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Join me in my daily walk through the joys and struggles of parenthood. Share a word of encouragement or be encouraged. Cry a little, laugh a lot, but know it is all in divine order.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Wordless Wednesday - National Poetry Month

Photo Credit: National Day Calendar
 

April is National Poetry Month. Celebrate the rhythm and cadence of words blended together into a creation of poetry.

How will you celebrate? Poets.org lists 30 ways to celebrate. Here are 3 from their list:

1.  Check out an eBook of poetry from your local library.

2.  Take a socially safe walk and write a poem outside.

3.  Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Muffins with Mom – The Motivation, Inspiration and Perspiration of Parenting

 


The call came at the end of my workday, my sons picture flashed on the screen of my cell phone. I answered quickly as I was packing up to head home. His voice had a joyful tone as he said, “Guess what Ma? I’ve got good news.”

“Save me from guessing, and just tell me your news.”

“I’m graduating May…”

I dropped the phone and started jumping and shouting. My moves were a combination of praise dancing, jumping rope, and playing hopscotch. I bounced from my back office, past a conference room, a copy machine, and another office; To say I was excited would be an understatement.

Perspiration was forming on my forehead, inspiration was in my heart, and I knew that motivation was driving my son to see light at the end of the tunnel. After several years in college and spending time at three different colleges, he now had a graduation date. I didn’t learn of the date right away because I dropped the phone in excitement.

When a child achieves a milestone accomplishment it is a proud parenting moment. Although every achievement is worth celebrating, the big ones bring an abundance of joy for parent and child. A flood of memories poured out. There was the time my son played Wide Receiver on a little league football team and scored his first touchdown.

In high school, as my son ran down the football field, or scored points from the free throw line in basketball, I cheered. I enjoyed yelling from the stands as much as he enjoyed the adrenaline of running with a ball. His perspiration came from tense moments in the game, and so did mine.

Each time my son experienced a setback, I attempted to say a word to motivate him to keep pushing forward. We journeyed through little league, AAU sports, a high school basketball championship, and finally college. On days when I felt like I didn’t have the energy to motivate or encourage, I handed off the baton.

Running in the game of life sometimes felt like being on track relay team. Four runners are positioned around the track, one begins running then hands the baton to the next person to take over. Sometimes a runner would fall behind, causing the last runner to push harder to the finish line. Those moments when I felt exhausted and depleted, I handed off the baton.

Motivation, inspiration, and perspiration are a part of my parenting journey in some way. You may have other words to describe the journey. No matter what descriptive words you use, know that you have made an impact in your child’s life. It’s alright to feel tired and unmotivated at times, rest, take a breather, and get back in the game. You matter.

Friday, March 26, 2021

Fun Friday – Guided Meditation an Epic Fail

 


How do you begin your morning? I’ve mentioned here before that I’ve started practicing morning meditation…and I’m still practicing. After several months you would think I have it down to an art. Perhaps I should not have deviated from what became a routine – listening to the same guided meditation.

I was in the mood to try something different. After a quick Google search, I found a new meditation to try. My room was quiet and still, the only light on was a small bedside lamp. I got myself situated and pressed a button on my laptop to begin the session.

The slow soothing voice said, “take a comfortable seated position on the floor, legs crossed.”

The picture on my computer screen displayed a woman sitting crossed legged, with one foot resting on each thigh. She’s telling me to, “relax…and breathe.”

Meanwhile, I’m struggling to put my second foot on top of my thigh…as the woman looks peaceful. I yelled back at her, “do you know how large my thighs are? My legs won’t twist like that.”

Her response was, “deep breathe in…and exhale.”

I took a deep breath in, but blowing it out was more segmented, the way I learned in Lamaze class decades ago – he-he-hoo; he-he-hoo. This didn’t feel like relaxing to me. Then I realized I had my glasses on with my eyes closed. I took the glasses off, took my legs out of pretzel pose and found a variation of the pose the woman demonstrated in the still photo.

After getting myself worked-up for the first five minutes, I let my body relax and focus the stillness of the room and the soothing words. I needed to exercise patience and understand that over time, it will become easier.

Although my meditation session felt like an epic fail, I know that anything worth doing well requires patience and tenacity. If you’re starting something new, have patience, stick with it; the results will be worth it.

What is something new that you have done lately?

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Wordless Wednesday - Celebrate Spring

 "Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is." - Country Living Magazine


"Where flowers bloom, so does hope." - Lady Bird Johnson


Celebrate spring by absorbing your surroundings. Take a walk through a natural area, ride your bike along a trail, and stop to smell the flowers.

How will you celebrate spring?

Friday, March 19, 2021

Fun Friday – How do you follow your passion?

 


What is your passion and where does it take you? People around me know that I don’t leave home without a notebook and an ink pen. If you’re a passenger in my car, you may be asked to jot down a thought for me…can’t let those nuggets of inspiration disappear. Writing is my passion, it follows me.

Over a decade ago, I attended a birthday party for a friend’s aunt, at the aunt’s home. As my sons and I pulled into the circular drive, I thought wow, this is nice. As I stepped into the foyer and walked through to the living room, I was captivated. There was a large open living room, with a Florida room attached.

I looked up, and in the corner of the room was a narrow winding staircase that led to a small loft area. Like a kid in a candy store, I said, “Oooh, can I go up there?” Once I was at the top of the staircase, I was drawn to a corner of the room that held a four-shelf bookcase and a desk with a tall floor lamp beside it.

I yelled down to the party host, “You don’t have to entertain me, I’ll stay up here and write.”

Afraid that I wouldn’t be invited back, I rejoined the celebration instead of giving in to the urge to be anti-social by spending time with my muse.

As we got in our car to leave, my son whispered to me, “Ma, are they rich?”

“I don’t know, but I really liked their library area.”

My passion for writing and writing spaces, seems to follow me wherever I go. A few years ago, when I first visited the college campus that my son attends, I walked around in awe. One particular building caught my attention. It was a huge, historic brick building, surrounded by willow trees, and a couple of park benches along the walkway.

Walking with my son, I said, “ooooh…”

Before I could complete my sentence he said, “Don’t tell me…this would make a good writing spot.”

“Yes.”

“Ma, please don’t randomly show up on campus. This is why I wanted to go to school out of state.”

I did not randomly show up at my son school, but I do follow my passion by taking advantage of stolen moments to spend time writing.

I encourage you too, to take advantage of stolen moments to pursue your passion. Your passion may include exploring areas that spark your interest. The timing doesn’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to make huge sacrifices, but do something for you.

How will you follow your passion?

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Wordless Wednesday - 3 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day


Happy St. Patrick's Day. This is a day that celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish. However, many people in the United States love to celebrate as well. Here are 5 ways to celebrate:

1.  Stir up a treat - have you ever made Green Vevet Cupcakes? Try this yummy recipe.

Photo Credit: lovefromtheoven

2.  Make a Shamrock Shake

Photo credit: Better Homes and Garden

3.  Watch s movie related to Ireland - here are two to check out - Leap Year, and Ella Enchanted.

Photo Credit: Roger Ebert


Photo Credit:Amazon

If you attended a school where one of your school colors was Green, you are super cool today. Leave the name of your school in the comments for a chance to win a green prize. Follow me on Instagram (writermama223) or Twitter (@angelaverges) for an additional chance to win.

How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day?


Monday, March 15, 2021

Motivational Monday – A Prescription for Happiness



Have you cracked the code? No, I’m not speaking of the DaVinci Code, but what I’m referring to does require consistency. The code I reference is – the secret to happiness. Happiness is defined as the state of being happy; contentment, pleasure, satisfaction, and cheerfulness are included in this definition.

Some people have said that there are three types of happiness – pleasure, passion, and purpose.  How would you complete the statement, Happiness is…..

What does your prescription for happiness look like? Here are 3 Tips.

1.      Be true to yourself – indulge in things that bring you joy.

2.      Be spontaneous – we sometimes become rigid and feel we must do things the way we’ve always done them. If only occasionally, break from your routine.

3.      Be happy anyway – Psychology Today says, “when you’re kind, people might be thankless. Forgive them and be kind anyway.” I’d add to this happiness quotient - have an attitude of gratitude for what you have right now.

For a prescription to be effective it must be taken regularly. Take your happiness tips, grind them up, digest them daily, and be consistent. If your prescription begins to run low, submit it for a refill.

Your refill prescription can be in the form of doing things that include the word happy.

1.      Watch the movie Happy Gilmore (starring Adam Sandler).

2.      Listen to the song Don’t Worry Be Happy (Pharrell Williams).

3.      Read a book with the word happy in the title. I have a forthcoming Book – Laughter H.E.L.P.S. – A Happier, Healthier, You. In the meantime, choose a self-help book, a work of fiction, or something else, and hop on the road to happiness.



What would you include in a prescription for happiness? 

Friday, March 12, 2021

Fun Friday – National Reading Month – 5 Ways to Celebrate

 

Books on my reading list

Are you a bibliophile? Do you have a love for reading? March is Reading Month, and a great time to surround yourself with books, and add to your “To Be Read” list. How will you celebrate?

5 Ways to celebrate National Reading Month:

1.      Attend a virtual book festival – this is a good way to discover new authors. Some of them are also interactive, with polls to answer, a spinning wheel with prizes, and author readings.

2.      D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) – in the olden days (a couple of decades ago) when I was a substitute teacher; there was a day dedicated to D.E.A.R. in the elementary schools. Who’s to say we can’t do this as an adult? Choose a day this week and drop everything and read. Tell your family you’re going “relaxing” even if it’s for a short while.

3.      Swap a book with a friend – do you have a book that you really enjoyed, and you’re willing to part with it (temporarily).

4.      Give a book to a child – spread the joy of reading.

5.      Rearrange your bookshelf and donate some of your books – decide which books you no longer need and you’re willing to part with.


A heavy bookshelf in need of rearranging

Here are a few book quotes to get you in the mood for reading:

1.      “If you want t hear a sound of happiness, turn the page of a book.”

2.      “Make books a part of your day, and they will make happiness a part of your life.”

3.      “Life is lighter with a heavy bookshelf.”

WWhat book or books are you currently reading? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a book from my bookshelf. Add a picture of the book for two chances to win (books will be shipped within the United States).

Monday, March 8, 2021

Motivational Monday – International Women’s Day

 


Photo Credit: Office Holidays

International Women’s Day, celebrated March 8th is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. This is a great time to celebrate women’s achievements and applaud equality. Can you think of a woman who has excelled in business, as an athlete, in creative areas, or some other area? Give her a shout-out, kudos, a word of support.

As a way to celebrate International Women’s Day show your support for three women you know. Here’s how:

1.      If you know an author – purchase her book for yourself or for a friend, write a review, post on social media about the book.

2.      Support a woman small business owner – share something you like about the business or the person, on social media.

3.      Attend a virtual event of someone you know.

Begin local, then expand your reach. Each of us may know a woman in our circle of friends and associates who is doing something worth sharing with others. Encourage her. Here is a list of 5 women I would like to highlight. There are many more, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll mention 5 today.

1.      Sylvia Hubbard-Hutula – Founder of Motown Writer’s & Michigan Literary Network

Check out Sylvia's YouTube Channel and subscribe

2.      LeighAnn Lord – Comedian, Author, and Podcaster. 

Check out LeighAnn's DryBar Comedy Special here

3.      Rennette Gordon – Activate Your Great & Business Radio


Rennette Coaches, Encourages & Uplifts Women Entrepreneurs
Follow Rennette on LinkedIn

4.      Susan Sparks – Preacher, Comedian, Autor, Nationally Syndicated Columnist


Check out Susan's books on Amazon

5.      Adriene Hagood – A-Train’s Superfit – owner and fitness coach



None of these ladies knew they were being featured today. Surprise! I hope this encourages your endeavors in some way.

Your voice matters. Celebrate International Women’s Day and celebrate your accomplishments.

Friday, March 5, 2021

Fun Friday – Dancing in the streets

 


Have you been sitting in front of a screen a lot lately? You’re so popular that everyone wants you to attend their virtual event. You have been sitting long enough, it’s time to get up and get moving. Don’t let the pandemic push you into a corner of seclusion.

One sunny day in the middle of winter, and in the middle of a pandemic, it was my birthday. I didn’t have any travel plans, I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant, so I did what I do best, created my own fun. Like songstress Patti LaBelle sang, I got a New Attitude – from my head to my shoes.

Patti LaBelle New Attitude

My new attitude consisted of a new dress, new hairstyle, and new magnetic eyelashes (that I didn’t know how to use). I told my son, “Grab that camera of yours, we’re going on a photo shoot.”

It was fun playing dress-up to go nowhere, except to an area near our house and take photos. Like any budding photographer, my son said, “Come over here, this would make a nice shot.” Somehow we ended up in the middle of the street taking photos (do this at your own risk, be careful).

After a few minutes, my other son arrived on the scene with music playing from his phone. Have you ever heard a song come on the radio, or through a loudspeaker, and you immediately begin to bob your head? Your shoulders join the movement, your arms begin to sway, within seconds you’re dancing like you’re on a dance show.

It happened to me, in the middle of a quiet street as my son blasted the song Brick House by The Commodores. Music is my happy place; I began Dancing in the streets (another song). My son the influencer began chanting, “Go mama, go mama.” So, I kept going, dancing, and he joined in.

The Commodores Brick House

Little things can brighten your day. Dancing in the streets may not be your idea of fun. Punch up your music and dance on the porch or boogie in your backyard. Create a happy place.



During this pandemic and going forward, find your happy place and go there often. When you have time check out the songs I’ve listed and get your body moving.


Martha and The Vandellas - Dancing in the Street

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Words of Wisdom – Laughter H.E.L.P.S. – A Happier, Healthier, You

 


Did you know that laughter improves your mood, and reduces the stress response? This is one of the many reasons why I recommend a dose of laughter every day. Include laughter as part of your self-care.

Speaking of self-care…I promised to reveal the cover of my forthcoming eBook:

Laughter H.E.L.P.S. - A Happier, Healthier, You

Without further ado…here it..is…


Inspiration, Self-care, Humor

Share a comment about something that made you laugh recently.

Monday, March 1, 2021

Motivational Monday – A Lighthouse of Encouragement

 

Photo Credit: Independent Institute

A tower with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators – that is the definition of a lighthouse. There was no lighthouse in sight on the steamy August night with the sky blanketed in darkness. No streetlights, no porch lights, only people walking with the flashlight from their phones to guide them. There was a blackout.

The week was going well in the gated community where no cars were allowed. It was my first time at the week-long writer’s workshop ten years ago. I met people that I now call friends. Our living quarters were historic homes that reminded me of a bed and breakfast. Some houses had wraparound porches, a picket fence, and a quaint living room.

It was past dinnertime when I settled in to read over my workshop notes. The bedside lamp silently went dark. I peeked out of my third-floor window; everything was pitch black. I stepped into the narrow hallway as the two other occupants of my floor did the same. We chatted a moment.

“There’s a power outage. I received a text saying there is electricity at a couple of buildings near the front of the community,” One woman shared.”

“Thanks, I may head that way.”

I grabbed my phone and a pillow and began my half mile journey toward the front of the quaint village. I’d never been in a blackout before; I took tentative, slow steps because I couldn’t see anything that was more than two feet in front of me. A lighthouse was needed to guide me in the right directions.

After walking a few blocks, I hear a voice near me, “It’s really dark out here, are you headed to the annex building?”

“Yes, let’s walk together.”

That was the day I met Mary Louise. We chatted about how much we were learning at the workshop. We learned about things we have in common, such as being directionally challenged.

“Do you think we can find our way out of the darkness and into the light?” We laughed, took baby steps, and followed others walking toward the well-lit, airconditioned building. We found encouragement in each other’s company. Throughout the rest of the workshop, we were like a child with a new best friend.

“Let’s sit together during lunch tomorrow,” Mary Louise said.

We shared mealtimes, met up after class sessions, and learned our way around the community (by the end of the week). I knew I had to pass the big yellow house with the lace curtains in the window, to get to my living quarters.

Mary Louise and I encouraged each other during the week, and we’ve kept in contact over the past ten years. She is now a published author. Her children’s book is TheWind Called My Name, by Mary Louise Sanchez.



Be a lighthouse of encouragement to someone. Let your powerful light shine wherever you go. You may be the inspiration someone needs at that moment.