Sticky Notes by Mrs. Collier Greene

Sticky Notes….Sticky Situations Daily Dose of ?!?!

Welcome back to Sticky Notes…Sticky Situations Daily Dose of ?!?! The school year is in full swing and everyone is in the groove of the curriculum. It is mid-season and progress reports and/or report cards have been delivered to you. Teachers and Administrators are preparing your child with test prep information along with preparing for holidays. By now, you should know your child’s teacher and the school as a whole.

Are you familiar with the school’s plan of action such as testing schedule, expectations, the district and more? If not, now is the time. You should also know the daily procedures for homework, discipline and other important details of the school. During this time, your calendar of events is handy as to not have any excuses as to why you are unable to attend the upcoming programs or workshops. November will fly by very fast because of the upcoming holiday break….Thanksgiving. At this time, schedule your conferences and know where your child stands in his/her grades. This will also give information if your child needs extra help in the curriculum.

Do not be afraid to ask questions and be proactive. You as the parent should know the school and everyone who is affiliated with your child. Learn what media programs are available, tutorial services, science clubs and educational scholarships for summer camps/programs! There is so much to learn about your child’s school! Take advantage of it.

Stay connected for more tips on having a great year and more! Until next time, remember to get a daily dose of laughter and love.

Mrs. Collier Greene

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Carolyn

CAROLYN JEFFORDS

Carolyn Jeffords is a graphic designer. She is currently searching for a full-time position in the arts while maintaining her freelance website, Carcoal (http://carcoal.net). Carolyn attained her degree in graphic design from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. She does a little bit of everything, from advertisements to drawings to posters, to photo colorizing and restoring. You name it, Carolyn's tried it. And if she hasn’t tried it, she's willing to give it a shot!

Ever since she was a little girl she loved doing things in the arts. Carolyn was a huge movie buff, she loved to draw, she loved to sing (but had stage fright, and still does to this day), and she had a huge imagination. "Art is honestly the thing that makes me the happiest, besides spending time with my friends and family." After some experimenting in college — trying to figure out who she was and what she really wanted out of life — Carolyn finally decided to get her degree in graphic design. "I greatly enjoy making something out of imagination and adding my own interpretation to things. It also gives me great joy creating something for a client or loved one and seeing their reactions as well as hearing their words of support."

Carolyn's biggest project thus far has been a poster series for a Dutch rock band called Thursday’s Child. "I did it for my graduation project my last semester of college." Their posters were displayed during a July 7th concert in Hoofddorp. "This was hard work but it was fun. It was fun to have my project used on such a level." Carolyn's currently working on a children’s book with one of her best friends and she's doing the new newsletters for a local organization called House of Hope. They help the homeless and people in dire situations get back on their feet as well as overcome any addictions they have, help them find a job, and help them find a place to live. "I feel that is a cause we all can stand behind!"

Carolyn's a big dreamer and she seeks to do huge things with her life. She has three big goals for her life. She wants to be successful in graphic design. She then wants to gain the confidence to make a foray into music and become successful in that. Lastly, she wants to start an organization that advocates child advocacy. Besides the arts, another passion of hers is giving back and helping others. "I feel fulfilled when I am a part of something bigger than myself and when I give back to people. I know for a fact I can and will be successful in my goals. I just have to remember to not get discouraged and to be protective of my dreams. I never see myself getting complacent, and I want to do a little bit of everything in my life."

Below are a couple more samples of what Carolyn does. She does a little bit of everything! If you're interested in following her, collaborating with her, or even buying some of her work, please do not hesitate to contact her. Carolyn's always looking to meet with fellow artists and to seek new opportunities. "Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy my work!"

Carolyn Jeffords

LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/carcoal/

Facebook http://facebook.com/carcoalon
Website http://carcoal.net
Phone (843) 632-1242

Connect with Verse – Poetry Corner! Featuring: Felicia Malone

FELICIA MALONE

"The Other Side of the Sun"

Today I saw,

The other side of the sun. 

Dark and bitter.

Clawing at anything

Reflecting the light. 

I saw the dejection,

Masked by bravado - 

A stern look,

A harsh word, 

The alter ego of,

A man I love.

Funny and attentive,

Where is he now?

Hidden by a

Wall of protection, 

Built from rejection, 

And a wound never healed.

On the other side.

Dear AunT,

Q: When are you comfortable enough in a relationship to give up the facade; to just be real?

Signed: AJ - Tired of faking the funk

A: ‘Houston, we have a problem!’ You started the relationship with a lie and that’s not healthy. You should have been comfortable in the beginning, to be truthful about everything, if you are expecting the same thing from the other person. 

This is not to say that you will not have any surprises along the way but let’s keep it real, you are setting yourself up for some major issues in the near future. Honesty is always best even when it doesn’t feel good, it's still best. You never want to mislead anyone in a relationship. Truthfully speaking, you are not honest with self.

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

Love ya,
AunT

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

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Theresa Hodge

THERESA HODGE

Theresa Hodge is an Alabama native - loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She is at her best when she is able to bring happiness to others. This author loves to read almost as much as she loves to write fictional stories. She finds writing therapeutic at times, especially during the loss of her oldest sister from breast cancer, which birthed her "Ask Me Again" Series. This was her first but this compilation led to her writing several other books. These books include her bestselling Noelle's Rock series among many others. Additionally, Theresa has a love affair with poetry. She began writing poetry at an early age and it served as a catalyst for her growth as a writer.

About Book:

Persuaded By A Tycoon, is an Interracial/ BWWM love story. It’s about a wealthy businessman named Aizen Chaplin. Aizen is doing business at a Resort when he meets up with a new University graduate who just happened to be looking for a job. Kimberly Owens happens to be walking on the beach one night when Aizen is out jogging. He runs into Kimberly and knocks her down. She has a few choice words for him, but before it’s over, he asks her on a date.

To know what happens next be sure get your copy of Persuaded By A Tycoon available on Amazon as of August 24, 2017.

Theresa’s inspiration for writing was a promise to her sister who died from breast cancer. Some tough times came her way that Theresa learns to write her way through depression from losing her sister and dad in less than a year apart. Her writing became therapeutic for her spirit that helped her to deal with death again less than a year after her sister and dad. Within in a two-year time span, she lost her grandmother, aunt, and uncle which she classifies as dark days in her life.

Learn more about Theresa Hodge by following and connecting with her on social media.

Social Media and websites:

Twitter: (@Poetic__Life): https://twitter.com/Poetic__Life?s=09

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresa.hodge.10
https://www.facebook.com/askmeagainromanceseries/

Instagram: http://Instagram.com/gemini2goddess

Newsletter Sign-up:
http://amazon.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ffde15be91b185d57d934a65c&id=1f6b614090

Websites:
https://terehod.wixsite.com/mysite-1

Author Pages
https://www.amazon.com/Theresa-Hodge/e/B00J53PB3E

GoodReads- https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31547043-theresa-hodge

Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q: Is it ok to fake an orgasm to boost your man’s ego?

Signed: D.M. - Want to keep it real

A: This is a bit sensitive simply because a man never wants to hear that you are faking during lovemaking. The experience is supposed to be shared emotionally and enjoyed by both. I wouldn’t necessarily fake one to boost his ego but maybe approach the situation differently. For example, one night or day, ask some intimate questions that will allow you to get to know each other such as his dislikes/likes when it comes to sex. However, I wouldn’t fake it because one day you may in a mood to not fake it and boom….MORE issues will come!

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

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Linda Diane Wattley

LINDA DIANE WATTLEY

Linda Diane Wattley is a proud veteran of the United States Army.  Born in Akron, Ohio attended the University of Akron majoring in Psychology.

Over twelve years, a religious/philosophical columnist for the Frost Illustrated Newspaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2016, she addressed PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by writing, “Soldier with a Backpack, Living and Dying Simultaneously” which made her a nominee for the ‘Best in Nonfiction’ during the African American Literary Awards Show.

Currently, she shares her “Love and Redemption Series” which is a dramatically written story revealing intimate truths about molestation and the impact it has on a child’s soul. Leona is the child growing up and sharing her soul.  Keep her close to your heart.

Available today is the first of the series, “Charge of an Angel”.  Here you witness the early beginnings of the secrets of sexual abuse.

And, the second book, “Unfathomable Love”.  Never will you witness a love so unique and beautiful as the love waiting for Leona.  God only knows what can become of it.  You don’t want to miss it.

Currently, she joined TLBTV and the Beacon Project as host of “The Truth Will Set You Free Show” where you don’t have to be a celebrity to share our truth with the world.  Linda has been featured in various magazines like Beautifully Said Magazine, Authentically You Magazine, Sistah’s Place Real Talk Magazine, and Black Pearl Magazine.  You Can follow and connect with Linda on social media and her website. 

universalove (@universalove) | Twitter

https://www.instagram.com/lindawattley/?hl=en

http://www.lindadianewattley.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Lindadianewattley/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-d-wattley-b3601411/

https://www.pinterest.com/universalove26/pins/


Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Diane-Wattley/e/B00JNTEYK6/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1


Book Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Unfathomable-After-Publishing-Presents-Redeption/dp/1975939549/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506362822&sr=8-2&keywords=linda+diane+wattley

https://www.amazon.com/Charge-Angel-Publishing-Presents-Redemption-ebook/dp/B06XPNDS25/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490747637&sr=8-1&keywords=charge+of+an+angel+wattley

Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q: How long should you put up with Baby Daddy/Mamma drama? 

Signed: A.L. - I've reached my Limit

A: Well, A.L., to be honest, you shouldn’t put up with any drama in your life, period! We’ve made that term a household name and think that it is normal. Baby Mamma, Baby Daddy, drama…that’s too much!

First of all, he/she is the parent of your child/children. Let me make a disclaimer, I don’t have any children of my own but I am their ‘ BonusMom’ (I just don’t like the term ’step’) and the parent of my LoveChildren has not given me any drama simply because maturity is a major factor in the situation. She knows that he has moved on with his life and vice versa. He knows that he is their father and has provided the monetary support along with raising them. Was he perfect? No! Did they have drama along the way? I’m pretty sure but I’m also guessing that it became very tiring and old. Somewhere along that journey, one of them or both had to come to some solution to work for the betterment of the children.

When you are dealing with a mature, non-toxic relationship and you know that it is about the well being of the child, then there should not be any drama. Now, I know it’s easily stated because I have not had to deal with child support, ex-boos or the family. However, you have the right to NOT allow drama in your life dealing with your child. Sometimes you have to put your foot down, bite your tongue and say “enough is enough!” Let’s be parents to our child/children! We can go on for hours discussing this topic but for starters, try to have a conversation with the other parent and look for solutions.

Until next time, chat with you later!

Love,
AunT

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

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Florenza!

FLORENZA D. LEE

Florenza Denise Lee is an author, publisher, Certified Life Coach, a motivational and inspirational speaker.

Florenza is the proud mother of two amazing daughters; Jessica (age 30) and Melissa (Age 28). Jessica resides in Honolulu, HI, Melissa in Hampton, VA. Florenza is a proud Military spouse; she and her husband, Trefus have been married for nearly 34 years. Trefus recently retired from the US Army with over 31 years Active Duty Service. After traveling the world, they chose to call Hampton, Virginia home. 

Florenza’s latest book is The Tail of Max the Mindless Dog, A Children’s Book on Mindfulness is the 13th book written by Florenza. It is the fourth published as an eBook and is her first book released in print. She released Max in eBook form in 2014 and in print Jan 2017.

The Tail of Max the Mindless Dog, A Children’s Book on Mindfulness is an adorable book about a puppy named Max. Max’s tail oftentimes gets hurt. He believes his tail is the source of his pain, so he sets out to catch it and tie it in a knot. This quest causes him to develop a habit of running around in circles.

Seeing Max miss out on all the fun in life, his friend, Ross introduces him to a new habit: Mindfulness. By applying the Belly Breath, Count of Ten, and Words of Affirmation, Max learns to replace his negative non-productive habits and amazing things happen for him! 

Florenza has multiple Facebook pages, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress, YouTube, and LinkedIn. She looks forward to engaging with the readers. Follow her on the platforms below.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Florenza.Denise.Lee

https://www.facebook.com/The.Tail.of.Max.the.Mindless.Dog/

https://www.facebook.com/Clear.choice.coaching.solutions/

https://www.facebook.com/Barry-Bears-Very-Best-1633892566850053/

https://www.facebook.com/Welcome-Home-Daddy-1424730717817276/

https://www.facebook.com/Words.are.Ponderful/

https://www.facebook.com/Florenza.Speaks/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/florenza_denise_lee/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/florenza-lee-7076418a/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Florenza_Lee

Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q: When is it too old to be living in your Momma's house?

A: To be honest, it depends on the goal/goals of the individual. If you have a financial goal and your mother is ok with it, then it should not matter to anyone else. Just make sure that the goal is saving money and obtaining wealth. Many cultures are encouraged to live together, to do just that.

Other reasons may include being a caretaker for his/her mom. The parent may not have a chronic illness but need some assistance in living at home. Many of us now have aging parents and sometimes Assisted Living homes are not always a good choice for the person. Along with safety, the adult child may not feel it is safe for their parent to live alone.

However, if a grown man/woman (anyone OVER 21) is still living at home with their Momma and doesn't have a job, no educational goals, is not being productive in any way, is just being straight lazy, then it’s time to GO! GET OUT!!

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

Love,
AunT

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

Introducing Gigi Wilkins - Simply Cindy's Newest Team Member

It's my pleasure and honor to introduce Gigi Wilkins, who joined my team as a Contributing Writer. Gigi will write about Women's Fashion.

Gigi Wilkins was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is an Independent Healthcare Professional, Family Advocate, and Freelance Entertainer, who achieved her goal of becoming a Published Author August 2017. Her professional career spans over 20 years in Healthcare and Emergency Management. Gigi is a self-described Extroverted Introvert. Gigi is a mother of three; two sons who both serve in the U.S. Military and a daughter who is also an entrepreneur, studying to earn a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Gigi is often recognized for her giving nature and complimented on her great smile, and taste in almost every woman’s vice, the perfect shoe. Gigi enjoys poetry, all types of music and traveling.

Ten years ago, Gigi was introduced to acting and joined SW Casting. Gigi has worked in Texas and Georgia as background and featured talent in local commercials, movies, and television. Gigi’s faith, coupled with the encouragement of a good friend, pulled her back to her passion for writing and helping others. She repurposed the challenges of violence, poverty, and manipulation she’d endured. Gigi placed her energy in mentoring, volunteering and donating to organizations dedicated to rehabilitating families as a whole, with emphasis on the importance of a strong family unit. Gigi started her own business, SYMGI Writing Services, helping small businesses streamline their processes to increase revenue and assisting individuals entering or re-entering the workforce by providing tailored resources to assist with securing viable employment.

Gigi is completing her Bachelor’s degree In Healthcare Management and working towards her MS. In her spare time, Gigi is dedicated to improving family life in her community. She actively volunteers for the Houston Area Women’s Center; she is a Business Mentor for the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and the Read Houston Read, Barbara Bush Program for one of the largest districts in Texas, Houston Independent School District.

In honor of her mother’s life, Gigi is currently working on initiatives such as the CSL Foundation to secure psychological counseling for children living in homes of domestic violence and divorce as well as educating women and men on the long-term effects of domestic violence. The objective is to demonstrate how the cycle of abuse transcends far beyond the immediate situation. 

Gigi has been recently featured in Beautifully Said Magazine, Sistah’s Creative Media, Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week, and interviewed by Letrise Carter on Blog Talk Radio. She is planning a book tour in the Spring of 2018. Gigi is comforted by the memories of her mother’s captivating personality and her motto in the face of opposition, “I’m not perfect, and it could be worse”. “Live life courageously, in every situation, seek Christ, Strength, and Love.”

Please connect with her via the “ASK THE AUTHOR” tab on her website www.gigi-wilkins.com, where you can also purchase her first book, “I Married My Daddy”, Journey to Self. Purchasing directly from the site, allows her to donate a portion of the proceeds to families affected by domestic violence.

You can also find her on IG: @gigi.wilkins TWITTER: @msgigiwilkins

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

Theo's Sports Corner

Could this finally be the year the Washington Nationals make the World Series?

The Washington Nationals have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball for the last seven years. The team has posted a winning record each year since 2012. The Nats are a perennial playoff team. However, the Nationals will no longer be judged for simply making the playoffs. This year they will be judged to see if they can not only make the World Series but if they win it.

The playoff struggles of the Washington Nationals are well noted. The team has had early playoff exits in 2012, 2014, and 2016. In 2012, the Nats lost to the Saint Louis Cardinals after being up in the Series 2-1. In 2014, the Nats lost to the San Francisco Giants, eventual World Series Champions. They lost the 1st game of that playoff series in the longest playoff game in MLB history which went 18 innings. In 2016, they lost to the Lost Angeles Dodgers in another series that they had a lead in and were not able to close it out. This team has not even made it to the National League Championship Series much less the World Series. This year, in 2017, they have already qualified for the Playoffs which start next week. The Nats have one of the best records in the league again this year.

The question is will this year be different in the Playoffs? Here are more questions I will be looking at in trying to answer that question. Is the Nats Superstar Bryce Harper fully healthy as he returns to the lineup right before the Postseason? Are the big bats, Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy, of the Nats going to step up in the Post Season? Will the Nats pitching ace, Max Scherzer, continue to play lights out? Will pitching stud, Stephen Strasburg, stay healthy which is something he has had trouble doing. How will the new and improved bullpen featuring Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson hold up in the Playoffs? Finally, can legendary manager Dusty Baker lead this team over the Hump in the Playoffs?

Could this finally be the year for the Washington Nationals? Stay tuned! It remains to be seen.

Theo Abbott

Contributing Writer

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - C. Michelle

C. MICHELLE ATKINS

Love, Abuse, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness, Family, Relationships, Life! Soul Moving, Spiritual, Godly, Unique, Positive Energy, and Vibes.

C. Michelle, The Purple Poet is all that and so are her books.
C. Michelle Atkins has been through many storms in her life. Her parents divorced when she was very young. She was in an emotionally and physically abusive marriage, but through it all, she has triumphed.
Ms. Atkins is a strong Godly woman. She has been an educator for more than 21 years. She is a divorced mother of six, and grandmother of eight beautiful grandchildren.
C. Michelle has self-published three books. The first book is a collection of poetry about her life, and the second is an informational/self-help relationship book. 

The Purple Poet just finished writing her third book entitled, "Poetry For Yo Soul" and she co-authored an anthology about divorce entitled, "How Divorce Became My Deliverance". She is working on a children's book, expected to be published by the end of this year. C. Michelle (aka The Purple Poet) resides in a suburb of Atlanta, GA with her three youngest children.

Contact Info: www.amazon.com/author/cmichelleatkins
www.facebook.com/ThePurplePoet/
Instagram: CMichelleThePurplePoet
Twitter: cmpurplediva

Divine Wellness

Time Management

Traci A. Fonville

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.

-Mark Twain

Have you ever wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some people seem to get everything done effortlessly and others feel that time constantly eludes them? The secret to managing your time well isn’t working more hours. It’s about prioritizing the important things and learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively. The secret is working smarter, not harder.

Some of us, by nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax, while others play first and work later. It’s important to first recognize which type of person you are and whether your style is allowing you to have the life you really want. Maybe you are super organized at work, but burnt out because you don’t know how to make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person who knows how to relax, but you are dissatisfied because you aren’t fulfilling your goals and dreams.

Rather than labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time management is an area of your life that you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make it stronger. To help you get started, here are some tips to streamline your days at work and at home. Try the first one or two that jump out at you:

• Allocate time for planning and organizing.

• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list.

• Under-schedule your time. Leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When you estimate how long something will take, add on a third of that time.

• Schedule your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your productivity.

• Practice the art of intelligent neglect. Eliminate trivial tasks.

• Prioritize what is most important and do that first.

• Consider your biological prime time. At what time of the day do you work best? Plan your most important work at that time.

• If you say yes to everything that comes your way, then you can learn to say no.

• Ask for help and delegate.

• In the evening, make your to-do list for the next day so it will be out of your brain and on a piece of paper. Leave work with a clear head and a clean desk.

• Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.

Also, take a look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively: procrastinating and lacking purpose. We usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting, too large or too complex. When you get that “deer in headlights” feeling, try “chunking”. Break the large task into smaller, manageable action steps and start with the first one. We also often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored, unengaged and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, “Am I doing something that I love to do?” “Am I doing something meaningful to me?”

As you strengthen your new time management muscle, keep your focus on getting organized so that you can live the life you came here to live. Instead of being a chore, good time management can be your ticket to more fun, greater satisfaction, and a vibrant, exciting life!

Traci A. Fonville

Contributing Writer

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.doterra.com/iaffirmwellness and www.iaffirmwellness.myitworks.com.