New Column at Garden and Hearth Publishing

     I am still trying to get a handle on my new site at  Open Hearth of Garden and Hearth Publishing. Fortunately, the subject matter is something I am passionate about--movies, movies, movies! I like the writers there, very nice, very helpful.   July has been a strange and very busy month for me. Lots of start-up projects. But that's a good thing. Heading down the shore for some R&R and a little reading, a little writing. When I return Tuesday I am hopeful that I will be better organized :-(

Chicken Soup for the Soul Folks Calling for Stories

     If you are African American and have a Chicken Soup story that you would like to share go to http://www.africanamericansoul.com/call_stories.htm for how-to information.  My non-A.A. friends can find information here http://www.chickensoup.com/ you can take a look at the subjects and find a story submission form on the general Chicken Soup site. Good luck to everyone.

Below is a thank you from the A.A. team to volunteers. It is very cool to be included here, especially when I enjoy this so much.  By the way volunteers are still needed. See the link above to see how you can join this team.

THANK YOU
Over 200 volunteers have joined forces to help! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Tremendous appreciation goes out to our glorious panel of readers who helped us make the final selections and made invaluable suggestions on how to improve the book:
Jarralynne Agee, Kathy Atkinson, Michol  Brandon, Andrea Brown , Timolin Colbert, Cenyce Carter, Lorene Carter, Latoya Carter-Qawiyy, La’Rea Cecil, Linda Chavis, Pamela Clements, Linda Coleman, Inetta Cooper, Katrina Croswell, Sherry Curry, Linda Delaney, Christina Dixon, Ray Driver, Mary Edwards, Stephanie Embry-Horace, Valerie Flack, Jane Foley, BJ Foster, Greg Franklin, V-Nessa Gabriel, C.L. Gilmore III,   K.D. Green, Chawn Green-Farmer, Tecaral Haggerty, Carrie Hall, Linda Harmon, Monte Howard, Shelau Howard, Pamela Hudson, Jesse Ianniello, Anne Jaffe, Cassandra Johnson, Deborah Johnson, Ally Kemp, Duane Kemp, Mia Landrin, Rebecca Law, Anges Lewis, Del Lewis, Anita Lovely, Candace Montague, Angel Mason, Tyi Moultry, Bonita Neal, James Nichols, Leslie Nichols, Subrina Nichols, Brian Olowude, Donna Polk, Latoya Carter Quigley, Gloria Quinney, Leroy Robinson, Tia Ross, Tee C. Royal,  Vanette Ryanes, Stacey Seay-Duvall, Marla Seller, Devri Smith, Jim Smith Jr., Alicia Spivey,  Vernitta Supall, Chandra Sparks Taylor¸ Charlene Taylor, R.L. Ayo Terrie-Branch,  Eva Thomas, LaRosa Thomas, Rudelle Thomas, Teresa Thomas,  Mr. Walker, Rhonda Welsh, Tamille Williams, Felisicia Williams, Mary Williams and. Rasheeda Wint.

  Chicken Soup for the African American Soul :Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture One Story at a Time  

A major thank you to the amazing Volunteer Development Team too numerous to mention each by name who joined forces to keep a constant flow of incoming stories, who spread the word far and wide and offered constant words of support and encouragement. Thank you to those who spent their valuable time soliciting stories, doing research, circulating flyers or simply participating in our conference calls. You are truly the “village” that brought this project together and we could not have done this without your prayers and support! Special thanks to the volunteers that went way above and beyond: Denise Thackson, Ray Driver, Deborah Bellis, Deborah Johnson, Duane Kemp, Minister Mary Edwards, Felisicia Williams, Susan Madison, Kevin Ross, Ahmondra McClendon, Carol Ross-Burnett, Aisha Johnson, Natasha Williams, Alice Johnson, Marci Eanes, Greg Husskinson, Angel Mason, Linda Coleman-Willis, Gail Swanson and Sue Gibson. Special Thanks to Jerry Craft for his help and the contribution of his wonderful cartoons!

And, most of all, everyone who submitted their heartfelt stories, poems, quotes and cartoons for possible inclusion in this book.  While we were not able to use everything you sent in, we know that each word came from a magical place flourishing within your soul.   May the spirit of nature carry you gently towards peace! We are truly grateful and love you all!

chicken

Every Woman

     I can't remember which friend sent this to me. I just found it hiding here on my computer. I do recall that I received it before I left the university. I liked it then, I like it now.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...one old love she can imagine going back to.. and one who reminds her how far she has come...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to, or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..a youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a set of screwdrivers, cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..a feeling of control over her own destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship .. and how to change a tire!!!!!!!

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW......when to try harder... and when to walk away...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW......that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. ...what she would and wouldn't do for love ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....howto live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... ...whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she can and can't accomplish in a day.. a month...and a year...

Top Movies for This Week-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Wedding Crashers

     According to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc., estimated ticket sales at North American theaters puts Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Wedding Crashers way far ahead of Tom Cruise's War of the Worlds. I wonder if this is because the movie is simply not as good as everyone expected it to be or if this is some sort of backlash because of  Cruise's 'postpartum' comments. I am anxious to see what the final figures will bring Monday, July 25. I did see Wedding Crashers this past week and for the most part, it was very funny. I did not find the 'crotch crabbing' scene necessary or amusing. I see that much talked about Hustle & Flow is just below War of the Worlds and Batman Begins is even lower. I guess none of this is too bad since all of these movies are still in the top 10.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, $28.3 million.

2. Wedding Crashers, $26.2 million.

3. Fantastic Four, $12.3 million.

4. The Island, $12.1 million.

5. The Bad News Bears, $11.5 million.

6. War of the Worlds, $8.8 million.

7. Hustle & Flow, $8.1 million.

8. The Devil's Rejects, $7 million.

9. Batman Begins, $4.7 million.

10. March of the Penguins, $4.3 million

Deepak Chopra's Mom has Died

     Although I do not post to Chopra's blog I do read it. On July 18 he flew to New Delhi, India to see his mother who was quite ill.  On July 20 at 10:25 he posted again that she took her last breath a few minutes after he arrived in her room. It seems she waited for him to arrive so her son could say goodbye.

Pottery, Kilns and Glazing

     I can't wait to get to pottery class Tuesday. Our work has been fired. I think that's what it is called. Anyway, I have three pieces. I am sure that I will be met with some resistance when teach finds out that I want to glaze the individual pieces red, white and blue. At least that's the plan. I wonder if the handle on my cup fell off or the little feet stayed on my bowl.  I have not said anything to people in my class but I am making a 'worry bowl'. I checked with one of the groups online and they don't believe that there is any such thing, but agree that it is a great idea to be able to remove a particular worry from your mind and place it in a bowl where it remains and hopefully, diminishes. I read about this in one of my JD Robb novels. She has such a way with words. In the latest Origin In Death, a woman lies in a hospital bed after being beaten an ex-lover. Actually he was more of a bed mate, not her lover. The woman is explaining why she connected with the man "He's--he was," she corrected, "gorgeous. Toss-your-skirt-over-your-head-gorgeous. Dumb as a toad, and--...".  I don't believe that there is a woman alive who doesn't understand that statement.  MMmm. I digress.

Anyway, we are coming to the last few 2 or 3 pottery classes. It has been a really good experience. Last week our instructor brought some of his wife's work in to show us. It's lovely and very avant garde. But the thing that got me was that you can tell how much the instructor loves his wife and her work. He actually beamed when he was explaining her process to us. I will stop by their shop next week to look at their art. I have to let my jewelry instructor know that I did complete my necklace. I have just the tank to wear with with.

An Odd and Exciting Week

     Well, I finally started going to gym. I signed up in May and just started going last Monday. Right now, I am using the treadmill for an hour. I walked three days last week. I think I will make it four days. I wonder if walking 3 miles an hour is less than average--I know that it's about age and condition, but I don't like the idea of being or doing less :-( than my counterparts. I see other people reading as they walk or ride. Not sure how they do that. I tried and found it very annoying. Perhaps later it will be easier for me.

Speaking of reading I ordered J.D. Robb's latest 'In Death' addition, ORIGIN IN DEATH. When I went to the library Friday, they had the book. A rational person would have said, I have ordered this book and will wait until I receive it in the mail. I am not always rational when it comes to books, so I took the book out of the library and enjoyed it tremendously. For some reason it feels [to me] like Nora Roberts (writing as J.D. Robb) is readying to end this wonderful futuristic mystery series.

Friday, I met my friend for lunch after searching for a library to use. I had not realized that my local library did not open until 10 a.m. I got there at 9:30 to set up for research. I figure no biggie, I will just wait and read my pleasure book. 10:15 and the doors were still closed. I headed for South Orange, a friend uses the library there. I get to So Or library and there is no air conditioning :-( but the librarian was so helpful that it made up for my slight discomfort. I wanted to use one of their computer's. She comes over, helps me log in with the little card they give you.  I could not check my e-mails because I could not find out how to log in. I had asked the woman for many things I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Needless to say it was not a good morning. However, it did have some positives. I found most of the information I needed, plus some bio building info. I arrived at the restaurant just a few minutes before my friend did. Had appetizer's and spritzer's because of the intense heat.  Was able to finish gathering facts and figures later at my library. If I had not gone back I would still be looking forward to reading ORIGIN IN DEATH. That's o.k. there is always another book to read.

I am so excited! I am moving forward. I finally know what sites and works in progress I will keep and what I must release. I am so used to doing everything and being every woman to all people that it has been easy for me to fall into a pattern that I am not happy with. Those Nike folks have the right idea with their"Just Say No" advertisement, but saying no is not always that easy.

Saw my senior yesterday--she is saying things I don't like to hear. I think I will call her today to say 'Hey'.

Nigerian Lagos High Court in $242 million E-mail Case

    I read an article just yesterday, with my mouth open in disbelief. The article states that the Nigerian Lagos High Court has sentenced a woman to 2-1/2 years in jail for e-mail fraud. That is not what made my mouth drop it was the dollar amount of the case. It is the $242 million boggles my mind.  

The woman is just 1 of 3 people involved in this case. All three pleaded not guilty, she later changed her mind and pleaded guilty. The article goes on to say that she will return $48.5 million to the bank; give $5 million to the government and pay a fine of $15,000 ( 2 million naira in Nigerian currency).

While this is a terrible thing. I do have to ask in the words of  "Dr. Phil", what were the people who responded to these e-mails thinking? They obviously did not know the person sending the e-mail. It is hard for me to feel sorry for those taken in by this scam. It appears that greed became more important than common sense.  

See story here. http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jul2005-daily/17-07-2005/business/b15.htm

Networking At It's Best

     A friend and I went to a networking event last week at the Savoy Grill on July 7. It was one of the best I had been to in a while. I met lovely women with business on their minds. I was so impressed with the organization Give 'N Take Network,  I joined that same night. Anyone who knows me well, understands that this is high praise from me. I am a 'have to think it over' person. There was a wide range of businesses represented in this group from a cleaning service, Domestic Diva Nikia Sharp, Pres. Nikia.sharp@domesticdivanj.com to a singer/songwriter, Kismet Lyles, Kismet Music; kismetmusic@onebox.com.

The guest speaker for the evening was Image Consultant and former editor at Essence Magazine, Stephanie Scott. Scott was on target with her information and answered questions fired at her, without hesitation. I bought a book titled Aysabina'a Legacy in verse. It was written by Valerie A. Kelly and Shari L. Taylor. This short book has love and spirit and is a joy to read. I talked to both women that night.

You can get information concerning the organization Give 'N Take Network, at http://giventakenetwork.org  Information concerning Aysabina's Legacy in verse can be found at http://dreamchild.home.att.net  If you would like to book Image Consultant Stephanie Scott send her an e-mail at stephaniejanienscott@yahoo.com  I received the following e-mail from Kismet Music:

Friday, July 22nd -- 9:30pm;  The Cornelia Street Cafe,  29 Cornelia Street  (between Bleecker and West 4th Streets),  Greenwich Village, New York, NY 10014;  212.989.9319Cover:  $10
http://corneliastreetcafe.com

 I thank La-Dana Renee Jenkins, LRI Consulting Services for giving me information concerning a family members resume. I like her motto "Preparing you for a career...NOT A JOB!" Jenkins can be contacted at info@lrjconsulting.net  If you do get in touch with any of these contacts please let them know who and where the information came from. They may not remember me and of course I don't get anything for a referral, however, they will be reminded that networking works.

And I do have to give thanks to my lovely niece for passing on this networking treasure to me. Thank you Niki.  My dear friend Wanda who must be smiling down on me, will understand how precious that 'thank you.' is to me.

Keep up the good work Give 'N Take Network.

Kind Words From Authors

     Kind words are coming in from authors--that's so nice.  I just received a complimentary e-mail from an author. I published my column on bankruptcy yesterday and found the e-mail below this morning. This is not the first 'thank you' e-mail I have received but it is the first from an author who has written about the same subject. Feels real good. This is what makes it worthwhile.

 Dear Vannie;

Thank you for your column on bankruptcy - you gave your readers some excellent advice that will help them get the true fresh start that bankruptcy is meant to provide.

All too often, I see people who are filing bankruptcy a second time, because they didn't realize that wiping the slate clean was only the first step - true freedom from debt only comes when we're willing to take steps to change what got us there in the first place.

I'd love to send you a copy of my book, Bounce Back From Bankruptcy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Back on Your Financial Feet, as my thank you. What's the best mailing address to send it to?

Keep up the awesome work on Bellaonline.

Peace and prosperity,

Paula Langguth Ryan

Here is the URL to my article Filing for Bankruptcy - How Will It Affect Your Family http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32886.asp

 

This week I recieved this e-mail from Lois P. Frankel author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office   She has no clue that she is one of my heros.

I just read your review of my book.  I'd like to thank you for taking the time to provide your review and for your kind words.  

Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D.,
Author of the International Bestseller
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office &
The National Bestseller Nice Girls Don't Get Rich
626.405.7310
www.drloisfrankel.com
www.corporatecoachingintl.com

The Business of Diversity in Business

  I received my July issue of the Diversity Business Newsletter. There is lots of good information here. Below is just a portion of the newsletter. If any of my friends reading this participate in this. Please let me know: 

Diversity Business the nation's leading small business Internet portal will be conducting its 6th annual Top Small Businesses in America survey. This years survey will determine the Top 500 Small Businesses in the United States, the Top 500 Diversity Owned Business in the United States, and for each State the Top 50 Small businesses and Top 50 Diversity owned businesses.   

The winners will be announced in September 2005 and will be honored at the 6th Annual Multicultural Business Conference in March 2006. The awards are based on annual sales volume.

To participate, businesses must register by September 15, 2005 at DiversityBusiness
All Small, Women, and Minority owned businesses are encouraged to register. Last years winners received enormous recognition and exposure for their companies.

Diversity Business is the nations largest and most comprehensive online resource center for Small, Women and, Minority owned businesses and large procurement organizations.  It is a membership-based exchange platform that facilitates contacts and communication, streamlines business processes and provides vital business news and information.

To read the full newsletter see this http://www.DiversityBusiness.Info you can sign up to receive  newsletter

Bombs, Explosives. A New World? I Don't Think So

     I woke up this morning to news that the police had arrested a man because they found explosives in his home. My first thought was "What a frightening new world we live in." In a second it hit me that what is going on is not new. The methods have changed, the danger has changed. I remember my own dear mother's reaction when I told her that I was going to Savannah, Ga. for 10 days. After I saw a picture sitting on my bosses desk, I knew I had to see Savannah. My mother's reaction did not surprise me, she never wanted to me go too far from her side. I did not resent it, I just lived with it. I figured "That's just mom." When I returned from quite possibly the best vacation (after some smoothing, lost luggage, ugly hotel) I ever had, I discovered  where mother's fear came from. While very excitedly telling her that Savannah was such a friendly city, how helpful and kind everyone was, etc. The small library allowed me to take books out (paperback only) without a card. That kindness made the entire city my friend.  My mom said in a quiet voice "I wish I had gone with you."  I had invited her and she had refused. I would soon find out why. My mother who was born in the 20's told me how it was when she was a child in Georgia. I finally understood her fear of travel, and her fear for me as I traveled. I have never been that far, but distance was not the issue for my mom. My attitude has always been "I go where I want to, if 'they' don't treat me the way I expect to be treated, I will take my things (money) and leave." I never had any fear of being harmed. If I had realized my mother's fear for me and known how it frightened her every time I was more than an arm's length away, I am not sure how my life would have been. After her story, I learned not to tell her when I was going away for a few days. I would alert a family member instead. This saved anxiety for her, but I was never again able to share my joy of travel with mom. It is always bittersweet when I remember her sad words to me, from the day I would tell her I would be away, until I actually left, "Van, I miss you already." I don't have to say how that makes a weeper like me feel.  The up side of this is that I did get mommy to Bermuda--she loved it.

I can't dismiss the fact that we live in a time where unrest and hate still exists. We will always have those who hoard exposives or guns. I won't allow that to shake my faith.

Pottery and Other Art Classes

     Just arrived home from pottery class. Tonight we learned something about coiling. I think I like that better than the potters wheel. I feel as if I can use my imagination more with this method. Nevermind that when I sit at the potters wheel I end up cutting the bottom off the pot or have it sitting lopsided. My instructor says that the pots are not crooked. Well he has a better developed eye than I, but they do look crooked. I am so much enjoying these classes. This past Saturday I had a full day of bead knotting. This is something I would really like to learn. The beading class had twelve learners and everyone stayed until at least 3:30p. We had lunch downstairs in the museum. A lovely day. 

We only had 3 people in pottery tonight. I guess the warm weather has something to do with it. But when the class is that small, you get the instructor's undivided attention--whether you want it or not.    

Thumbs Up to New Jersey's Do Not Call law

   I am happy to see that New Jersey's Do Not Call law does work. I just read in the July issue of The Essex Times that a lawsuit has been filed against several companies and organizations who continue to call people who have signed up for DNC.  As someone who would benefit financially from unsolicited telemarketing, I don't do it because it invades personal space and privacy.

If you are on the NJ's DNC list and you continue to receive these marketing calls, by all means go to the government's Do Not Call site at https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx and file a complaint. You don't have to give your name and telephone but it does act as further proof of the telephone call.  Companies who make these calls are considered telemarketers and must register as such with the Division of Consumers Affairs. In doing so, they have access to telephone numbers of those who have registered with the DNC folks. These residents are not to be called by telemarketers. You can list your cell phone as well, but you must make the call from your cell phone. Take some time to read the information at the above site.

In the News and Blues

   Attack on London: While watching the news last night, I heard that at the moment the death remains at 49 and 65 of the 700 people wounded are still in the hospital. And that there were at least 20 people still missing. I have many online friends from London. One by one they have been checking in. There are still a few we have not heard from. I am hoping it is because they are on vacation or simply did not think to alert their online buddies. News from the UK. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,22989,00.html 

Medicare vs. Medicaid:  Although I am not ready to receive Medicare I already have the feeling of being caught between a rock and a hard place. I started thinking about  this when my lovely senior decided now that that I am retired, it would be a good thing if I moved into her building. The thing is it is a senior citizen building, even if I wanted to move there I don't qualify. I am in that hazy area called middle-class. In order to qualify for certain privileges I would need to qualify for Medicaid.  I have talked to people who tell me that there are ways and means of qualifying for Medicaid, such as passing on or removing a certain amount of your assests so you meet the required poverty level. I am offended by this on so many levels. Last year(?) I saw a program on television where a group of active retirees united and bought a large house to share. Now that appeals to me much more than giving up everything I have worked for. Get information from Centers for  Medicare Medicaid Services   http://www.cms.hhs.gov/

Business Mail Adventure

     I love picking up my mail from my business mail box. It is also my time to have a nice meal and reflect.  I had not picked up mail in more than a week so there were good things there. I recently joined the "Red Hat Society" a loosely knit group worldwide?? group of women over 50. When I opened the envelope two purple feathers fell out. I recently attended the 10th annual brunch of the Professional Women of Color and was thrilled to listen to singer, Carol Williams, who gave the aidience wonderful romantic standards. I bought so impressed that I bought her album and was inspired to order a Johnnie Hartman CD. I picked it the up yesterday and am playing it now--it is awesome. Hartman sings "My Ship" and "These foolish Things" (huge swoons)  I did receive real biz mail as well. 

Feeling Peevish. From My Viewpoint Pennies Are Money

     I know that there are people who say they don't want or like pennies.  I am not one of those people. I have shopped in two stores near me. The cashiers seem to be of one mind--if an item is $2.98, give 2 single dollar bills as change--keep the 2 pennies. Each time they are surprised that I want my pennies. Yesterday one young woman actually said "You want a penny back?". When my response was 'yes', she deep-sighed and opened the cash register again. I don't get it. On the low side, if these stores get just 10 customers per day and keep one penny, 7 days a week that is $2.80 a month times 52 weeks is about $146.00 a year that the store captures for no reason other than people saying keep the pennies or the clerks ignore returning 1 to 3 cents to customers. I guess some customers are embarassed to say give me my penny. Yes. I do want all of all my change, including the pennies, thank you very much. Better in my coin jar than the stores cash register.  

Terrorists Attack London

I turned my television at 5:30a this morning and was saddened to learn that London had been rocked by a series of explosions. Such frightening news. As I listened it just got worse. A friend of mine had already sent some info concerning this terrible affair. The item below is from the London Times July 7, 2005,

London hit by multiple terror blasts at rush hour. By Philippe Naughton, Times Online

An injured tube passenger is escorted away from Edgware Road Tube Station in London following an explosion (AP Photo/ Jane Mingay)

Tony Blair confirmed today that London had come under a concerted terrorist attack after an al-Qaeda-style series of bomb blasts targeting rush-hour commuters in Tube trains and a double-decker bus. A senior police commander said that at least 150 people were seriously injured and there were credible reports of at least four deaths from the blasts, which brutally shook the city out of its euphoria at winning the right to host the 2012 Olympics yesterday. An unknown al-Qaeda cell in Europe claimed responsibility for the attack in an internet claim that could not be verified, saying: "Britain is now burning with fear."

Speaking from the G8 summit at Gleneagles, which began this morning, the Prime Minister said: "It's reasonably clear that there has been a series of terrorist attacks in London. There are obviously casualties both people who have died, people seriously injured, and our thoughts and prayers of course are with the victims and their families." Mr Blair left Gleneagles this afternoon for face-to-face briefings from police and ministers in London, but he said that the summit itself would continue in his absence. He added: "It is important that those engaged in terrorism realise that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world."

See the full article here. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1684290,00.html

Reginald Lewis the Ultimate Wealth Builder

   Just now reading my June issue of Black Enterprise. BE is doing a monthly series on men and women who have made impact on the financial community. I am happy to see that Reginald Lewis was profiled in this issue. I am not sure when I became fascinated with Lewis but do know that I was, still am. His book was the only reading I took with me when I attended the Black Enterprise Wealth Building Seminar sooo many years ago (1987?) I have to laugh because I am sure the room I had was once a broom closet. My view was an alley--I must have been really serious about that seminar and saving money. I can't even remember the name of the hotel in Boston, but I do remember that it was is an area filled with history. Mmmm, that could be anywhere in Boston. I still have the two dresses (mommy called them business woman dresses) I bought. Alas, they are a size 6, but they served their purpose well. I wore those two dresses to every networking event I attended. 

I was so impressed with one of the speakers that I called his office to set up an account with his firm. Even though I left a message that I had attended the BE seminar and was impressed with what he had to say, he did not have the curtesy to speak with me, he had someone else call me. No problem--I decided to put my money somewhere else, with someone else.  I finished Reginald Lewis' book Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun that same weekend.  It changed my view of many things and changed my life. I like this book so much I have put the link with my favorite sites :-)  You can also click on the title below for info.

Reginald Lewis' awesome book.  Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?

Happy 4th

    Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.  A little information about the Declaration of Independence, Yankee Doodle Dandy, the Liberty Bell, Fireworks and America the Beautiful. http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/holidays/july4/

Food for Thought

     I had cooking shows playing on PBS TV today while working. All of my friends know that I do not have cable, but PBS more than makes up for it. Daisy Martinez of Cooking with Daisy came on. While she was making potato salad with spicy chorizo sausage YUM! she started  talking about her grandma, mother and sugar cane. This reminded me of the time my mother had sugar cane. I never knew where she got it from, it was just there on the kitchen table. I recall vividly that one of my brothers shouted in a panicky voice to my mom that our younger brother was "chewing a stick" I don't recall my mom's answer but the recollection does make me smile. Mom must have told my brother what it was and what to do with it. He was probably having a grand ole time until he heard the shout of "chewing on a stick".

I read somewhere that Martinez received a gift of cooking classes from the French Culinary Institute for her big  4-0 from her husband. What a gift.  Soon after that she did food prep for Lidia Bastianich, (Lidia's Italian Kitchen) one of my very favorite cooking people. Now, Daisy  is a fav as well. I have such a huge crush on Lidia's wine expert son, Joe.  Of course, I have a huge crush on Ming Tsai of Simply Ming too.

Aaahhh--big men who cook  

Saw the Play Steel Magnolias

     I saw Steel Magnolias yesterday and loved it. Actress Christine Ebersole, is cast as Shelby's mother and is just wonderful as she tries to cope with the seriousness of her daughters illness and later as she copes with death. However, this is not a sad play, it is funny and uplifting. There a plenty of light moments. The women who frequent Truvy's Beauty Shop (Delta Burke is Truvy) are from all walks of life; from the newly hired shampoo girl Annelle (Lily Rabe) who lives on the wrong side of town, to Clairee (Frances Sternhagen) the wealthiest women in town. These lovely southern women are, or become 'hell or high water' good friends who argue, insult and protect each other. When Shelby's mother talks about her daughters death she says, "her father could not stay in the room with her, he said he could not watch. Men are supposed to be the strong ones...but I stayed with her...I was there when she came into this world and I was there when she left it."  She has a moment when she breaks down and all of the women, her friends gather around her to offer her strength, unity and friendship--there are no delicate flowers here, they are steel magnolias.  Did I cry? You betcha. As I was walking out of the theater I started thinking of my female friends, and with just a little saddness and a lot of pride, I realized that we too are steel magnolias. 

I was starving, but really hate to eat in touristy places. They are always so crowded and filled with tourists.<big grin>.  I ended up going to Barrymore's, just down the street from the Lyecum on W. 45th. It was just what I needed. I walked in and they had the televison on with sub titles only. They were playing Luther Vandrose low in the background. When the bartender brought my drink I said I see you are playing Luther. His response was Had to. I listened to two conversations near me, one was about Beaver Cleaver and why Eddie Haskell was so obnoxious, the other was about Sandra Day O'Conner's replacement. I was asked what I wanted to see on television. I chose horse or car racing. They found a station for me. LOL, my kind of place. Stay away from the spinach salad. It was bad a long time ago and still is :-(

Brook Shields, Tom Cruise and Postpartum Depression

     By now everyone knows that actor Tom Cruise lambasted actress and author Brook Shields for taking Paxil for her postpartum depression. Women who have suffered from this must be furious. I know that I would be. I am surprised that he would speak out so vehemently on an issue he probably knows little about, certainly he has not experienced postpartum depression. I am hopeful that his soon-to-be wife will not suffer from this condition if and when the pair is blessed with children. A quote from the San Francisco Examiner/Scoop (2005) "Brooke Shields has said 'Tom should stick to saving the world from aliens and let women decide what treatment is best'."  Kudos to Shields and shame on Cruise. 

While I do respect everyone's right to speak out. I also believe that you have to be aware of how and when you do so. Cruise's comments were abrasive and hurtful.  I have no children so I can't address this issue from a mother's view point.  But I do know that you don't have to be a mother or a woman to be offended by Tom Cruise's careless remarks or his behavior.

I suspect that Tom Cruise has (or had) more female fans than male. I guess we have to follow his movies and see where they land on future charts to see if this has had any affect on his popularity.  Shields has written a book describing her battle with postpartum depression.