It’s My Anniversary!

Today is my 18th wedding anniversary!  We have been through our share of challenges just like the next couple but I feel we have grown stronger as a result.  I can say today that I love my Hubby more than I did on our wedding day.  Each year it gets better.

When you live, learn and grow with one person, it takes commitment to make it work.  One key area that helps is communication.  I think this is the most important area but it’s also the one area that is easy to mess up.  How many times has a gesture or action been misinterpreted by your significant other?  Maybe its time you learn your partners love language.

I highly recommend Dr. Gary Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages”.  The main idea of the book is that people love and show love based on their unique “love language”.  That language may or may not align with your partner’s.  Using common sense techniques and examples of the five love languages (Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts and Quality Time), this book is a guide to better communication.  We took the assessment quiz and learned we have different love languages.  This knowledge helps make a positive difference in the way you “see”  your partner and what they need to feel loved.

I’m off to enjoy the day with my Hubby.  By the way, his language is “Quality Time” and I am “Physical Touch”.  Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

What is your love language?  

 

No Apologies: On The Killing of Trayvon Martin And Being “Good” – The Snob Blog – Danielle Beltons The Black Snob

I had to share this.

No Apologies: On The Killing of Trayvon Martin And Being “Good” – The Snob Blog – Danielle Beltons The Black Snob.

Dear GOP: You do know how pregnancy works, right?

Can't we all just get along?

Every time I see or hear about the GOP’s attack on women I get angry.  Are they really trying to get elected/re-elected by denying women reproductive health care?  They do realize that women make up a huge voting block, right?

Now this isn’t a political blog but I have to ask the question.  What you believe is what you believe.  I think everyone should live their lives with whatever beliefs they like.  Just don’t try to legislate said beliefs on the masses.  After all, God gave everyone free will.  If God can respect a person’s choice, why can’t everyone?

I posted the link below on Facebook over the weekend.

Dear GOP: You do know how pregnancy works, right? | Angry Black Lady Chronicles.

Cover Story – Lie to Me

I am working on a short story that I plan to prepare for sell.  Sort of like how musicians release a single in advance of their album.  This short story will be my single.  A major selling point for ebooks are the cover.  That’s where you come in.  I would appreciate any feedback on the effectiveness of this cover.  Feel free to let me what you think.  Thanks.

Synopsis:

When Andre discovers that his girlfriend/finance is cheating on him, he does what anyone would do.  He pretends it’s not true.  But when reality forces him to make a decision, will he simply walk away?  Or will he make her pay for her transgressions?

 

School Shooting – A Parenting Moment

 

Everyone has heard about the school shooting in Chardon, Ohio.  Seventeen year old T. J. Lane opened fire in the school cafeteria shooting five students.  Three of those teenagers have died.

I am not here to get into a debate about gun control or bullying.  My heart weeps for every family affected by this event.  Especially those parents that have to do the unthinkable and bury their child.

No, this post asks a question.  How can you protect your children in an increasing evil world?

As a parent, it is terrifying to admit one simple fact.  We don’t have any control over what happens.

A good parent teaches their child how to behave.  We illustrate values and establish rules.  We correct with love.  We demonstrate how to treat other people.  A good parent tries to raise a responsible and considerate person.

Then we release our child into the world (a friend’s house, the movies, or school) and we trust them to make good decisions.  We trust them not to text and drive.  We trust them not to drink or try drugs.  We trust that they won’t pick up a gun to solve a problem.  Perhaps the greatest faith of all, we trust that they won’t get shot sitting in the cafeteria.

Here’s the parenting moment:  This is what I told my girls, “If you know someone has a gun in school, tell.  If you see or hear someone with a gun, run.”

I’ll have to continue to trust they will come home from school each day.  And pray.  I’ll be praying for your children too.

Any parenting advice to share?  Feel free.

Musical Look Back – Loose Ends

(This is a new series of post where I share the music that I grew up listening to.)

Every generation thinks the music of their youth is better than the what’s being played today.  In my case, it is actually true.  First example, the band Loose Ends.

Loose Ends was a British R&B ban formed in London in 1980.  The three members of the group reached #1 on the US Billboard charts with their hit “Hanging on a String” in 1985.  They went on to have a string of hits until the 90s.  See some videos below:

“Hanging on a String”

“Slow Down”

“Watching You”

“Stay A Little While,Child”

“Mr. Bachelor”

Enjoy!

(This artist was suggested by the Hubby.  Good job, hon!)