~ Emerging Out of the Flames~

 

Through the fire and out of the ashes you will always emerge at your best!

Equipped with more Love, Peace, Awareness, Light, Joy, Clarity, Understanding and Faith you are ready to move forward. You are ready for your next level, your next step in your life! Sometimes our greatest lessons; our greatest opportunities arise when we are thrown in the fire and into the flames, only to emerge more powerful and courageous than ever before. Our very existence, our very reason why we breath is to experience this kind of emergence, is to experience this kind of awakening to LIFE! We are here to remember all that Life has for us, all that we came here to do, all that we came here to be….all of ourselves is to be experienced as a whole ~

 

 

I’m Glad I Did It!

After it was all said and done, I completed the Virginia-Highland Summerfest Road Race 5K sprinting across the finish line…well, more like jogging but hey, I made it!!!

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Everyone had a great time and was so proud of themselves for finishing the race in whatever way they did. Some of us ran, jogged, walked and even did some wogging (lol), whatever way they found fit to reach their goal it was done. I really didn’t know what to expect when I first got down there. Race participants were everywhere and so was my head :-) My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty but I knew I was in good hands so I relaxed and fell into the groove of things. The Blog Rollers were waiting for everyone to arrive and when I did I saw Christie (my inspiration that I needed to push me over the edge and do this) I was cool. I got my name tag that had everyone’s twitter handle on it so we could all stay in touch during and after the race. Twitter is another story for me because I haven’t been on it in a long time but now, since the race, I’m rolling with my tweeples again (lol)! We’ll see how long this tweeting thing will last, hey I’m having fun!!

I surprised myself because my intention was to walk and maybe do a little speed walking every now and then but this chick was walking, jogging and running!!! I’m very proud at the effort I put forth and realized I had nothing to fear. It was like getting back on a bike, starting off slow, pacing myself and then getting going as I remembered how this was done. My Brother’s are runners and participate in races all the time; all year round. They’ve been encouraging me to get started for some time now so that we can do it together, I’m looking forward to that day. I was nervous and didn’t feel that I was ready but deciding to do this race at the last minute was the best thing I could have done for myself. Now, I’m ready for round two, this was just the beginning!

The pictures that I’m sharing with you were taken by Corey who was our Photographer for the day and he did a fabulous job creatively capturing all of us in us in our element! Thanks, Corey :-)

Check us out crossing the finish line, I love the different expressions on everyone’s face!!

 

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Thanks to Cherry Marketing Institute for providing our Running T’s and personalized Trophy’!!!

Thank you Pampered By Adrienne for providing us with our Spa samples, I love the Vanilla Sugar Body Polish!!

Thanks to all our generous sponsors, Wine Sisterhood for our Swag Bag and all the goodies! Walt Disney World Resort for the tasty brunch and Spa Sydell Gift Certificate! ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex for our Disney Princess Half Marathon Goodie Bags!

Run Wifey Run!!! Thanks Lorraine and Christie, you Ladies did an awesome job organizing this event for us…priceless!!

 

 

On Again, Off Again...Now, It's ON!!

Ok, so after going back and forth with this for about a month now, I came to my last and finale decision...I'm in!!! Saturday is a big day for me and my family. This will be my very first Run/Walk Race Event and I'm totally excited and ready to do this and make it my first with many more to come!

My Dad is 70 plus years of age and still walks miles and miles almost everyday. As a child growing up watching him hit the track at Windgate Park in Brooklyn, NY gave me the inspiration and desire to make exercising a part of my life. I was never one to shy away from going with him and trying my very best to keep up, it did me good to get that practice in. In High School I ran track for a little while and loved it! So, why has it taken me so long to decide that I was going to do this run on Saturday after signing up late April? My nerves are shot!! LOL! I hadn't trained the way I would have liked to. I hadn't been exercising like I thought I needed to in order to be a part of anybody's race. Yes, I've been keeping up with my Yoga practice and had a few QiGong classes somewhere in between (more like one...lol) but that just wasn't going to cut it for me. I have been going back and forth, back and forth now for a minute, having different conversations with some of the runners and walkers, sharing my concerns with them and yet every time our conversation ended I was back in the game.....and then out of the game, LOL~!

So this morning I called Christie and was determined to call it quit for real, for real and as the story goes, you know what happened...she put it on me man and now I'm back in the game!!! I'm happily pleased though, and very excited to be there with my blogging sisters, some whom I've known for a many years through the blogging world. Don't you love sister connections and what being honest and transparent with them can do for you? I'm talking true connections.....one of the sweetest sources of Life! Some of us will be walking, some of us will be wogging (I think that's what she called it) and some, yes some, who are aspiring to be the next Jackie Joyner-Kersee (LOL) will be running their buns and I'm happy to be there to support everyone.

Lovin' Life ~

Cree Summer, Wow!

 

 

The Gift of You

Soft, warm and melting in your arms…from the way you Love me ~

Sweet embrace, kisses that melt down my cheeks…I enjoy tasting your Love ~

More of you on my lips, tingling sensations on my tongue…your sweetness is so Divine ~

The Gift of Me ~ Lisa C

I’m often asked, “How is it possible that you can stay turned on to Life, fully, each and everyday? Especially, being a Mother to many, with open arms helping others to succeed in Life, Love and Marriage! How do you do it?”

My answer is not one of simplicity and yet, not one of complication at all. I’ve simply come to appreciate the Beauty in ALL things, All people and in every experience that I have (attract) in my Life!

In my journey of Motherhood I’ve come to appreciate that my children are a gift, a gift that keeps on giving. Isn’t that the best gift to receive, a gift that keeps on giving? Each day I have the privilege to be in their presence, experience them fully and receive everything about them. I look at our experiences together as neither good nor bad but instead as a time to learn, laugh, play and grow with these beautiful souls who chose me as their Mother. I’m the one who says thank you for them, their energy and their Love and in turn I get to give back to them in any way that I can. Have you ever just stopped and observed your child(ren) and took in all of who they are? My children bless me everyday even through the challenges, I am still blessed and in that, Life feels good! I’m turned on by the simple fact that they are mine and it’s a pleasure to be the best Mother that I can be to them; now that’s a turn on!

Have you ever stopped and took notice of the trees? How they blossom right before your eyes, how erect they stand and how they interact with one another? In just my observing, I’m turned on by nature and how grand She is! What about the Butterfly that flies past you, just a few inches away from your body, that turns me on! I feel like that Butterfly came to say hi, just to me. And, that little baby who gazes up in their Mother’s eyes with Love and adoration, assuring that Mother that they are the most important thing to them at this very time and moment; that turns me on! How about watching a Loved one succeed at something they were uncertain about, worried they wouldn’t (all the while you knew they could), and eventually accomplishing the very thing they set out to accomplish; now that turns me on! Are you getting it? Do you see the pattern here? Being turned on in Life is really simple. It takes looking at Life and all that is happening around you through your lens of appreciation. It takes adjusting your view a little and changing your perspective on things so that you can begin to see things that were already there, the way that they truly are. It really is just that simple. The more you begin to appreciate what’s in your Life, the more things will show up and appear right before your eyes so that you can appreciate it.

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I love living a Life that’s fully opened and turned on and I make it a priority to remain in that place; it’s just that important to me. It’s as important as the air that I breathe. I love to smile so I make it a priority to do it everyday. I love to hug so I make it a priority to hug someone or myself everyday. I love to kiss and living in a home with six other people its really not hard to find someone to lay a big fat one on. If you live by yourself, kiss yourself in the mirror, no one will ever know (*wink* ). It may seem silly at first but isn’t that the beauty of things. Life doesn’t have to be so serious, let go and play a little!

I have a question for you, well a couple. Why should you waste your Life not being turned on? What makes you begin moving towards what turns you on to only stop and fall short of it? We are here to experience life to it’s fullest and wallow in the joys that come with fully experiencing it. I believe that we all want to live a turned on Life but are not sure how and allow fear to discourage us not to. I say, it’s time to stop standing by the side lines and watching others do it, live it, and breathe it. It’s your turn to run towards it like you’re stark crazy and don’t look back! You can experience all that Life has to offer, all the goodies that are at your fingertips and savor every moment of it. First things first, let go of being afraid to be fully turned on. Run towards the moistness, the juice that keeps you going. Step outside of your comfort zone and dip your toes into the unthinkable and feel the rush of awesomeness. Relish in the fact that Life wants to have a rendezvous with you! Life is whispering, come and get me, I’m here waiting to feel you, to enjoy you. How bad do you want it?

To begin the steps to living a fully turned on Life you must start with the simplest things first and then begin working your way towards appreciating those things/people that are more challenging for you. Everything and everyone has something that you can appreciate about it/them. I don’t by into the notion that you can’t find at least one thing, you’re just not looking hard enough, your vision is blurred and needs a little touch up. My days start with a full and healthy appetite to seek and find things that I can appreciate about others, Life and most importantly myself. Put on your lenses first thing in the morning and by that night run through your mind on all of the things you appreciated for that day and watch that list grow. You will move from a person who was turned off to a person who just can’t help to be turned on, fully, wide open and fluid in Life.

The Gift of You ~

You will find Beauty in things and people when you begin to open yourself, pay attention and appreciate ~ Lisa C

The Queens Rocked the House!

With Mom In Mind  is an event for Moms (and aspiring Moms) that aims encourage, support, lift up and help see us through this journey of Motherhood. It truly embodies the spirit of togetherness, joy, laughter and sisterhood. We were never meant to take this journey alone (as many of us try and fail so miserably at doing), so when there is an opportunity to walk with someone, you do it without hesitation. When you feel like you’re at your last, when things just don’t seem to be going in your favor, when we question our ability to mother our babies, family and community we need to be able to look up and grab the hand that is reaching out, in love, to catch you when you fall.  We need community. We need support. We need each other, for without Mothers where would we be?

Tiffany, from I Love My Temple Yoga & Wellness Center started us of with an invigorating Yoga session that opened us up, stretched us out and got our juices flowing for the things to come. We were filled with energy, peace, calm & serenity, and ready for inspiration given to us by Christine Martinello. Christine shared openly, from her heart personal stories of her family that touched us all. We were in her shoes. We identified with her as Mother’s who are doing our best, giving our best to the ones we Love. One of the beautiful things that I’ve learned as a Woman, as a Mother is that, when we share ourselves, our desires, our fears, hopes and dreams we find out how very much alike we all are. In sharing there is freedom!

* Photo courtesy of Creativesoul Photography *

I just fell in Love with Creativesoul Photography!! I love how they capture the natural beauty of who we are in our natural states of just being; absolutely Beautiful! We Moms know that when it’s time to take family photo’s our hearts skip a beat, palms get sweaty, and our heads starts spinning out of control, LOL!! We worry about our kids sitting still, keeping their clothes clean and making sure hair is in place; these are just a few worries we add to our already hectic lists. Well, worry no more!! Creativesoul Photography is gifted and I say gifted in the area of worry free photo shoots. Their focus is not so much on what we call “perfection” but rather in the beauty of the moments they capture. Whether it’s running through a field of flowers to capturing a pouting little ones face, they have it covered. Take a look at their work and see for yourselves!

Last but definitely not least, on to the yummy, yummy food!! Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty was there to share her expertise, class and style on some delicious, healthy, time saving foods that we as Moms need in order to keep our families nurtured. I love the way Shelley brings out the sexy in whipping up deliciousness in the kitchen. How many of us dread having to cook dinner for our families at times? I know I do. Ok, with the exception of a few beautiful women who I know personally, the majority of us find it difficult to come up with the motivation to cook all the time. Food preparation doesn’t come easily to many of us and when it does it has to be quick, simple and easy going. I know many Moms who want to add more color, jazz, and excitement into their dishes and let’s face it, so do our families at times. That’s where Shelley came in to rescue us Moms on Saturday. Everything she prepared was quick and easy and to top it off she made a Minty Lemon Cucumber Cooler to die for!!!! Check out her blog and see what I’m yapping about!! I’m just licking my fingers at the thought of it, LOL!! 

Here’s a video clip of the event and I must say I did a very nice job with my interview ;-)

 

Thank you Akilah Richards (Execumama) and Shelley Chapman (Naturi Beauty) for putting on such a wonderful event for us Atlanta Moms! We need it, need it, need it!! It’s events like these that let’s you know, you’re not alone.

Art ~ By Magalie Foster

 

 

Magalie Foster

   

The Goddess Is You

~ Enjoy ~

I Arise ~

This morning, I arise as Love, as the Queen that I am ~ This morning I arise and take seat on my throne and as I sit on my throne, I Create.

My thoughts are deliberate, centered and focused. I am in control of creating my Life and how I experience it. It is up to me to paint the picture the way I want to see it and consciously think it and live it each and everyday. I Arise ~

The courage that I need to do this is already present. My gift to me is giving in to that courage and allowing that courage to guide me in each moment. There is no past, there is no future, just my present moment. I Arise ~

I am a shell encasing a beautiful, bountiful spirit. I am spirit in my shell. When I look in the mirror at my reflection I embrace all of me, with the full knowledge that ALL is good. And as I sit, looking into the mirror my appreciation begins to deepen for the beautiful soul looking back at me. This is a deep gaze, not one of superficial admiring, this is one looking deep within, to the depths of my soul. My appreciation arises from that place, that sacred place of who I AM. I Arise ~

My beliefs, my choices, my actions all come from this sacred place within. My responsibility is to nurture it, cultivate it, in order for it to reach it’s full potential. Responsibility is all mine. Love, guides me. My Thoughts, shape me. My Acceptance, helps me. My Appreciation, propels me. My Gratitude, enables me. I Arise ~

Through this awareness I begin to form a healthy relationship with myself. I begin to slowly release myself of all the impossible thoughts that float around in my head. I begin the journey of remembering who I AM. Remembering the Gift that I AM. Remembering ALL that I AM. Remembering the Joy, the Peace, the Love, the Beauty, the River, the Queen, the Goddess, the Friend, the Vessel, the Mother, the Light, the Dark, the Healer, that…I…AM. I Arise ~

I live each day in the moment of NOW. Because of this I remain open, moist, flowing. I Heal from this place. I Love from this place. I Accept from this place. I Embrace from this place. I have a great understanding of what is needed, how it is needed and when what is needed is to be given and then and only then will transformation begin to take place. I Arise ~

Living In The Moment,

Embrace The Sacred Relationship

 

 

Sacred Relationships Part 1 speaks about loving others in a healthy, wholesome, unconditional way. One that is unattached from having the need to need love from another in order to fulfill some sort of emptiness we are experiencing inside ourselves. Many of us are not aware of, know how to, and even understand this way of loving others and accepting others for who they are, unconditionally. Love was never meant to be given conditionally to others and certainly not ourselves, it is our birthright. Learning to Love others unconditionally is rewarding and satisfies a hunger for Love that we all experience. Part of the journey in learning how to love unconditionally is learning the art of letting go that which is dear to us for the greater good of all involved; the greater good being the focus. Learning how to appreciate while letting go, well let’s just say…you can’t have one without the other! 

Enjoy this video and if it moves you to comment please share what you experienced while watching. There is a part 2 to Sacred Relationships; The Foundation of Wholeness, that addresses the love we must show ourselves in order to be whole enough to give the same kind of love in return. These are both beautiful, moving videos that I’m so grateful for attracting in my here and now experience today, for me and for you.

Blessings ~