One would say that all good things come to an end. Don’t worry, I ain’t going nowhere. Lol. I’m just observing some things that’s going on around me. My boss deciding to resign, and the CEO of one of the largest corporations in the world stepped down in the same week, same city. Organizations impacted, and the only thing we can focus on is how will their departure affect us? When I heard the news about both of them I…
What have I learned in 2016? You can’t do it all by yourself. As much as we think we can, we can’t. We need a team or a tribe to hold us accountable and essentially help with bringing the bigger picture to life. I have items on my vision board that didn’t come to fruition this year, and you know what. That’s okay. Add on to them or change them. New Goals, New Year! I took some trips this year that…
We MADE IT!!! You all have inspired, encouraged, and pushed me to complete this challenge with you. I didn’t give up because of your love! You held me accountable to post for 30 days about what I am #SteeleThankful for. So much happened this month. I started a new career. I moved out of the storage place, and settling in my new crib. This whole month has been preparing me for this moment. COMPLETION. My first book is now a year…
What motivates me? Pictures like this! This is one of the first photos I received after the book was released. When I hear parents, or more little readers ask, “when can I read the next book?” “I want to be an Alleykat.” “I want to write my own children’s book.” ALL of the above motivates me. My heart melts whenever I receive feedback about the book, or receive a review on the Amazon page. My goal when I started writing…
This year I had a 3rd grade class participate in a book review contest. The students reviewed the first book in my series, Adventures of Alleykats – The Missing President. I was able to read all the reviews submitted, and choose the top three. The students were awarded with a goodie bag, that included an autographed book from yours truly. I can say that was one of my highlights of 2016. I will tell you if you want honest feedback ask…
If you would have told me a year ago that I would be sitting in this library that birthed me; signing a copy of my first children’s book to go in their library for circulation amongst the library and the universities system. I would have probably looked over my glasses in true Librarian fashion, and chuckled. From a graduate student in the Library Science program, to a published author. Don’t you ever let someone tell you that your dreams are…
Joy. When I look at this photo I can’t help but get misty eyed. I attended a Montessori elementary school, so I had the same teacher for three years. This lady was one of them. When I was being bullied she protected me. She welcomed me into her home as a little girl along with some of my closest friends in order to soak up more knowledge after school. It’s been years since I ran into Mrs. Elwell. I was…
Last week was jam packed with goodies, so let me get straight to it! Tuesday: I attended my weekly “Discipleship Class” at One Church Empowerment Center in Grand Rapids, MI. The four week class has enlightened and encouraged me through this journey of my life. Learning to embrace abandoning MY PRIDE in order to do the work of the Kingdom. I arrived home to complete the story for The Final 48 Project #GriefTalkTuesday photo campaign. Be sure to check it out on…
I am on cloud nine this morning. The weekend was a time for reflection, connecting with family/friends, and of course Resurrection Sunday. On Thursday I received a phone call from the local radio station in my hometown that wanted to do a short segment with me. Now, let me tell you how we arrived at this moment. A childhood friend of mines reached out to me shortly after the book was published. He wanted to connect me with the radio…
I think it’s safe to say after the last three weeks I am exhausted! The pack/unpack cycle has concluded for at least a month, but I’m definitely grateful for the Historical Tours w/R.J. that were completed. You know I love a good road trip. Can you believe of my many road trips on the east coast I’ve NEVER been to Philadelphia? I rode through Pennsylvania heading to Virginia but never visited any historical sites in the state. Our nation’s first…