Motivational Monday

• I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. W.B. Yeats
• Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau
• All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible. T.E. Lawrence
• The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.Paul Valery
  A skillful man reads his dreams for self-knowledge, yet not the details but the quality. Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Our waking hours form the text of our lives, our dreams, the commentary. Anonymous
• Hope is the dream of the waking man. French Proverb
• To unpathed waters, undreamed shores. William Shakepeare

Floetry Friday

"Hope" is the thing with feathers"

by: Emily Dickinson

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—

That perches in the soul—

And sings the tune without the words—

And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—

And sore must be the storm—

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—

And on the strangest Sea—

Yet, never, in Extremity,

It asked a crumb—of Me.

My Golf Experience

I went golfing with Mr. Falsetto and I am going sum my golfing experience/ highlights up in three photos:

Mr. Falsetto {of course}

Hole #1 {the beginning of the end}

Hole #18 {the end}

Enough Said!

Quote Me #03

The heart was created to love and the soul was created to desire… Don’t miss out on your “heartmate” because you are entangled with your “soulmate.” ~M'Shonta

i Must admit... i Am Addicted

i have never been one to smoke, drink or do drugs... So i never dreamed that in a million years that i could become addicted to something... but i am.... i must admit...

i am addicted to:

within ten minutes of opening the bag the pile of empty wrappers looked like this:

and the pile of gum looked like this:

and i can't stop chewing until the entire bag is gone...

is there any help for me...

Do any of you out there in blogland have a strange addiction? Am i the only one in world that is addicted to chewing bubble gum?

My Five Fabulous Finds

The economy may be dead; but my taste for fashion is alive and well... Thus I present to you my fabulous finds from my latest shopping escapade!

Animal print {Guess} sandals...... $15.00 @ T.J. Maxx

Rhinestone {Sketcher} Slide-in Sneakers.......$7.00 @ T.J. Maxx

Crop-A-Dile Big Bite.................$9.00 @ Wal-Mart

Crystal Chandlier......................$2.99 @ Hobby Lobby (used 40% off coupon)

Martha Stewart Tissue Paper Flower Bouquet Kit...... $2.00 @ Big Lots

Have had found any fabulous finds during these economically challenging times?

A Golden Celebration: How it All Came Together

After all the centerpiece mock-ups and the like... I could not wait to see how everything would come together in the end. It took my cousin and I nearly four hours to set up because we could not find any tape :P! Bummer!

So without any further delay; here is how it all came together in the end...

:::::The centerpieces:::::

::::Life is Sweet; Take a Treat:::::

:::::The Favors:::::

:::::The Head Table::::

And before I wrap this up, I will leave you with the theme for my mother's 50th Birthday Celebration. It was printed on the invitations, programs and inspiration cards.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

~ Oprah Winfrey

A Golden Celebration: The Gold Rush

Do you remember this post? Well, the time has come for me to recap my mother's 50th birthday celebration. My oldest brother and I had been discussing and planning this event for almost a year. We were elated to see how it all came together in the end... and the look. on. our. mother's. face. was. priceless!!! {I have yet to receive the professional photogs}

First off, our vision was to have everything dripping in gold, crystals and pearls. Yes, we were caught in the gold rush! LOL! Truthfully, our mother is a single parent and we wanted this day to be very elegant and beautiful. She has never been married and so we took the concept of 50th wedding anniversary, which is considered as the golden anniversary, and used it create a golden celebration for our mother. We wanted this day to be one of the most memorable experiences of her life!

::::::::::And here is how it all begin::::::::::

As you may remember, I :::swoon::: when I see crystal trees and every time I get the opportunity to use them in my decor... I take full advantage :}! I really did not realize how difficult it was to find leafless tree branches in the summer. It took me almost two weeks to collect these. Thank God for pruning and grooming! Here are how the trees looked before the gold rush:

And here they are shortly after...better...but they still need a little more work to become ::swoon:: worthy...

Hmmm....that's more like....

Next up are the baskets... I purchased these at Hobby Lobby for 10 cents each during a 90% off sale. Can I say major score?

Here they are before the gold rush:

And after {sorry for the very, very bad pic}:

These were used to hold gift tags for the money tree as seen in the picture below. They turned out really, really cute if I must say so myself!

Up next.... how it all came together!!!

A Golden Celebration: The Center Pieces

This stunning eco-friendly and budget friendly beauty served as my inspiration for the one of the centerpieces. I saw it on Bridal Bliss who drew her inspiration from Project Wedding. You see, inspiration can be contagious... LOL...

::::So here is the original::::

::::And here is my take::::

Materials Used:

• Gold Silk Flowers (http://www.efavormart.com/silkrose.aspx for $14.99 for 84/pk)


• White Flowers (http://www.efavormart.com/silkrose.aspx for $14.99 for 84/pk)


• Gold Scrapbook Paper (http://www.onceuponascrap.com/ for $0.75 cents per sheets for 2 sheets)


• White Rhinestone Ribbon (http://hobbylobby.com/ for $1.00 per roll for 1 roll)


• Crystal Strand ( http://hobbylobby.com/ for $1.00 per pack of 2; 3 packs purchased)


• 7½" Glass Cylindar Vase (http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/202/index.catfor $1,00 each; purchased 12 total)


• Styrofoam Ball (http://hobbylobby.com/ for $3.99 per ball; purchased 3 balls & cut in half)

Have you drawn inspiration from a fellow blogger? How didi it turn out/

A Golden Celebration: The Guest Book

I wanted the guest at my mother's party to leave their mark at her celebration – with style! Guest books are a wonderful tradition and one that will be treasured for years to come; and I wanted my mother to have one that she would treasure for years to come... I found this beauty at Trees and Trends for around $5.00...

My mother said that once the party was over, she used this {beauty} to contact her friends, family and loved ones to call and thank them for taking part in one of the most memorable moments in her life.

A Golden Celebration: The Stationary

I love crafty goodness and when it came to creating the stationary for my mother's birthday; I was in creative heaven. {if there is such a thing}

I will spare you the all the details... But I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

::::The Invitation::::

::::The Program::::

::::An Open View::::

::::The Menu::::

::::The Inspiration Card::::

Okay, this is a little off the subject... But how do you like my shot of the menu? Any seasoned photographers out there? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...

"Quote Me"

Since I can remember, I have always enjoyed writing and poetry. From time to time I get completely random thoughts and I immediately write them down for later use... The problem is that when I go back for them later; I have no idea where they are... So now when these thoughts come to mind I will post them here... Umm, what about starting right now...

Quote Me #01

Faithfulness is not something that you have to work at when you are with someone that you really love... ~M'Shonta

Who knows maybe with these random thoughts I can form a collection of books like one of my favorite poets Javan. His books are comprised random thoughts on love and life that speaks to us all. Here are a few a quotes from one of my favorites, "Something to Someone."

• ~Can I live without you, now that I know you, now that I know you exist? Can I sleep at night without seeing your smile, now that I've seen it for real? Can I be the same, now that I've changed with the gentle touch of your hand? Now that I'm divided by my need for you, without you, can I be whole again?
  
• ~I thought it funny when they asked if I felt cheated now that I've lost you; for I could have lost you only if I had owned you the way I might own a coin. But you are another person traveling through life, and I was lucky just to have shared a part of your journey. So how could I feel cheated when there are so many who have never known you at all.
  
• ~For a few moments in my life, you made me feel as if I truly meant Something to Someone....
  
• ~It's so easy to think about love, to talk about love, to wish for love. But it's not always easy to recognize love, even when we hold it in our hands.
  
• ~So often I hear it from others, others who are struggling to make their relationship what it should be naturally. Yet they don't hesitate to say, "With so many people out there surely you can find someone." But my problem lies in the fact that I don't want just someone...I want the right Someone.
  
• ~What a price we pay for experience, when we must sell our youth to buy it.
  
• ~I am not very good at this game called Life, for I've not learned to see children crying without feeling pain, for I've not learned to watch animals being destroyed without wondering why. For I've not yet met a king or celebrity that I would bow down to, or a man so insignificant that I would use for a stepping-stone. For I've not yet learned to be a "yes man" to narrow minded bosses who quote rules without reason, and I've not learned to manipulate the feelings of others to be used for my own advantages, then cast aside as I see fit. No, I am not very good at this game called Life, and if everything goes well, maybe I never will be...
  
• ~You can know someone better in a moment of Honesty than ever you can in a lifetime of Lies..
  
• ~Watching you walk out of my life does not make me bitter or cynical about love, but rather makes me realize that if I wanted so much to be with the wrong person, how beautiful it will be when the right one comes along.
  
• ~There are so many words, yet there are no words, for when I look into your eyes, no words need to be spoken, and the warmth of your smile is a statement in itself. And how could I ever try to explain the trembling in my body when I touch your face? There are no words to explain an emotion, so I open to you my mind, that you might walk among my dreams and memories. Then...and only then, you might understand my silence.
  
• ~I will know Love no matter what circumstances the world may give me, no matter how many people choose to turn and walk away. I will find love in the laughter of little children, in the gentleness of animals, in the beauty and glory of Nature, in the knowledge of myself. And when the day comes that I find someone who does not turn away, I will give Love with all my heart.
  
• ~Just how high can the human heart rise in a world so full of uncaring eyes? Where animals suffer and children die, and people fight wars without knowing why? Where alcohol and drugs cause wasted lives, and shelters are full of unwed mothers and battered wives? But should the day come that man learns to care, and no longer wants just to take, but also to share, and he learns that everything has the right to live, and life is something he can take, but not give. When he learns to approach life with a heart full of love for everything on Earth and in the heavens above. When he learns to do these things he will have opened the door to knowing just how high the human heart can soar.
  
• ~I've been touched by the morning sun that chases the night away, and I've been touched by the gentle words that love-struck poets say. And I've been touched by the morning mist everyone calls the dew, but it all seems more beautiful now that I've been touched by you
  
  
• ~Whether it was chance or that thing called fate that brought me to you, I really can't say, and I don't believe it really matters. For I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to hold you, not just in my arms, but also in my heart. And should the winds of time blow hard enough to take you from my arms, you can rest assured they will never take you from my heart.

• ~I am a collection of characteristics both physical and mental that makes me completely unique. No one else anywhere is exactly like me. And I realize that now everyone who crosses my path will be interested in what I have to offer. But my strength comes from the belief that someone somewhere can and will appreciate me for what I am.~I don't wish to be everything to everyone, but I would like to be something to someone...

I have owned his complete collection for over 10 years and I can honestly say that it has been the one most influencial secular books that I have ever read. I often find myself sifting through the pages from time to time in search of inspiration. If you would like to own this collection {which I highly recommend} please click here. You can buy the entire collection for less than $20.

Read through a few of them, and lemme know which ones are your favs, okay?

Quote Me #02

Is there someone in your life that you have come to this road with as you are traveling to your destiny? If so you need to stop for a moment and let them off at their final destination. You can not allow anyone or anything prevent you from fulfilling your destiny.

{Source}

And if your are worried about being lonely... Don't! Who knows what road ahead may bring... Perhaps you had to let that person out so someone else could come in... and this someone may hold a key to your destiny!

{Source}

Quote Me #02

"You can't create an authentic connection with a counterfeit companion." ~M'Shonta

09.09.09: What Does this Mean to Me Spiritually?

It is my belief that many of the numbers of the bible have a deeper spiritual or prophetic significance. Both in the Old and New Testaments, numbers reveal hidden concepts and meanings that commonly escape the casual reader. And throughout history, men with great minds, like Augustine, Isaac Newton, and Leonardo Di Vinci, showed more than just a passing curiosity regarding the importance of biblical numbers. Once more, Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are numbered” (Matthew 10:30). So obviously, the Meaning of Numbers in Bible Scripture should be carefully considered. {Source}


So what does the number 9 mean? Well, I have done some research for you on this number and after reading this; I suggest that you pray and ask God what things in your life should you be bringing to an end. Is it a viscous cycle? toxic relationship or friendship? procrastination? mourning the loss of a loved one? blaming others for your mistakes? refusing to move on? lying? stealing? cheating? manipulating? fornicating? abusing? cursing? gambling? What is your thing?
Whatever, it is just ask the Holy Spirit to led you and direct you as you bring {your thing} to a close. Below you will find 9 facts about the number 9:

1. Nine is not yet the full or complete, number ten, but it does mark the ending. It is the last of the single digits, in our decimal numbering system. Thus it can represent the conclusion or ending of a matter.


2. Bullinger also notes that it has a link with the number six. In that the sum of its factors is six (3 x 3 = 9, 3 + 3 = 6). Thus nine can particularly represent the conclusion of mans works. We see that the numeric value (gematria) of the word Dan is 54 = 9 x 6. Dan means a judge.


3. The number nine represents finality or judgment.


4. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. Hebrews 3:11
   The phrase "my wrath", in the Greek is th orgh mou. This has a numeric value (gematria) of 999. Statements 1- 4 were taken from this {Source}.


5. This number has also been used to describe the perfect movement of God. {Source}


6. There are 9 gifts of the spirit: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. {1 Corinthians 12:8-10 }


7. Nine is the square of three, and three is the number of Divine perfection, as well as the number peculiar to the Holy Spirit.


8. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that this number denotes finality in divine things.


9. "Fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit" comprises nine (32) graces: (1) love, (2) joy, (3) peace, (4) longsuffering, (5) gentleness, (6) goodness, (7) faith, (8) meekness, (9) temperance,* while
   it will be noticed that in this fruit of the Spirit "temperance" is put last; while in the "works of the flesh" (vv 19-21), which are sixteen in number (42, the earth number), "drunkenness and revellings" are put last! Truly man's ways are not God's ways, nor God's thoughts man's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).
   

Do you believe that God speaks in numbers? If so, how have they been significant in your walk with God?

{Eye} Believe in Threading

This past weekend {eye} went in to get my eyebrows threaded... and {eye} must admit that {eye} am officially hooked! If you are looking for an alternative to the razor, waxing or plucking...threading is your answer. Eyebrow threading sounds very painful, but is about the same as brow waxing and is not hard on your skin. Threading your eyebrows gives you a better result than waxing or plucking because it pulls an entire row of hair from the follicle to achieve a more straight-looking line of hair.

{Source}

This will be a great option for all of you upcoming brides out there if you want a flawless look! The best part of it is that it last for nearly three weeks; so this is something that you can check off your {to-do} list before the {Big Day}!

{Eye} place my stamp of approval on this and if you need more reasons to try this out here are few that I found here.

1. It is much more cost effective than waxing …Depending on the salon you go to, waxing can cost up to $17, compared to $6 or $7 at eyebrow threading salons.


2. Eyebrows are left with a more even and precise shape due to the threading of one line of hair at once.
   
3. There are no chemical products involved … So less irritation on the skin. It is also said that waxing may cause more wrinkles! Do you need any more reasons?


4. Returning hair is commonly finer …Threading pulls the hair from underneath the skin, allowing the regrowth to be slower than waxing and over time, return finer.
   
5. Creates near perfect arches …Get those gorgeous eyebrows that those top Bollywood actresses have!
   
6. Lasts longer than waxing or tweezing …Threading has the ability to get even those super fine hairs, so there is less visible regrowth.
   
7. Threading can be used all over the face …Because threading is so easy, it can be used on the chin, upper lip, and sides.
   
8. It is quick! On average, eyebrow threading takes 5-7 minutes. Because of the quick turn over, there is usually no waiting time at the salon.
   
9. Safe for users on Accutane …Unlike waxing that irritates the skin and can even cause blemishes, threading is safe for all skin types.


10. Removes even the finest of hair …… for ultra smooth skin - Perfect for our HD generation!
    The result is cleaner, more natural, beautiful eyebrows that can dramatically change the look of your entire face.

If you’re still not convinced ask me more …because {eye} believe in threading!!!! If you should decided to try this please let me know about your experience!

Do You Know the History of Labor Day?

Well, I sorta had an idea...but I decided to do some diggin'. Here is what I found:

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
{Source}

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Happy Labor Day!!!!

Getting Back to the Basics: Are you Fruitful or Busy?

It's Friday, September 4th and I have decided that I am just going to take the day off and enjoy myself. I received an email today from an old college friend and it really made me think. It basically talked about the difference between being busy and fruitful... It was really, really good and really, really God... I normally don't pass along chain emails and the sort, but something about this one just really struck a chord...

Ummm..... let's see..... I still have it so why don't I just share it with you?

{Source}

Are you Busy or Fruitful?

Everyone today seems to be busy. Ask just about anyone how they are and the will respond, “Busy”! Between working, kids, and just trying to have a life we’re busy! But God never once told us in His Word to be busy. He told us to be fruitful. There was a time in my life that I never took a day off in years. I now realize, that was not smart and in opposition to Gods Law of rest. My life was out of balance physically, emotionally, and mentally. And when that happens it opens a door for Satan to come and destroy your house. Many people don’t stop to eat or better yet think about what they are eating, when they do. When you don’t slow down marriages are destroyed, your health decreases and your happiness disappears. I know all about this a couple yours ago I had a dream job in some peoples eyes. And at that time and season of my life it was. But the busier I was, the less I had time to even hear from God concerning what His will was for me. I had a plan for my life, the key is I. Yes I was passionate, but my passion was often misplaced. I started agreeing to do things that God clearly told me to say NO. But I didn’t listen. Because I was too busy, my brain was cluttered, I had to do this and that. Eventually I became so unhappy that it was unbearable. I now realize that God has not called us to be busy, but to bear GOOD FRUIT!

Don’t make the mistake of being too busy to do the things you need to do in order to be a genuine success!

Ask Yourself: Are you doing what you truly desire to do, or are you trying to live up to the expectations and demands others have placed on you? Think about!

When you’re too busy read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

I hope that you enjoyed this as much as I did... Or maybe this one was just for me... When I began this blog I named it "Destiny Awakes" because it was my most ardent desire to use this blog as a tool to be be an inspiration to myself as well as others. It was my desire to encourage others to free their creative energies and to channel them into the directions that would one day lead them into... or cause the destiny that lies within them to be awakened. You can read my first post here .

But somehow... somewhere along the way, I got too busy... Too busy to focus in and fully allow my destiny to come into its full fruition. Yes, I challenged and channeled my creativity in many, many ways along the way... But still my destiny awaits me...

So, today I will take the time to unclutter my mind and to channel my thoughts, passion, desires, hopes, dreams, and my creativity into the direction of my destiny... Today I have a new event to plan with a Master Planner....

Destiny awaits....

September....

{M'Shonta sings}

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancing in september

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

WooooooOW!

Where has the time gone... The last time that I left you I talked about the {Midas Touch} and everything dripping in gold. I promised you a healthy serving of recaps, but I am wayyyyy behind in the blogging kitchen... Well, I have a very, very good reason for all of this, but it will have to wait a little longer...

In other news....

• The bridal tea is over.........


• The bridal shower is over.....


• The lingerie shower is over......


• The wedding is over...........


• The baby shower{s} are over......


• The sleepover has come and gone.....


• My mother's 50th birthday party has come on gone....

And I have nothing to plan..................

What's a girl to do?????