The Power of Cappuccino

So I'm writing to you from Naples, Italy.  Its after midnight here, but early evening in the US. I just had to take a moment to talk about the power of cappuccino. My sensitivity to caffeine began in college (thanks Mountain Dew). Cappuccino is not for the weak. That little cup packs a punch!!! I'm not jittery, but I am fully awake. I started reminiscing about how wonderful this trip has been,  and how far I've come on my journey. But my first sip of coffee started in high school. I'll never forget. Purple Rain had just been released, and my friend took me to the Coventry Theater to see it. I was so deep into Prince that we made a point of wearing purple to the event.  Afterwards, we went to Arabica to get iced coffee. Mine was Mocha and I've been hooked ever since. Prince has had an influence in my life since I was 10 years old. I did my homework to his music, and play it loudly in my purple car. I went to as many concerts as I could, and even caught a pre-set during his 07.07.07 experience. What I can say is that Prince fans are family. Many people have started clubs and groups to honor his artistry. I've always heard about his late night sessions and parties at Paisley Park. I can only imagine him being driven by his craft...while envisioning everyone else needing a caffeine boost when it was over. Cappuccino brings family and friends together.  I can tell you the number of times I've walked these cobblestone streets and seen people taking a break with those they love. They sip those little cups very slowly... engaging in conversation and creating memories. I definitely feel my life has come full circle as I continue on my path to live the best life...the purple life. So how is your journey going? Can you remember when you first had coffee? Cappuccino? Do you remember who introduced you to Prince's music.  Take a moment for yourself.  Drink a cappuccino if need be and share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Eat, Pray, Love

Ciao Bella!!! I am in Italy!!! This will be the greatest trip ever as I visit family in Rome. Top of the list was the restaurant featured in Eat, Pray, Love. As I tasted their fabulous food,  I was transported to happier times in my life. Acting with youth and reckless abandon, just enjoying life. Then, it hit me. I enjoy traveling as a brief respite from life. I make my own rules, and go my merry way. No one knows me, so no one cares about what I'm doing. I can truly go for the best life, my purple life. Then, it hit me again. Why can't everyday be like today. What choices can I make now to ensure the best for my future self? I've embarked on the next part of my journey by interrupting patterns that failed previously. I've had the vision for a while now.  I'm just writing it down to make it plain. It's funny how God uses the simple things to confuse the wise. But its always better when He guides your footsteps. I've taken the scenic route long enough. I look forward to where He's taking me on my journey.  Where has He taken you on yours? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Don't waste your time

Have you ever had days that weren't planned out? Or you made the best plans but things fell through? How did that make you feel? Happy? Sad? Mad? Or blazee? This may be a hard pill to swallow, but if you didn't care, should you have been involved in the first place? Saying "yes" when "no" was appropriate is the biggest source of regret and sorrow. Spending time on something you aren't interested in is a complete waste. It saps your limited energy and builds resentment.  Its best to live life on your terms. Persuade others to join you in your efforts. Endeavour to be inclusive but not obtrusive. People want to be around positive things. They want to feel good about themselves and will try anything in the pursuit of happiness. Even if it's for a moment,  those are the times we cherish. Life is too short to engage in foolishness. Try to achieve balance as you move forward on your journey. You'll find that you will enjoy moving in the right direction with the right connections. You'll find that you have gone higher in living the blessed life. The purple life. How about you? How widely are you spending your time? Do you wander aimlessly trying to find something to get into? Are you fulfilled and content? Or are you lukewarm? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Deadlines or Dead Lines?

How are your communication skills? Do people misinterpret you all the time? When you talk do folks eyes glaze over? Are they confused by the words coming out of your mouth? Do you have to draw a map or diagram mid conversation to get your point across (looking at all you Northwestern University people)? Are they looking in your eyes or are they on their cellphone? Can they repeat what you just said? Do you send emails in order to give info with no feelings attached (me all day every day)? The list can go on and on, but the bottom line is engaging with that person or group of people. Whether you're at work, school, social events or at church, you must be able to communicate. When you are completing a task for a deliverable, you can't afford mistakes. If you've promised a good or a service, you must honor your word. How you communicate is a reflection of yourself. Oftentimes, muddled messages lead you off course and could potentially ruin any goodwill that you've created. You want to make your impression in a positive way.  You want to establish a rapport with that person or group. You want to be included. Connected. Accepted. Approved. There's something to be said about having a sense of belonging. You should have a community of support that you can feel empowered by rather than dreading a meeting.  As Summer 2019 comes to a close, I invite you to reevaluate your lines of communication to see if its working for you.  Social media can be isolating and cause issues of jealousy, fake realities, or complete mental breakdowns.  However,  most posts are about joy and gladness and good things going on in life. I know I over post, but I also know that I bring love and happiness to those who take the time with me. So how about you? Talk to me. Leave your comments below whether they're good, bad, or somewhere in between.  Thank you for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Shaken Not Stirred

Well this was a day for the record books. Moving around at the office. Reworking the business plan. Getting loose ends tied up. It has been real. But such is life. We go through ups and downs often.  If you have no problems now....just wait. Tough times lie ahead of you. How do you prepare for these challenges? By recognizing that everything is temporary. Even the best laid plans may change. Flexibility is key. Can you adjust? How adaptable are you? Can you move like the bamboo trees or will you break like a mighty oak? Sometimes God will send you a test to see what you've learned. Once He can trust you with that task  He can pass you to the next level. So when trials come your way, they may shake things up a bit. Stay the course and maintain your focus. Adjust as needed and move forward.  Whatever you're confronted with,  you can make it through.  Don't lose yourself in the process. You'll find your successes outweigh your losses. Can you share some of your success stories? Perhaps you can tell us how you've overcome those trials. Please share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Through it all

This has been a Monday Monday. Had a wonderful time at my church and even attended the launch of another church. I felt renewed from so much spiritual joy and jubilation. Then I woke up to the reality around me. The dynamics of working a full time job while starting your own enterprise is challenging. The ebb and flow of limited energy and resources means many worries. Sleepless nights. Cancelled plans. Missed meals. These are the things no one tells you about on the road to success. But we all experience tough times. What makes the difference? Grit. Determination. Due diligence. Consistency. Sticktoittiveness. Too often we're ready to throw in the towel right before the breakthrough. But it's in these times that testimonies are made. You show what you're made of and how you can persevere. I've found that you encounter many bumps and bruises while navigating life's journey. It's your attitude that will determine your altitude. Are you ready to go higher in your journey? Or are you comfortable being stagnant? The choice is yours. What have you decided? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy 80th Birthday Dad

What can you say? 80 years on this earth is a long time. Something to be celebrated and cherished. But my Dad is not like everyone else.  He never made much fuss of his special day. Usually, he would work. He would tell us not to fuss. He would fly under the radar. Dad was always about his business. He would tell us that if we were going to be a potato peeler, be the best you can be. Definitely a different view from the notion of "getting by". I work hard because he did...everyday.  Dad has a ton of advice that he loves to share much like myself. So I must give honor to whom honor is due. I can't imagine the things he's seen and the things he saved us from. He kept us grounded in a strong work ethic. Happy 80th Birthday Dad!!! How about you? Who is your Dad to you? What did he teach you? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Are you missing in action?

It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you...without a strong rhyme to step to... These are some of my favorite lyrics from one of my favorite rappers (And he's only 4 days older than me). However, it's so appropriate after looking at the history of this blog. I needed to get away and rest. Often, we don't want to slow down and admit that we are human. Life has advanced technologically, but we are forever chasing the next "big thing". Our fast paced lives can run you right into a rut. It can be overwhelming. Some react by going into auto pilot. Others numb themselves with legal and illegal substances. Still others shut down completely. It can be a vicious cycle as we dance around issues instead of tackling them. I managed to reconnect with my purpose and realign my efforts with my vision. I've been tweaking some plans and I am excited to implement this new strategy. How has your time been? What are you up to? Are you MIA? Fully engaged? Or in the middle  somewhere? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

The Bluest Eye

When I saw a post about the death of Toni Morrison, my feelings grasped me. This prolific author has left us with a body of work that has established her place in history. This award winning African American novelist started her writing career at the age of 39. In all of her tributes, no one speaks of what she did beforehand. Her latter was greater than her former. My imagination runs wild thinking about the thoughts that perished with her. They say the graveyard is the greatest collection of ideas. The truth of that statement is palpable. I don't want to live a life of regrets. It's never too late to course correct.  To follow your dreams. To fulfill your purpose in life.  I spent my time away to reflect on my own experience, evaluating the pros and cons of the decisions I have made. I grapple with the vision God gave me versus my current situation. Perhaps you have felt this way too. Do you feel like your life hasn't begun. Do you feel stuck in a rut? Do you want to start over? Then do it!!! Make the change!!! Shift your focus!!! I'm still on my journey and I am pressing towards the mark of the high calling.  Where are you moving forward to? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy 58th Birthday President Barack Obama

It's been a while since my last post. I've taken some time to focus on my life, health, and goals. I'm still on my journey but I've found some much needed clarity and levity. However I could not ignore the rash of violence that has covered our country. Mass shootings from random gunmen who seek notoriety or infamy in the worst aspects of life. These white nationalists are terrorists much like the KKK that preceded them. These fractured factions aim to alter the diversity that threads the fabric of American life. What's even more shocking is the "false news" that comes from the highest office in the land. When I reflect on the Obama Administration, I saw hope of change. I saw compassion.  I saw optimism. I saw authenticity. I saw bravery. I saw tactical planning. I saw true power in action.  I saw this in the face of abject racism and political divisiveness. And I saw this handled with a grace, dignity and strength. I can't imagine what this could have been like especially while raising a young family. Even now, he has provided words of comfort and direction to our grieving nation. To this end I wish the greatest man for the times and my Forever President. Happy Birthday Barack Obama!!! Add your comments below and engage in the conversation.