Jingle Jangle This HollerDay!

Thankful Thursday ... on Sunday: The HollerDay Edition;-) [11 of 50]

Wow! I guess my new gig, writing, reading & socializing (on AND offline;-) has kept me busy! The last time I wrote my Thankful Thursday post was wayyyy back in July. Who knew It would take me this long to sit down to write the next:

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

201) Thankful that I can be so relaxed during this economy. I am employed in a stable "field" & come from a long line of folk who know that we are always going to be ok!

202) Glad that my family doesn't make such a big deal of this merchant driven season, so I can relax and enjoy the holiday lights & my days off of work.

203) Thankful for facebook where I've reconnected with many long, "lost" friends & have even made new acquaintances!

204) Thankful for blogging: the outlet & feedback has been priceless. The relationships that have emerged from this has been incredible!

205) Thanks to my very own YouTube channel I can even promote videos of my readings & weight-loss "reality" show;-).

206) I am blessed with great friends here in NYC who've helped me make it through the trials & tribulations of this past year (& my two prior years of "partial" employment).

207) Thankful that my Blog-Sistah Sharon came to visit me here in NYC, had a blast, blogged about it & created this wonderful Smile Box Treat!

208) So blessed with the ability to welcome in new love despite past disappointments & hurt feelings!

209) Thankful that I have experienced "easy" romantic disappointments -or- have the genetic fortitude to overcome such let-downs with little damage to myself.

210) New Beginnings (new minutes, hours, days, months & years;-) are true blessings!

211) Thankful that the stories I entertain myself with are also entertaining to others! Publishing this year has taught me that (& looking forward to publishing more in 2009:-).

212) Thankful for snow! It's the Winter's best "decorative" feature:-).

213) I love Winter Holiday lights: they cheer me up during the initial phase of these shortened days. Makes it easier to get through January & February;-).

214) Thankful that this past November's election was such a landslide victory for Brother Barack Obama & his beautiful family! Thanks to the upcoming historic inaugural celebration, January 2009 will be a major party month -- especially for me & all January babies;-).

215) Thankful for the blessing of employment so that I can help my loved ones financially - especially my parents. I just realized: I'm someone's bail-out! ;-)

216) Thankful that I can be a blessing to others!

217) It seems that this year I have learned to accept blessings from others - not as easy as it sounds. So thankful that I've learned to do so in this lifetime.

218) My partners & I almost completely sold out the first printing of our first compilation project! We're gearing up for our next collaboration in 2009! See my sidebar for the Holiday Sale. Once we sell out completely, that's it: there will be no reprint! Get the collector's edition of Bloggers' Delight, Vol. 1 while U can;-).

219) Thankful for all of the folk who supported Bloggers' Delight, Vol. 1: the book AND the release parties! We have learned a great deal & are looking forward to improvements for Vol 2 in 2009!

220) Several folks have sent submissions already for Bloggers' Delight, Vol. 2 and that is such a blessing! The due date isn't until 5pm EST Sunday January 18, 2009. This level of enthusiasm is Priceless & I'm truly thankful to be part of something so exciting!

May You ALL Enjoy MANY Blessings this Holiday & Every Day!!

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120]
Seventh Thankful Thursday [121- 140].
Eighth Thankful Thursday [141-160].
Ninth Thankful Thursday [161-180].
Tenth Thankful Thursday [181-200].

Giving Thanx 2 the Brothers who DO make Us Smile!

Thanx 2 a new blog in the blog-o-sphere: ILUVBLACKWOMEN I learned of this video that I have to share here. Warning: some of the images are not "pretty"... but the message is beautiful! I think this applies to every Woman & Man of the African Diaspora!

Once Again I've Been Blessed!

No matter how many miracles I experience & witness I don't think I'll evah cease being in AWE of the greatness of The Creator! "Ask and it shall be given unto U." "U take one step & The Lawd will take two." Those are just a couple of quotes that have been drilled into my head by my elders, so I know it's true. However, I must share my latest amazement.
I've been reconnecting with folk on Facebook - primarily friends who I've lost touch with over the years & life's travels. One brother I knew back in high school who I've reconnected with: Chuck Byrd. He's an actor who has taken on the job of being my virtual fitness trainer! On Saturday the 6th, we hooked up because he was in NYC for a few hours to rehearse for a play he'll be in next Sunday the 14th. During his short time here he took me with him to meet Royale Watkins. They are part of a Facebook community who are all about positivity & self improvement. I ran my reality show idea by them and thanx to Chuck, Royale & his buddy, Lou I have begun my own fitness reality show which you can follow by subscribing to my YouTube Channel!

Also, if you're in NYC next Sunday and you're looking for great FREE entertainment - join me at Chuck's play/reading!
About the Play:

This family is set in contemporary Queens, NY at the home of Korina Davis. Her three adult children are visiting to celebrate their eldest brother release from prison. During the visit the family is challenged with a life and death situation which only the power of the mother’s love can resolve. Through good times and bad nothing is more powerful than a mother’s love. Most times you can feel it, chances are you can touch it, hopefully you can see it, you definitely can hear it but sometimes it is so strong you can smell it. SMELL THE POWER!

For further information call 212 353-1176 or visit newfederaltheatre.org

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

When Self-Pity Comes Knockin'...

Sometimes during the HollerDay Season that loathsome Self-Pity likes to come knocking thangs like my confidence around. Self-pity is the best scam artist in the world. It takes advantage of the shortened days and lonnngg cold nights. It denies truths about you and plays on your doubts and fears. For example: I know that it takes great strength and resilience to move to a new city to build a completely new life and support system. But self-pity denies that and tells me that millions of others have moved from another country entirely, started successful businesses and even have the energy and discipline to work-out regularly!

Then I look at some of the famous sistahs who are admired by many and remind myself that even with their support teams and make up artists they struggle just like I do: their weight goes up and down, they have trouble with their romantic relationships and they have to continue to fight to stay on top of their careers - sometimes the media has the nerve to say they're washed up. Shoooot! At least I don't have paparazzi and the media blasting my fears, doubts and failures for all to see. You only get to know what I choose to post on my blogs;-). I only have Self-Pity to duck & dodge! So, when Self-Pity comes huffin' & puffin' at my door I look at these sistahs and remind myself to GET UP & continue to DO MY THANG! I'm doing JUST FINE & I'm in GOOD Company!



click images for sources.