Girl Power - Preschool Edition (Anala Beevers, 4 Year-Old MENSA Member)

She never leaves home without her map of America.  She knows every state AND the capitals.  By the tender age of 4 months old, she knew the English alphabet and when she was 1 ½, she knew her numbers.  In Spanish. 

Her name is Anala Beevers, she's adorable and she's so smart that MENSA invited her to be a member.  MENSA is the organization for smart people.  Really smart people. You have to score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test.  So yeah, you gotta be smart. 

And Anala is....well, take a look below to see for yourself.  And check out her pink fingernail polish!  A girl after my own heart. :)  #THINKPink  #GirlPower 

No PR Strategy For Your Small Business?! - WHY???

If you're a small business and you haven't thought about a PR strategy for your company, I just have one question for you:  What are you waiting for, my love???

Listen.  PR is THE most cost-effective alternative to expensive traditional marketing. It's one of the best ways to let people know you're here.  It's word of mouth and it works.  Trust me. 

Before I give you some PR tips, be sure to think about your strategy first.  That includes understanding your audience, determining your company goals (be specific!) and creating effective communication (key messaging that will reach your audience, tone, etc.).  Start there and remember to plan your strategy based not on the here and now, but where you want to go.

Here are some other PR tips: 

Social Media - Careful.  Just because social media is free, doesn't mean it's a one-sizes-fits-all kinda thing.  First, be clear on what your goals are (that's the strategy part).  Are you looking to get more media hits?  Publicity around your launch or the launch of a new product?  More exposure?  Increased sales?  Second, know where your customers/potential customers are: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc?  Lastly, commit to engaging in a social media channel that's right for your business, and do it!   

What's Your Story? - If you really want to connect with people, I mean REALLY connect with people, you gotta be transparent.  The best way to connect with people is through storytelling.  You left corporate America to fulfill a life-long dream of mentoring kids?  Share that!  Don't be afraid to share nuggets of your life.  

Partner With Your Local Community - Tie your company to a non-profit cause.  Giving back to your local community is not only the right thing to do, it will likely garner you some media attention.  

Don't Be Shy (Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed!) - Get out and about!  Make new friends. Meet and connect with people in your community.  Attend social events, exchange information with others about their businesses and follow up.  Some folks call that "networking" (ugh--I hate that term!), I call it building relationships. 

Show Your Personality (Have Fun!) - Whether you have a food truck, a pet-sitting business or a new hair salon, you have to love what you're doing. You have to.  Bring that love, energy and enthusiasm to your work.  People do business with people they like. Always remember that. 

Tie Tuesday (Marvin Gaye)

In the wake of the Trayvon Martin tragedy, I've been listening to a lot of Marvin Gaye lately. I've always loved his music, but what I love more is his social activism THROUGH his music. 

I wish more artists would use their talents to evoke social change.  I believe celebrities and artists should use their star power to shine a spotlight on human equality.  After all--it's the fans, the every day people who support them.  I applaud those who do (Go Solange!), but it would be great to see more.   

That's my plan.  I'm no celebrity, but I'm an artist.  Marvin Gaye did it through lyrics and music.  Me?  I will continue to write.  I will rally people around me.  I will speak up.  I will share my experiences with others, and share those of my community too.  I will do my part and then some. 

  

Unwritten Twitter Rules - What They Don't Tell You When You Sign Up (Vol III)

This is my third installment of "Unwritten Twitter Rules."  Click here to read Volume I.  And here for Volume II.  You know above all, I'm here for the people so please let me know if I've missed anything.  :-)  

Sweet Dreams Twitterville - You don't have to tell Twitter goodnight...you can just shut up.  (Ditto for Facebook.)

Following Folks - Following people only because they agree with you is sooooo boring.  Mix it up.  Take me for example.  I follow Sarah Palin.  Not because I agree with her thoughts.  NOPE.  But, I do think she's funny.  BOY is she funny!   

Sarcasm - If you're sarcastic like me, you gotta be careful.  A lot of folks are too sensitive for Twitter.  The issue is...sarcasm gets retweeted and subsequently offends someone who's cat just died or something.  *sigh*

Twitter Beefs - It's pointless getting into arguments with people on Twitter. Too much flawed logic to even know where to start.

The Infamous Subtweet ("Subliminal Tweet") - Listen.  If you think everyone is subtweeting about you, you got issues - real talk.  And Twitter will only make them worse.  So, stop tweeting and get some help. (Sounds like a public service announcement, right?)  :-)

Twitter Friends - Twitter is a great place to meet interesting, fun people who share common interests, BUT....it's NOT healthy to only have Twitter friends.  Go forth & find real-life friends whose personalities don't originate in a 140-character field, K?

Your Twitter Civic Duty - Careful.  Before you jump on the civic duty bandwagon...hold up.  Twitter is THE place for short lived civil campaigns.  Remember the huge KONY campaign of 2012?  No?  My point exactly!  

Calm Down, Breathe...It's Just Twitter - If EVERYTHING someone says on Twitter makes you hop on the defensive and go off on a tirade, then maybe--just maybe....you should just stay off of Twitter.

Tie Tuesday (Héctor Lavoe)

I loooooove music.  All kinds!  My taste in music can't be described.  It just depends on my mood really.  I'm a fan of a wide range of talented artists.  Hector Lavoe is at the top of my list!  Whenever I listen to his music, I smile....and dance. :)  

He was born Hector Juan Perez Martinez.  To distinguish Hector from other Latino singers, a former manager made him adopt Felipe Rodriguez's moniker, "La Voz" ("The Voice"), and it turned into his stage name, Lavoe. 

"The Voice"......perfect choice.  In 2006, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez starred in El Cantante, Hector's life story.  It was tragic and sad, but his music.... Amazing. 

If you love great music and you don't know who Hector Lavoe is, do yourself a favor and get to know him. You will not be disappointed.  I promise. 

Warning - Here's What Happens When You Give Vine To Kids (LOL!)

If you're still not a fan of Vine, this JUST might change your mind.  I've watched this six-second video about 500 times. Heeeelarious! 

This is what your kids are doing when you're at work: https://vine.co/v/bYnKOiPT2nV 

Tie Tuesday (Johnny Depp)

John Christopher Depp, Jr AKA Johnny Depp.....  One of the highest paid actors in Hollywood (He reportedly makes more than $30 million per film).  An amazing talent.  Worth every dime!  He seems so unassuming and unaware of how great he is.  And that makes him even more appealing.

Now, listen.  It's been widely documented that I hate Westerns.  HATE.  And I'm here to report that nothing has changed on that front.  HOWEVER, *peers over sunglasses*  there are exceptions to this rule.  Only a few people can get me to go see a Western, and yep Johnny Deep is one of them!   

I WILL be going to see The Lone Ranger.  Johnny Depp as Tonto??  What?!?!  I'm so here for it.  The movie comes out tomorrow, July 3rd.  Get there early, 'cuz uh.... Johnny Depp. :) 

Johnny Depp as Tonto in the Lone Ranger.

Tie Tuesday (Patrice O'Neal)

L-O-L!  Where do I start?  Anybody who knows me KNOWS I love to laugh. So, who better to highlight than a man who makes me laugh so hard, my eyes water.  Dude is THAT funny. 

Seriously folks, if you don't know who Patrice O'Neal is... *sigh*  He's just amazing. He's one of the smartest, most talented comedians I've ever seen. His timing, delivery and overall sarcastic personality mixed with some offensive, cold-blooded honesty is a dope combination!  

Sadly, Patrice passed away in 2011 due to complications from a stroke. He'd suffered from diabetes for years, and ironically he joked about it in his routines.  That's the bad part.  The good part?  He left a legacy of amazing work that we can all can sit back and enjoy for years and years to come.  Here's one of his "clean" stories about women being horrible storytellers:  

Hey Paula (My Open Letter To Paula Deen) *sigh*

It's 2013 and folks are still out here spewing racist hatred in these streets....  Case in point: Celebrity chef, Paula Deen. She recently admitted to using the N-word, telling racist jokes and wait for it...wait for it - wanting African American employees to dress/act like slaves for a big wedding she was planning. *sigh* Slaves at a !&@% wedding. *sighs again*  Here's my open letter to her: 

Hey Paula, 

First, let me say - I would have preferred to do this face-to-face. I want nothing more than to look into your big, beautiful, blue eyes and tell you some things.  BUT--this could get ugly.  So maybe it's best this way. No, wait.  What am I saying?  I'm a lady, so I'll always take the high road.  Claire Huxtable taught me that. No ugliness here. 

Anyway...You know, I've always admired you. I love a "come-up" story and you've got one of the best. You've overcome a lot and accomplished such great things in your life. Oprah herself even called you an inspiration to women. So did Michelle Obama. And up until about 24 hours ago, I agreed with them. 

But things have changed, Paula.  Things. Have. Changed.

Listen. I'm a black woman, OK.  So I know racism is alive and well in this country.  And I know there are no perfect people. We all make mistakes. We all mess up. We all do stupid things. I get it. However--and this is a big however, when it comes to racist remarks/behavior, things are different. 

It's hard to forgive when it comes to racism.  Not impossible.  But very, very difficult.  Why?  Real prejudice takes dedication.  It's a genuine representation of your heart.  The real deal.  You can't fake hatred. That comes from deep down in your soul, Paula. 

And it's crazy because the African American community has welcomed you into our homes for years. We've patronized your businesses, supported your family projects and helped you build your empire (Yeah, I know about Dora Charles).  And THIS is what you think of us?  Damn shame. 

To make matters worse, it's been more than a day since your comments hit the news and you haven't said a word. Your lawyer gave a weak, tired response, but you?  Nothing.  No apology.  No explanation.  No remorse.  Nada.  

Things have definitely changed, Paula....

I've decided not to support you or your brand moving forward.  Can't do it.  I really hope you've learned a valuable lesson from this.  Mainly about respect, sensitivity and tolerance.  But more importantly, I hope you can take this situation and turn it into an opportunity to teach your grandkids and others that racism, no matter what shape or form it comes in is wrong.  Plain and simple. 

-Steph 

Paula Deen

Tie Tuesday (Frederick Douglass)

Juneteenth is tomorrow!  It marks the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19th (in 1865) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was a wrap and slaves were now free - a WHOLE two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. *side eye*  News traveled really slow back then. *sigh* 

Juneteenth has always represented history and freedom, but it also represents the culture and achievements of African Americans.  Tomorrow, a statue of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) will be unveiled in the United States Capitol Visitor Center.  A formal ceremony will be held to honor this former slave turned leader of the abolitionist movement.  I SO wish I could be there!

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people. He sought to embody three keys for success in life:

• Believe in yourself. 
• Take advantage of every opportunity. 
• Use the power of written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.

 When you get a chance, take a look at some of his writings.  Ahhhmaaazing! 

 

You MIGHT Be A Tech Snob If....

Disclaimer - I may or may not be a tech snob.  Spend some time with me (about an hour will do) and you'll know the answer.... *whistles and walks away* 

• You think the new Twitter app "Vine" is stupid, hilarious AND fantastic!
  
  
• You feel sorry for people who are super active (& thriving - in their mind) on Facebook.
  
  
• You judge people by their cell phone.  (If you're under the age of 50 and you have a flip phone?  *sigh* )
  
  
• You judge people by their cell phone provider. (T-Mobile users....)
  
  
• You defend Apple products profusely - as if you own stock in the company.
  
  
• You own stock in Apple.
  
  
• You'd rather drop cold, hard cash on your tech accessories than buy groceries.
  
  
• You put serious thought into your profile name (and picture) on social networks.
  
  
• You have little to no patience for people who refuse to embrace technology.
  
  
• You sleep with your cell phone on your night stand - next to your bible, a bottle of Fiji water and a picture of Idris Elba your momma. 

Tie Tuesday (Jay-Z)

I've always loved Jay-Z, the rapper.  But Jay-Z, the business (not businessman)?  Whew!  I'm not sure about you, but he inspires the heck out of me.  He grew up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, but today at age 43 he's reportedly worth nearly $500 million. 

With stakes in the Barclays Center, Roc Nation Sports, Budweiser Select (Co-brand director), Carol's Daughter (He knows what women like) and Rocawear (He sold it, but still has stake in the company), Jay-Z has literally gone from a street corner to a big, beautiful corner office.   

                                                              " I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."  -Jay-Z

Michelle Obama Was Heckled? She Handled It Just Fine...

Let me preface this post by saying that I'm a HUGE Michelle Obama supporter.  So, my comments here will be biased based on my love for her.  If I offend anyone... *sips smoothie*   

The last few years for me politically have been bittersweet.  I watched as the country elected (and re-elected) its first African American president.  A great, unforgettable moment in history, right?  Yes!  Since this post is about Michelle Obama, I won't rant about my unwavering support for President Obama.  But, just know this...I think he's pretty dope. 

Now here's the "bitter" in the bittersweet part:  The Obamas have endured more ridicule, criticism and down-right hate than any other First Family I've ever known.  And through it all, they've been incredibly polite - to say the least.  I've often wondered, how in the !*@% do they do it?  I'm not sure if I could be so "nice." 

Michelle Obama... Over the past 4+ years, like millions of people all over the world, I fell head over heels for her.  She's smart, beautiful and so gracious.  I could go on and on...  A breath of fresh air!  

A few days ago, Michelle Obama was heckled by a woman as she spoke at a Democratic fundraising event.  She responded quickly by basically stating her intolerance for that kind of behavior.  Michelle approached the heckler and told her that she would leave: "Listen to me or you can take the mic. You all (audience) decide. You have one choice."  

The audience of course, wanted Michelle to stay.  She stayed and finished her speech.  The heckler?  She was escorted out of the event.

Some critics have come out and said Michelle's Obama behavior was inappropriate.  What?  Ummmm yeah--No.  The heckler's behavior was inappropriate and rude.  Michelle merely exerted herself as a guest speaker and First Lady.   
       
The PR me thinks she handled this perfectly.  Her reaction was transparent and real, wrapped up in the most respectful, unapologetic packaging ever.  She wasn't defensive.  She didn't raise her voice.  She didn't become irate.  She doesn't have to.  Why?  Because she's Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States.  Respect it.  

Tie Tuesday (Vince Vaughn)

If you know me, you know I love to laugh.  And if you REALLY know me, you know how much I LOVE Vince Vaughn.  I mean...he's tall, handsome, smart AND funny???  What's not to love, right?   *swoons*

Anywho.  I can't remember when I first fell for him, but it's been a minute.  There are only a handful of people in Hollywood I'd die to meet and he's one of them.  I've heard that his nickname is "Mr. Sunshine."  So appropriate.  So very appropriate. :)

"The Internship," Vince's latest movie will be in theaters on Friday, June 7th.  

Awkward Conversation Of The Week....(When Texting Goes Wrong)

OK--so.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a great texter.  Even worse when it comes to talking on the phone.  The problem with both forms of communication is most people lack the spirit of brevity.  I like for people to get to the point and get there quickly.  So, miss me with the 8 minute voicemails, the 5 page emails and this:   

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Can I ask you a question?

******* 40 minutes goes by 'cuz I'm not a reliable texter *********

 

Me:  What's up?  

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Are you mad at me?

******* 50 minutes goes by 'cuz I'm not a reliable texter *********

Me: Huh?  What do you mean?

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Well, I sent you a few text messages the other day and you never responded.  Then I called and left you a message yesterday, and you didn't call back.  Have I done something to offend you or something?  Are you mad at me?  Because if I've done something, please let me know.  Or if you just want me to leave you alone, just let me know and I won't bother you.  I'm just trying to figure out if I made you mad or something. So, are you mad at me?

Me: *Blank Stare*   *Sigh*

So yeah, at that point, I just went ahead and stop responding altogether.   

Tie Tuesday (He Needs No Introduction)

Like him or not, you gotta respect his swag.  And that's all I'm sayin... 

Just When I Thought I'd Seen It All, God Said Not So Fast (Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods & European Tour CEO)

Lord.  *sigh*  Yes--I started a post with a call-out to LJC (Lord Jesus Christ).  *heating up my prayer oil lamp, lighting a candle*  Yes--it's that bad.  

So, listen.  Everybody knows Tiger Woods, right?  Well--for the past few weeks, he and Sergio Garcia, a professional golfer from Spain have been going back and forth in a war of words.  The two men have been going at it since The Player's Championship earlier this month.  That's when Sergio implied that Tiger had purposely stirred up the gallery when he was playing a shot.  Tiger snapped back and said he wasn't surprised that Sergio was complaining.   *cue the dramatic music*  

Sergio Garcia

Everything came to a screeching halt earlier this week when Sergio answered a question at a European Tour players dinner about getting together with Tiger at the U.S. Open. Sergio jokingly answered: 

"We'll have him 'round every night.  We will serve fried chicken."

*blank stare* 

I know what you're thinking: He said what?!?! Rewind that.  Did he say, "We will serve fried chicken?"  He said it alright.  

But wait, there's more.  After Sergio apologized publicly for his racist remark, the CEO of the European Tour, George O'Grady was asked to give a comment about the situation.  And what did he say? 

"Most of Sergio's friends are colored athletes in the United States."

Mr. O'Grady has since apologized as well.  *sigh* 

I could go on and on about this, but I won't.  It is what it is.  Sad, really.  And totally unacceptable.  These comments were hurtful to Tiger Woods, but they also demonstrate irresponsible ignorance and a lack of sensitivity towards African Americans. 

Sergio's remarks were wrong.  George O'Grady's remarks were wrong.  Plain and simple.  Both men have apologized, but is it enough?  No, it's not.  Not without consequences.  This is definitely an opportunity to educate, and teach right from wrong. But it's also an opportunity to show that these racially offensive and inappropriate statements will not be tolerated.  Will the PGA do the right thing and take a stand?  I sure hope so.  

 Ok, I'm done.  *blows out my prayer oil lamp and candle*    

Tie Tuesday (Cuteness Meter Just Exploded!)

Look at that beautiful brown baby below.  Look.  At.  Him.  Gorgeous, handsome and oh so sweet.  

In full disclosure, let me just say....this little angel is not mine.  Not even sure who sent me this picture.  All I know is when I saw it, I fell in love.  I mean, how can you NOT love a face like this???  

You Only Live Once (YOLO) - Pumping Gas Has Never Been THIS Fun!

Go to Twitter and search for #YOLO (You Only Live Once).  I'll give you a sec....
Crazy, right?

Soooo many tweets.  And they're alllll over the place!  Some people are celebrating the fact that they've just eaten 18 Krispy Kreme donuts in a row - "The red light was on so...YOLO!"   Some folks are skydiving & swimming with sharks, and sharing their YOLO pictures with the world.  "Hey, look at me and Shamu...YOLO!"  Pretty cool. 

Keep searching YOLO and you'll see people celebrating new beginnings, new triumphs AND new weaves (God, I love Twitter.)  A lot of folks are just out there working hard to make their dreams come true, and they keep reminding themselves every day #YOLO...#YOLO...#YOLO!  Those are my personal favorites!

And then there's Will and Monifa...  



Will and Monifa, I can't thank you enough for the YOLO reminder guys!  Thank you!  Gracias!  Merci!  I sure hope others get the message:  Sometimes in life, you gotta just grab a microphone (or gas pump nozzle), hold your head high, stick your chest out, smile and go for it 'cuz...#YOLO!  

Tie Tuesday (David Beckham)

David Beckham will make you do a double take.  Not only is he GORGEOUS, but he's often seen out and about with his beautiful family, which makes him even more endearing.  Here he is with his daughter, Harper.  So cute I can't stand it!  That Victoria is one lucky lady. :) 

Unwritten Twitter Rules: What They Don't Tell You When You Sign Up (Volume II)

This is my second  "Unwritten Twitter Rules" post.  Click here to read Volume I.  If you're new to Twitter or you just love to tweet, be sure to keep these things in mind. *wink*  And please let me know if I've missed anything.  I'm already working on Volume III. :) 

• Extra exclamation points don't make your tweets louder.
  
  
• Be careful with the ALL CAPS (especially after 11:00 pm on a work night.)  It can be perceived as aggressive and.....RUDE.
  
  
• Twitter provides everyone with a platform.  That kinda sucks.  Cause everyone doesn't deserve a platform.
  
  
• Understand this.  EVERYONE on Twitter is living amazing, successful lives.  All rich, thin, gorgeous and whatnot. *side eye*
  
  
• People who use more than two hashtags in a tweet are labeled as...how can I say this?  Annoying.
  
  
• People who use more than three hashtags in a tweet are labeled as...how can I say this?  Annoying.
  
  
• It's possible to be friendly and likable on Twitter without everyone knowing EVERY detail of your life.

• Thursday night at 10:00 pm (EST) is #Scandal time.  Get into it or log off.
  
  
• Don't be alarmed when you see the name Neveah (Heaven spelled backwards) a lot on Twitter.  It's very, very popular.  *blank stare*
  
  
• Don't drink adult beverages and tweet.  Trust me. - Don't. Do. It.
  
  
• People rarely look like their Twitter avatar in real life. The sooner you accept that, the better. 

Tie Tuesday (Jason Collins)

I'm toooooootalllly loving NBA player Jason Collins right now.  He did something so remarkably brave yesterday. His unwavering courage makes my heart smile.  I don't know him, but I sure wish I did.  He's best known for his basketball skills, but his legacy will be the news he recently shared with Sports Illustrated: 

                                         "I'm a 34-year old NBA center.  I'm black.  And I'm gay."

So, here he is.  The first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.  Wow.  I mean...wow!   

After I read Jason's story, I was reminded of how important it is to live a life that's genuine and true.  It takes so much courage to live your life as YOU see fit.  It shouldn't be that way though.  It really shouldn't.  We should be able to live and think as freely as we wish.  In doing so, maybe we can help others along the way.  I know Jason's announcement will help others.  It will help some people embrace who they are and it will also help our country to become more compassionate.  

I'm convinced that being who you are and living in that truth is the path to happiness. Trusting yourself and making choices without fear is just...dope.  Point blank period.  Sound simple?  Not always.  But, it's sooooo worth it.      

Click here to read Jason's Sports Illustrated article. 

What I Know For Sure....(Oprah Started Something)

Oprah started something.  For years, she's shared her "What I Know For Sure" column in O magazine with readers.  I'm no Oprah, but as I get older, there are more and more things I absolutely, 100% know for sure about myself.  Here are just a few:

• I prefer dogs to cats.
• I'm a writer.
• I hate oatmeal, milk, yogurt and the Lakers.
• I'll always be a few pounds overweight (It's called "thickness").
• I love smart men.
• I love smart women.
• I'm private, not secretive (There's a difference).
• I'm terrified of snakes and bad politicians.
• My faith is rarely shaken.
• I will always love and appreciate a good book. 

It's always good to take a sec and reflect on yourself from time to time.  Be honest about what you know for sure (thus far in your life).  Do an assessment.  Do you like yourself?  Are you complicated?  What makes you smile?  Are you a work in progress like me?  Just some things to think about....  

Tie Tuesday (Dr. Steve Perry)

Dr. Steve Perry is the founder and serves as principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100% of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges ever since its first class graduated in 2006.  The school has been deemed one of the most successful schools in the nation.

He is a CNN education contributor and Essence best selling author with his book, “Man Up! Nobody is Coming to Save Us.” He has also been a regular contributor on issues of education for CNN, MSNBC and Fox.

In 2009, Dr. Perry released his fourth book “Raggedy Schools: The Untold Truth,” which takes a look at urban public education. He was most recently featured on TV One's popular series, "Save My Son." 

Click here for more info on Dr. Steve Perry.

Boston...Tragedy, Lessons

It's been a tough week for the country...  

I stopped trying to understand the evil in this world a long, long time ago.  You can literally go crazy trying to understand why people hurt children.  Why?  Why do innocent people have to die by such senseless, horrible acts?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Despite what experts say, no one really knows.    

I tell myself that everything happens for a reason and I wholeheartedly believe that.  I do.  But what happened in Boston this week makes me question my own beliefs.  And I'd be lying if I said these kinds of incidents don't impact my sensibilities.  They do. 

What happened in Boston (and Newtown) makes me a little more distrustful, paranoid and frightened.  BUT, these tragedies also make me more compassionate, kind and loving.  When I heard about Boston, the first thing I did was call my mom to say "I love you." 

These sad moments make me appreciate the here and now more than ever.  I'm a Virgo, so it was hard getting to a place of "now."  Virgos plan relentlessly for the future, leaving no stones unturned along the way.  We rarely take time to smell the roses.  It's an extremely exhausting way to live.  Correction: It WAS an exhausting way to live.  Now?  I smell flowers daily, hourly if possible. 

My heart goes out to the victims and families of these tragedies. I hope they'll find some sense of peace.  Sooner or later, rather than never.

If what happened in Boston teaches us anything, it's that we should live and live well.  It's such a cliche, but tomorrow isn't promised to any of us.  We all have a standing appointment to transition to the afterlife.  No one knows their expiration date.  So until then...try to be happy, be grateful for love & loved ones and never, ever take a moment of this life for granted.  xoxo :)