"Dream Snatcher"

We're you ever excited about an idea? So much so that you shared it with a friend or family member and they just crushed, smashed and stepped all over your dream.  If you are a victim of dream snatching don't be discouraged, be encouraged.  Let the hate fuel you and make you want it more.  

"A Mother's Roar"

So I'm driving my daughter who is six months, to her babysitter and I hear a sudden thump. I look in the back seat and the car seat flipped over. I panicked in silence, put my hazards on and pulled over to the side. I opened the back seat door and didn't find my baby. I calmly flipped the car seat over and saw my baby still in the seat but her face and body expression was full of fear. I wanted to scream, cry, yell out or hit something but I just calmy kissed her and rubbed her hands. As I began to readjust her car seat, a car behind me started to honk repeatedly. I slowly kissed my babies forehead closed the door behind me and slowly walked up the the car. I was full of a new rage that I've never felt before, I asked the driver " are you honking at me"? And he said "yes". I then asked why ? don't you see my hazards and you have plenty of space ( in a slow,scary,still voice)? I then told him I had an emergency and there is a small baby inside the car. He paused for a second then apologized. I thought his response was going to be a rude typical New Yorkers attitude and if so , I was prepared to mangle his face with my teeth. I think he knew I was a mom who had the look of death in her eyes and he and I didn't want to take me there......

"Now that I'm a Mom".......

Now that I'm a mom, I seem to be more approachable.   Of course it's not me people want to meet its my daughter.   Now that I'm a mom, other mothers and me have sort of a silent bond.  A respect that is unspoken but valued.  Now that I'm a mom , I have hidden patience that appears in the nick of time.  Now that I'm a mom, men are attracted to my inner and outer garments of motherhood.   Now that I'm a mom, I have yet to have an argument with anyone excluding my daughters father.   Wow maybe I should have became a mother a long time ago....

"Comforted by Ignorance"

I was taking my daughter for a walk in her stroller when I saw a young mother walking with her two daughters.  I thought to myself, she must be so in love with her girls, there beautiful and they look like fun.   As I got closer, the mother said to one of her daughters who couldn't be older than four " Shut the f..k up".  I felt butterflies in my stomach and a sense of sadness.  How can a mother speak to a small impressionable little precious baby girl in that matter.  I stopped and starred wanting to enlighten the young mom about some positive words that can replace the mean ugly ones.  She then pushed her daughter in the back of her head while her daughter cried out " Mommy, Mommy" wanting some sort of comfort.  Instead her mother said " I told you to shut the f..k up and you didn't so now your ass is staying in the house while I go to the party".
 I don't know the situation in their home and I don't know the struggles or stress that young mom may face but there is never a reason to speak to your children in an offensive matter.  Everyone gets frustrated and may say or do something inappropriate when disciplining their children at times, but to constantly use profanity on a daily basis when addressing your children is wrong. Those small children will grow up to be teens and young adults who will curse and behave inappropriately in public, school and in their relationships.   When your daughter marries a man who speaks to her like trash, she might think that's love because her mother spoke to her the same way.  Lets comfort our children with words of love, guidance and positivity so that when they interact with others they will do the same.

"Beyond Brooklyn"

Has anyone ever said " you don't seem like your from Brooklyn" or " I can't tell where your from" ?  
 There are stereotypes of what a Brooklyn, Queens, Jersey or Long Island person may look or act like.  Brooklyn girls are always ready to fight and wear Timberlands all the time, Queens girls look like good girls but are really promiscuous, Jersey girls tan way too often and Long Island girls are alway planning for a wedding.  "Some may say".      
The people who swear by these assumptions most likely never travel or leave the area in which they grew up in. Traveling to different countries opens your mind to awareness that awakens your mental range of what diversity really is.  You learn how to interact with people based on how they live, their values, culture and how they treat you without any preconceived assumptions. When you go back home to Brooklyn or Queens from visiting abroad, you will no longer conduct yourself according to your zip code.

YOLO...".so they say"

"You only live once "is the slogan most are living by,  which is cool but to what extent?...   Does that mean do foolish things like drive while drinking, go on a sexcapade, or jump off a cliff?   You only live once so why not be smart.   Travel and see the world, try to reach you fullest potential and have fun while doing it.  No .  I'm not saying don't do wild things.   I'm saying do wild things and be smart about it.   Go skinny dipping, sky dive or let loose once in a while if your constantly on a straight and narrow trail.  You only live once so your life is precious.

Super-Women

Superwoman is Supermans equal.  She can fly, she's strong and has super powers.  Superwomans hair is always done, mani and pedi on point and is always dressed in a catsuit.   The question is, is Superwoman real?  The answer is yes.

We can't fly or lack superpowers but we make the unthinkable happen. We manage to cook, clean, raise children, be companions, have a sense of humor, work, pay bills and still look attractive while doing it all.   So if your wondering whose the Superwoman in your life, look at your wife, mom, sister, aunt or grandma.  

The Ingredients of Me.........

Often times we become who we are as individuals based on how we were raised and or who and what we were exposed to as children.  The simplest thing could have had a big impact on your personality.   The children you played with, the school you attended  or even who your babysitter may have been.

I will never forget how much I hated getting my hair braided by the neighbor.  She put no effort nor did she care if I loved or hated it.  Every week I would complained to my mom but she would just ignore me.  

Eventually I became fed up.   After the neighbor braided my hair, I took them right out and rebraided my hair on my own.   At first it looked like crap but eventually I became pretty good.   

I do believe that some skills are a gift, some are inherited and others are learned.  There are also skills that are developed due to you needing something done exactly how you want it so you learn how to do it yourself.  Now I'm a Cosmetologist who specializes in braiding.

So the next time your wondering what inspired you to become an Artist, Teacher, Therapist, Dancer or a Firefighter, think back to when you were a child.

Natural

You take care of the clothes and shoes.....I'll take care of your hair

"But I'm Not Mad At Daddy"

As mothers you want to protect your children. You try your best to raise and provide for your children using your best judgement. Often times what's best for you overrides what may be best for your kids. 
They say its nothing like when a woman is scorned, but who pays for it? The children. Unless the father of your children are extremely violent or cannot be trusted, let the children determine whether they want a relationship with their dad or not. Don't speak negatively to your children about their dad. 
 Allow your children the opportunity to know who their fathers are whether he's mean,cheap,funny,quiet or immature. Just because your relationship didn't work out, doesn't mean your ex can't be a good father to his children.

Too Independent

I remember my stepfather teaching me how to ride a bike when a was in 3rd grade.  I remember watching my mom cook dinner as a little girl. I will never forget the early Saturday morning clean up days that I hated. 
Riding a bike became second nature. Cooking, is one of my favorite things to do and I'm good at it. Cleaning, was never a favorite but definitely is mandatory. 
  No one taught me how to budget money or how to manage school plus work while still being a kid. I began working at the age of 14. Paying bills and being independent was something I learned through life's obstacles, it was never taught to me. I never complained, knowing my parents had hardships. I just did what I had to do. 
The older I got, working and taking care of myself became a part of who I was and am. Letting people in and depending on others, was never taught to me. Resolving issues, dating, going through womanhood were things I learned on my own.

When I look back I say to myself, "why didn't I just ask for help"? Is it my pride? Am I ashamed? No. I was just a kid.

Senegal Africa

Ive traveled to seven different countries in my thirty three years of living. Senegal Africa made the most impression.  I watched the sun go down as the moon rised and watched the sky turn pink orange and yellow.  I sailed  over a pink river which was rich with pure white salt.  I visited Goree Island, where slaves were bought sold and killed. What stood out the most was family unity.  Families were so rich in love and unity ,that it made me feel a sense of sadness  because I yearn for the wealth of togetherness within my own family.  
Family values are not that different in other countries, it's what each family endures that may make a difference.  In Senegal, the people overcame extreme slavery and war during those times family was all they had.  In America education and status out way family values, therefore it is up to us to build a future where family will come first.

No Expectations

As children we are taught that parents check our homework, cook us dinner and take us to the doctor when were sick.  Our Grandparents babysit us, visit on holidays and calls us on the phone for our birthdays.
As adults, the dynamics of some family relationships may grow closer are further apart.   You may have a mother who still works a full time job over the age of fifty and still have children at home to take care of.  So don't expect your mother to babysit your children or visit your home frequently.  Her life may be as hard as yours.  Will that disappoint you? Yes. But it is what is is.
Life isn't what it's supposed to be, life just is.......

Personality

Do you ever wonder why some  of us are great cooks, while others are athletic.   You have people who are naturally artistic and people who were born to sing.  Some of our talents or characteristics are past down from our parents and some are taught to us as children.  When we become adults our talents sometimes advance or were so used to do something that it becomes a part of who we are.
Talent and skills are positive and most likely an attribute more so than a burden.  At times parents may have the best interest for their children but should also give their children a chance to express who they are as individuals or who they aspire to be in life.  Yes, it is a parents job to guide their children and have high hopes and goals but as parents you also have to learn when to let go.
Being a Doctor or a Lawyer is ideal for most but what about the daughter who wants to teach music or son who loves to write?  Should they suppress their hearts desire in order to make their parents happy? Everyone lives one life.  If you are able to be happy as well as survive New Yorks rent and pay your school loans back on time, I say do what YOU want to do as long as your over twenty one.

Motivation

Her eyes are so bright
So I have to show her the world
Her voice is so sweet
So I whisper I love you
She's a bundle of innocence
So I will protect her from harm
Her future is in my hands
So I will pave the way
Mommy loves you.......

Don't Cheat Yourself

Life has taught me many things.  One thing I've learned is not to expect anything from others, but to appreciate favors if they are done.    You and I would love for our friends and family to reciprocate good deeds, but if not don't make a fuss.  I may lend a friend money and that friend may pick my children up from school.  Don't measure or label your relationships, enjoy them.

Imagine

1. We all wish we grew up in a "perfect" home but who and what determines what perfect is?  Two parents? A single parent? Grandparents?   Is a home considered perfect because you lived in a house and you had allot of space with a backyard to run around in?
2. Every individual determines what's perfect for them and their family.   You can grow up with parents that constantly fight and they stay together for the sake of the children.  Or they can separate and each seek happiness elsewhere but still raise their children.  Children who are exposed to yelling, fighting, etc. often times can't communicate with others.  Parents who decide to separate in order to stop fighting are making the best choices for their children.
3. As long as both parents are in their children's lives and communicate in a positive manner  they will raise children who communicate in a positive manner as well