live on in my home and in my heart. I have proof all over my home.

Thank you Grannie.

I Love Music Any Kind of Music

Well it took several days for me to get music going on this site. It was so hard to put songs on here because I love so many artists, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop you name it.

Growing up I was exposed to music. I remember my mother moving the living room furniture around so that we could dance to Al Green during the week. On the weekend she would be directing the youth choir. My brother was a dj and he would often dj parties or make mix tapes. My father introduced us to jazz and rap music. If that was not enough we would sit outside of arenas just to hear music from the most popular Soul artists of that time.

The year I turned 10 my aunt asked me what I wanted for my birthday. My response was to see the Temptations. That was an incredible present for me.

Those memories are so vivid. Whether we were at church or the local park, if we were with my family we listened to music.

There are so many songs that move me and cause me to dance around the house or sit and cry. Let's be real here! There are two songs that are really doing it for me right now. You Complete Me by Keisha Cole and Right Now Praise by Jonathan Nelson. Today I can say that my life is at turning points and both of these songs speak to where I am on my path.

So today with the help of a small group I created a playlist of songs that I enjoy listening to, that motivate me and keep me moving.

Hope You Enjoy

Lindar

Tis' The Season

During the holidays there are so many gatherings to attend. People just want to get together and enjoy the spirit of this time of year.

I have been connected to a group of people for well over ten years. It has to be the most diverse group of people that I interact with. We decided to have a celebration this weekend. Actually it is becoming more like an annual event.

After a year of school, sports, and work we sit back and just hang out. We talk about how we have been doing and get all the updates on the children. Last year I didn't go because it snowed and I....well I didn't go and I missed that moment. Not this year. We were going and that was the final answer. I am deciding that I will not be missing anymore moments.

The hosts are always so gracious and they open their home to us to simply have a good time. I remember several years ago I sat in the family room and I thought Hmmm! I like this. From this family I have learned to dream big. I know that whatever I want is within my grasp.

I walked throughout the house and I saw all of the beautiful and festive decorations in every room. At my house I didn't even have the tree up. If you were to visit my home you wouldn't even know it was Christmas time. I had only planned to stay a couple hours. Four hours later I decided that I was going to bring the spirit of the season to my home.

First I had to organize what I wanted to do. My younger son has this beautiful festive outfit that he has never worn. He wore it today. After church I picked up a few items from the store for dinner. I prepared dinner and with the help of my son I put up the Christmas tree. To hear his toddler voice yell out "More Christmas!" tickles me to no end.

Tonight we had dinner by the light of the Christmas tree. How cool is that?

Have you gotten in the spirit of the season? It doesn't take a lot but it does require some effort and some excitement. Pull out the tree, the lights, the wreath. Warm up the the tea or cocoa and spend some time relishing in the glow of the season.

Tis' The Season

Lindar

Jonathan Nelson- I Sing Praises To Your Name

Nothing like a fresh word from God.

Jonathan Nelson - Right Now Praise

I listen to this song many times a day. Jonathan Nelson is the praise and worship leader from Empowerment Temple in Balitmore, MD.

You are just a praise away from your breakthrough!!!!

Happy Birthday

As each year comes to an end my family has several birthdays to celebrate. It starts in August and for each month until December there is at least one birthday per month. Just in my household alone we celebrate birthdays in October, November, and December. Wow!

Growing up birthdays were so important. My siblings and I always had cake from Buskens and Neopolitan ice cream from United Dairy Farmers. We looked forward to that and never imagined that we would not celebrate our special days in that fashion. Now that we are adults we carry that tradition on with our children. Just recently we celebrated my older son's birthday and we invited people over. I instill in my sons not to expect gifts but to appreciate that moment shared with family and friends.

I believe that birthdays are times of reflection and celebration. There is dollar value that can be placed on that. Whenever I meet a person and I know that it is their birthday I always ask "Are you going to have cake and ice cream?" It is just a habit. Years ago I met a man named Todd. We were friends briefly. He told me his birthday was approaching. He informed me that he did not have any plans. I called up one of my friends and purchased the cake and ice cream. We celebrated his day and he later told me how much that meant to him.

Learn to celebrate your day with family and friends. Maybe you don't want cake and ice cream. Maybe you want cheesecake with strawberries or a simple meal. Whatever your preference is make sure you share that day in order to create a lasting memory.

Happy Birthday to You!

Keyshia Cole - You Complete Me - A Different Me

I heard this song a couple of days ago. I absolutely love it and the lyrics are so sincere and amazing. It makes you think about that one person who you truly love and you know that they truly love you in return.

Girlfriends

One of my television shows is Girlfriends. I can watch it all day and all night. I never see an episode and think "I have already seen this one." and turn the channel. Seeing them again is always like the first time for me.

I don't spend enough time with my girlfriends, mainly because I am always engaged in an activity with my sons. This past week I told my older son that I would not make it to a game because one of my closest girlfriend's was hosting a wrapping party. I finally found an event I could not say no to.

Once I arrived I was so happy that I came. It was intimate and festive at the same time. The time spent together was warm and glowing, like the holiday season should be. We came together to assist another family and in the moment created a family of sisterhood that I believe will grow as we spend more time together.

My sons are getting older and I need to realize the need to bond with other women for my growth as a woman and mother. Thanks to all who came together in that moment.

Happy Holidays

Lindar

Ready Set Go!

Sometimes, no most of the time, I have to find time for myself just to sit and do whatever I want to do. I will listen to music or work on puzzles. I love word finds and suduko puzzles. A cup of tea and a novel will work too.

In our hectic worlds it can be hard to find just that moment of silence to talk to God and to listen for His response. Over the past weeks I have a dear friend that wakes me everyday at 5:30a.m. so that I can begin reconnecting with God. Now I thought this was a Monday thru Friday thing. When my phone went off last Saturday I shook my head and smiled.

It is important daily to be consistent with our relationships, whether it is our relationship with God, our girlfriends, and our families. So this morning I got up earlier than 5:30a.m. I will text her since it is after the time and I have not heard from her. ;)

Well I began my day talking to God and sharing with you. The phone just went off and I am getting ready to embark on my day. Spend each day being consistent, get into a routine that positively reinforces who God created you to be.

Ready!

Set!

Go!

Just Another Day?

Yesterday had to have been one of those days when I wondered "Why am I a teacher?" I managed to get through the day but when the day was over I was exhausted.

Some children need so much these days. You become their teacher, mother, counselor, and you really didn't sign on for all of that. I wanted to focus on the lesson at hand but it is hard sometimes when you have to get through their "stuff" so that they can move on with their day.

Today I went in to my classroom rested and ready. One of my students had written a poem for her mother. It was a Christmas present and she wanted me to type it and put a border around it. That was no problem, I realized that she may not have access to a computer at home. As I typed the poem I read it. Wow! was all I could say. Now this is the reason why I teach. Here this student is trying to find her place in the world and she realizes that in doing so it makes her mother happy and proud of her.

I don't know this student's story but I know that she is working very hard to get out of whatever situation she is in. She is proud of herself and her accomplishments. She listens and takes criticism. She is determined and dedicated to her new path in life.

Now that I think about it her poem to her mother was also a gift to me. This student shared with me information that she didn't have to share. She trusted me enough to edit it and create a pretty package for her mother.

Now yesterday at work is simply yesterday. Today I don't feel tired and I am looking forward to my students tomorrow.

Lindar

Below is the poem my student wrote for her mother.

Merry Christmas to You



This Christmas will be different
I’m out and not in trouble.
And not even double.
Came too far to turn back now.
All those years I asked “What you want for Christmas?” you said “Nothing.”
But I know deep within you, you wanted me to get out of them places and move on and stop being a butt.
Now that I’m out I feel like I have made your Christmas for this year.
Thank you for sticking by my side and riding and helping me grow.
I know this was supposed to be a Christmas poem but I couldn’t help but to let the words flow from the heart.



JOY PEACE


LOVE

Just the Beginning

Hello World,



I am on my path to success. I am going to share my journey with you. To be honest I am new to blogging but I look forward to sharing my days and important events in my life with you.



I am the mother of two, a teenager and a toddler. My older son is a high school athlete. My days are filled with drop off and pick ups. My professions involves me working with disadvantaged youth. Needless to say I never have a dull moment. My mother always informs me that I will never be bored.

Being a parent is a joy and I blessed to have wonderful sons. My dream has always been to become a published writer. I have two completed books. One book needs to be edited and the other book just needs to be read right now! Ghetto Chick is that book of poetry that I am very proud of and excited about.

Each blog I plan to share my days and events occurring in my life. I look forward to sharing words that come straight from my heart and from a Higher Power. For He directs and He blesses.

Lindar