tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25677121088340474772024-03-13T02:56:43.348-04:00Divine Wryte CreationsSerena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-4180735801006924202016-05-17T14:53:00.000-04:002016-05-17T14:55:24.175-04:00Natural Allergy Tips to Help You Survive this Season!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/black_woman_sneezing.jpg" href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/black_woman_sneezing.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-17771" style="background-color: white;"><img alt="black_woman_sneezing" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17771" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/black_woman_sneezing.jpg" src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/black_woman_sneezing.jpg" height="262" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: rgb(119, 119, 119) solid 1px; resize: none;" width="455" /></a></div>
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It’s allergy season and while others are enjoying the blooming flowers, fresh cut grass, flourishing tress…you are not! Here are some quick tips that I have found helpful that I have learned on my wellness journey from my doctors and nutritionist.</div>
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<li><strong>Neti Pot</strong>—Some people think it’s disgusting to flush your nose out (<a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation">nasal irrigation</a>) and see water coming out of the other nostril but the benefits of a <u>Neti Pot</u> are priceless if used right. You can buy them at any drug store like CVS, Walgreem Rite Aid and even a Wal-Mart. Most come with saline packets and you must use distilled water or something of that nature. DO NOT use tap water. The benefits are great. It flushes out impurities, helps inflamed sinuses, clears out mucus and helps you breathe better.<a data-mce-href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/netipot300.jpg" href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/netipot300.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-17767"><img alt="netipot300" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17767" data-mce-src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/netipot300.jpg" src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/netipot300.jpg" height="165" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="300" /></a></li>
<li><strong>Air Filtration System</strong>—a lot suffer from dust mites, mold, recycled air through the vents at work, school or even an apartment building. Purchasing one of these helps clean the air of a certain space you’re in, a person can breathe better as they inhale and exhale the air that is coming out of one of these systems. Each one has instructions on how much square footage it can cover. They come as small as ones that plug into your car and large that can help filter the air on one level of a house. A lot of retailers sell them. Of course cleaning the space helps as well which you will see below.</li>
<li><strong>Cleaning Your Space</strong>—this is hard at places like work but you can request for the vents to be vacuumed at work, home or school. If you have a doctor’s note they must comply. Also dusting your counter tops, desks, shelves, kitchens, bathrooms, etc with organic <a data-mce-href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/2-AllPurpose" href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/2-AllPurpose"><u>cleaning supplies</u> </a>and also shampooing the rugs is very beneficial. Meyer’s, Green Works and Nature’s Promise are just a few good brands. Check out the <a data-mce-href="http://www.ewg.org/" href="http://www.ewg.org/"><u>Environmental Working Group</u> </a>for products that are useful and those that are hazardous. This way if you buy an air filtration system it’s really going to kick in because you have gotten a lot of impurities removed.<a data-mce-href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GreenCleaningSupplies_02_rect540.jpg" href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GreenCleaningSupplies_02_rect540.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-17768"><img alt="GreenCleaningSupplies_02_rect540" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17768" data-mce-src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GreenCleaningSupplies_02_rect540.jpg" src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GreenCleaningSupplies_02_rect540.jpg" height="371" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="540" /></a></li>
<li><strong>Supplement Usage</strong>—they are a variety of supplements and one should consult a nutritionist or their doctor to see which ones would help with seasonal allergies. I love <a data-mce-href="http://wholehealthchicago.com/2009/05/11/bromelainquercetin/" href="http://wholehealthchicago.com/2009/05/11/bromelainquercetin/">Bromelain/Quercetin</a>. Bromelain is also found in pineapples and it a natural anti-inflammatory. The same with Quercetin. Naturally the two help your system calm down and such things as eczema (which I use to suffer from) go away or the rashes calm down because your system is not as inflamed.</li>
<li><strong>Essential Oils</strong>—there are tons out there but I love <a data-mce-href="https://www.doterra.com/en/ourProducts/essentialOils/breathe" href="https://www.doterra.com/en/ourProducts/essentialOils/breathe">Breathe</a> by doTERRA, they are also other brands that carry Breathe. It has Eucalyptus, Peppermint oil and others in this blend that really open up your airways. You can add it topically or use a <u><a data-mce-href="http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/diffu.asp" href="http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/diffu.asp">diffuser</a></u>.</li>
<li><strong>Adopt a good diet</strong>—get rid of foods that inflame your system such as refined sugars, soda, juice like Hi-C, dairy, gluten, foods that aren’t organic, sweets and fried foods. Your body will thank you!<a data-mce-href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/organic_food.jpg" href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/organic_food.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-17769"><img alt="organic_food" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17769" data-mce-src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/organic_food.jpg" src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/organic_food.jpg" height="360" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></a></li>
<li><strong>Drink Lot’s of Water</strong>—water flushes out toxins, impurities and nasty gunk from your body. 64 ounces a day and if you are need of more you can intake more depending on your medical condition or if you are an athlete. You also want to drink spring, filtered, distilled or alkalized water. Make sure the bottles are BPA free.<a data-mce-href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/drinking-water.jpg" href="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/drinking-water.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-17770"><img alt="drinking-water" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17770" data-mce-src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/drinking-water.jpg" src="http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/drinking-water.jpg" height="529" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="825" /></a></li>
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Using the above year round will help you a great deal. I’m not a doctor nor is this medical advice. The above has worked wonders for me but we are all uniquely built. Always consult your doctor, a health professional or nutritionist before starting any new regiment. Do your research as well. Hope you have a great season!</div>
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-65267806803117686612014-07-11T12:40:00.000-04:002014-07-11T12:41:32.658-04:00Subway Stories<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></b><br /></div>
<b><i></i></b><br />
<b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNY2HcTmp0IefdpuTI3nJKB8wYhVkfiyXePr3cos4ujvGOvfAUXphrxRRkNVdKA3eDmaDK2B8wuN7rI8sAAP9qmHywGQb3pXr2mwjRUEEYt5XT5mTpmnwp9ZueWrgkaD8VpAgGqRaZhpn/s1600/NYC_Subway_R160A_9237_on_the_E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNY2HcTmp0IefdpuTI3nJKB8wYhVkfiyXePr3cos4ujvGOvfAUXphrxRRkNVdKA3eDmaDK2B8wuN7rI8sAAP9qmHywGQb3pXr2mwjRUEEYt5XT5mTpmnwp9ZueWrgkaD8VpAgGqRaZhpn/s1600/NYC_Subway_R160A_9237_on_the_E.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Boom tap boom tap tap boom tap boom tap tap<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Sounds of kids hitting the bottom of buckets with their drum
sticks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Heads bobbing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Some are annoyed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">By the art of motion on a subway platform<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Guitar case opened to join<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">For the impromptu jam session<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Waiting for the E train on 34<sup>th</sup> at Penn Station<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Thankful for the sudden noise so I can listen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">People throwing change, dollars and whatever other bills they
could find<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Watching these artists on their grind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Now we got the three drummers with a guitarist in unison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Creating instrumental fusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Subway pulls up <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Finally after waiting one whole hour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">They all piled on and I followed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Sitting closely as they continued their show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Now we got a flutist that blended in her cosmic musicianship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">My pen is steadily writing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Poetry flowing from my brain cells through my arms down to my
hand to the pad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Brotha tapped me and said jump in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Feeling the energy of a late Saturday night <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I swayed back and forth to music that was out of sight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Spitting those ill lyrics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Making people wonder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Where did this sudden voice come from<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Peeps are feeling my vibrations and by the time we hit Times
Square it was really sumthin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Break dancers now swung from poles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Some moved and some were glued to their seats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As we turned an ordinary subway ride into extraordinary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I saw my stop come and go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">But I couldn’t stop my flow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As the amount of people on the train began grow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This isn’t strange<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As it’s an average day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">You see everything from b-boys dancing, music acts, magic and
even the dude selling 2 DVD’s for $10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Subway stories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">There are so many<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">From police chases, people cramping your style putting their
extra bottom next to you to a sometimes musty smell or two<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">But their ain’t nuthin like public transportation blended
with the arts to make your ride go faster<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Finally we were at the end of the line and the dollars were
many and I just shook it off and told the young kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Keep it and go make some more<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I stepped off one train and hopped back on another to ride
home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Next day I waited for the A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">And suddenly I heard the sounds of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Boom tap boom tap tap boom tap boom tap tap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Slightly turning my head I saw my drummers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Winked my eye and hopped on the train<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As I joined in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Ready for another jam session<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">On the subway…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><em>Written By: Serena Wills</em></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 91.95pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "LifeLTStd-Roman","serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: LifeLTStd-Roman; mso-fareast-font-family: LifeLTStd-Roman;">All Rights Reserved</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><em>Fall 2009...waiting for a train...native New Yorker until the day I die!</em></span></div>
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-26389782243485173812014-04-08T12:22:00.001-04:002014-04-08T12:22:56.417-04:00Detoxification is Key to a Healthy Body: Part 1<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve always heard of juicing, working out, Bikram
Yoga, eating healthy as ways to detox your body. All of those are good but
there are other ways to help rid your body of toxins and to increase energy.
These ways are becoming big on the health and wellness scene and for good
reason. I was introduced to these methods as I’m recovering from Lyme Disease
and a couple of coinfections which is a bacterial infection caused by a tic
bite and other biting insects. I went to several doctors before I found the one
that wanted to not only treat my symptoms but my entire body. I tell people
before you make an appointment to do anything below to get medical clearance
from your doctor or a health professional. A lot of times if you go to a
medical spa they have a questionnaire to fill out to see if you would be able
to receive these services. Also a lot of the medical spas and wellness centers
offer great deals on </span><a href="http://www.groupon.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.groupon.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Colon
hydrotherapy:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">People are naturally scared or shy away from this
because of the nature of how you have to get the colon hydrotherapy or another
word for it is colonics. The benefits however are amazing as it helps your body
get rid of parasites, assists with leaky gut, constipation, rids your body of
waste that has been sitting for weeks or even months. Other benefits include
the healing of <span style="color: black;">diarrhea, gas, bloating, hemorrhoids,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), colitis, skin conditions such as psoriasis,
shingles, assists with the healing of certain chronic illnesses, eczema and
inability to lose weight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Colon hydrotherapy cleanses the colon, hydrates your
body, reshapes the colon and exercises the colon muscles so it can perform
better. A lot of people who fast for example will get a colonic during that
period to help expel any waste. Also people who have chronic illnesses and are
on a lot of medications will get one periodically to help get the dead bacteria
out as it can cause toxins and bio films (which is the slime from dead
bacteria).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi92EkKEV3KRsnYXI6v8h9byns5Zxzhl7E76q1MLeFRYh2s-HMBSSPl5gOX0LZAs1SpquPx4GBWYdiVME54tlnLH1hLs6SYYq_bS6VlBFo18qK1HHwqIKQJ4vb32-4RGfrJ7T4slT0pKr_/s1600/colon+hydrotherapy+session.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi92EkKEV3KRsnYXI6v8h9byns5Zxzhl7E76q1MLeFRYh2s-HMBSSPl5gOX0LZAs1SpquPx4GBWYdiVME54tlnLH1hLs6SYYq_bS6VlBFo18qK1HHwqIKQJ4vb32-4RGfrJ7T4slT0pKr_/s1600/colon+hydrotherapy+session.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colon Hydrotherapy Bed<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So you’re probably asking, “How does it work?”:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s quite simple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You find a reputable health and wellness
center or a doctor’s office that has a medical spa. A lot of integrative
doctors now offer colon hydrotherapy. Also make sure there is a certified colon
hydro therapist there and that the clinic or center is certified to even do
colon hydro therapies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask for the pre and post instructions as
to what to eat and drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Go to the store and buy those grocery
items if you don’t have them. If you are like me you might be worn out the
first time you get one done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once you go to your appointment you will
be lead to a private room. If it’s like the one at my doctors office in
Washington, DC then it is dimly lit and quiet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The equipment is shaped like a raised
bed as you can see from the image above and the person will walk you through
everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once undressed from the bottom down you
get on the reclined bed and place a sheet over you and slowly insert the piece
(disposable speculum) that will expel water into your colon into your rectum.
(Be cautious, it does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> go all the
way into your rectum). The colon hydro therapist will tell you how much to
insert which is a little more than the tip of the speculum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The colon hydro therapist will then enter
the room when you are ready and turn the water on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He/she will either leave and check on
your periodically and also to add more water to the system or some stay with
you and actually massage the area where your colon is (it’s up to your
discretion). Some even offer Castor oil packs to place on your colon (helps
with movement).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most colon hydrotherapy sessions last
for 30 minutes. It might seem long but the benefits are amazing. You will
physically feel lighter after a session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After your session you want to hydrate
yourself with something like coconut water because it has electrolytes. Keep
hydrating with it or something else that has natural sugar and electrolytes.
Also as I stated before be gentle with your eating and drink decaffeinated
herbal teas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When you make your appointment they will tell you
what to do pre and post getting a colonic such as drinking a lot water (but not
two hours prior to appointment) you don’t want your bladder to be full and
afterwards you want to hydrate your body again, not to eat processed foods
(before or after), some don’t want you to eat raw foods afterwards like salads
or nuts. Eating gentle foods like lentil soup, sweet potatoes or drink herbal
teas afterwards for a few days. Your colon has just been cleaned out and you
want to be kind to it after getting a colonic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next we have the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Far Infrared Sauna:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A lot of people are buying these for their homes and
they even have portable ones that are shaped like a bag on Amazon for as low as
$200.00. It’s not like your average sauna. The difference between a sauna and a
far infrared sauna is that an infrared sauna heats your body from the core
(1.5-2 inches deep) and produces the body’s cellular detoxification. It makes
you feel as if you have a fever and then after some time your body will sweat
the toxins out. They come in a variety of models, one is pictured below where
you can lay across the bench and some (which isn’t shown gives you just enough
room to sit up). Some people can only do 20 minutes (which is good to start
with and can go as long as 45 minutes).</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaFX8Z9s08t6PpZr2xBlWObEeWulSIVwZ1_lDEM44Z6NYAxElvn_nyA4eKNvibxTuVkT9Vrfxrz9ETYqcQQmXZBve8MQB0XrduYCBGVr2FLcOZPPoyHCDqhmQjHtYqUvf84lEQu_y4YGT/s1600/Infrared+Sauna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaFX8Z9s08t6PpZr2xBlWObEeWulSIVwZ1_lDEM44Z6NYAxElvn_nyA4eKNvibxTuVkT9Vrfxrz9ETYqcQQmXZBve8MQB0XrduYCBGVr2FLcOZPPoyHCDqhmQjHtYqUvf84lEQu_y4YGT/s1600/Infrared+Sauna.jpg" height="139" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infrared Sauna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A lot of health and wellness centers have these, integrative
doctors, chiropractic practices and now even some gyms have them. Again I would
advise that you consult your doctor. Especially if you have neurological
problems as your head is inside the wooden ones. If you get the portable one
then your head sticks out also if you are claustrophobic then you might not
want to use this for detoxification. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What are the other benefits of a Far Infrared
Sauna?:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Relieves stress<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Enhances immune system<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Improves cardiovascular conditioning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Assist with weight management and lastly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pain relief<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I suffered from neuropathy in my right leg; it would
go from weak to severe pain for weeks. A few sessions in the infrared sauna and
aqua chi foot baths as well as other home remedies and my leg was back to
normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Aqua
Chi Foot Bath:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is not your average foot bath when you just
soak your feet in water so you feel good or to help take pain away. The
benefits are far beyond that. The Aqua Chi Foot Bath combines water with a
specialized electric charge. The negative ions created during your session are
similar to ones found in hot springs or natural charged water sources. There is
a piece of equipment (the module) that goes into the water first and after a
few minutes you put your feet in. The equipment is what creates the negative ions
(and don’t worry...you won’t get electrocuted). The module is attached to the
power pack which is placed away from the water. Most set the timers between
20-30 minutes depending on if it is your first time. Some may give you more
time if it is your first time and then less time as you return for more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The key is the color the water turns. (Yes the water
turns colors). Below describes what the different
colors mean.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: GillSansMT-Bold;"></span></b></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: GillSansMT-Bold;"></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #000f00; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Color or Particle Material or Area of the Body Being Detoxified<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Black--Liver</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Black Flecks--Heavy Metals</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Brown--Liver, Tobacco, Cellular Debris</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Dark Green--Gall Bladder</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Orange--Joints</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Red Flecks--Blood Clot Material</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">White
Cheese-Like Particles Most Likely Yeast<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">White Foam Mucous from Lymph System</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Yellow-Green
Kidneys, Bladder, Urinary Tract, Female/Prostate Area<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was frightened at first because mine was a dark
brown color with some white and black speckles. It means that I have a lot of
cellular debris (between the herbs, supplements that caused the bacteria die
off in my case) was coming out. I also dealt with Candida which were the white
cheese like specks and the black are heavy metals or toxins. The more you go
depending on your health, the water might change colors. Some people are on lifelong
medications and may or may not see a huge difference in the water but they feel
more energized afterwards. In my case I felt tired after my first couple of
sessions and then by the third one I felt the energy throughout my whole body!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some people choose to buy the aqua chi foot bath for
their homes. Google and look for a good brand. Ask around to see what worked
best for people or if you don’t want to buy one then you can always find a
place that offers this service. Don’t worry about how many people have used the
basin because with every session there is a liner placed inside and when you
are done the liner is thrown away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Massages:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are various massages that assist with the
detoxification of your body. A massage will get the toxins to move around and
eventually out of your body. The one that I needed the most was a Lymph Drain
Massage to help with the assistance of my lymph system draining. Now some
people have asked me what is your lymph system and how important is it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is very important to your body. The lymphatic
system are vessels that move the fluid around your body and assist with keeping
harmful things such as toxins away from your cells. You actually have more
fluid in your body than blood so when a blockage appears it can cause a lot of
problems. For example I could feel the head pressure, tremors in my jaw, stiff
neck because the lymph nodes in my face and neck were not draining properly. I
felt very heavy headed as if I had a bad head cold. Some people feel pain
radiating through their body, stiffness, numbness, etc. Lymph drainage massage
helps keep the lymph system happy and healthy. You don’t have to be sick in
order to get this massage. Some people who are very healthy get this massage to
keep their body performing at its best. You want to make sure the massage
therapist knows how to do Lymph Drainage and some are even certified in this
area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Again before you do any of these things, do your
research, figure out what is best for your health and if you have a medical
condition then talk to your practitioner first or find a holistic/integrative
doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope I was able to shed some light on various ways
you can stay healthy or if you are trying to get better holistically. Stay
tuned for part 2 that discusses ways to detox at home. Here’s to a healthier
new you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Serena Wills is not a health practitioner and only sharing what worked for her, you should consult a medical practitioner/integrative doctor before trying these, especially if you have a medical condition.</em></span></div>
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-5577677408192641612014-01-10T12:09:00.001-05:002014-01-10T12:09:56.816-05:00Friday Inspiration <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUBvslt4uEFNAuqFdrjAHfM9g9yS8aLLZb5Qz27NdWkxKaDwyRMqCkBaiD2tiqKeud4XRIHJaCm47EtSOzg6daqkQHYEaLQnhs9DfI6_ouTm-AQ4msfMmkPIM-Fm60NOQscF65XeWsZDW/s1600/healed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUBvslt4uEFNAuqFdrjAHfM9g9yS8aLLZb5Qz27NdWkxKaDwyRMqCkBaiD2tiqKeud4XRIHJaCm47EtSOzg6daqkQHYEaLQnhs9DfI6_ouTm-AQ4msfMmkPIM-Fm60NOQscF65XeWsZDW/s1600/healed.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today I started vestibular physical therapy. For those who don't know what that is or what is vestibular then here is the simple definition, "The <b>vestibular system</b>, which contributes to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_(ability)" title="Balance (ability)">balance</a> in most mammals and to the sense of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spatial_orientation" title="Spatial orientation">spatial orientation</a>, is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_system" title="Sensory system">sensory system</a> that provides the leading contribution about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_coordination" title="Motor coordination">movement</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_of_balance" title="Sense of balance">sense of balance</a>." (Founded on Wikipedia).<br />
<br />
When a person who has suffered from an illness or disorder depending on what the cause is a person can have an imbalance causing them to sway, feeling as if they are swaying, they can't stand still without feeling like they are going to fall, a big room feels like the size of the universe, causes anxiety, etc. That is me. Lyme Disease caused this system to be off balance in me so now I'm in PT to rectify it.<br />
<br />
I'm writing about my first day because I was truly inspired. From the conversation about God in the waiting room with a woman who is regaining strength again to walk, to the disabled woman who hasn't walked but is determined that she will. She is also graduating in 6 weeks with her Master Degree despite her disabilities. There was a spirit and energy in the rehab room that I didn't expect. Everyone in there was working towards getting better, their attitudes were positive, there was laughter and smiles. I'm blessed to be able to go to this particular center and get PT.<br />
<br />
Today I did exercises that were once easy for me...stuff I used to do with my eyes closed in African dance class that I now do slowly. My physical therapist is pushing me because she has faith in me and is confident that by the time my physical therapy is over I will be running again on the tread mill.<br />
<br />
We are working on retraining my brain. I have faith and belief that I will fully recover from this disease. After having to walk backwards, walk forward (heel toe), walking side ways all with a bar in front of me I became more determined that in the next couple of months I will be doing all of these exercises without a bar in front of me.<br />
<br />
The last thing I did today was ride on a stationary bike for 10 minutes. That might not sound like a lot to some...but when one has lost muscle mass like me and is in recovery it's a big deal. I almost cried as I rode the bike and could feel my legs come back to life!<br />
<br />
I encourage anyone reading this that if there is an obstacle in the way...and it looks impossible. Don't give up! I no longer say, "I hope I'm going to get better." Instead I say, "Oh...I WILL get better, no doubt about it!"<br />
<br />
Pray on it...center yourself...ask for what you want and you will receive it.<br />
<br />
Blessings to all and stay tuned for more about my journey.<br />
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-32304414671772383182013-12-31T15:04:00.001-05:002013-12-31T15:04:42.242-05:00Grateful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPzJcltO28tlp-fTiJNEsFjxU9pchFAzDXPIRYdod_03K9IHXJG_A_amxfZhWjDRvYUH6vwPcMjHUFKwlrKOUwXeIZ1dvfWWoeEmlvb8xd7FmZznAj-VdPW9nse3PjJS1aqW1be6V7K1k/s1600/Samax+Drawing+High.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPzJcltO28tlp-fTiJNEsFjxU9pchFAzDXPIRYdod_03K9IHXJG_A_amxfZhWjDRvYUH6vwPcMjHUFKwlrKOUwXeIZ1dvfWWoeEmlvb8xd7FmZznAj-VdPW9nse3PjJS1aqW1be6V7K1k/s320/Samax+Drawing+High.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing by Samax Amen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I decided to write a list of why I am so grateful. I look at life through a different lens between losing my mother in 2010, rocky relationships, having Lyme Disease and even through the best of times as I became a mother, have a closer relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, finished writing books, being published in numerous anthologies and being loved by many. On this last day of 2013 I reflected on a lot of these areas and came up with this list. Maybe before the New Year rings in you too can write a list that consists of positivity so you can end the year on right note. Peace and blessings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having a closer relationship with God. I thought my relationship became closer after I lost my sister Ayana in 2007 and my Mom in 2010 but after the many trials I have faced I feel even closer to Him and more in line with all that He wants and needs me to do.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My son means the world to me and I thank God for him everyday. He has seen me through some great moments and some dark and dismal times. We went from running in the park, going to African dance class, open mics to being in an IV room twice a week. He was with me 95% of the time in regards to coming with me to various appointments and his smile is contagious. No matter how I felt...he would look over at me and his smile would shine like the sun. Children are walking angels and I could not imagine my life without him.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Surrounded by loving family and friends. Some went to many extremes to care for me and showed me that even in the darkest hour they would never leave me and I thank them for that always. I thank God for new friends that entered my life. He always plants people in your life when you need them and He will even remove folks who you don't need around. Their chapter in my book of life has ended and that is fine. Folks go down different paths and through prayer I have learned to accept it.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My medical team is dynamic and full of faith! It's one thing to have a good doctor...it's another to have great doctors that truly care about you. Ones that will email and call just to see if I am okay and have seen me in the deepst part of the woods and now helping me recover as I am exiting out of the wilderness. They are blessings and I love each of them.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Through these trying times I have had a job. Thankful for employment during this economy. I've been guilty of complaining but to have a job and great benefits is amazing during these times.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God does answer prayers...and He has and still is answering mine daily. I'm so grateful for His love and for my healing to take place and the restoration. It's only a matter of time before I am totally restored.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Call me Joseph from the bible. My dreams have been very vivid and to see some of them come to life or to see what is ahead for us in the future makes me excited. It's a gift...not everyone has the gift of sight through dreams or believes in it...well I do and God I say thank you. As my pastors said, "The best is yet to come."</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My beautiful church home, <a href="http://www.ebenezerame.org/" target="_blank">Ebenezer AME</a> in Ft. Washington, MD. There are not enough words to describe how much I love my church family. They are a praying church and every time I go, people are praying for us...make us feel welcome, have helped us financially, you name it...they were there. I can't wait to become a member of a couple of ministries so I can pay it forward and help others.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The <a href="http://www.healingwell.com/" target="_blank">Healing Well</a> forum...that is a second family to me. We will all beat this horrid Lyme Disease. I'm grateful to have made friendships, met a few in person and we help each other out through advice, a shoulder to cry on, drive each other to appointments, doctor referrals and have done it all with love! I love the ones who are healed that come back to share their testimonies!!!! Y'all are awesome!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To my heavenly ancestors that have passed away and watch over us every minute of the day. I have a powerhouse ancestor team up there. My parents are always with us...next to us. They watch over my son when he is sleeping and when we are away from one another. All of my ancestors...I love you and as we say in the West African tradition, "Ase...Ase...Ase."</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Everyone be blessed and have a great New Year! 2014 will be our year of recovery whether it is health, finances, love, jobs, whatever you lost...we will recover it ALL!</em></span>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-25089389162473254332013-11-04T12:40:00.000-05:002013-11-04T12:40:04.663-05:00You Don't Know My Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1uelc305Fj9DmILshg69y2c39KZt2lbMVsICF18hJEzCFtIsIN9ABPpeqHZ0f69xirYdRYPZYK0mYa-rtfR5G8iGzZInW4P66NTR6Y20a89jVDmxODuKxRVZB-WpBDgHGFZ8i26CGfyF/s1600/Pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1uelc305Fj9DmILshg69y2c39KZt2lbMVsICF18hJEzCFtIsIN9ABPpeqHZ0f69xirYdRYPZYK0mYa-rtfR5G8iGzZInW4P66NTR6Y20a89jVDmxODuKxRVZB-WpBDgHGFZ8i26CGfyF/s320/Pain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You don't know my pain<br />Chronically ill for months<br />Feeling like I'm about to go insane<br />You don't know my pain<br />Crying out to God in the middle of the night<br />Asking Him to spare my life once again<br />Multiple issues clashing together<br />People not understanding brushing everything off<br />Family in denial because I'm always the health nut<br />Yet I feel so alone and in a rut<br />You don't know my pain<br />Suffering and in a financial strain<br />Waking up daily for months feeling drained<br />My circle of friends got smaller<br />Folks who I thought would be there bailed on a sister when I hollered<br />Neurological, physical to mental <br />This disease has wreaked harm on my body in an unfair way<br />
I've cried out to God asking Him why am I going through<br />Relating to every word in the book of Job as he was tested too<br />Praying for a cure<br />A miracle<br />Not just for me but for many who are behind me<br />That will become sick with this devil disease called Lyme<br />People keep saying all in time<br />I will be healed<br />But when...<br />Whatever I need to do God please show the way<br />I'll do whatever you want but please have mercy on my soul and hear me as I pray<br />You don't know pain<br />I hope you will never know<br />As I became a victim to this disease<br />That hit me with a heavy blow<br />Live life while you have health<br />And don't be like me wondering...thinking...what if I had done this or that...<br />Remain prayerful despite your storms and never turn your back<br />On people like me<br />
Because you never know if your number will be called<br />And if it is...trust me...you won't want to feel alone<br />Alone...<br />Alone...<br />You don't know my pain...<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Written By: Serena T. Wills</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>June, 2013</em></strong><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Dedicated to Everyone Dealing and Healing from Lyme Disease and any Chronic Illness or Injury</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Copyright 2013 (c) Serena Wills</em><br />
<em>All rights are reserved</em><br />
<br />Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-80606414327966297062013-10-16T17:06:00.001-04:002013-10-16T17:06:43.406-04:00Parenting with An Illness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN4EZRRFzLqcNr2X7L2tuDHQWJ4EOjFyMZnQz_14NxZm1jo5QQaz7ZeC4TWVd4zjyLR2qSqt56kIew6bKnXzHIMmqOzYEEZIvNd7U_X7gulhEYQOlJeJzK9OBu4FPBcBjz6la611N4MtZ/s1600/I+Adore+Him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN4EZRRFzLqcNr2X7L2tuDHQWJ4EOjFyMZnQz_14NxZm1jo5QQaz7ZeC4TWVd4zjyLR2qSqt56kIew6bKnXzHIMmqOzYEEZIvNd7U_X7gulhEYQOlJeJzK9OBu4FPBcBjz6la611N4MtZ/s320/I+Adore+Him.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken weeks before the bite that lead to Lyme Disease last year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Parenting is quite a task. You want your children to have the best in life. So what happens when the parent or both parents become very ill? <br />
<br />
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease 10 months ago although my health started crashing a little over a year ago. My son had just turned 1. There were days when I didn't know how I was going to function yet take care of my son. Its one thing to be a parent but a whole other ballgame when you're a single parent. <br />
<br />
There were moments when fear struck and I went to very dark places in my thoughts. Many days and nights I cried asking God to please heal me because I need to be there for my son. But every morning I was just trying to get out of bed in pain, fatigued, foggy, poor balance or whatever else struck me that day. But my son would look at me in his crib with those big brown eyes and he gave me the determination to get our day started. Even when he would cry out for me or when he was just simply giggling it gave me energy and hope.<br />
<br />
When I reached out to other parents on the forum called <a href="http://www.healingwell.com/" target="_blank">The Healing Well</a> I knew I was not alone. All of them like me had one thing on their mind and that was getting well for their children and spouses for those who are married. Whether they were/are bedridden, hospitalized or able to function but were still ill. <br />
<br />
So what I did instead of thinking about a lot of dark thoughts was turn those into prayers and meditation. I won't lie there were challenging times when I wish my life was different and that I wasn't alone everyday with my son. But for some reason I believe that this illness is gonna make me so much stronger as a mother and a person. It's also preparing me for my future husband (whomever and where ever he is).<br />
<br />
Dealing with an illness takes a lot of patience as well as raising a child. I've had to learn to grow my patience even more. Between waiting for my complete and total healing, numerous doctors appointments, maintaining my household and also raising my now two year old.<br />
<br />
A few things I would like to tell other parents that are dealing with an illness is to try to remain positive, focus on other things besides your self such as your children, if you're married write down things you would like to do after you heal with your family and lastly don't be afraid to ask for help.<br />
The last one was the toughest one for me. I was always so used to reaching out to my mother when I was in trouble but now that she is deceased I have to reach out to other family and even friends.<br />
<br />
Also during this time I have become very close to quite a few single mothers who have tremendously stepped up and helped me out. We have created our own support group to lean on each other. They might not be physically ill but a few of them have some emotional stresses, financial challenges and we're there to really pray and support one another. There are also married couples who have embraced us and help us out, give advice, talk when needed and they are a glimmer of hope for me as well.<br />
<br />
If you can reach out to other families like yourselves and whether its for help or you just want somebody to fellowship with it really does make a difference.<br />
<br />
For those parents and loved ones who are not ill the one thing you can do for parents with illnesses is to reach out to them and ask them how can you be of service to them. Whether it is a phone call, a visit, even a letter goes really long way. I have a good friend in New York City who is like a sister to me and she got groceries sent to me because she knew I was low on cash and needed them. It meant so much to me to know how much people cared.<br />
<br />
There is one parent on the <a href="http://www.healingwell.com/" target="_blank">forum</a> I belong on who truly inspires me. Her kids are now grown but most of their childhood if not all of it she was very ill. She told parents on the forum that she was afraid that her kids would grow up to resent her. What she decided to do was home school her children. This effort took incredible strength and courage on her end. As they got older they told her how much they loved her and that they never resented her.<br />
<br />
Also there is nothing like a kiss or a hug from your child or having them cuddle next to you when you're not feeling well. It's truly healing. My son plays a game with me. He will run into the bedroom and run under the covers and it's as if he is waiting for me to find him. Children are healing and beautiful angels sent from God and if you have a spouse please let them help you and also accept their love.<br />
<br />
I will leave you with these few pointers that I found to be personally helpful:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pray</li>
<li>Meditate</li>
<li>If you can move then do light workouts and have your family join you like yoga or stretches.</li>
<li>Do small activities with your kids like color, read a book to them OR they can read to you.</li>
<li>If you have older kids talk to them about their day and if they want to know how you are feeling tell them the truth. Teens want to know what's going on and are helpful.</li>
<li>If you can't attend school activities have someone record them or Skype.</li>
<li>Try to stay in a positive place mentally...you're allowed to go to dark places at time (we are human) but don't stay there.</li>
<li>Fellowship with other parents. Invite them over...they can be helpful.</li>
<li>Write in a journal (things you want to do with your family once you're well, dreams and goals for your family).</li>
<li>Try to do some of your favorite things that don't require a lot of energy (I know it's hard...trust me). I can't African dance yet but I can watch and get the energy.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxPLufhDo0_kYTilBqtg8XkA3eVfawznqiXkQMzk67F_Un2Nry5WR12NgDozKqBhYM3MTfEcb35OlOcEQ6mUe5WXaKxFnmjmVYRpGT7h1iiPHS4Il_Ge3Q8cCw8GzEXnqys5f_AXelA0z/s1600/Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxPLufhDo0_kYTilBqtg8XkA3eVfawznqiXkQMzk67F_Un2Nry5WR12NgDozKqBhYM3MTfEcb35OlOcEQ6mUe5WXaKxFnmjmVYRpGT7h1iiPHS4Il_Ge3Q8cCw8GzEXnqys5f_AXelA0z/s320/Hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>I'm with you in this journey...love and light.</em></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(This is part one of this article as I know some illnesses aren't temporary and are terminal, stay tuned for part two in the near future).</em></div>
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-64509359360605609082013-10-01T15:01:00.003-04:002013-10-01T15:03:23.675-04:00Healing from Lyme Disease...My Personal Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDh2VrMVSl8hYrxN2Sv-ss-hol_xGbT-6jyF-6fJtz2_JPBKNtBKjTbnSGJoVhvyyQju8B_RMGyifVrw_qBv3Ej1KtKZIUZCSAXRhCbeNxMdrcPJ5RaWbZyRBjynexSQcQDMZ3QFqO-a_/s1600/chronic-lyme-disease-symptoms-advocacy-awareness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDh2VrMVSl8hYrxN2Sv-ss-hol_xGbT-6jyF-6fJtz2_JPBKNtBKjTbnSGJoVhvyyQju8B_RMGyifVrw_qBv3Ej1KtKZIUZCSAXRhCbeNxMdrcPJ5RaWbZyRBjynexSQcQDMZ3QFqO-a_/s1600/chronic-lyme-disease-symptoms-advocacy-awareness.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last September will be a month I will never forget. I was
full of energy between running 6+ miles a week, African dancing, going out on
the weekends, being able to play with my son on the floor, performing spoken word and do whatever I
wanted to do. I had just received a full time job offer with my organization
after being either unemployed or working part time with no benefits since June
2011. I was very happy and had so much planned for our (my son and I) future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ten days after I accepted the offer I went for a power walk
with some coworkers on September 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th.</span></sup> Instead of walking along the
paved trails we decided to take a nature walk on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm" target="_blank">Theodore Roosevelt Island</a>
in Washington, DC. I’m all about walking and running on pavement. I’m not one
to walk through trails that are full of bushes, trees and dirt paths but I
figured let me do something different. As we were walking I remember feeling
something on my right arm. When I looked down it was some sort of bug and it
was hard to get off. I finally got it off of my arm. I felt fine as it didn’t
leave a huge mark (just a regular bug bite) and we continued the walk. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Days later I remember having a deep chest cough. I didn’t
know where it came from so I went to CVS and bought some Mucinex. Even my boss
had commented on my cough when I worked one Saturday at National’s Stadium for
an event that my organization was hosting. The last week of September despite
the cough that wouldn’t go away I kept running and even went to African dance
class. No one could have told me a year later that would be my
last time running or dancing.<o:p></o:p><br />
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October I felt like the Phoenix as I crashed and burned
accept I didn’t rise from the ashes. It went from a cough, to shortness of
breath, two visits to the emergency room, heart palpitations, night sweats,
weakness in my legs, numbness in my face, fingers and toes, internal tremors,
severe fatigue and the list goes on.<o:p></o:p><br />
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After seeing several specialists no one could figure out
what was wrong with me. I was told I had pneumonia, pleurisy, anxiety,
lupus…all kinds of diagnoses. I now felt like I had the flu on top of all of
this and was experiencing muscle spasms, chills, soreness in my feet, joint
aches, a lot of floaters in my eyes, twitches and for some reason the right
side of my body was becoming weaker than my left side.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Several weeks later and numerous days off from work my
friend from college emailed me in the middle of the night on Facebook. She said
she was worried after reading my numerous status updates that kept talking
about how sick I was and not getting better. She referred me to her integrative
doctor in Washington DC.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I prayed that morning before calling and that maybe…just
maybe this doctor had some answers. I called the day I read her email which was
on Tuesday, November 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and spoke directly to Dr. Sakiliba Mines
of the <a href="http://www.integrativemedicinewashingtondcmdva.com/" target="_blank">The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine</a> and she fit me into her
packed schedule that day. It was Thanksgiving week and I wanted to feel better.
It was only my second Thanksgiving as a mother and this is not how I wanted to
start out our holiday season.<o:p></o:p><br />
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After our first visit she said from my symptoms there was
some sort of infection brewing inside me and also something neurological. I
brushed off the neurological piece because I just knew my brain was intact and
healthy. I received my first Vitamin IV infusion that day…the first of many. She also put me on numerous supplements such as Vitamin C powder, Magnesium and a Probiotic.<br />
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After a sickly Thanksgiving I came back to DC after
traveling from New York City and leaving a worried grandmother and family behind and
got an MRI and a ton of labs done (Comprehensive Blood Panel). The MRI came
back the very next day. I sat with my doctor and my eyes went right to the
bottom of the report that stated there were not only spots on my cerebellum
(small part of your brain which controls a lot of your motor skills, anxiety,
emotions, etc) but inflammation and unspecified matter particularly on the
right hemisphere of the brain. The diagnosis on the sheet of paper said,
“Worrisome for this age group…potential Multiple Sclerosis.” I’m glad I was
sitting down because I would have fallen to the floor because I began to feel faint. I began to sweat and
tears rolled down the side of my face.<o:p></o:p><br />
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My doctor read the report twice and looked up at me and
calmly said, “I’ve seen these results before in my patients with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lyme Disease</b>…it mimics MS and a lot of
other disorders.” She knew I was upset and gently spoke to me by telling me, “I
faith in you and you will make a full recovery.” We stood up and before I left
her office to go do more lab work she hugged me. I’ve never had a doctor hug me
before. She was just what I needed at that time…someone caring and
compassionate. I did more blood work that day which included a Western Blot/Lyme titer before receiving another Vitamin IV infusion. A
few days went by and on December 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> I received a call from her
office that the test came back positive.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I was relieved to have a diagnosis but I thought that Lyme
couldn’t be hard to cure. Not knowing at the time that there isn’t a cure (well at least on the books) but
the bacteria can go into remission. December 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 2012 started my
Lyme healing journey.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So you might be asking yourself…what is Lyme
Disease? According to Wikepedia this is what they say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Lyme borreliosis</span></b>) is an
infectious disease caused by at least three <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species" title="Species"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">species</span></a>
of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria" title="Bacteria"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">bacteria</span></a>
belonging to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genus" title="Genus"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">genus</span></a>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrelia" title="Borrelia"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Borrelia</span></a></span>.<sup id="cite_ref-Samuels_DS.3B_Radolf.2C_JD_editors_2010_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-Samuels_DS.3B_Radolf.2C_JD_editors_2010-1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[1]</span></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-Sherris-2"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[2]</span></a></sup>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrelia_burgdorferi" title="Borrelia burgdorferi"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Borrelia burgdorferi</span></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensu_stricto" title="Sensu stricto"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sensu stricto</span></a></span><sup id="cite_ref-Hu_3-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-Hu-3"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[3]</span></a></sup>
is the main cause of Lyme disease in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America" title="North America"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">North America</span></a>,
whereas <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrelia_afzelii" title="Borrelia afzelii"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Borrelia
afzelii</span></a></span> and <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrelia_garinii" title="Borrelia garinii"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Borrelia
garinii</span></a></span> cause most <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe" title="Europe"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">European</span></a> cases.
The disease is named after the towns of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme,_Connecticut" title="Lyme, Connecticut"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Lyme</span></a>
and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Lyme,_Connecticut" title="Old Lyme, Connecticut"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Old Lyme, Connecticut</span></a>, US, where a number
of cases were identified in 1975. Although it was known that Lyme disease was a
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick-borne_disease" title="Tick-borne disease"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tick-borne disease</span></a> as far back as 1978, the
cause of the disease remained a mystery until 1981, when <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">B. burgdorferi</span> was identified by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Burgdorfer" title="Willy Burgdorfer"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Willy
Burgdorfer</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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</span><br />
<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Borrelia</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks belonging to a few
species of the genus <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ixodes" title="Ixodes"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ixodes</span></a></span>
("hard ticks").<sup id="cite_ref-Baron_5-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-Baron-5"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[5]</span></a></sup>
Early symptoms may include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever" title="Fever"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fever</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headache" title="Headache"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">headache</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(medical)" title="Fatigue (medical)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fatigue</span></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood)" title="Depression (mood)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">depression</span></a>, and a characteristic circular skin
rash called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans" title="Erythema chronicum migrans"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">erythema migrans</span></a> (EM). Left untreated,
later symptoms may involve the joints, heart, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_nervous_system" title="Central nervous system"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">central nervous system</span></a>. In most cases, the
infection and its symptoms are eliminated by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotics" title="Antibiotics"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">antibiotics</span></a>,
especially if the illness is treated early.<sup id="cite_ref-IDSA_FAQ_6-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-IDSA_FAQ-6"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[6]</span></a></sup>
Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to more serious symptoms, which can be
disabling and difficult to treat.<sup id="cite_ref-Cairns_7-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease#cite_note-Cairns-7"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[7]</span></a></sup><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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When I found out the news I called my grandmother. I know it
was hard for her to digest the fact that I had an illness. According to her she
didn’t think it was fair. I had been through enough in her eyes. I totally
agreed. I told numerous friends as well that live in the area as my family is a
few hours away. I did receive support but some were very fearful. I also heard my fair share of comments and opinions from people. Enough to drive me to tears. I was saddened by the various comments and became
depressed and felt isolated at times.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Looking back I don’t think some people knew what to say.
They cared about me and wanted the best…but sometimes what might be best for
others won’t be for you. They didn’t think about my job, my medical team that
God blessed me with and my inner peace living in the DC area compared to the
NYC area. I decided to stick it out and I prayed! I pray morning, noon and
night. I don’t start my day off without prayer and at night I’m praying in my
prayer room (I transformed my walk in closet at that time into my prayer closet). At the end of it all…I’m never alone because I have God on my
side. Meditation and yoga also became key to keeping inner peace.<o:p></o:p><br />
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God blessed me with new friends to add to my circle during
this time in the woods. One was a neighbor, “Janice” and looked at me one day
in mid-October and said, “You don’t look well.” I don’t know if it was the dark
circles under my eyes, the fact that my right leg was going weak and I felt
like I was dragging it along or what. But she knew something wasn’t right. This
was before I really knew what was wrong. She gave me her number and she has
been by my side ever since. God will send people to stand in the gap.<br />
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I not only had Lyme Disease but two coinfections,
“<a href="http://www.lymedisease.org/lyme101/coinfections/bartonella.html" target="_blank">Bartonella</a> and <a href="http://www.lymedisease.org/lyme101/coinfections/babesia.html" target="_blank">Babesia</a>” which are parasites that mimic malaria. A lot was
going on and I was out of work for one month with no pay because I was still on probation being a new employee. I felt so alone…so
isolated from the world. People couldn’t understand what was wrong even after I
told them. Also being a single mother made it even scarier. My son was and
still is my motivation to get totally well again. I won’t take living with a
few symptoms…I will be symptom free one day and soon!<o:p></o:p><br />
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It’s now a year after the bite and I have had over 50
IV’s, numerous supplements, detoxification of my body (which is important with Lyme and
any other illness) also the average person should detox regularly whether it’s
juicing, aqua chi foot therapy baths, colon hydrotherapy, infrared saunas,
massages, acupuncture, kinesiology and detox baths which include dead sea salt (or if you aren't allergic like me epsom salt) and food grade hydrogen peroxide. My diet is pristine, gluten
free, dairy free and sugar free because the bacteria feeds off of this stuff.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I’ve lost a total of 25 pounds due to this illness because
the bacteria got into my muscles and tissues. I plan on getting most of it back
(I miss my muscle mass and fitting into ¾ of my wardrobe). I look at myself in
the mirror and tell myself how much I love myself, that I am a demonstration of
God’s healing and that I will make it. During this illness when I had my
bad/so-so days I would work on my dreams. <strong><em>Sickness is a serious reality check</em></strong>.
I told God if I check out tomorrow (and there were days when I thought death
was knocking at my doorstep) that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
thankful for being a mother, having a great family, friends, belonging to a
dynamic sorority (Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc) and being His servant while
on earth. But if I got one more chance I would make sure that my poetry book
would be published, my cafe would open, I would join ministries that I kept
putting off and be the best mother I could be to my beautiful son! During the
thick of the sickness I worked slowly on it but my first poetry book is finally
in the hands of my graphic designer for final layout and will come out by the
end of the year.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I have 10 symptoms remaining which are a lot better than the
30+ I had in the beginning. I will admit…they are daunting and scary at times
but day by day I’m grateful to God. I have breath in my body, I’m able to do
more, God is cleaning house from the inside out and my faith is stronger. I get
to watch my son grow and develop and I thought my family got closer when my
mother was sick and passed away…well we became closer during this time.
Everyone is determined to see me cross that finish line.<o:p></o:p><br />
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If anyone ever tells you that Lyme Disease is a joke or is
easy to heal from…tell them to call me or better yet visit my buddies on the
<a href="http://www.healingwell.com/" target="_blank">Healing Well forum</a>. Lyme Disease is the great imitator. It can mimic MS, ALS,
Parkinson’s, Lupus, Pneumonia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
Fibromyalgia and more chronic illnesses. A great doctor won’t go based on
solely labs…they will clinically diagnose you because the bacteria is so smart
that it can hide itself in tissue since it is shaped like a spiral, hence the
name of the bacteria “spirochete”. It’s not a disease for the financially broke
(and I’m broke)! About 95% of the LLMD’s (Lyme Literate Doctors) or a
Naturopath, Herbalist, etc doesn’t accept insurance. It’s not that they don’t
want to accept insurance…it’s the fact that this is such a controversial
disease that insurance companies consider most treatments “experimental.”<o:p></o:p><br />
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But wait until the insurance companies get a rude
awakening…because every year thousands of people are misdiagnosed and guess
what…when they are all properly diagnosed the insurance companies will have no
choice but to open up!<o:p></o:p><br />
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</span><br />
I plan on writing more about various health issues and
figured I might as well start with myself.
Stay tuned as I plan on starting a health blog and hopefully
will write a column for a magazine <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
<br />
<br />
If you’re chronically ill, don’t give up the fight! Keep pushing forward. You
have people who love you and God is on your side. This too shall pass…I tell
myself that every day and have faith that it will pass and soon.<br />
<br />
<em>My name is Serena T. Wills and I have Lyme Disease…but it doesn’t have me!</em><br /><br />
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God speed.</div>
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Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-56879317599086887522013-09-16T14:24:00.000-04:002013-09-16T14:24:18.529-04:00I'm published again! The Anthology, Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens is now available on Amazon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifCg1xdKcfFU88JeOq0um-3EI489RuZVE7jV3SE7VK6q_ZwzV-yTNRpi0VeJPXWBHNleGwNPiBA4qgLallDO_Rpbsu08ifUDQ0wb97X-SeneKgBPDJdcK2LJldavfdwL9HxFj2ZmeYZuV/s1600/Cornbread,+Fish+and+Collard+Greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifCg1xdKcfFU88JeOq0um-3EI489RuZVE7jV3SE7VK6q_ZwzV-yTNRpi0VeJPXWBHNleGwNPiBA4qgLallDO_Rpbsu08ifUDQ0wb97X-SeneKgBPDJdcK2LJldavfdwL9HxFj2ZmeYZuV/s400/Cornbread,+Fish+and+Collard+Greens.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to announce that I am published in another anthology. "<em><strong>Cornbread, Fish and Collard Green: Prayers, Poems and Affirmation for People Living with HIV/AIDS"</strong></em> is now available on Amazon. This beautiful anthology is edited by Khafre Abif who is a father of two sons and living with HIV for 24 years.<br /> <br /> I submitted a couple of poems while I was pregnant with my son a couple of years ago. Khafre loved my poems and asked if they could be included! I wrote them in dedication to two women in my family who lost their lives to AIDS, my Aunt Dorethea and Glenda and my sister Ayana Wills who never contracted HIV or AIDS but was born to a mother who had AIDS. <br /> <br /> You can go to this link to buy the book. My name is also mentioned on the back cover of the book amongst other beautiful artists and writers (which you can view on Amazon). I'm so blessed and eternally grateful! God bless you all! The best is yet to come!<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cornbread-Fish-Collard-Greens-Affirmation/dp/1491803215/ref=sr_1_1_title_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379353671&sr=1-1&keywords=cornbread+fish+and+collard+greens" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.amazon.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>Cornbread-Fish-Collard-Greens-A</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ffirmation/dp/1491803215/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ref=sr_1_1_title_2_pap?s=books&</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ie=UTF8&qid=1379353671&sr=1-1&</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>keywords=cornbread+fish+and+co</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>llard+greens</a>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-27512219928488864772013-08-29T12:40:00.001-04:002013-08-30T11:10:04.647-04:00Crimson Tipped Wings<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTosfCkuLk-YKWcEI00ZDCvLp2sAKr_sTeVO_ettWCRw1u6FDUJf4pcj2A66I_RufKj6Uv7cs1xptfBqCq0BeXnV0ZYkOxm73LAw9jmUUNqeMc9QsdZR27pY94nlEh6l1GYXKwKJh9ydH/s1600/Jenea+James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTosfCkuLk-YKWcEI00ZDCvLp2sAKr_sTeVO_ettWCRw1u6FDUJf4pcj2A66I_RufKj6Uv7cs1xptfBqCq0BeXnV0ZYkOxm73LAw9jmUUNqeMc9QsdZR27pY94nlEh6l1GYXKwKJh9ydH/s320/Jenea+James.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Crimson Tipped Wings (a
poem for Soror Jenea James) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am an angel <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">With Crimson tipped wings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Playing my harp as I sing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Praises to my King <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Made into an ancestor before
my time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Due to jealousy and a
senseless crime <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yet I fly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I smile <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although some think I'm many
miles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Away...I actually stay <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Close to them and you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When my children cry out for
me I'm already there <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Comforting them and
whispering, "Please don't weep" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cradling them in my wings
until they go back to sleep <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Soaring high above the
mountain tops <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will never stop <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Moving as I'm free as a bird
is in the blue sky <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Physical body has died <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But my spirit is whole and
very much alive <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">God gave me Crimson tipped
wings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">He knew I was His servant
through my illustrious sorority <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Crimson and Cream is what I
knew <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And Sorors I don't want you
to be blue <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Serve in His name <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Remember me for being the
same <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The one...the only...Ms.
Jenea James <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will guide each of you
through servanthood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asking to help our sistas out
that haven't understood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">How great and beautiful they
are...remember me when you light the night <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Full of candles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Praying for many women who
haven't escaped the daily abuse and strife <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I send rainbow colored wishes
from the clouds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Praising His name <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Praying that one of my wishes
for peace and joy touch a woman who is bound <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mama and Daddy I didn't want
to go...I didn't want to leave so suddenly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank you for being with me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Raising me and now my
children who were lead to safety <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cherish the memories <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Precious moments that we
shared <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Knowing that one day we will
reunite in the heavens and I can tell you face to face how much I cared <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm no longer in harms way <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Surrounded by my Savior, God my
father, Holy Spirit, ancestors and angels day by day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm an angel with Crimson
tipped wings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Playing my harp while I sing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Praises to the King <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will never leave you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nor forsake you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If anything I will protect
all of you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do not weep or feel blue <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the stillness of the night
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On a sunlit day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Or when the rain falls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">No matter what the day
brings...remember that I will always love you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will cover you with...my
Crimson tipped wings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written By<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Serena T. Wills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rest in Peace Soror Jenea
James…you are missed by many and loved by all<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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All rights are reserved.Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-64868985996364817472013-07-02T11:56:00.002-04:002013-07-02T11:56:28.245-04:00Runway to HeavenThis poem just wouldn't come out of my system until today. I wanted to write it after my dear friend Dom passed away back in January but yet another poem was birthed. I'm so glad that I'm writing again and that this piece has been birthed. Runway to Heaven will be in my second poetry book titled, "Crying Tears of Teal" which will be released in 2014. Stay tuned and enjoy this poem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qbX6NJ6OCBnShxK67-7WzFIJPGHopjAETJwlDaeOQeDhqeBi_A2gvW9pEWQkTAmI4qekJWfPBkMLEH_w0OJrZ1ZrnukBNjZ-eMdWvoNJnSvB6Du7JX-BsX2jT9BxDdrwNSJQlmJppAB3/s380/runway+to+heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qbX6NJ6OCBnShxK67-7WzFIJPGHopjAETJwlDaeOQeDhqeBi_A2gvW9pEWQkTAmI4qekJWfPBkMLEH_w0OJrZ1ZrnukBNjZ-eMdWvoNJnSvB6Du7JX-BsX2jT9BxDdrwNSJQlmJppAB3/s320/runway+to+heaven.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Runway to Heaven<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Heaven and earth sing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As our ancestors ring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The bells as they chime to alert of someone new approaching
the gates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As I day dreamed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I looked up to the clouds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Settling over the city lights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Hearing the thunder claps loudly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">From a distance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As dusk falls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">With colors of purple and pink galore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Forming straight lines through the sky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Like a runway to heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A cloud shaped like the formation of a huge hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I would like to think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">God’s hands were coming down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">For the first time my eyes witnessed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">No separation of my world and heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Began envisioning the runway to this place of paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A place where people are no longer in pain or suffering<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In the land of milk and honey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Where the grass is always green<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The birds are always singing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">And people love each other unconditionally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Despite the beauty of paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I know that my loved ones are always around me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Whether I feel a breeze in my home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Smell the scent of my daddy’s oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Or the facial expression of my mother crosses my son’s face
as he smiles at me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It might be a leaf from my peace lily perks up <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Sometimes when I’m reading scripture the page will turn on
its own letting me know my grandma Verma is close by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m reminded every day that although they are gone physically
that the runway to heaven isn’t far<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As they descend on earth from time to time to see what’s
happening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Protecting us constantly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Guiding us to a better life as they assist God our father
with healing, loving and just being<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I envision the runway to heaven full of light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Bells chiming<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">And those huge hands I saw in the clouds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Leading them to paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Heaven isn’t far<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">If you believe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Close your eyes and envision a place of peace and love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A place that I know I will end up in the distant future when
it’s my time to go to paradise</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><strong><em>Written By:</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serena T. Wills</span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Copyright 2013</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">All Rights Are Reserved</span></div>
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-34255199966679856472013-06-24T13:18:00.001-04:002013-06-24T13:18:42.431-04:00Burying the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<h2>
<em>Burying the Past<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62LjW5X45A79IxvbH_GfBhArBFLhAW7Uykh2dO_PnzJf9ONjOrTL-optjeixYGYVR9_BGUd94Urq3H7Xd84KcXlwrnCykasz0pdg6DXVB8gL09tKvWrfXqlz1ZP9ITnJsOAJyNsZfl06L/s1600/stock-photo-11800854-stones-of-faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62LjW5X45A79IxvbH_GfBhArBFLhAW7Uykh2dO_PnzJf9ONjOrTL-optjeixYGYVR9_BGUd94Urq3H7Xd84KcXlwrnCykasz0pdg6DXVB8gL09tKvWrfXqlz1ZP9ITnJsOAJyNsZfl06L/s320/stock-photo-11800854-stones-of-faith.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</em></h2>
Six feet deep in my soul<br />
<br />
Like a coffin in the ground<br />
<br />
Laid to rest my emotions, fears and broken promises<br />
<br />
Of my past<br />
<br />
Change had to come soon<br />
<br />
I would never be able to move forward<br />
<br />
With anyone...not even myself<br />
<br />
Until I buried the past and left it behind<br />
<br />
Expunging the dirt, grit and grime<br />
<br />
From things done to me in past time<br />
<br />
Forgiveness is key in burying what you don't want to relive<br />
<br />
Relieving the spirit from burden and pain<br />
<br />
As it melted away all that is dark inside<br />
<br />
Turned into light<br />
<br />
Making room for new memories and a fresh start<br />
<br />
Pieces of my past have tried to revisit<br />
<br />
Reminding me<br />
<br />
Of what or how I once felt<br />
<br />
Tempting at times to go back<br />
<br />
Building inner strength to leave it all behind<br />
<br />
Learn from it<br />
<br />
Break away from it<br />
<br />
Sometimes the past is a substance abuse, past love, sickness and pain<br />
<br />
In my case past relationships that went awry, a father that never acknowledged me, a mother who died and I felt I could have done more...wishing she did more for her own health<br />
<br />
Forgiving all of them did something I never knew could or would happen<br />
<br />
Walls that I couldn't get around or climb<br />
<br />
Crumbled like the Jericho Walls<br />
<br />
Heart was lightened and I'm ready to love once more<br />
<br />
Reflections of my father when I look in the mirror now make me smile<br />
<br />
Letting Mommy know that it's okay that you're gone, now you're whole eternally<br />
<br />
I never knew that burying and leaving my past would help me strive<br />
<br />
One victorious stride<br />
<br />
As I let the past die<br />
<br />
And be buried six feet under<br />
<br />
<em>Written By:</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Serena Wills</em><br />
<br />
<em>(I think the original was done in 2007 or so and I revised it today). Peace and blessings.</em><br />
<br />
Copyright Serena Wills 2013<br />
<br />
All Rights are Reserved<br />
<br />
Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-45612830236184745502013-03-28T10:50:00.000-04:002013-03-28T10:50:04.038-04:00Living Life 155%
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD8uc74mfgDoGR__CnySH4GVpc9h3KcjJPB1nv21SRyg31dRLcbB7RumkGekoUfsL7b0r90KFFfkadh0BHMMoy9RfpRRrQVjXeJ8FreOOvR7G0-KtEfY7MtyfoB412zVs_xiiyae1zNWP/s1600/I+Am+Stronger+Than+I+Thought.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD8uc74mfgDoGR__CnySH4GVpc9h3KcjJPB1nv21SRyg31dRLcbB7RumkGekoUfsL7b0r90KFFfkadh0BHMMoy9RfpRRrQVjXeJ8FreOOvR7G0-KtEfY7MtyfoB412zVs_xiiyae1zNWP/s320/I+Am+Stronger+Than+I+Thought.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%;">
<span><em>Dedicated to all those who are
healing from an illness and cancer survivors! You can do it!<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Living Life 155%<o:p></o:p></em></span></b></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I run</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sky Dive</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parasail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bike Ride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mountain Climb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Advocate for my friends with cancer
that are trying to stay alive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m a…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mother, Lover<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wife, Sister<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writer, Leader<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And you ask me how do I do all of
this in my life????<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No longer think too much as I take
chances and risks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those that live life too
cautiously I wave my finger and say, “tisk, tisk, tisk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I live life 155%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">100% isn’t good enough for me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once I became free I promised to
live life naturally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Living every moment as if it’s my
last<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traveling from place to place, city
to city and yet you still ask<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How does one find the energy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s very simple…you see…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just 2 years ago I was given 6
months to live<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thought I gave everything I could
give<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But it wasn’t enough…the doctors
were about to give up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I vowed if I made it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To live my life wholly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Making my dream checklist I gave
myself a “D” day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My “D” stood for destiny!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“D” stood for discharge and
determination!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So once I was “discharged” from the
hospital after it was said I would die I checked that off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then I was “determined” to restart
my life over and it was a must<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Got rid of all those non-believers,
doubters and pure haters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those that stood the test of time in
my darkest moments were my circle for life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fighting to get my life back I went
after my “destiny”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every day I check off something from
my long check list<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And every day I add more to it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m living life like my girl Jill
Scott as its Golden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Living Life 155%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If for some reason you dare resent
how I live<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then you can see yourself to the
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if anything your stupid doubts
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fuel to my fire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Added desire as I live out my life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until God calls me home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Copyright (c) Serena Wills 2013</em></span></div>
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<o:p><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> All Rights Are Reserved</span></em></o:p></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shirt can be purchased at </span></em><a href="http://anothermotherrunner.com/store/tees/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://anothermotherrunner.com/store/tees/</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (a great group of folks that I found online...support the mission)!</span></em></div>
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Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-82617082345266858762013-01-17T12:23:00.000-05:002013-01-17T12:23:43.146-05:00Mourning Blues<br />
Dedicated to my friend...my brother Dom Celanges, January 26, 1970-January 9, 2013. Rest in peace my brother.<br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>"Mourning Blues"</em></strong><br />
<br />
I talked until I was breathless<br />
<br />
With friends late last night<br />
<br />
Reminiscing on times and when all once felt painless<br />
<br />
Laughing about good times shared and what you always seemed to call "your side of the story" and <br />
that sense of humor<br />
<br />
But yet it's all a mystery<br />
<br />
As to what went wrong<br />
<br />
I will always remember you for your bright smile, kind heart, chocolate complexion and your grey hair that showed off your everlasting wisdom<br />
<br />
One of the greatest men that I've crossed paths with in my generation<br />
<br />
Yet you're gone<br />
<br />
And we are all undone<br />
<br />
Unwrapped emotionally<br />
<br />
Sulking and crying as we mourn<br />
<br />
The loss of a fallen great one<br />
<br />
What I wouldn't do to hear your voice one more time<br />
<br />
Wishing I reached out more<br />
<br />
I will always ask why...<br />
<br />
Why are you gone and so soon<br />
<br />
We had so much to do<br />
<br />
Life to live...but now I'm singing the mourning blues<br />
<br />
Never forgotten my friend...my brother<br />
<br />
Knowing deep in my heart God has opened His arms, made you whole and said to you, <br />
"Son...welcome home."<br />
<br />
Dom we love you always...as we say in the West African Tradition Ase...Ase...Ase (honoring our ancestors)Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-75883385313945146642012-12-12T11:43:00.000-05:002012-12-12T11:43:18.331-05:00Eye of the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio62ujeXaeRd8i_HYxIs2wNjJXIJKHjHEIdywS7rmThjpB9KCZc8VkK3JJEriXgY19IqFjgtalXhDAuZEfG9Z9xTDBY8uD-omh33gKI97RtJqMNEmZH-bvEJvlaJGH6hc52vixOc0zvvEv/s1600/Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio62ujeXaeRd8i_HYxIs2wNjJXIJKHjHEIdywS7rmThjpB9KCZc8VkK3JJEriXgY19IqFjgtalXhDAuZEfG9Z9xTDBY8uD-omh33gKI97RtJqMNEmZH-bvEJvlaJGH6hc52vixOc0zvvEv/s320/Storm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<em>(I wrote this back in October, this has been a season but it is getting better)</em><br />
<br />
This weekend I cried<br />
Storms of tears streamed down my face as I lied<br />
In a paramedics truck shaking and whimpering<br />
Scared to death that the demons that took over my body were laughing<br />
At what they thought was my demise<br />
My health was stripped day by day<br />
And everytime I woke I laid<br />
In a state of mental, emotional and sometime physical paralysis<br />
Almost giving up in the midst of the hurricane going on within my body<br />
Strangely enough when I thought my body was mending<br />
Sudden relapse occurred as if waves were crashing<br />
Back and forth in my system<br />
Palpitations as my heart was racing<br />
Hot flashes as if I was menopausal or PMSing<br />
Infection in my chest, lungs and body was winning<br />
Medication after medication had me jumping<br />
Out of my skin<br />
Tremors like an earthquake within<br />
I almost lost focus on Him<br />
While others were prepping for Sandy<br />
I was praying for healing so I could be<br />
Back to my natural state of upbeat vitality<br />
Closing my eyes in the ER yet again I had a visit from Mommy<br />
She appeared on my right side and said softly, "I won't dare let you die, I birthed you and pray for a renewed you."<br />
Ayana my sister came to her side and said, "Big sis, heal and be one again, live your dreams and cut out the stress whether its people, places or things.."<br />
Before I could fix my mouth to say a word<br />
They were gone<br />
I awakened to all of my levels being normal<br />
Free to go home<br />
Day by day<br />
Hour by hour <br />
Minute by minute<br />
I'm thankful that God is piecing me back together as I broke during the storm<br />
Remolded in His eyes I have a new focus<br />
And I'm killing the stress in my life!<br />
The eye of the storm could have destroyed me<br />
But I have to much to live for and will give thanks to my Father daily<br />
Thank you God for keeping me<br />
Using your hands to mold me into a divine figure to reflect thee<br />
It's now time to clean up the aftermath<br />
Head down a different path<br />
Filled with love, dreams and all<br />
Focus on Him in your storm<br />
I was too worried about getting blown away in the winds<br />
But after a while I refocused and laid my eyes on Him<br />
Thank you God, Christ, my ancestors (Ase) and to my renewed life<br />
<br />
<em>Peace and blessings everyone</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Written By:</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Serena Wills</em><br />
<em>October 29th, 2012</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>(During Hurrican Sandy...my prayers go out to all of those that suffered and were in her path).</em>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-31401745540162014812012-11-02T10:25:00.002-04:002012-11-02T10:25:46.652-04:00Worry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMy7bZ5HrS_lt1nX3wrGZxh6VDS9tDiUulhjaiqKgqsQNDUp5QAx5d7TF-vwcZNNfkFSALjy1w_kA1_FfeTwlXJaxAbO5WsWogFeGPliIcLgHMm2IRUMhOYuM7CkoEmxK-VGN0CcTsYfl/s1600/worried+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMy7bZ5HrS_lt1nX3wrGZxh6VDS9tDiUulhjaiqKgqsQNDUp5QAx5d7TF-vwcZNNfkFSALjy1w_kA1_FfeTwlXJaxAbO5WsWogFeGPliIcLgHMm2IRUMhOYuM7CkoEmxK-VGN0CcTsYfl/s1600/worried+woman.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong><em>(This was written a while ago as I was at a wall in my life) enjoy and be blessed.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Worry</em></span></strong><br />
<br />
Mom once told me to not worry too much<br />
But I can't help it as bills pile up<br />
Wanting to be the best mom while balancing my passion and work<br />
It gets to me God, scared that I'm a paycheck from being on the street<br />
Not wanting to give in to defeat<br />
Trying to make sure there is food on the table for us to eat<br />
Day by day I worry<br />
Praying that you don't see my faith as weary<br />
Blessings of a job came<br />
I'm steadily trying to maintain<br />
With a crazy pay cut I still remain faithful<br />
One woman told me I had luck<br />
Smiling to myself knowing it was deeper than the roll of dice<br />
Despite my worry I know deep in my heart my luck was divine and precise<br />
Remaining faithful I know that my job was a gift from you<br />
So why do I still worry?<br />
I guess it's because I'm humanly<br />
Mold me to have faith like you<br />
Don't stop instilling in me your continuous guidance that will see me through and through<br />
Worry is fear and fear is worry<br />
Praying it won't destroy my mental capacity<br />
Peel the layers of devastation, fear, worry, pain and brokeness from me<br />
Allow me to be the best that I can be<br />
Strip this demonistic madness<br />
So I can worry less<br />
And focus<br />
More on you<br />
On my son<br />
And the dreams I have so they can become true<br />
Please be patient with me<br />
God, don't give up<br />
While I face this wall called...worry<br />
<br />
Written By:<br />
<br />
Serena Wills<br />
<br />
September 24, 2012<br />
<br />
Copyright (c) Serena Wills<br />
All Rights ReservedSerena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-16369734604930869032012-09-16T17:11:00.001-04:002012-09-16T17:11:06.418-04:00Failure Isn't Final!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1TL_6hbszMoG7nbA-gzWrgQjLTM-CiINLhB0VdIo4i9Z571HV3NVj1jOOePdyctnd0V5g1jjjiY-FXSrvFZCoeoFrfwqnGANHVFLX6qAQ7FOB8wbYb2G3e6gIXSr8BJLpP72U_dbpa8R/s1600/Failure+does+not+define+you+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1TL_6hbszMoG7nbA-gzWrgQjLTM-CiINLhB0VdIo4i9Z571HV3NVj1jOOePdyctnd0V5g1jjjiY-FXSrvFZCoeoFrfwqnGANHVFLX6qAQ7FOB8wbYb2G3e6gIXSr8BJLpP72U_dbpa8R/s320/Failure+does+not+define+you+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I heard an empowering and moving word on Sunday, August 26th at my church home. My Pastors (I have two Pastors) were on vacation but would be happy to know that Rev. Harold Hayes took care of their flock with his amazing message. The sermon title was, <strong>"Failure Is Not Final."</strong><br />
<br />
His sermon title hit home for me in one area of my life. I had been dwelling on something for years and even before my mother's transition she told me, "You're <em><strong>not</strong></em> a failure."<br />
<br />
I was going to write about what I felt earlier in the week but I'm glad I didn't because I heard one of my favorite gospel artists on the radio talk about her struggles. <a href="http://vickiyohe.org/" target="_blank">Vicki Yohe</a> was on the <a href="http://www.cocobrotherlive.com/" target="_blank">Cory Condrey</a> show and she said how her publicist told her, "You're too transparent, you need to be more private about your life and what you have gone through."<br />
<br />
She said, "I can't do that, people need to know what I've been through so they know that it's not just them. That folks like me have struggles too." <br />
<br />
I feel like her and some people have made comments about my transparency but I can't help it. I don't put everything out there but what I feel needs to be brought to light so others can relate and know they are not alone. When I do spoken word I talk to the crowd in between pieces so they know what I was thinking...going through and what brought me to writing about that subject. When someone thanks me I know that my ministry (which is my writing) has taken effect.<br />
<br />
I have felt like I've been a failure in the relationship department. Relationship after relationship I felt like I failed. Several people have told me I haven't but until<em> I</em> know I haven't that is how I'm going to feel.<br />
<br />
The word that Sunday struck me because Rev. Hayes said, <strong>"FAILURE IS NOT FINAL."</strong> Buckets of tears streamed down my face and when I saw people flocking to the alter because they wanted to be released of that feeling of being a failure I knew I wasn't alone. I too went to the alter and got on my knees and just let it out. All of the emotions over the years was being expunged from my spirit.<br />
<br />
The one thing I tell people is that I have to take time and reflect on me...yes me. What can <em>I</em> do so <em>I</em> won't feel like this any more and I need to heal over the years of pain and hurt in order for God to send that individual to me that will be my husband and I to him.<br />
<br />
Rev. Hayes said, <em>"Failure is a refining process...it's like the passage about the potter. He could have used a different piece of clay but he kept reshaping and remolding the same piece."</em><br />
<br />
I am that piece of clay, yes I have cracks in me and needed at many times to be remolded. I was that shattered jar at one point of time but instead of feeling destroyed years ago through emotions and ill mental thoughts of a broken relationship God reshaped me and has kept His hands on me ever since.<br />
<br />
I had to share this because I walked out of church feeling a sense of renewal. I still have work to do and need to totally believe that I'm not a failure...but I know that I'm being refined, reshaped and molded like the lump of clay on a potter's wheel and in time I will be able to look back and reflect on what I thought was a failure and note it as a process that God put me through.<br />
<br />
Not only am I being refined but I'm learning to listen to Him even more so I won't make the same mistakes again.<br />
<br />
May peace be with you and I hope someone can learn from my story and look within and be honest with themselves so they too know that they are being refined and are not failures.Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-4536050211093024282012-08-28T15:46:00.000-04:002012-08-28T15:46:04.944-04:00A Simple ThanksIt's been a while since I've posted anything on my blog. A lot has transpired in my life and I felt compelled to share with everyone that reads my work. Last year I was let go from my full time job and my last day was June 30, 2011. It's been a challenging time but despite everything I've been through I'm grateful. Fast forward...the organization that let me go rehired me on a part time contractual basis because of my reputation and hard work from the last place. Although I suffered a salary reduction I'm thankful to even bring home a pay check as many in America have gone without. I was unemployed for 8 months before being rehired but I had time to spend with my son and that is priceless.<br />
<br />
When times got hard I sometimes became fearful but I had to remember that fear equates to little faith. God doesn't want me and whomever is reading this post to live in fear. He hears my cries and my prayers. I know that either a full time job will come my way or He will provide me with other ways to make ends meet like getting my books off the ground so I can be published, teach part time at a college and birth my dreams. Although some feel like I have accomplished my dreams I still have more that I would like to see happen. <em>(Never limit your dreams).</em><br />
<br />
I will end with a prayer that I wrote down in my gratitude journal:<br />
<br />
<em>God, I know you're my provider and counselor. When I want to talk about "sensitive areas" just remind me that you're always open to listening to me and I know you don't have a judgemental ear. Before I even ask or speak you already my heart and that its (whatever my need is or what I have dreamt about) already done.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>With that being said I say thank you in advance for a full time job, thank you for my total healing of a broken heart in the past that grew into anger and that the anger be totally gone (I'm almost there God), thank you for allowing me to be able to provide for my son and thank you for those in my life that truly know me and what I'm about and know that it's just not about me.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Thank you God, it's because of your grace and mercy that I'm sane, loving, dedicated to my calling, passionate and prayerful.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>As always...thank you for the daily protection over my son. Although I've been working for a few months I'm still not used to leaving him. But at the end of the day you know where my heart lay.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I love you God...and I simply say...thank you.</em>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-10672460649944676102012-06-27T11:12:00.000-04:002012-06-27T11:15:34.139-04:00Event Alert!!! I'm performing on Thursday, June 28th, 2012 at Busboys and Poets on 5th and K Street, NW Washington, DC!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1TXWPg9VC6KbzVls4NGl9tYBeeGYncs2StRz9cRJno1Ilm8_9sSKsEQPN09MugCkQRFori3JF-18rQhKO3rXV9Tlot3xGVMxnJduWuZeGMVuwmG3ROA13jAcbBXjz460zsYfwY7A_36S/s1600/Busboys+Feature+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1TXWPg9VC6KbzVls4NGl9tYBeeGYncs2StRz9cRJno1Ilm8_9sSKsEQPN09MugCkQRFori3JF-18rQhKO3rXV9Tlot3xGVMxnJduWuZeGMVuwmG3ROA13jAcbBXjz460zsYfwY7A_36S/s320/Busboys+Feature+Flyer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm honored to be a featured artist for One Common Unity as they present: Voices of a Movement!!!! The open mic is Thursday, June 28th at Busboys and Poets on 5th and K Street, NW! I'm going on around 9:10pm! </div>
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If you want to sign up for the mic please show up by 9pm as the list fills up quick!!! I'm happy to be featured with the great talents of Anonomas and Cee Love!!!!</div>
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Be there and spread the word!!!! Blessings!</div>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-90730949154984315532012-06-26T16:22:00.001-04:002012-06-26T16:28:09.748-04:00Letter to My Son...SnippetI wrote this in March in my gratitude journal a short while after going back to work after being with my son for 6.5 months full time. Enjoy the short read.<br />
<br />
My life as a mom has shifted so much and for the better. I now know what Mommy was saying when she said, "It will all come together."<br />
<br />
I was so nervous while I was pregnant praying that I would be a good mother, provider and try to balance life. I'm still learning of course but when I pick my son up every day I know that although I'm still a student trying to master motherhood one day at a time that at the end of the day it's all worth it.Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-75164235300279255142012-06-13T15:30:00.001-04:002012-06-13T15:30:52.693-04:00Event Alert!!!! Performing at The Artomatic this Saturday!!! Details Below!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm back on the scene! Please join me and other beautiful and talented artists that are a part of the Liberated Muse collective at The Artomatic this Saturday, June 16th from 2-6pm. I have a 10 minute set and will perform 3 poems! One poem is published in the new anthology, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liberated-Muse-Volume-II-Betrayal/dp/0615639666/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339615765&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Betrayal Wears a Pretty Face, Liberated Muse Volume 2</a>" edited by Khadijah Ali-Coleman. It's titled, "Bling Dreams!" Pass on the word and thank you for your support!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Artomatic is located at 1851 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA. We'll be hitting the Orleans Stage on the 1st floor! Peace and love!</span></div>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-9663954883347759362012-04-20T11:46:00.000-04:002012-04-20T11:46:06.293-04:00Grace<em>I don't think I'm done with this poem yet but wanted to share...peace.</em><br />
<br />
God you have cleaned up my mess<br />
As I've steadily stressed<br />
About things I can't fix<br />
Grace<br />
Is always given even when I can't erase<br />
My woes and challenges<br />
Running in this race <br />
Called life<br />
I've been through strife<br />
Emotional damage<br />
Yet you always seem to manage<br />
To give me grace and mercy<br />
Times when I don't think I deserve it<br />
Constantly showered on me from heavens above<br />
Continuous love<br />
Surrounding me<br />
Beginning to remember that I have to lean on the word<br />
Trust the unseen<br />
Know that times might be tough<br />
And I alone can't fix all things<br />
Because I'm on a level that's humanly<br />
Thank you God for Grace and Mercy<br />
<br />
Copyright 2012Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-91179633933348890082012-04-11T15:06:00.000-04:002012-04-11T15:06:47.816-04:00Whimsical Moments<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I began writing this right after my mother passed away and finally finished it. Enjoy.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><em>Whimsical Moments</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You're my air<br />
Into your eyes I glare<br />
Knowing that I received the ultimate prize<br />
You as a mother <br />
And I as your daughter<br />
Still moments in time will be remembered forever<br />
From watching you grace the stage with dance<br />
Having deep conversations with me about forgiving people and sometimes giving them a second chance<br />
From the night you held me tight when I heard my father died<br />
Wiping away a steady flow of tears as I cried<br />
Being my warrior through many battles<br />
Dry days to stark nights you were my water<br />
Pouring energy into my valley like a streaming river<br />
Yet I don't know what I would do<br />
Without you when God calls you home<br />
What I'll have left are memories that will float through my brain as whimsical moments<br />
In my heart you'll always be<br />
Whimsical<br />
Like cherry blossoms petals that travel through a spring breeze<br />
Blooming Marguerite flowers in France<br />
Praying to God that as the seconds, minutes and days go on that they will come more with ease<br />
But for now let's share the time we have left<br />
Creating more memories that will be kept<br />
Whimsical moments we will always have<br />
Beyond your last breath<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> Written By:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Serena Wills</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Copyright 2012</span>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-10277836096913696632012-04-04T15:15:00.000-04:002012-04-04T15:15:00.494-04:00Once Upon a Time<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Once upon a time</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You loved me<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Adored me<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I would get music in the middle of the night and throughout the day<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Various songs that kept me wanting more of you…making me want to stay<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In your life forever<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And take on an endeavor<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">To build a future with you<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I would jam to songs that was a mixture of R&B, Jazz, Sexy House, Caribbean and Latin tunes<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Waking up in the morning I felt your presence next to me<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Miles away I would still feel your spirit breathe<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Every song told a story<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Expressed a feeling<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Alluring<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Showing your heart completely<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Or so I thought…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Once upon a time<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I felt like a fairy tale as we connected in the park<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I told my heart no but over time it said yes<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And as the music kept coming daily<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Telling me your history<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I fell for you deeply<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">God told me He could be the one<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Praying day and night I so didn’t want my feelings to jump the gun<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You kept me laughing, smiling and in the midst of it all you were healing<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Our connection seemed unreal like some of those beautiful story book endings<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">But like a party our connection played its last song<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Crying oceans of tears over what I once I felt<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In a snap all of the feelings you had for me left<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m left with a broken heart<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Reminiscing about that day in the park<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sweet memories that we shared now seem so dark<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Once upon a time you loved me<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m now left in silence <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And no music to listen to</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Written By:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Serena Wills<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Copyright (c) 2012</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567712108834047477.post-80048149708327039012012-02-26T09:43:00.000-05:002012-02-26T09:43:05.359-05:00PatienceBeing a writer to me also means being transparent in a lot of ways. I feel as if God wants me to write to release my creativity to the world but also in some shape or form to help heal people and let people know that its not just them that feel the way they do.<br />
<br />
These past few months have been a total blessing with the birth of my son but it has had its challenges as well. Patience was truly needed as I suffered a job loss that caused me to really become even more humble than ever. I'm a pretty sincere and humble human being but when I was told back in early spring that my organization was being taken over by another and 24 of us (1/3 of the staff) were being laid off and I being one of them; I began to pray heavily.<br />
<br />
I asked God, "Please keep my heart light and mind sane since I'm carrying one of your angels. Its easy to get derailed off the track these days." I knew times would get financially tough and that they did.<br />
<br />
I hit rock bottom, not knowing where money would come from to even pay rent because I anticipated having a job by mid October. I almost lost hope. However between waking up to my son and having beautiful people in my life...God kept me. He provided my needs. He showed me things in people that I didn't want to see so I knew who was in my corner, who loved me despite my circumstances and who to keep away. <br />
<br />
When you hit rock bottom sometimes ugliness will rear its head. Backs were turned on me and I even felt like a charity case at one point.<br />
<br />
If my brother or sister fell down I wouldn't want to kick them even further down or walk all over them. I was judged and ridiculed. I realized that I needed to pray for those that turned on me and to forgive. I asked God to not punish but to heal them.<br />
<br />
Prayer and patience paid off. Being unemployed gave me more time to bond with my son. I will never regret having spent several months at home. I've been able to refocus and shift my priorities and emotions during the time of stillness. I spoke to family and friends more (on the phone and in person) and we breathed life into each others dreams! The power of fellowship is very real.<br />
<br />
I want the best for my son and during this time I realized that I was (and still am) hurting from things that happened to me in life. I want to heal. Its time for the broken pieces to be put back together.<br />
<br />
God gave me this time. One day I walked along the river front and told God that I wouldn't even mind a part time job so I could still be home more with my son and work on my business ventures. I told him, "Have your way with me." <br />
<br />
The next day (Thursday) I received a message about a potential job from the organization that took over my previous one and laid me off, by that Monday I received the offer letter. Now I'm gainfully employed. Although I still have work to do (hey I'm a work in progress) I have a road map that has been reworked. I'm looking forward to the future. I can only pray that the healing continues, that love will breathe into my spirit and soul like its never done before and that my/our dreams will blossom! <br />
<br />
Times may be hard right now. Believe me I know. So if this piece is talking to you, just know that you will be fine in His time. Be still and refocus. Sometimes we get lost in ourselves or even in other people. What I'm doing now is focusing on God instead of the storm. A shift from my prior thinking as I used to focus on the storm and then God.<br />
<br />
I pray to remain humble, be a reflection of Him, be a good mother and pursue my dreams with even more fire and desire! I pray that I can be an inspiration!Serena W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08899725312118622702noreply@blogger.com0