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Freedom Friday – 02.16.18

It’s been a minute since I did one of these, but I wanted to share some photos of things that I’ve been up to in life. Wanted to let you know that Munch just got his second quarter grades and got 10 A’s and 4 B’s. I’m over the moon. His award ceremony is this morning.

Munch had his flute concert last month. Here he is looking so handsome. He’s actually enjoying playing the flute and I will be doing private lessons for him.

My siblings and I at my brother’s wedding. I love this photo because I just colored my hair and it was popping. LOL.

Munch and I worked hard on his STEM fair project this year. Although he didn’t win he won an award because of his creativity and enthusiasm. He was ecstatic about it.

My sorority sister made me this beautiful plaque for my birthday last month. I love it.

Munch went to the dentist last month and had to get two silver caps on his teeth, but one fell out right at the dentist. That was two teeth lost in 8 days. Hilarious. But, I’m still flossing his back teeth. He can’t get those and I am tired of paying for these silver caps. This is the second one. But, what was best about this is that Munch and I actually went to the library first and he selected a book to read for fun and couldn’t put the book down.

Finally, I’m trying to devote more time to appreciate the beauty in life. I’m learning to bask in the glory of nature and release my mind from negative energy. I’m learning to redirect my thoughts and pray more. I’m fasting and trying to increase God’s presence in my life. I wanted some fresh flowers in my office and so I went to the grocery store and bought some tulips. The next morning they had all bent in different directions and I snapped a picture because it reminded me of life. Even though we’re in the same jar some of us are bending in different directions and it still looks magnificent.

Happy Friday folks!

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Today is Prince’s Birthday

Yes, today is Prince’s birthday. I will drink purple flavored drinks, think peaceful thoughts and listen to your music as I work out. I will go home later and climb in bed and watch Purple Rain wondering what the world will do without an incredible artist. Happy Birthday Prince Rogers Nelson! Rest in Paradise brother!

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Multiple Awards and Thank You’s

Hey Everyone!

I’m so behind on all the awards that I’ve been nominated for that I am going to do a massive thank you, tell you the rules, answer the questions and leave it open to everyone to join in. It is so many so feel free to participate and link back to this post so that I can read your responses.

First up…I was nominated by Rosie from the Hookup Culture for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award.

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The Rules:

•Thank the blogger who gave you the award and link back to their blog
•Answer the 10 questions given to you
•Nominate 10 bloggers for the award
•Write 10 questions for your nominees to answer
•Display the award on your blog or post

Here were the 10 questions she asked me:

  1. What is the story behind your blog name?  My last name is Thomas and when I sat down and tried to come up with a name I realized that I was just blogging my point of view so I just called it A Thomas Point of View.
  2. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.
  3. When is your birthday? January. 9 days after Christmas.
  4. When did you start writing? At the age of 12 I would write. By 14 my writing was more telling, authentic and intense based off my experiences.
  5. What would your dream vacation be? Vacationing in the Canary Islands
  6. Favorite color? Blue
  7. The Voice or American Idol? The Voice. However, I’m watching the final season of American Idol.
  8. Name something that made you smile today! Hearing from my son this morning.
  9. Name something that made you frown today. Realizing that some people will suck the energy out of a room and I don’t know why.
  10. What is your favorite tv show currently? Being Mary Jane

Next…I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by both Laura of Riddle from the Middle and Stephanie of Making Time for Me.

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The Rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you (because, you know…manners).
  • Include a link to that person’s blog.  That’s also good manners.
  • Then select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly who you consider versatile and excellent in their writing.  Nominate them for the Versatile Blogger Award and notify them on their About page.
  • Finally, share 7 things about yourself.  Interesting is good…truthful is important…bonus points for brutal honesty.

Here are 7 things about me:

  1. I’m an extrovert. I love talking to and engaging people.
  2. I’m a mother of one and motherhood permanently changed my life. I love being a mommy.
  3. I’m super busy but try to remember to slow down and enjoy life.
  4. I love blogging. It is free therapy.
  5. I love the beach. It relaxes me to stand out and look at the water and feel the sand between my toes.
  6. I wanted to be governor of Tennessee when I was younger.
  7. I didn’t go to Disney until I was 28 and married. I am taking my son to Disney this November.

Also…I was also nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award by Tribe 53 where you recognize bloggers that you read and are happy that they are part of the blogging community.  There are so many wonderful bloggers that I read and subscribe too that I can’t possible list you all. But, I want you to know that I read approximately 150-200 posts a day. I don’t always comment on your posts, but know that they are being read.

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Another one…I was also nominated for the Blogger Award by my fellow blogger at Embracing My Inner Ginger 

The Rules:
-Tag the blogger that nominated you
-Answer the questions you were given
-Nominate 10 bloggers
-Name questions for your nominees to answer
-Inform the bloggers you chose that you nominated them!

Here are the questions:

  1. What music/musician do you find most influential in your life and why?   Prince. I’ve always loved his music. He’s a musical genius.
  2. Do you have a favorite song and why? Adore.
  3. If you could meet one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why? Maya Angelou. Because I loved her writing, her poems her story.
  4. What current song would describe your life today? He Saw The Best in Me by Marvin Sapp.
  5. What is a song you would consider timeless? I will always love you.
  6. Do you have a favorite workout song?  Or a song that motivates you in some way? I listen to Pandora to work out and just need club music to work up a sweat. LOL. I don’t necessarily have a song that motivates me in any way.

Finally…I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by 1617 Sunshine Avenue.

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The rules:

•Thank the person who nominated you.
•Answer the questions from your nominators.
•Nominate eleven other bloggers and give them eleven questions.

Here are the questions:

  1. What do you do to stay fit? Work out and make healthier food choices.
  2. What´s your favorite food? LOL. Pizza. I’ve opted for thin crust and whole wheat to reduce calories.
  3. What do you do to recharge after a stressful day/week? Take a hot shower and read a good book.
  4. What´s the goal of your blog? To just tell my point of view.
  5. Tell us your one bad habit? Candy
  6. What is your favorite season? Fall
  7. Name your three favorite movies. Purple Rain, Selma and A Time to Kill
  8. Early bird or late owl? Late Owl
  9. What´s your favorite quote? I don’t have one.
  10. How do you stay organized when there is a lot to do? Write it down. Try to make the lists manageable.
  11. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Nope.

 

I didn’t think of questions for any of the awards, I’m leaving it up to you to tell me what you want me to know about you. I thank all the bloggers that nominated me and trust me when I tell you that I am overjoyed by the blogging community. I hope that you continue to grow your followers, write great pieces and keep up the good work.

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The Epically Awesome Award!

Hi Everyone,

I was nominated by Lisa over at TheRebirthofLisa for the Epically Awesome Award and I’m super excited. Why? Because someone thinks that I’m epically awesome outside of me and my crew. LOL!

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Seriously folks, I’m excited anytime someone thinks of me to bring attention to my little blog.

The Award Rules:

  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site
  2. Put the award logo on your blog
  3. Share ten awesome facts about yourself
  4. Nominate ten blogs

 

So here goes:

I couldn’t think of ten awesome things about myself, but I wanted to tell you some awesome things about me…

  • I’m awesome because I blog about my life. Real stuff. No filters and no fluff. I try to keep bad words to a minimum because I’m a mommy and I don’t want my son to repeat me but I will make up a word in a minute. I’ve been known to do so. LOL.
  • I’m awesome because even in the midst of some of the worst storms in my life I was able to find my way out. Not by my own accord, but my faith in God. I’ve been able to be a better and stronger version of me. I’m a firm believer in women asking for help and not trying to be superwoman. It gets exhausting.
  • I’m awesome because I can smoke a stogie and sip champagne while wearing tennis shoes and still feel sexy. I learned that at 40 it’s okay to just be you. Whatever it is you want to do, just do it and not care what others think. It’s taken time, but I’m getting there.

The Nominees Are Totally Awesome:

  1. Elizabeth from The Crumbs of My Life
  2. Rebecca from A Journey With You
  3. Maria from MariaJob
  4. Nisthur from Poem Hobby
  5. Roxanne from The Whatever Mom
  6. Deb from Debwashere
  7. Cautiously Optimistic from The Single Ladies Blog
  8. Blair from The Shameful Sheep
  9. Your BadAss Auntie from Badass Auntie
  10. Nena from You Unfolded

Please check out their blogs!

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Liebster Again

Hey Folks!

I got nominated for a Liebster Award again!

Thank you goes to Cassandra Pinson of Tallentales. She has a wonderful blog and you can check her out here: Tallentales

Questions from Tallentales to Me:

  1. What is the inspiration behind the name of your blog? When I started writing my blog on the recommendation of a girlfriend who started blogging, I tried to come up with the perfect name. I couldn’t. LOL. So, I started thinking what is it that I want to say? I had no idea but I realized that it was my point of view. Thomas is my last name so that was how I came up with the name of my blog. It was my point of view. Whether you agree, disagree or could care less it is my high horse journalistic point of view.
  2. What do you like to do in your spare time? Read and go to the movies. I also just started meditating so I do this nightly.
  3. What are five things you can’t live without? My son, my sanity, my cell phone, my family and my friends.
  4. Define the perfect day. Laying in the cool wind on a blanket under a tree thanking God for life. No plans. Just existing.
  5. What are you afraid of? Success and not being a good mother.
  6. What is your favorite memory? Feeling my son kick for the first time.
  7. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you? Falling as I was walking across campus when in college. I fell at the big “M” as you drive in the University of Maryland’s College Park campus and rolled in front of a car. It was humiliating.
  8. What is the most crazy experience you’ve had while you’ve been out with your child/children? Recently it was when my doctor asked munch did he know who Maya Angelou was and he replied, “Michael Angelou’s wife.” Yep, I was embarrassed.
  9. Name a place you’d like to live. Hawaii
  10. If you were a superhero, what would you secret power be? Mind reading
  11. The best things in life are? Free. Family, friends, faith and love.

A Thomas Point of View’s Nominee’s:

4 Boyz Momma

Humor.Life.Brutal Honesty

Here are the rules:

  1. Create a blog post on your site, answering the questions below.
  2. In your post, link back to the blog that nominated you.
  3. Complete the questions.
  4. Select your nominees. New bloggers, 200 followers or so.
  5. Provide them with these instructions.
  6. Assign them 11 questions to answer
  7. When you are finished, come back to the blog that nominated you, and comment with the link to your blog post so that they can read your answers.

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Why did you start to blog?
  2. How long have you been blogging?
  3. Do you find it difficult to write?
  4. What are you most proud of about your writing?
  5. What is one thing that you wish you could change in this country?
  6. Would you consider yourself a role model?
  7. Describe your typical day.
  8. Donuts or bagels?
  9. What do you think about gun violence in the U.S.?
  10. What is one piece of advice you could give to anyone?
  11. Have your dreams come true?
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500 Likes

I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. – Jimmy Dean

 

Wow! I had over 500 likes on my blog and I’m over the moon. Thank you so much for reading, stopping by, commenting and liking my stuff. I get so many people who tell me that they read my stuff and I had no idea. I’m encouraging those that do read it to like and comment on the stuff you find interesting, humorous or just plain engaging.

I’m slow to growing this blog by all means and I’ve just gotten serious about it in the last year, but I’m thankful for all the steps. Like the quote above, I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. It’s in the small steps that I know that I will reach my destination and I’m happy for a chance to feel the wind on my face.

I had the great opportunity to participate in the Meet and Greet that occurred over at Dream Big Dream Often last week and that was when I noticed the surge in my likes. Whew! How awesome is that? These meet and greets work!

So, here’s to making a 1000 likes hopefully by January 1st.

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10 Things

Hey Everybody!

I was tagged by Sandy, a fellow blogger, at Poot’s Notes to tell you 10 things that you don’t know about me!. This was over the weekend and yes, I’m late so I do apologize. I wanted to do this exercise because it is fun and different from what I blog about. Plus it allows us the opportunity to get to know each other better. So, here goes…

The rules are as follows:

  • Link back to the blogger who nominated you and answer their 10 questions
  • Add the badge to your post
  • Write your own 10 questions and tag 10 bloggers to do the same

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Here are Sandy’s questions and my answers:

1. What is your favorite type of music?

My favorite type of music is R&B. I love all types but I can always settle my restless soul with some good old-fashioned R&B music by Stevie Wonder, Chrisette Michelle or Leela James.

2.  Who would you call your hero?

My grandma would be my hero. She raised 11 children on her own with only a third grade education. I’ve learned from her that determination is the only way you can succeed in life. She is awesome.

3.  Why do you blog?

It’s FREE therapy. Blogging allows me to share some sensitive parts of myself with other people. It allows me to look through situations in a reflective way and see how I handled those situations and to learn from them.

4.  What is your favorite TV show?

Well it was Wayward Pines, but that got cancelled this summer. I’m a sci-fi junkie so anything in that genre tends to keep my attention.

5.  If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who and why?

My cousin Brennan aka Boo-Bop. Because he died in December of 2007 and I miss the heck out of him. So many things to talk about and I need his advice. Some days I feel like I’m drowning and he’s the only one that can save me with a piece of his country wisdom. He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known.

6.  Do you have a degree?  What is it in?

Yes, I have a degree in English.

7.  What is your dream job?

Working for a Fortune 500 company doing benefits and writing. There are never enough hours of the day to my dream job though.

8.  What is your greatest accomplishment?

Having my son. Motherhood changed me. So, it’s not professional, but personal.

9.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully, published, writing and in a management position for a Fortune 500 company.

10.  If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Gran Canaria.  It’s one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. It’s known for the white-sand beaches stretching along its southern coast. I love the beach.

My Nominees (in no particular order):

  1. A Couple Talks
  2. The Gold Brick Road
  3. Chocolaty Prints
  4. A Sista’s Guide to Adoption
  5. Date By Numb3r
  6. Black.Bunched.Mass.Mom
  7. Rebirth of Lisa
  8. Life of an El Paso Woman
  9. Johanna’s Mama
  10. Momentary Lapse of Sanity

My Questions to the Nominees:

  1. What is the one thing you wish you could do over again?
  2. Why did you decide to blog?
  3. What motivates you to write? Do you write even when you have nothing to say?
  4. How many followers do you have?
  5. Do you interact with fellow bloggers? How so?
  6. Where are you from?
  7. What major social issue is on your radar at the moment and why?
  8. Do you like sports? If yes, which ones?
  9. Have you ever done on-line dating? Why or why not?
  10. If you were ever to run for and be elected as President of the United States of America, what would be your top issue to tackle?

If you choose to accept this tag, don’t forget to comment and share the link with me right here so that I can read your answers.

Until next time!

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My First Liebster Award

Hey Ya’ll!

I was nominated for a Liebser Award by Sandy at Poot’s Notes. I’m super excited because I love the blogger community and anything designed to strengthen and grow my followers is a blessing. We are truly a village encouraging each other in this quest for world domination. LOL! No, seriously it helps that we respect the craft and want to help each other grow our blogs.

The Liebster Award recognizes bloggers who have less than 200 followers. I only have 106 as of today, but thankfully I’m growing so I qualified. Yeah!

liebsteraward-2

Okay, the rules are:

1 – Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.

2 – Answer the 10 questions given by the nominator.

3 – Nominate and link 10 bloggers (with less than 200 followers).

4 – Notify all the bloggers you’ve nominated.

5 – Create 10 new questions for your nominees to answer.

So, here are the questions I have to answer:

1. What is your dream destination?

Fiji. I love the beach and clear blue water and can’t wait to visit.

2. If you could have one dream come true, what would it be?

To end hunger in America. Many people in this country experience food shortages and I’m keenly aware of this issue. It pains me to think about children going to bed hungry.

3. Are you an animal lover?

Yes. I love dogs.

4. What is your favorite book?

Assata by Assata Shakur. Changed my life in college.

5. What is the one thing you would change about yourself and it can be anything, or nothing?

I would change the way I viewed relationships and marriage. I used to initially view marriage as an archaic form of slavery. LOL! Thankfully, that has changed.

6. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Give 30% to the government for taxes. Give my church 10% in the form of an educational endowment. Invest 50%. Buy a house. Travel and still work. Munch wouldn’t have to worry about college.

7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Being able to share my life with people.

8. Do you have any celebrity friends?

I know people who are celebrities that I went to high school with. However, everyone is a celebrity in my book.

9. What is one personal goal?

To reduce my debt.

10. What is your favorite meal to cook?

Spaghetti. My son loves it.

I’ve selected the following 10 blogs to nominate for this award. Please go check them out and follow:

1. The Mommyhood Ministry

2. Michelle G Cameron Writes

3. Macaroni and Merlot

4. Milk and Blood

5. Traveling Sarah’s Blog

6. Emma Thompson HK

7. Wrongfully Infamous Black American

8. Broke in Words

9. 26 Single & Living

10. The Curves Blog

Here are my 10 questions:

1.  What inspired you to start your blog?

2. What are some of the things you hope your blog can bring about in the world?

3. Do you ever write about social issues?

4. How long have you been blogging?

5. What do you see as the biggest obstacle in growing your blog?

6. How often do you blog?

7. What are some of the things you want readers or visitors to know about your blog?

8. What country do you reside in?

9. What is your favorite color?

10. Who is your favorite musician?

 

Thank you again for the nomination and congratulations to my fellow bloggers!

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Encouraging Thunder Award

I was nominated by the wonderful blogger La Sabrosona over at My Spanglish Familia for the Encouraging Thunder Award. I’m super excited to have a group of wonderful and successful bloggers who read my stuff and actually comment on it. Better yet, they nominate and encourage each other for awards. So, I’m super excited to let you know about the Encouraging Thunder Award I was nominated for.

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What you can do with Encouraging Thunder award?

  • Post it on your blog
  • Grant other bloggers with the award

What you can’t do with Encouraging Thunder award?

  • Abuse or misuse the logo
  • Claim that it’s your own handmade logo

What you should do after receiving Encouraging Thunder award:

  • Enjoy the award
  • At least gives thanks via comments and likes and or mentioning the blog who gave the award.
  • Mention your purpose in blogging

My Purpose in Blogging:

I started blogging because a girlfriend of mine encouraged me to start a blog like she did on blogger. This was eight years ago. We were married, had no children and had dogs. So our blogs were about our lives minus children. Pretty boring huh?

I wasn’t very committed to blogging and when I got pregnant and put on bed rest, I started to write more. But, life got in the way. I had my baby after a difficult pregnancy and delivery and just got too tired. I would occasionally write a post if something happened, but being a working supermom it was hard for me to dedicate time to write. That changed last year.

I was separated and divorcing and I felt as though I was in a perpetual hell. I couldn’t function. I couldn’t breathe and I was broken. The pain of anger and hurt were destroying me. I was on the floor crying one day with my son holding my head and saying, “Mommy, don’t cry. I will protect you.” I cried harder. After about two weeks of this, God spoke to me and said, “Get up! This is done.” No lie.

Just like that. I got up and moved forward. Knowing and trusting that God had me and my son no matter what. I’ve made many mistakes. I’ve learned from my failures and my faith is deeply rooted. This has made me stronger. In being stronger and trying to get my words out of my head I started to blog again.

I moved my blog to WordPress and decided to create a logo. I was taking it seriously by investing time and effort into me. I committed to time spent reading, writing and reflecting about things that interested me. I committed to being transparent and to grow my followers.

I wanted to bring readers into my world and help you see things from my point of view. To talk about the social issues that mattered to me. To share my hilarious parenting stories. To talk about my dating issues. To heal. Writing is healing me. It is allowing me to explore the crevices of my spirit and share. For that, I’m thankful for the experiences.

That’s why I started blogging.

Now, I wanted to nominate these other awesome blogs that I think you should check out:

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Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Yay! My first award..The Very Inspiring Blogger Award.img_2255

I got nominated by the wonderful couple: Emily and Chris who host A Couple Talks blog. They have this great blog that is written from both a male and female perspective that gives you insight into dating, relationships and everything in between. Go check it out and I thank you both!

This is my first blogger award and the fact that total strangers think that I’m inspirational has me stoked. Woo hoo! Go me! Go me!

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So, here are my thank you’s:

I would like to thank Sweet baby Jesus for being the motivating force in my life. Many of you know that I love me some Jesus and I know where my help comes from. I am a broken Christian marching in His army. Amen!

I would like to thank my son for providing hours of amusement to me that allows me to write about his antics. I would like to thank my friends for telling me to write-through the pain of my marriage crumbling and journal my experiences. Apparently that makes for great reading. I would like to thank POF, Tinder, Match and Black People Meet for allowing me to be a part of your dating site and realize that…men are crazy no matter what site you’re on.

LOL!

Are you inspired yet? Seriously, I’m honored and I can’t believe that my little blog has such awesome readers. I hope that I can continue to write material that people find inspiring and just plain good.

So, one thing about winning this award, I have to do some official things.

Here are the rules: 

  • Thank the person who nominated you and add their link.
  • List the award rules so your nominees will know what to do.
  • Tell 7 hidden facts about yourself.
  • Nominate 5-10-15 other bloggers.
  • Contact your nominees and provide a link to your post.
  • Display the award logo (button) on your blog, whether on your sidebar or about page, or special award page.

My nominees are:

  • I nominate Heather and her hubby, Chris for the wonderful work on Meet the Hopefuls – They blog about their infertility struggles and their intent to become parents. The IVF process is gruesome and they take you on their journey. Very inspiring.
  • I nominate Jason’s Journal for his inspiring blog that captures everything from photographs, to essays and just writing from his perspective about life – he is the real deal. Very inspiring. I promise that you will enjoy reading Jason’s Journal.
  • I nominate Brad Johns from The Positive Project. Great blogger who talks about his life and motivates and inspires us each time. He’s expecting a new baby with his wife and I promise you will enjoy his writing.
  • I nominate Our Party of 6. A great blog about being a pastor’s wife and raising children. Her blog inspires you to see the message and gift in everyday things. You will enjoy it.
  • I nominate Susan of Our Everyday which is very inspiring blog about her life and family. She uses beautiful prose, poetry and pictures to bring you into her everyday life. She’s my high school classmate and I know you will love her blog.

Seven Hidden Facts About Me:

  1. I recently reconnected with my dad after a 30 year hiatus. I found out that I may have 9 other siblings. Yep, my papa was a rolling stone.
  2. I have an accent. You will never hear it unless you’re around me when I’m home in Tennessee. I work hard to perfect my diction so you’ll never catch me slipping. LOL!
  3. I love selfies. Since my marriage ended, I learned to love my curves and find my happier and healthier self. Due to that I’ve become obsessed with taking photos of myself. Nope, I don’t have a selfie stick…yet.
  4. I hate when people talk about bugs, lice, fleas, etc. I start itching and scratching thinking I have something.
  5. I once planned to go to Vanderbilt law school and enter politics so I could become governor of my home state in Tennessee.
  6. My favorite book of the bible is Romans. It is the book that speaks to me the most in terms of my walk and faith and God’s ever-present love for me.
  7. Spanish was my first language. We lived in Spain when I was learning to talk and my babysitter spoke only Spanish. Therefore, I spoke Spanish at home.

inspire