OK, I met this guy seem to be a cool individual. Good conversation, polite, and funny, right OK. We talked everyday for about 10 days about future goal and accomplishments, what we seek in a relationship etc,etc,etc.. One day he asked me to invite him to my house and I basically told him that my home is a safe haven for my children & myself and that I don't invite men to my house out of respect for my children and their environment. Needless to say he didn't take this too well. He went into this sad story about his childhood how his mother gave him up and kept the rest of her 4 children and how he grew up in foster care until age 18 and that's when he went into the military. He continued to state how he didn't have no one so naturally when he met a woman he expect for her to be by her man's side(when did he become my man?) He continued to state how he was one of the few good men left and that there were many women lined up to take him.. Me being me wished him the best(lol) by all means go for it!

.

If you’ve been anywhere near a TV, computer or newspaper these past few weeks, then you’ve heard about the moving two-part CNN documentary, Black in America, which airs today and tomorrow. Each segment will focus on the struggles and stereotypes of the black community and how its relates to two particular themes: The Black Woman and Family, and The Black Man. Tune in to watch frank and honest dialogue on the plights of our community and its impact on the nation.

CNN Presents: Black in America

The Black Woman & Family; premieres Wednesday, July 23, 9 p.m. ET.

The Black Man; premieres Thursday, July 24, 9 p.m. ET.

For more information about Black in America please visit www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america

*** Just thought to post this as a reminder to those who know about this and to drop a note for those who dont***

Love is as Love does~

Hello all beautiful spirits.......I'm a newbie just wanted some sisterly advice about the trials of friendship....ok the situation is that i have a very close best friend since grade school, we have shared exclusively everything in our journeys.....ok let me just cut to the core of it all.....during our whole entire friendship many ups and downs, cycles, reruns...

There are tons of resources out there that claim their process is easy or that their solution is easy to implement. Believe me some things are easy but be careful with wanting EVERYTHING to be easy. What am I referring to when I say EASY? Have you seen those office depot commercials with the big red easy button, you know-- it appears out of no where and you push it and every thing you need appears. Wow! What a concept, I only wish it were true for everyone when growing a business.

I run into a lot of entrepreneurs who get frustrated because they are drained, mentally tired, and wondering when the light in the dark tunnel will shine. “Why is this so hard, they say.” Believe me I wonder that sometimes myself. But, most of the time it’s only hard because we make it hard. The challenge comes when we want others to provide the easy button for us vs. creating our own beautiful red button by working smart – not hard.

Building and growing a business is not easy, but some of the activities we do to reach our vision can be easy. Here are some quick tips to create your own shiny red easy button without falling prey to the easy trap:

I'm very curious, and wondering if it's just me. For those of us sisters whom are single, and/or actively dating, would you consider signing up with a dating service, and if you have what was your experience with an on-line dating service?

I'm very tired. And I hate to sound like a woman giving up. I live in Sacramento,CA, where inter-racial dating is in high numbers. I'm past the club scene, so I figured that I would try the on line thing to meet some brothers. Whoa. It's really, in my view no different than the club.

What are my sisters' views, opinions, etc?

Flygurl74

I’ve never been one to have a big ego, but lately I’ve been ego-surfing. If you use the Internet for business in any shape or form – I suggest you do the same.

Ego-surfing is the practice of searching one’s own name and company name on popular search engines. For example: I regularly search “Sherese Duncan” and “Effició.” I normally search on AltaVista, Google and HotBot.

Why should you ego-surf? With the influx of blogs, article directories, social web sites, networking web sites, etc., you have to ego-surf on a regular bases to first, make sure your efforts are paying off; second, make sure you’re not getting digitally diss’d over the Internet!

Do your friends surf the Net? Business colleagues? Your Family? Potential Clients?

Wouldn't you like to be aware of what they may be reading about 'you'?

Shouldn't you be aware if you are being libeled on your networking sites or forums you participate in?

How about if people are misquoting you or giving your articles bad reviews?

For twenty years, Pin Points Theatre has presented its edu-tainment to audiences in Canada, Guam, Korea, Japan, Germany, Singapore and throughout the United States. The same plays we produce in major theaters are just as professionally presented in schools or recreation centers. Please consider bringing us to your city:

SPEAKERS:
JIM LUCAS in WHAT WOULD MARTIN DO? Renowned motivationalist Jim Lucas reflects on current issues as audiences throw questions his way. He responds as Dr. King - with all of King's wit, history, and personal experiences.
DR. TONYA MATTHEWS: Fans know JaHipster (Dr. Matthews) as a popular hip-hop spoken-word artist, but few know her as a doctor of Bio-Medical Engineering. Her lecture/performance is the ultimate edu-tainment, providing audiences with poetic & musical entertainment as well as leading them through the mysteries self-development, doctorates ("it's easier than you think"), higher education, writers workshops and successful careers in entertainment. In line with Pin Points Theatre's mandate, Dr. Matthews's presentations are both enlightening and fun for any audience.
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

I thought I should write about my experience lately with my new work at home job.

I believe that financial stability is important for our families and community. However, I don't think that financial stability should happen at the expense of neglecting the needs of our children,family members, and friends.

We tend to easily get caught up with working 9-5 that we forget about the importance of our lives outside of work.

So, I took a different approach. I first started my own businesses while homeschooling my children. Even though this was a good start I was struggling financially having new businesses and this comes with starting any business.

There were many times I thought of going back to a 9-5 job. However, I didn't want to give up homeschooling so I looked for work at home. This was another obstacle, since many are scams and require a deposit to start. Then the "business" or person for that matter runs off with your money. Other businesses require a start up fee and are not scams, but I don't think we should pay to work! We should be paying us to work instead.

Greetings YMIB Sistahs,

My Princess recently turned five and I noticed that her bottom teeth became spaced. Not long after that, she informed me that her two bottom teeth were loose. It seems like just yesterday she was a babe in my arms and now she's about to start losing her baby teeth. With that, comes the childhood lie: the tooth fairy.

My Princess' father and I agreed that our daughter would not be raised to believe the childhood lies that we grew up with: Santa Clause, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny and others.

My dilemna is that my FAMILY will undoubtly make comments about the tooth fairy to my daughter along with the "ritual" of placing the tooth under her pillow in expectation of money upon awakening. I do not wish to go on with this charade. Family members will agrue that "it's all in fun" or that "there's no harm" in having her believe these lies, but I don't agree.

Have any of you had to deal with this issue with your families? How did you deal with it?

Ase'!

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." -Psalm 23

What a Week! I try to not discuss too much of my personal life, but I will attest to saying that the past 7 days have been FULL:
FULL of LOVE
FULL of FEAR
FULL of LEARNING
FULL of LAUGHS
FULL of SURPRISES
FULL of EMOTIONS
FULL of HAPPINESS
FULL of FEELING
FULL of LIFE

I am coming into a better understanding of this season I am in, and appreciating the journey and many twists presented along the way. I am remembering to remember and in the process, am becoming more confident in my Self completely. I must cease questioning that which I already know or, as a close sister-friend of mine said to, "Don't Forget Your Strength." I am learning more and more how to trust, embrace and accept Self. It may have taken some time but I am grateful. I give thanks to God for the amount of time because obviously, it was what I needed. No regrets here, just an overwhelming calm and peace; and to that I say, "Ase, Amen."

Lately I have been feeling so free and with this lightness, I feel myself wanting to offer up words of thanksgiving and praise non-stop. I feel that I am returning home, not to a physical destination, but to my Self. I can only relate it to seeing a relative after so many years and the amount of joy that emanates from the family upon his/her return. So this is what love feels like... free. This is what communion with the Most High feels like... a permanent returning.

How sweet it is to be in this Space; how sweet it is indeed...

You know when you are truly going through something; a real emotional upheaval and the Universe/God sends help? It could be a television show, a conversation with a good friend, anything that taps into your emotions in a profound way and sends you into...well, yourself? I am having one of those profound moments right now. Okay, before I get into the meat of my post, I have a confession to make. I have a slight aversion to the publicness of blogging and sometimes think it a bit self indulgent. There, I said it. But I've been reading through some of the posts onYMIB and I appreciate 1)the openness of expression and emotion I've found and 2)the honest support and love that pours out from responders. So, during my moment of deep reflection, I started thinking of safe places to vent and YMIB came to mind.

If you’re building and growing a business to provide for you for the rest of your life you have to make smart deals and seek strategic opportunities across international borders.

There is a distinct difference between those entrepreneurs who are business owners and those who are value innovators. To put it simply: To be an architect of growth and to excel under competitive pressures, entrepreneurs like you must adjust pricing, adapt to change, assimilate as needed, engage in strategic marketing, and foster innovation and value creation within your client base.

I know I’m getting a little deep here but it’s time to step up and do good business. Are you ready? Are you up to the task?

Alright then…Here are five ways to be an architect for growth the strategic way:

Let go of the employee mindset. I still revert back to my corporate days every now and then but I’m able to pinch myself and maintain my entrepreneurial style. The employee mindset works strict hours, normally nine to five, takes only two 10 minute breaks, possibly a half hour lunch, and is always looking for someone to tell them what to do.

Blessings SiStars,

I had a wonderful conversation with Carrine and Susan about the Diva Cup and it is ready for your listening pleasure at http://www.mosaradio.net/Wisdom%20Talks%20PL.htm

As you know, I recommend the cup for catching your Sacred Moon Flow and/or natural cloth pads. Here what they have to say before you decide to purchase one.

Enjoy.

Now that summer is upon us, it's very easy to find plants all around. I've noted some great ones below that can be used to keep holistically beautiful.

I love crafting body care products in the summer particularly because you find yourself so much closer to nature. You're able to go right out to your yard, the community garden, or into the nearest forest-y area (with a trust field guide of course!) and find the plants that will help you the most.

Here are 5 favorites of mine that are very common in gardens and kitchens alike:):

Calendula A healing herb for rough or problem skin

Ginger An warming herb that gently purifies as it stimulates (Not usually found in the garden or out and about, but I had to include it since it's so easy to find and so great for the body)

Lavender A gentle cleanser and tonic for all skin types

Peppermint An astringent which clears the complexion

Rosemary An invigorating antiseptic which boosts circulation and deep cleansing

There are tons of ways to use these beauties:). Below are 2 of my own personal recipes (from the classes I teach) that are very easy and quick to make. Enjoy!

Well, this weekend I took a much needed break from everything, in the wilderness with me and 3 sisterfriends, what could be better? One of my friends is getting ready to attend school in South Africa for a year (after which she'll be joining me in New York, yay!) and wanted to have a proper send off with her girls. She's from Humboldt County and invited us all up to her family's house for the weekend.
Now I'll be honest, at first I did not want to go. Not because I wasn't thrilled about the idea, but I knew how much packing, bill paying, phone calling needed to be done before August. I just felt like now was not the time. But I also knew I was stressed out, and completely worn out from everything going on lately. So on Friday morning the four of us rented a car (a big white pickup truck, very cheap because of the gas prices) and headed north.

Peace and many Blessings Sistahs,
I pray that all is well with each and every one of you. May the Most High bless you and guide you to you.
I am writing this blog because I am a first time mother, ( in this existence) and I have some questions.
I have sought a more natural/traditional lifestyle for me and my daughter. We are both vegan and we tend to follow a more spiritual lifestyle. My daughter is almost fourteen months and is very expressive and observant. I love her very much. My mother feels that I don't do a very good job at disciplining her, but my thing is, I want her to explore. I do not want to be the person responsible for suppressing her inner voice. I believe that if I create a solid foundation for her, her wise spirit will follow. We chose each other for a reason and though I am to nuture and protect her I am not to make her into what I want her to be. I just work at being the best me that I can be to show her how to be her best no matter what.

The map of your soul contains so many secret paths and unexplored territories. Would you like to trace its path and uncover its ecstatic riches and hidden treasures?

Come….enter into a sacred space, with bare feet explore the spine-tingling sensations of moving your body free-ly. It is your sensual playground. Come move, dance, sweat, stretch, unwind, release, sigh, shout, laugh, make believe, release, connect, change, transcend, come fuse …mind, body and soul!

Soul Fusion is an ecstatic fusion of yoga and dance.

You are invited to celebrate life and play!

SOUL FUSION - (Integrating Yoga & Dance)

&

TANTRIC ACTIVE MEDITATION - (Peace & Sensuality in Motion)

Visit the following link for more information:

The Sexual Griot Playbook
http://sexualgriotplaybook.blogspot.com/2008/07/sensual-living-playshops...

but i don't have a home...

i was a lil incredulous when my pendulum stopped there...

i currently live on the futon at my sister's house...

and i am HAPPY to be there!

though i am deeply looking forward to being more settled in my own space

i've been a gypsy for the last year or so...

and yet ANOTHER opportunity has opened up for me to travel

this time it's to one of my dream places to live...

it's been a distant fantasy for SO so long and as i write this... i'm thinking that perhaps what i really need to do is to concieve what type of space i want to be in and focus my energy on creating that...

i am DEEPLY excited but also quite afraid... so i'm going to have to get out of my own way and move beyond what i think of as possible dabble a lil bit in the realm of the "IMpossible"

initially when i realized that was in this gateway i was like WHAT in the world???

and i thought to myself...but i have SEVERAL "virtual spaces"

So my Mother and I were talking today and fell into a disagreement of sorts. That is not unusual for us...we both tend to be very firm and vocal in our beliefs. At any rate the discussion today was about the "rightness" of having a traditional wedding ceremony along with all the accompanying parties and gatherings after "shacking up" for several years. She feels that after "shacking" one should just go to the JP and tie the knot. More over she claims this is the "right" thing to do. Now you must understand that my parents are ministers so of course they would never condone "shacking". Imagine the turmoil we went through roughly 4 years ago when I made the decision to "shack"!

Blessings SiStars,

I am happy to announce that Becoming Peers by DeAnna L'am whom I interviewed on Wisdom Talks is now available through my website http://wombshaman.com. You will find it in the Book Store Section...of course. :-)

Here is a little something about the book...

An inspirational guide for mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers,
aunts, cousins, or any woman
wishing to nurture a girl through her coming of age
(while empowering herself!)

This book provides practical guidelines for mentoring a girl into womanhood. It offers creative ceremonies and activities designed to honor a girl’s transition and call her to new levels of maturity.

At the same time, it presents the adult woman/mentor with powerful tools for enhancing her inner and outer life.

The book is motivated by the belief that for a girl to enter womanhood in a meaningful way, it is essential that her mother
and other special women in her life cultivate a new way of relating that will gradually help her to become their peer.

Wow Thank You! I have been really into relaxation music as of late. I have lots of stress going on right now and it keeps me from unraveling . I especially like that you have Norah Jones I forgot all about her . I have to break out my CD and slide her in the player on the drive home today!

Thanks!

Hey everyone!

Yay! I think I'm in a place in my life to start posting a bit! I hope this post finds you awesomely well and that you find some information you can use. Any questions, definitely ask me!

Best blessings!

Leah
********************************

How many of us suffer from eczema? It's an all too common ailment of modern living and most of us have had some experience with it, direct or otherwise. For me, eczema has been a part of my life since I can remember. As a young girl, my mother often turned to hydrocortisone and Milk of Magnesia to provide relief. Now as a natural health proponent I turn to the many natural remedies available and receive just the same if not better results. And the added benefit is that I know I'm doing synergistic goodness for my body!

Sun Eczema
Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Spray/Oil

ACTUALLY I'M NOT SURE WHAT CATEGORY THIS FALLS UNDER, BUT IF YOUR AS OBSESSED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF SELF AS I AM THE YOU MUST CHECK OUT AFRICAN ANCESTRY.COM

BASICALLY WHAT THEY DO IS SWAB YOUR MOUTH (THEY SEND YOU THIS SWAB IN THE MAIL) AND YOU SEND IT BACK AND LIKE 2-3 WEEKS LATER BOOM

YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR ORIGINALY FROM, I THINK THIS IS WONDERFUL!!

IT COSTS ABOUT 349.00 I THINK FOR ONE TEST, THEY CAN DO YOUR PATERNAL OR YOUR MATERNAL OR BOTH BUT THEN ITS DOUBLE THE COST.

ITS A LITTLE PRICEY FOR DOLLA' POOR FOLK BUT WORTH IT I'M SURE I'M SAVIN' UP RIGHT NOW!!!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS GODDESSES!!

HALEEMAH-ESTRELLA

Where's our justice as women?

Are we justified by simply being women? Are we justified when we're born from our mother's who a woman?

Are we justified because we are needed to recreate and keep human beings on this earth?

With this male driven world it seems so evident that our justification has been put to the back burner. Where's our time to get justice for being raped,abused,and used?

Where's our justice as single mothers from "baby-daddies" who abandoned them and her five children? Or did we forget that justice matters because we're to busy having to feed the mouths and clothe the backs our her fatherless babies?Maybe we forgot when the courts insist that we dumb-down the abuse and hell we went through because he has legal "rights" to visitation of the children.

Where's our justice as women hoping that she will have enough food to feed her children that day? Is it the promise that she can go to college and earn a degree to be financial free that brings hope of justice?

Cosmetics and perfumes have been popular since the dawn of civilization. Yet in these days and times a certain standard for beauty has been set, a set image and style. If you don’t fit into that category of beauty, then you are considered ugly. This is why so many Nubians put on too much make up and Perm (which is not really permanent so you have to keep getting it done over and over again) or relax your kingly crown (9 ether hair).

You put on fake nails, fake eyelashes and even alter the structure of your faces by cosmetically or surgically thinning your nose and lips to make yourselves over in the image other than self and kind.

Gods, I greet you here on the banks of Mother in the time of NOW. First, I shall pour libation, oh ancestors thank you for bringing me here. I am here because of you all. Your invitation traveled far and wide through my blood line from Tamare or what many like to call Kemet or Egypt to NOW. I have a mission as do we all. I have seen enough to know that our problem is not unique. The time is now to remember my, your our greatness. We were robed of our land and our culture, and look what we have become, what MOTHER has become. She cries out every day, ....do you hear? The time is now to use our minds, open our eyes and see all, with three, form your pyramid. The saying is that the revolution will not be televised ...do YOU know what that REALLY means....are you a part of that mission. The time is NOW (2008)...how far have we come since 1712, is Willie still talking?

As I have been learning how to live in my power of self-permission, I have collected a list of slogans over the years. My most recent is: "The Strength of My Words, The Power of Your Will." I recently had a conversation with Spoken Word musical artist RhapsodE regarding her upcoming CD and she shared with me a recent poem she wrote-birth out of a pruning of the heart that produced growth. I was moved by it because it is a testament that while there is strength in words, the greater power is in the will. ENJOY!