Mic check, Mic check, Three Four, Three Four...

*** This post was originally "drafted" in January 2012. Apparently I never finished/published it. The topic is still relevant though so I thought I'd finish and publish it today...some 5 years later.***

Ok, so I would've titled today's post "Mic check, Mic check, One Two, One Two...", but I've already done that before.

I've been at this blogging thing for about a year and a half and although it's meant to be a DIALOGUE...99.99% of the time, I'm still talking to myself.

Am I discouraged? A little bit.
Am I going to stop writing? Heck no!

I can't.

Because the moment that I stop writing will be the moment that comes right before my breakthrough. So I press on.

No, I'm not big on the political issues of the day, so I don't write about those.
No, I'm not an expert on any ONE particular thing, so I don't focus on one thing. My blog is reflective of my thoughts...all over the place.

I'm simply a woman with a passion and desire to write, and to hear what YOU have to say.

So how 'bout we get some DIALOGUE going?!?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's on YOUR mind?

Talk to me?

Til next time...

Kintsukuroi

At this moment there are about 100 other things I need to be doing. But after the morning (and afternoon) I've had, the most IMPORTANT thing to do at this time is WRITE about how INSPIRED I have become.

This morning I attended a brunch featuring women who were willing to share their stories and knowledge with others (like myself) so that we too could get to the lives that God has purposed for us. The PowHERful Brunch was the exact name.

There were no gimmicks or "get rich quick" tips...there were simply testimonies of where these women have come from, how they got to where they are today, and again...how WE can get to where WE are desiring to go.

There were authors, entrepreneurs, a woman in the entertainment industry, all in a room FULL of ENCOURAGEMENT. These women were of various backgrounds but the one thing that they shared in common was that they LISTENED TO GOD. What He said DO, they DID...sometimes reluctantly because His direction didn't always make sense, but ultimately they were OBEDIENT, and as a result, He has BLESSED them and their endeavors.

I gotta tell ya...I wasn't sure what to expect when I paid a couple weeks ago to attend today's event. Wasn't sure if I could financially afford to go. Wasn't really sure what I was going to get out of it...wasn't really sure what I wanted to get out of it. But...God knew.

I arrived this morning EMPTY.

I had eaten breakfast, so I'm not speaking of a physical emptiness. I'm speaking however, in terms of an emotional, mental emptiness.

With the recent changes in my life (that only a small few even know about), I have struggled...mostly with DEPRESSION, but with a host of other feelings as well. SHAME ranks pretty high up there on the list. I know that there is LOTS for me to be doing, yet I have not had the WILL to do ANY of it.

It's been said that "you can't pour from an empty cup." Well, my cup has not only been EMPTY, but CRACKED...so even if anything went into the cup it would've leaked out. As a result, I've poured NOTHING in.

So yes...although I arrived with a smile on my face (the same fake smile I've been passing on to everyone for MONTHS), I wasn't smiling much on the inside.

Until...

The brunch began.

Now when I think of "brunch" I immediately think of FOOD. Yes, there was food (DELICIOUS food I might add), but along with the FOOD were the INCREDIBLY AMAZING panelists. And even before the panelists began to speak, a lovely young lady rendered Mariah Carey's "Through The Rain" to us in sign language. It was simply BEAUTIFUL.

The panelists began to speak, and as they did, not only did I hear God speak to me with regard to what I need to do...but He SHOWED me what I WILL do as I watched and listened to each of the women. What THEY were doing is what I will do.

He told me that I have a story, and that MY story is meant to INSPIRE others as the ones that I was hearing today were inspiring me. He assured me that there is ROOM for me and what I have to say, so I don't need to worry that so many others are already doing it. THEIR story is not MINE and MINE (just as theirs) NEEDS to be told...in a setting just like the one we were in today. A setting with women (and even men) who can be HELPED by what I have to say.

YES, I can ENCOURAGE.
YES, I can INSPIRE.
YES, I can MOTIVATE.

And...I WILL.

I read online that "when the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful."

That, I believe, is what God is doing to me. He is "filling my cracks" with gold. Interestingly, the cracks will still be visible, and that's okay. Every crack has its own story so I wouldn't want them to be made invisible. The visible cracks will be a constant reminder of where I have come from, and gone through, lest I forget. That's a BLESSING. And now...I can hold what's needed, instead of having it all leak out. NOW, I can pour into others from a FULL cup.

No, my "situation" has not magically changed from this morning until now. I still need help (LOTS of it), but I can say that I now have hope that I didn't have this morning. I've experienced a shift in my thinking and that, I believe, will bring about change in other areas of my life that so greatly need it.

Ok...enough about me.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What goals are YOU pursuing? What's YOUR purpose? Are you functioning in that purpose yet, or still working your way there. If you haven't gotten there yet, keep pressing, stay encouraged, and allow me to cheer you on along the way.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

FAITH > fear

Yesterday morning I posted a pic of a "Facebook Memory" from 2 years ago that said, "Everything You Want is on the other side of FEAR." Hmmm.

Somehow, I think that must have resonated in my subconscious throughout the day. Later that evening I happened to come across an ad that said, "Writers Wanted." I decided to read more about what type of writer was wanted and quickly realized that I fit the bill.

I hemmed and hawed for a bit and then decided to GO FOR IT, and responded to the ad.

After that I posted a pic that said, "If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done." Well...I had just done that. The only thing left to do at that point was PRAY and WAIT.

Well...God didn't make me wait for very long. He really gets me with that. There are some things I've prayed for and He STILL hasn't answered (at least not in the way that I had hoped.) And there are other things I pray for and He pretty much answers IMMEDIATELY.

In this particular case, not even 24 hours had passed and I received a FAVORABLE response...the response I had PRAYED for.

At 9:28am this morning, I received an email that said, "...Welcome to the project!"

Yes folks, I am now part of a WRITING project for a publication that will be coming out in December. I am beyond excited and completely overjoyed. FINALLY, my work will be PUBLISHED. Thank You Jesus!!!

My final submission is due in a couple months, so until then, I'll be writing, re-writing and writing some more. This is my opportunity to show THE WORLD what I am capable of. I want to be sure to show my BEST.

So on this day, "30 Days of THANKFULNESS: Day 17 - I am THANKFUL for FINALLY walking in FAITH and not FEAR.

The difference is AMAZING!

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: What have you done recently that you were once fearful of doing? How did that work out for ya?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Pen, Paper, Keyboard and Words = JOY

Monday.

It drains my like no other day of the week. That being said, this post will be quite brief.

On this "30 Days of THANKFULNESS: Day 14" - I am THANKFUL for my love of writing, and for my consistency with The Dialogue Den for the past few weeks...maybe even a MONTH. I'll have to check.

Plain and simple...I LOVE WRITING!

When I have nothing else...I have my WORDS.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's YOUR passion?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Just Keep Posting. Just Keep Posting. Just Keep Posting, Posting, Posting...

Somebody hand me a tissue...I think I'm about to cry!

I had just finished writing today's post about a completely different topic than this one.

As soon as I posted it, I had an urge to check and see how many more posts I had to go before reaching 600. I knew I had to be close. Well wha'da'ya'know...THAT WAS my 600th POST!!!

WHOA!!!

Once I realized that, I knew I had to start over and write THIS one.

600 POSTS!!!

May not mean much to any one else, but to ME...WOW!

This blog, The Dialogue Den, has been like a fourth child.

I haven't tended to it as well as I should have. At times I have been neglectful...going WEEKS...maybe even as long as a MONTH without posting. The reason...was DISCOURAGEMENT. I had periods where I simply felt like NO ONE was reading. And since this blog was created to spark DIALOGUE, it became disheartening when there was no outside interaction. I was simply talking to MYSELF. The DIALOGUE felt more like a MONOLOGUE.

Here lately, more folks have commented. To each and EVERY one, I say THANK YOU!!!

I still have for more posts WITHOUT comments, than those WITH. That's okay.

I finally came to the acceptance and realization that even if I am only writing to "An Audience of One", I must continue. That "Audience of One" is God. He is the one who gave me the desire as a very young girl, to write. So I must HONOR what He gave me.

On the days when I don't write...I don't feel right. I become restless. Writing is my therapy (although thankfully much cheaper). Good day, bad day, otherwise...I pour it all out right here...and feel so much better after.

I still wonder why it's been so difficult to get folks to support me in my writing efforts. I'm not talking strangers. I'm talking about folks who actually know me. I've made numerous pleas on Facebook...simply asking that they "like" the page. Doesn't cost a single solitary penny...just "click the button" PLEASE. That's all. That one simple (yet HUGE) act of support would mean so very much to me. It would mean that folks have faith in what I am doing and want to see me do well with it. After all...that's what friends do, right?

I have other friends with blogs and I admit...my style is quite different from theirs.

One writes a lot about female empowerment...knowing and exploring one's body. Loving "freely", and things of that nature.
The other writes in flowery philosophical prose.
I, write about anything and everything.

The beauty of us ALL is that we do not HAVE to write in the same manner. Our writing styles are as unique as each of us are. So there's a little somethin' for everyone.

Anywhoo...I am proud of myself and my accomplishment. 600 posts have been no easy feat. To YOU, my fellow Dialogue Den'er...I THANK YOU for reading. Maybe you pop in occasionally...maybe you read EVERYDAY. Either way...I want you to know how greatly appreciated YOU are.

I am very excited about the future ahead. One day, SOMEONE is gonna land on this blog and say, "Hey...this chick's got skills. I like the way she thinks. Let's work with her." THAT'S the day that I look forward to. That's the day that I must continue to BELIEVE is coming. Until then...I will keep writing.

Now...enough about me. Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you have a blog? And does it have a Facebook page? If so...how 'bout YOU "like" mine, and I'LL "like" yours. Deal?

Talk to me!

Til next time (post # 601)...

La La La...

Today is Sunday and on Sundays in my home we typically honor God musically by listening only to Gospel music.

We listen to far more music here than we watch television, so on any given day, if you happen to stop by you will more than likely hear a melodious tune or two flowing out the windows.

Today is no different.

I pulled up Pandora, selected one of my favorite Gospel artist stations and then came to the computer to write.

I am currently in the process of writing two books, along with posting more consistently here at my beloved blog, The Dialogue Den.

The Gospel tunes were flowing and do you know...I couldn't write a thing. The music was a MAJOR distraction.

Mind you, I have never been able to work, write, or study in complete silence. Yet one thing I have learned about myself over the years is that the music can not be one with words, or even a melody that I am too familiar with. If either of those things are present, my thoughts go completely to the song and away from what I should be focusing on. Why I thought I could focus today with Gospel music playing is beyond me.

So...I grabbed the remote and quickly searched for another station. I knew exactly what I needed...CLASSICAL.

Interestingly though, even with classical music I have to be selective.

I enjoy Beethoven as much as the next person, but because I am so familiar with his work, I can find myself humming right along to Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, or Symphony #5.

Instead, I chose to go with another of my other classical faves...Vivaldi. Man, I love his music sooo much! As you can probably guess, I am extremely fond of The Four Seasons, yet I can pretty much listen to anything of his and stay focused on the task at hand while doing so.

At this moment, a lil diddy by Bach is playing. You know how Pandora is...even though I am specifically on the Vivaldi station, Pandora tends to throw in a little bit of everything. Gotta admit, I was pretty impressed with myself. As I was listening my ears were instantly aware of the change. I can always tell Bach's music by his use of the harpsichord. That's one of those lovely instruments that we just don't hear in today's music. What a shame.

With all that being said, I shall dive back into my other writing projects. So much to write...so little time.

Now it's YOUR turn.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you listen to music while reading, writing, working on projects? If so, do you have a particular genre that works best?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Outgrowing My Comfort Zone

It's been a little over two months since I visited the magical city of New Orleans. I brought back so many memories that I will continue to reflect on until I find myself there again. YES...I am going back!

One memory to speaks to me quite loudly, and often, is that of the street performers. Oh, how I loved their amazing talent. They were EVERYWHERE. One night I found myself enjoying the music so much that I stood on a corner in POURING RAIN, and listened for about an hour. I figured, "Hey...if the rain isn't stopping them from playing, it's certainly not gonna stop me from listening."

Although the various groups played different styles...similar, yet still subtly different, one commonality was their BOLDNESS in soliciting money from the crowds. As fantastic as they were, these performers were not entertaining "for their health." This was their LIVELIHOOD. And just as I get PAID for going to work each day...THEY expected (and DESERVED) the same.

So they all had a box placed in front of them on the ground for folks to toss in some cash. That box didn't stay on the ground for long though. Nope. Somewhere between songs, WHILE STILL PLAYING THEIR MUSIC...a member of the group (sometimes two or three) would pick up the box (or boxes in some cases) and take it TO the audience...practically FORCING folks to give. I LOVED THAT!!!

You see...these performers understood their worth...and if the audience was not going to voluntarily acknowledge that worth in the form of a monetary contribution, then they would be MADE to acknowledge the worth.

Don't get me wrong...the perfomers weren't holding guns to folks' heads and DEMANDING money, yet going around the audience and TAKING the box TO THEM, versus WAITING for folks to make a decision that they may not have made otherwise, is a much subtler approach, yet yields better results than just waiting for folks to contribute in their own time.

Seeing that happen, time and time again, made me realize that I must become as BOLD as those performers with regard to my blog, The Dialogue Den. I have been BEGGING folks to 'Like' the page on Facebook and STILL haven't reached 200. It's been so difficult for me to understand because in MY case, I'm not even asking for MONEY...I am simply asking for SUPPORT.

No...I may NOT be someones FAVORITE writer/blogger...but if we are FRIENDS (which I can say for ALL of my Facebook friends, because I don't accept nor send requests unless I know you in some way, shape or form)...then your SUPPORT toward my writing efforts should come easily. At least I would hope so. After all...friends support friends, right?

Writing is what I love to do...so why would anyone hesitate so encourage me in that...especially when it doesn't cost a PENNY to do so.

Even though I've wanted to make this bold move since my visit to New Orleans, I've been reluctant. Wondering what will happen if I do this and NOTHING happens. Then what? What I now realize is this...I will NEVER know that the results COULD be if I don't try.

So..."What's the bold move?" you're asking.

I have decided to select the option on Facebook that says, "Invite Friends to Like This Page." You have NO idea how far out of my "comfort zone" it will be for me to do that, but as the quote states:

"If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done."

I'll never grow if I don't do something different, so...here goes.

Oh, but before I go and "push the button"...

Let the DIALOGUE begin: When was the last time you made a BOLD move in an effort to get something you wanted, and how did it work out for you?

Talk to me...

Oh...and if YOU like The Dialogue Den, I'm gonna make another bold move and ask you to please spread the word for me. I would appreciate that more than you can imagine.

Til next time...

Full Speed Ahead!

This post should have been written YESTERDAY, but I got home so late that I wrote and posted before I realized what happened.

You see...YESTERDAY'S post was the 555TH post here at The Dialogue Den. That's a fairly major accomplishment, and I'm gonna take this moment to pat myself on the back.

I started posting back in 2010 and I've gotta be honest...there have been MANY discouraging moments.

Wondering WHEN my sweet little blog will develop a LARGE following...
Wondering WHEN folks will DIALOGUE with me on EVERY post...
Wondering if my writing is in vain.

Nevertheless, even with all of the unknowns, I have continued to write, because it's what I have to do FOR ME.

WRITING IS WHAT I DO.
WRITING IS WHAT I WILL DO.

I'm not a political blogger.
I'm not a food blogger.
I'm not a faith blogger.
I'm not a love and relationship blogger.
I'm not a women's issues blogger.
I'm not a parenting expert blogger.
I'm not a career blogger.

Yet on any given day, I can be ANY and ALL of those. It just depends on what's swirling around in my head at the time.

What I have recently discovered is that The Dialogue Den is not a "field of dreams" where...once it's built, followers will come. No...I've got some work to do...a LOT of work toward developing a consistent following. Where I'll find the time for that...I have NO IDEA. But I've gotta find it if I want The Dialogue Den to become what I had envisioned when I wrote the very first post on June 10, 2010.

Some may be wondering why I chose to celebrate the 555TH post. I dunno. I just felt that it needed to be celebrated.

At this moment I would like to acknowledge THREE of my very faithful readers. Their support means the world to me and I just want them to know how much I appreciate them. I won't list them by name, but I will list their initials. They'll know who they are. *smile*

So to KC, TH, and WN...I want you three to know that I TRULY appreciate your support and encouragement toward my writing efforts.

And to my recent commenter, Rebecca...all the way from Mississauga, ON, Canada...I would also like to say THANK YOU. Your comment made me aware of the fact that The Dialogue Den is reaching places that I was unaware. I'm not sure if you found the blog online or on its Facebook page. However you found it, please know that you've put a grand smile on this blogger's face.

Now...Let the DIALOGUE begin: What are some of your favorite blogs, and what do you like most about them?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Is this thing ON?

So I have this little blog. I've had it since 2009. It has its own page on Facebook with 169 "Likes." I'd love for it to reach 200 by the end of the year!

I know that there have been some patchy areas where I've gone entire months without posting. In those cases, it was because I simply got discouraged and felt, what was the point in writing if no one was reading and DIALOGUING. As I have said from the beginning, this is not to be a place where I just spew and vent and everyone else listens.

No.

This was meant to be a place where grand discussions would take place. Like a Venus and Serena Williams tennis match. There was supposed to be a steady flow of comments going back and forth. That was the plan. Unfortunately, folks haven't hopped on board as I had hoped.

Nevertheless, I have continued posting.

I am thankful for the five "supporters" (I was pretty liberal with that number), who comment fairly regularly. I used the word "supporters" because I hate the word "followers." As for the other 164 who have "Liked" the page...I just don't know what it's gonna take to capture their interest enough for them to actually engage.

One thing I've done over the years is compare myself to other "bloggers." I have two friends with blogs of their own, and their writing style (although very similar to each other) is VERY different from mine.

They write with words and phrases that make you hear waves crashing and see butterflies passing by. Very "new-agey" kinda stuff. Although they write beautifully and in a thought-provoking manner, that's just not my style.

I mean, I hope to provoke thought, but I simply don't write in flowery pose, nor should I have to because where is the diversity in that?

So I've put out the call a number of times for folks to simply "Like" The Dialogue Den's page on Facebook. Heck...they don't even have to READ the posts if they don't want to. I'm simply asking for a "Like", which to most means very little, yet to me would mean so very much.

As morbid as this next statement may be, I've often thought that my writing won't be TRULY recognized until after I've gone home to be with the Lord. Then folks will decide to delve in and see what I was all about. At that point it'll be too late.

There's the song that says, "Give me my flowers while I yet live." That's how I feel about my blog. Don't wait for me to DIE and then "Like" it. "Like" it while I still have breath in my body so that I can know that this isn't all in vain.

It's such a small, effortless gesture. Yet it would mean the world to me. It would be as though folks are cheering me along in the background saying, "Yes! You ARE a writer, and the world needs your words!"

I dunno. Maybe asking for support and encouragement is more that folks are able to give. My heart says otherwise though. Although I am discouraged, I will not QUIT.

Anywhoo...Let the DIALOGUE begin: Is there something that you have asked folks to support you in and they simply haven't? If so, why do you think that is?

Talk to me PLEASE!!!

Til next time...

16 Weeks

Heart's kinda heavy today. Wasn't really sure what to write about so since my Mom is in my thoughts EVERYDAY, I decided to write about her. Today marks week 16 since she left this life on Earth. Everyday hurts. Most people see me smiling and overall I am a genuinely happy person. But in those quiet moments (and I have LOTS of quiet moments), thoughts of my Mom occupy the empty spaces.

I just miss her.

I remember sitting by her bedside during those last months...sometimes just to watch her sleep. Many of those times she didn't even know I was there. She was sedated a lot...but I still just wanted to be by her side. Sometimes she'd open her eyes, see me, smile, and then go right back out. That was enough for me. I just needed her to know that I was there.

I remember her arms and how terribly bruised they were. Purple, black, blue...from being poked so many times. I was almost afraid to touch her because I knew that those bruises had to be painful. And she got so thin. My mom had always been a full-figured woman, but in the end...she was so small. Frail.

Sometimes I'd be visiting and nurses would come in to run tests, take another sample, do another poke...and they'd announce themselves to my sleeping mother, letting her know what they were about to do. I found that odd and considerate at the same time. She wouldn't respond and they'd then proceed to poke & prod her, while she remained asleep through it all.

I also remember putting on gown after gown, gloves and more gloves each time I went to see her. The very first time I had to "suit up", I felt like I was gonna melt. Everything made me so hot. Interestingly, after months of "suiting up" my body adjusted and the gloves and gowns just became additional pieces of clothing. No one should have to get used to that, but I did.

I always wonder what my Mom is doing in Heaven. I realize that I'll never know until I finally get there myself. I just know that she's happy, an she's not sick. Those two things are all that matter.

On Facebook I posted some pictures of my ancestors and her pics were of course included. Many pictures were of her as a little girl, about 5 years old...so sweet, so cute...my Momma.

Anyway...it's been 16 weeks and I'm beginning to realize that this just isn't something that one "gets over". At times I wonder if I should see a therapist, but I doubt that would do me any good. Seeing a therapist won't bring my Mother back, and I don't know that I'd really want her back anyway. Not here. Not in this messed up world we live in filled with hatred and injustice. I'd much rather get to where SHE is than to have her be back here. Although I am thankful for each day that God gives me, this life is HARD...so if I close them one night on THIS side and open them on the OTHER side...it will be well with my soul...really...it will be. Not trying to do anything to rush the process, but if the Lord so chooses, then so be it.

Now before I sign off, I'm gonna pat myself on the back and say CONGRATULATIONS TO ME for this being my 400th post!!!

. Although my blog hasn't taken off nearly the way that I had hoped when I began writing it in 2009, I do have a HANDFUL of faithful followers and for them, I am THANKFUL. Not sure what it's gonna take to gain WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION, all I know is that I must keep writing, because writing is what I do. Praying that I don't have to DIE in order to be discovered. I'd like to have my flowers while I yet live so that I can enjoy them. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Is there something that YOU'VE been doing for years that you're just waiting to take off yet it just hasn't happened yet?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

A Year's Worth of Posts

As of today, I have written enough posts here at The Dialogue Den to last a whole year. Yes folks, this is my 365th post. How 'bout that! Yay ME!!

My blog has been quite a labor or love. I still haven't figured out how to get it to "take off" and generate the following that I had (and still) hoped for, but if I am only writing for an "audience of One", that's enough for me, and so...I keep writing.

So my weekend has been great and there's lots for me to write about, but with most great weekends come exhaustion, and right now...I am exhausted.

How 'bout you sit in the driver's seat tonight?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What have you created that you had hoped would "take off" and be success, yet just hasn't happened yet?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

101 and Growing!

Yesterday I experienced what it feels like to set a goal and actually REACH it. I gotta tell ya...it feels INCREDIBLE!!!

Although The Dialogue Den has been in existence sine June 2010, I just recently introduced it to the world (as in, my friends and family) this month via Facebook.

Sometime shortly after the beginning of the year, I set a goal for The Dialogue Den's Facebook page to reach 100 "likes". At that time I believe I had 34.

The outpouring of support was amazing. Once I let folks know about the page, it went from 34 to 78 "likes" in just 24 hours. Wow!

Once I saw that the "likes" could reach 78, I was certain that 100 "likes" were attainable, BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.

So, I kept writing, posting, and putting the appeal "out there".

Well, persistence paid off and yesterday, shortly after noon, WE did it! The Dialogue Den reached 100 "likes". YEAH BABY!!!

I was overjoyed!

Now I say that WE did it, because this blog has never been about ME. It's always been about ME sharing my random thoughts with YOU and then hearing what YOU have to say...hence the word DIALOGUE.

And, in case you've never noticed, the tagline for the blog itself says this: MY random thoughts + YOUR comments = The Dialogue Den

So you see folks, I need you in order for this blog to be successful. I am committed to doing MY part by sharing those random thoughts, and I'm counting on YOU to do your part and chime in. Fair enough, right?

In the process of reaching 100 "likes", I was reminded of something. SOME goals, you can only reach by yourself (like climbing a mountain, learning a language or how to play an instrument, etc.) OTHERS you can only achieve with the help of others.

So to the 101 of you (yes, one hundred AND one) who have "liked" the page, I greatly THANK YOU and appreciate your support. Knowing that you all are out there inspires me to keep writing and to give you something fresh and new EVERYDAY (except for "Flashback Fridays" when I post from the archives).

So...Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do YOU have a page on Facebook that you'd like the world to know about? If so, tell us about it.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Fearless '14

So I've never been much of a rap fan but every now and then a lyric or a beat will get stuck in my head. As a result of the wonderful things that have taken place for me today, THAT is exactly what has happened.

Today, I got to experience what it feels like to share a dream, and have folks support and encourage me in that dream. Had I known it would be like this, I would've stepped out a long time ago. Maybe.

For the handful of you who have followed The Dialogue Den since its start back in June of 2010, you know that I haven't done much promoting of the blog, nor was I very consistent.

But I gotta tell ya...when that clock struck 12:00 a.m. on January 1, 2014...SOMETHING happened. SOMETHING in my heart and mind said THIS year, be FEARLESS(and consistent).

So "Fearless '14" is what I've actually named the year.

For too long (most of my life to be exact), I've always been afraid.

Afraid to speak up.
Afraid to try new things.
Afraid that people might not like me if I disagreed with what they thought.
Afraid.
Afraid.
Afraid.

Finally, I've said NO MORE! Fear has had to leave because FAITH has moved in.

So now, I'm stepping out on FAITH (I know that sounds cliché), and I've begun to LIVE. Live a life that's MINE...not a life that I think others want for me. Sure, some of my choices may ruffle feathers but the fact of the matter is...I can't please everybody. You'd think after all these years I would've figured that out by now. But hey, as intelligent as I am, I'm also a "slow learner" and most lessons take me a bit longer to get than others. Better late than never though, so here I am.

Sharing my blog with the world was just the tip of my iceberg. There a so many grand things that I need to do in this lifetime and NOW, I am ready.

Do I regret that I've wasted so much time? Nope.

Regret would only come if at the end of this life I had chosen to do nothing.

Who knows, tomorrow could very well be the end for me (none of us really know for sure), and even if it were, I still wouldn't have any regrets about the time that has passed, because at least...I did THIS much TODAY.

Now for those of you who are new to The Dialogue Den, I'll give you a brief overview.

1. This is a DIALOGUE, NOT a monologue. So I throw stuff out there and would LOVE it if you would talk back to me.

2. I'm not a political blogger, spiritual blogger, relationship blogger...and then again...I could be ALL of those. The posts here are as random as my thoughts, and for those who know me...they will attest that my thoughts tend to be quite random. Simply put, I've got a lot swirlin' around in this pretty little head of mine and it would be selfish for me to keep all this to myself.

3. My writing style is a lot like me...goes with the flow...not too serious. If I place a punctuation mark in the wrong place, or don't have the quotation marks where they should be, or use waaay too many ellipses (I use ellipses a LOT), you can point those things out to me if you'd like, but I probably won't change. Once this stops being fun, I'd possibly stop writing, and since we don't want that to happen (do we), let's just keep it fun and understand that I am a "work in progress".

I think that's about it.

As for the pic that posted...that's my 2014 Vision Board and I LOVE IT! Especially the phrase right smack dab in the middle that says "MAKE IT HAPPEN". You see, I made a vision board for 2013, and it sat on the floor behind a couch all year long. Needless to say, not many (if any) of those visions came to be.

This year is different though. I have that "MAKE IT HAPPEN" staring me right in the face, and as a result, I am DETERMINED to make stuff happen (good stuff, long awaited stuff), THIS year.

"Fearless '14" is gonna be FABULOUS! I just know it!

Oh, and as for that lyric that's been in my head all day, it's from that great rap lyricist, Ice Cube, when he says "today was a good day." Indeed it was!

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What are YOU ready to do that you've been holding back on for far too long? What can I (we) do to help "MAKE IT HAPPEN"?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Do it...EVERYDAY!

So I woke up this morning and sighed when I realized that I forgot to write yesterday. You see, I've told myself that THIS year will be "The Year of The Dialogue Den". THIS is the year that it will take off. THIS is the year when it will truly become a DIALOGUE instead of a monologue as it has been.

In order for it to become what I have envisioned, I understand that I must give it the time and love that it needs in order to blossom. Similar to a plant that will simply die when left in a corner without sunlight and water, much the same will happen to my sweet little blog. If I don't visit it often (like daily) and give it love (by writing), it too will wither away. I know that there is potential here, I just have to keep nourishing my dream until others begin to see that same potential.

So, here I am. Four days into the year and I've posted three times. Not bad, just need to do better, as in WRITE EVERYDAY better!

What's on my mind today? Well, I had a great time with 2 of my longtime friends from elementary school. One, I see all the time, and the other I haven't seen in a few years. We got together today and it was as though the years between elementary school and now have not passed at all. We jumped into our conversation as though we speak everyday. I don't know what you'd call that, but it sure was enjoyable.

As I get older I actually seem to have that experience more and more. You know...not seeing or speaking with a person for months sometimes, then they pop back into my life and we just pick up where we left off. None of that "getting reacquainted" business is necessary, it's just kinda like water. Fluid. When you move with it everything flows naturally.

So anyway, that was my day.

How bout you?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you every reunited with someone you hadn't seen in months or even years, and if so, was it awkward or did you simply jump right in as though you'd seen each other yesterday?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Labor Pains

Deep cleansing breaths...right?

I don't know what's goin' on here. I've had 3 babies "the natural way" (you know...like the way Eve & Wilma Flintstone had theirs...no drugs, no c-section...just a LOT of pain and pushing), yet giving birth them was exponentially easier than it has been for this book that's been gestating in my heart and mind for years. I mean really...time's up...COME OUT ALREADY!!!

I think about the book everyday. Many times a day. I could probably WRITE IT in a day...if I would just sit down and do it.

But it just won't come out. It's like I need a "mental suppository" in order to get this thing outta me.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?!?

Why is it so difficult to put pen to paper and get the first page done?

I know why, and I have to get over it.

You see...the book is about me. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The good, I can write about easily. Nobody gets hurt there. But the bad and the ugly...yeah...some toesies are gonna get stepped on there.

But what am I supposed to do?

I'm not writing to make anybody look bad. I'm just writing the truth about MY life.

I can't help it if every page of my life has not been rosey...and they haven't been. And I don't want to sugar-coat the pages either, because they definitely haven't been that.

I know that I have a story to tell. Too many people have heard my story, shook their heads, looked at me in amazement and said..."You have GOT to tell your story"! And I know I need to.


The problem with me is that I'm always considering how others will feel about my actions, and so...I don't act. That's so not cool.

And I know...I've gotta get over that. I mean really, if the shoe were on the other foot, you can bet your bottom dollar that the folks I'm "protecting" would write their book, and care less about how it affects me.

And therein lies the problem.

Whadda I do, whadda I do?

Breathe in, Breathe out...deep cleansing breaths...and...PUSH.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's dream, goal, idea, do you have growing inside of you that needs to come out, but hasn't yet? What are you waiting for?

Talk to me!

Til next time...