tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51402659148028850412024-02-19T04:57:51.174-06:00This Woman's WordsOne woman's views on life, social and political issues. I am a blogger, sociologist and former therapist.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-24752292803011357942016-07-07T10:22:00.001-05:002016-07-07T10:22:58.040-05:00Omar Mateen: America's Son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uBYHI2TxhHGND6gjX-eXP6pIIYIMOq9VfSHT2NMdhDAwT_YAR8zM1MKG6qWx5ZuNlOPX0v-wNVVFMvjeJluF_q16bSpi5QI2umyoysW6170NezEKa2xOgvWypUbK8jwb4DVs5KqV2Eap/s1600/omar-mateen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uBYHI2TxhHGND6gjX-eXP6pIIYIMOq9VfSHT2NMdhDAwT_YAR8zM1MKG6qWx5ZuNlOPX0v-wNVVFMvjeJluF_q16bSpi5QI2umyoysW6170NezEKa2xOgvWypUbK8jwb4DVs5KqV2Eap/s400/omar-mateen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: 14px;">America has been wounded by one of its own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: 14px;">We can't distance ourselves from the young man who murdered innocent victims who were out for a fun night on the town. We raised him, we educated him, we fed his body, his soul and his mind. We can't cast him aside and assign him to the the "catch all" category of Muslim. As if that is a justification. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: 14px;">Most crimes in the United States are committed by Christians. Omar Mateen is American. He's one of our own.</span><br />
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How did we raise a child that was capable of such hate? How did we, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of, and loving our fellow man, produce a young man with so much vitriol and contempt, and the angst that allowed him to plan and carry out a scheme that would cause Americas soul to ache?
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Where did we go wrong? How do we make sure that the rest of our kids learn from this and don't make the same choices?
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-85322711060120152672016-05-07T10:20:00.001-05:002016-05-07T10:20:09.027-05:00Have You Been Trumped?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_mskQxVNZw1vOR29q8I13-V12mHa_0ry8GSYc3GWvhC4gKGFrZ6P-SR9cwiAiu4fji5224A6Z_MgzxqOFRxToilYsIiqbICH_9VrwQeRbkeSyAeoO-CL-Yin67Sp8eohi8gf9bHzy7CX/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_mskQxVNZw1vOR29q8I13-V12mHa_0ry8GSYc3GWvhC4gKGFrZ6P-SR9cwiAiu4fji5224A6Z_MgzxqOFRxToilYsIiqbICH_9VrwQeRbkeSyAeoO-CL-Yin67Sp8eohi8gf9bHzy7CX/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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This time last year I have to admit, I didn't see Donald Trump as serious presidential candidate. I saw him as someone whose role was simply to force the Republican Party to look at issues that he and his team deemed as important. I never expected his bid for the White House to last more than two or three months. I thought he'd be out of the race before Rick Perry from Texas. Boy, was I wrong.</div>
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So here we are. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/reince-priebus-donald-trump_us_572c9743e4b016f378956a51" target="_blank">Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican Party nominee for president of the United States of America. </a>This really is happening...</div>
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I am African American and a proud Texan. I have a multi-cultural, multi-racial, melting-pot, <i>"portrait of America"</i> family. My family is African American, Mexican American, European American, Chinese American, Colombian American, Nigerian American, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Methodist, Veterans, Disabled Veterans, formerly captured Veterans, gay, straight, women, men, women in their child-bearing years, academicians, political activists, artists, musicians, actors, doctors, business owners, CPAs, teachers, school principals, professors, therapists, postal workers, salespersons, law enforcement, supervisors, real estate agents, nurses, finance managers, hourly workers, volunteers, retirees, coaches, pastors, authors, college students, law school students, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. <br />
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I am America.<br />
I can not support or stand with someone who offends or threatens the safety and stability of my family. </div>
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I will not be Trumped.</div>
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I vote.<br />
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What are you going to do?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of Business Insider</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-87141298315817759562014-06-11T09:44:00.000-05:002015-05-17T22:00:50.777-05:00Coffee and Gratitude<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDdPw4A48V_KX_cxSwewWv3VE6gNoqAbL15Y5xdqhOJvmzWMMNjMQ7cRCO1v5ZPC7DoPJomW5AeVl8FCr1fs_VFc1BYM4siK2bV50b_BbQPA1_0YzPgilpBaIVBvdmD3thlZKQ2uBc3B5/s1600/Grat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDdPw4A48V_KX_cxSwewWv3VE6gNoqAbL15Y5xdqhOJvmzWMMNjMQ7cRCO1v5ZPC7DoPJomW5AeVl8FCr1fs_VFc1BYM4siK2bV50b_BbQPA1_0YzPgilpBaIVBvdmD3thlZKQ2uBc3B5/s400/Grat+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Years ago when I was a practicing therapist there was a
ritual I followed every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of
my ritual was to sit down at my kitchen table with my first cup of coffee and
write a gratitude list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I believe that when we have an appreciation for our gifts the quality of our life can improve. There is science to support my theory. <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/books/article/In-Thanks-Robert-Emmons-explains-why-it-s-good-2546331.php" target="_blank">Positive Psychology</a> tells us that practicing thankfulness can combat negative situations. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>During the span of time that I was truly diligent about writing my Gratitude List I was living in a rural small town about 20 miles outside of Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a small vegetable garden in my back
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew potatoes, onions, leafy
greens, yellow squash, tomatoes and jalapenos… nothing extravagant, just the
things I wanted to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made my own strawberry and apple jam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My office was exactly 8 minutes from my driveway, that’s if every traffic
light was red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wandering a little,
but it’s to illustrate a point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My life</a> was simpler then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able to take the time out of each day to reflect on my life and
pay attention to all of the things in my life for which I am grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Effective today I am reinstituting that part
of my morning ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have started my Gratitude
List.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage you to join with me
and start your own Gratitude List.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Let me give you a few words of warning before you decide to join me. Gratitude does not come as easily as complaining. Start slowly. Learn to be grateful for both the obvious things like waking up and the things you may take for granted, like the ability to walk to your car.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wish now that I still had those lists I made so many years
ago when my child was still young and I would look out of my kitchen window and
watch the birds at the bird feeder, the spring flowers billowing in the wind
and an occasional deer creeping through the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to hold on the new list so that I can
reflect in one year, five years or even in ten years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we move forward in life it’s always
interesting to stop and take stock of how far we’ve travelled on our journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How often do you stop to acknowledge the things for which
you are grateful?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Follow on Twitter @womanswords2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sign up to receive new posts from <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words</a> in your inbox.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo Courtesy of Huff Post</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-82641754101297727592014-06-04T15:00:00.000-05:002015-05-17T22:12:12.573-05:00Graduations and New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVv0G5L9wlWs8scugveMfWDXWU1_k6vhHYMjq1giGnWMk9n2JMNbyFVrCbYPLkB6O5oGISgzWnYMX3j5yiTMOO6gwK-aoWiAAr0DrGwER77Otd_5AbcY7zQTK5M1Y4PKgkqwhZEQ3E__W/s1600/graduates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVv0G5L9wlWs8scugveMfWDXWU1_k6vhHYMjq1giGnWMk9n2JMNbyFVrCbYPLkB6O5oGISgzWnYMX3j5yiTMOO6gwK-aoWiAAr0DrGwER77Otd_5AbcY7zQTK5M1Y4PKgkqwhZEQ3E__W/s1600/graduates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Please enjoy this repost that remains relevant today.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am from a large family.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May and June of every year is a time for graduations and new
beginnings.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each year I can expect at
least two or three family members to graduate from something.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kindergarten, middle school, high school,
undergraduate college, graduate school…there is always a graduation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year with the economy in its current state, I can’t
help but wonder what will come of the graduates in my family and in yours. Gone are the days when a person could
graduate from college and have 5 or 6 really good job offers to consider. Many
traditional college graduates (those that graduate on time, in four years) are
seeking internships in lieu of seeking jobs.
It is the hope of many that the internship will lead to a more permanent
job opportunity. For the class of 2013
the future is not necessarily bright.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
employers added 165,000 workers to non-farm payrolls in April, and the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/april-jobs-report-will-show-whether-employers-remain-cautious-about-stepping-up-hiring/2013/05/03/c84315aa-b3a6-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html" target="_blank">unemployment rate fell to 7.5 percent</a> from 7.6 percent.
That is the lowest unemployment rate we have seen since December 2008. Yet
we are still faced with millions of people in the U.S. who are among the ranks
of the long-term unemployed. How does
this fresh new crop of eager, ready and educated graduates impact their ability
to find work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was always told that the key to ensuring a successful and
secure future was education. Life has
taught me that education is only a good, solid start. I will always be a strong proponent for education. Yet I want the <a href="http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/05/class_of_2013_college_grads_po.html" target="_blank">class of 2013 </a>to understand
that they must work hard to ensure their own futures. While it is great to get a job with a top
tier company, don’t rest on your laurels.
Learn what you can from every job opportunity you have. Figure out how
you can contribute to the American landscape.
Think about entrepreneurship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I reflect on my freshman year of college I think of how
certain I was about my future. Now I see
how much I have moved away from the vision I had for my life so many years ago.
Class of 2013, <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">here is my message for you</a>:
<i>“The only thing constant is
change. Always be prepared for change.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graduation is only the beginning. Now is the time to start the real work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you doing now what you expected to do when you were 18
or 22?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow on Twitter @womanswords2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sign up to stay informed </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of dosomething.org</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-76187267686755238512014-04-24T16:00:00.000-05:002014-04-24T16:00:03.251-05:00Are Black People Better Off?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG4xUjF1wkbdlvosJjkiNYrVhgXQt4wYjCppoiW59AHDz0Ux9WkHjPHV2NNDKfdu4Gcae8jMSQcNFGX-JWcIG2l7zOm5j1ugo6ALkGdugGsA2HcroN9gvqat4R0Qg0u5r6HMv0B5XD2EL/s1600/CB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG4xUjF1wkbdlvosJjkiNYrVhgXQt4wYjCppoiW59AHDz0Ux9WkHjPHV2NNDKfdu4Gcae8jMSQcNFGX-JWcIG2l7zOm5j1ugo6ALkGdugGsA2HcroN9gvqat4R0Qg0u5r6HMv0B5XD2EL/s1600/CB.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I am concerned about the state of mind of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/24/cliven-bundy-racist_n_5204821.html?utm_hp_ref=politics" target="_blank">Clive Bundy</a> and his supporters. It is disheartening to know that Clive has lived his life filled with such hate and misinformation. I am saddened that he never opened his mind and his heart to learn more about a race that appears to have caused him to be consumed with hate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Clive Bundy initially gained notoriety because he has allowed his cattle to graze on government owned land since 1993 and refused to pay the more than $1 million he owes in grazing fees. When government officials approached him about the money owed, Bundy and his supporters armed themselves with weapons in response. Bundy successfully changed the focus from the millions owed to the government to an ongoing American social concern. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the eye of the media on him, Bundy took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the <i>"Negro"</i>:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"I'm wondering if they're better off under a government subsidy and
their young women are having the abortions and their young men are in
jail and their older women and children are sitting out on the cement
porch without nothing to do.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm wondering: Are they happier now
under this government subsidy system than they were when they were when
they were slaves and they was able to their family structure together
and the chickens and the garden and the people have something to do.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So
in my mind, are they better off being slaves in that sense or better
off being slaves to the United States government in the sense of the
subsidy. I'm wondering. The statement was right. I am wondering."</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">I challenge you</a> Clive to open your eyes, open your heart and open your mind to the life experiences of those who live in the government subsidized housing you described. I encourage you to chose one child, one adult, or one family and get to know them. Become intimate with the challenges they face on a daily basis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People end up receiving government subsidies for any number of reasons... Death of a major bread winner, lay off, illness, un-educated or under educated... the stories are countless, especially in today's economy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know a single person who would choose to live in government subsidized housing if they had viable alternatives. Do you? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please leave your comments below.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-22298088181672238682014-04-23T16:00:00.000-05:002014-04-23T16:00:00.981-05:00Guns Everywhere<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXkqNdXZBkpLRqs3ir804k-vdPId9egPRNGvp3Pi8rinWv6uZC6xrApHtoaUwE8xY-jzbJ1XMG_cIEzNpdWpiEBZeyu1C8RIjP29ANmCs_wQF1Sb6vgbQfuw6VtBYBwgXISz_GA_F2Umy/s1600/guns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXkqNdXZBkpLRqs3ir804k-vdPId9egPRNGvp3Pi8rinWv6uZC6xrApHtoaUwE8xY-jzbJ1XMG_cIEzNpdWpiEBZeyu1C8RIjP29ANmCs_wQF1Sb6vgbQfuw6VtBYBwgXISz_GA_F2Umy/s1600/guns.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of Washington Post </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By signing into law the most liberal (pun intended) gun rights bill, Gov. Nathan Deal has in effect allowed Georgians to carry their <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/23/georgia-gun-bill_n_5199630.html" target="_blank">Guns Everywhere</a>. </span><br />
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With this new bill, those who are licensed gun owners may carry their guns into places that I believe may create problems that could be avoided.<br />
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What reason would a thinking person have for bringing a loaded gun into a bar? Not only is it possible that the licensed gun owner is drinking, but patrons at the bar may be drinking alcohol as well. Either or both could make an alcohol induced decision that might result in a tragedy.<br />
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Some may argue that bringing a loaded gun onto a school campus may have avoided some of the recent <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/2013/01/another-school-shooting.html" target="_blank">school shooting </a>we have experienced here in America. I am wary of allowing loaded guns on any school campus even if the gun owners is licensed. If you look at the statistics, most of the school shooters don't have history that would have precluded them from obtaining a legal license.<br />
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Georgia's <a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20132014/HB/60" target="_blank">Safe Carry Protection Act</a> allows licensed gun owners to bring loaded guns into public places, including bars, nightclubs, schools, churches and government buildings.<br />
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This is not a trend that<a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank"> I'd </a>like to see spreading throughout America.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts?<br />
<br />
I'd love to read your comments.<br />
<br />
Follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/WomansWords2" target="_blank">@womanswords2</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-36942615839920196452014-02-12T09:00:00.000-06:002014-02-12T09:00:01.756-06:00Bound No Longer: In Celebration of African America History Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;">Originally posted February 2013</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Guest Post:</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #222222;">In celebration of African American History Month join </span><a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">This Woman's Words</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> in welcoming Los Angeles based composer, musician, lyricist and performer John McConnell of ProLyric Productions and </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">John McConnell Music</a> </span><span style="color: #222222;">as our guest today. Please leave your comments below:</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Every time I think about ‘Black History Month’, I consider why there is such a thing. For a long while I thought it was counter-productive – a form of reverse discrimination for people of color to perpetuate the individuality of setting aside an entire month to say, “</span><a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hey –focus on our accomplishments”</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">. The image I’ve always associated with this month is one of enslaved black people in chains and fetters. As an African American I’ve grown to understand just how significant and necessary this month really is. As we share with the world the many reasons why we’re valuable, we simultaneously rid ourselves of slave clothes (negative labels). To have an inferiority complex derives from every word, image, and practice that makes one feel that being truly happy is not a right they should enjoy. Such bondage can and has caused many people to live out an existence of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, but never forging ahead as trailblazers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" style="background-color: white; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I moved</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;">to </span><st1:city style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;" w:st="on">Los Angeles</st1:city><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;"> from </span><st1:place style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Houston</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;"> ... to follow a passion I’ve had in my heart for many years. I am a singer/songwriter who enjoys being on stage, but even bigger – for many years now, it’s been my dream for my songs to be in movies. I’ve always loved how producers use songs to help a dramatic scene become truly dramatic. Everyday, I purpose to </span><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: blue;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">write a new song</a> </span><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;">that inspires all the positive things in life (love, joy, friendship, etc.). I never run out of words, because that’s the beauty of being human – our words. But how does a forty-five year old man</span><a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" style="background-color: #fcffee; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #888888;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">break into an industry</span></a><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: blue;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fcffee; color: #222222;">that is completely foreign to him and experience the success of watching feature films with his songs playing as the credits are rolling? He defies anything poised as a barrier, and yes that includes every negative stereotype concerning his culture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">It’s not just a “black thing” to be told you’re not good enough. People will always be in competition with each other. I celebrate victory already, because I’m on the path. Talking about the path is one thing, but to actually walk it out is what I call victory. This journey may not be quick, but for me it’s necessary. I no longer live by labels attached to me, but each day I decide for myself who I am. If my example can give young black kids an excuse to defy the odds and follow their passions, then by all means I think it’s ok for me to say, </span><span style="color: blue;">“<a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hey – focus on my accomplishments</a></span><a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">”.</a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRaEcFJXb5WQnrnoLTpd9zvfYZ6qmsPLlzKFZjKy6Hb4XMLt5OuNUTb2Pi6IQtpBNQJD2yvU1xC9lNu0U5Dy57xr03RyeOP1URjMd47qG3sYRtpDSv0Ag1cuY7eZiwzsrhU478r_rd0Uf/s1600/John's+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #888888; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRaEcFJXb5WQnrnoLTpd9zvfYZ6qmsPLlzKFZjKy6Hb4XMLt5OuNUTb2Pi6IQtpBNQJD2yvU1xC9lNu0U5Dy57xr03RyeOP1URjMd47qG3sYRtpDSv0Ag1cuY7eZiwzsrhU478r_rd0Uf/s200/John's+Head+Shot.jpg" height="200" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="178" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">John McConnell is an expert singer/songwriter. His music weaves R&B, modern rock, hip-hop, pop jazz, and traditional gospel into a seamless fabric. John founded ProLyric Productions in 2000—a songwriting company of positive, pro-social lyrics. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In December of 2007, God impressed upon John to commit to writing an entire song everyday. John has remained consistent and faithful to this task, and now (almost five years later) has catalogued over 1,600 songs. ProLyric Productions submits songs for a variety of occasions, all across the United States. The goal of this venture is for recording artists of all genres to record music written by John McConnell, and for that music to flood the airwaves EVERYWHERE. It is John’s desire to receive film and television licensing opportunities for his songs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">John moved to Hollywood, CA to pursue his passion more intently. You can view at least 114 of Johns songs on You Tube by subscribing to his music channel: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">‘John McConnell Music</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">’. You can also learn more about him by visiting </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">JohnMcConnellMusic.com</a>.</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Contact John McConnell at </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: blue;">prolyricpro@aol.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Follow John McConnell on Twitter:</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@ProLyricMusic</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Connect on Facebook: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ProLyric Productions</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Subscribe to YouTube:</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #888888;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">John McConnell Music</span></a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-23707285535982030762013-10-21T19:00:00.000-05:002013-10-21T19:00:06.234-05:00Affordable Care Act: Get the Facts Before You Speak!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get the facts about the Affordable Care Act directly from
the source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you sit around the
office lunch room and share horror stories that you’ve heard on your favorite television
station, get the facts directly from the source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you start speaking loud and wrong in
the line at the grocery store, get the facts directly from the source.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are reading and comprehending this blog post, you can
read and comprehend the information available on<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/health-insurance-basics/" target="_blank"> the official website</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is so much misinformation on the web, on main stream
media and on social media about the Affordable Care Act, that I do have at
least a little patience for those who are struggling with finding the truth. But some of what I am
hearing and reading is just downright mean-spirited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/us/supreme-court-lets-health-law-largely-stand.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">Change is hard.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we are Americans, and we can get through
this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want all children to have access to affordable health care. I want those who are unemployed because of layoffs or medical problems and those with other special circumstances to have access to health care. I understand that prevention costs less than medical intervention. <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/2012/10/women-will-remember-in-november.html" target="_blank">I vote. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/obama-health-insurance-website_n_4124408.html" target="_blank">As our President said earlier today,</a> the fight to provide
affordable health care for all Americans was not simply about a website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can not allow a website to defeat us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"But
we did not wage this long and contentious battle just around a website,"
Obama said. "We waged this battle to make sure that millions of Americans,
in the wealthiest nation on earth, finally have the same chance to get the same
security of quality, affordable health care as anybody else."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let’s be patient and supportive and allow the process to
work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@WomansWords2 </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of AP</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-21963851641956909452013-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:002013-08-20T08:00:05.498-05:00Texas Pastor Bans Hair Weaves.... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTOPxat7iDGOwdfnwlmSuPlzEFNNm5PgwYrcSO3NcMvkWdESu7SlCSFFLZhqbVVU5-zwos57EcrTgMIm8TsXMeVC0YbXQ_CgGkZunBz9A_yxwYEBaxWYW9yWV0v-GfGPD2nhQf9KL68JT/s1600/extensions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTOPxat7iDGOwdfnwlmSuPlzEFNNm5PgwYrcSO3NcMvkWdESu7SlCSFFLZhqbVVU5-zwos57EcrTgMIm8TsXMeVC0YbXQ_CgGkZunBz9A_yxwYEBaxWYW9yWV0v-GfGPD2nhQf9KL68JT/s1600/extensions.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas pastor bans hair weaves by members. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I’m concerned about an article that has been featured
on television, radio, on blogs and all over the internet. It’s the story of Pastor A.J. Amir of Resurrecting
Faith Church in Waco, Texas. The pastor
of the church has made headlines because he has banned the wearing of hair
weaves by members of his church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so very many issues that Pastor Amir could choose
to address in his church that I am actually surprised he has time to worry
about the condition of his member’s hair.
He indicates that his church members are struggling financially. What programs does he have in place at
Resurrecting Faith Church to increase financial literacy? Does he have job
placement assistance or career guidance support at the church? If he is questioning the parenting choices
made by his parishioners, does he have a parenting skills class available to
address his concern?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AmericanPreachers.com quotes Pastor Amir:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I lead a church where our members are struggling
financially. I mean really struggling. “Yet, a 26 year old mother in my church
has a $300 weave on her head. NO. I will not be quiet about this.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a woman, I know that there are any number reasons we may
choose to wear hair weaves… hair loss due to medication, stress or illness, convenience
due to a demanding schedule, consistency in professional appearance, to achieve
a desired look or simply because we feel like doing something different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s his church, he can make the rules as he deems
appropriate. As women, and as Americans,
we have the right to choose to worship elsewhere if we don’t agree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t look for <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words </a>on Sunday, Pastor Amir.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Question:</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Do you think Pastor Amir is right to use his platform to focus on hair when there are other issues to be addressed in his community?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow us on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/womanswords2" target="_blank">@womanswords2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like us on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thiswomanswords">www.facebook.com/thiswomanswords</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of RubyRuby</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-83767652753448405932013-08-12T22:18:00.000-05:002013-08-12T22:18:09.117-05:00Power From Within: Heal your OWN self<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Guest Post:</b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words</a> as welcome </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Susie Shantina Dixon of <a href="http://jadedkisses.com/" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Jaded Kisses</a>!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why are we so apt to taking the bad but being terrified to
receive the good and perfect will of that which is Eternal? Why is there a need
to be justified by someone who has no clue what you look like outside of your
girdle and makeup let alone have your best interests at heart? Why do we stay
in relationships that are killing us with every negative word spoken? WHY?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These and other questions go thru the mind of at least one
person who just wanted to do better but LIfe kept getting the best of them.
LIFE and all the things that come with her nasty self just kept beating you
down until NOW. Until you meet someone that said "Here. I see you trying.
Let me show you the way. Now I can't walk it out for you but what I can do is
show you that life can be as beautiful as any words that you speak." Now
on that same token , life can be bad only if you persist in calling that thang
forward. They used to say whatever dog you keep calling, will come to you. With
that in mind, how do we get from looking down to seeing that there is a bright
better future ahead of you baby. Just keep moving... Just keep getting up every
day with a song, beat box or whatever gets you in a happy mood. Keep your
happiness close to heart and always on your mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My FAVE 5 Things to keep me going:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Determination - You can only go as far as your
determination. NUFF SAID</span></li>
<li><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Persistence - For every time someone tries to hold you
down, you have to keep pushing and going until you prove to yourself (NOT THEM)
that you can. Once you accomplished, that there is nothing to stop you from
doing anything because now you know it's possible.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope- You can't even live in THIS life without some kind of
hope. You gotta have it. Without a glitter of hope life will eat you alive and
you will struggle. But with hope anything is possible. As long as Beyonce and
all these other beautiful people roam the Earth, Hope will forever be alive.
You know there are some people who have no hope of getting them but they always
hope. They stand in their hopes unshakable. So WHY NOT have hope that I can be
and do WHATEVER I WANT!! Yes!! I love hope because you made up your mind
to see whatever it id that you are hoping for. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hard Work- Ya girl is not afraid to get down and ugly for
what I want. SO one day I never have to get dirty a day in my future, if I
choose not too. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Support!!! No man is an island. We all need a positive
somebody that lets us be us and listens. ALL that is important. As human
beings, we are built to take care of others. We do it so well that we forget
about ourselves in the process. Take an hour daily to do something for
yourself. It's very hard to give out to someone else when your own internal
supply is bare and empty.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In closing, be good to yourself, even if no one else does
because the right people are waiting for you. You have all the power, strength
and courage you need to change your life from anything that happened in
yesterday or yesteryear.. You deserve to be happy. You deserve great health and
great wealth!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XOXO,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tina </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bio: Susie Dixon is a local fashion designer, image consultant,social media maven. She is the mother of 3 beautiful girls. She and her husband will be married for 5 years in May. They reside in Houston, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading, thrifting, and blogging. As a blogger, she likes to take her readers on a journey with her as she goes to different events, tries out the latest trends and designs new garments. She began to design when she grew tired of ill fitting clothes and couldn’t always afford to use a tailor. Designing lets her to be as classic and creative as her imagination allows.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connect with Tina Dixon:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Twitter: </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jadedkisses11" style="border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/jadedkisses11</a></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626;">Website: </span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.jadedkisses.com/" style="border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.jadedkisses.com</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626;">Facebook page: </span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jadedkisses" style="border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/jadedkisses</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMF3HbsNXn9U4LzDnUPgQkfbR7Bf4rUpnRen_wOmzP79z6Nv2phh0vUsjaP9zE0NzHkc9s0JiYbl_yhXF2_I6fHcxD4TcCe1idsiifD9mgKziQEKQmgA5amNxD79jqqnFg_UEHx14a_1l/s1600/1049040_10151767051336803_2060407206_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMF3HbsNXn9U4LzDnUPgQkfbR7Bf4rUpnRen_wOmzP79z6Nv2phh0vUsjaP9zE0NzHkc9s0JiYbl_yhXF2_I6fHcxD4TcCe1idsiifD9mgKziQEKQmgA5amNxD79jqqnFg_UEHx14a_1l/s1600/1049040_10151767051336803_2060407206_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #00ccff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What keeps you going when faced with adversity? </span></span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-37182945802624640812013-07-27T00:42:00.000-05:002013-07-27T00:42:31.091-05:00Passion for Fashion: Espre Dekor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt1ZLZsZvr0ip6T2Wir9JKsMwizyOg1Ll0qH8o4O8D-qNY2uHL5MqYPs6yjHaIczEopEEDU9ExLe2HFH75q9Fj7F1R3YVP0ypFjyu8tCQGdtfneUlV1sK0aRiEskrWDD1ROzoaGV-4qkv/s1600/DA+CJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt1ZLZsZvr0ip6T2Wir9JKsMwizyOg1Ll0qH8o4O8D-qNY2uHL5MqYPs6yjHaIczEopEEDU9ExLe2HFH75q9Fj7F1R3YVP0ypFjyu8tCQGdtfneUlV1sK0aRiEskrWDD1ROzoaGV-4qkv/s1600/DA+CJ.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a great conversation on <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words </a>radio with the co-founders of <a href="http://www.espredekor.com/" target="_blank">Espre Dekor Fashion and Events</a>. Deniece Allen and CJ Johnson have found the key to forging a long lasting partnership. They have a mutual respect for what each of them bring to the business to make it successful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Espre Dekor provides a platform for those up and coming in the fashion industry to showcase their talents. Deniece and CJ have a passion for fashion that is evident throughout our conversation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/07/21/espre-dekor-one-stop-fashion-shows-and-events" target="_blank">Click HERE to listen to Espre Dekor on This Woman's Words radio</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you following us on Twitter? <a href="https://twitter.com/womanswords2" target="_blank">@womanswords2</a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-84561655046093895672013-06-28T17:30:00.000-05:002013-06-28T17:30:02.946-05:00Stand with Wendy and Watch Paula, Trayvon, the Supreme Court and Texas
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRWSTLP63ZxY6EOn-saJVaCuBLCYpvbkgxhKyJQRmXa8pqR0aQ6aPpRHz1qLawH2WRWl3-sGEK8lfiw_Uiw00jU81Y4O48UDFUV6h9G4eE0kPm5gWeR6JKQqXjWXaFbSvIrNH0IjkVAVp/s277/shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRWSTLP63ZxY6EOn-saJVaCuBLCYpvbkgxhKyJQRmXa8pqR0aQ6aPpRHz1qLawH2WRWl3-sGEK8lfiw_Uiw00jU81Y4O48UDFUV6h9G4eE0kPm5gWeR6JKQqXjWXaFbSvIrNH0IjkVAVp/s277/shoes.png" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a woman and certified news junkie, I’ve got to tell you… I am on
overload this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been so
much happening this week that it’s impacting my sleeping patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed awake with most of the nation to
watch <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/abortion-rights-under-fire-why-wendy-davis-filibuster-matters-20130626" target="_blank">Wendy Davis</a> stand up for women’s health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wendy Davis, prior to this week was a little known senator from
Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her bold actions this week place
her in the national arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing in
her pink athletic shoes, this teen mom staged a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlEHJNTQeRs&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">filibuster</a> for a bill known as SB5, that
would have effectively shut down most clinics in the state that perform
abortions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Texas covers quite a bit of
territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>omen living in rural
areas of the state, could be without access to the option of choosing abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The fight is not over. Governor Rick Perry has ordered a second special session to address the bill in part because Ms. Davis <a href="http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/video-of-gov-rick-perry-criticizing-texas-lawmaker-wendy-davis/?_r=0" target="_blank">"...hasn't learned from her own example"</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/27/news/companies/paula-deen-home-depot-target-diabetes/?hpt=hp_c2" target="_blank">Paula Deen</a> continues to wade through her troubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to understand that as a
public figure everything you do and have done becomes fodder for the
press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In the past week Paula has seen a large part of her vast empire fall. I will be watching along with the rest of the public to see how her journey unfolds.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The nation has all eyes on the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/trayvon-martin-trial-prosecution-star-witness-grilled-article-1.1384074" target="_blank">Trayvon Martin trial</a>. The trial opened with "knock-knock" jokes! It is my hope that the attorneys in this case take every opportunity to show the American public that the criminal justice system truly has the ability to be fair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a proud native Texan, I have been keeping an eye on the affirmative action case of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/24/supreme-court-affirmative-action-decision_n_3345534.html" target="_blank">Fisher v. University of Texas.</a> In 2008 a young woman from the small town of Sugar Land, Texas filed a claim that the University of Texas at Austin discriminated against her after she was denied admission. In its efforts to ensure diversity in the admissions process, race is one of the factors considered. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the appeals court for further review. Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a world where there was no need for government enforced equality?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This week I also witnessed something that I found to be of great concern. In a 5-4 vote the Supreme Court effectively <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/supreme-court-ruling.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">struck down the Voting Rights Act of 1965</a>. There are some who say that the time has come to remove the protections that the act provided. There are others who have a sense of how the change will impact voters access to the polls. Texas wasted no time in implementing a law that requires voters to show identification in order to cast their ballots. There is no longer the need for states to have federal approval to redistrict maps. This can be significant as we see the demographics changing and interest in voting increasing in the state. Texas is losing its conservative grip on politics and partisan gerrymandering may now be seen as a last chance option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">I will be</a> watching these and other stories in the headlines. What are your thoughts on the stories making headlines?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please leave your comments on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thiswomanswords" target="_blank">This Woman's Words Facebook Page</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Outside The Beltway</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-49772615141872453702013-06-12T10:20:00.001-05:002013-06-12T10:20:53.261-05:00Why Do We Need Father's?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BU4zSRVzM-dyhhRXE0mCU9DlWovZPblJzSqwA1aC4R6pUqBChKHbx5RGVnFb95sEbVYoxdifpDe4fwSKoC3mAM57wVP66Zf-xMkxp-J0eD4Fyd20azy7iSHqjRiIjXt_cqsNlvr5CBkM/s1600/Fd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BU4zSRVzM-dyhhRXE0mCU9DlWovZPblJzSqwA1aC4R6pUqBChKHbx5RGVnFb95sEbVYoxdifpDe4fwSKoC3mAM57wVP66Zf-xMkxp-J0eD4Fyd20azy7iSHqjRiIjXt_cqsNlvr5CBkM/s1600/Fd1.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was raised in a large city in the southern part of the United States by a single mother. I am one of hundreds of thousands of women who are part of the same reality. We survived. Some of us even thrived. We are okay. We are doing fine. We are able to have stable, balanced personal and professional relationships.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't say that I missed out on alot because my father was absent. There is an old saying,<i> "You don't miss what you never had." </i>I never had a father figure in my life, so other than what I witnessed on television, I didn't really know what that "magic thing" was that society insists I missed by his absence. Television was simply theater, fantasy. There was really no programming on television at that time that reflected any of my real world realities. Although I enjoyed them, I had no connection to "Family Ties" or "The Jeffersons".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Father's are absent from their children's lives for any number of reasons... divorce, military duties, work abroad, prison, death or simply an inability to connect and bond. No matter the reason, absent is absent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is no father in the home, should women go out of their way to provide a father figure for their child? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/06/16/why-do-we-need-fathers" target="_blank"><b>This Woman's Words radio</b></a> on Father's Day at 5:30 PM CST as we welcome Psychotherapist Tom Stevens, LPC-S, RPT to discuss the question<i><b> "Why Do We Need Father's?"</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-41528765609649546072013-06-05T13:37:00.003-05:002013-06-05T13:37:28.708-05:00Houston's Own Grammy Winner: Yolanda Adams<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUc3VA6sP79gmPjPivrp4z-OUX8jlS-VcCdbbIzu2kQVIes9y1trhvOv29Aw4_4HH2jztX8tHme35QRp01uf6QEVvZXl22PVVp2HdBJESezZlwOwoVgxqZkcYLvyNKi4UE0I2di-J4Rpv/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUc3VA6sP79gmPjPivrp4z-OUX8jlS-VcCdbbIzu2kQVIes9y1trhvOv29Aw4_4HH2jztX8tHme35QRp01uf6QEVvZXl22PVVp2HdBJESezZlwOwoVgxqZkcYLvyNKi4UE0I2di-J4Rpv/s400/DSC_0815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to follow <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words</a> to watch my one-on-one interview with Houston's award winning gospel artist <a href="http://theyolandaadamsmorningshow.com/485362/simply-yolanda-bath-and-body-line/" target="_blank">Yolanda Adams</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yolanda recently launched a bath and body line. I had the opportunity to talk to the native Houstonian about the products, her motivation for creating it, how she remains relevant in today's entertainment industry and her words of wisdom to young women in the industry today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't want to miss this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's coming soon!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-12633452293349490132013-05-31T14:13:00.000-05:002013-05-31T14:20:14.782-05:00What's Going On With Your Hair???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj39gfXEQj2dA_6ETbqEol99rRAdaKLQua5jGaukg64wXDTQosrzJrdyrGSYGLoqIikTw-nZob5JGG99G01i_ZAulaS-bfOGfaAqah8upqaaCVqxy_5B617h0_c3vAuubYDDHYMPcND_Eo/s1600/sigimg0-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj39gfXEQj2dA_6ETbqEol99rRAdaKLQua5jGaukg64wXDTQosrzJrdyrGSYGLoqIikTw-nZob5JGG99G01i_ZAulaS-bfOGfaAqah8upqaaCVqxy_5B617h0_c3vAuubYDDHYMPcND_Eo/s1600/sigimg0-.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman's Words radio</a> I had the opportunity to interview the co-founders of Naturally Happy Hair Magazine recently. Our conversation brought out some issues that we as women <i>really</i> need to examine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As women, why do we focus so much on our hair? I have to include myself in this need to self examine. If we have a "bad hair day" our entire day can be lost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we have curly hair, we want straight hair. If we have straight hair, we wish and pray to wake up one morning with curly hair. If our hair is brown, we want it blond. If it's black, we wish we were a redhead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should we stop fighting the natural tendencies of our hair and simply 'go natural'? Is it time to empower ourselves to embrace our hair just the way it is and have <a href="http://www.naturallyhappyhair.com/" target="_blank">Naturally Happy Hair</a>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the conversation by <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/05/26/naturally-happy-hair" target="_blank">Clicking Here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please leave your comments below:</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-63219155959979467332013-05-18T10:58:00.001-05:002013-05-18T10:58:43.815-05:00Why I Will Run Boston Again: Marathon Survivor Lynda Nijensohn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfyXxbjqGc-gMyVmi5U9BBqH7cRJkthsySr59brqXqlpEmCqWNdSFHCQ_hU0Qbp9q5e54CdLawU5JhYc_9JHRoxopziO_bn7UHIv686yyXJiu6M7ccrbl6kqikxparpP_i9MhJbwKQozy/s1600/BM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfyXxbjqGc-gMyVmi5U9BBqH7cRJkthsySr59brqXqlpEmCqWNdSFHCQ_hU0Qbp9q5e54CdLawU5JhYc_9JHRoxopziO_bn7UHIv686yyXJiu6M7ccrbl6kqikxparpP_i9MhJbwKQozy/s1600/BM.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/05/19/why-i-will-run-boston-again-lynda-nijensohn" target="_blank">This Woman's Words radio</a> </b>as we
welcome Boston Marathon survivor and breast cancer survivor Lynda Nijensohn to
the show. Lynda will be our featured
guest on <b>Sunday May 19th at 5:30 PM central standard time.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lynda and her father<b> <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/04/17/patriot-day-heroes-marathon-spectators-become-first-responders/8uoVeyShelDuUjKRUcDKyM/story.html" target="_blank">John Cowin,65, of Leesburg, Fla.</a>, </b>are part of the history of a moment in time where Americans came together and showed heroic strength of character and faith. Lynda ran in the Boston Marathon to support breast cancer
survivors. Her father John who was there to support her, is what I
will call an American hero. In the face
of adversity he did not hesitate. He
immediately swung in to action to save American lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to my interview with Lynda Nijensohn<b> live on Sunday May 19th at 5:30 PM CST</b> or on podcast anytime by <b><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/05/19/why-i-will-run-boston-again-lynda-nijensohn" target="_blank">Clicking Here</a>.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to have you to call in to join the conversation at 714.464.4854. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please leave your comments below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of ctboom.com</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-31602150348797300612013-05-05T10:13:00.000-05:002013-05-05T10:13:52.340-05:00Feliz Cinco de Mayo!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cinco de Mayo </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I am a
<a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/2012/11/cmon-texas-get-it-together-people-are.html" target="_blank">proud native Texan</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who
follow my blog from other parts of the nation and the world, you may not know
that Texas was once a part of Mexico.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo" target="_blank">Cinco de Mayo</a> is a big deal here in Texas.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite what you may read and witness online and on television, most
thinking people in Texas have an understanding about why we are so closely
connected to Mexico.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us of all
races and ethnicities have extended family in Mexico. Many people travel back and forth to Mexico
on a regular basis for shopping, visiting relatives, business, etc…. For us it’s sort of like Rochester, New York
and Kingston, Canada. Texas and Mexico have a connection that can not be denied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here in Texas Cinco de Mayo is a big deal. There will be parades, lots of food, margaritas
y vino, there is at least one 5k run, celebrations, and proclamations in
recognition of the day. <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo" target="_blank">The meaning of Cinco de Mayo</a> has evolved from the anniversary of Mexico’s victory in 1862 in
the fight for independence from French forces. It is now more of a celebration
of Mexican heritage and culture. Both of
which are alive and thriving in Texas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you doing to celebrate?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Gracias por seguirnos <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman’sWords!</a> (<i>Happy Cinco de Mayo! Thanks for following <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman’s Words</a></i>!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of the Denver Post</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJunSAJnjl9eubDQ_vUyv3uliV7tghQfbNGBKzpelWEyhuB8RlbV8s2dPU98Hk-hFsn5AFdKsuQEmLHoaE_UHvXT-OGZHumK3-pdpmoWwjH8MnSmzdj4MS-G6pUu_Su0twSmeLrHnUCgtA/s1600/Cinco+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJunSAJnjl9eubDQ_vUyv3uliV7tghQfbNGBKzpelWEyhuB8RlbV8s2dPU98Hk-hFsn5AFdKsuQEmLHoaE_UHvXT-OGZHumK3-pdpmoWwjH8MnSmzdj4MS-G6pUu_Su0twSmeLrHnUCgtA/s1600/Cinco+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-47142922825953159362013-04-28T13:57:00.003-05:002013-04-28T13:57:09.797-05:00West, Texas Explosion<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB2gPQHu-OWTvDodHW68hmx7D_wbg0KxyOOalBMpq0dqMuulDtuXA8dwbjpZIbAeoKqNy0SVpJz3hUKBDwttKd2LCxojEvaV2TJn1tQspr8ylYxHlPdFSrTBEq_3m5qXpBt6zoatOMMNy/s1600/West+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB2gPQHu-OWTvDodHW68hmx7D_wbg0KxyOOalBMpq0dqMuulDtuXA8dwbjpZIbAeoKqNy0SVpJz3hUKBDwttKd2LCxojEvaV2TJn1tQspr8ylYxHlPdFSrTBEq_3m5qXpBt6zoatOMMNy/s1600/West+4.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Austin CultureMap)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I’m thinking about the tragic explosion of a
fertilizer plant in<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/20/texas-plant-explosion-workplace_n_3122643.html" target="_blank"> West, Texas</a>. Having
lived in small town for a period of my life I understand how one explosion can
impact an entire city. As a native of a
large, sprawling urban city, I also understand why many in America don’t
understand how far reaching an explosion of this magnitude can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In small town America it is not unusual that you know
someone who works at or does business with a large manufacturing facility like
the fertilizer plant in West. <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank"> As a woman</a>,
I am thinking about the extensive impact this explosion will have on the
families in this small town. I think
about the mothers and fathers who have lost partners, children and
friends. I am thinking about the loss of
livelihood. I am thinking about the fact
that homes that have been lost. I'm thinking about children who have lost the sense of normalcy that showing up at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/texas-fertilizer-plant-explosion-school_n_3133227.html" target="_blank">school each day</a> provides. The
photo of “babies first birthday” that can never be replaced…It’s gone forever. That photo of three generations of women that
we all have with the new baby, the mother and grandma…. It’s gone forever. It can’t be replaced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also thinking about the strength of small communities
to survive in the face of tragedy.
Because everyone knows someone who works at or does business with the
large manufacturing facility in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/21/texas-fertilizer-plant-explosion_n_3129054.html" target="_blank">West, Texas </a>the entire town is invested in
seeing the town survive and thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/22/president-obama-signs-texas-emergency-declaration" target="_blank">President Obama</a> has signed an emergency declaration to provide
needed funding to the people and infrastructure in West, Texas. OSHA is doing
their investigation into the cause of the explosion. The details and finger
pointing will all be revealed in due time. But for now my heart aches for the
families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of the indomitable spirit of Texans and of Americans, the entire nation will support its rebuilding process. <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.com/" target="_blank">This Woman’s Words</a> joins West, Texas in prayer
and faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-32343239734574824002013-04-16T02:24:00.000-05:002013-04-16T02:24:13.849-05:00Boston Marathon Explosion: A Runner's Dream Differed?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbVptpD4uZ_0ABZFYBq5TmpLwi5_RO7H6tLRyNwhPBYRJG11lDy7GnUvyIAfH0EPE1fyjunhkjLgwEPFsxPCAbDUByr_AizfotZHgq_Rr4cfdwll8eLVLII4NLkf2lpVg_tOlvqgQKuSE/s1600/boston2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbVptpD4uZ_0ABZFYBq5TmpLwi5_RO7H6tLRyNwhPBYRJG11lDy7GnUvyIAfH0EPE1fyjunhkjLgwEPFsxPCAbDUByr_AizfotZHgq_Rr4cfdwll8eLVLII4NLkf2lpVg_tOlvqgQKuSE/s400/boston2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reasons people sign up to run the Boston Marathon are as varied as the number of people in the race. People often run to prove to themselves that they have actually made it through adversity. There are people who run because they lost a significant amount of weight, they run because they are divorced and finally understand that they are going to survive. They run in honor of loved ones lost in war. Some run because they have survived breast cancer. I read a story today about a <a href="http://www.necn.com/04/14/13/Mass-cancer-survivor-running-third-strai/landing_newengland.html?blockID=837693&tagID=67649" target="_blank">young woman </a>who ran in her third <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/us/boston-marathon-explosions/index.html" target="_blank">Boston Marathon</a> today to help with her own healing and to help others survive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story about <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.necn.com/04/14/13/Mass-cancer-survivor-running-third-strai/landing_newengland.html?blockID=837693&tagID=67649" target="_blank">Lynda Nijensohn</a> who is a mother, a wife, and a breast cancer survivor is weighing heavily on my mind today as I watch hour after hour of news coverage about the Boston Marathon explosion. I can't help watching for Lynda's face among those terrified and disillusioned runners. It is truly<a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> my hope</a> that Lynda was able to make home safely to her family. She's been through enough!</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-31255724440002573632013-04-06T22:16:00.000-05:002013-04-06T22:16:42.335-05:00The Power of Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkREAMiOYlHz8qeMm7t4hTUQ6Wpf2mZeG8QTKtoCbgDz6boqhyphenhyphenu49MYzoSCSFUNT87XUrDDgt9qorsD9Ui6Z5XasyQhJFcoy5lfWh9Z5B_iS4i4ZZp_Q8HxiLTux8SrD6KivaXApEyZsm/s1600/Women+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkREAMiOYlHz8qeMm7t4hTUQ6Wpf2mZeG8QTKtoCbgDz6boqhyphenhyphenu49MYzoSCSFUNT87XUrDDgt9qorsD9Ui6Z5XasyQhJFcoy5lfWh9Z5B_iS4i4ZZp_Q8HxiLTux8SrD6KivaXApEyZsm/s1600/Women+Tree.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Today I</a> had the honor of being a guest speaker at a Women’s
Empowerment Conference held at a local university.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spoke to the women in attendance about
relationships.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I talked about
all of the typical things you would expect me to discuss… Don’t lose sight of
who you are in the relationship; the importance of communication.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Typical relationship topics…</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several women came up to me after the event
and shared specifics about their own relationships. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the women at the
conference learned from me at the event, I was enriched by being in their
presence as well.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I </a>was once again reminded
of the indomitable power that women possess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women have endured a multitude of travesties since the beginning of time and we continue to survive. We recently had to pull together to help the Senate understand the importance of passing the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/vawa_factsheet.pdf" target="_blank">Violence Against Women Act. </a> We are joining together en mass to address the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/human-trafficking-freedom-day_n_2601708.html" target="_blank">human trafficking</a> problems in the United States and across the globe, we have joined together for over a hundred years in the U.S. in support of public education. Women are powerful and when we set a goal, we can get it done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Women's Empowerment Conference today women shared stories
about working, raising children, getting married, failed marriages, fertility
issues,<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/cancer-photo-essay_n_2964610.html" target="_blank"> breast cancer</a> and on and on…. And they survived.
Women…Empowered!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please leave your comments below:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to tune in to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords" target="_blank">This Woman's Words </a>radio every Sunday at 5:30 pm CST. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-88421931813278074302013-03-10T13:42:00.000-05:002013-03-10T13:44:33.179-05:00On the Backs of Others: Celebrating Women's History Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg0H8XUXDHi4QFjE6fwu7IF5hEdu6mW4TqI8Uwr8NrohqPcs7XyA_dEQqGMEGgmcser7r6Ks3abmzwzH5-ho_lgUEWNgef_cxyPyi-NnYHOd4R8_-YVwkfY3Rp8BNus2YBB8NzulYG6VZ/s1600/Women's+History+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg0H8XUXDHi4QFjE6fwu7IF5hEdu6mW4TqI8Uwr8NrohqPcs7XyA_dEQqGMEGgmcser7r6Ks3abmzwzH5-ho_lgUEWNgef_cxyPyi-NnYHOd4R8_-YVwkfY3Rp8BNus2YBB8NzulYG6VZ/s1600/Women's+History+2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It does not escape my acknowledgement and understanding that
I write </span><a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">a blog </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that is viewed on a global scale, that I am a woman and this is
Women’s History Month.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It does not go
unnoticed that I host </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/03/10/a-voice-without-limit-gwen-sampe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">a radio show</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from a southern state in the United States
of American with listeners as far away as Bosnia and in February we celebrated African
American History Month. We've come a long way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get it. I am cognizant of the fact that others sacrificed so that I can
do the things that I do. I have fully connected
with the concept that the struggle of others allows me the liberties I enjoy
today. I understand that it is because
of others that I get to have these experiences and a multitude of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that I did not get where I am today on my own. I know that I will arrive at the next stop on my journey on the backs of many. There is nothing about me that has not been
shaped by the commitment and at the cost of others.
This month is<a href="http://womenshistorymonth.gov/" target="_blank"> Women’s History Month</a> and I openly share my gratitude for
the men and women who gave of themselves so that I could live freely today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Join us</b> on the radio <b>Sundays at 5:30 P.M</b>. at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords">www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-80045203116620720152013-02-17T13:44:00.002-06:002014-02-11T15:10:19.038-06:00Guest Post: Bound No Longer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>In celebration of African American History Month join <a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">This Woman's Words</a> in welcoming Los Angeles based composer, musician, lyricist and performer John McConnell of ProLyric Productions and <a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">John McConnell Music</a> as our guest today. Please leave your comments below:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Every time I
think about ‘Black History Month’, I consider why there is such a thing. For a long while I thought it was
counter-productive – a form of reverse discrimination for people of color to
perpetuate the individuality of setting aside an entire month to say, “<a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">Hey –focus on our accomplishments”</a>. The image
I’ve always associated with this month is one of enslaved black people in
chains and fetters. As an African American I’ve grown to understand just how
significant and necessary this month really is.
As we share with the world the many reasons why we’re valuable, we
simultaneously rid ourselves of slave clothes (negative labels). To have an inferiority complex derives from
every word, image, and practice that makes one feel that being truly happy is
not a right they should enjoy. Such
bondage can and has caused many people to live out an existence of saying ‘please’
and ‘thank you’, but never forging ahead as trailblazers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" target="_blank">I moved</a> to <st1:city w:st="on">Los Angeles</st1:city> from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Houston</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place> six months ago to follow a
passion I’ve had in my heart for many years.
I am a singer/songwriter who enjoys being on stage, but even bigger –
for many years now, it’s been my dream for my songs to be in movies. I’ve always loved how producers use songs to
help a dramatic scene become truly dramatic.
Everyday, I purpose to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" target="_blank">write a new song</a> that inspires all the positive
things in life (love, joy, friendship, etc.).
I never run out of words, because that’s the beauty of being human – our
words. But how does a forty-five year
old man<a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank"> break into an industry</a> that is completely foreign to him and experience
the success of watching feature films with his songs playing as the credits are
rolling? He defies anything poised as a
barrier, and yes that includes every negative stereotype concerning his
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s not just
a “black thing” to be told you’re not good enough. People will always be in competition with
each other. I celebrate victory already,
because I’m on the path. Talking about
the path is one thing, but to actually walk it out is what I call victory. This journey may not be quick, but for me
it’s necessary. I no longer live by
labels attached to me, but each day I decide for myself who I am. If my example can give young black kids an
excuse to defy the odds and follow their passions, then by all means I think
it’s ok for me to say, “<a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">Hey – focus on my accomplishments”.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRaEcFJXb5WQnrnoLTpd9zvfYZ6qmsPLlzKFZjKy6Hb4XMLt5OuNUTb2Pi6IQtpBNQJD2yvU1xC9lNu0U5Dy57xr03RyeOP1URjMd47qG3sYRtpDSv0Ag1cuY7eZiwzsrhU478r_rd0Uf/s1600/John's+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRaEcFJXb5WQnrnoLTpd9zvfYZ6qmsPLlzKFZjKy6Hb4XMLt5OuNUTb2Pi6IQtpBNQJD2yvU1xC9lNu0U5Dy57xr03RyeOP1URjMd47qG3sYRtpDSv0Ag1cuY7eZiwzsrhU478r_rd0Uf/s200/John's+Head+Shot.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">John McConnell is an expert singer/songwriter. His
music weaves R&B, modern rock, hip-hop, pop jazz, and traditional gospel
into a seamless fabric. John founded ProLyric Productions in 2000—a
songwriting company of positive, pro-social lyrics. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In December
of 2007, God impressed upon John to commit to writing an entire song
everyday. John has remained consistent and faithful to this task,
and now (almost five years later) has catalogued over 1,600 songs. ProLyric
Productions submits songs for a variety of occasions, all across the United
States. The goal of this venture is for recording artists of all
genres to record music written by John McConnell, and for that music to flood
the airwaves EVERYWHERE. It is John’s desire to receive film
and television licensing opportunities for his songs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John moved to Hollywood, CA to pursue his passion more
intently. You can view at least 114 of Johns songs on You Tube by
subscribing to his music channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" target="_blank">‘John McConnell Music</a>’. You can
also learn more about him by visiting <a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/" target="_blank">JohnMcConnellMusic.com</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Contact John McConnell at </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">prolyricpro@aol.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Follow John McConnell on Twitter:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" target="_blank"> @ProLyricMusic</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Connect on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" target="_blank">ProLyric Productions</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Subscribe to YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcConnellMusic?feature=watch" target="_blank"> John McConnell Music</a></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call in to join the conversation on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords" target="_blank"><i style="color: #888888; text-decoration: initial;">This Woman's Words Radio</i></a> </span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday's at 5:30 CST.</span></b><b style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-78480124634064171612013-01-28T10:15:00.002-06:002013-01-28T10:15:59.385-06:00Overcoming Barriers to Follow Your Passion<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a great discussion this weekend on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/01/27/overcoming-barriers-to-follow-your-passion-1" target="_blank">This Woman's Words radio</a> about <a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Overcoming Barriers to Follow your Passion</a> with Los Angeles based songwriter, musician and
performer John McConnell of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/ProLyric-Productions/105869579472332" target="_blank">ProLyric Productions </a>and <a href="http://johnmcconnellmusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">John McConnell Music</a> and Houston
based Public Relations expert Vannessa Wade of <a href="http://www.connectthedotspr.com/" target="_blank">Connect the Dots PR</a>. Vannessa has been a <a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Guest Blogger</a> on This Woman's Words. We talked about how so many of us have a
passion to be and do so much more than we are currently doing in our
lives. Yet we take the safe route. The reasons for taking the safe route will
vary from person to person. But many of us never get the courage to try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both John and Vannessa have great personal stories about how
their journeys continue to unfold. They
both learned quite a bit about themselves in the process. Their stories of overcoming barriers can enrich and uplift us all. I encourage you to learn more about them by <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thiswomanswords/2013/01/27/overcoming-barriers-to-follow-your-passion-1" target="_blank">listening</a> to the show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/dreams.html" target="_blank">Following a dream or a passion</a> may mean you have to overcome
illness, financial challenges, you may have a partner and children to consider …
but….</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would happen if you stepped out
on faith, confidence in your individual or collective excellence or simply on
blind trust in the universe to follow your passion? </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to read your comments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sign up to have This Woman's Words delivered directly to you email inbox.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-20914132693305111932013-01-22T19:55:00.002-06:002013-01-22T19:55:55.103-06:00President Obama: Inauguration Full of "Firsts"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitXu5KvUHVrmR8HO95a5dqIV8JtXzmgXTJFbTHptNzt02xelUUD7yQIFFyfsHFDkHaatlpHfra37EoDzn0vmmiT8pldL8i8DMbv-4A9Z_Y2A1LnhQCoLmcDD33NhuMrjCyjTCsVb8wMvW/s1600/MLK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitXu5KvUHVrmR8HO95a5dqIV8JtXzmgXTJFbTHptNzt02xelUUD7yQIFFyfsHFDkHaatlpHfra37EoDzn0vmmiT8pldL8i8DMbv-4A9Z_Y2A1LnhQCoLmcDD33NhuMrjCyjTCsVb8wMvW/s1600/MLK.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The many “firsts” of yesterdays’<a href="http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/" target="_blank"> inaugural events</a> have not
escaped me and may others. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am in awe
of the change we have had as a country.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
truly relished the events of yesterday.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to be confirmed to the
Supreme Court and the first Hispanic to administer an oath of office as she did on Monday to Vice President Joe Biden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barackobama.com/" target="_blank">President Obama</a> is the first two term president to be sworn in four times. Franklin Roosevelt was sworn in four times,
but he was elected four times. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, Justice
Roberts mixed up his words and the President had to have a “do-over” of the oath
privately.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year he held a private
official inauguration on Sunday and the public inauguration on Monday.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">President Obama is the first to use the words “gay” and
“climate change” is an inaugural speech.
He has further opened the door to the possibility of equality for all
citizens and accepting our role in ensuring the Americans reduce their carbon
footprint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is also a historic because a man of African descent was
inaugurated on the day we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was man who fought peacefully for
the rights of all Americans. Dr. King’s
life was significant in every activity we enjoyed on Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., <a href="http://www.thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> I encourage you to do so.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What other "firsts" did we witness on yesterday?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140265914802885041.post-62783368556817230372013-01-13T14:39:00.001-06:002013-01-13T14:39:03.879-06:00This Woman's Words: Using Social Media for Business?<a href="http://thiswomanswords.blogspot.com/2013/01/using-social-media-for-business.html#links">This Woman's Words: Using Social Media for Business?</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08612294038951345714noreply@blogger.com0