Level Up

Where have you been? How have you been?  What has been going on? These are just a few of the questions I’ve encountered as I’ve popped up at different events this year. I understand it seemed like I was MIA, but I simply took a break. My family and I have been well and, as always, life has been full of adventures and lessons. 2018 has been a "level up" year filled with new beginnings, workouts, travel, and modeling. Let’s catch up...

Giving back is so important to the community and I have always been an advocate for change. After a long time, but at just the perfect moment, I was blessed to join the sisterhood of the devastatingly dynamic women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am looking forward to a lifetime of new memories and opportunities to change the world. The experience was a testament to why I should never give up. Now, I live, learn, and stay REaDy. 😉

I have always been athletic, but fitness has become a bigger part of my life in recent years. After letting my weight shift a little too much (up and down), I had to get a better handle on these curves. It isn’t just about looking good, but more about feeling great. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my post workout selfies or my current challenge in my stories. I truly understand that fitness is a journey and mine is not exempt from lots of sweat, a little soreness, and even a few tears. But it’s all worth it. I’d love to hear about your fitness journey. Comment below or interact with me on Instagram. Let’s get it!

I love to travel and this year was full of it. Whether it was the open road to New Orleans for the Essence Festival or a plane to New York to attend Full Figured Fashion Week, your girl has been living her best life. Chicago is up next, but I am excited about Atlanta. I will be modeling at The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo 2018. After last year’s successful event, I am looking forward to an even better experience. Will you be in Atlanta on August 11^th & 12^th? Grab your tickets and bring a friend. There will be seminars, runway shows, fashions for curvy men and women, and so much more! Special guests include, but are not limited to, the 4Thirty-Two dancers, model Devorah Story, photographer RickJones, designer Ashley Nell Tipton, and writer & producer Toy Monique. Won’t make it? Be sure to follow me on social media for updates, pics, and videos.

Until next time… Dre

P.S. Check out my new website and let me know what you think! Want something to read? Take a look at my blog archives.

Stand up!

I have been appointed to provide the quote of the day at my job.  It not only gives me a moment to reflect on my mood and attitude, but also what I want to distribute to influence others.  My goal is to find something that makes others think and reflect.  I even throw a funny one in here and there.  But today’s quote had me frozen for a sec…

“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” -Denis Waitley

I immediately thought of the current events in this country surrounding the murders, deaths, and (what seems like) genocide of our Black youth, specifically male.  At this time in history, not dwelling on what went wrong is very hard to do.  There are members of the community who would love to NOT dwell on what is happening.  They want to move on with their lives or simply believe that enough time has been spent on the topic; just clean things up and get everything back to normal. 

But what is NORMAL?  Are you referring to the normal where those who have been executed are alive and well, with their families, and growing old and wise?  Or maybe where the wrongfully accused are no longer wasting away in jail cells and are working as employees, entrepreneurs, and CEO’s?  How about the normal where you don’t have to turn on the TV/computer and see another black face involved with violence or see another mother or father weeping for one more second/hour/day with their loved one?  Of course you want people to be able to move on and be at peace regardless of what happens in life, but the compilation of events are too massive to ignore.  The pain is too deep to simply subside overnight.  And parents of young black men, like many of my peers and I, are too concerned.

This country is going through so many emotions (fear, confusion, pain, grief, hate, love, excitement, etc).  It can be difficult to focus on what to do next.  However, whatever is done must be productive enough to ignite change.  We want to always be safe, reasonable, and respectful; we were taught to.  The law requires it.  But at times, radical, and sometimes offensive, measures must be taken to get people’s attention and change hearts.  Protecting our children is the priority. 

Everyone says that I am blessed to have all boys.  Everyone thinks it is so awesome that they are scholars, athletes, and upstanding citizens.  But the law does not care about the pride that I have as a mother.  The murderers, who would rather shoot and kill for any random reason, have no regard for the time and love invested in their development.  I wish I truly did not have to worry about my boys when they left for school each day, but I do.  I never thought I could love my boys more, but every day I look forward to seeing their faces and hearing their voices.  I no longer pass the chance to tell them I love them or snatch a hug & kiss.  I love them more, because there are more and more mothers who are having that snatched away.  The God in me keeps me in constant prayer.  Thus far he is answering.  This is a season of unfortunate and non-consumable truths.  The tragedies of Mike Brown, Antonio Smith, and countless others has me realizing that PEACE… is relative.  

Stand up for Mike Brown…

Stand up for Antonio Smith…

Stand up for my Kings…

Stand up for yourself…

Stand up for our future!

Until next time… Andrea

The Real MVP

As my sons have gotten older, their activities have grown.  They have participated in football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, and even cheerleading.  Although I was an athletic child, I was not a sports junkie.  I’d still rather hit the mall instead of watching the game.  But in order to be involved and engaged, I decided to start paying attention.  So I have my sports guru friend answer all of my silly questions and give me the play-by-play. 

The other day he sent me a video of Kevin Durant’s 2014 MVP speech.  (please watch)

I thought I would just learn something about basketball and how much Kevin worked to get to that point in life.  I was taken aback to hear pure love, respect, and gratitude for his teammates, family, friends, and most of all, his mother.  This could not have come at a better time since Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  I am sure that Kevin appreciates his mother every day, but being publicly praised is an exuberant experience. 

As I watched the speech I began to tear up.  I identified with his mother on many levels:  having children earlier in life, being a single parent, raising sons, and sacrificing herself for the well-being of her children.  Most of all, I identified with the pushing and believing when no one else did; being that rock.  Few people may truly understand what mothers endure to see that their children are successful.  According to OnlyMyHealth.com, the bond between mother and son is one of a kind.  It is essential for developing healthy relationships, behavior, performance, and overall lifestyle. 

I pray that my Kings accomplish extraordinary things.  They don’t need to become NFL players, celebrities, or millionaires.  They just need to live, work, and serve in purpose.  They all have great potential, unique talents, and can literally change the world.  If I have done my job, and they have done theirs, they will one day have the opportunity to speak and share their story.

To all of the mothers…keep pushing!  I know that the struggle is real, but the reward is too.  Your work will not go unnoticed.  Your cries will not go unheard.  God is ALWAYS watching over you.  If you ever feel alone, know that someone cares and appreciates you.  Whether it’s a trip out of town, a single rose from a bush, or a few extra minutes of rest, do something for yourself this year.  Celebrate you, your hard work, and the fruits of your labor.  Kevin’s mother is not the only MVP.

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Until next time… Andrea

It's Working

It is my normal routine to start the day with good news and positive energy.  After flipping to the local gospel station, The Light, from the Tom Joyner Morning Show, I’d randomly hear “It’s Working” by Pastor William H. Murphy, III.  Usually I’d be with the boys or on a call.  Even with life happening, the phrases, “I’ve got a seed in the ground” and “It’s working for my good,” always caught my ear.  Whoever crafted this song, was working in purpose.  I would walk around throughout the day humming and repeating those phrases.  What I didn’t realize was how much I was speaking into my life.  My mood was always positive, I encouraged people more, and all I could see was opportunity.  But as soon as I got distracted with things (stress, others’ ideas, and negativity), everything changed.  If you have a spiritual relationship you know, as I do, how you can be pulled back and redirected, b.k.a. SNATCHED!

One day, I was on my way to work and in a bit of a hurry.  I placed my bags in the car, put on my seat belt, and hit the road.  All of a sudden, I had a runny nose.  I reached over to my tissue stash to find nothing.  I remembered having a vast supply so I looked again…nothing.  Ok, now I’m confused.  I’m thinking:  “I know I have some tissue.  Did I not put it where I normally do?  Did I change the location on myself?!  This makes no sense.”  So something tells me to lift up my bag.  I’m sure you can guess what I found… more than what I needed; problem solved.  I am sure you can guess the next song on the radio, yep…“It’s Working.” 

All of that time, I was looking for something that I had all along.  In those few minutes I started doubting myself because there wasn’t an immediate resolution.  In that experience, I learned to slow down, relax, and take my time, as it can have negative snowball effects.  I also learned to trust myself, my abilities, and the favor and promise on my life; be confident that everything will be awesome.  After all, seeds have been/are being planted, fertilized, watered, and nurtured to grow.  I cannot rush the process, nor discount the purpose in the timing of my blooms.  IT IS WORKING…for my good.  And just like my experience, I may be in store for more than enough.  Keep these things in mind in your daily walk.  We can find revelations in the simplest places… a song, a smile, even a runny nose :) 

Until next time… Andrea