Never Forget.

Days like 9/11 remind me how Broken we all are. Everyone has a day like that...a day that your individual life was forever changed. A day that you remember EXACTLY where you were and what you were doing. No it is not a date that everyone else may be able to relate to, but every now and then, there is a date that effects everyone, no matter what race, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, or...

social standing.

I have my 9/11/2001 memories. It changed the way I viewed America. See, I spent most of my elementary school years oversesas, seeing atrocities that we have never witnessed on American soil. When we were in the rice riots of '79 in Monrovia, Liberia, I thought of the safety of American soil. 9/11/2001, I realized there is no real "safe place" on earth. Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Never Forget.

Self -Exam

I was in Blogland, and one of my favorite bloggers (LadyLee)  had two quotes from a book she is reading...I can honestly say....I get it now. I felt as if God were talking directly to me. Here are the quotes:

You will never respect anyone you are capable of deceiving. (yep you won't lie to someone you respect, you won't respect someone you can lie to)

Right people energize you. Wrong people exhaust you (Getting rid of those that exhaust me.) You can tell if folks exhaust you...Listen, if his/her name comes up in caller ID and you ask yourself 'Am I in the mood for this'...they exhaust you. If you have to be in a certain mindframe to engage in conversation with certain folks - they exhaust you...If you find that certain people ignore your phone calls or seem unavailable ALL THE TIME - YOU exhaust THEM - do some self examination #potmeetkettle Talking to myself as well.

Me...me..me...something about me

A. Age: 42

B. Bed size: King

C. Chore you dislike: laundry

D. Dogs: None

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee

F. Favorite colors: Blue

G. Gold or silver: Silver

H. Height: 5’2”

I. Instruments you play(ed): Keyboard..Long time ago

J. Job title: Management Program Analyst

K. Kids:  2 Sons

L. Live: Atlanta

M. Mom’s name: Lucy

N. Nicknames: Newy, GIPSEE, Necie

O. Overnight hospital stays: A few of them *shudder*

P. Pet peeves: People who are late,  people who lie, people with no follow-thru

Q. Quote from a movie: "You want the truth - YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH"

R. Righty or lefty: Righty

S. Siblings: 2 older brother & younger sister

T. Time you wake up: 4:45 am

U. Underwear: yep I got some.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: boiled okra (but love it fried)

W. What makes you run late: Stickler for time.  I try to leave early so this is not me...but if I am late, it's usually because of traffic.  Something I can't control

X. X-rays you’ve had: left ankle, chest (frequent pneumonia)

Y. Yummy food you make: If I don't like it, I don't cook it.

Z. Zoo animal you like: Monkey

Whew!

I have been crazy busy.  I miss you bloggers!  Let's see...here we go...

The Play was a success!!!!!!!!  We have been asked to tour.

I launched a website for my company http://www.gipseeprod.com/

We have DVDs of the play for those who missed it ($15) and T-shirts ($10 - $12 depending on size) to support Broken!  Yes we paid to have it filmed by Smart Aleck Films.  The DVD is PACKED with extras such as "Backstage with the Cast", Pictures from our journey to the stage, and a special of our lead actor Anthony Hall doing a spoken word piece.

We are on IMDB!!!!!!  Yep we are official thanks to our guest star Jermel Howard.  Look up "Broken "  or click here  to see our IMDB page.

I also am on IMDB not only as an actress but as a Writer, director and producer!


Please support our non profit partner, The Fuller Center

So what have you been up to?

Broken Featured on 11Alive Mugs in the Morning

You Abandoned me...

No not really...lol  Newy loves you.  I have been SO busy.  The play is in 4 weeks!!!!!  There have been two articles written about me and the play.  Here is the first one featured in "What's the 411 Atlanta"  Electronically, we are a "Top Pick" for the month.  and here is the print edition interview with me.  (I'm on page 4)

Open publication - Free publishing - More atlanta

I am so excited!!!! God is really opening some doors I KNOW I couldn't open myself.

The second article is written on the site of one of our supported charities :
The Fuller Center

God is GOOD y'all.  He can take what the devil meant for evil and use it for your good!

Broken - Coming June 2, 2012 - New Trailer

Awesome!

Sometimes all you need is one word to describe how good God is to me!  I have had a wonderful week.  Thank you Lord for just being AWESOME...for opening doors I KNOW I could not open on my own.  Everyone have a great weekend.

Broken coming June 2, 2012

It's only a Test - Revisted

This life is full of tests and trials. One thing I have discovered is that it is easy to do the right thing when others are watching, but what do you do when you think no one can see you?

At one time, I was not a friendly person. Seriously. I really didn’t care for many people and once I put you in the “I don’t like him/her” box, well that is where you stayed. Period. The funny thing is I kept running into the same type of people – the type that I put into that box. Let me explain. See, one thing about me is that I take pride in always seeking knowledge. I have a thirst for it, so I get easily irritated by folks who seem content to just get by and often labeled them as “not worthy to be in my circle”. I am not proud of that but I have to tell you were I’ve been for you to understand where I am now. If you notice though, there is a word in there that the Bible says comes before a fall. PRIDE.

I would run into these “hard-to-get-along-with” people. My box was getting pretty full of folks I “Just didn’t like.” I kept running into the same type of people because I was one of them. God had me running into a mirror over and over again. I was always running around with the “fix him…fix her…fix them” mentality when in reality, I should have been saying “Lord, fix me.”

Now, I am not nearly as quick to push folks into the box. As a matter of fact, my box is currently empty. I still have an issue with patience, but I am learning to take things one moment at a time.


Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

I thought long and hard and I would have to say the loss of my mom.  See, when I loss my grandmother in 1992, I was angry with God.  So angry I had stopped going to church. I wasn't saved then either but I turned away from God.  At that time, in my limited understanding of the Word, I thought if you prayed God would answer your prayers.  What I didn't realize then is that the answers may not be the way you expect them to be. I also know that I have to trust that He knows what He is doing and does not need my help or input.  Instead of praying that God remove me from situations, I now pray that He protects me as I go through them. John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  The Word does not say I won't go through things or have pain, what it says is Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.    Yes, I am going through some things but I trust God and know that this is for my good and He is with me.   I am telling you, right now God is opening doors I could never open myself.  Things are happening that I know are God breathed.  All I can say is There will be Glory after this!!!!!

MzNewy

Broken coming June 2, 2012

Hope to see you at the play coming this June.

Have a wonderful weekend , Bloggers.

MzNewy

I'm learning

Good morning All. 

Just sitting here thinking....sometimes when things don't work the way we think/pray they should, we think "The devil is trying to distract me".  But sometimes, it's not "the devil trying to distract you" but rather "God trying to protect you."   change your perspective and it can change your reaction.

Have a wonderful and Blessed Tuesday.

MzNewy

Life Update

My baby boy leaves for school in 12 days.  I'm kind of sad.  It has been just us two forever.  When there was no one else, that was my ride or die.  He's growing up.  To me he is always this little boy:



It doesn't matter that he is 6'2" and far from this.  *sigh*  So I am an empty nester in a week.

Rehearsal was phenomenal this weekend.     Trust me, you want to come to this while my tickets are cheap...don't sleep.  LOL   We are running a special :

Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25.  We also have a group rate 10 for $100.  Get your tickets Now!  Here is the link

Hmmm..What else...Oh yeah singing more, getting my head right....Everyone have a wonderful and Blessed day!

MzNewy

 

Let Go...Let God

Good morning Blogland.
This week I have really been trying to hear from God.  So I have been reading the Word, Listening to different sermons, Meditating on God's Word. 

I was listening to Bishop Jakes, and he said something that I really had to take to heart "Stop trying to change someone's mind about you."  It was a Word I really needed.   You all have a WONDERFUL, Blessed and Favored weekend.   Let Go and Let God.


MzNewy

Broken - The Play

Alright Ya'll!  It's official.  Broken is coming June 2, 2012

I know it is not about me.  I accept there are some things I have had to go through that are painful.  Some days I was balled in the fetal position, not wanting to breathe for even that hurt. When you are flat on your back, all you can do is look up...which puts you in the position to depend on no one but God.  For those of you in the Atlanta Area, I hope to see you at "Broken" 

Three shows : 2pm, 5pm , 8pm
Ferst Center for the Arts
Georgia Tech
349 Ferst Drive NW
 Atlanta Ga 30332

****UPDATE***** on the play and life

Venue - Check...decided to go with Georgia Tech versus 14th street Playhouse for a variety of reasons:

• Parking. Parking is horrible and costly. So folks may be reluctant to come for that reason.
• Rehearsals - I need to have some rehearsal in the venue. They  wanted the same amount of money for rehearsal days as show days, yet I only had limited hours I could use it.
  
• Promotion limitations - I had to sell my tickets through the WA Center only. I was limited in how many comp tickets I gave away. That's bull considering I am paying for the use of the facility
• No lavalier mics nor spotlight at 14th street.

Cast - Check. All those I reached out to for the specific parts I had in mind for them confirmed!
Script - almost check - That's right ya'll I wrote an hour and some change play in about 24 hours! What God has for you is for you!! The words came faster than I could type.
Promotions - One of my cast members has some friends that are graphic artists. They are going to type set my promo cards.
Show date is June 2nd! Watch God move!

I have a brighter outlook on life in general. I am still unplugged. But through being unplugged, I can really hear from God. Thank you Anonymous. Thank you for your prayers. I know they were true and heartfelt because you remained anonymous, not seeking Glory for self but sincerely praying for a fellow believer.

Unplugged

I realize that constant communication is hindering my healing.  So I have deleted the following :

• Facebook ~ the constant updates from others, the reminders of his infidelity, the connection with distant relatives who keep asking "how are you (regarding my mom) is just too much.
• My primary cell that I have had for over 8 years...I send all the calls to vm and have an auto-reply turned on for texts.  Even those who have the privilege of having my "other" cell number are getting auto replies if any.
• Emails...only business emails and the gmail that I have given to a couple of my fellow bloggers.  The rest of them, chucking deuces at them for now.

So while I am unplugged, what am I doing?  Writing a stageplay.  I am pouring my all into this play.  I will give you more info as I find a location, casting is complete and rehearsals have begun.  Blogger is my little secret world the "real life" folks know nothing about .  You all are my refuge right now.

*Update I am going to put it on at the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.  I have my cast in my head.  Going to reach out to them and see who is available. and when.  Paying for it out of pocket so I hope I make a dime.  LOL  If not the therapy is still worth it all.*

Dreams

I have been having this dream about packing and/or unpacking stuff for about 3 months.  I didn't know what it meant so I finally went and looked it up.  When I read this, I was in shock:

Packing
To dream that you are packing signifies big changes ahead for you. You are putting past issues to rest or past relationships behind you. Alternatively, it represents the burdens that you carry.

To dream that you are packing, unpacking and packing and unpacking again represents chaos in your life. You are feeling overwhelmed with the various things you are juggling in your life. You are carrying around too many burdens and need to let go. Consider what unfinished business you have to tend to. Try to resolve these issues so they can finally be put to rest.

I do have a bunch of burdens I am carrying...unresolved daddy issues, inability to accept mom's death, unhappiness in my marriage.  When I looked at my post about time, I realize that the situation was not really about time as it was about control.  Right now, I feel like I have no control over anything in my life. Since I don't have an appetite anyway, I have begun to fast so that I can hear from God.  Fasting and praying....

Matthew 6: 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ' 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you

It is amazing that my unofficial fasting began before Lent.  I have no doubt that I will hear from Heaven.  Be Blessed.

I Look To You

I have pretended long enough. I have had on the "strong face", the Christian "she is outta pain" face, and the "I know I will see her again face". Today I give God my real face, after all I was only fooling myself anyway. God, I am lost. I feel like I have been through so much in the last 12 months. As Whitney says "I'm lost without a cause...I've given it my all....After all that I've been through...who on earth can I turn too?" My strength is gone. God, I am looking for the footprints in the sand because right now I can't go on.

Those I thought I could lean on are only here with ulterior motives. I have no one here for me yet I am always the shoulder for everyone else. Where is my shoulder when I need it????? Lord I am crying out to you.

Today I can't keep on the face anymore. I have not really mourned my mom...trying to be strong but I am not strong...I am just a daughter who misses my mother. My levees are broken and all my walls are down. Lord you know just how much I am going through right now. I am broken, my marriage is in shambles and I am tormented.
I have no choice...I look to You. I can't let the enemy put me in despair to the point that I don't want to be here any longer. I can't eat. I can't sleep. When I do sleep, I just want to never wake up. Lord help me. I need you more than ever now.

Leaving before I hate you

Sometimes, we stay with someone hoping the love will allow us to get it together.  I have learned one valuable lesson though : Leave before you hate them.  Seriously.  When you get to the point where you may despise someone that is not a good thing.  I know me and I know that indifference proceeds despising.  That is where I am.

Time is Money

I'm annoyed.  I clearly seem to be the only one in the house that values time. 

When going to a 6pm class, my husband will leave at 5:30.  Which leaves no "just in case time".  You know, just in case traffic is bad, just in case he needs to stop...instead he has "I just may make it by 5 after" syndrome.  Yet he sees nothing wrong with this.

My younger son is the same way and it burns my biscuit.   He will leave the condo at 7:15 to catch the bus that comes at 7:19.  More often than not, he misses the bus.

I was in the Navy for 8 years, to be late is to be ontime therefore be early.  That was my motto.  It still is.  If I have to be somewhere at 9, I leave at 7:45, to account for traffic and whatnot.  This usually gives me time to collect myself before I go in to the meeting or appointment.   If someone tells me an event starts at 7, I want to be there at 7.  I get annoyed when my husband isn't ready.  This happened while we were on vacation.  The family had dinner scheduled for 8 and he was not ready to leave the hotel until 7:45.  It was a half an hour ride.  By 8:05 the family was calling me (they are sticklers for time just like I am) and I was sitting in the passenger seat fuming.


I am trying to break out of this.  Trying not to be so easily annoyed.  But it's not working.

Today, my son had a doctor's appointment at 2:15.  At 2:12 I was getting text messages asking about the address for the GPS.  grrrrrr  Are you for real?!?!?!?!?  At 2:33 I was getting a phone call asking about the suite number.  You're kidding right?!?!?!?!?!?!?  I am trying not to be annoyed but I can't stand tardiness.   Am I being unreasonable?

What do you mean "No Free Speech"??????

Is it really online piracy?  Well there is legislation out there that wants to limit information you can get from places like Google and Wikipedia. 

Wikipedia proudly proclaims:

Imagine a World
Without Free Knowledge

For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open Internet. For 24 hours, to raise awareness, we are blacking out Wikipedia. Learn more.



Wikipedia was built by the people for the people by collecting information from various sources and putting it in one location.  To me, this bill is trying to regulate what should not be regulated : The freedom of speech.  There are also those in Congress who want to tax internet purchases and monitor any and everything written.  That includes us as Bloggers.  Think about it, most of us blog about things we have seen or read somewhere else.  We give commentary on current events, news articles, celebrity gossip and more.  With this new pending legislation, it equates to censorship.  I mean really, how can you tell me if I talk about something that I have read elsewhere like on CNN etc, that it equates to piracy.  That is ludicrous.  How do these bills protect intellectual property?  Well let's look at what IP is :

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.
IP is divided into two categories:  Industrial property, which includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source; and Copyright, which includes literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs.  Rights related to copyright include those of performing artists in their performances, producers of phonograms in their recordings, and those of broadcasters in their radio and television programs.

So how does a collection of facts and historical items equate to intellectual property?  If the entry is talking about Edgar Allen Poe and it cites his works and gives credit to the source which are books etc, how is that different from any other encyclopedia with the exception that it is online?  Let's be real here, this is really about money.  At the end of the day, it is about charging for the regurgitation of information.  That is like telling me I can't quote someone when I am talking.  You can't regulate me talking so just how are you going to regulate someone typing?!?!?!? 

I have a Dream

Happy MLK Day, Bloggers!

Everything that has been accomplished started with a dream.  Think about it...

• The Wright brothers, dreamed of flying, their dream changed travel as we know it.  Where it used to take weeks to get somewhere by boat, it now takes hours by flight.
• Henry Ford dreamed of a faster way to get around than horse and buggy, cars and motorized transportation are now a part of our everyday lives. 

Martin Luther King had a dream, too.  While on the surface, it may seem as if we have achieved his dream, we really haven't.  We still don't have total equality.  Men and women are still treated different in the workplace.  There is still disparity in pay whether by gender, race or sexual orientation.  Yes, we do have a black president, but there are still those who won't judge him on the content of his character because they can't get pass the color of his skin.   Instead of focusing on what he has accomplished, they focus on what is still messed up.  Truth be told, it is stuff that was raggedy when he took office but those who want to show him in a negative light won't acknowledge that part.  There are still those that have a voice and a vote in congress that would rather see the country go down in flames than support an idea put on the table by Barack Obama.  Yes, we have come a long way since Martin had a dream, but we still have a very long way to go. 

I will leave you with one of my most requested spoken word pieces :

Color of Skin

GIPSEE 

_{Copyright © 2004}

You put on your fancy suits and ties,

And think that makes you different in their eyes?

Doesn’t matter that you speak eloquently

Doesn’t matter how many degrees

Or how you try to appease…

You’re living in a fantasy…

But you don’t have to take it from me…

Society doesn’t care what’s within…

They still look at the color of your skin.

Walking around like a corporate clone

Like you belong

Look at every milestone…

What about the chances you have blown…

To strengthen your backbone

Who coulda’ known

That you weren’t  so strong?

When your life hit a tailspin

Looking where you have been

You realize it’s still the color of your skin.

You are naïve

If you believe

That as equal you can even be perceived

Your freedom they still bereave

When you long to be free

Are you any different from me?

Look at it through thick and thin

It still the color of your skin.

Working in the fields you don’t do

But you still don’t have a clue

From the cradle to the grave

You are still just a slave.

Instead of whips and chains

They use your desire to obtain

What you think are the same

Rights in the game

But the fact remains, lamebrain,

All they hold for your is disdain

Are you insane?

In spite of your chagrin…

It is still the color of your skin.

20 Questions...the Grown-up edition

Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids? Have you ever kissed someone? Missed someone? Told someone you loved them? Drank alcohol? Here you have 20 questions for the people who are a little older... Tag me when you finish.

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
The MORTGAGE...grateful to have a place to lay my head...wish it was already paid for. LOL

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
hmmm Home...hubby cooked. kids were gone...candles everywhere...ahhh I love being married *sigh*


3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Nothing...like at home feet up doing absolutely nuffin :)

4. How many colleges did you attend?
Two

5. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I now live somewhat in the city but my job is not on the transit line or I would be on MARTA like a mugg.

6. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Dagnabbit it's 5 already?!?!?!

7. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
My hubby sure does take care of me (I wasn't feeling well and he had just given me meds and was rubbing my head as I fell asleep)

8. Do you miss being a child?
Sometimes. I miss the carefree me.

9. What errand/chore do you despise?
Cleaning the bathroom...uggg especially behind boys/men.

10. Have you found real love yet?
Yes; His name is Jesus...Have you met Him? Want me to introduce you? ;) Between Jesus and my hubby I am batting 1,000,000 in the Love department.

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Nope...but just something we all need to put more thought and care into.

12. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
Not the current one. *snicker*

13. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
New career.

14. Are you where you want to be in life?
No...but I think I am fast approaching it. ;)

15. What about you do you think has changed the most?
My beliefs and drive. I am driven but I realize time is short and I can't take life for granted.

16. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?
No, but I love my friends from that time. I would say my Navy years were the best!

17. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
Metro Center, Riverside park, Iverson Mall

18. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Ummm in some respects yes, I was really into school...but after work was done...I was all for fun and was kind of hardheaded. LOL The hardheaded me could not be my kids friend...Think Eddie Haskell from leave it to beaver LOL

19. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
My kids and relationship with God. Taught me to be more selfless instead of selfish.

20. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
All the time..lol

12 things in 2012

So I was thinking, I really haven't introduced myself to you properly. So I am writing this post called 12 things...because they are 12 things about me.


12. I was born in Athens, Greece and have dual citizenship.

11. I spent 8 years in the Navy

10. I am the middle child and I have some tell-tale middle child tendencies and quirkiness

9. I am more comfortable in my skin at 42 than I have EVER been. I think it comes from realizing just how short and precious life really is.

8. I am an introverted extrovert. What does that mean? I prefer solitude over crowds. While I can blend and mix in any environment, I don't like to feel like I'm "On" all the time. Being extroverted is a chore to me. That is why acting is a perfect hobby. :)

7. I have lived on 5 continents. (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa)

6. I was a state officer for 2 years in Phi Beta Lambda and ran for National one year. This is the college chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America.)

5. I read daily and have the Amazon Kindle app on my phone. I keep anywhere from 5 - 10 active books on it.

4. I am an IT geek. I have both an IT degree and a business degree.

3. I have a photographic memory.

2. I love logic games and play grid detective and Sudoku everyday.

1. I worked in IT forensics for 5 years and spoke at a national convention for Litigation Analysts.

Dreams and Visions

Hey blogland!

I was sitting here thinking about my dreams. Actually, to be honest it started with me thinking about my vision board. Last year I went to a "Vision Board" party.
First, a Vision Board is made up of pictures, words or symbols cut out of a magazine to symbolize what you want to achieve that year.


Let me tell you about some of my "Visions"

1) I had a small simple string of words "How I came to terms with my mother." This was done in January 2011...long before we knew my mom was sick and certainly before we knew she was terminal. I had some unresolved "mommy" issues. I always thought my mom was hard on me and just didn't "get me" and was "unsupportive" of my acting dreams. Well I was able to talk to her in depth during her last few months and found that not only did she support me, she was my biggest fan. Telling anyone who would listen about me. It just goes to show that perception is not always reality. I spent all those years thinking my mom didn't really like me and the reality of it was she loved me so much she was hard on me when she knew I could do better.


2) There was a picture of a car surrounded by people with "Just Married" on the back and there was an engagement ring somewhere on the board. This was strange because at the time, I was single. But this was part of my vision that last year I would meet my husband. I know you are probably thinking I just wanted this to come true and so I got married. Not true at all. In fact, I am one of those "I would rather never be married than married and divorced" folks. I have been asked before (at least 4 times) it just never felt right until now. What is so weird is I did my vision board in January and did EXACTLY what you are not supposed to do...I rolled it up and put it out of sight and out of mind. The whole purpose is so you can visualize things you want to achieve. I reconnected with the love of my life from my 20s. It's not like we ever lost touch, we just reconnected romantically. We remained friends after dating for 3 years. Last year we realized we were better together and we got married on Sept. 23rd.

3) There was a director's chair. I'm still striving on the acting front but when my mom was sick I put that on hold. After my mom passed, I threw myself back into work and acting. I was a stage manager for a play in December and have been writing a bit more. I eventually want to write and direct thus the director's chair. I have some exciting things that I am working on but until they come to fruition I have to sit on them.

4) There were pictures of family all over my board...oddly I didn't include my mom. I didn't realize it until I pulled my board out for review. There was also a picture of a stopwatch and the words "Time for what's important" As a family we spent ALOT of time together in 2011. We reprioritized our lives to take care of mom and spent time making lasting memories. This was something that had been missing. Through my mom's illness, we grew closer as a family.

5) There was a picture of some steps carpeted with money. I had no idea I was going to get married and move. The house I had built and called home for the last 9 years is now investment rental property. My financial house seems to be even more clear now. It's all about being debt free while maintaining a decent lifestyle. It's about having money to take care of our needs, some of our wants and having a decent savings account.


I was reading a quote I saw somewhere "A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement. "

See it was a vision, just a mere dream and a Japanese proverb says "Vision without action is a daydream. Action with without vision is a nightmare." Unknowningly, I plotted the course for 2011 with my "Vision Board". So 2012, I am going to sit down and do the same. I am going to think of what I want to accomplish.

One thing I can say is that other than those that attended the "Vision Board" party (8 folks total and none involved in my day-to-day life) no one knew about my vision board. Why? You can't share your dreams with everyone. Some folks are dream killers and sometimes a dream can only survive if you carefully nurture it alone, watering it and lovingly pruning the branches. Dream killers are those who tell you why it won't work and how you can't accomplish it, often because they have no drive to achieve dreams of their own.

What everyone needs, regardless of his/her job or the kind of work he/she is doing, is a vision of what his place is and may be. As for me, I need an objective and a purpose. I need a feeling and a belief that I have some worthwhile thing to do. What this is no one can tell me or you. It must be your own creation. Its success will be measured by the nature of your vision, what you have done to equip yourself, and how well you have performed along the line of its development. Don't allow anyone to be your measuring stick, for you and you alone know whether you have failed or succeeded.

This has been another Newy perspective.

Happy New Year!!!!

I have been so swamped that I have neglected my blog. :( I had a post I started in early December regarding my vision board I did last January. I will finish it and post it soon. In the meantime, how are you?

Let's see...catch up with Newy.

First Thanksgiving without my mom. It was difficult but we made new memories and talked about her.

Christmas just didn't feel like Christmas this year, but we started new traditions. This year we went to Chicago. It was AMAZING. I really enjoyed the magnificent mile and seeing family and friends.

I brought the New Year in praying and praising God. I was in church and can't think of anywhere I would rather be than there. Life is good. I thank God for a job I love, for family and friends that are supportive, fun-loving and free spirited.


Big Shouts to my friend Chantell Christopher who was Amber on House of Payne last Friday.


Happy New Year to you all! I will do better this year regarding blogging.