2023-11-27 01:34
I do my best to find beauty all around me, and on a recent trip to New York City, my eyes landed on the setting sun across the horizon.
My Lyft driver noticed my gaze, and on a busy New Y… Read More
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2023-11-20 03:10
In these days leading up to Thanksgiving and the official kickoff of the holiday season, I offer you three challenges:
1. Be fully present
Be fully present in all of all the simple, si… Read More
2023-11-01 02:40
There are so many good and exciting things happening in this season for so many of us, while destruction continues to befall many around the world.
This is the yin and yang of life, and a… Read More
2023-10-09 17:26
I wasn’t planning to share this on social, because it was such a special moment between my son and me.
However, in the past few weeks I’ve had conversations with several other… Read More
2023-09-21 03:04
I’ve been exercising my creative juices for the past month on a small, but special project that I’m excited to share with you soon.
What I’ve loved as much as the proces… Read More
2023-09-07 02:37
During my childhood summers in Arkansas, my older sister Sandra would take my nieces and me to the public library every two weeks to check out books, and I would excitedly borrow as many as… Read More
2023-09-05 10:33
Trees offer a reminder of the importance of finding balance in life – standing tall, resilient and beautiful on your own, yet being planted close enough to a neighbor, friend or loved… Read More
2023-08-26 11:57
Around this time a year ago, I was slowly beginning to reclaim my time, after experiencing daily headaches for most of the year.
Can I tell you how grateful I am at this juncture to read… Read More
2023-08-24 03:06
Can you believe there’s just over 4 months left in 2023? Make the most of this day, this week and the seasons ahead.
You matter and so does what you choose to embrace.
Lean into… Read More
2023-08-16 10:41
My meditation and writing time one morning last week yielded this gem for the main character in the fiction I’m writing, and I have to share, because it’s a word for us, too:… Read More
2023-08-16 02:41
I write fiction and nonfiction to empower women, but I care just as deeply about advocating for children. So when my award-winning author friend Kwame Alexander invited me and others to acco… Read More
2023-03-11 15:00
Hi there – it’s been a while!
I hadn’t intended to stay away from this blog for so long, but here we are, in mid-March, with many of us preparing to spring our clocks f… Read More
2023-01-01 00:06
On this final day of 2022, join me in taking time to reflect on what has been and on what remains.
Be grateful for it all,
for nothing is wasted
when you view it … Read More
2022-12-14 11:11
Someone I care about entered hospice a few days ago, beginning a process that is both dignity-rendering, yet leaking with sadness.
Only our Creator knows the exact time left, but this per… Read More
2022-12-12 12:01
When Bern Nadette Stanis – aka Thelma from Good Times (and more recently, Nee from The Family Business) – visited Richmond, Virginia in the fall, I couldn’t let her get awa… Read More
2022-10-16 12:58
We’re 6 days away from what I’m believing will be another God-kissed “Still We Rise: Celebrating the Power of Women’s Stories” inspirational brunch, and … Read More
2022-10-12 12:37
It’s wonderful when life comes full circle, and my visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico last month to attend a Women’s Fiction Writers retreat was one of those occasions.
Thirty y… Read More
2022-10-06 12:13
Thank you to the Richmond-based NBC 12 news station for interviewing me earlier this week about the power in sharing stories (and for serving as the media sponsor for my October 22 inspirati… Read More
2022-10-04 12:16
The countdown is on for Still We Rise: Celebrating the Power of Women’s Stories!
In about three weeks, a group of amazing women (and one gentleman) will join me in gracing the sta… Read More
2022-10-02 18:08
Here’s a weekend reminder to
keep being you,
loving you,
honoring your purpose,
feeding your soul,
protecting your peace,
speaking your truths, and
finding joy in… Read More
2022-10-02 00:06
Two weeks into offering tickets for sale, my inspirational brunch sold out. I promised those who weren’t able to secure tickets that in addition to starting a waiting list (see details… Read More
2022-09-23 04:53
A dear reader friend shared the quote meme below on her page earlier this week, and then I ran across this sister-love pic of Madame Sheryl Lee Ralph and Quinta Brunson, and it struck me tha… Read More
2022-09-06 09:06
What an honor it is to partner with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to revive an event that brought together women from all walks of life to hear and share stories and celebrate one another &n&hell…Read More
2022-08-30 22:58
Serena (no last name needed) shared in the inspiring remarks she gave during her post-game celebration last night that she hopes her journey from the tough streets of Compton, California to… Read More
2022-06-28 00:28
These times in which we’re living keep bringing my older novels top of mind, because the themes I explored when I wrote them seem more relevant than ever.
Lead Me Home is one of tho… Read More
2022-06-21 02:37
On this post-Juneteenth Monday, it feels appropriate to share the covers of my Jubilant Soul series – my three women’s fiction novels set in the fictional town of Jubilant, Texas… Read More
2022-06-17 02:33
On this Throwback Thursday I’ll take you back to October 2014, when I hosted my inaugural Celebrating the Power of Women’s Stories inspirational brunch with friends at Lewis Gint… Read More
2022-06-10 21:38
The hottest ticket in town this week was Michelle Obama!
She graced the Altria Theater stage as a guest of The Richmond Forum, and I was grateful to be in the building.
Mrs. Obama set… Read More
2022-06-01 10:42
We move through life in ways that are both unique to us and collectively familiar, and perhaps many of you join me in wondering how half of this year has zoomed by.
Welcome to June!
So… Read More
2022-05-26 02:50
“I am tired, just fatigued.”
I spoke those words in a meeting with acquaintances yesterday as we chatted about the recent wave of hate crime murders in Buffalo, NYC and other… Read More
2022-03-28 12:46
Some of my dearest friends and I have agreed to disagree about the angry choices a certain actor made on Hollywood’s biggest night.
What’s also true is that I don’t cond… Read More
2022-03-19 20:29
I’ve been reminded in various ways these first 90-plus days of 2022 to not take anything or anyone for granted – including yourself.
Treasure it all.
Stop to smell the rose… Read More
2022-02-23 21:15
Seven years ago I launched an online mentoring program for aspiring writers called Focused Writers (www.focused-writers.com), not knowing that this intimate space for learning about writing… Read More
2022-02-03 11:04
So many people are stunned by the tragic death of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst. And that of actress Regina King’s son. And perhaps the suicide of someone you know.
We must not let… Read More
2022-02-01 11:21
You get to define what success looks and feels like for you – which means you also must decide what will get you from here to there.
Those considered great among us can confirm that… Read More
2021-12-31 11:04
On this final day of 2021, give in to tradition – take a journey through your mind and review the past 365 days you’ve experienced. Consider grabbing a journal or a notebook to… Read More
2021-11-09 12:40
In these final few weeks of 2021, take some time to sit with yourself and just be.
Settle your heart and accept all that has been and
Renew your hope for all that could be.
Seek w… Read More
2021-10-18 11:32
Author Grace Hansen once said: “Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.”
If you’ve been living on the margins – going along… Read More
2021-10-13 02:06
During a leadership event I attended this evening, a new acquaintance informed me about a trauma-relief organization for adults that she leads in the Richmond region called Robin’s Hop… Read More
2021-10-03 21:19
Nothing can trump my love of being near water, but being in the mountains is a close second.
A recent weekend visit to Carter’s Mountain in Charlottesville didn’t disappoint… Read More
2021-10-02 21:12
A friend and I have been challenging each other to get things done this fall, and to take baby steps, if necessary.
We check in once a week with a reminder to devote at least 30 minutes… Read More
2021-09-11 20:56
If you are of a certain age, you’re among the many of us who have a September 11, 2001 “Where were you?” story.
Mine involved focusing on things that… Read More
2021-09-06 11:32
On this Labor Day, may we find some time to pause, breathe, reflect and reset.
In doing so, perhaps we can lean into what we love about having the opportunity to work and the opportunity… Read More
2021-09-03 11:53
Someone asked me recently why I routinely see life’s proverbial glass as half-full – especially at times when the tug to focus on half-empty is just as strong.
I don’t h… Read More
2021-09-01 13:00
Sometimes you alone can imagine the vast potential of your dreams. That’s okay, because they were placed on your mind and in your spirit, not others, even those closest to you.
So… Read More
2021-09-01 11:18
Happy September. I stepped away from most of my online posting during a well-enjoyed August break, and now that I’m back, I say hello to you all and welcome to my new friends and follo… Read More
2021-08-02 11:00
New day, new week, new month and a new opportunity to render the looming five months of this year more meaningful than the first.
Consider re-energizing yourself just because…becau… Read More
2021-07-31 12:25
Years ago, I had an interesting conversation with an acquaintance last week about purpose, contentment and living fully.
We asked each other, “What do you love most about your life… Read More
2021-07-26 11:32
By Guest Blogger Valerie Henderson
When I was child back in the day, you could drive up to a gas station and someone would pump your gas for you.
You would just pull up to the pump a… Read More
2021-07-19 12:09
Change can be scary, and at times even stressful; however…
If we never changed shoe sizes, we’d never be able to comfortably walk forward, toward our next exciting phase;… Read More
2021-07-13 10:41
Sunmertime is all about laidback fun and relaxation, and I’m here for it!
But purpose can’t be put on pause.
At all times we must ask ourselves where we’ll sta… Read More
2021-07-07 11:58
Recent examples abound of how one can speak the truth with love,
choose to be a priority rather than an option,
and operate in integrity even when the consequences are stee… Read More
2021-06-25 11:19
I’ve connected with quite a few writer friends this week and it has fueled my creativity in ways that I didn’t realize I missed so much during the pandemic.
Two of the catchu… Read More
2021-06-18 12:52
I wrote this #LifeUntapped blog post about Juneteenth one year ago, and in light of the new federal holiday, I’m sharing again. Let’s make Juneteenth – and every day beyon… Read More
2021-06-16 11:48
I’m sharing this “public service announcement” to persevere for whoever needs it (and just know, that sometimes it’s me).
If it’s not you today, pass… Read More
2021-06-07 10:37
The most important person to love is yourself.
Not selfishly, nor blindly, nor exclusively – just boldly.
If you’ll love yourself with this level of intention, it can&rsqu&hell…Read More
2021-06-04 11:46
New seasons of life, new opportunities, new doors to walk through are often what we pray for; yet when they arrive, we sometimes quake in our boots. (See my raised hand.)
But as my late m… Read More
2021-06-02 10:58
Welcome to June. We’re halfway through another historic year!
In light of young tennis star Naomi Osaka’s dramatic (and courageous) decision a few days ago to put her dreams o… Read More
2021-05-25 11:45
Respect yourself and what you bring to the table, while respecting others and their gifts, too.
Value who you are and treat others with value.
Hold onto the truth that no… Read More
2021-05-21 11:23
Every day that we’re granted is a new opportunity
to listen, learn, grow and love –
More to and for ourselves,
so that we can better hear, see and understand others… Read More
2021-05-12 11:31
Live with an open heart.
Explore. Take a risk. Fall down.
Get up. Grow wiser.
Rise. Fly.
Stumble. Grieve. Learn more.
Love more. Laugh.
Rest. Discover. Press through… Read More
2021-05-05 11:58
Today, pay attention to the little things – words spoken or unspoken; gestures rendered or withheld; opportunities offered or missed; your struggle between fear and confidence, or… Read More
2021-04-26 16:08
The best kind of challenge to undertake is one with yourself, for yourself.It’s worth it to you to circumvent roadblocks, push past fear or doubt, seek knowledge to help you grow, and… Read More
2021-04-23 11:40
This is an era where waiting, watching and listening are among the best things we can do, so why not do them well?
Don’t just wait at others’ whim; grow your own patience. Don… Read More
2021-04-19 10:57
Do you know you – well?
What makes your heart smile? What gives you peace? What causes you to giggle or experience child-like joy?
What clears your mind or sparks your creativity… Read More
2021-04-14 11:16
Differences shouldn’t be considered dangerous.A few weeks ago my athlete son proudly told me about his 4-mile run in the “very safe” neighborhood that surrounds the univers… Read More
2021-04-02 11:19
Love is a word that’s often misused or misunderstood. But it’s also a reflection of giving, serving, leading, and leaning into doing your best to be part of others’ pe… Read More
2021-03-29 11:54
One of the things I love most about spring is that its arrival serves as a tangible reminder that “not now” doesn’t mean “not ever.”
The sunnier and wa… Read More
2021-03-19 11:06
Our two greatest opportunities in this life are to love unconditionally and to discover our purpose.
In discovering how we’re meant to move through the world with our gifts an… Read More
2021-03-15 11:03
Stop striving for perfection and persist with excellence.
Why? Because we all stumble at some point, in some way. True victory doesn’t come from not ever having fallen, but in havi… Read More
2021-03-12 12:48
Regardless of whether you thought Sunday’s bombshell Oprah+Meghan TV interview was worth your time, one of the revelations Meghan Markle shared during the two-hour conversation offered… Read More
2021-03-07 19:47
Celebrating My 50 While 50 – Update #1
Nearly two months ago, in mid-January, I celebrated the Big 5-0. Like many people do as a milestone birthday approaches, I’d begun… Read More
2021-03-02 01:55
Happy first day of March! As we prepare for more sunlight and warmer temps (in most parts of the U.S.), the promise of spring brings an opportunity to shift from how we ‘ve been living… Read More
2021-02-23 12:14
I’ve learned over the years that there’s a difference between humility and hiding.
When we hide our gifts, our talents and our offerings that could bless others, because we d… Read More
2021-02-19 12:24
A reader friend of mine, Sarah Brooks, is a gifted artist who raises funds for World Vision each year.
About 10 years ago, she decided to solicit donations by designing a card that inclu… Read More
2021-02-14 12:43
On this Valentine’s Day, join me on this worthy quest: Love yourself first so you can love others better.
Love all of your gifts and talents, but also all of your quirks and flaws… Read More
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