Tag: NaBloPoMo

Understanding your limits

Sunset1
A beautiful fall sunset on Lake Erie.

As the sun sets on this day I have come to some very important conclusions and one is that a conventional #NaBloPoMo this will not be. You see I realized that one of the problems I have experienced as a blogger is wondering what my platform would be, and what exactly will draw people to this site regularly.

Offering up a recap of my day is not the answer. My friends and family might, and that’s a big Might be interested in my day but has anything truly newsworthy taken place that complete strangers will be drawn into – I don’t think so. You see I have no cute stories about the adventures of my children or pets. It’s just me and the hubby and boy those are definitely not stories I want to share with the world.

This is day five and I missed a day already because I didn’t capture some great shot, and I really couldn’t think of anything to share yesterday. Today I’m sharing a photo that brings me joy and letting you know that it will be my intent to show up in the space at least once a week as I attempt to redefine the purpose of this journey in the blogosphere.

Until we meet again I encourage you to #ChooseJoy in all you do!

What happens when you choose joy

Today I was beyond exhausted and prayed I would make it through the day. Thankfully I did, but I didn’t have the time to find a new shot that represented joy, so I’m sharing the shot that led me on the #IChooseJoy journey.


This beauty right here brought so much joy to my heart and soul. It was a though God heard my cry and said “All is well, enjoy the beauty I created for you.” The “you” was not collective at that moment it was personal and just for me.

I hope you find joy in this image and choose joy in your life. I would love to hear what brings you joy, please share in the comments.

Day 9 of 30 Days of Gratitude – Yay Browns!

Yes I believe! This is where I live!
Yes I believe! This is where I live!

I am grateful this week for the Cleveland Browns! I have been a lifelong fan and not since the 90’s have I been this geeked about my team! I have been disappointed but never to the point of giving up! Today without taking the field my Cleveland Browns are now in 1st place in the NFC North.

Gearing up for Portraits of Hope 2014

Day 6 in My 30 Days of Gratitude

I am grateful to have family and friends that join me annually in presenting this great event.

In one short month Cleveland’s Portraits of Hope 2014 will take place at the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland’s Harbor Light facility. This is the third year we have joined forces with this wonderful organization to be a part of the international Help-Portrait movement.

Ladies on a mission
Grateful to these ladies for restoring my faith in the Help-Portrait Cleveland project. Seat (l-r) Stephanie Briggs and Angela Townsend. Standing (l-r) Bele’ Wondwossen, Keshia Johnson and Angela Tucker.

Photographers, graphic designers, make-up artists and other volunteers have given of their time, equipment and love to bring smiles to the faces of mothers and children in transition.

The bright smiles of youth were captured by Photographer Stephanie Briggs.
The bright smiles of youth were captured by Photographer Stephanie Briggs.

The mission of Help-Portrait is for photographers, make-up artists and others to skills and tools to give back to the community. Please join our efforts. If you are interested please leave your contact information in the comments section.

Volunteers Yalinda and Sharyn assess the day's activities.
Volunteers Yalinda and Sharyn assess the day’s activities.

The photos interspersed in this post are from previous events.