Birthday Wishes

Today is my daughter, Terra’s, 25th birthday. I can’t believe that it was twenty five years ago today that life changed drastically for me on November 18, 1983. It changed because giving birth at the young age of 18 forced me to grow up and begin making some better life decisions since I now had someone else to think about. And, I must say that these last 25 years have flown by so fast.

Although Terra and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on things, I can honestly say that not only are we mother and daughter, but we’re great friends, which is indeed a blessing. In my eyes, she’ll always be my baby even though she is a mother now of two daughters, Jayden and Laila, who I must say are adorable, but indeed a handful. I’ll write another blog posting soon and share some pictures of my granddaughters.

Speaking of pictures, below are a few old ones from back in the day:

Terra and me – I believe in 1991. This is a Glamour Shots picture.

Terra, Brother Larry and Dad – sometime in 1985. It seems just like yesterday when dad had the curl and Terra was getting on my last nerve because she loved touching his hair and getting the curl activator on her hands. Gross!

Until next time, peace.

Getting my Reading On

The snow is falling now in Chicago and I’m at home chilling out after spending two hours commuting home even though I left work early. Imagine that? Back in the day, commuting long hours used to make me want to pull out my hair, but now I do my best not to get stressed out about it by listening to the radio and music as well as making a few phone calls. After all, why get stressed about being in traffic anyway? It's a waste of time and energy.


Anyway, while sitting here at my desk, it dawned on me that the last time that I actually wrote a blog was in 2007 and we are now three months in the year 2008. Shame on me!

Over the last few months, I’ve been getting my reading on and I’ve read six great books by five great authors. All six of these books, had me up until the wee hours of the morning reading until I could read no more. And, I HIGHLY recommend all of them. These books include the following:


"Double Platinum"--Author Shelia Goss
"Pushing Pause"--Author Celeste O. Norfleet
"Keysha’s Drama"--Author Earl Sewell
"I Know I’ve Been Changed"--Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
"Let the Church Say Amen"--Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
"Become a Better You"--Pastor Joel Osteen

The book that I’m currently reading is, “Wish You Well,” by Author David Baldacci. This book has been good thus far. Actually, I’m excited about being back in the reading mode.

Although I’ve been on the reading craze, I’ve also been doing some writing as well. I hope to be able to share some good news within the next few months.

Until next time, keep the peace!

What's On My Mind...

I will admit that it’s been some time since I’ve written a blog entry. While my intentions were always to write something on a regular basis, this did not happen. Even though I don’t blog regularly, I am still writing nonetheless and for that I am thankful. Right now, I’m just trying to get myself more organized so that I can write even more than I do now. I’ve realized that being organized is essential to productivity in all aspects of my life.

On another note, the pastor’s sermon topic at this morning's worship service was, “God is not through with you yet” and this was a great message that was right on time for me. The sermon was centered on Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) – Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. I know without a doubt that God intends to do some more awesome things in my life. However, I have to be committed to doing the things that God asks of me in this season of my life in order to prepare me for the next.

As I look back over my life, I know that God has always been with me through the good and the bad times and for that I am forever grateful. If it's God's will, this time next week my daughter will turn 24 years old. And, it seems just like yesterday when I was a frightened and confused teenaged mother. I’m thankful that I knew God then and that I know God now. Most importantly, I’m grateful that “God is not through with ME yet.”

Peace!

Carla J. Curtis

Enjoyed the Concert

With only six days into the New Year, I’m excited that I got the opportunity to see Jamie Foxx and Fantasia Barrino live in concert at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, which is right outside Chicago. I went with two of my cousins and a mutual friend. We had a great time.

To start the show off, there was a local comedian from Chicago. Unfortunately, I can’t remember his name, but I do know that he was funny. After he did his comedic routine, he then introduced Fantasia and she made her grand appearance. All that I can say is that Fantasia can SING! Whew!! She’s got some vocal chords on her. Although she’s in her early twenties, she truly sounds like a veteran singer. She sings good enough for the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. She’s truly got a long singing career ahead of her.

After Fantasia graced us with her presence, Jamie came on stage and started doing one of his comedic routines. He had the crowd laughing at his jokes as well as screaming, dancing and swaying to his music while he played the piano and sang. Jamie is truly a creative genius. Toward the end of the concert, Kanye West, made a guest appearance and they sang together the ever popular song, Gold Digger.

Overall, this was a great concert and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to go. Although I don’t watch American Idol on a consistent basis, I’m glad that in spite of the naysayers that Fantasia pressed her way through the competition. She’s a talented singer who deserved to win this competition. As for Jamie, I’ve been a fan of his for many years and it’s exciting to see this Oscar winner’s career blossom.