14/30 written on 4/7/16 
Day 7 out of 30 of #NaPoWriMo 

Untitled poem 

Beautiful man 
kissing 
my blistered wounds
til they're healed 
echo positive 
chants to my soul 
Sooth my scattered mind
til I'm blind with only 
images of you. 

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah 

Yearn (comfort of you) 


Marrying my soul with yours
Tucked in real tight...
I yearn
For pleasures unknown  Rising
from slumber
Daylight comes to interrupt these
thoughts
I have the weak spot in me
that is the love of you
and poisonous desire that
wracks havoc on my soul

You're charming the negativity
out of me
molding this fractured tortured
girl who once cried over things
her soul could no longer take

Rising like God's handpicked angel
I am torn
between what I want to do
and what I need for you to do
with me

Liberations deep within me
taunt me at night
while you slumber
and when I'm deep in my abyss
of lost dreams and desires
you pull me back from the brink
of self-loathing

The comfort of your love
sets my soul free
As I breath in, lay on your
shoulder, easing all the pain away

The comfort of you...love
you give me awesomely wicked
african rhythms that course my body

Glued together forever
my heart
your heart
our lives stay interwined
as your write lyrics to my soul
that fly in the air for all to
hear
yearning, this bliss
yearning, this love
takes me to sweet heaven
and beyond

so
p l e a s e
never
stop the comfort

it's always what I need from you
(c) 2006 by Mocha Sistah 

Haiku 4/30


Sweet air flowing life
Sun shining amazingly so
the earth smiles its love


(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights Reserved

Toxic

Hurled words burn skins
Draw blood
Pierce the soul
Slice down love

Love is not this pissivity 

In this atmosphere pure hatred 
From a dark spirit intent on
Conquering down a pure
Innocent person

Yet you call this love?

(c) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights Reserved 

Untitled
By Mocha Sistah

When I go walking
Care is given to breathe out impurities

When I cannot
Hold my spirit,
some stranger tries to snatch
my joy

When I cannot dream
I pray until tears wash my face
And I sing, sing until my vocals are raw

When I am not whole,
I escape through unrequited
Love in my bones

(C) 2016 by Mocha Sistah
All Rights reserved

September Poem

Just Because

Yawning into a brand new day
Lifting my soul into another
Atmosphere
Shall I spread my poetic wings
Over the bruised souls
For just a moment of sunshine
Or take some time
To plant life seeds into
Urban concretes
Whatever it is, I shall
Move positively
In the world
As designated by the
One from above

Redefining life
One moment at a time
Understanding that time
Waits for no one
© 2013 by Mocha Sistah

In positive verse

Hey Musers:

As the song says, "I'm Still Standing..." yeah yeah yeah. Thought I would give a few updates since it's been a while since I've blogged on this medium. I'm still a New Yorker and live in Brooklyn where I am working on projects as we speak. It's September and I'm gearing up for my mentoring with a literary organization in the City of New York where I will be mentoring a young writer. I am excited to bring my energy to that program that includes writing fiction, non fiction and poetic offerings. I"m more excited about the mentoring component. The last time I mentored was about 7 years ago and that was an awesome experience. 

Writing wise, I have been working on original materials and looking forward to publishing a collection in 2014. It is currently untitled so I am not sure what the actual title is as of yet. In November time permitting, I might participate in the National Novel Writing Month activities. I have a few short stories I want to revamp and editing of Not Between These Thighs is a high priority. Not Between These Thighs is a novel about three women on a journey of life that includes love, spirituality, and a little bit of drama in between their lives. 

I am considering publishing a second volume of Speaking Me, a teen anthology that I originally published in Chicago in partnership with the City of Chicago's Cultural Affairs Division.  The anthology will target youth in grades K-12, utilizing short stories, prose and poetry to express their voices! 

In future posts, I will share exclusive excerpts from upcoming work. Stay tuned to find out ways to win a copy of "Keeping the Faith" and writing activities. Thanks for your literary support throughout the years. 

In positive verse and life lyrics, 

Mocha Sistah

Kicking with the Kindle

I found a new addiction, besides my past one to food. As an avid reader, I heard about the Kindle last year but I shrugged it off and thought to myself, nope, not gonna convert. First of all, I love books, and I mean the book you snuggle with. The one you hold close to you, fall asleep with and find your fingers caressing those pages. I never thought in a million years, I'd get bit by the Kindle bug.

Most of it was because I was busy, always got my book from the library, and had room for books. But now that I'm living in New York, it's pretty hard to stack books when space is limited and so, I have in the last month and half started downloaded books by various authors in various genres. I must say it has been very interesting, including reading books by established and new authors. Right now I have been kicking it with Kindle on my blackberry and also Kindle on the PC. Also going to upgrade to the regular Kindle. I'm excited about the Kindle Fire and may upgrade at some point but starting off slow.

You might wonder why you should get a Kindle. It's a convenient way to read on your phone, your pc or the Kindle. The Kindle comes in a small package, no paper, no pages, no paper cuts, and if you have an Amazon account or a Prime member you can download several books for free. You can slid the Kindle in your bag, your purse and it doesn't take up much space. You can get sample of novels or other books and then decide to purchase the book. You don't have to lug around heavy books, unless you are really traditional and don't want to upgrade to this type or reading device. If you are a writer, you need to reformat your books. Don't miss out on the market. I will do a separate blog about how to use this digital technology.

Current titles I just read recently was: The Crossing by Serita Jakes, Chance Encounter by Earl Sewell, Love UnExpected by Shelia Goss, A Boyfriend for Christmas by Caedem Marquez and A Change of Grace by Marva Fuller. These titles were highly engaging, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I did a podcast recently that you should check out on my Literary Pizzazz show that discusses these books.

Until we meet again, happy reading and have a wonderful holiday season. Don't forget to slow down for a good story...

(c) 2011 by Pam Osbey

Fresh Like This

My life has really zoomed off since January of this year when I decided once again to make life shifts to increase my health and to decrease my unhealthiness. Now don't get me wrong, I have always tried to put my health first but always got over whelmed by crazy things that has happened like my mother's cancer status. However, this time is different because I am no longer using life challenges as an excuse on how or why I won't put my health as a priority in this life. Six months ago, I made a committment to my health, asked for friends to be apart of my journey (my accountability partners have been so helpful in my journey on this, along with my fitness coach, Pamela Lobell, and my friends online at several websites and facebook groups). Lastly, using sensibility as a choice this time, and making substitutions that are reasonable has helped me a whole lot. I try to work out from time to time (in the beginning i wasn't working out at all, now I work out at least 4-5 days a week using videos, or hitting the treadmill hard at the gym). I'm not a person who uses classes, but I love to walk and that's what I do most along with drinking water ten glasses a day! I am feeling blessed and fresh after my hard work of getting down to a size 18 from a size 24. Lots of clothes I can't fit and i will donate to shelters or places (my really nice stuff); the other stuff is getting tossed unless it's something I can have someone amend to my new size. I have a lot of inspirers too. Many of my online friends have lost 100 or more pds! Even some of my close associates have lost 40-60 pds which i feel is a blessing. For me, it's good to just be in a healthier frame of mind. Even when I am stressed, I choose to write, to sing, to walk, shadow box, dance or use my resistance bands. Yes, there are days when I don't want to work out. I try to at least walk, drink that water, and if I get off track, I allow myself the occasional cupcake (which I had one last night at an event -- but I won't be eating that until my bday again). I think it's about a balance. You have to allow yourself to fail, then try again. To mix up your food and workouts. I don't like to get in a rut or get bored so I tend to try new things. I'm currently drinking protein shakes, eating protein bars, lots of fruit, unsalted peanuts and cashews. I can now eat a can of pringles over a week or two whereas before I would gulf it down in one night. I don't eat chips daily and I normally try to do my own smoothies, my own meals, versus eating out daily at fast food chains. Whole foods is not the enemy neither is a burger. You just have to choose lean versus fast food'ng! Use olive oil, and bake or steam your food. Those are a few of my things. My secret weapon is my resistance bands. I use them every day and do wallpushups and a lot of floor work now. Those are only a few of my approaches. I"m sure if you are reading this blog you might have your own that work so please share them. Life can be fresh as you want -- a sweet peach dripping inside your mouth if you allow it ! Don't confine yourself and define your own rules when it comes to this. Read all you can and then apply what you feel will work for your situation. I am currently a person who used to use my circumstances to define who I am; I now define my situations. Mastering my own path through a strength that comes from the one above. I am wishing you a productive and blessed week ahead.

Keeping the Faith

This inspirational book will hit shelves in early 2011. I am honored to be one of the faith walkers who will be sharing personal testimonies. These stories are inspirational in nature and I felt blessed to share some of my own challenges and triumphs in real 'life' scenarios! Vanessa Miller edited the collection and you can do pre-orders soon. Check the blog for details on that. I keep the faith through god's grace and favor, wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That - April 2010

Lutishia Lovely brings back the spiritual fire with a fiyah flame in between sheets of the eye alluring Reverend who has been 'covering' many women at his church, Gospel Truth Church. What you find is generational sensual affiliations with many women and if that hasn't gotten your tongues a wagging, the way the story goes down will. Because Nate has his pick of the flock, he didn't count on his heart falling for one special woman who has the cloth of the Proverbs woman within her spirit as she grows in Christ and away from his 'harem' so to speak. This is a engaging story that explores secrets, abuse of power, generational curses, unhealthy relationships and reality of some churches that some may not want to hear about but is a reality for some churches and their members. Reverend Feelgood is a contemporary story that shows what happens when a bonds are broken, when shocking sins continue to flourish, and explosions happen when the worse in human sensuality and behavior occur. Be ready for a wild ride.

Coming up next on my show this week will be poet Melissa Ewell Miller discussing her book, Love Notes. Tune in on Tuesday, May 4th at 9 PM ET/8PM CT time.

Til then, keep the pages turning!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That -- Feb 2010

I just finished Sinsatiable by Shelia E. Lipsey. Supertalented Aisha Carlisle lives her dreams of owning her own dance studio but when a challenge gets thrown in her way, instead of waiting for god to lead her in the direction of solving the problem or the solution spiritually, she takes ownership of the issue at hand and totally gets sucked in a life that threatens to tear her world apart. At the same time, she meets a man who at the onset gives her the attention she wants and needs but then as things goes, she learns that not everything is as it appears. Her world is tossed here fro as family issues and her personal world collide. I give this book 4 mochas! The author took a lot of time to build a good story, subplots, and twists and turns with major characters that made this a great read. The title is published under Urban Christian Fiction, you can find it online at Amazon!

I also have a few other books to read including...

A Man's Worth - Nikita Lynette Nichols
First Comes Love - Shana Johnson Burton

I'll keep you posted as things goes along. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead,

Mocha Sistah

Author of the Month: T.S. Jones

Atlanta native, T.S. Jones scripts a book that will move the soul and make you think about motivations of men, women and relationships. Is it more important for a woman to forgo her spirit in chase of the almightly marriage bed, the ring, or should she just focus on the finances she'll gain? There are many different ways this debut author could have written her book. However the fact that she chose to use many different elements in an entertaining way to create tension among her characters, create a dialogue for the sexes to discuss important elements of marriage, relationships, and listening to god's voice is the reason why I chose her as the Author of the Month to feature here on my blog. I love the way she crafted her characters, in a realistic way that gave good portrayals of both men and women within this world of secrets, lies, insecurity, and made this reader finish a book so quick it made my head twist faster than the speed of light. The reason why I asked T.S. Jones to be a feature on my show was the uniqueness of her story and the fact that I felt her book was different than most written in this genre. Not to slight any other authors out there, I felt Ms. Jones spent time developing her characters, plot, and pushed her subplots very well. I also loved the fact that the book felt fluid and realistic than many other christian books I've delved into the past few years. As an author she didn't write any cookie cutter characters. These characters felt real, layered, and diverse in really good ways that made you want to get to that next chapter. Her subject is real, and many women will feel the struggle of the three women on a quest to find love or being married. Some men will also find some good nuggets in here, as well, because this story isn't just about women and love. Its about finding what is real love is. What is committment? What is sacrifice? So many elements I could find in this book that made me want to pick it up again. By the way, I finished the book in 6 hours. Yes, it's that good.

You should pick up T.S.Jones because she has a fresh approach and perspective that will be enjoyable and make you want to call your friends up and have a discussion about the anointing of the word that is displayed in her work. To find out more about this author, please visit her publisher's websitehttp://www.nevaehpublishing.com. This book will have your tongue's waggling, your soul shouting, your head shaking, maybe a tear or two shed, and maybe just maybe you'll smile~

Also, if you want to hear T.S. Jones in action, she was featured on Literary Pizzazz on January 2th. Check the featured show.

Mocha Sistah

As We Come To a Close

Lord, I cannot remember a month going by so fast. We opened the year fresh and anew. I have been literally humping since Jan 1st. On my plate this month as been volunteering with a senior center in the Bronx on Jan 15th and also helping to pack boxes for troops earlier in the month. Trips all over the 5 boroughs has resulted me in connecting services for youth and families between the South Bronx and Queens, Harlem, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It's be crazy but good.

On the book tip, I have been heavily reading a few books. I'm currently in the middle of Sinsatiable by Sheila E. Lipsey, and A Man's Worth by Nikita Lynette Nichols. I also have Tracey Bateman's Thirsty to finish before my next book club meeting.

I have a bunch of authors to interview for the show so keep yourself posted by checking out my show line up at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz

I have been in the kitchen a lot lately shaving calories but cooking up a storm. Since last year, shaved off about 30 + pounds, and hoping to do more but in a very healthy way. I"m cool with losing 1 or 2 pds a week and nothing more. No crazy diets, just me eating god's green earth: 5 fruits and veggies a day! Lots of water, and if I want to eat some discretionary calories, don't go over board.

I'm getting comfortable in my place living here in New York, thus, I am now considering doing some writing and teaching gigs (volunteering my time yet again) with youth writers and in the community.

On the entertainment tip, I got a chance to see Book of Eli and was blown away. Still haven't seen Avatar yet... it's on my list.

Vocally, I want to get in the studio but waiting on god to present some opportunities for that. Until then I'm reading, writing, and working hard for the foster youth.

Hope this friday brings a peace your heart and soul can appreciate.

Talk with you on the 'next' go around.

With light and love always abounding,
Mocha S.

A Year In Reflection

We've had our highs and lows, we've lost friends, family members, gone through trials and tribulations and we are still here. We are still standing. Now is not the time to feel remorse, or sadness about what happened because what is, WILL BE. Life is for living and each breathe of life must be enjoyed for we do not know when it will be our time to go. This year I've made a huge shift in my life by moving out of one career to another new one. A transition that I've been in for the last 6 months of this year. Moving to the east coast wasn't easy but it was the best thing God allowed me to do this year that actually made sense. Don't get me wrong, I do miss being in the class room, planning lessons, working with parents,and in schools in the Chicago Public System, but being in New York has given me more empowerment to do things in a different beat. Working with youth in the foster care system has been rewarding, and very freeing -- i'm seeing things with a new lens. A lens that has given me clarity in a different way to serve as I support the youth of the Bronx and encourage others to do the same.

I sit here all bright eyed and bushy tailed (locks all over the place), feeling that I am right where I need to be. I'm still writing, still singing, and still living well, learning how to budget effectively and be more healthier has been additional gifts bestowed on me and appreciated. My original goal of moving was completed by July (thanks god), and I lost 25 pounds before I left chicago, though my total weight loss is closer to 50, and I feel great. I'm cooking all the time, and learning new ways to support my balanced diet -- don't get me wrong, I love eating! and I don't miss any meals, but I do it in more of a very balanced way that lets me get all that I want in, but i don't miss eating a lot of bread or heavy (greasy meats). Last year at this time, I was an over worked teaching artist who didn't have time to cook or eat right, god fixed that when I moved here.

This year I was able to actually 'pen' a few things -- Psalms of Love -- which will be tweaked and released later in 2010 and my attempt at another novel, "Not Between These Thighs" which will be released in the Fall of 2010.

I find myself at a very peaceful place this year -- working on many shifts in my mindset, to mold myself to be a better virtuous woman, to allow real love to come into my life, to be bold in my doings, but more humble none the less.

I've had a heck of a year -- and enjoyed all of it! Glad god got me through the rough phase of my last teaching days -- and although I miss Chicago, being in New York has given me knew wings to fly higher.

Did I mention, I won two airplane tickets from Jet Blue, which I haven't used yet? I am still praying I used them in wonderful ways... god will tell me what needs to be done.

Although I'm still processing the lost of a few friends and an aunt who passed away recently, I am happy I was able to have positive exchanges with these people. Enjoyed them while they were in my life.

As I sit here on the last day of the year, I have no regrets, for I think everything has been put in place for me to rise higher and I encourage you to do the same. Whether you 'ring' in the new year quietly or with friends, wipe that slate clean and try to start the new year with new thoughts, a new mind frame, and energy to push on and claim more blessings. Don't wonder what it's going to be, just be open for things to happen and CLAIM them into existence. Speak words of kindness, and peace! Let serenity coast your spirit, and rise you higher. Do not look back, look forward to all the brightness before your soul. Wishing you a bountiful new year 2010, filled with many possibilities.

Mocha S.

New Days Ahead

Osbey Books is moving to NYC! It's a time of renewal and change. Too much to process on this end and packing my life into boxes and rearranging myself as I relocate is very involved but I am excited. Hopefully I can update this blog by next week with new work.

Currently I am teaching literary classes at an elementary school (with parents). It is very fun and creative. As a group we are really having a great time. We are covering prose, poetry, creative writing, personal essays, and commentaries. We are working on using metaphors, figurative and descriptive language, similes, and concrete words. So far, it's been good.

Besides that a short appearance at this years Printer's Row Book Fair went fairly well. I am letting my non fiction title rest as I organize myself for living in NYC.

2 other novels are brewing and will be re-edited for release in late fall. Besides that, just enjoying the rest of the summer in Chicago.

I always thank God for seeing me through my new paths in this life. It is fulfilling and makes me feel like I'm walking in my purpose.

Be blessed everyone!

Mocha Sistah

Repeat This

Often in class, I find myself repeating a lot of things. So I snuck and wrote a poem about it, using repetition basically.

Enjoy!

REPEAT THIS!

repeat this...is what i gotta say everyday.
repeating things as i stand at the front of the classroom
being tested by 30 students palming their grimmy pencils
and white paper with scrawled names
repeating abc's
repeating 123's of poetry
repetition is the name of a poetry teacher's game
and please don't be lame
cause kids will laugh in your face
sometimes i cannot think because i am constantly
repeating..
please-stop-doing-that!
repeating in my head (lord don't let me have to utter
that syllable again!)
repeating errands that i must do in my head like
memorizing math multiplications or substracting
the times i've had to stop class because of inappropriate
or distracting behavior...
i just don't want to forget... what i was teaching
what was i teaching?
anyway...
i repeat steps as i walk my walk
i repeat steps as i dial momma in between classes
and laugh about my crazy 3rd grade class at koz
i sometimes laugh inside at the kids...
they are like instant entertainment...
distracting little play performers on crack
jingling this way
wiggling that way
spotlight on the main performers as they keep me
entertained
this repeating days and moments feel like
lyrical mathematican's running a crazy conference
about lack of self control with behaviors that
tintinnbulate the verses of their syllables
that constantly tumble of their mouth sounding
so unephonic...
i rehearse my little spiel and hope they get something
from the lesson, close my bag, slid papers in them and
then return to the first time i entered the learning
tool box as i know... that lessons beyond poetry
are always shared and learned
and those will be repeated in future generations of
writers who experienced a little sharing of words
with me in a class somewhere in between the midwest
and south, so i retire my pen and my soul
even for a little while maybe the hungering for new knowledge
will have been planted by a forty minute session in a class
where language was the fore front, not just slight interruptions
of human behavior

(c) 2009 by Mocha Sistah

The Many Things of Mocha

I know it's been a while, so I'm updating this blog! It's been more than a few months since I've blogged seriously, so here goes.

Although I do have my company, Osbey Books, I am quietly building a client base and revamping certain aspects of what I do. Focusing on providing the same services, I have a new site @ http://osbeybooks.webs.com/ which will be updated as things are progressing.

Current book projects for my author Onika Pascal, Collections of a See Through Soul Portraits, is now on sale at http://www.authorsbookshop.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/.

I am finishing up a few of my schools currently and in transition as I either head for Atlanta, Hawaii or Japan this summer. Yes, I said that! I have planted the seeds of change and going where the universe is sending me. I am leaving open the options and seeing where God wants me to plant new roots. All three locations would be very different and give me the curiosity i seek as well as something exciting to look forward to.

On my contracts I have four weeks of teaching left; and although it's one of those ending periods for me, I am happy that I am ending on good notes at all schools. The turmultous air that has followed us all during the recession has embarked in the murky waters of artists every where. Because of funding issues in the state of Illinois, I have decided this is my last go around in the schools as a teaching artist. However I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe God allowed me to spend as much time being an advocate in the schools to prepare me for other educational roles which I am qualified to do. Going back to school and getting my Masters in Reading and Literacy is a goal I hope to achieve in the next 2 years either here in Illinois or abroad elsewhere.

My trip to Atlanta was great (a few weeks ago) and I got a lot of information that will help me make some decisions regarding my summer trekking to Georgia if I do not decide to go to another location.

Japan and Hawaii may have to wait if Cobb County or Gwinnett offers me the opportunity to work with students and parents in Georgia. We'll see. Only time will tell.

I was speaking with a recruiter the other day and he wanted to know why I wanted to relocate or start over during a recession and my response was, "why not?" I'm single, strong candidate in any area that I've focused on, and have no other pressing responsibilities which would keep me in Chicago. So why not try? Why not explore? What is holding me back? ONLY ME! I know a few people are wondering why leave during a recession but my theme of the year is to keep pressing on despite challenges and to challenge myself to not be stagnant. If you want true change you must be willing to be the CHANGE you seek!

I'm off the air for a week and will return with great authors. You may want to check in with me and Juisee Da Queen next Monday on www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz. Next Wednesday I interview Chamein Canton and then in April I will be hosting some fabulous authors and poets during the National Poetry Month.

Performance wise, I am scheduled at a few venues, so check back for the updates on my locations.

Trying to catch up with me more and wanting to see new work posted weekly, check me out on Facebook. Wanting to know if I am still writing books, yes, I am. I will be releasing something during the summer of 2009, so thanks for that continued support.

I am hoping you have a wonderful day ahead!

Mocha Sistah

Change of Me...

I have crossed a mile stone. I'm 40! I enjoyed a birthday that was special with those who love me. The dinner was awesome. The weekend was great and the weather was perfect. I couldn't ask for more.

For me it means.. a New number, different mind set. I'm happy. Things are okay and flowing the way it should. I'm deciding on some important matters. I'm making some transitions. I'm watching the political race and I"m involved.

I find that 40 (for me) is freeing. I'm more honest about things. I'm not as concerned with other's thoughts of me. I'm working hard on my goals and dreams. I'm focused more on family, and small moments of time...

I've taken more time out in the last 2 weeks to slow down and enjoy the little things. Laying out by the lake, writing in my journal, and breathing slow to enjoy time as it spins very serenely. Going to Millenium park, walking around town, taking care of my health is sooo important to me. That's it.

I find also that this 'age' has helped me to cut the fat in my life. Not fat but people. People who mean me harm, who have never really supported me who need to be out. So I've slowly begun to transition the not so good elements, cutting down to the ones that really are for me, and not against me. I really don't have the time or the attitude to have people around me who are negative spirits who PRETEND to be something they aren't.

My intuition is running things along with the spirit God has instilled in me.

So yes, I'm being very focused on what is working in my life and what isn't.

I'm excited about my background melodies (good things in progress), along with the radio show, new books, and other haps.

I challenge you to be the change you want to see in the world. As Ghandi said, because you'll be waiting forever for someone to change what you want to see. It's like Nike says, just do it!

Mocha Sistah

Over Kill

Yes, I'm to the max. I always am. So when I woke up on Monday morning to no DSL service I was petrified, but it proved to be something of a blessing. See I spend countless hours online promoting, emailing people, updating blogs, contacting clients, etc. Having spent almost 6 days offline proved a few things -- I'm loved -- missed -- and of course, the time off was needed. I work hard. In fact the last month has been my most hectic. I'm lucky that I didn't have any health issues for I did push myself beyond my normal limits.

My cellular phone pretty much blew up when my primary account was inactive. People worried about me kind of surprised me but also was cool because it meant, some really did miss me. In my interim time offline I lost a family member; another reminder that life is important and that I don't have a lot of time myself, as I don't know what my 'number' is. God does though. The family member that passed away was only 57 years old, and I'm nearing 40, so that was startling to me.

On my flip side, this week wasn't all bad. I received an award from a school regarding my years of service as a Literary Educator, and two of my programs went extremely well.

I got rest, had time with my family (more time than I usually have), and that was a blessing in itself. As a great friend reminds me, that my superwoman cape has to come down sometimes (smile) and I'm allowing people to actually take care of me. I surely appreciate those who contacted me during my offline time , especially those who called or emailed me to just check in to say hi. That is very important. I know sometimes I don't seem to be available or that people believe I am too busy to slow down, neither are true.

It's just that I am more like my Grandmother (r.i.p "Ma Davis") who always keeps it moving. But learning to slow down ain't bad either.

With that said, I'm heading over to the Chicago Gospel Fest this weekend to restore my spiritual soul and hang with a few sister friends.

It's another nice day outside and as I smell the flowers in my house today, I'm reminded that quiet and solace is a blessed thing.

Here's to wishing you a bountiful weekend.

Mocha Sistah