Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Moody Black

MOODY BLACK

Moody Black is a Spoken-Word, Hip-Hop, and visual artist, actor, story-teller, and photographer from Spartanburg, S.C. Moody Black is electrifying audiences across the country with his original poems and energetic performances. Fusing a blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Poetry, this talented artist delivers a unique rhythmic message in which each new listener finds common ground. Moody Black has been a performing artist since the age of twelve and has become a prominent force on a multi-regional poetry scene through his enthusiastic live shows and strong work ethic. Moody Black has a created a buzz in the following impressive achievements:

Spartanburg School District 7 Theater Odyssey Program from 1987-1991(various roles+SC State Theater Competition Champions), 1990 Mr. Black Spartanburg Pageant Winner: Talent-Original Monologue, 1990 USC-Upstate Shoestring Player for Colored Museum (various roles), 1991 Spartanburg Little Theater-Best Performance nomination for roles in Colored Museum, Spartanburg County Crime Stoppers Commercial 1990 (role of a gangster).

Converse College Summer Theater Camp Superior Performance Award for monologue 1990, 1991 Clemson University 4-H Second Place Performance Award for monologue, Inspirational Players Community Theater Group 1991 (Brother Boxer in “The Amen Corner” by James Baldwin), Spartanburg Methodist College Theater Group 1992 (various roles in “Macbeth Did It”), Second place winner in the University of South Carolina-Upstate Talent Show-February 1998 and 1999.

 Winner of the Coffee Beanery Freestyle Contest in Greenville, S.C- June 15, 2001; Spartanburg Poetry Slam Winner- January 10, 2004; Member of the Upstate Poetry Slam Team 2004-present and Slam Coach from 2006-present; Featured poet for Band-Aids (AIDS Awareness Program) in Spartanburg, S.C.

Featured several times in Spartanburg Herald-Journal and The Link; Performed at several elementary, junior and senior high schools, universities, and colleges. Regular host at several poetry venues in the upstate; Poem published in Still Home (Book of Spartanburg Poets); 2009 Poetry Slam Instructor for USC-Upstate’s Upward Bound Program; Competed in The Southern Fried Poetry Slam Competitions 2004-present; Competed in PSI’s National Poetry Slam 2004-2008. 

Special Guest performer at the 27th Annual Evening of Talent Expressions at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium; Featured artist at the Travelers Rest Arts Commission annual Arts Festival October 6, 2007 in Traveler Rest, S.C./ featured poet for the North Charleston Arts Festival May 2008, Stone Soup Story Telling Festival in Woodruff, S.C. in 2009 and 2010/ Featured poet for the Annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., The Peace Day Festival in Charleston, S.C., featured poet for the annual Chautaugua Festival since 2008, one of the artists that opened up for Trey Songz at The Carolina First Center in Greenville, S.C. and at The 3rd Annual Millican Festival in Sumter. 

S.C. Moody was one of the presenters at the 2011 TedX Greenville SC Event and the 2011 Pecha Kucha Greenville SC. In addition, Moody Black is the Coffee Underground Grand Poetry Slam Champion of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. 2012 Poetry finalist in the 1st Ignite the Mic Talent Show at TD Convention Center, and Champion of the 2nd and 4th Annual Slam Madness Poetry Slam Competition, 2012 Grind Flu Magazine Spoken Word Artist of the year, and tied for first place in the Southern Fried Poetry Slam Slam Master’s Slam (2012 Tampa FL and 2013 New Orleans, LA), and co-host and co-organizer of the 22nd Annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam, 2015 National Poetry Awards Host of the Year and Open Mic Venue of the Year. Greetings, and 2017 All Def Poet.

Contact info- 864.357.7148

www.iammoodyblack.com

iammoodyblack@gmail.com

Twitter: @iammoodyblack

http://www.facebook.com/iammoodyblack

Instagram: @iammoodyblack

http://www.moodyblack.bandcamp.com

Introducing Denise Pope - Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Denise Pope, who joined my team as a Recruiter.

Denise is a Procurement Management Analyst, overseeing multi-million dollar contracts at the U.S. Department of Treasury in Washington, DC. She is currently attending additional classes in the procurement field of contract administration and project management. When she is not glued to a computer screen, she spends time with her grandson, making ceramic pieces, attending wine tasting events, dancing, and traveling. She currently resides in Maryland.

Please help me welcome Denise to the Simply Cindy Blog team and to our blogging community!

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring: Glacia Townsend

Glacia Townsend

RIP

My foes, as well as my friends, have stabbed me in my back

You stabbed me in a main artery under a sneak attack

The scars on my back were stitched up and I was basically okay

But living after the stab to my heart, there was just no way

As my soul was leaving my body I heard the doctors say

Her heart had too many bruises we couldn’t even make her stay

We could do surgery but it would only waste our time

One Dr. said to bring her any more pain would be committing a crime

This woman has lived a short life, and according to the wounds, full of pain

I don’t know how her back never broke from carrying so many chains

Her arms and legs were shackled and no clear spot can we find in her heart

She was scarred before her life could really get a start

This young lady fought many battles taking blow after blow

And every scar tells a story but we will never really know

All she had gone through to make it this far

With every area of her body bearing the story of an enormous scar

But what we can tell is she tried to carry the weight of the world

According to her shoulders, ever since she was a little girl

Her heart was big and she wore it on her sleeve

She was pure at heart and she was very naïve

Her brain shows that she thought everyone to be a friend

She had a forgiveness factor that never would end

You could hurt her, again and again, time after time

She would forgive you at the drop of a dime

It has been said a straw can break a camel’s back

From my examination that is where she was at

It was just one more stab wound, but her heart couldn’t take any more

This was her final battle, the end of her emotional war

Written by Glacia Townsend

Q: My boyfriend is boycotting the NFL and I chose not to because it’s not that serious to me. My boyfriend says that I’m not supporting him. How do I make my boyfriend understand my rights?

Signed: M.B. ~ NFL Blues

A: This is a conversation that will be ongoing if you plan to be together. Relationships are based on trust and respect for each other, including different views of life. You will have different opinions and it’s ok. Many times it’s the perception and tone of the conversation. Quite naturally, if someone doesn’t agree with us, we tend to get a bit defensive. 

Give him your reasons for why you don’t feel the need to boycott. Let him know that you have no problem supporting him but boycotting the NFL is not something that you choose to do. There will be other events that will need you. This should open dialogue on the current events and what you both think. Don’t argue but simply discuss. My husband and I don’t share the same views on many current events BUT we respect each other and move forward. Respect is key and he has to respect your views.

Until next time, live, laugh, and love life to the fullest!

Love,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Beverly's Beatitudes by Beverly Branch

Too many people underestimate their potential and accomplishments because they haven't reached their final destination, or things didn't work out as they planned. But maybe, just maybe, it all works out how GOD planned or saw fit, by our obedience or disobedience in Him. 

Don't get so distracted by your own ambitions to reach your goals, that you miss out on celebrating your current progress in small beginnings, starts and finishes. Celebrate yourself, every idea, your journey, every little thought, plan, preparation, step and progress Big and SMALL!!!. 

Go out and get something for yourself, pat yourself on the back, salute yourself, reward yourself, and/or bless and encourage someone else's beginning or finished project, as a way or token of showing self-love and self-appreciation to you and them. You know how it felt when you were there or being there even NOW. 

Be proud of all you've THOUGHT, PLANNED, PREPARED FOR, PRAYED FOR, AND ACCOMPLISHED OR STUMBLED AND OR FAILED at in 2017! It was part of the PLAN!!! There's a Lesson in it ALL!!! CELEBRATE YOURSELF AND THEN LEND A HELPING HAND TO SOMEONE ELSE!!! Each One Teach One! These days we are so into getting it for ourselves first, and sometimes, just sometimes, it's meant for us to help others along even as we're helping ourselves. 

Remember, we're NOT in competition with one another; neither are we putting into existence the comparison of our vision with theirs or vice versa. We need one another to succeed!!! REMEMBER TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK! GOD gave us all a MEASURE, of all we can handle in our Power, that HE invested in Us. So let's remember, we all know and receive different things on different levels, that doesn't make one better or less than the other. But it creates a paradigm that results in us all needing each other and coming together adding each Ingredient to create the exact MEASURE for the Final MASTERPIECE!!!

Beverly Branch

Founder of Women In Fellowship Ministries

Mindset Matters by Cassandra Williams-Herbert

              

Holiday Creative & Cheers    

It’s the most wonderful and most emotional time of the year. For many, it’s a season of joy, giving and wonders. Although all these are precious, I would like to include creative. 

Creative thinking helps me find ways to get in and through the holiday spirit: by indulging in bittersweet memories of the year especially during the past holidays, by helping those who are less fortunate, by watching our favorite holiday movies or hosting Christmas socials with the people we love. The joy of being creative gives me time to do something I really love. Decorating for Christmas brings me joy and holiday cheer. Christmas decorating may be simple or lavish but either way, it will help you bring the beauty and joy of the holiday spirit into your home.

Do what you love! We hear this all the time. When I was about nine years old, I had developed the mindset I could create the lifestyle I wanted when I grew up and enjoy it. It took me years to understand this process. It took time to reflect on the things that gave me life during my childhood. Often, we are told to look back to the passions that transpire in our childhood, so I thought about how I like things to appear organized, neat, elegant breathtaking in visiting, filled with peace, warmth, and love. These things were essential for me growing up. I thought about everything this young girl would want to see growing up and moving forward in life. Staying in touch with your motivator instincts is an important step in finding your passion and creative side.

One of the benefits I found was, my creative side was driven by the loss of my father. Before his death, I had no ideas within me but since his death, I have a stronger sense of focus, balance, order, well -being, and personal growth. Inspiration and ideas often arise seemingly out of nowhere. You will ask yourself, where in the world has this gift been hiding; being creative requires a distinct form thinking process.

For example, you have a vision about your life whether its who, what, where, how and why; plans to be a writer, speaker, designer etc. - are you producing? Are you writing, speaking - whether it's reading the announcements in church or creating your own decor? As long as you're producing, you need to know that the essential part of finding your joy is to keep doing what motivates you.

Your gift should ultimately lead to financial security, the Bible Proverbs 18:16 tells us your gift will make room for you, believing it for financial security is a defining motivator, but it comes with seeking the correct guidance for you to do what you love. Have you ever been asked the question what amount of money would you need to make your dreams come true? Well, many could not answer this question. Picture this, if money is no object - what would you do? Money cannot be overlooked but one thing is for sure, your gift will not let money dictate your choices.

Wow!!!

What a way to think about our next moves, whether it’s a dream career or turning your hobby (a gift from God) into a career. It’s great advice, but it’s not always that simple, it can be challenging if you don't know where to start. We are usually told to take the leap of faith until we start, and when we do, is when we truly find joy. I didn’t like quiche until I tried it, thanks to my Master Coach, Dr. Gail Hayes.

One of the biggest tasks you will never face is creating and activating the vision. I was at a conference that awakened my mind, body, and soul. If you are looking for something and can’t find it, then create it. These are words that would forever change the way I look at life; thoughts that would now alter my living a reality that was essential for me.

In the design of our lives, as in the design of most other things, you get better results when you are directed by your true desire to act on what makes you happy. So unless you are sure, it’s ok to continue on a journey called "options".

I found my passion and I’m grateful for that. Before you sign off, I’m Cassandra Williams-Herbert. I create my own atmosphere, my own style, make my own décor. Remember no matter what it is you want to do or become, happiness is loving what you do and doing what you love. I personally am blessed with both. “Mindset Matter.”

I create and design my lifestyle. Always Produce.

Happy Holidays!

Cassandra Williams-Herbert
Founder and Executive Director of POW-WOW, Inc.

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring - Gigi Wilkins

GIGI WILKINS

ADDICTED TO PAIN

I smile to hear myself think. I believe there's a harvest in every wink. 

I take my beatings with a side of cash. Yes sir, no sir. I will, I did, I do. 

You're just like the last one, just passing thru. You look just like the last one too, Blank. 

You feel like the last one. Cold. You smell like the last one. Pain. I sit. I wait. I believe. I hope. 

I cry. I hate You. Just as I did the last one, just passing thru. 

Drown me in this temporary state. I choose to call it comfort. 

You tell me it's everything I want to be. I tell you I'm leaving, you tell me I can't go. 

I take just one more hit. Eyes closed, mouth wet. Ooh. I feel my past coming back. 

Lonely, Anger, Poise, Praise and Regret all those I choose to call love who won't love me back. Life is that you again. Yes sir, no sir, I will, I did, I do. I can’t, I won’t.

You're just like the last one, just passing thru. 

I feel like the last one too. Blank. No beginning, no end, nowhere to belong. 

Imaginary memories I saw on the big screen, made them mine to fit in.

I smile to hear myself think, I believed there was a harvest in every wink.

Lies have taken over just so I can exist. Life you left me without a wish.

Q: I’m tired of receiving the same Christmas gift each year, which is a piece of jewelry. I’m not complaining but I like many other things. How do I tell my husband that I don’t want any more jewelry?

Signed: C.G. ~ Blinged OUT

A: You are tired of being blinged out?! Well, I can understand that. It’s predictable and you want to be surprised. Most men are not familiar with a woman’s taste so they do what’s ‘normal’; learning from others and watching TV for gift ideas. If you don’t discuss your ideas with him, then most likely he will continue to get you the same thing. 

How do you tell your husband that you don’t want any more jewelry? “Baby, I love you BUT I DON’T WANT ANY MORE JEWELRY ” LOL…. Just kidding ;) Remember, men are sensitive too and their feelings/ego can easily be bruised if you don’t say it the right way. You can try the following suggestions:

1. Men are visual so you can place pictures of things that you like around the house.
2. Give him a list of gifts that you like.
3. When you go out to the shopping centers, you can randomly throw little hints about items that you see.
4. Write your favorite things on sheets of paper and have him to pull it out of the box without you knowing! Be creative!

Be mindful that they may not pick up on the clues right away but with little reminders such as hugs & kisses, they will eventually get it!

Until next time, live, laugh, and love!

Love and Happy Holidays,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring - C. Michelle Atkins

C. MICHELLE ATKINS

OUTSTANDING

He's so astounding, I mean he's so outstanding 

And me, I'm so demanding 

But never needed a plan B 

Cause he's the man he, says he is 

 Oh, he gives me chills 

The way he makes me feel 

Can this love be real? 

Hell yeah it is 

I'm like his favorite candy 

He's like my favorite daddy 

You should've kept me when you had me 

You know how new old love be 

Pull up your pants 

You had your chance 

I saved the last dance 

For this once in a lifetime romance 

Cause he's so astounding, I mean he's so outstanding 

Even when I'm demanding 

But best believe he's The Man he, says he is 

Q: How do you relay to your partner your needs (your sex drive is in overdrive)?

Signed: M.C. ~ Energized Kitten

A: Well, Energized Kitten, you need to come in from the back door! If you are a mature kitten, then yes, your sex drive is in overdrive and you can’t control that. So you will need to be totally honest with him but in a soft and seductive way. Don’t hurt his ego, be gentle and explain that you are attracted to him and that you are feeling a little more frisky than before! 

Let him know that you want and NEED him NOW! :) Most husbands/partners really don’t understand the changes in women especially the sexual drive. 

You may want to consult with your OB/GYN and ask him to come along so that he can hear it from a professional. You can also seek help from a professional Sex Therapist. I found that to be really helpful with our discussions. Also, find books or articles on how to involve your partner in the process because it is a process that your partner has to work through.

In his mind, he may be thinking all kinds of things and not understand that your body is wanting him and in an urgency. I’m truly finding that communication on sex is essential in relationships. No more hiding or being afraid to talk about it and say a little prayer as well. God knows!

Until next time, I’ll chat with you later!

Love ya,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring: Glacia Townsend

Glacia Townsend

I Write

I write because it is how I express

I write because I can’t afford a therapist

I write because my pain and pleasure becomes ink

I write because I can put down whatever I think

I write because pens and paper don’t talk back

I write because I don’t want to be an alcoholic or addicted to crack

I write because I hurt so deep inside

I write because unless I let you read… my misery, I can hide

I write because it is how I exhale

I write to keep myself out of jail

I write because self-destruction is wearing me down

I write because I am lonely although there are people around

I write because I realize it is a gift

I write because this is how I get my lift

I write because it helps me release

I write because it brings me peace

I write because who would really care anyway

I write because I have something to say

I write because people ask me too

I write because I can Pozitiv Lee speak for you

I write because it frees my soul

I write because it fills my empty hole

I write because it keeps me alive

I write because it is how I survive

I write because maybe, just maybe I could help someone

I write because rhyming it a lot of fun

I write because I don’t have a diary

I write because I am my own best friend as well as my own enemy

I write because I can speak for my hood

I write because it makes me feel so good

I write because I always feel better when I am done

I write because of my daughters and my son

I write because it helps me to understand me

I write because it gives me clarity

I write because I feel it’s what I am supposed to do

I write because if not me, then who?

I write because only I can tell my story

I write because through it all, I have to give God the Glory

I write because although it may sound a little odd

Writing helps me in my relationship with God

So now that the inner me myself and I has come to light

You too know the reason why I write

Written by Glacia Townsend

Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

A Promising Season for University of Maryland Terrapins Football turns into Disappointment 

The Terrapins (Terps) were blown out 66-3 by the Penn State Nittany Lions on their last game of this Season. This is not the way they wanted to finish considering the Terps started the year 2-0. After 12 games they finished the year with a 4-8 record. The Terps have a long way to go to become a football powerhouse.

Maryland dealt with major injuries throughout the year. The Terps lost their starting quarterback, then their backup quarterback, and a top defensive pass rusher. However, injuries are a part of the game and the coaching staff has to be prepared to make adjustments and put a strong product on the field.

After wins against #23 ranked Texas and Towson to start the season, the Terps were blown out by University of Central Florida 38-10, Ohio State 62-14, Wisconsin 38-13, and Michigan 35-10. Although this is a low point for Maryland Football there was one good thing. Wide Receiver D.J. Moore caught 80 passes for eight touchdown and 1,033 yards. However, D.J. may skip his senior season next year and go to the NFL.

There will be no bowl game for the Terps this year. However, there is still a lot of excitement surrounding Head Coach D.J. Durkin and his ability to turn the Maryland Football Program around. In order to do this, he will need to recruit better players which can be a challenge especially when competing for players with the likes of Penn State. The Terps are trying to taking the next step. They are the newest addition to the powerful Big 10 Conference but are not on the level of Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan, or Michigan State.

There is optimism for the future though. You have Under Armour (the powerful sport and athletic brand) in your backyard which is also the Sponsor of your new athletic facility. Under Armour has partnerships with sports stars like Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Steph Curry, Jordan Spieth, and Clayton Kershaw. This will continue to help with recruiting football talent to the University because Under Armour is recognized by many of the young players coming up today. “Building a football team is a process,” Durkin said. He has already started to get ready for next season. Let’s see if he can take his message to talented high school recruits and get them to commit to the program and the university. Stay Tuned! Time will tell.

Connect with Verse - Poetry Corner! Featuring Felicia Malone

An Angel and a Garden

Must have been an angel

Before my birth

Left on this earth

Trying to build a garden

From shards of stone.

Is this my assignment

Before I earn my wings

To create beauty

Out of broken things? 

Copyright 2017 Felicia Malone

Divine Wellness by Traci A. Fonville

My Beautiful Body

Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.

-Janis Joplin

Almost all of us have a distorted image of our body, often due to the importance our culture places on outward appearance and the onslaught of media images of airbrushed models and celebrities. On a daily basis, we talk to ourselves in ways we would never speak to another. Imagine speaking to a child the way you speak to yourself about your body. It would devastate and squelch a child. It affects you similarly, causing stress and emotional pain in your body, which can make improving your health or losing weight even more difficult.

Think of all the intelligence, creativity and time you spend on improving, altering and judging your appearance. Who would you be and what could you accomplish if your valuable resources weren’t used this way? Constant emphasis on the external makes us discount the great presence and intelligence that is housed by the body. It makes us forget the magic of our internal rhythms and fail to acknowledge the beautiful bodies we have.

The body you have right now is incredible! It never misses a heartbeat, it maintains homeostasis and it miraculously digests whatever you put in it….good and bad! It is your instrument for expressing your creativity, intelligence, and love. By focusing on the 1% you don’t like or wish were different, you may be ignoring the remaining 99% of your body that is beautiful, unique and delightful.

What would your life be like if you were simply at peace with the body you have? You may wish to make your body healthier and stronger, but could you do that out of love and respect for your body instead of the opposite? Could you begin to treat yourself with kindness, to limit the negative self-talk and reconnect with your inner wisdom? Take a minute to imagine what that would feel like. It would mean celebrating your body rather than punishing it. It would mean nourishing your body rather than depriving it. It would mean a chance to watch your body flourish when treated with care and respect.

So as the new year rushes in and you begin the process of making new goals for 2018, make YOU a priority! Celebrate, nourish and be kind to your body. Put your fresh new perspective on YOU at the top of your priority list and let it seep down into your everyday doing and being. Happy Holidays!

Traci A. Fonville is a board certified holistic health coach, a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a registered yoga teacher. She is the owner of I Affirm Wellness, which specializes in health coaching and beginner yoga classes. She is a Wellness Advocate for dōTerra Essential Oils and a Brand Ambassador for ItWorks! Follow Traci on Instagram and Facebook @iaffirmwellness. Log onto her websites for health and wellness products at www.mydoterra.com/iaffirmwellness and www.iaffirmwellness.myitworks.com.