Sticky Notes by Trinette Collier Greene

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

Welcome back to Sticky Notes…Sticky Situations Daily Dose of ?!?! The first half of the school year is coming to an end. The holiday season is here and the kids will be unfocused and excited because of holiday programs, events, and more! It can also be a stressful time for teachers because they are trying to keep the kids focused. Practice testing still must continue and preparation for the New Year is happening. Everyone is scrambling to make it to the last school day in December! Emotions are at an all-time high!

By now, routines have been established, so there should be a flow of homework, conferences, and activities. This is the perfect time to start your school holiday organizing! Start preparing for the class party, class gifts, teacher/administrative gifts and more! There are many ways you can help your child and their teacher during this time.

1. Ask your teacher for a class list and the holiday plans. Even if the teacher is unsure of the holiday plans, you can still get generic class gifts and provide your teacher a store gift card so that they can shop for the party items.
2. Ask your teacher if you can be of any assistance to them during the season. You can file papers, start the cleanup and provide a bathroom break for the teacher.
3. Ask your teacher for their wish list. It may be hard to get one from him/her because they don’t want to say but the thought of you asking will place a smile on their face.
4. Send encouraging words and mini gifts…utilize Pinterest!
5. Be patient with your teacher and child.

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

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

C. MICHELLE ATKINS

What you want, I got it 

You don't have to explore other options

I'm the only option 

The One you're looking for 

You dreamed of me 

Now I'm your reality 

I'm in your inner space 

Enter space as you enter me 

My mind, the place where the soul resides 

My soul, where you can run and hide 

I'm the "It Factor", the stuff dreams are made of 

Your dreams, when you're awake 

I take you there and lift you high above 

The cares of this world 

Yes, I'm "That Girl" 

Your intergalactic chic 

The galaxy abyss 

The soul star, shooting far 

Above what your mind can conceive 

But what your heart can believe 

And your soul can achieve.... me

Dear AunT,

Q: Should you ask questions about your mate's past?

Signed: L.S. ~ Learning to Love

A: While pursuing a healthy relationship, we are naturally inquisitive about our mates and their past relationships. When we find bits and pieces of the past, we try to connect the dots and then compare to the current connection.

However, if you are concerned about the past and begin questioning it, be very prepared for the answers. Questions are good. They can provide insightful information that will help you with your current relationship and expectations.

Before you start the questioning process, be clear about why you are asking. Are you being nosey? Petty? Are you wanting to know the dating pattern? Was there any abuse? Mishaps? Whatever your motive is, just be clear about it. You don’t want to sound like the FBI in an interrogation room! Then ask yourself, what are you going to do with the information given? Will it help you to make the decision of staying or leaving the current relationship?

Questions can be part of the learning process, it’s how you ask them and when you ask. So again, be very clear about why you are asking about the past and what do you plan to gain from it. The past is the past, let it be. Of course, if there is any type of harmful acts or abusiveness, make sure to make a decision that will ensure your safety.

Until next time, love, live, and laugh!
Chat with you next week!

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

RACE

AGGGGHHHHHHH! This whole race thing is really frustrating

All the killings of these black males with no hesitating

And then to boot, with no penalty or indictment in the end

Yes, some of the males may be wrong, however then you need to apprehend

Punish them and/or make them do time

Because No, they should not just get away if they committed a crime

But to put them in a GRAVE

C’mon these young lives could have been saved

And what gets me… is when there are no weapons found

However, his family is suffering because he is 6 feet in the ground

While the murderer gets off scot-free

And you are telling me justice is distributed equally

I know one of the issues is this word called RACE

We were created equally I don’t know how that part got so displaced

God created one race called human… go on take a look

Nowhere in the Bible it reads differently trust I looked through that book

Yes we have different cultures, ethnicities, and pigments in our skin

But because of that for our life, we have to defend

This is the 21st century and still so much more room for change

We went from hangings, where we believed that to be strange

So no more strange fruit on sycamore trees

However, the killings are now with guns still done publically

Who are you to judge that a life can just be taken away

So how do you get to decide who goes and who stays

We are all human I which we could just all understand

To live in love with one another is Gods plan

Not to hate on the bases of pigment of someone’s skin

Take a moment and check yourself within

You bleed and hurt and I do too

That’s because I too am human just like you

Why can't we treat each other with respect and be a little kinder

Why do I have to write these words as a reminder

That its only one race so how could one, when there’s only one be better

God put us all here to live peacefully together

And for a very long time that has not been the case

We have allowed Satan to intervene and try to divide the human race

C’mon we can’t continue to let him win

Especially by being divided because of the difference in our cultures, ethnicities or color of our skin

It hurts me so bad to realize that we come so far but yet still have so far to go

However, I think even little steps can continue to help us grow

Let’s not loot and steal because two wrongs never become right

But let’s stick together like snowflakes to win this fight

One snowflake alone does not shut anything down

However, when they all stick together they can shut down schools, businesses, and towns

Let’s make a difference that will last forever

Let’s promise not to give up, never!

But let’s see this thing all the way through

And remind each when asked what’s your race… reply, 

I am HUMAN just like YOU!

Written by Glacia Townsend

Dear AunT,

Q:  What are the components of a strong relationship?

Signed: R.G. ~ Waiting & Ready

A:  There are many components that can build a foundation for a strong and healthy relationship. However, it really depends on the individuals.

When you enter a relationship, you must set up your expectations and start building from there. Remember, a strong foundation cannot be built after the first day or date of the relationship. It is work.

Here are some components that I incorporated during the initial dating stage;

1. I set my expectations of what I wanted in a relationship and I shared it with my partner IN CONVERSATION! Not text, emails, gifs, or emojis….I talked!
2. I listened and understood my partner’s expectations. It wasn’t one sided and again, it was through conversation.
3. When we started officially dating, I did not worry about a title, I wanted to enjoy dating because my expectations were already set. Meaning, he knew that I was not looking for a one night stand or cuffing buddy. :)
4. We built a friendship… listening and learning with each other and from each other.
5. We took our time, being patient is essential. We allowed things to flow.
6. We found a common denominator in our spiritual life, meaning, we prayed.
7. We enjoyed every part of the process and are still enjoying it.

So I hope this will give you a start and I wish you the best!

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

Love ya,

AunT

Mindset Matters by Cassandra Williams-Herbert

Living a Life of Intent by Renewing of your Mind

Are you living life with the greatest intent? Your lifestyle takes an evaluation of learning to focus on you, finding time to identify skills, values, and interests. This includes exploring options by getting connected with individuals that are walking the same path and to pursue the area that follows your desired outcome. These areas include preparing yourself, placing yourself in the right circle, fair, networking event, taking classes. The goals of all this will involve reflections and decision making for the desired life you wish to live.

One of my greatest joys is waking up living a life of intent and gratitude. We must remember to focus on the things that matter in life. In our daily lives reflects our passion motivator which is connected to our actions and decisions. The day when Intentional Living Intentionally takes priority in your life it will transform.

Living intentionally recognizes distractions that you normally would take part in the activities of wasted time and many unproductive days.

Is life fair, No. Is life perfect, No but the journey that takes you through to help you define your life purpose is defined by family, friends, daily interactions with others, setting and locations.

Recently I had a moment to reflect on life about family members and friends that I have lost too deeply take a strong aim at not taking life for granted.

After attending a funeral of a very close friend, a very strong woman of faith, all I was left with were reflections. These reflections took my attention to other past loves in my life that have past on. Individuals most live with intent, making every moment of every day of their lives matter to others and most essential to God.

Remember, tomorrow is not promised and the next minute not guaranteed. Renew your mind for living a life of intent and no regrets. "If" is such a big word; If I did, If I could, If I knew - what would you do differently? What would matter most? We should not let living life be a life lived of I did not but yet I lived a life of fulfillment; live each day with purpose and passion for a life of impact.

“Living An Intentional Lifestyle is Essential” to create a world of joy and peace. Be intentional with your life through your actions, words, thoughts, love and your mindset. 

Cassanda Williams-Hebert
Contributing Writer & Social Media Specialist, Simply Cindy Blog

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Rosenda O. Starling

ROSENDA O. STARLING

Rosenda O. Starling is a Vice President with Bank of America and has been an associate with the bank for over 16 years. In addition to the financial sector, Rosenda has also worked in the health insurance industry for Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and the pharmaceutical industry for GlaxoSmithKline. She has over 20 years of corporate experience.

Rosenda holds an MBA Degree (Accounting Emphasis) from Winthrop University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from South Carolina State University where she graduated with honors. Rosenda is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

In her personal life, Rosenda is a divorced mother of two teenage boys. This is where her real passion lies and what pushes her to go above and beyond to provide the path for them to reach their highest potential. To this end, Rosenda’s hidden desire lies in entrepreneurship and business ownership. She believes that everyone should strive to attain multiple streams of income to gain wealth and pass on a legacy to their families and she works to help others in this effort.

Rosenda is currently the co-owner of the Columbia, South Carolina market of Paint Nite. She has been the co-owner of this business for the past three years where it had expanded to Sumter, Newberry, Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin. Rosenda’s other endeavors are in the Network Marketing arena where she considers herself to be a serial Network Marketer. Rosenda’s interests are reflected in the businesses she has chosen to focus her energy in the areas of personal defense and safety, travel and on the go business promotion. She wants people to understand the power of Network Marketing and how it can be used to facilitate business ownership but more importantly personal development.

Rosenda is an advocate for domestic violence victims and women and children who are subject to any forms of violence or abuse. This is reflected in her involvement in Damsel in Defense, which focuses on empowering, educating and equipping women with the tools needed to protect themselves. Self-defense equipment, roadside safety items, family education products and digital defense services are just some of the products and services promoted by Damsel in Defense.

Rosenda also promotes the travel industry through agency ownership and marketing. Rosenda’s desire is to show others how to use the industry to have exciting adventures through traveling the world and building financial freedom through earning residual income. Her personal desire is to take her sons on trips and tours that they otherwise never could experience and to widen their cultural awareness and span of influence.

Lastly, to help the promotion of her businesses, Rosenda promotes Asirvia Go, which is used to promote business through proximity marketing. This tool is helpful for any business owner as it sends messages via smartphones to potential customers who are within a 100-foot radius of the Asirvia Go device.

Rosenda lives her life based on the poem by Marianne Williamson, Our Greatest Fear. She tries to be a source of encouragement to everyone she meets through words of encouragement and empowerment. We are all powerful beyond measure!

Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

Website: https://linktr.ee/rorocks4
E-mail: rorocks4travel@gmail.com

Connect with Verse – Poetry Corner! Featuring Sophia Johnson

SOPHIA JOHNSON

Untitled

By: EnFenaTi

Walking through life trying to decide

Running around wondering why

Asking the question

Answering the clue

Taking the time to open your mind

Open your ears

Open your eyes

Take a while, live the life

Nothing takes away the pain

Nothing to disclaim

Open doors; closed doors

Closed eyes; closed ears

Situations, disappointments

Happy and sad days

The times you cherish

The days you miss

© 2017

Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q: How do you know if you're in an actual relationship?

Signed: L.C.~Seriously Need to Know

A:  When you meet a person and you are attracted to him/her, there’s a light, glow, smile, and much more that goes through your body and mind. When you proceed to the next step of introducing yourself and wanting to know more about that person, you are showing an interest. That interest should lead to a few questions and a Meet & Greet/Date. This is your opportunity to let the person know what you are looking for; such as a relationship or hangout partner.
This doesn’t mean that on the first date, you pull out the list of rules, but you are setting the tone for what you are desiring. This gives the person an idea of your expectations. That is why honesty, in the beginning, is extremely crucial! Then AFTER dating (however long you both agree on), you should be able to have that conversation about the status of your relationship; exclusively dating each other, dating other people, bedroom buddies, coffee buddies, etc… Just make your expectations clear from the beginning.

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

Beverly's Beatitudes by Beverly Branch

His Strength in Your Weakness

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. —2 Corinthians 12:9

I didn’t have an easy childhood. I came from a home that was broken many, many times over. But I can look back on my past today and instead of moaning about it, I can say, “I went through that, and now I can comfort others.” It has become a tool to help others.

I wouldn’t want to go through that again, of course. Nor would I want anyone else to go through the same thing. But I’m thankful that God can take my past and use it for His glory today. I’m thankful that He can take that hardship and use it for His glory. He can do the same for you.

Maybe at this time in your life, you’re going through some hard times, and you’re wondering why. God will use it. It’s hard to believe now. But just remember that it won’t last forever.

As 1 Peter 1:6–7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Trials don’t last forever.

I’m reminded of a sign posted at the end of an airport runway that reads, “Keep moving. If you stop, you are in danger and a danger to those who are flying.”

You can take that same statement and apply it to the Christian life. Keep moving. Don’t give up. Don't abandon hope. You are going to get through that valley in your life. There will be an even greater mountaintop beyond it, with great lessons you have learned as God demonstrated His strength in your weakness. Let GOD be GOD in Your Life! Let HIM Lead and Guide you in ALL You SAY and DO through Prayer, fasting and being in HIS Presence!!! You were born to Survive and Conquer All!!!

Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

Washington Redskins are playing like an average football team and that is simply not going to cut it.

After six games, the Redskins record is (3-3). The Record says they are an average football team. However, they have shown flashes of greatness at times this season by handily beating the Oakland Raiders, showing poise in defeating the Los Angeles Rams, and coming within a dropped pass in the End Zone of upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, on this past Monday Night Football, after a promising start to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly, the Redskins came up small. They lost the game 34 - 24. The Redskins continue to struggle in the Red Zone scoring touchdowns, are not able to establish a strong running game, and are not converting many third down opportunities. I was lucky enough to be at the game in Philadelphia and saw firsthand the Redskins having troubles with execution in key moments.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to put up good numbers. However, he threw an untimely interception at a crucial point in the game when the Redskins still had a chance to pull the game out. That will not work. With the loss, the Redskins are now two full games back of the Eagles in the NFC East Division and received a season loss sweep from Philly. It does not get any easier with the archrival Dallas Cowboys coming in town this weekend to play the Skins.

The good news is the Redskins have the talent to turn things around. Cousins has a number of weapons on offense to pass to including Chris Thompson, Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, Ryan Grant and Terrelle Pryor. Yet, they all have to play at a high level for the Redskins offense to be successful. The team can definitely move the ball up and down the field but has to be able to score touchdowns and put points on the board.

As for the defense, the Redskins have to limit big plays. They definitely can get pressure on opposing quarterbacks but can’t let what happened in the Eagles games where quarterback Carson Wentz was able to escape the pocket a number of times after it seemed he was going to be sacked.

The next few games will be a big test for the Redskins to see if this team is legit. The goal of making the Playoffs is still attainable. However, it depends on what Redskins team shows up to play these games because being average will not cut it. If this team wants to go the Playoffs to be able to compete for a Super Bowl then the Redskins need to make a winning move now.

Theo Abbott

Contributing Writer

Divine Wellness by Traci A. Fonville

Get Slow

There is more to life than increasing its speed.

-Gandhi

Who doesn’t feel as if there aren’t enough hours in the day? We rush through the day, running here and there and end up exhausted. Somehow these days that are full of duties, obligations, and busyness have begun to build up and become our lives. We spend our time doing things we don’t really want to do, yet we feel we should. We’ve come to believe that being productive and crossing things off our to-do list is the ultimate goal.

The truth is, life on Earth is a brief gift, and our time is too precious to be used like this. If we want our lives to be balanced and healthy, we need to lessen our load and increase our downtime. This means planning less in a day, prioritizing those things that make our hearts sing and de-prioritizing those things that are not imperative.

If we must accomplish many things each day, we can still change the quality with which we do things. How can we transmute that sprint to the train into something delicious instead of the usual gripping and tightening experience? Where can we find ease in the midst of stress? How can we cultivate the art of going slowly?

Take a few moments before you climb out of bed in the morning to remember your dreams and to think about what you want from the day. Leave your watch on the bedside table. Take the scenic route. Sit for a moment with your eyes closed when you start your computer. Check email only twice a day. Don’t pack your schedule so tight that there’s no time for a short walk. Light candles before you start to cook dinner. Add one moment here and there for slowness; it can be done simply and will have a profound effect on your well-being.

Adapted from an article by Marco Visscher & Jay Willjasper, Ode Magazine, Issue #15

 By, Traci A. Fonville, HC, AADP, RYT

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.