Wake up...

I haven't blogged in more than a year and boy has my life evolved in this time!!!  I still have consistently held on to the 15lbs I have gained since losing 50lbs a couple years ago but I'm getting back on track. I haven't sewn much, but I'll be getting back to that as well because I have now graduated and earned a Masters of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy degree!!!!!!!  So, along with getting back to creating I will also continue growing as a competent therapist.  Additionally, not only do I still feel more at peace with my relationships but more importantly, I feel more at peace with myself!!!!!  I feel like I have evolved to a level of acceptance where I have a sense of inner peace and joy that I have learned to better guard when hearing about or experiencing difficult situations; even in times like this when the world seems so fear-driven.  I understand now that we are all definitely in this together.  If there has ever been a time where oneness and balance are needed,  it is now.   We all must do our part.  Intentionally. 

I've come to this evolution due to a continued effort on my part to have important conversations that were needed with my loved ones.  Boundaries were placed and crossed and they will continue to be, and I have grown a readiness that puts a smile on my face.  I'm aware that I still have fears but I have also grown an awareness that I can't let fear stop me.  The other day I was reminded of the Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes song by Teddy Pendergrass called Wakeup Everybody. (I've posted a clip of it.  Listen to the message.)  The words are so fitting for what's going on right now.  There should be no sleeping in bed (other than our usual beauty rest :-), of course). The world has changed.  The teachers have had to teach a new way. The world won't get better if we just let things be.  Being reminded of this song definitely woke something in me because I admit being in this house day after day, reprimanding my kids on the same things over and over, and being annoyed by my Husband who's been on vacation this week, helped me realize something.  I again have fallen into the pattern of putting everybody else and everyone before me.  I have to get back to my purpose.  My purpose involves me helping others, but in order for me to fulfill that I have to help myself first.  I can't pour from an empty cup.  I have to do things that replenish me, feeds my soul, and after receiving this reminder I realized that within the act of feeding my soul I can also empower others; which I believe is my purpose. I feel updating my website is the platform that will allow me to do that.  I can't wait to share with you all the plans I have for Enchante. I am definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone and I hope I can count on your support along this journey.  We are all in this together... Be well, wash your hands, and live in love and light...

Living my Best life

Perhaps its the fact that I cleansed my house and my family with Sage and Palo Santo for the 1st time or maybe its the fact that I have been taking CBD oil for the last 3 weeks, but I am loving the creative, zen, and peace that I now feel.   I have sewn so much for myself in the last 2 weeks; more than I have in the last 2 years.  I also give zero fucks about what anyone thinks or feels about what I am saying now and about to say next.  Yes, I sewed for myself and I can do that!  It's my body, my equipment, my fabric, and my time.  Just because I do it for myself does not mean that I have to make  that time to do it for someone else .  I digress, but seriously it is totally different sewing for myself than it is making something for somebody else.  I know my body.  I can make a dress for myself in an hour.  I can't do that for somebody else.  Sewing for me is an act of self-care and I vow to take care of myself each and everyday.

Moving on, I feel more at peace with my relationships because of a more elevated awareness of time and peace of mind.  I have had several hard much needed conversations with people that I love and I feel those relationships are definitely headed down the right path or I have accepted them as they are.  I have written more blogs this year (and its only March) then I have in the last couple of years.  After loosing almost 50lbs I have officially gained 15lbs of it back just in the last 9 months all because I unconsciously decided to put everything and everybody before me. So now I'm back at my workouts, and I'm about to do something wild and crazy next week for my birthday.  I have an idea of what I would like to do but if I actually get the opportunity, we will see (Hint: It involves heights).  I'm on my way to my 3rd interview in the last few weeks and I'm happy to say that I don't feel that anxious about it.  I got God all around me, Jesus walking beside me, CBD and a few crystals in my pocket, peace of mind, and love in my heart.  I hope you're living your best life.

Living Intentionally

My anxiety level is at a somewhat high level today and I tried with all my might to breathe; to be with myself in a way that allows me to be present and accept the things that I cannot change about today. I took my kids to school. I had lunch. I tried to take a nap.  Unfortunately, they say those who are the quietest have the loudest minds and my mind was just literally screaming to the point where trying to force a nap was just not beneficial to me anymore.  So, I woke up; turned the TV on one of my favorite channels; HDTV, and amazingly one of my favorite shows was on; Fixer Upper.   I don’t know about you but seeing this show and other interior design shows like it, just relaxes me because I feel that in my future, I will absolutely be experiencing the joy that these people feel when they see the renovations on their homes.   I then began scrolling through my phone and came across an artist, @alexisrakun that posted this picture below.

This picture did something to my spirit.  It gave me the energy that I needed to push me to write this post.  I poured a glass of wine. I joined a Facebook group to help me research something that I’ve been thinking about for months now, and I finally feel like I have some type of control and peace.  Yes, I do have control issues, but I have accepted this about myself and I have realized that this control is me.  This is what makes me unique.  It allows me to not only have moments in my life where the control has to be let go of, but it also provides me the do all to get things done when things need to get done; and I welcome that control.  It is nothing that I will allow anyone to make me feel negatively about any longer!  Especially, from the looks of it; it seems like people around me expect that control as well because I am the one who everyone looks at to get things done.  However, I'm learning to let go of that enabler spirit; that takeover spirit and learn to just chill and let go of the people and the things around me that don't allow me to just chill.  Although, it is incredibly hard when your kids and your husband are some of those people, but we're working on those boundaries.  As long as I have pictures like this that keeps me motivated on this journey, I’m optimistic that we’ll get there. 

One of the words my professors have told me throughout my graduate school journey is that I have great intentionality and a clear uncomplicated point of view of how I express things. I have to admit I didn’t know what my professors meant about intentionality because of course I intentionally said what I said or wrote what I wrote or else I wouldn't have done it.  So of course, I was thinking my professors meant something else.  However, after reflecting on this I realized they meant that I have a purpose, that I am the truth, that I have a clear goal of where I'm trying to go, that I have a clear understanding of whatever principle I am describing or reaching towards.  Mind you I by far do not feel this way at all when I’m presenting in class or submitting my assignments because my anxiety is really out of this world but the fact that these people who have absolutely no idea of my story feel this highly of me says something.  It says that I’m dope; have always been dope and will forever be dope. It's time that I embrace that, and I am in this moment, and I’m motivated to continue doing so.  Here’s to continuing to gain knowledge with intention and love for our bodies, our souls, and our legacies.    

Trust in Gods Plan...Be Calm

I'm baaaaaack!!!!!!!

Click the video to hear what I decided!

Keep trusting...

As I sit here on public transportation with the sun warming my face, and appreciating the 50 degree breeze that welcomes me everytime the doors open it is putting me in a reflective, proud but melancholy mood. So I decided what better moment to get my feelings out right now where there is no one around grasping for my attention. Yesterday, I had a pretty eventful day. I went and saw my cousin play basketball for Drake, against Loyola, and it was ravishing seeing these young men out there putting up a good fight, and trying to make their dreams come true.  It was truly inspirational, and it made me pray for them, especially my cousin. It made me pray that God shows him how much he is loved. How awesome he is, and that he can do anything he put his mind to, but put his mind to something good, and rewarding on multiple levels. To don't give up and trust in him.

Yesterday I also got a biopsy. I still have to wait for the results, but in getting this biopsy I was given information that confirmed suspicions I already had.  I've shared this information with my husband but now I'm forced to make a decision that will/ or may affect our lives and I'm struggling to be open, and positive about it, but I'm trying.

I'm trying to focus more on being thankful that God has given me the gift make things beautiful. Thankful that my family is in good health and that I'm able to live this life with my wonderful grandmother still here and in her right mind and able to help me with creating our family tree. That I am on this journey of starting a new career as a therapist and I am doing very well in my classes still maintaining a 4.0. Thankful that my mom has opened her heart to go through the journey of falling in love. Thankful that God keeps showing me ways to build on my relationship with my dad, and work on my marriage, and be a good Mom.

There's so many things that I can be thankful for and yesterday having the opportunity to pray for my cousin now has shown me that I need to pray that same prayer for myself. God is showing me how awesome and loved I am.  He is showing me that I can do anything and all I have to keep doing is have faith and keep trusting  in him. Everything is going to be alright.

Capture Your Beauty

Riding in the car with my husband listening to his road rage and as he is nearly involved in an accident caused by someone else's road rage on a busy street here on the north side of Chicago I begin to feel like I was having a panic attack. Everything was moving so fast. Everything was so noisy. Everyone seemed to have permanent RBF, and I felt like I just needed to zen out for a moment. So from that moment I came up with the idea of taking advantage of the smallest piece of something that I can find that makes me smile, that makes me want to thank God for showing me this little piece of beauty for the moment. I started looking for things that was beautiful to me and it made me feel like it was God telling me a sweet and innocent secret. So here are a few of the pictures that I captured mostly while doing my morning walk. To view more "Like" my Facebook page here, or follow me on Twitter.

Take the time to appreciate God's gifts and capture your own beauty...

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?

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?

The Count Down

I am so anxious right now. Last week I had my admissions interview with Northwestern University. I was one of the 72 applicants picked to be interviewed out of 260 something applicants. I was not really scared going into the interview in fact I was really confident but I admit that my nerves were high, but I feel that I did well. I've been visualizing how going down this new road would look for my life and I must say that it looks great!

For a few years now, I have had a dream, premonition, daydream; I don't know really what it is, but I have had this vision of myself with salt & pepper locks sitting high on my head in a neat bun, with a lavender tailored business suit, getting out of my car. Now, I feel like I'm going to work at a boutique in this vision but I always felt like, even though I know I can rock this suit, but I always felt like I was a little over dressed to be going to work in my boutique, but going to work in my boutique and also being a therapist I feel that this suit would be perfect! Maybe this is a premonition of what is to come. I so cannot wait to rock my lavender suit!

So I am counting down the days when I get to announce that I am now a student earning a Master of Science degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Northwestern University. Doesn't that sound absolutely wonderful!

This Is Crazy

I have been feeling very overwhelmed with all areas of my life, but its amazing how God works. Yesterday, I decided that I was just tired of being angry, feeling sick, and not being as productive as I want to be, basically beating myself up, and I just decided that want to start fresh, start over, stop worrying and experience whatever lessons, or blessings come my way. This was followed up with a horoscope message I received that solidified everything that I've been going through the last couple months with strengthening my business, and applying to graduate school. Its so scary reading how accurate horoscopes can be sometimes, but it was purely an act of God.

I was sharing some of my worries with a sister friend of mines, Chelle, and she sent me the following message;
"Sis KNOW that you got accepted into grad school. It's not about being cocky but it is about standing on your faith! Knowing that you are more then a conqueror. KNOW that your marriage will be fine. KNOW that the devil is alive trying to kill, steal and destroy. KNOW that this battle already have been won... I want you to KNOW that you are great wife, mother, daughter, entrepreneur, and now student. He wouldn't bring u this far to disappoint u sis. He died for u so he wants you happy, we just have to KNOW he can do all things, he have done all things, and will continue to do all things in your marriage, in your children, and in your life!..."

This was so empowering to me, completely true, and nothing but God speaking to me through her.

Then I went to church today, and my wonderful Pastor, Dori, of NewStory Church spoke today about when we tell ourselves this is crazy, this is crazy! She said that if we don't go through the THIS IS CRAZY moments we will never get to experience THIS IS AWESOME moments. I was sitting in church like God...you are good! You are clearly speaking to me. God was telling me through my horoscope, through my sister friend, and through my pastor that I don’t have to worry, just have faith, be still. Its already done! My business will prosper, my kids are more than awesome, my marriage will blossom, my health will be good, and I will be a North Western University grad student. All I need to do is have faith, and believe.  I'm looking forward to posting my grad school acceptance letter. :-).

Giving back

For the last few years I have noticed that my oldest son has caught this "I want" aka the "give me" or "can I have" disease, and I was wrecking my brain trying to figure out how I can make him more appreciative of what he has.  I tell him all the time you have so much going for you, and there are kids in this world that don't have half as much as you have.  They don't get to go on vacations every year like you do.  They haven't been out of this state let alone out of the country like you have!  Stop I want, I wanting and can I have blah, blah, blah, but he still continues to do it.  I teach our boys that life isn't easy.  That they must work hard for what they want, believe in themselves and never give up.  We're also trying to teach them the importance of giving and not just taking, appreciating what you have because what you have can always be taken away, and there are people who don't have everything we have. So starting last year I joined him in the Honeycomb Project where he can sign up for different volunteer projects around Chicago every month, but the problem with those projects is they fill up really fast, and some months we're left without a project.

So one day, taking my morning walk on the lake I came across some tents that some homeless people set up, and ding, ding, ding!  A thought popped into my head; we should feed the homeless, make sandwiches or something and pass them out to these homeless people!

This past Monday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr day my family and I did just that.  In spite of it being -7 degrees below zero, it was a perfect morning to do it, because it was the only morning we would all be together.  It felt so rewarding, and it was such a proud moment seeing how excited my son was to give back.  Check out the pictures below, and I urge you to give back, and teach your kids how to give back.  If you would like to help in any way by donating food, or creating your own opportunity to give let us know.  

Setting up the bags and food, Apples, Pears, Oranges,
cans of vienna sausages and Oatmeal Pies

Making Turkey/Ham & Cheese sandwiches.  Yes, our hands were clean :-)

Bags all ready!

Carefully placing the bags

Walking to the tents with bags in hand!

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.

MUSIC MONDAY: 9/11

This commercial bought so many tears to my eyes.  I just love it!

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)

Thankful Thursday!

I have so much to be thankful for, so this Thankful Thursday, I'm just going to say Thank you for all of my many blessings.  Praise him!

Pull It Together Tuesday! (More respect for ourselves!)

So if you haven't noticed from yesterdays post, I sooooooo enjoyed myself in Memphis, TN on my husband and I's anniversary vacation.  Memphis is not only fun family time at places like Beale Street and a guitar shaped swimming pool:

but as an African-American Woman I learned so much about my history at places like the Stax Studios, the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio, etc:

Going to these places put so much gratefulness, and sorrow into my heart.  These people marched, and fought for future generations to walk proud with their heads held up high and say, "I am a man!"  "I am a woman!"  "I deserve to vote!"  "Listen and love my music no matter what color I am!"  "I can sit where I please, drink water from whatever fountain I please, and sit and eat where I please!"  So many things that we take for granted now a days, cause there I so many people preoccupied with who's sleeping with who, what kind of car whoever is driving, and what the next person has.  To busy looking to videos and movies for the wrong type of education, instead of going to the books and going to schools to  get the education that our ancestors fought so hard for us to have.

I took three very important young people on this anniversary vacation with my husband and I, and I just hope to God that one day they'll understand this lesson, and I hope that you reading this can pull it together to understand the lesson as well.

MUSIC MONDAY (Stomp)

Good Morning Gods & Goddesses!

So I took a long weekend vacation, and went to the Dells with my family.  I very beautiful and strenous vacation feeled with so much fun, so much screaming and chasing a 3 year old, a 4 year old, and cuddling a 10 month old, and now I'M EXHAUSTED, and looking for some motivation.  Lately, embedding videos from you tube on my blog hasn't been working, so I'll just place a link for todays video.  Enjoy, and I pray that you have a wonderful week, and that I find some energy!  Enjoy!

Stomp - Kirk Franklin

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?

Thankful Thursday!

These Thankful Thursday I'm Thankful that my Uncle in Oakland, CA made it through a minor surgery, and is on his way to recovery.  I'm so thankful for my family, and would like to praise God for blessing me with this wonderful group of people in my life.  Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!