I'M A STUDENT!!!!

A couple of months ago I blogged about troubles, because I had received word that I once again was not accepted into a school that I applied for.  This was the 5th School!  I was really upset and I was sort of discouraged, but still determined to see if I can actually make my dream of becoming a therapist come true. Northwestern University was the closest school that I got to actually making it.  I made it to the final round. Out of 200 something applicants I was a part of the 70 something people that actually got an interview and I was proud of that. I was thinking,  what if this actually happens?  When it didn't happen my world was kind of turned upside down. I was thinking why would God put being a therapist on my heart for the last 10 years for it to not happen?  What is the lesson in this? That question was not settling with me so that's why I was determined to just keep going and see what happened. So I did my research and I found one more school that had my program.  I saw that it was an online program and I talked to God.  I said, "is this what you're telling me?  Are you telling me that I need to go to school online because my life is crazy right now?  I mean how would I actually be able to handle going to class in this life and studying?  Is this what you want me to do?  You want me to go to school online?  I imagined him saying,  "Go for it!" (Or maybe I heard him for real ;-)

So that's what I did and now I am happy to announce that I am now a graduate student of North Central University in the Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I was so excited to get that acceptance letter all I could do was get down on my knees and praise God literally. So far I'm in my first week of class and I've done three assignments and everything is smooth sailing (besides a hiccup with fingerprinting).  Financial aid has been all taken care of.  I've spoken to my advisor several times.  Communication is great, and I will meet my instructor via Skype tomorrow morning Everything is great!

You might say what is happening with an Enchanté?  I would say that's a great question.  Enchanté is not going anywhere.  The fact that I am becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist will only add to the success of on Enchanté. Enchanté is all about empowering women to believe in themselves, know their worth, carry themselves with dignity and integrity, and demand for the world to worship them and be encouraged to take care of themselves within.  Being an MFT will help aid me with the work that I can do in the community that Enchanté will be affiliated with. I have so many ideas for on Enchanté and I am so excited to see it on unfold.

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!

Tattoo

I've been wanting to get a few tattoos for a long time, but I haven't done it for a variety of reasons.  I've spent a lot of time trying to convince  my Husband to get his 1st tattoo with me, but it just hasn't happened (It will though).  This past weekend some good friends of mines decided to have a ladies night at the tattoo shop, and it was sooooo much fun.

I was a little nervous because I got my last tattoo about 16 years ago, so I was scared of the pain, but I pushed through it with the help of my girls.  My tattoo is the 1st one below.  I wanted to get this Arthur Ashe quote because it empowers me, its my mojo, and I wanted it to be somewhere I can see it as a constant reminder.  I have anxiety issues, and at times very overwhelmed so having this reminder is a huge help for me.  In addition I got a semicolon butterfly.  The butterfly represents transformation, freedom, grace, and growth, and the semicolon represents Project Semicolon born from a 2013 social media movement.  The movement is dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who struggle with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury.  It encourages love, and inspiration.  The actual semicolon symbol is used when a writer could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to.  The writer is you and the sentence is your life; chose not to end it...Today people all over the world are tattooing this mark as a reminder of their struggles, victories and survival, and I want to do just that.  Getting this tattoo is absolutely the best tattoo for me, because I know that God has so much in store for my present and future.

My Arthur Ashe quote w/semicolon butterfly

L got a tattoo of a drawing her son made.  This mom loves her kids.  I don't think I love mines that much, lol.

S got her kids names.  I love the footprint coloring

A didn't get a tattoo but came to support us.  She took a nap and woke up ready, lol!

Relief

I'm standing here on the wonderful bike off of Lakeshore Drive doing my

stretches after finishing my 3 Mile walk and I decided to speak into my earpiece and talk to my people.

Sorry that I haven't let you inside my world

for so long as you may know by now I'm a very busy woman, lol. In an Enchanté update I feel relieved to finish my walk for the day and get a fresh start to my day but I am also relieved that I have successfully finished one prom dress out of three.

I absolutely love creating, and I love designing, but there is nothing like the relief you feel when you successfully finish a prom dress. There is nothing like the feeling you feel when you see the smile on a girl's face and it makes her dance in the mirror because she knows she looks good. I can't wait to finish the other two so that I can start potty training boot camp for my last and final child, :-).

In a self-care update I have been doing really well. I'm walking more thanks to my Just 4 Wives sister, Alice telling me about this wonderful It works supplement.

I have been making a point to pray daily. I have physically let go of some negative people in my life and mentally I'm in a really good place, and I'm so happy to be.

In a marriage update hubby and I went out with my Real Wives of Chicago / Just 4 Wives sisters and they were wonderful! 14 couples fighting hatd for their marriages and showing that marriage is not dead.

In a graduate school update I still haven't heard from them yet, but I have been told that no news is good news so I ask that you please continue to pray for me and my acceptance into the program, and that feeling of relief .

So cheers to a lot of more successful days What's been going on in your world?

Pull if Together Tuesday (Victorious!)

Continuing with change today on this Pull it Together Tuesday, when I quit my job in order to positively strengthen my marriage, nurture my son, and build my business. I knew that it was a huge step that involved major change in my life, but I had no ideal about the level of change. It is indeed a process that is very challenging to enjoy, but I can honestly say that I am enjoying the struggle, cause I know that the outcome for my family will be nothing but success, because my Father God is guiding me! These obstacles will be Pulled Together and we will be Victors!

This week, I'll be continuing to love my husband, and other family, potty training, registering my big boy FOR PRESCHOOL!!!!! Being active on Etsy, updating the measurement descriptions on the website, putting together this seasons newsletter (if u would like go sign up for our newsletters, click here.), working on my business plan, preparing for this coming weekends Custers Last Stand Arts Festival in Evanston, and getting my purses together for the RWOC Volunteer project at.

Whew! I can't wait til my vacation next week!

What do u need to Pull Together?

Music Monday: Do my ladies run this!

Keep it going ladies, I'm still trying to empower the ladies!  Had a really productive, busy weekend, and trying to keep the momentum going.  You keep it too ladies!

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

Music Monday

I met a great bunch of intelligent young women  at a new book club that I joined, and I would love to develope a great friendship with them, and I had a very uplifting time with my Real wife of Chicago Sisters and potential ones.   I don't want to get off of my high from this weekend, so I thought I would continue it  with this song.  Enjoy!

Happy pull it together Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday!

I’ve been so busy Gods & Goddesses! I finished up a great event this past weekend, the So Chic Shopping & Spa Extravaganza! (So looking forward to next years!) Now, I’m preparing for the Divas Ball, and with that I had to get my dress, my accessories, and I’m still on the hunt for the perfect Platform no taller than 4inch heels. Oh, and I have to figure out the hair, but so far so good. I have a sale going on;

15% off all PHONE orders over $25 and free shipping!

773-988-5781

And today, I have to finish up posting the new items, because I’ve also been busy shopping with my wholesaler, and making new creations. I’ve realized that my ETSY store, has been seriously neglected, and I promise once everything is finalized with my 9 to 5, my ETSY store will be bigger, better and A LOT more active, as well as all other aspects of THE ISIS COLLECTIONS growth.

Also, right now my family is fighting this pesky hurting face, and sore throat bug that’s been going around, but we’ll pull it together!

So, in honor of Wordless Wednesday, I will no longer speak words (for right now) and leave you with this:

It's Fine Jewelry Friday!

On this Fine Jewelry Friday, I am full of so much hope. If you’ve been a steady reader of the Isis…Then and Now Blog, you know that I am a full-time worker striving to be a WAHM. As of yesterday I told my job, that I will no longer be able to work for them full-time, but part-time twice a week only. This lifted so much off of me, I can’t even describe it. All though I wish I didn’t have to work for anyone else at all, I appreciate it. So starting the beginning of the year there will be much more promotion of The Isis Collections Line via World Wide Web, more jewelry being produced, more people being met, more time with my family, more teaching my son, more fun, and more rest (I hope).


If you’re in Chicago, please come out and support myself and my sisterhood The Real Wives of Chicago, at the So Chic Holiday Shopping & Spa Extravaganza Information is below. Tickets are $10 at the door, but if you mention code: marriage you get in for $5. I'll also be working on the Divas Ball Signature Necklace, and getting some much needed rest!  Stay true Gods & Goddesses! God is good!

My horscope for today:
You have good reason to feel hopeful about making something happen that you have been working toward for a long time. You sense that you are getting closer to a goal – very close in fact – and you are right. This is a time for celebration. Even if things don’t go exactly as y...ou had hoped. There is still an overwhelming amount of good in what is now unfolding. Don’t despair over any little points that don’t work out precisely as you hoped; what is happening now is the manifestation of exactly what you need, so don’t question it.

It's Music Monday! (Breast Cancer Walk Celebration!)

Hey Gods & Goddessess!

It’s Monday Music Morning, and the Devil is working overtime! (What my Grandmother used to say.) Nobodies stealing my joy, cause I’mmma Diva! Had a wonderful time with my RWOC Sisters Walking for a Purpose, the American Cancer Socity Makinig Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, very Empowering!  Can't wait to do it again!  Have a good weekend ladies & Gents.

 

Its Fine Jewelry Friday!

Happy Fine Jewelry Friday!


Have you seen our HOT NEW ITEMS? Check them out, and get them while the last. We have some hot new events coming up this fall, and I do not want you all to miss out. I have to give the people want they want so as requested, we have Charm bracelets! You can get them customized to your liking, just email or call and we’ll provide you with a quote, and your order. We’re still preparing for our upcoming events; if you’re in the neighborhood please stop by one of these events;

10/17 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Chicago

10/23 Grayslake North High School Art Show -Grayslake

10/30 Warren High School Craft Show - Gurnee

11/6 So Chic RWOC Holiday Extravaganza - Chicago

11/13-14 Art for the Season Craft Show - Palos Hills

11/19 Divas Ball - Chicago

In the mean time I wanted to remind you all of Breast Cancer awareness month and urge you to do something  to support the cause;  where a pink bracelet, pin, make a donation, or brighten a Breast Cancer Patient or Survivors day.  This Sunday I’ll be with the Real Wives of Chicago Ladies, walking for the cause:

Make a Stride in Saving Lives!

TIC is making strides by walking in this year's Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk

October 17, 2010 starting at Montrose Harbor

Now until October 31, 2010 make a $25 or more purchase and 15% of it goes to the

American Cancer Society's Making Strides Fund

GO TO OUR STORE AND MAKE A PURCHASE TODAY!

or click here for more information on Making Strides!

Have a wonderful weekend Gods & Goddesses!

Its Thankful Thursday!

How many of you married women can say that you have someone that you can go to that genuinely understands the unity, courage, commitment and love that you’re trying to uphold in your marriage? How many of you have someone that they can go to about anything, and that someone will be there with a open heart and mind, to either guide you or listen? How many of you have someone that you can go to when you just need to go out for a drink?

Well I have someone like that, in fact I have about 30 someones, and as a whole they are called The Real Wives of Chicago (RWOC). These women are tremendously WONDERFUL, and I am so grateful, and thankful that God brought them into my life. Having been brought up in a single mom home as the only child, I have always wanted to have that sister or big brother that I can run to for anything, so I admit that have that neediness of an only child (NO, I am not spoiled ☺), and I have found exactly what I needed at the right time. Being somewhat still a newlywed and having my 1st child was very overwhelming, scary, and just too much! I started looking for an outlet where I could just RELAX, and my prayers were answered.

These women are truly a sisterhood, and have helped me through so much, and I just wanted to Praise God for giving me this Gift.

******************************************

RWOC was created as a social, motivational and spiritual outlet for married woman of all cultures, backgrounds, and religions. We provide support through participation in our events, our online message board, workshops, and round table discussions. We also engage in several service acts in our community. We are not your typical social group for we are a continuous source of encouragement and positive direction.

"Real Wife" was does it mean? In our interpretation, a real wife is one that is supportive, nurturing, intelligent, loving and thoughtful. However, we also realize that sometimes fulfilling your role as a wife can become challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Its during those times that you need a "positive" outlet to come to whether you want to laugh, cry, scream or just exhale. RWOC is that outlet.

RWOC is dedicated to strengthening real women, real relationships and real wives; we celebrate sisterhood, beauty, radiance while building long lasting relationships.

RWOC is fighting back against the attack on marriage!

I'm a Diva!

I am so excited! I think I have finely found a group of women who aren’t all about negativity! I had this feeling that something good was going to come out of going to the 2009 Divas Ball. I met a friendly, fun enthusiastic group of empowered women who just want to show the world how Divinely Inspirational Victoriously Accomplished Sisters they are. I was so tired of inviting people places and them giving me every excuse in the book. We’re all tired! Hell, I got a husband, and a child to take care of, as well as a few other family members here and there. I have a job, and homework to do too. I’m also just as broke as the next person. I got so much sh*% going on that some inconsiderate so called friends don’t even care to even ask about, but you know what I’ve also learned…Its time to move on, be positive. I need to take care of me, before I even start to think about taking care of somebody else. If I’m not happy I can’t make anybody else happy ;-). So on my journey I go, to balls, clubs, and other events with Chicago's Divine Divas and the Real Wives of Chicago. Wish me luck!