As 2006 comes to a close, I’m thankful that God allowed me to live another year. Although I’ve experienced various trials, I now know without a doubt, that what won’t kill you, will make you stronger. I’m truly a living witness. In spite of the valleys, I know that I’m blessed and that no matter what, God has not forsaken me.
This year was not only filled with trials, but also some great times. One great thing that happened in 2006 that I’m reminded of right now is the birth on January 8 of my second granddaughter, Laila. She’s now walking and saying a few words--mostly shouting the name of her big sister and my oldest granddaughter, Jayden every chance she gets. Speaking of Jayden, I’ve been hanging out with her this weekend. Jayden and I are going to bring in the New Year watching movies and eating popcorn. It’s a blessing to be able to spend quality time with her.
In reference to writing, I've completed a new motivational book, which will be available in February for sale as an eBook. I also became a columnist on Blogging in Black (www.blogginginblack.com), with my posting date being the 21st of each month. I'm honored to be a part of this great blogging community.
On another note, last week, my aunt, cousin and I went to go see Dreamgirls. This movie is awesome! I do agree that Jennifer Hudson did her thing, but I feel that every actor and actress in Dreamgirls did a spectacular job. This movie is indeed a classic and I can’t wait until the DVD is released. I also saw the Pursuit of Happyness recently with my nephew, niece and Jayden. I must say this is a great and thought-provoking movie.
It is my hope and prayer that everyone that reads this blog entry has a Happy New Year.
Peace!
Cherish the Memories
What are some of your cherished memories? Is there a time in your life that sticks out more than the others? I recently had the pleasure of re-living some cherished memories when I worked on the staff of Senator Alan J. Dixon (D-IL) from 1987 to 1992 in Washington, D.C. The Senator served as a United States Senator for the state of Illinois from 1981 to 1993.
These great memories were rekindled on Friday, September 29, 2006, through an Al’s Pals, as the Senator’s former staff members are affectionately called, reunion held at d.s. Vespers Sports Pub & Eatery (www.at-the-edge.net) in Belleville, Illinois. This business is owned and operated by Mary Dahm-Schell, a former Washington, D.C. staff member, and her husband, Keith Schell. If you’re in the Belleville area, do yourself a favor and check out this fine establishment.
At this event, I engaged in many great conversations with people that I knew and with those whom I met for the very first time. Persons traveled from the Washington, D.C. area, Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, and a few other places within the Midwest to attend this event. There were many hugs, kisses, pictures taken and fond stories shared. The moment the guest of honor, none other than Senator Dixon, and his lovely, kind and sweet-spirited wife, Jody arrived, they were given a standing applause. The Senator and Mrs. Dixon made their way through the crowd and happily greeted everyone.
Some of the highlights of the evening included the Senator’s eloquent speech and the viewing of two tapes. All those in attendance seemed to enjoy these moments as well as the entire reunion just as much as I did. As the evening came to an end, everyone was still in high spirits, and glad to have had the opportunity get together for such a grand occasion.
Although it has been fourteen years since I’ve walked the halls of the Hart Senate Office building, I can honestly say that I’m thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated, positive and genuine people in my professional career. I gained a lifetime of knowledge in just five short years. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today without having had this opportunity. I will always cherish the memories of my time working on the staff of Senator Alan J. Dixon. The Senator is one of the greatest politicians to have ever graced the halls of Capitol Hill.
Jody Dixon (Senator’s wife), Ann Callahan (Wife of Senator’s former WDC Chief-of-Staff,
Gene Callahan), Me and Britta Brackney (WDC office) in background talking with
Charlie Smith (WDC office)
Jimie Wheeler (Chicago office) in background, Senator Alan J. Dixon and Mark Schell
(Brother-in-law to Mary Dahm-Schell) clapping hands
Joanne Whitley (Former Secretary), Maria Petaros (Chicago and WDC offices),
Me and Barb Buscher Jacobsen (WDC office)
These great memories were rekindled on Friday, September 29, 2006, through an Al’s Pals, as the Senator’s former staff members are affectionately called, reunion held at d.s. Vespers Sports Pub & Eatery (www.at-the-edge.net) in Belleville, Illinois. This business is owned and operated by Mary Dahm-Schell, a former Washington, D.C. staff member, and her husband, Keith Schell. If you’re in the Belleville area, do yourself a favor and check out this fine establishment.
At this event, I engaged in many great conversations with people that I knew and with those whom I met for the very first time. Persons traveled from the Washington, D.C. area, Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, and a few other places within the Midwest to attend this event. There were many hugs, kisses, pictures taken and fond stories shared. The moment the guest of honor, none other than Senator Dixon, and his lovely, kind and sweet-spirited wife, Jody arrived, they were given a standing applause. The Senator and Mrs. Dixon made their way through the crowd and happily greeted everyone.
Some of the highlights of the evening included the Senator’s eloquent speech and the viewing of two tapes. All those in attendance seemed to enjoy these moments as well as the entire reunion just as much as I did. As the evening came to an end, everyone was still in high spirits, and glad to have had the opportunity get together for such a grand occasion.
Although it has been fourteen years since I’ve walked the halls of the Hart Senate Office building, I can honestly say that I’m thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated, positive and genuine people in my professional career. I gained a lifetime of knowledge in just five short years. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today without having had this opportunity. I will always cherish the memories of my time working on the staff of Senator Alan J. Dixon. The Senator is one of the greatest politicians to have ever graced the halls of Capitol Hill.
Jody Dixon (Senator’s wife), Ann Callahan (Wife of Senator’s former WDC Chief-of-Staff,
Gene Callahan), Me and Britta Brackney (WDC office) in background talking with
Charlie Smith (WDC office)
Jimie Wheeler (Chicago office) in background, Senator Alan J. Dixon and Mark Schell
(Brother-in-law to Mary Dahm-Schell) clapping hands
Joanne Whitley (Former Secretary), Maria Petaros (Chicago and WDC offices),
Me and Barb Buscher Jacobsen (WDC office)
Returning from a Blog Slump
Hello! Truthfully, I’ve had good intentions to write blog entries on a regular basis and can’t believe that nearly nine months have gone by since I’ve posted an entry. Although I’ve been in a blog writing slump, I’ve continued writing articles, participating in literary events, public speaking and happy to say that I recently completed my third motivational book. This motivational book is for everyone and not geared towards single mothers, as my other books were. Right now, I’m trying to decide which route to take for publishing this book. I’ll continue praying about it and I know that God will reveal soon which route I should take. Also, I’ve been involved with helping put together my church newsletter…so as you see I’ve been doing what I love and that is writing, writing and more writing.
On a personal note, I became a grandmother again in January. My new granddaughter’s name is Laila. She’s now eight months and is crawling. And, my oldest granddaughter, Jayden, who is five years old, started kindergarten. I love them both dearly and my daughter too of course.
Well, I wanted to drop in and at least share some words. I’ve made a vow to blog on a more regular basis, so stay tuned. Trust me; I won’t let eight months go by again without posting an entry.
Peace,
Carla
On a personal note, I became a grandmother again in January. My new granddaughter’s name is Laila. She’s now eight months and is crawling. And, my oldest granddaughter, Jayden, who is five years old, started kindergarten. I love them both dearly and my daughter too of course.
Well, I wanted to drop in and at least share some words. I’ve made a vow to blog on a more regular basis, so stay tuned. Trust me; I won’t let eight months go by again without posting an entry.
Peace,
Carla
The Ending of 2005
Today is the last day of 2005 and I’ve decided to relax, reflect and of course work on a writing project. I just got back from getting a pedicure and boy do my feet feel good. A pedicure was definitely long overdue. I sat in the chair enjoying every bit of the pedicure while reading, “Some Things I Never Thought I’d Do” by Pearl Cleage. This book is good.
Although I’ve endured some valleys in 2005, through it all, I can say that I’m truly blessed. I’m eagerly looking forward to 2006 and all of the experiences it will bring.
May everyone that reads this blog entry have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Peace!
Although I’ve endured some valleys in 2005, through it all, I can say that I’m truly blessed. I’m eagerly looking forward to 2006 and all of the experiences it will bring.
May everyone that reads this blog entry have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Peace!
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