Readers,
Thanks to all of you who came out to our recent Spring Seasonal Showcase! It was a great time and one of the segments that I appreciated the most was our top ten tip talks. This is when I gave certain business owners/authors a chance to give us a top ten suggestion for spring. We had top ten tips on everything from spring cleaning to cupcakes. I'd like to try my own top ten now...
TOP TEN QUOTES FOR SELF-ESTEEM
10.) “To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.” Anon.
9.)“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.”
-Jamie Paolinetti
8.)“Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”
John Jakes
7.)“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true” Anon
6.)“Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.” Anon“Go out in the world and work like money doesn't matter, Sing as if no one is listening, Love as if you have never been hurt, and Dance as if no one is watching” Anon.
5.)"If you aren't good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you'll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren't even giving to yourself.”
Barbara De Angelis
4.)“Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.”
Robert Collier
3.)To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance”
Oscar Wilde
2.)“You really have to look inside yourself and find your own inner strength, and say, "I'm proud of what I am and who I am, and I'm just going to be myself."”
Mariah Carey
1.)“There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.”
Nathaniel Branden
That is my list! In short...Spring is here and nothing is more i fashion than the way you feel about your self. Take some time to smile at others as well as yourself in the mirror today!
-Read something great!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Happy Spring...Let's Celebrate!
Readers,
If you are free on Saturday I am holding an amazing event that is free to the public! Starting at 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. the Spring Seasonal Showcase will be going on. What does this mean? This is an event that will feature the best food, fun and more! It is open to the whole family. Some of the perks...
-Kids will receive free teddy bears while supplies last
-Free Chair Massage
-lots of give-a-ways
-Door prizes
-Authors
-vendors
-so much more!!!
A Special thanks in advance to Stephanie's Bags, Third Eye Group, Dreams Do come True, Biggby Coffee, Michigan Women's Forum, The Black Women In Business Brainstorm, Tamera Eddington, Author of God did it by His Word, The Page Turner Society, Ann's Luscious Licks, Trader Joes, Ebony Iris Studios, Flourish Florals, Denise Neis, Diane Fernandez, and so many more!
-Read something great!
If you are free on Saturday I am holding an amazing event that is free to the public! Starting at 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. the Spring Seasonal Showcase will be going on. What does this mean? This is an event that will feature the best food, fun and more! It is open to the whole family. Some of the perks...
-Kids will receive free teddy bears while supplies last
-Free Chair Massage
-lots of give-a-ways
-Door prizes
-Authors
-vendors
-so much more!!!
A Special thanks in advance to Stephanie's Bags, Third Eye Group, Dreams Do come True, Biggby Coffee, Michigan Women's Forum, The Black Women In Business Brainstorm, Tamera Eddington, Author of God did it by His Word, The Page Turner Society, Ann's Luscious Licks, Trader Joes, Ebony Iris Studios, Flourish Florals, Denise Neis, Diane Fernandez, and so many more!
-Read something great!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
READ SOMETHING GREAT!
I always close my blog posts with "Read something great". I could end my online messages with sentiments about anything-why focus on reading? It is important to me as an author to encourage those who enjoy my blog to also seek out great literature. When I was in college I truly missed having the time to read for fun. This is not to say that I did not come across great books that were assigned to me to read. There is something different about going to a bookstore, library or even your friend's book shelf and picking out a book that speaks to you and your interest. I talk to so many young people who mention that reading is boring and that they can never get into it.
I feel as though reading is active and an adventure...if you find the right book. The right book for me may be different for someone else. I tell young people to think about what they love and find it in a book. What do they like to watch on television? What do they like to do for fun? Where would they go if they could go anywhere they wanted to?
These are great starter questions for finding books that not only entertain them but help them to become an avid reader. When I close my blog with "Read something great" I say this because I want those that read my blog to find books that make them think, grow, change and be inspired.
What are you reading now? Why? Do you have an author that you absolutely love? Is there a genre that you find to be your favorite? Are you in a book club? YOu can feel free to answer some of these questions in the comment section or you might just want to answer them for yourself. Now that I've got your mind set on reading....
-READ SOMETHING GREAT
I feel as though reading is active and an adventure...if you find the right book. The right book for me may be different for someone else. I tell young people to think about what they love and find it in a book. What do they like to watch on television? What do they like to do for fun? Where would they go if they could go anywhere they wanted to?
These are great starter questions for finding books that not only entertain them but help them to become an avid reader. When I close my blog with "Read something great" I say this because I want those that read my blog to find books that make them think, grow, change and be inspired.
What are you reading now? Why? Do you have an author that you absolutely love? Is there a genre that you find to be your favorite? Are you in a book club? YOu can feel free to answer some of these questions in the comment section or you might just want to answer them for yourself. Now that I've got your mind set on reading....
-READ SOMETHING GREAT
Monday, March 15, 2010
Guest Blog by Jasmine Pearson, an aspiring teen writer
I have the opportunity to work with some great teens on a volunteer basis. Jasmine is one of the newest additions to our youth group. I asked her if she wanted to share her love of writing with my readers and she happily agreed. I hope that you enjoy her post! Feel free to comment. -Read something great!
I've been writing since I could type. I started with these 5 page scripts with a thousands of misspelled words. As a little kid I would use my imagination to escape mentally, when I was bored or feeling lonely. I wanted to be a screen writer and I knew that writing my mini plays was a good start on this path. My first attempt to write a book was when I was in middle school. It was called My Best friends life, then I later change the title to One step at a time. As life went on, I lost interest in the story and left it alone. But my love of writing was rekindled, when I read the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Myer.
I have to give my "props" to her because she really got me into reading a lot of books and series. And a lot of people say in order to be a good writer you have to be a good reader, and vice versa. And I find that to be true. Last year, early in the school year, I started my new project Shattered Glass. It's about a girl, Alivia, dealing with depression. Shattered Glass is so much more personal to me because I entered my real life and feelings into this book. I really feel like Shattered Glass is the one that I'm going to publish.
-Jasmine Pearson, Aspiring writer.
I've been writing since I could type. I started with these 5 page scripts with a thousands of misspelled words. As a little kid I would use my imagination to escape mentally, when I was bored or feeling lonely. I wanted to be a screen writer and I knew that writing my mini plays was a good start on this path. My first attempt to write a book was when I was in middle school. It was called My Best friends life, then I later change the title to One step at a time. As life went on, I lost interest in the story and left it alone. But my love of writing was rekindled, when I read the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Myer.
I have to give my "props" to her because she really got me into reading a lot of books and series. And a lot of people say in order to be a good writer you have to be a good reader, and vice versa. And I find that to be true. Last year, early in the school year, I started my new project Shattered Glass. It's about a girl, Alivia, dealing with depression. Shattered Glass is so much more personal to me because I entered my real life and feelings into this book. I really feel like Shattered Glass is the one that I'm going to publish.
-Jasmine Pearson, Aspiring writer.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Back in the Swing of things...
As we get closer to the birds singing and the leaves blooming it's time to take a closer look at ourselves. Spring is a time of energy, refreshment and invigoration to clean out the old and bring in the new. I had a great experience today at Uptown Body, A fitness studio in Northville, MI. I realized that it is time to rise to new challenges with my health goals. Summer dresses and sandals automatically make me think of fitness classes and Lynn, the owner was gracious with me today as I stepped into uncharted territory.
Are you writing down any Spring resolutions? They are not just for the new year. Goals should be something that are on the forefront every season. It is a fresh time to evaluate the progress from the previous quarter and change what is needed so that success can be sure. I learned that I need to devote time to making myself healthier in diet and exercise so that I feel better but also to be a better example to my readers as well. I always feel as though it is important to take care of ourselves inside and out. I am now committed to a program that will allow me to do this in a great way. Do you take time out for yourself? How do you relax? What makes you feel accomplished? write it down. A goal written is a goal achieved.
So as we get back in the swing of things...take some time to smell the roses. We are having our 1st Annual Spring Seasonal Showcase on March 27th from 9:30-12:30. This is a great event to enjoy with the whole family. We will have free food, door prizes, demonstrations, vendors and more! Hope to see you at the Hampton Inn, Northville 20600 Haggerty Road. Be sure to enjoy the season that is creeping upon us and the benefits that it holds for you to accomplish your goals.
-Read something great
Monday, March 8, 2010
Guest Blog post from Megan Anne...
Don’t Stifle our Children: The Importance of Arts, Sports, Trades, and Specialized Classes in Schools
While doing some Quarter-Life Crisis-style pondering about my future, I realized something: The talents I fostered as a child are my strongest today. Think about it: What did you love to do as a kid? In what did you excel? That’s probably what you are doing now—or secretly wanting to do. Drew Brees, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey: all found their talents as children. For four easy steps you can take to foster growth in our children, please read the rest.
Give them opportunities to achieve, but don’t be a “Soccer dad” or “Pageant Mom”- My 5 year old Godson is becoming quite the renaissance kid: He’s enrolled in swimming, piano, and Spanish classes, and is enjoying them all. However, if it became overwhelming or if he was unhappy, I know his mom wouldn’t pressure him to continue—pressured children become stressed adults.
Find their gifts and help them develop them- Parents/guardians oftentimes can’t see their children’s gifts because they think that “all kids are like that,” but teachers/mentors deal with several different children and can see their gifts—or shortcomings—easily. For example, my Kindergarten teacher is the one who suggested I be tested for the Gifted program; Turns out, I was on a 7th grade reading level and
3rd grade math level!
Also, my 3rd grade teacher suggested I audition for the Talented in Theatre program, and my 4th grade teacher recommended me for a scholarship to a summer writing program (Write Camp) at the University of New Orleans. Funny, back then I thought going to Write Camp was a punishment…and here I am, a bloggerina.
Pay attention to what they like to do in their spare time- As a kid, I would read every magazine I could, cover-to-cover; Now, I’m a published author whose ultimate goal is to write for magazines and be the editor-in-chief of one. My best friend Erica liked to pretend she was a high-fashion model and would runway walk when giving presentations for class; Now she’s a highly recognizable model who has walked numerous runways, including during New York Fashion Week.
Support arts, sports, trades, and specialized classes in schools and communities- Many of the greats were once involved in school plays, church choirs, or neighborhood sports teams. It’s hard enough nowadays, having to pull kids away from video games and television; Without extra-curriculars, they often have no choice but to become slaves to machines. Numerous studies show us that children who participate in extra-curriculars are: less likely to engage in criminal activity, more disciplined, less prone to obesity, etc. Supporting these programs in schools and communities can often be as easy as attending an event or signing a petition. Think about it: Who would you rather have run our country?
Readers: What were your gifts as a child? Do you still nurture those gifts? What talents do you see in the kids that you know? Do you feel like video games have sucked the creativity and talent out of our children? We want to know! Please share below!
With a Child's Heart,
Megan Anne
--
www.momentswithmegan.com
While doing some Quarter-Life Crisis-style pondering about my future, I realized something: The talents I fostered as a child are my strongest today. Think about it: What did you love to do as a kid? In what did you excel? That’s probably what you are doing now—or secretly wanting to do. Drew Brees, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey: all found their talents as children. For four easy steps you can take to foster growth in our children, please read the rest.
Give them opportunities to achieve, but don’t be a “Soccer dad” or “Pageant Mom”- My 5 year old Godson is becoming quite the renaissance kid: He’s enrolled in swimming, piano, and Spanish classes, and is enjoying them all. However, if it became overwhelming or if he was unhappy, I know his mom wouldn’t pressure him to continue—pressured children become stressed adults.
Find their gifts and help them develop them- Parents/guardians oftentimes can’t see their children’s gifts because they think that “all kids are like that,” but teachers/mentors deal with several different children and can see their gifts—or shortcomings—easily. For example, my Kindergarten teacher is the one who suggested I be tested for the Gifted program; Turns out, I was on a 7th grade reading level and
3rd grade math level!
Also, my 3rd grade teacher suggested I audition for the Talented in Theatre program, and my 4th grade teacher recommended me for a scholarship to a summer writing program (Write Camp) at the University of New Orleans. Funny, back then I thought going to Write Camp was a punishment…and here I am, a bloggerina.
Pay attention to what they like to do in their spare time- As a kid, I would read every magazine I could, cover-to-cover; Now, I’m a published author whose ultimate goal is to write for magazines and be the editor-in-chief of one. My best friend Erica liked to pretend she was a high-fashion model and would runway walk when giving presentations for class; Now she’s a highly recognizable model who has walked numerous runways, including during New York Fashion Week.
Support arts, sports, trades, and specialized classes in schools and communities- Many of the greats were once involved in school plays, church choirs, or neighborhood sports teams. It’s hard enough nowadays, having to pull kids away from video games and television; Without extra-curriculars, they often have no choice but to become slaves to machines. Numerous studies show us that children who participate in extra-curriculars are: less likely to engage in criminal activity, more disciplined, less prone to obesity, etc. Supporting these programs in schools and communities can often be as easy as attending an event or signing a petition. Think about it: Who would you rather have run our country?
Readers: What were your gifts as a child? Do you still nurture those gifts? What talents do you see in the kids that you know? Do you feel like video games have sucked the creativity and talent out of our children? We want to know! Please share below!
With a Child's Heart,
Megan Anne
--
www.momentswithmegan.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Comfortable in your own skin...
Why is diversity an important topic for young people? This is a question that I am asked often at book signings and events. Many feel that we should not complicate kids with the worries of culture studies and race. I have been told that it is better to let them just be and ignore color. In a perfect world this sounds adequate. Our world is improving but it is far from perfect. Diversity is an important topic for young people because it teaches them to learn to embrace people different from themselves and to accept themselves as well.
When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin.
-Read something great!
When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin.
-Read something great!
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