Double Portion Inspiration

I don't care how much you may try to avoid a tragedy, it might just find you. Few of us go through life without experiencing some type of tragic event or loss. It comes out of nowhere. It's never expected. It has a way of finding you whether you open the door, answer the phone or say hello to it. Recently I returned home from a 10 day vacation. Our family time away started in West Palm Beach with us cheering on our youngest in his rookie baseball state tournament. We were on such a high because the boys dominated and won their district championship that allowed them to advance to the state competition. Unfortunately our state appearance ended quickly. Oh well. Despite the sweltering heat and game losses, we had a blast! Accidental country girls! We then traveled from the Palm Beach area to our yearly vacation with my sister and her family. Just two hours north we would find the wide open fields of ranch living. Beaches, city lights, and a vibrant night life gave...

In his footsteps! There is so much love during Mother's day. Everyone knows that most kitchens are closed that day because mom is taking a much needed break. I remind my kids constantly about the MOMENTOUS occasion called, "Mother's Day". I tell them not to ask me ANY questions that day, especially this question: Mom - What are we eating for dinner? I find a way to solve and answer that question most nights. But on Mother's day, I want someone else in the house to figure out what's for dinner. Now the tables are turned as we march towards Father's day. I wonder at times, does anyone care ? The stores are a bit slower. Restaurants and churches aren't as noticeably busy, as we find it on Mom day. WHY are dads overlooked? That might appear as a loaded question. Well, I CARE that Father's day is on Sunday. I am pleased to celebrate the many men that are in my life and are respectfully phenomenal fathers. It truly takes a village to r...

Happy Friday! The weekend is here and we are already into the month of June. Many kids are graduating whether it is pre-K or college. It's been fun to see and read about all the senior / grad activities. I've had the pleasure of reading, "Finding The Space To Lead" by Janice Marturano. I quickly learned that many people are going through life fractured. They just push through due to the demand of the day. She states, "We often simply do not have the space, breathing room, necessary to be clear and focused, and to listen deeply to ourselves and to others." I have learned how to take purposeful pauses each day. It's as simple as setting aside 5 - 10 minutes daily just to breath and focus your attention. I know this seems easy, but it really isn't. My mind runs away with thoughts of what to cook for dinner or what I need to cross of my "to-do" list. HOW CRAZY? I can't find 5-10 minutes a day just to breath . Well, if I don't...

Last month, Alton and I celebrated 20 years of marriage!   It was an exciting time in our house.   We pulled out our wedding album and the kids couldn’t believe how young we looked when we got married (we were also both a lot smaller).   Wedding Day In 1997 we both walked down the aisle having no clue what the future held.   Neither one of us fully understood two simple yet complex words, “I do”. I’m happy to say that I’m still madly in love with him. I don’t just tolerate him. We’re not just roommates staying together to raise kids. We are FRIENDS! We make each other smile and laugh at our corny “inside” jokes. Now, with that being said, we’re not a perfect couple by any means.   Does he get on my nerves? Yes!   Does he make me want to scream at times? Yes!   Do I get on his nerves?   No!   Just kidding.   Of course I do.   Despite those facts, he’s the one for me and I’m thankful to God...

This is my favorite question to ask, especially in a group setting. It never gets old. Now, it's time for me to ask you: When was the last time YOU did something for the first time? Ahh, are you still thinking? If you think about this question more than two minutes, that means you need to GO out there and have a new experience. Sometimes we just get stuck. We are on the wheel of life going around and around. Only doing the mundane and routine events every day. That can get boring fast. The wheel never stops. Where can we get off? How do we make it stop? What's going to be the NEXT thing that knocks us off our feet? Instead of expecting tumultuous times ahead, try experiencing something NEW . It can be as simple as flying to a new city, trying a new restaurant or taking a new route to work. I challenged my husband to take a new way home from work. GUESS what - it took him less time. The old way isn't always the best way. NEW hair for our 90's party! Renee ...

At some point in our life, we will have to say good-bye. It might be to a relationship, career, marriage, school, or even an old way of thinking. Realizing that everything does not last forever is sometimes the hardest part. The only constant in our life is CHANGE.   Our country went through transition of power on Inauguration day, saying good bye to an old administration and welcoming in a new vision. In my own personal life, I had to say good bye to a special friend.  Many miles and ocean water now separate us. Moving away from our comfort zones causes us to sometimes proceed with caution. When you say that final good bye you feel sad and devastated inside. You move forward, but not always really sure how. My friend name is Kanoon, and she was my nail technician for over a decade. She's seen me through some of the toughest and greatest celebrations of my life. She helped me welcome in a new baby, prepared my nails for my 40th birthday shoot, encouraged me through su...

Parenting is probably one of the biggest challenges in my life. There are days that I win as a parent and days that I fail big time. Every day it's a different twist and turn. I have a teenage daughter and an 8 year old son. They have different personalities, likes and dislikes. Most days they don't agree but on the days that they do, it's a wonderful blessing to see them together. My kids when they were younger! Photo credit: Delana Brooks When I share with some people that I'm absolutely loving the teenage years, most look at me like I'm crazy. Especially raising a teenage girl that's full of emotion and attitude. It's not easy BUT I'm just resolved to enjoy every phase and stage of my children's lives . Those were words of wisdom given to me by a colleague years ago and I've never forgotten it.  Before I know it, she will be an adult and living on her own. If I CHOOSE not to enjoy these years, I WILL MISS OUT ! I recogni...