The Year in Review - 2009

As we rapidly approach the year 2010, I am forced to look back on '09.  What a year!  I think about, not only what has happened to me this year, but what has happened in the world.  History was made - the first black president of the United States was inaugurated in 2009.   Michael Jackson died.  Kanye West versus Taylor Swift.  H1N1 caused an uproar.  In the famous words of Charles Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Personally, I had a great year.  I took some risks.  I quit my job to further pursue my dream of being a business-owner.  That decision was a tough one.  It was scary, but I haven't looked back.  I have grown my business this year.  I have increased my online presence and I have acquired local clients.  As I move into 2010, I look forward to continued growth.

I want to thank everyone that has made this year so wonderful.  I appreciate all the support I have received from family and friends.  To all of my customers - thank you for your business and I look forward to working with you in 2010.

Vacation to Hawaii

My husband and I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Hawaii this month.  We had an absolutely amazing time.  Hawaii is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  From watching the sunrise at Mt. Haleakala to watching the sunset over the Pacific, Hawaii was breathtaking.  I just had to share some of the stunning views we especially appreciated.  Enjoy the show!

Julie & Julia

I just watched the movie, "Julie & Julia."  I loved it!  Who would've thought that?  I certainly didn't.  I was in no hurry to see this movie.  I did not go see it in the theatre and I rented it simply as an afterthought.  In fact, we just purchased a Blu-Ray player and "Julie & Julia" was one of the few movies the local Blockbuster had on Blu-Ray disc.  So, I decided to rent it.  I'm so glad that I did.

I can't say that I am a fan of Julia Child.  Of course, I heard of her before.  I knew that she cooked.  That was about it.  So, when I heard about the movie, it didn't interest me.  I thought that it was kinda weird that someone would want to cook all of her recipes in a year.  It turns out that it was far from weird.  It was inspiring.

I remember the year that I turned 29.  What a pivotal year!  I thought...what am I doing with my life?  What do I want to do?  Have I accomplished the things that I want to or am I even close?  Julie Powell asked herself the same things.  She decided that she needed to do something.  She wanted to be a writer and she liked to cook.  Voila - write about cooking!  It worked for her and it has worked for me, too.

When I did my soul-searching at age 29, I liked what I saw.  However, there were some voids I needed to fill.  I thought about what I like to do.  I like to read.  I have always wanted to be my own boss.  Voila - I opened an online bookstore.  I love my store.  I have had various ups and downs, but who doesn't??  I'm glad that I took charge of my life just like Julie.

This movie spoke to me in ways that I never imagined.  Besides the deeper meaning, I found it quite entertaining.  Definitely a chick flick, though.  I'm glad I didn't rent it for movie night with hubby. : )  Now I am inspired to do greater things.  I can't wait to read the books that this movie was based on - "My Life in France" by Julia Child and "Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell.  Both boks are on sale at http://www.thequalitycorner.com/.

"I Can Do Anything" by Carolyn Mattocks

What career should I choose? What skills are needed for the careers I am interested in? Can I really do anything? These are common questions posed by young people. Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions a person will make in life. Guidance is needed to make a wise decision. Carolyn Mattocks has provided this much-needed guidance in her book “I Can Do Anything.”

Ms. Mattocks is a summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in History. She also has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University. Ms. Mattocks has taught African American History, American History, World History, and European History at both the community college and college levels. Based on her education and experience, Ms. Mattocks is well-qualified to help youths to decide on a career path.

Carolyn Mattocks has a love and passion for history, as shown by this book. She has researched seventeen different career options and the skills needed to be successful in each field. Each section is outlined in a very simple manner so that children of various grade levels can easily understand the information. A brief synopsis is given of each career, followed by historical references. At the end of each section, there are activities that help the student to retain the information. The student is encouraged to do additional research and write a paper.

My favorite part of the book is the profiles of successful African Americans in each field. There is a description of several blacks in every field, including pictures of each one. This gives black students a reason for pride and aspiration. If they can do it, you can too! That message is powerfully driven home throughout this whole book.

After reading each section, students can assess themselves. They can consider the skills needed for each career and decide whether they can or cannot be successful in that field. The student learns how to use the information in a practical way. The end of the book provides additional resources so that the student can find more information on a career that interests him/her.

This book is an extremely valuable tool for young people. It can also be used by parents and counselors to help guide young people to the proper career. I would recommend this book to anyone.

"The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships" by Hill Harper

The conversation. You may be wondering, “What conversation do I need to have?” Hill Harper explains what we need to talk about in order for black people to have good, lasting relationships. There seems to be an endless number of books out there that discuss black relationships. However, as you read this book, you will see why this one is unique.

Hill Harper is an accomplished film, television and stage actor. Harper graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with a J.D. (cum laude) from Harvard Law School, as well as with a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government. In 2004, People magazine selected Harper as one of their “Sexiest Men Alive.” Harper is author of the New York Times bestsellers “Letters to a Young Brother,” which won two NAACP awards and was named Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2007, and “Letters to a Young Sister,” which was released in June 2008. With a good education, great career, and a “way with the ladies,” Harper is in a good position to give advice on relationships.

Harper’s latest book brings men and women together to explore the communication gap that has destroyed relationships. He offers advice on how to bridge that gap. Communication is the key in a relationship. Without good communication, a relationship is doomed to failure. This is true of any relationship, regardless of race. However, African-Americans face unique challenges. Historically, blacks in America have been able to endure oppression and hardship because of having strong families. In recent decades, the family has taken a severe hit. So many of our children are being raised in single-parent homes. If our relationships survive, the family unit can stick together. Not only will the children benefit, but our communities will grow stronger as well.

Regarding the relationship between males and females, Harper writes:

"...I started to wonder whether men and women even talk to each other. I mean really talk—easily and freely, without reservation—like we do with our friends. I even started to wonder whether men and women considered each other friends, or if we automatically compartmentalized our relationships: We're either lovers or we're platonic friends, but not both. Truth be told, the comments I heard made me wonder—despite all the emphatic "I love men" and "I love women" declarations—whether men and women really even liked each other at all." (pg. 21)

Even though Harper does not claim to be a relationship expert, he raises some good questions leading us all to think about how we handle our relationships and how we can make them succeed. I think this book is worth reading.