Baba Dick Gregory says faith and fear can't occupy the same place at the same time, I think the same applies to abundance and scarcity! With all our wealth and knowledge way too many of us struggle regularly financially!

We say that the Universe is abundant yet clearly we don't really believe that cause If we did, scarcity wouldn't be controlling us so much........many of us are spiritual, educated, evolved and BROKE....so clearly we are not aligned somewhere! Before we do another prosperity ritual I suggest we get clear on our relationship with money...... and ask ourselves:

In what ways do I feel abundant and why?
In what ways do I feel scarcity and why?
What do I want money to do for me?
How do I feel about money?
How do I feel about MY money?
How can I experience more financial freedom?

The power is within you. Know it. Harness it. Use it.

Today I went to the Mega Grocery Store (MGS, unofficially), you know, the one that tends to stay open all night (“money, money, money-MON’AY). The one with low, low prices that has greeters smiling at the door. The one in which I will not name but you know the one.

While in the MGS I counted, one way, 36 stories I could write about while my cart pushed forward and 16, while my cart pushed back, in the other direction towards checkout. I darted between cotton factory blouses and big cheese balls that were not on sale last week but that are cheap, cheap this week. I looked at my fingers and imagined orange, sticky powder, particularly on the index, and wondered if when eating the big cheese balls, if people think about the orange sticky residue and the contents or just eat them. I own my strangeness and keep moving, forward now around the big juice and towards more stories or people if you will.

One story is shy of 11 years old, maybe. She reminds me of summer days spent with my grandmother and grandfather (before he left too soon, dark brown, gentle spirit, who I remember wearing a suit once, but khaki green t-shirts mostly).

I have been listening to this song a ton lately. Ever since I was little, whenever I was going through changes, I would sing this song to myself and it would comfort me.

I am expressing myself authentically, intentionally and artistically in everything that I encompass. I am surrounded by creative expressions, thoughts, actions, words, people and experiences. I am surrounded by books, journals, papers, notes, histories and stories. I am gracefully violent in those I select for my inner circle.

I left New York a couple of days ago, and I'm staying at a hotel in Philadelphia because my flight was overbooked. It has been an interesting few days of getting back to self, of listening to my inner voice.
The first place I landed (and got stranded in overnight) was Charlotte. As I stepped out of the airport, the first thing that struck me was the trees, and the smell of the air. I hadn't breathed in really fresh air in awhile, and hadn't even noticed it. Then I looked upward towards the sky and saw trees instead of buildings, and I couldn't stop staring. It all felt so beautiful and yet so alien to me. And when I got to my hotel and stepped outside to grab a bite to eat, the evening air was...quiet. I began to smile. The decision to leave had felt right in my heart, and now being out of the city I felt at peace.

Greetings Sistahs,

I haven't posted here in a long while and wanted to take the time to update on the most recent happenings in my life.

First, one of the most significant relationships in my life has been restored and repaired: my marriage. My partner of nearly nine years and I have reconciled and are living blissfully as a family again with our seven year old dawta. Marriage is a challenge and worth fighting for and I thank Allah everyday for our union. Our relaionship is still not without some trials but as time goes on we are better able to handle obstacles in our path and better able to deal with our different yet similar personalities.

Secondly, my family is a big proponent of Living life abundantly, freely and uninhibited. We are co-owners in several successful local businesses and we're blessed each and everyday to be able to make a living without a "job."

Lastly, as I've been liberated from the Plantation called a "job", it enables us to engage in eclectic homeschooling with or daughter full time once again. We live the FreeStyle (Freedom Lifestyle) where we have the freedom to live as our family desires.

A sistar friend of mine texted me yesterday and asked me "What do I feel is the most misunderstood thing about me?" and I had to respond with my passion and vision for my life.
For many years people saw me as this young woman full of ambition and motivation, but my progress was minimal. My efforts were mediocre, but they served their purpose at the time. Now, years later, I am married and have two children and a strong foundation from which i stand. My desires are the same, but my motivation has changed, my path has changed and people are not so overwhelmingly supportive of this.
When I was single and could attend every sister circle, every open mic, and was there to aid any and everyone in need, I was the best person in the world.
Now that I move with caution, I'm being judged. This one sister told me I have changed and she doesn't like the change. I have indeed changed. I now have a family in place. I have children that need me, I have a husband that needs me, I need me.

I have stopped focusing on the world and started focusing on my world and now everyone has a problem.

What a whirlwind few weeks it has been, I am just to the point now where I can take a step back and reflect on it all. My journey is coming full circle, and I am packing my bags and returning home to California. I will try best to articulate my decision and the peace it has brought me.

Returning home has so much to do with my Saturn Return. I've been in New York struggling to "make it" and having the time of my life socially and creatively, but I'm realizing my foundation isn't solid here and would not be for some time. Things are progressing, but I need a more stable home life, and financially that is out of my reach here. Rent eats up so much money here, and the spaces I can afford are very small. It simply came down to being able to have a better quality of life and a better work/life balance at home. I've known that all along, but as I approach age 29 in the fall, those kinds of things mean more to me. There is a lot that I'm letting go of, but I am embracing more of what is at my deeper core as well.

Lie tell the truth lie tell the truth.,...what is it about having that integrity that people cant seem to grasp...its better to lie than to face themselves in knowing they have to step it up...
lie tell the truth lie tell the truth...who the fuck r u to decide what i can and cant handle when it comes to my life... health... do people really take that word options seriously...no it shows.
lie tell the truth lie tell the truth...seriously u really think u got something on me because i had the decency to tell u a secret or tell something i thought ur unappreciative behind might need to know. But understand that karma is the boss so my pain always turns to blessings for someone else.
lie tell the truth lie tell the truth...Im with it or without it..got it or i dont..do us both a favor and spare drama..spare urself the drama as well or u like living on the edge...at some point u have to slow down..

I don't want to be politically correct, proper or careful. I simply want to express these feelings that have come over me. GOD, I need to make something happen NOW! I can no longer parade around this office as if I am content with being this woman. (crying) I have so much light inside of me and so many desires to serve those around me. I am tired of seeing those around me suffer and yearn for more. Allow me to be that light, shining bright bringing forth your love. I need a break! I need an opportunity to do what I love and have loved my entire life, SING! I no longer want to write grants for money, it is extremely boring and the organization that I currently work for is not making as profound of an impact as they say they are. They are not meeting goals and they want to blame it on the grant writer and the Development Department when the problem is the program.

There has been so much steady movement, it's hard to keep up with it all as of late. There hasn't really been time to rest, which may be what has made my vision foggy. Creative-wise I can see clear as day and I move forward making things with joy and a sense of purpose. But it seems like every other aspect of my life leaves me in a confused fog.
It started as I began to prepare for transition out of the americorps program, which ends July 30th. I began to look for work, and I've been applying for entry-level positions at all sorts of nonprofits. The application process, along with my art and my blog, keeps me very busy.

I didn't see it coming, but it has already found its way to my home, unpacked it's bags, and decided to stay for a while - my quarterlife crisis. You know, before this happened to me, I would probably say that I think people who are going through this are crazy and experiencing this due to poor planning, but boy oh boy was I wrong.

So I turned 24 on March 7th of this year, and a little bit after this I swear it set in. Up until this point it seemed that everything in my life was going as planned. Graduate from high school, check, graduate from college, check, get married, check, have a baby, check, get my dream job - and there, right there is where it all set in.

some times, some situations, some people, some experiences come together to remind me that for certain areas of my life … I MUST FLY SOLO …. cause when it comes down to nuts, bolts and brass tackles, almost everyone does what’s good for himself/herself. Why shouldn’t I do the same?

"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."
— Albert Einstein

This is an exciting week in many ways. We get to honor our lovely men who are true fathers and World Cup fan fare is permeating the globe. To my surprise, there is a line of fair trade, eco-friendly, and vegan soccer balls (and other sports as well including basketball and football). How cool is that?! The sports world needs a big dose of fairness, accountability, and sustainability.

I had the opportunity to speak with Scott James, the founder and owner of Fair Trade Sports. I asked him to explain why he decided to bring sustainability to the sports world?
"I want to clean up the supply chain for the entire sporting goods industry by bringing to market a positive example of what the Top 5 brands should be doing. Given that Nike is the #1 brand in the world, they can and should be leading the way to a more sustainable world, focusing on the eco and social justice aspects of their soccer balls."~Scott James

Peace and Blessings Sistars of the YMIB Family,
It is always a blessing to commune with you. I have so much to tell you and express that I don't even know where to start, so what I'll do is pace myself and allow the Universe to put forth all of the things deemed necessary. I am officially a wife. I have been married for almost four months and I must say that the change is refreshing. I thought that because we lived together prior and because we stumbled along the way, that the feelings would not change, but sisters I was wrong. The feeling is so different. We both feel very secure and grounded in our love. We are still growing and learning, but we are open to the Universe and all of the powers that we have as spirits enjoying this experience. Thank Jah for the blessings that is my family, my husband and my daughter Truth and my son Moses. Thank you all for choosing me to be your Divine Feminine Energy!

One of the best things that ever happened to me happened in 2006 when I was fired from my job. For nearly a decade I worked for the nation’s largest allergy and asthma Supply Company. My job was to answer inbound calls, but the tasks that I performed went far beyond that. In my years of employment there I developed a company newsletter, I created the company’s first Employee Resource Center to house pertinent materials for company employees, I served on several communications committees, I worked to bring the company handbook up to date and among other things I volunteered myself as the voice of the company and recorded all the incoming and holiday greetings.

Brother Tom Obama,does it again!

After a month-long search, President Barack Obama has nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan for the U.S. Supreme Court.WTF???

I say brother Tom b/c uncle Tom is already sitting his ass on the supreme court bench.

You mean to tell me there was not a qualified "Black Woman" or man in this ENTIRE nation that he could have chosen? Of course there is,but brother Tom Obama is too busy fulfilling the agenda of the NWO ,making jokes brought to you by Goldman Sachs,and giving commencement speeches on the i pod & x box. to do something besides sell us out.

Here we have it ,once again live and in living[white] color.Our savior,the rising star,the first African American President,Barack Hussein Oabama...the flesh having, air breathing dream of a king.Yeah we have overcome,from one crazed-ass president,to another,spineless,back-boneless ass President.I guess J.Edgar said it best,"There will never be another Black messiah,unless we create him"!

Bravo,Bank Owners,you have manged to create a perfect S.O.B.

How obviously convenient for them.Michelle,I guess she's too busy enjoying the fruits,to give a damn either.What a spit in the face

Hello Beautiful Goddesses, guess what?

I'm moving to Chicago this summer! yay! ;-)

I just wanted to connect with everyone I know thats there. I am, of course looking for the best side of town for an apt(i've been looking in hyde park and southshore) and also some more job leads...I have a couple job leads already...just trying to get a good set up before I dive into and do my entreprenuer thang! ;-)

So, if you know of any networks or connects in the Chicago, IL area for:

Residence:
Apartments; affordable. loft style preferrably
north or south shore, hyde park, etc

Jobs:
Administrative/Clerical(Any field, educational, College, medical)
Medical; Front/Back office
Spa related; massage therapist
Social work/Counseling; youth advocates, mentor, tutoring, arts, reading, writing, etc:Education, Asst. Teaching

**Looking for something fulltime, day/night shifts, and sensitive to an employee riding the train

Entertainment:
live music lounges
poetry/spoken word cafes
chicago steppin dancing

So, if you live or have lived in the Chicago area, send me your 'best', The Best of Chicago list.....I would greatly appreciate your help!

Self assessment is an extremely valuable and often overlooked piece of a productive career change or job search. So often we go through life just following the direction of others and not assessing who we are. If you are thinking of owning your own business or offering a good or service you must realize that you are your own first commercial. You represent your product.

When working with future or current entrepreneurs I sometimes spend many many hours exploring this concept. But think about it ladies. This makes sense. If you don’t know who you are…if you’re not sure of what you stand for and what you want out of life then it’s reflected in your good or service. If you lack a strong sense of self, that confusion leaks over into your product or service.

Take a moment and think of a person you know that is successful. Think about how that person walks, talks, looks, etc…more than likely she has an air of confidence about herself. This confidence is not purchased, it’s developed. Knowing who you are assists all of the other steps...(To read more, please visit www.andreascottllc.com/blog).

Spring is here, and so much continues to change and evolve in my life. So far this year I've been putting a lot of effort into grounding myself, letting go of what I don't need, and planting new seeds that are just beginning to sprout. My americorps year is quickly drawing to a close, and I have learned so much and been challenged in ways I never thought I would be. My new placement at a different pantry was something I really had to fight for, but now I'm so glad that I did. I'm blessed to be in a position where I'm able to play to my strengths, helping with creative design work and communications to raise funds for the organization. I have so much more support and stability in this new place.

click to visit.

I love the Dr. Oz show and today he interviewed his wife Lisa regarding her new book “Us”. Honestly, she didn’t say anything that was new and profound; she reiterated what we/I know already, but the one thing I was inspired to do was write a “Value Commitment” for my family — in this case, since I’m single — for me. During the interview, she reiterated how healthy it is to honor the commitment. That if you have a “more than just you” family, that each family member should participate in creating the commitment.

The concept makes sense to me since it’s so easy to become bogged down with life and all the issues of life. It’s so easy to forget that every day, every breath, every situation is a blessing, a learning opportunity, an opportunity for growth. It’s easy to forget that it’s okay to value yourself (and subsequently the ones you love) without being selfish or before you become burnt out.

My “Value Commitment” is adapted from “Family Code of Conduct” from “No Secrets, No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal for Sexual Abuse” by Robin D Stone 2004.

My Value Commitment

I Looked around and realized that there was nothing beside me but a shadow. I lost something along the way, I lost a piece of me I lost that feeling of being certain so my mind rests on unsure. It seems to be an epidemic that went undetected by radar, why is it so easy for some and so difficult for others to have "that ability"?
As complicated as we are there is a balance that some are just as simple. Just how many minds do you cross I wander? I know that you have crossed my mind many times because we are friends.
The sincere use of Terms of Endearment can make one feel a sense of comfort. Just as the silence can make one feel discomfort. Silence has taught me to be patient instead of curios, Silence has a way of making you , literally, making you..........
In a moments notice( I noticed)......... It is so easy to talk before you think about what you say at times.

Stop right now and look around you. What do you see? What is the makeup of your environment? What is your color scheme? Is there order? Is there life? Growing up my mother used to say that the state of your room mirrors the state of your mind. A messy room equals a cluttered brain. I hated it back then because I knew that that meant that she wanted me to clean up my room. Now that I’m an adult I totally understand the concept. We ladies are creators. We were given the gift and the responsibility to give life.

So often we mistake the act of procreation as simply the responsibility of having children. Procreation is that, but it is not only that. You are a creator of your universe. To be Godlike is not about binge able to quote bible verses or to not missing a Sunday service. To be Godlike is to do as the creator does.

To read more please visit www.andreascottllc.com/blog

This is dedicated to friends lost from my being misunderstood and yet others (friendships) lost from my misunderstandings of them.

The night before I go on a trip, I check the weather for the destination’s forecast, and plan my outfits for the whole week. I narrow down my footwear to what I’m going to wear on the plane, a pair of sneakers, 1 pair of heels, and a 1 pair of black flats. I decide what size suitcase and what carry on to bring, and what will go into each. I stay up late planning, and prepping, and funneling various oils, creams and conditioners into travel-size containers with the precision of a chemist. I try to get cash and packets of oatmeal ahead of time, so I won’t have to deal with the high prices of food and $5 ATM fees at the terminal, and I reserve a parking space near the airport. This process usually works out pretty well, and I get to my destination ready to relax or work or whatever. Pretty savvy right?

BUT…

There is a real fear out there, (as well there should be) that many of the products that we clean our homes with are making us sick. Unfortunately, home cleaning products don't have to list their ingredients like food manufacturers do. After doing a bunch of research for myself, I've stopped using bleach, ammonia, store-bought laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dishwashing detergent. This is shocking to most people I know and confusing to others because most people don't know what they would do without those products.

So then I went a little "green" crazy and ended up a little broke.

There is a growing trend of overpriced products out there that play into our toxicity fears and will charge you upwards of $25 a bottle for a so-called "green" laundry detergent. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with many of the new green products out there, but there is talk of harmful ingredients being present in some of these products, and there is no way of knowing, because green products don't have to list their ingredients either. And if they do, what's stopping them from leaving the objectionable items off the list?

This is my 6th year with the love of my life and future husband, Codi. We are apart right now because each of us had dreams and opportunities to pursue in different places. Being so far apart, with me in Brooklyn and him in San Francisco has definitely not been easy, but we've had 5 years of living together that strengthened our bond. He is quite literally my best friend and we've been there for each other through good times and bad.
He will eventually move to Brooklyn with me, and until then I have to hold down the fort by myself. I pray every day that circumstances will soon shift so that this move is possible, but I also have to take care of business on my end. That means being strong and devoting my energy to my creative pursuits, really pushing myself. Sometimes I'm incredibly lonely (New York is a very romantic place!), and when I feel that way, I focus on what I came here to do. I find a gallery opening to cover for my blog, a new artist to write about, work on my paintings and drawings, or throw myself into a good book. I try to spend as little time as possible feeling sorry for myself (although I have those moments too).