Category: inspiration

What Inspires You? 38 Things Writers Share…

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The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Music, passion, travel, the rain some shared. Once a staff member fell seriously ill. Apparently she hid it from most but as it progressed, it became more evident. Word finally reached me in my role as HR. That was when I called to tell her of the concerns raised by her co-workers. It was then that she shared her situation. It was grave… with a crescendo of physical issues, she wouldn’t survive. I immediately jumped into action-mode to assist in the best way that I could.

In reflecting on the question “What Inspires you?” I realized that what inspires me is the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Helping others inspires gratification. Here I share a brief synopsis from the perspective response of what inspires others.

  1. The random people I meet and the random conversations that take place. It’s incredible what inspiration you can find from genuinely listening to people’s stories.
  2. Lemon drops or just candy in general. Also pieces of jewelry but mostly necklaces. I have this sea glass necklace that’s inspired 2 stories already. If anyone needs inspiration I would suggest going downtown and just walk around and look at stuff.
  3. Music lyrics inspire me. Sometimes a  certain sentence just sticks. Travel and nature and of course experiences .
  4. Daily things around me.
  5. Life
  6. Mythical creatures, music, horror stories/movies, different people I meet and talk with.
  7. Sparking a love of reading in kids and young adults.
  8. Lines of Shakespeare and Emerson. Walking in nature. Autumn and Winter inspire with the scenery and feelings they give me…old things, antique shops, bookstores, leather-bound journals, maps, Fall evenings.
  9. My friends, music, books, scented candles, and history
  10. The inner and outer universe.
  11. I find what if questions to be really useful.
  12. Love and how it compels people like Rose looking for Jack at the bottom of the ship while its sinking. That’s love.
  13. My weird perceptions of human nature and civilization
  14. Pictures, people, and most of all moments in time.
  15. Rain, grey skies, other art and gardens. Sometimes cats, animations or music
  16. Everything. There is beauty and inspiration in all different things in life
  17. Sound. the way you pour water into a glass, sons, the sound of the wind, the rain
  18. Music, love, sadness
  19. Struggle. Finding light in darkness
  20. Stephen King
  21. Current events
  22. Humans and their flaws
  23. Reading. Going to the bookstore.
  24. Button poetry
  25. Audience
  26. Sweet misery
  27. Ice cream and rainy days
  28. I think nature. Happiness inspire me and says do something different for others.
  29. Philosophy and knowledge
  30. Fear of failure
  31. Drawings
  32. Dreams
  33. Logic
  34. Passion
  35. Travelling
  36. Anything creative
  37. Strange occurrences
  38. Challenge

What about you? What inspires you? Do share…we would love to hear!

Cheers!

Cancer. My Sister’s Journey…

My sister’s Journey. We all know someone who has been affected. For me, it has personally been my grandma, my mom but most of all my little sister. Here I share her journey as a fighter. A leader extraordinaire. She never gave up and I hope her journey inspires someone who needs it.

Success Strategies

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She’ll have my head if she knows I’m writing this but some stories must be told.

That was how I started this story four years ago but don’t think it was ever published. It was the spring of 2003, after experiencing discomfort and a series of medical tests, the news was relayed to my sister. Not only did they find a lump in her breast but it was also malignant. Visits to Specialists left her with two options; remove the breast, or embark on a series of chemo treatment. The option of removal was an uncommon feat at the time, so after engaging family, friends and mountains of prayers, she made the decision to save the breast and embrace the chemo treatment.

Past The Worst

Over 10 years later and different rounds of chemo treatment combined with the usual side effects of hair loss, nervous system changes such as numbness…

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Life. It’s The Little Things…

Heal the World. Make it a Better Place. ~Michael Jackson

Save a Life. For my Birthday, I Donated. You should too.

Toni Morrison. Novelist, Essayist, Editor, Professor Emeritus. The Tale…

Inspired. Informed. Educated. An iconic life exceptionally captured in one piece by author and educator Tiffani Knowles.

Excerpt cited. Read Tiffani’s full piece here

It was 1965, after splitting from Harold, when she began her career as an editor at Random House where she was instrumental in publishing American writers and luminaries such as Angela Davis, Henry Dumas and Muhammad Ali.

Yet, she knew there was a story that still needed to be told, one she hadn’t read or seen before.

At first, she was private about her own writing and would do so as a pastime very early in the morning before her boys would wake.

“I remember reading the ‘Bluest Eye’ and thought it was wonderful,” said Robert Gottlieb, a Random House colleague and the chief editor of the Alfred Knopf sub-division.

When Random House got wind of the fact that she was publishing, they wanted to keep her work in house and so, with the exception of one book, Gottlieb got to edit all of her books while they were published through Knopf.

Her first book, as Morrison claimed, intentionally eliminated the white gaze without “codes or notes explaining things to white people,” as she decided to put the entire plot on the first page.

“Quiet as it’s kept, there were no marigolds in the fall of 1941. We thought, at the time, that it was because Pecola was having her father’s baby that the marigolds did not grow.”

It was 1970 and “The Bluest Eye” boasted a story inspired by a conversation Morrison had had with an elementary schoolmate in Lorain many years before.

Her friend told her she had been asking God to give her blue eyes and he never did.

“How painful … can you imagine that kind of pain?” Morrison recounted for filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders in the “The Pieces I Am” documentary. “So, I wanted to say, this kind of racism hurts. This is not lynchings and murders and drownings. This is interior pain. It’s so deep to know that an 11 year old would think that if only she had some characteristic of the white world, she would be OK.”

Book It…

Such a thrill when dreams come through. My Book GreenLight is now available in-store Barnes & Noble, Broward Mall, Plantation, Florida. Pick up your copy in-store today or order online then pickup in-store.

It’s the perfect gift for yourself or someone who will be overjoyed for a boost of daily inspiration.

Cheers!

Writers Write. Readers Read. Together They Are One…

Think of this – that the writer wrote alone, and the reader read alone, and they were alone with each other.” – A.S. Byatt.

Oh what a feeling seeing readers with the GreenLight.

A Look Back At 2018…

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Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.

For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.

South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition

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I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.

Two New Books Released

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101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs

Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.

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GreenLight

GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today

 

Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement

I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.

          

Coming Soon

The Reggae Music Journey

The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.

 

 

 

 

 

I Speak. You Read.

Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson

 

 

 

Community And Industry Work

Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.

Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)

 

30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC

It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.

Book Signings and Interviews

Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.

Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel Reid
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The Iconic & Hilarious Oliver Samuels
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The Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond

 

 

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Interviews

Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.

Dreams Come Through

Trip To Paris

As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.

The Journey Begins

The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.

 

Cheers to you!

Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!

How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!

Happy New Year to you!

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas! 11 Songs That Inspire…

It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas! The Holidays! Whatever you call it… to me its the most wonderful time of the year! People are kind, joyful, generous, smiling, pretty-all dressed up for those office parties, and family gatherings! There’s sumptuous food, Folly jolly chocolate delights, gifts and so much more! Yes, I know there’s always the Grinch but they’re just a few, so let’s not let them spoil it for us too.

Music of the Season

The season kicks off with holiday music… and today I would love to share them all!  Hey, I’m just kidding! I will just share 11 of my favs!

  1. All I want want for Christmas is you (Mariah Carey)
  2. It’s the most wonderful time of the year (Andy Williams)
  3. Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)
  4. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)
  5. Mary did you know (Pentatonix)
  6. Silent Night (Temptations)
  7. Last Christmas (Bing Crosby)
  8. Let it Snow (Dean Martin)
  9. This Christmas (Chris Brown)
  10. You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch (Thurl Ravenscroft)
  11. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (Johnny Mathis)

Am I missing any of your personal favs? Do Share! We would love to hear!

Cheers!

On A Budget? 9 Gifts That Cost Nothing But Is Invaluable….

Success Strategies

For it is in Giving that we receive

My personal joy is to give! I treasure any opportunity to give! The act of giving has always brought me even more satisfaction than the recipients of my gifts.  These days being on a strict budget has brought with it the stance to be even more creative than I was in the past when giving high-priced gifts. I ran a search for gift ideas to still meet my giving needs to others. I pounced upon LiZ Evans Huffington Post’s article 20 Gifts That Cost Nothing To Make But Might Be Priceless. From the list my top 9 Favs are:

Birthdays, Christmas, Graduation…Gifts That Cost Nothing

1.When Skies are Gray.  Give this to anyone in your life who may be going through a tough time. Give them a stack of cards or books with inspirational quotes that will help them ride the…

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Cancer. My Sister’s Journey…

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She’ll have my head if she knows I’m writing this but some stories must be told.

That was how I started this story five years ago but don’t think it was ever published. It was the spring of 2003, after experiencing discomfort and a series of medical tests, the news was relayed to my sister. Not only did they find a lump in her breast but it was also malignant. Visits to Specialists left her with two options; remove the breast, or embark on a series of chemo treatment. The option of removal was an uncommon feat at the time, so after engaging family, friends and mountains of prayers, she made the decision to save the breast and embrace the chemo treatment.

Past The Worst

Over 10 years later and different rounds of chemo treatment combined with the usual side effects of hair loss, nervous system changes such as numbness, weak feelings and more…yet she still kept on fighting. Fighting to survive for her children. Fighting to see them “pass the worse”.

Why I Now Share

I write this not to seek sympathy but to share the innate character of my sister – Carleen, a stalwart! A fighter! A survivor extraordinaire! A teacher by profession, she  spent her years in New York, Florida and the Caribbean educational systems molding the youthful minds of countless children. Many were overwhelmed by the genuine care and concern she had shown for her students-many of whom she brought from non-or-minimal performance to the realms of exceeding expectations.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and for that I choose to celebrate and remember my sister, Elaine AKA Carleen. Yes she passed. 12 years hard battle. She won some. She lost some. But in the end I walk away remembering the fighter that she was. I choose to celebrate the character and personal attributes of someone who has made a difference in the lives of many.

My sister, I love you! I salute you!

Cheers!