Giving Thanks and Being Authentically You

Sharing with u what I have learned on my journey of living my best life, and a bit of love doesn't hurt. 

Trust in Gods Plan...Be Calm

I'm baaaaaack!!!!!!!

Click the video to hear what I decided!

(Day 13) Getting Unstuck: Finding your Self-Worth

We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves. -Malcolm X's

Soul Music and Love

I guess that's why they call it soul music because it touches your soul.  This is a pre-warning this post may get a little real so there may be cursing and some things that some may think I should have kept to myself but I'm an artist and I have to express myself and this is my Got damn blog so I can post whatever in the hell I want to post so that's what I'm going to do no matter how jumbled it is or how mean it may seem.  I'm hurting righting now.  I've prayed, I've screamed, I've sat in bed, I tried watching TV, I tried scrolling on fb, but all thats happening on there is sadness and another shooting of another black man this time in Baton Rouge, his name Alton Sterling. I prayed again for his family and all the families that have to be going through this ridicuouless and pray that I never feel the pain they feel.  Afterwards I decided to get up and try sewing (by the way I'm excited to show you all what I've created) but had to stop doing that because the flow and the ugly crying while serging brought me to my next love...writing.

Its funny that when you're in love music is the beautiful melody that writes the soundtrack of your love, when you're determined music gives you the fire to achieve your mission and when you're sad music is that soft pillow soaking up your tears.  Its also funny that when your personal relationship isn't going right everything reminds to of that person; food, places you go, and the words in the songs.
There is a 90's R/B singer by the name of Mona Lisa.  She had a song called You said.  I hear this song and it has so many meanings for me.  I believe this song was written because of her relationship with her Dad and I relate to it so much with a lot of the men in my life especially now.  When you give your heart to someone and you commit to spend your life with them there is a promise made.

You said you'd never leave me
On my own You said you'd never leave me All alone
You said you'd never leave me On my own

And I Never should have gave my heart
Should've never let you in my life
Gave my heart and soul and mind
And I Never thought that we'd be this way
Should've never started to believe things you said
How could you not communicate With me



I was told that I love hard, and I guess I do.  This next song that brought me to tears is Super Star by Floetry featuring Common.   There is one line in this song that I feel is one of the greatest sentences every created in life.  It goes, My love is honest and true and I can prove it babe. My love is.  Its the purest thing, and the greatest gift I can every give some one, and I shouldn't have to prove it you should know and you would know. To take advantage of that is a crime.




I'll end this with another of my favorites.  At the end she say sings this words that I like to say our my prayer to God so when I'm singing along with her I'm praying my heart out, and I'm leaving it to God because I know I'm going to be alright...

I'm gonna be around, 'cause I've got
God on my side
It's alright
Heavenly father hear my prayers
It's alright
'Cause I know your always with me
It's alright
You'll always be right here with me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm gonna
It's alright
Be alright, I'm gonna be alright
'Cause now I understand why you had to leave me
It's alright

The Reminder

In this life you can allow a lot of things to discourage you from working on things that are important to you and I must say I myself, can easily get caught up in everyday life and get overwhelmed and deter myself from my plans.

 This past weekend I participated in an overnight ladies night inn at The Hyatt Lodge McDonald Campus with my Just 4 Wives  (Real Wives of Chicago aka RWOC) group and it was very enlightening. I was reminded by my sister friend, Alice, that my story is not unique. That there are a lot of women out there just like me that would love to hear my story; that would love to hear how hard it was for me to wake up in the morning, go through it but still persevere;that it will make women feel like they are not alone.  At that moment I made a mental promise to myself that I would try harder to not get discouraged and shut down, that I will not worry about what others think and let my fears win, but at the same time I will do what I can, and show the love that I have for myself and require that love and respect back. We're in this together Goddesses, and I can assure u that we got this! Here's to the bad and good days! Love yourself!

Life

I haven't blogged in a while because it's been one thing after another these last 3 weeks, and not necessarily bad things. About a month ago, I believe I had a breakthrough. I'm not really sure what happened, maybe the weather started to be nicer. Whatever the reason is I REALLY (this time) realized how done I was with being upset, waiting on other people to do what they should do, and not thinking about my own needs, and I'm happy to say that 4 weeks later I'm still done, and I'm enjoying this process of enjoying my life more.

I enjoyed myself in New Orleans with my husband. I've been taking the time to thank him more, and taking steps back in these trying times to put myself in his shoes and validate him, although this is still in the beginning steps of the process, but I'm optimistic that this will improve on both our parts. I did have the stomach flu for a week, and was out of commission as much as a Mother of two rumbuteous boys can be out of commission. Then I turned around and got right back sick with a cold, or maybe its allergies? I don’t know I was sick :-)! I'm working on creations, prom dresses, and planning my next JS Creative Minds Vending and Networking event and I still haven't gotten word from North Western University, but I'm learning to Praise God while in my challenges, and worship him before my blessings come.  I  have figured out how to take things as they come, and pull the positive out of the majority of situations I encounter, and whatever else I don't encounter I'll deal with when I do, and I'm loving this moment.  Tell me, how are you doing?

Consistency

The word of the day is... Consistency

The word consistency is more and more making an appearance in my life. I'm finding myself getting upset not only with with people around me, including my husband but also with myself in my relationship with my kids, my business, and my marriage.

 We all know that children are sponges and they are watching us. So we have to set positive examples for them. We can't expect big things from them if we're not providing a consistent example of what big things are.

I'm also realizing that I need to be more consistent in my business. This consistency determines how successful I am. I'm currently working on being more active with blogging and having more interaction with fans and supporters on social media. Becoming more proactive on my email listing, and creating more merchandise. This is all an effort in trying to achieve my goal of becoming more consistent, hence becoming more successful in my business.

I'm also making more of an effort to be consistent in

Isn't Marriage spelled wrong;-/

my marriage by not being so focused on the things that are going wrong but being more encouraging, showing acknowledgment, and creating more opportunities for intimacy.

Being consistent is very important in all relationships if we can push ourselves more and show that we care more I believe we'll all be consistently happy. :-)

The Ring?

Walking my son to school I have had several conversations about my wedding ring set with the school crossing guard. She notices when I have my rings on, she notices when I don't have my rings on; mind you my rings are not big at all. In fact combined they're probably about a total of 1 carat maybe one and a half but that's over the entire set.

My husband and I have been married going on 10 years this year, and I only recently started taking my rings off when I'm mad at him, but before the last 6 months or so.  I've only taken my rings off because they are tight, and even when my fingers are swollen I still kept them on which causes cuts, and discomfort with makes me have to take them off so that my finger can heal.

The crossing guard tells me that it shouldn't matter how the rings look what matters is that your husband gave it to you which I agree with her about, but at the same time this is a piece of jewelry that you will see on your finger for a lifetime and you should love it not only for sentimental value but in the physical appearance. Don't get me wrong my set is what I wore when I promised my commitment to my husband before God and I love the set for what it represents but when I was hinting to my husband the kind of rings I wanted by obviously leaving rings on computer screens, and leaving printouts around the house, and telling him how pretty certain rings were; he totally went got me something that I would not pick for myself which is good in some cases... Let's just say that I've grown to love wedding set.

Anyways, after having multiple conversations with the crossing guard I have realized that many people in this world believe that it's all about the ring and getting proposed to.  If my boyfriend proposes to me I'm going to be happy for life and that's just not the case. Finding someone who is willing in to put your needs ahead of his own, someone who would do any and everything for you, and the family the both of you plan on creating, someone who will make you his world even if that means that he needs to push himself in order to make you happy, having the one who is a good communicator.  If you find someone to do these things then that is the world! Yes, Beyonce's song "should've put a ring on it" is very catchy, but it is not the whole story. What do you think? Is the ring everything?

Happy Real Year

This is going to probably be the realest post that I have ever done, and I admit cause I have partaken in the drinking of 5 bottles of spirits this New Years Eve, and yes I am an Entrepreneur professional, but I am also a human being and I am an artist, and so much more, and I have a couple things to get off of my chest.   I am absolutely determined to not go into the new year with BS from anyone which includes my family.  Why is it freaking New Years and instead of my Husband walking to me and giving me a new years kiss he is screaming at me to come here, and because I don't get up he just sits back down?  Whatever happened to fighting for what you love, or going after what you want?  Especially since your wife has pointed out a few things that she would like you for you to work on, and you have agreed that you need to.  Yes, I could of gotten out of my deep seating couch sectional experience and simply gotten up as was requested of me.  However, I have said time, and time again after cooking a full turkey, dressing, baked macaroni, and collard greens, ham, and sweet potatoes meal all by myself for Thanksgiving and Christmas that I wasn't doing anything but sitting on my ass for new years, and thats exactly what I was going to do.  Excuse me, MF!  I'm tired too!  Why do I have to always meet your ass half way, 3/4 of the way or all the way?  Can you do something on your own for fucking once?  Yeah, yeah, anybody that knows me is probably shaking their heads right now, and calling me all types of hypocrite, and Te, thats not how a marriage is supposed to me. Shawnte you're not supposed to put you marriage out there like that, but you know what who's there for me right now to vent to about this MF? Nobody! So this is what I'm doing to  make myself feel better about this asswhole.  Deal with it!  The mission of my business is to make women feel like they are worthy of being worshiped.  To think about themselves for change, self care!  Care for your loved ones around you; nurture them, love on them, but also don't forget to do the same for yourselves, and sometimes you just have to vent, and right now I'm doing just that.  This is my mission for my business, because this is what I'm passionate about its something that I also want for my life, for myself.  Maybe I'm wrong talking about my not knowing how to handle his liquor husband, but this is what makes me feel good at this moment, and him, and anyone else that doesn't like it can kiss my you know what!

This is a great way to start the new year, but to make it positive here's to standing up for myself, and working towards filling my empty cup! Happy New Year!!!

This Moment

I'm back!!!!!! I promise I won't write this post, and not see you again for another 2 years.  I've learned that writing or reading is needed in my life in order for me to feel like me so, I'm determined to write, but at the same time not feel overwhelmed and pressured by it.

So anyways...

There is so much going on that I don't even know where to start!  Let me just start with the moment...(be more in the moment it helps)

Have you ever wanted to prove something to other people, (and yourself) so bad that you develop tunnel vision and you can't see anything else?

Well, I decided after designing for 15 years and not doing a fashion show of my own, that I was going to make it happen come Spring, but today I just realized I just have to much going on!

1. I'm working on strengthening my relationship with God. I've found a church with Pastors that I adore, and I've joined a bible study with my Just 4 Wives group aka Real Wives of Chicago Sisters, and because of the wonderful movie, War Room, I'm developing my own prayer closet/prayer book. 
2. I recently finished taking a class with a Chamber of commerce retail pilot program that helps Entrepreneurs with resources to open their own storefronts.  Although I'm finish with the class, I still have work to do in making this happen; like networking, scouting locations, working on my inventory, keeping in contact with current clients, trying to get new clients, etc., and did I mention that I just changed the name of my business from The Isis Collections to Enchante and there's so much I have to update, and re-register with the name change.
   
3. I recently applied to graduate school. Hopefully I get accepted (Pray that I get accepted Gods & Goddesses), and if I do I'll be starting September 2016, but there are 2 prerequisite classes I'll need to take before I start. 
4. My oldest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him.
5. My youngest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him, as well as potty train him, and get him ready and registered to start school in September 2016. 
6. Last but not least I have a husband that is starving for my attention, and I have to make a way to give it to him as well.
7. One more thing, I have to not forget about me, and take care of myself.  Do things that I want to do.  Relax!  Relate!  Release!

So because of all of this, I've decided since I'm getting closer to getting my storefront location, I will just wait until my grand opening and have a fashion show then.  I know many of you, I have reached out to because I wanted you to be apart of my fashion show, and I still want to be apart of it, but it won't be happening in Spring.  I promise I'll keep you updated.  Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and cancel things before they turn how to be a problem.

FREE or am I?

So, its #freefrom5yearoldweekend, and I wake up this morning with the house quiet, my uninterrupted dreams settling, not a gigle, not a cartoon, not a repreminding stop, or running, or heavy walking from my husband, and I'm like what do I do?  At serene moments like this in the past, BKAH (Before kids and husband) I would write, so thats what I'm doing (WARNING: THIS WILL BE A LONG POST.).  My last post has been over a year and my have things changed, but some things have stayed the same.

For starters, my son is well adjusted in a new school, with a great patient teacher that I believe takes her time to listen to the kids.  I know he has his days when he's a bit much, but that expected from 4 - 5year olds.  My husband did loose his job, which has been a very challenging experience for us, but I have to feel that the end of this experience is drawing near, and did I tell you all that I'm expecting?  6 months, 1 week and 5 days, Oh yes the count down has begun!

My Mountain of a stomach at the bottom of the pic.  My son holding the Blue bumble bee and mirror.  He said the baby wants to listen to music and look at himself in the mirror, lol.

I have been so sick with this pregnancy with nausea, ER trips, smells, pelvic pains, etc, I swear once I have this baby (TéShawn, the pronunciation of my name Shawnté backwards :-)) out, no Doctor or Nurse will be able to stop me from doing car wheels down the hallways of the triage! Oh, and I can't wait to get that first glass of wine, or a Strawberry MARGARITA!!!!!!  Ok, moving on, The Isis Collections is still going strong, however I have shut down my website.  It was just to  hard trying to reconstruct it with everything that's going on. I just decided to save money, and start on it again when things are more settled.  However, I still have contact with customers via facebook, phone (773-988-5781), and email.

So I believe, I've caught you up, on with the present.  Yesterday, my son left for his first sleep over.  My wonderful SIL and BIL were courageous enough to take on the responsibility of adding one more crazy child to their 2, and I am lost with emptiness, but doing my happy dance at the same time. I so appreciate them, and wish them all the luck in  the world, LOL!

So, rather than sleep (which I should be doing) I'm trying to take advantage of the absolutely very rare occasion and take some much needed time with my hubby.  Last night we went to the Shrine,

to support a good friend of mind Adad (Rapper) aka Demetrius (cannot call him by his stage name, just doesn't sound right.  I mean we met working at Bloomingdale, lol.) who performed before Raekwon of the Wu tang.  Needless to say Demetruis was GREAT as usual (love) the socks), but Raekwon I did not see, because my entire back area started screaming out in pain, from standing up so long, and protecting my belly from all of the pushy people.  Yes, I know I should not have been their at the concert, but I had to go support, especially on a rare occasion of not having my child with me, not having to rush back to him, and actually having the means to go out somewhere!  Thanks again Demetrius for putting us on the list!  We ended the night by getting some Good ol' Harolds Chicken at 1am, and crashing.

I don't know if it was my hormones, or if it was the unfamiliarity of us going out on a date, or the whole I got you already, I don't need to do much more that made my husband not act like we was on a date, but tonight we're going to work on that when we finally go see Tempation.  Wish us luck Gods & Goddesses!  Have  a great weekend, cause I will. Its #freefrom5yearoldweekend!!!!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday (Model of a Good Wife)

Today, I'm Thankful for poetry, words, the Bible.  They have pulled me out of the ugliest of moods, helped me through cheating boyfriends, and my own manic thoughts.  I wanted to share these words with you.

Model of a Good Wife...

She takes care of her home and runs it well.  She knows how to buy and sell and make wise investments.  She keeps herself healthy and strong and dresses attractively.  She works diligently and has skills which are marketable.  She is giving and conscientiously prepares for the future.  She contributes to her husband's good reputation.  She is strong, solid honorable, and not afraid of growing older.  She speaks wisely and kindly.  She doesn't sit around doing nothing, but carefully watches what goes around in her home.  Her children and her husband praise her.  She doesn't rely on charm and beauty, but knows that the fear of the Lord is what is most attractive.  She supports her husband and still has a fruitful life of her own which speaks loudly for itself.  (Proverbs 31)

Music Monday (Changes)

Good Morning Gods & Goddesses!I've missed you all!  I took a whole week off.  It started off Unintentional, then it ended Intentional.  I was sick as a dog, as my Grandma would say in the beginning of the week, then towards the end I just decided to take some time for me, and not be worried about what needs to be done.  I'm sure you all can understand that. 

Working on yourself, your marriage, nurturing children, and sometimes even carrying the weight of the world cause I think I'm superwoman can take it out of you some times, but with all good things, you know there was lots of changes to make them good. 

I'm slowing it down this Music Monday.  It's good to have fun, and dance around, but sometimes we need to take a step back, look at our lives for what it really is, and make some changes.  Have a great week everyone!

Pull It Together Tuesday!

You ever get in the mood where you're tired of complaining, tired of talking?  Well, thats where I'm at.  This week, I'm not only continueing potty training, and updating my client listing, and merchandise, taking Easter photos, doing photo shoots, and preparing for an Easter feast, but this weekend I'm so focusing on my husband.  Pray for me, and let me know what you need to pull together!

Thankful Thursday (Day 3 of Potty Training Bootcamp)

Today is Day 3 of Potty Training Boot Camp.  I woke up a little tired, and not wanting to get out of the bed, partly because I was missing my husband.  He took a few days off of work, and its been good having another adult in the house do pick up a little slack around the house.  Also because he was here, and we were so tired form having 2 shows this weekend, I've totally neglected the house and have not cleaned one thing.  So today this Thankful Thursday I'm thankful that the entire house is vacuumed, floors have been swepped and mopped.  Several spots have been dusted or wiped with my favorite clorox wipes.  The stove has been cleaned, counters have been washed of all cooking grease, dishes washed, we've been fed breakfast and lunch, fb, and twitter status have been updated, all the merchandise I have so far has been added to the website, a list of future task have been created, and best of all my son DID #2 IN THE POTTY AGAIN TODAY, YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND ALL OF THIS BEFORE NOON!  THANK YOU GOD!!!!!



This is our potty & nice board, when my son tells anyone that he has to potty and he actually goes and does it he gets a sticker.  Smiley face for #1's Apple for #2's.  Everyone else on the board gets stickers when they've been exceptionally nice!  No one so far, lol. 



PULL IT TOGETHER TUESDAY / HOT TOPIC TUESDAY!

Well I'll have a lot to pull together for the next couple of weeks!  I'm busy preparing for a Vintage Clothing & Accessories show in Grayslake, IL as well as a Bridal Expo, and I not only have new Jewelry to create, but I have to complete new hair pieces to be modeled by Ms. Deveraux of course, and scarves to make! 

However, today, I'm taking a break and going to the Doctor with a good friend of mines.  She's pregnant with twins, making her a mommy of 5 and I just want to support her in any way I can!  Then we're going out for lunch, and after that I'll go wherever the Lord takes me. 

So, because of this I needed to post my blogs and fb statuses ahead of time so that I can give her and the twins, my full attention! 

Usually when I'm in a good mood, I always think about my Wedding day, and today I wanted to share with you all my blog for The Real Wives of Chicago Blog:

What did you do after your ceremony?  Did you go on a honeymoon?  If so, where?  Do you have plans for a second Honeymoon?

Dunn River in Ochos Rios, Jamaica

Wordless Wednesday (Love)

Front

Inside

I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but I have to explain.  This is the best birthday card, that my husband has ever given me.  He gave it to me at the right time.  Ladies, you know how you talk to your partner, and you began to learn that he's not really listening?  Well this card told me that he was listening, and that's what makes it so great!

Pull It Together Tuesday!

I'm feeling a bit confident today.  I'm feeling like my husband and I are on the path of being on the same page.  I only have one more large project of emailing all my contacts for information on booking this years Art & Craft shows and festivals, so therefore that will free up my time to read more, play more, and take my son on field trips.  All though at least that last part of taking my son on field trips definetly won't happen with all this snow we have coming this week.

So I'm feeling good like my theme song this year by Nina Simone.  Now if I can only get a few more Jewelry parties booked, I'll be A-Ok for this Pull it Together Tuesday!

Pull It Together Tuesday (Major Venting!)

I recently posted on my, personal  FB status that it frustrates me extremely when I vent to someone and they don't respond back to me with questions, answers, some type of input or, feedback whatever the case need be. So rather then talk to someone and frustrate myself further with these people I thought I would share with u all.

I have been counting down to this week, to this moment, when I officially become a work from home mom. I was ready to pursue my business ideas, that will hopefully help it to prosper. Ready to get back an inkling of the woman that my husband fell in love with, full if surprises, energy and love. I was ready for teaching my son any and everything I can possible teach him, I was ready to strengthen my relationships, but most of all I was ready TO HAVE SOME TIME FOR ME, MYSELF AND I!!!!!!!!

• So far I've sent out 3 of about 50 emails I have to send to organizations asking about their shows and festivals for my event calender.
• I've sent out 0 of the 3 emails I have to send to my customers. (Winter Newsletter, Clearance sale, Book A Jewelry party).
• However, I am up to date on The Isis Collections blog and fan page, and the Real Wives of Chicago Blog and fan pages
• I have not listed any of my new jewelry creations on the website.
• I haven't made any fantastic dinner recipes yet.
• Have not scheduled one date night yet.
• I have made reservations for my sons Birthday Extravaganza, but have failed to do any of the other daily activities I've wanted to do with him.
• Have not made any dates with my friends yet
• I have not scheduled my spa date yet!
• and to top it all off the very job that I am no longer an employee at.  I have been there for the last 2 days, and will becoming back tomorrow to get even more stressed out! Ugghhhh!!!

I know, I know its only been 2 days it'll get better, and I have a lot more days full of relaxation, love, and success, but for now I have a huge headache and cards to type up at work.  I'll pull it together...one day.

It's Fine Jewelry Friday!!!!!

Happy Fine Jewelry Friday!


This weekend we will continue with our 25 days til Christmas sale. Items are up to 50% off, and when you become a member of our site here, you get 25% off all Custom orders until December 31, 2010!

Our bigger seller for the last couple of weeks RINGS!!!! No worries more will come back into stock this weekend! We have small ones, exaggerated ones, Butterflies, flowers, and more!  Perfect for that special person in your lives that love fine, sparkling things.

Also this weekend, we’ll, hopefully finish up some Christmas shopping. I’ve finally decided what to get my husband, and hopefully he’ll love it! Tonight is date night, so Margaritas will be flowing!

Have a great weekend Gods & Goddesses!