By Faith...I believe

It was not until today that I came to the realization that whatever is meant to be, will not only be but with God will manifest in the right time, very gracefully.

Happy Birthday Day to me

It is June 7, 2007 I am elated...

My birthday celebration began like this:

Yesterday on my way out from work, rushing...slightly to change my clothing, to catch the nail salon for a pedicure, eyebrow arch and polish change on my nails, to then get home by 6:00 p.m. to meet my personal stylist for a stellar hair style.

I literally ran into Samantha and Melinda. I call them my ladies. Two precious young ladies that graciously thought of my special day and purchased me an amazing Konditor Meister cake, lined with perfectly shaped strawberries dipped in chocolate, a light mousse, shredded chocolate, white chocolate, to-die-for-tasty cake for me, with a balloon, flowers and a card.

And for all of you who have not yest experienced Konditor Mesiter's delicious cakes or European fine pastries, you are not living. And if you don't believe me just take a look at the website www.konditormeister.com, stop in and get a sample of their good and please let me know what you melt-in-your-mouth think.

From all the attention I was shown, people opening up doors, asking me if I needed help, as they noticed my hands were completely full with birthday gifts, to having my God sister and friend stop by early morning after she got the kids off to school, spend a generous amount of time talking, laughing and assisting me in cleaning my room, and helping my mother find an outstanding deal on a 20' flat-screen--(that I have had my eye on for sometime now), television for my birthday. Whoop there is!

Today, I'm reflecting on what it means to truly be living. To be living to me is precious. I am a women who is proud of her age, 27 today that is, because with the twenty-six years that I have had the opportunity to live, grow and learn; I've gained experience, grown wisdom, both spiritually, mentally and physically.

I'm elated that I am at a place in my life where I am feeling free. I love living, except at times when I endure pain: whether it be from witnessing the pain of others or just simply going through rough time, myself.

My waking up this morning early to breakfast in bed, courtesy of my lovely niece, Lee Lee...who is she growing was the epitome of receiving love and watching it manifest, like wild fire...eight years apart we are and it's starting to feel like much less. I see her maturity. I naturally see her growth and I now can vision the impact that I have had on her life, my family as well.

Though I woke up to a messy room, having my long-time friend and sister, Leah came by and spend time with me while cleaning, gave me a feeling money can't buy.

to be continued...

One Choice, A little Wisdom

The decisions we make have the ability to change our lives, forever.

One Choice.

After looking back on his, my father always says, as he reflects..."I made some decisions, good and bad" some of which I" am paying a price for today," he recalls.

Much of the reason it is so important to take in perspective the effects each decision will have, before making it. An important lesson one of my college professors shared with me...that I rightfully practiced, making out a list of the benefits as well as the disadvantages yopur decision will have on your life. And though there is not always a major amount of time to do this, the thoughts you give will help assist your choice.

from my perspective, it has made all the difference, making me all the more pleased, and equipt for the life's loop holes.

The Art of Giving

"Shalom" were her last words, ending our conversation that lasted four whole hours.

"It means peace in Jewish," she shared.

"Really?"

I wondered if it's the same peace that "passeth all understanding" that has the ability to rises above all hurt, to heal, strengthen and as we spoke so freely about, to take one to higher heights in God.

I've always noticed, that God has a way of supplying all of our needs, even at times when we are not always consciousness of it.

Giving us wisdom that helps us through.

My cousin Renee has been one of those amazing assets in my life.

"See God is a mirror, in which we see and gain an image on how to treat others," she shared. "Angel simple means messenger," which constitutes to the very, "way of God getting something to us."

"Messengers come to you by way of dreams...she said "not always limited to some spiritual manifestation of God."

He has send his angels and my cousin has been one of them. I learn so much from our conversations, enough to fill me, to fill others.

In the name of Peace, I am blessed to not only have here as a cousin, but to be in a place where I can truly receive all that God places inside her to give.

Passing ... via my direction

It's a clear day, the sun is out, not too hot, but definitely warm. I'm focused, walking at a reasonable pace. I have on my brown gradient vintage sunglasses, my favorite seven jeans, that are nearly worn out, a nice pair of comfortable Ann Klein shoes, not the ones with the holes, and my funky multi-colored, mature floral leather purse.

A horn honks once, I turn and this handsome man seated up high, in an over sized black SUV with slightly tinted windows, stares with a serious look on his face, gesturing for me to walk his way.

It's amazing how body language goes far beyond spoken word.

I think to myself, If he's a gentleman like he looks, this won't be a long affair...I decide to pull up my shades, place them on my head and glance in his direction.

"Hello there," he said, once he saw that I was looking.

Still walking I shyly whispered "Hi," as I paused, pressed for time.

I take a deep breathe, unsure of what this encounter would turn out to be.

"Excuse me miss," he said clearly, distinctively."

"Do I proceed," I think, "I really don't have time to listen to this thirty-five year old man... Handsome; but I am unavailable, occupied, focused and not interested, asking me anything pertaining to taking me out on a date, going to dinner or especially calling me later, I'm far from available," I remind myself.

He overshadows all assumptions and says sharply,

"I am trying to get to Fenway Park. Do you know the best way to get there from here?"

I chuckle internally for about a split second. "What an unintelligent assumption," I thought.

And quickly before he notices, with poise, I say.

"I do...you want to get on Fenwood road, take a right thereafter onto Brookline Avenue," I say, "and follow Brookline Avenue straight and you'll run into Fenway Park, which will be on the right."

I continue my walk to staples as he drove away.

If every man simply asked for directions, they'd be much better led.

Lessons from a Wise Man

"Do anything like you do everything," he said.

It's been over a year since I started working on the cardiac medicine unit, at Brigham and Women's Hospital--which happens to be an entirely different road than journalism.

I took this road, this journey I'll call it...unknowing, back then uncertain, of the rich experiences that awaited me. Today, when I look around at every registered nurse that I work hand and hand with, on a day to day basis, I see women and men of purpose, whom after long, extraneous academic journey's, long nights of studying, mastering and finally yearning for to complete that part of their journey, to move on, to put the degree as certified caregivers to the test, Like I, I've found they too have purpose, aspirations, desires to satisfy their craving.

Though the role I play in the business of care giving, deems different to some, my purpose lives within me. My stop at Brigham has had meaning. And in my times of reflection, I think of what he said, that wise man...that cold winter day, when he completely cconsoled me, helping me understand, in my time of wanting to do much more, as a writer, a creative thinker...that simply to "Do anything like you do everything" is a sincere way to live life.

I imagined this and thought:

"Like I meticiously write stories?"

"Like I creatively make gift baskets?"

I can certainly "Do anything like you do everything." It makes me think. Better yet it makes me desire, appreciate that this amongst many more inspiration conversations we engage in, this thought trails with me day to day. And like great combat in any battle in life , just when I need it most what lives within speaks volumes to my situation.

Making me think, live and practice...

"Work[ing] as if you have no money.
Lov[ing] as if you have never been hurt.
Danc[ing] like no one is watching.
Sing[ing] like no one is listening.

Today and forever, I live as if it were my last.


Thanks Mr. Lee

Pacing thy thoughts

I'll began by saying:

If I paced every thought, which would never happen, I would find myself in a lot less embarrassing situations, but what the heck, we live once and in my case with a story to tell.

I could go on for days, but I will start with a simple, yet hilarious story...

continued later...