DEFY EXPECTATIONS IN 2017

As women, we are often required to work for less pay than men, and to still come home to prepare meals and help with homework.  When we're sick, lying in bed to get well is a luxury that's usually not an option, particularly for a single parent. We want to get out of the rat race and do the things we love, like reading a favorite author, watching a funny movie, or cooking a gourmet meal "just because".  We think about turning one of our passions into a business that we love, that may also help us to be successful and pay bills without worry.  We're tired of hearing others tear down our dreams. When we say we are in danger of becoming homeless, we need someone to pay attention and help us find a place to live.  If we tell you we are being physically, emotionally or financially abused, we need you to listen and offer solutions without judgement.  We want to be noticed and loved not because of what you see on the outside, but for who we represent from the inside. We want and need the bond and friendship of other women without all that crazy backstabbing, table throwing  and fighting.  No one wins when that happens.

We'd like to do some things for ourselves, but we're just too dang busy doing what's expected of us by others.

I have traveled all over the world and met tons of people, yet never in a million years would I have expected to meet fantastic friends via a Social Media Platform.  In fact, I'm the one who kept telling everyone that i would never get on Twitter or Facebook! As I sit here typing, I'm still amazed, and frankly in awe.

Despite having close to 4,000 friends and followers on Facebook and a successful Blog, Anna Cade from www.herdingcats-burningsoup.com friended me on Facebook. With that kind of following, I have no earthly clue how she even noticed me.  Kelly McCullough was one of her friends who often shared these really funny and sarcastic posts.  The rest is history, because the three of us have connected over our love of reading.  We don't care about each other's race, sexual orientation or political affiliation.  None of that has ever mattered.

Without going into detail, 2016 has been a rough year, not only for me, but for them, as well.  Yet somehow, Kelly and Anna managed to provide me with Christmas gifts that had me crying nonstop with books, bookmarks, homemade chocolate cookies, cards, a pen and lots more. Anna helped me complete my Catherine Coulter book collection because I was two books shy. Yay! And she deserves a Philanthropy Award! Even more surprising, and I hope I don't embarrass them, they unselfishly provided cash.  Say what???

I'm still shocked! Kelly needs to be on the Rachael Ray Show because she sure knows how to do the elegant wrapping thing, AND can this girl bake some cookies!  They know about my dream to provide luxury shelters for Homeless Female Veterans and victims of Domestic Violence and don't tell me it can't be done. Even better, they know just what to say at just the right time to bring smiles and laughter.

In addition, I also appreciate the support of Tawanna Jackson.  She may not be the most sensitive person in the world, and sometimes we barely agree on anything,lol) but she has supported and encouraged me for many years.  She also raised some phenomenal kids.

Let's push some boundaries in 2017 and do the unexpected to achieve our varied goals. Sometimes, reaching out to strangers with our stories, hopes and dreams is what's needed to get us to that next level.  Remaining silent achieves little, and only frustrates us. We're taking a chance and leaving the nightmare of all that verbal or physical abuse in 2017. We're done with all the cheating and disrespect.  Let's get out of our comfort zones and elevate our dreams, always remembering to be thankful and kind to those we meet along the way.  We should continue to learn from each other and offer support via blogging, office work, exercising in the gym, or talking at the mall. Everyone has something to contribute, if we only take just a moment to engage.  

To my buddies Bill Daughtry and Raymond Barton - we literally have been friends for over 30 years and I love you.  We've seen each other evolve over the years which is pretty fascinating.

You guys are the best! 

To my son, who turns 33 this year, and NEVER wants me to mention his name on this Blog (lol), I couldn't have predicted  he would turn out so well despite having me as his mom.  I'm proud of the man he's become, and yes, I still get on his nerves. *heh*

Stefanie Faris is this really cool published children's author, but many people don't know that her name has been in print in well known magazines too.  She's on many Social Media Platforms AND she maintains her own super fun blog.  Oh, did I forget to mention that she's very happily married to a guy who 'gets' her? All I want to know is where does she find the time, and has she cloned herself and we don't know it?(lol) In addition to all this, she connects with other writers and fans.  Despite this, she has reached out to support me personally in many instances, taking time out of her super busy day as I focus on growing a business that's still topsy turvy and loosey goosey. She ALWAYS responds to my emails with guidance, tips, and words of wisdom.  Thanks Steph!

It's always wonderful to see someone treated to a Random Act of Kindness, and on this past Christmas Eve at a Golden Corral in Kentucky, Rachel V. received the tip of a lifetime. While cleaning up her table, she found  $1000 in cash wrapped up inside a $1.00 bill.  They also left an unexpected note asking her to read her Bible and that they hoped she could use the money which would eventually run out,  unlike the life of Jesus, which is Forever.  What did she do with the money?  Purchased gifts for her 3 year old son, and paid some bills.  She has no idea who her angels were, but  wants to thank them for their kindness. Isn't that pretty amazing?!

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What will I be doing tonight?  Well, this is the 10th year that my boyfriend Anderson Cooper, and his very funny sidekick, Kathy Griffin will be on CNN to bring in the New Year.  The frivolity starts at 8pm, and I can't wait.  But just in case I fall asleep, the show is already scheduled to be taped.  If I'm still awake after all that laughter, I'll check out some reruns of Leverage.  I'm still salty that this show ended on Christmas Day in 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIENDS ,AND MAY 2017 BE THE START OF SOMETHING PRETTY FABULOUS!