tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-273842802024-02-28T01:41:34.608-05:00Wearer of Many HatsThis blog is formerly known as Thirsty Living. This is also the blog formerly known as www.momwearsthehats.com. I feel like a rockstar with all the name changes, but one thing has not changed about this place: whatever "hat" you wear, this is a place where you can come and hang it for a while, sip a cup of your favorite beverage, hot or cold (just be careful around the keyboard), and maybe come away with an encouraging word or leave some sage wisdom for me. Happy Blogging!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-27421644903026151982019-05-03T12:47:00.001-04:002019-05-03T12:47:46.900-04:00Love Never Felt So Good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oG08ukJPtR8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oG08ukJPtR8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
OK. It is official: I am going to blog/write no matter what from here on out! I missed this platform so much and now I have an opportunity to do it again because it just feels right. Writing, creating, doing, being is the way that I show love to myself and I can't pretend that the long hiatus I took from this was something that I intended to do. Life just happened and I let "myself" go. I spent the last almost 10 years trying to find myself and I can say with confidence...Found her! LOL! I realized that I have been on a love journey of epic proportions and made so many life changes that I'm not sure if I'm scared of who I am now or blindingly ecstatic. Time will tell...Honestly, could be both. Enjoy this little video and song which I dedicate to myself and the love I have for me. I also dedicate this song to all the other self-lovers out there who have learned to accept and appreciate the beauty that is who they are. Beautiful days ahead!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-79545351660532795682016-02-21T18:01:00.004-05:002019-05-02T08:55:44.401-04:00Finding "Me-Mo"Yes, I did. I said finding "Me-Mo" as a play on the title of the consummate 'lost but finding so much more' epic tale (I absolutely love that movie). This is my first post for the new year and I cannot believe it is almost March of 2016! The other thing I cannot believe is that I spent an entire year away from this blog--I mean a literal 365-ish days from the last time I laid eyes on THIS blog. I lost something... I didn't realize how much I am like Marlon, the clownfish and protagonist of our previously mentioned fish tale (no pun intended, but you have to admit it works). He lost his one and only surviving son, Nemo, and I -- I'm pretty sure I lost myself--again. I recently discovered that I am still going through the stages of grief (though right at the cusp of deliverance) as a result of my divorce 4 years ago. For those who don't know, the stages of grief are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. I am working on Acceptance at this very moment. I am coming to grips with my life expectations not being met in the way that I felt they should, but realizing that God is moving me into a place of balance and security in Him. I used to worry about everything all the time. I was always anxious and concerned with what others think of me, not realizing that circumstances don't make the person. I worried too much about whether I had the right connections if any at all. I have come to learn that only real connection I need is Jesus and He supplies the rest. It doesn't matter if I come from down home or downtown, I am precious in God's sight and my status is not my destiny or my favor. We all have circumstances that we feel make us undesirable to someone. My hope is that I can get to a place where I am not pulled this way and that by my emotions and my concerns for this life. I know that I am secure in Christ--there is nothing preventing me from living the kind of life I desire except for my own fears, insecurities and misappropriated feelings.<br />
<br />
<br />
Through Marlon's journey to find his son, he discovered things about himself that were not altogether pleasant like his temper, his deep seated pain, and impatience. He also discovered things about himself that he didn't even know he possessed or thought he needed in his previously sheltered and paranoid life like strength, endurance, faith, friendship and courage. He found these things while looking for that lost part of himself. I too am learning more about who I am through this lost sense of self. I discovered that I don't want to be a teacher anymore (at least not in a typical classroom setting), that I don't communicate very well when it comes to opening up to other people about myself, and that my desire is to be able to live a transparent and even a vulnerable life out loud. What I am finding is that sometimes what I think I want is not always what I want (I believe Marlon found that out as well), there is life after divorce and that I am me, unreservedly, unabashedly, and the me I am is the me I need to be, and the me I need to love and accept. I know that statement seems contradictory to the metaphor of being lost but actually it make sense to me because when I worry about what others think I automatically shrink away from who I truly am and focus on who I think others would be most comfortable with, but in the end both those around me and I lose out on my being my best self because I am not myself and I am most definitely not where I should be: I'm lost.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm just putting it all out there... The journey home begins with a step and I'm taking it.CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-31813433568935365892015-01-18T19:25:00.001-05:002015-01-18T19:25:39.855-05:00How to quit your life (and reboot): Priya Parker at TEDxUHasseltLove this video!! I encourage you to watch this with an open mind and let me know what you think :-)<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWxMDdLey0E" width="480"></iframe>CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-2026862054261635762014-09-07T02:11:00.001-04:002016-02-22T23:22:06.904-05:00Dynamite (explosive questions that seem to blow up in your face)I spent the entire day on FB today feeling like I was arguing with a pastor on someone else's right to choose his walk with Christ. A well known pastor stepped down from his position because he felt he could not agree with the theology of the "fundamental" doctrines of the church. Funny thing is he didn't disagree with all of them it was more like one of them and it's such a touchy subject that it sparked a debate that lasted ALL DAY! LOL. All day. I unfortunately let my feelings get in the way because I couldn't understand how another pastor could not respect his right to be honest with himself. If more people would be honest with themselves and others we would see less hypocrisy in the church (the body not a building). I really have questions that I keep to myself because I don't want anyone judging my ability to be a Christian from them. Does having questions really mean I'm horrible or wrong? Does it mean I'm walking without the assurance of salvation? Does it mean that I don't really love Jesus? If I don't agree with everything does this mean I should leave too?<br />
<br />
We don't want people to know we struggle, yet, we all do it everyday. Why must people suffer in silence? The body should not be isolated limbs and parts. Why can't we question things we've done uncontested for decades and centuries without judgment? Does that even make sense? Why are we so afraid to evaluate what we believe as a church? Do we fear that people will feel betrayed with the potential truth? I thought the truth would set us free. What is wrong with doing a spiritual check up now and then? Why is it semantics to say that I will not condemn someone else for his choice to leave? Why is it condoning sin? How can I honestly say I have a conviction if I can't test it? Why does a question mean that I don't really love God? Why does leaving a denomination mean I left Christ? It's stupid really. If I were to leave my denomination today do I go to hell tomorrow? Questions.... I think the people are honestly crying out for more transparency and honest discourse. It's not rebellion or an excuse for sin. It pains me that people are not trusted with the presence of mind to live under the power and grace of God. How is living by faith (being saved by grace through faith) in Jesus hedonistic? I don't get that. Is this the same thing as the Pharisees calling Jesus a friend of sinners and publicans? A winebibber? Do people really understand what grace means?CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-34038793977844531972014-04-19T18:12:00.000-04:002014-04-19T18:12:03.370-04:00Dis-Comfort ZoningDisclaimer: The following post is long and personal and probably more information than you may be willing to read. I am more or less writing it so that I can find encouragement and accountability along the way.<br />
<br />
Yes. Today is the day! I'm coming out of my comfort zone to make changes in my life. Sigh, I'm doing this blog post for accountability's sake. When I make something public, I now have something to prove and to protect. Namely, my reputation and face. Ha Ha! I'm laughing to keep myself from crying (and chickening out). I am about to become a homeowner and landlord. Not only a homeowner, but also I am about to own multiple homes as residual income to provide funds for my children to attend college/university without having to take out loans and to help with my retirement. I am also going to teach my children the same business so that they will have a model to lean on when they go into their own lives and begin to make incomes for themselves. I have always had a business mind/sense, but no courage to actually make it happen. I would psyche myself right out of the vision because of what others would think or possibly think. I can't live that way any longer because no one can give an account to God for what He placed in my life just as I cannot give an account for anyone else's life. God has given me this moment to live. Now I am ready because I don't want to keep living life the same way I have for years. Poverty (not about being poor, but having the wrong understanding of and use of money) is a generational curse and it is a stronghold. I am not ashamed of my roots because they have given me a point of reference from which to testify about the goodness, mercy and Glory of God! It is high time to do something different because the day is not very long and I want to have something to show for the life that I have lived.<br />
<br />
It doesn't seem likely that a single mom should be able to accomplish these things I have in my head, but that's only because I used to put limits on myself. There are lots of single moms who have created residual income or created the lives they dream of for themselves and their children. I have a vision and I have the drive to get it done for Jesus and for myself. I see how I want my life to go and I have a plan. The one thing that has always daunted me about plans is that I used to make them, but then chicken out at the part where I have to trust in God and do something I haven't done before (exit my comfort zone). I now know that God is giving me the green light and I have learned especially in these last few years to trust Him implicitly and explicitly. The outside voices cannot be the driving impact in my life. I am laying down the lines (boundaries) and making the decisions to do what is necessary and real in spite of opposition or complaints. I cannot listen to the "voices of reason" as I know that those voices (family and well meaning people) have let me down before, and yet, I still cannot blame them as I am the adult who must make the final decisions in my life. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I have some obstacles to overcome: I will use the resources available to me to learn what I need to be successful (websites, blogs, people who are successful at what I want to do). I will get out of debt first. I will sacrifice for the sake of accomplishing the first step to move on to the next steps. I will not give up when things get difficult or I meet "roadblocks" because I will not lean on my OWN understanding or succumb to fear. I will come back to this post often when I get discouraged or feel afraid because I know this post will be my encouragement. I will establish an accountability partner (Samantha...) and I will accomplish my three to five year goal by the grace of God: I will dispute or pay off my current debts completely (immediate goal), I will buy a home for me and the boys (in year one), I will pay off this new car early (in year two or three), I will bring up my credit score for a new credit card to establish good credit (also year one) and I will purchase my first income property once my car is paid off (by year three, four, or five or as the Spirit leads. I will continue to save even as I make my payments on the income properties. I will pay off my school loans completely (hopefully with total residual income by year ten or 12).Yep. It is a lot to get done, but the awesome thing is I know I am not alone on this journey and I don't have to do it all in one day. Jesus Christ did not put this feeling of urgency (read: need) and this mindset in me to leave me hanging nor to lead me on to nothing. I have not included all my goals since I really want to get through this first step. I felt this would be the best way to get a jumpstart since I know I have friends with similar goals that follow me on Blogger.<br />
<br />
Here is where I am: I have about 13 dispute letters to send out and will pay off all debts that are verified to be my own. I'll post what that looks like later... I have made a budget that will cover my expenses only from the income that I currently make. I'll also post what that looks like later too. I will stick by said budget even when it means I cannot do those things I would like to do (like going to Jamaica or Brazil) until I no longer have those debts (read: open accounts) that zap my income. I will say no to the unnecessary expenses that would be nice but won't help me accomplish my goals unless my financial advisor, Jesus Christ, says it's OK. I will continue to systematically give according to the outline in the Word of God (tithe and offerings and paying forward/sowing into others even if in small ways). I will use any and all extra income to get out of debt sooner and to save towards my down payment for my house. Any income tax refunds will go towards debts and savings. I will forego all of the little costly pleasures (the things that nickel and dime me to death, but I have nothing to show for it later) that zap my future wealth and I will plan for unexpected issues rather than live from crisis to crisis as I have done in the past. I will build my emergency fund immediately as I pay down my current debts and I will take whatever I was spending on one debt once its paid off to attack a larger and more extensive debt until all debt is paid off (snowball effect). I will continually trust God with each step as I make them. I will listen to His directions and pray constantly to be certain I hear Him as He directs. I will give Him all the glory and honor with each step and accomplishment because I know that only He is the One who can do this thing in my life. I will teach others as I learn so that I may help someone else by my experiences to make it as well. I will be a Proverbs 31 woman...CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-87177785447177205922014-02-04T02:33:00.000-05:002014-02-04T02:33:22.815-05:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year! Yes, I am fully aware of the fact that it is now February but to me the year is still fairly new, you know, like a car not long driven off the lot. I still have a lot of miles left on 2014. Please don't ask me why I'm up at 2 am and really don't ask me why I'm blogging...LOL! I have been pondering about when I was coming back to make my 6 month post and here I am. It's funny how life goes. I have been living now as a single mother for the last 3 years (officially in April). <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I recognize that I am now finding out what life is really about: Neighbors that play loud music in the apartment overhead (at 2 am...), looks directed towards me from insecure people as though I have the plague (divorce cooties), children who think they rule the world, students who think they rule the world, bills, bills, bills, and more bills, attacks on every side, genuine moments of gritty, yet irreplaceable, unconditional love, and most of all hope. I have so much hope for my future I practically ooze with it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I honestly guess I'm saying all this to say: As long as I have breath I will continue to move forward: Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. I'm not just looking for tomorrow to have the answers for today, neither am I looking back to wonder and ponder about what I did wrong to make my life what it is. It is what it is, and I don't believe in coincidence. I know at the end of it all the questions I've had about some of the dark threads in the tapestry of my life will be revealed by the One who is weaving it. I have no doubts that God holds my past, my present, and my future. So with that said, "Ha, devil! You thought you had me but greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is my declaration for 2014 (and the rest of my life): What God has for me is for me. He sees the train of my life. He knows the thoughts He thinks towards me, thoughts of peace and not to harm me, to give me a hope and an expected end (my future). Jeremiah 29:11 (CeCe paraphrase). I am certain that all the strife, joys, struggles, strengths, heartaches, dolores de la cabeza (headaches), problems, triumphs, foolishness, faithlessness, faithfulness, fear and fearlessness has been to mold and shape me into the person God knows I am before my mother's mother's mother's mother was a thought. I will stand (even if that is all I can do), and as I stand I will trust. As I trust I will grow and I will live the purpose God has set for me since the beginning of the ages: to glorify Him with all that I am.</div>
CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-11206352818137232242013-09-04T19:35:00.000-04:002013-09-04T19:35:01.595-04:00School DazeLOL! I have not posted in so long I almost forgot where the blog is... Just kidding! My life is amazing: and the reason is God! I have returned to Florida as a resident again and I'm loving it. Of course life never goes the same path twice just like lightning never strikes the same place twice (Sidebar: Is that a myth?). I am in Florida; however, I am not even remotely close to living in the same place I was accustomed to prior to this move. I am an urban girl now (urban as in city dweller... ). The funniest part is how I am teaching at a private school right in the heart of inner city Tampa and loving it! Is it coincidence or destiny that most of my life experiences up to this point prepared me for this job? I'll let you be a judge.
The school where I teach is an exemplary Step-Up Florida funds recipient and uses the following resources to help them connect with parents and students: technology (especially blogging), heavy parental involvement and support, student work and behavior recognition, and so on. I felt like I was made for this job. I laughed when the principal asked me if I knew anything about blogging and technology. Do I know anything about blogging and technology?! Me? The same chick who wondered if it was a mistake to attend Full Sail University and work towards her Masters in Education Technology? Me? The same person who has blogged off and on semi-professionally since 2006 and even had her own domain name at one point? Ha ha! I don't see how God couldn't have His hand in this situation.
It is a blessing to me to know that I can see God in the small details. No, I don't believe this part of my journey is coincidence. I truly look forward to the day when I can really look back at the tapestry called my life and see how the dark threads wove together with the bright and golden threads to make a beautiful work of art when it's all said and done. I am determined to keep blogging about my life and share the journey with you: even if it's only six months at a time ;-) Hit me back if you're still with me... By the way, my friend at Gardening in the Boroughs of New York, You have completely inspired me to get my bee hives going one day very soon. I love what you're doing up there!
CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-59972250941053924982013-01-28T14:51:00.001-05:002013-09-04T19:39:38.580-04:00The Road Not TakenNote: This post was a <b>haught</b> mess yesterday. I hope it appears more legible today...
Good afternoon everyone!! It's been two (er, or four) weeks and I've been struggling to get back out there and make writing a regular task again. Life goes on... I have no idea what I'm going to write about today except maybe that I want to talk a little about purpose. Is it overrated? I mean of course I recognize that I have a purpose. I know that I wasn't the result of millions of years of evolving amoebae and slime or a huge explosion that somehow miraculously formed planets and life with detail and order and mathematical precision. Nope, not buying it. I guess when I say purpose I wonder if the emphasis that is placed on purpose is misguided. Is EVERYONE really supposed to be famous? Seriously, like is real purpose when hundreds, thousands or millions know my name but don't know me? What about those people who live and love and die who never get on television or published in Who's Who and may not even own a television? Was his or her life a wasted one? I don't know; just putting it out there, I guess. I'm thinking about my life's purpose because my life is at a crossroads. It's not that I don't have any options or choices: I actually have more than I bargained for. How can I describe it? Maybe it's like the poem by Robert Frost called The Road Not Taken. If you have time, read and really meditate on the words: <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-road-not-taken/"></a>
<blockquote>Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;<blockquote>
</blockquote> took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,</blockquote>
<blockquote> both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.</blockquote>
<blockquote>I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.<blockquote>
</blockquote>--Robert Frost</blockquote>
I think this poem really sums it up for me. We have so many choices, so many talents, so many options, but one option appeals to me more than all the others: To take the road less travelled. It's convenient to choose to common paths (college/university, trade school are great ways to build knowledge and skill sets). It's convenient to be like everyone else. The fact is, you don't meet up with much resistance and its probably just easier to get along in this life. In this world of sheep and herd mentality it's so easy to choose the lower, broad road and to do what most everyone else is doing. There is a pull to let the status quo equal purpose. At the end of the day, I feel that status quo/culture/convention is just someone else's ideal of the meaning of life. People fight and claw and stress and die trying to obtain someone else's comfort zone masquerading as true purpose. Some people live and die never taking the time to see if the path they were on is where they really wanted to go or if there was ever another path to choose. Some people just get carried along by the others on the path they were standing near and never stop to question where the mob was going. Ok, I realize that it's not wrong to lead a "normal" life. I'm not saying that everyone should join PeaceCorps and I'm not saying that having a "typical life" is wrong. If that is the path a person wants to choose to do, then more power. The idea is clear for me: There are two paths; There is wear and tear on both paths; both paths had not been travelled in a while, but in the end it was the path that held a little more intrigue, a few more mysteries that called to Robert Frost and that calls to me. Going down a different path may never lead you back to the other road, but I want to see the difference taking the road less travelled by makes in my life... How about you? Let me know your thoughts!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-41919869780372409052013-01-01T19:54:00.002-05:002013-01-01T19:54:27.264-05:00Happy New Year's...Again!She lives...She lives!! Happy New Year's everyone! Some of you may or may not remember spritely little me, but I have, once again, returned from "outside space" to the Blogosphere. I hope this post finds everyone well and well favored. It has been approximately one and a half years since my last post and with good reason: I lost everything in the Fire. What fire you say? Oh, just the Conflagration of Circumstance, you know, the Flames of Remorthia Olilith deep within seething bowels Middle Earth otherwise known as tragedy of the highest degree. Yes, I know, drama. Now you may find a hat shop in my former domain (www.momwearsthehats.com). That is because I released my domain name back into the wild world of DNS to be re-captured by someone who would give it better care and a loving home. Nevertheless, I never really stopped writing I just stopped typing and posting on Blogger and Facebook for a while as I reconstructed my life. Unfortunately, that reconstruction began after my world was demolished. One arrest(not mine), adjudication withheld with a smidgen of probation and community service (still not mine) later, I am a single parent with three boys who had, until this point, never been without both parents in the home and had a stay at home mom for most of their lives. I never finished the Master's program I was in for Educational Technology and I moved to an entirely different state to put the pieces of my life back together. No one wants to really say goodbye to a marriage. That's not why people get married. There are so many freaking disadvantages to divorce: decreased life expectancy, grief, increased likelihood of living in poverty especially if you have the children, stigmas and unfounded fears from married people (that's another post for another day ;-)), However, life goes on. This is not a pity party. This is actually an announcement: 2013 is the beginning of something new and brilliant in my life. I have so much to tell you all and I don't even know where to begin. I'm newly divorced, newly single with benefits, and newly enlightened about the God I serve. I am learning so much about the strength that I didn't know existed within me, and how I needed to tap into this hidden superpower of mine(as my 4 year old would say). I now have the ability to see what is not there and make it happen just because I believe that my God will make it so (faith). I also discovered my Achilles' heels (Heels was not a typo: Let's tell the truth; we all have more than one weakness). In spite of my faults and things, I'm going for my Masters of Fine Arts...somewhere, somehow, but that's not the point: The point of the matter is that after several months of soul searching, why-ing and why-ning about my life, I am no longer living my life for someone else's satisfaction and pleasure. My life is my own canvas to be covered by the Divine paint of God's will embellished with the glitter of my desires and visions. I'm not "doing school" to prove anything to anyone else. I'm not scheduling my life around people and their activities just to keep their emotions at bay. I'm doing this for myself because my God is with me and He loves me so. God really wants to give me the opportunity to shine for Him. I have no New Year's resolution but one: Live for God, Move for God, Breathe for God and glorify Him with my life til I die. That is all...CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-4539728013198356892011-05-04T22:00:00.000-04:002011-05-04T22:00:20.767-04:00OMG It's STILL here!!!!Just Kidding! I knew my blog was still here but I've been as busy as a hornet in a sting fest working on my Masters Degree. I promise if I knew that all you-know-what was going to break loose after my first 'A' I probably would not have started, but then again. . . This is the one thing in my life that I decided to do for myself. I don't even think getting married and having children was something that I decided to do for myself. Ok, ok. I was involved in those processes and the decisions were partially mine, however, my motivation for doing most of what I have done in my life has been about other people. I am a class A example of People Pleaser. The type of degree I chose in college, who I married, how I got married, how many children I had in many ways had to do with other people's influence in my life and wanting to make them comfortable or happy. That's a really hard way to live because at the end of the day it's not really living. You relinquish your power to chose: how to love, who to love, who you are and want to be, as well as what makes you happy. I'm not talking about selfishness: I'm talking about having the freedom to be a sweet (salty, cantankerous, emotional, kind, crusty, cruel, understanding,straight-up, low-down, happy, melancholy, boisterous, calm , etc.) person not because you figure that's what's expected of you and will keep people feeling "OK" with you, but because that is actually who you are and want to be. Good, bad, and ugly, I want to be who I am and whether or not people are Ok with my Ok-ness, I don't want to stop being me and stop becoming that person I want to be. It's so good to be back. . .CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-71174622909148361162010-12-31T23:31:00.000-05:002010-12-31T23:31:26.915-05:00Advice for a Pre-menstrual Mother of Three on New Year's EveNew year, new possibilities, fresh hope.<br />
<br />
Don't waste your days rehearsing and remorse-ing ( a Cece-ism) the things you did "wrong", the things you wish you did, the things you are going to resolve to do but have already determined you won't do in the back of your mind. We've already established that this kind of thinking is a waste.<br />
<br />
Just breathe.<br />
<br />
Take a moment to just be thankful for the many good things in your life. There is always something to be thankful for if we can just take our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances long enough. Catch your children doing something cute, spy a butterfly, focus on a tree bud, gaze at a the sky, think about something sweet that your spouse did for you, think on an accomplishment that was difficult for you, look at the things you do have in comparison to those who have nothing. Cultivate gratefulness and praise in your life. There are many good things that God has done, and by virtue of Who He is, He plans to do for us.<br />
<br />
Don't dictate the party. <br />
<br />
Every new adventure and plan is like a little present just waiting to be opened. Don't waste so much time trying to make everything just so or trying to be cute. Jump into the mystery, tear off the paper, and don't worry about whether or not you like your gift or if the gift is not/is/could be/should be what you wanted. Life isn't worried about what we always want. Most times life is about what we need and if we wait long enough and look hard enough we can see that it all is working out for our good in the end. Enjoy life where and when you are and be content with how the party goes.<br />
<br />
Cliche alert: So don't be young and restless; These are the days of our lives and we only have one life to live so let us live life graciously with each day that we are given.<br />
<br />
Nothing ever beat a fail but a try.<br />
<br />
Feel the fear of the unknown and the future, but do it anyway. Fear is a natural human response, but let's get super-natural for a moment: God isn't the author of fear (insecurity, terror, timidity, indecisiveness): He wants so much more for all of us. No, it doesn't mean we're all supposed to be rich and famous or even rich or famous or whatever. That is a script and an ideal handed down for generations as a part of the "Great Escape". Life is what it is, and it doesn't (and shouldn't) have to be the same for everyone. We are all meant to fulfill our place in this world (be our piece of the grand puzzle that only God can see). We are all meant to be who we are and we just need to be placed.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your movie.<br />
<br />
Recognize that it's okay to cry when you watch an emotional movie even if it's not that "time" of the month. Don't go to the "man movie" with the blood-drenched, banshee-screaming, murderous bicep-clad warriors if you prefer a romantic comedy unless the romantic comedy includes the afore mentioned warriors: Then it's a win-win. Don't apologize for liking romantic comedies and definitely don't go see Iron Man twice in a row when you wanted to see The Holiday. You end up resenting Iron Man when he had nothing to do with it. In the end, Iron Man isn't the only one you resent when you realize you just wasted double hours of your life when all you had to say was "I don't want to see Iron Man."or "I don't want to see Iron Man, again." It's give and take. We all must give at some point in time but it doesn't have to be and shouldn't always be us. We don't have to defend being who we are. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made to see the world from our individual vantage point. God made it so. You are you, and you are necessary with all of your unique wiring and skills and quirks and assets and faults. Be ok with being ok, and be ok with not always being ok. Just be.<br />
<br />
Eat ye the cake (all of it).<br />
<br />
Why settle for half a slice or half a cupcake (as if) when a whole slice is before you? There is no sainthood in pastry martyrdom. It's cake. The calories don't fall out with the crumbs and you knew what you were getting into when you took the plate. It's honestly emotional self-abuse. Don't do it to yourself. Besides you're also hurting the others who would have relished your piece of cake and theirs. Enjoy the cake and move on :0) Also, don't you dare waste life's petit fours (or fudge) when you receive them: they are meant to be savored and enjoyed fully.<br />
<br />
This was the best advice Someone could have given me: There is enough of everything in just one day to make our burden full. We've got 365 1/4 days to carry a different load and to try and try again. Let's not ruin today's math with our faulty additions and miscalculated subtractions. . . Just be.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year everyone and rather than just prosperity this year, I wish you Love and Peace.CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-81813552805459967312010-12-19T09:18:00.000-05:002010-12-19T09:18:39.327-05:00Joyeux Anniversarie & Noel!I probably didn't spell that correctly in French, but then again most of English is misspelled French ;0). I can't help trying to do it though, it's my NOLA roots. It was 11 years ago today (literally) that I slept like a log, woke up to a gourmet bubble bath, a morning mani/pedi, a breakfast buffet in a hotel with my "besties" and again I took a nap (people still have a hard time hearing that) in my own little bridal suite at the grand church where my husband and I said "I do." and "I do too."<br />
<br />
So much has changed since we first got married: babies, betters, worsts, rich-er (not in money mind you), poorer (definitely in money), but all in all, if I had to do it all over again (bearing in mind what financial investments I would and would not have made), I still woulda said "I do." I can't even say that my life is rosy at this point. In fact, I'm kinda wondering where the betters are, but I do know this: Regardless of what life throws at me, my spouse, my marriage and my children, I still trust God. I won't let go of Him, otherwise I don't believe I'd still be married (or have children). I suppose that makes sense because the marriage covenant is between God, my spouse and me. If we don't include Him, it's not a complete contract and you know what happens when contracts go bust. . .<br />
<br />
Oh yes, update: I've just finished month 2 of my master's program and I think I'm going to need another brain. Hopefully, I will be well enough at the end of the program to be able to use what I've learned if I can remember it. Well, at least there's the Holidays. . .CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-12030136958068580002010-10-28T22:55:00.000-04:002010-10-28T22:55:46.661-04:00There is Therefore Now No Condemnation. . .Alright! Week number one of my very first week of Grad School is almost officially over, and I have already learned something. Here we go: Whatever you do, good or bad, mistake or on purpose, sure or unsure, you can't look back: you can only look forward or you will not make it to the end of your goal. No man puts his hand to the plow and looks back. You make a decision and go with it. You finish the job and get it done even when you know what you're up against. You don't make excuses, you persevere and you don't hesitate when the command is clear. You have to trust. . .<br />
<br />
I know this is just week one, but I have figured out early that you don't really change that much from your old habits, circumstances, issues, quirks and personalities. You are who you are and you do what you do. You can only recognize who and where you are and ask for strength to finish what you start, see where you really need help and to be honest about it. I am a very impulsive person and I tend to be hasty with my words. Does that make me bad? No, just more likely to put my foot in my mouth. Now that I know this I can say, <i>Lord, you know me and my mouth. Help me (just before I say something I shouldn't) to hear you and just pause long enough to, you know, maybe abort mission before it's too late? Or at least give me the humility to apologize. . .LOL! </i><br />
<br />
<i></i>No, I haven't offended anyone (yet), but it's coming (this is online school, you know). I'm also pretty forgetful and I tend to feel prideful and defensive when I think someone is trying to tell me what to do or how to do it best. No names, just some guy I'm married to does that. . . Anyway, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it's okay to know yourself and it's even better to know yourself and trust God with the stuff you can't change about yourself and be willing to be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. We do and we will make mistakes, we won't always make the deadlines, we won't always meet every standard (ours or others) and we will be misunderstood, OFTEN: it is the inevitable part of being human, but we should understand that not every "sin" is unto death. We may fall flat on our faces, but the challenge is to get back up. "Talitha Cumi (Little girl, arise)" is God's word to us. If our hearts condemn us, God is (so much) greater than our hearts (our feelings like guilt and shame/condemnation). I hope no one allows themselves to be detained (more like distracted) in the field of fear or lost in the desert or despair because they got bogged down by their own hearts.<br />
<br />
God Bless you guys this week along with every other week ;0) Hit me back if you have a question or comment. I do get my comments in the MomWearsTheHats@gmail address, but I have to figure out how to add an "e-mail me" function to my page. I know, I'm doing a Masters program in Technology, you would think. . . .CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-43994892880045187512010-10-21T12:03:00.000-04:002010-10-21T12:03:05.693-04:00Introducing Remembering Our Vows: To Pray and Stay<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rememebering our Vows to Pray and Stay" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUH1AxMw1MWMv3gVLj_1sUg0thIlrzPJtFzZpvX36azVa4z-EWjxhlt2Ko00PpAerzYa80ky1JKxlOIZhVCn69ilZrqerYTcFIVzx9kq80p7Z1DN2VBieSXSFgoonDDERUZGO/" width="320" /></div><br />
Well, I'm back and betta than eva! I am officially a <a href="http://www.fullsail.edu/index.cfm?fa=landing.Full_Sail_2a&mnc=209&kw=geoCFL-full%20sail&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=full%20sail&utm_content=Full_Sail_2a&utm_campaign=Geo-CFL-Branded">grad student</a>, I got my <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro?mco=MTM3NjU5MzU">MacBook Pro</a>, and I don't quite know what to do with myself for the excitement of it all! Occasionally, I am seriously planning to start posting vlogs and personal photos so you can see what's up with me on a regular :0)<br />
<br />
Today, I'd like to introduce you to our South Carolina blogger Stephanie Hamilton Brown. Her ministry is for marriage: <a href="http://www.rememberingourvows.com/">Remembering our Vows: To Pray and Stay.</a> I first found Stephanie on Facebook when she submitted an amazing story for husbands and wives to ponder on how sometimes wanting out of a marriage is about perspective rather than actual faults or flaws.<br />
<br />
We know all the statistics for marriage especially in this country, and for those of us who are married and happily/tolerably so, we recognize that marriage is about real work and commitment (and prayer, much, much, MUCH, prayer) because fuzzy feelings are not enough. Stephanie's mission above all things is to help get that 50% divorce rate statistic down through prayer, fasting, and working directly with people through open <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143417775703614">conference calls</a>. There are many marriages that can be preserved and even improved if people had the right tools and the resolve to do what it takes to get where they want to be. I didn't say every marriage will be saved, because there are some matches made in hell and many people who are not willing to recognize or accept what real marriage entails (the remembering our vows part).<br />
<br />
I have seen several marriages break up as a result of couples seeing what it really means to be married and one or both persons saying: I want no part of this marriage. I want no part of him/her: I gotta "do me." Marriage is one of those relationships that is the most highly romanticized but that is also the most victimized by human nature and it took me about 10 years to figure that out (I've been married 11 years in December). That's also the reason they put those comical but true lines like: "for richer or poorer", "for better or worse," "till DEATH (hear the creepy gothic voice) do us part." I think that's so that occasionally someone contemplating running for the hills would remember them and say, "Oh, that's what that meant. . .darn it!" I remember when I had that epiphany.<br />
<br />
If you get a moment check out Stephanie's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000332543969&ref=mf">Facebook page</a>, or blog and give her a follow if you like what you see. I hope everyone is having a terrific autumn day and does anyone know when we have that glorious "fall back" hour?CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-12473477740197990772010-10-12T17:57:00.000-04:002010-10-12T17:57:01.478-04:00Where's Waldo. . .OK, wow. It's been a few weeks since I've been online (and blogging) and I don't know what happened except maybe life took over (she shrugs). I did the giveaway and at first I thought maybe I had been taken over by some post-partum giveaway depression or some sort of giveaway "letdown". Has that happened to anyone else? I don't know. Actually, I DO know. I had to take a moment to pause. I just had to put a little comma right here (,) in the sentence of my life and edit some things and breathe so that I could get a little oxygen moving around and a little more focus in my brain. I'm going back to school to get my Masters. I am about to embark on a 12 month journey with <a href="http://www.fullsail.edu/">Full Sail University </a>in November for a degree in Education Media and Technology (I am a teacher by profession). It wasn't a light decision really. It's just a long put away desire and now a brand new opportunity that has presented itself at this time in my life. My book progress (crickets chirping)? Uh, yeah. Well, I haven't <i>not</i> worked on the book, but I haven't really <i>worked</i> on the book either (LOL!). That was my honest confession to those who secretly said "Good luck with that. . ." when I made my book finishing announcement <a href="http://www.momwearsthehats.com/2010/08/exciting-news-for-cece-wilson.html">here</a>. I am writing the book though. I do know that for the next 12 months I am going to be the busiest I've been in 12 or so years since college. Has it really been that long? My goodness! The good thing is though, I'm not alone, I do have the support of my family (wink, hint) and my Father who keeps encouraging me to live my life to better the lives of those in my circle of influence. So, as I learn cool and helpful "edu-techie" things in school and as I get creative I will post some of my crowning acts of gloriousness around here and maybe even on youtube :-D Holla in the comments if you missed me!<br />
<br />
P.S. Click on the title for a little online brain candy! Love you guys. . .CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-27129623731717716002010-09-15T18:35:00.000-04:002010-09-15T18:35:44.054-04:00And The Winner is. . .<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFxZ23HQ_F4ymnIHC6gq88aNu_AcZ1So3rxUsWWsUj4bAYrmQt9GfxV_oicu2gRbr6wPbAUawFGbty33FZabRlp_nghwQp0PhVMo6EsNvLPEq-wOzurTeHlhrJcgA7ByC2euqqA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFxZ23HQ_F4ymnIHC6gq88aNu_AcZ1So3rxUsWWsUj4bAYrmQt9GfxV_oicu2gRbr6wPbAUawFGbty33FZabRlp_nghwQp0PhVMo6EsNvLPEq-wOzurTeHlhrJcgA7ByC2euqqA/s200/Capture.JPG" width="165" /></a></div><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hi everyone! I counted all the entries and we had a total of 28. I used the true random number generator to choose our winner. And the winner is. . . meemsnyc! Congrats to you and please get in touch with me so that I can get you linked up with Becky for your custom made bag :0) Thanks so much to everyone for your participation and for joining with the Happy Hatters. Keep checking in because this is just the beginning. . . </span> </span>CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-28765244580257484182010-09-13T11:04:00.001-04:002010-09-13T11:05:41.802-04:00Introducing Baby Bites<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babybites.info/"><img height="200" src="http://www.babybites.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/leadphoto.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><br />
Hi my blogger friends! These last couple of weeks have probably been the longest of my life while I was waiting on this giveaway to end. Now that we only have two days left, I feel a little better about posting things again. I know I probably should have been doing that all along, but I've had a lot more on my plate than I anticipated. Forgive me. I will be announcing the winner of the "green" bag giveaway on Wednesday, so don't forget to check back with me and see who won!<br />
<br />
I would like to introduce you all to Nonna Joann Bruso, the author of the blog <a href="http://www.babybites.info/">BabyBites</a>. I have been thinking very much about the way my lifestyle has changed dramatically over the last several years and there are some things I really miss like being healthy, for example, and eating real food (not processed). In fact, I was a total vegan about seven years ago, but as different food allergies kept cropping up in my children I had to adjust a lot of how we ate. Having children kinda "done me in" so to speak. LOL! I'm kidding. My boys have really taught me how to be creative with cooking. I was blessed to find Nonna's page when I was reading an interesting article on a one year old happy meal which you can find <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/blog/2010/03/20/can-you-guess-whats-so-special-about-this-happy-meal/">here</a>. Nonna's mission is to educate parents about feeding (and I mean really feeding) their children. She is very knowledgeable about processed vs. whole foods and gives valuable information, resources, and links about how to help picky eaters really learn how to eat their fruits and veggies (and grains) instead of the junk food standbys. If you're like me, you feed your kids what you think is best and give them the healthiest alternatives you can find. Nonna Joann's site and book are excellent resources for any parent looking to improve (or even correct) the way their children eat. Check out Nonna's site and have a great week!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-73828843317466611772010-09-07T04:24:00.000-04:002010-09-07T04:24:52.491-04:00Updates, updates, updates. . .Hi Everybody! I'm still here. . . just languishing under the insanely long deadline I gave myself for this giveaway. Ugh! Next time, one week (if that). I do want to say, however, that I am so pleased at my new hatters and all the comments and such! I hope that everyone will continue to ride with me as I find more stuff to talk about and things to share. I appreciate all of you and I look forward to the next destination! Have a super week!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-4207487767590857052010-09-01T06:56:00.000-04:002010-09-01T06:56:36.465-04:00Surprise! It's my first giveaway (Whoooooo!)<img alt="Custom Lunch Totes" height="156" src="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Custom-Lunch-Totes-2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Personalized Lunch Bags" height="156" src="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Custom-Lunch-Totes-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
I'm soooo excited guys! This is my very first and official giveaway on this blog. I've been waiting and watching for how and when and now I'm ready. . . Do you see these lovely bags above? These are all custom crafted, handmade lunch kits made by Becky Stiepe of Glue and Glitter, our most recently featured blog! Becky uses re-purposed materials in her bags to reduce waste and for us to carry lunches with personality and style. One lucky and randomly drawn person can win a custom lunch kit designed to his or her specifications (valued at $50). This "green" lunch kit includes:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7cab3a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7cab3a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7cab3a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: url(http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/wp-content/themes/carrington-blog/images/arrow-bullet.gif); margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 handmade, machine-washable bag</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">one large or 5 medium sized machine-washable napkins (your choice!)</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 pair of reusable chopsticks or utensils</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">closure of your choice, or leave it open for a lunch bucket feel</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 <a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/lunchboxes" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #41b5b5; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lock & Lock lunchbox</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Recipe card with a lunchtime recipe</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Optional custom appliqué</li>
</ul></span>All you have to do to enter is to complete one or more of these steps listed below and each additional thing you do will count as an entry (please make a separate comment for each):<br />
<br />
1. Go visit Becky's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/glueandglitter?page=1">Etsy Store</a> and tell me what item you liked best.<br />
2. Tell me one <a href="http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/21-practical-ways-to-help-the-environment">new thing</a> you pledge do to help the environment (eg. recycle cans and bottles, re-purpose old clothes/materials, etc., ).<br />
3. Follow Me on my blog, <a href="http://www.momwearsthehats.com/">W.O.M.H.</a>, or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=106745326047219">Facebook</a> (or both). Each follow is a separate entry.<br />
4. Follow Becky on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ShopGlueAndGlitter">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/glueandglitter">Twitter</a> (or both). Each follow is a separate entry.<br />
<br />
Whew! Now that I've gotten all of that out of the way here's ONE more surprise for you. Anyone who makes a purchase at Becky's Etsy Shop and uses the code MANYHATS15 throughout the duration of the giveaway will receive 15% off the purchase price! Isn't that a great deal? The giveaway starts today September 1st and goes all the way through till 5 pm (EST) on September 15th. After the deadline, I will announce the winner on my blog and will need to get your contact information so you can get started on your custom bag with Becky! Well, I can't wait to see how this goes and good luck everyone!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-42565095866214766212010-08-29T12:02:00.000-04:002010-08-29T12:02:24.051-04:00Introducing Glue and Glitter<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/personalized-tote-bags-2/"><img src="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Lunch-Bags-Cover-150x150.jpg" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">I'm excited about this green website and blog by Becky Striepe, the mind behind <a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/2010/08/09/lunch-bags-the-giveaway/">Glue and Glitter</a>. This crafty crafter is the creator of handmade sustainable lunch bags and kits made from vintage and reclaimed materials and is featured in the designbook <i>Lunch Bags! </i>Becky is a green gal and is also a featured contributor on eco-friendly sites like <a href="http://greenupgrader.com/11083/new-att-cell-phone-charger-eliminates-vampire-power/">Green Upgrader</a> and <a href="http://ecopolitology.org/2010/06/10/several-u-s-cities-cracking-down-on-farmers-markets/">Ecopolitology</a> which are just two sites affiliated with the Live Oak Group of sites dedicated to eco-politics and living life more sustain-ably. I've been mentioning a lot of green sites lately because I know I don't think often enough about the impact things I do have on the environment (you know, out of sight out of mind?). I figure if I can mention more ways we all can do good for this world and share it with others, the more good we can do realistically, right? You can find Becky on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ShopGlueAndGlitter">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/glueandglitter">Twitter</a>, and her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/glueandglitter">Etsy Shop</a>. Stay tuned, because I have a surprise coming up for everyone in my next post :0)</span>CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-41561024463929357662010-08-26T11:00:00.000-04:002010-08-26T11:00:25.133-04:00Exciting News for Cece Wilson!O. . .M. . .Goodness! I am so in shock right now that I think I'm going to laugh, cry and squeal at the same time (Is it possible?)! I just submitted my first article for publication in an online newsletter/magazine <a href="http://www.londabrownproductions.com/">The Pen Point</a> and it's (the article) going to be put in September's <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001MV7eEgn-X0pYqWc5EsKXdw%3D%3D">issue</a>! Yay God! Yay Me! OK, this is a very big step for me because I love to write and friends tell me I have lots of great things to say, but I didn't always have the confidence to put it out there for the world to see. Well, now I have. Even more significantly the company that the newsletter is associated with also has an Aspiring Authors grant for Christian writers that will be awarded at the end of this year to 10 authors and one playwright for publishing and production costs respectively. Whew! I have three books in my head and not yet in my computer. My desire is to finish the first book by the end of this year and see what happens. Even if I don't win this year, I am going to get a book finished and submit it so that I can give myself the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do: be an author. The awesome thing about this grant is that I can reapply the next year so. . . What's holding me back really? Pray for me and wish me luck on this endeavor. I love you guys!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-11486697417058047652010-08-23T22:10:00.000-04:002010-08-23T22:10:43.273-04:00Introducing Ebony IntuitionI would like everyone to meet Tiffany the author of the blog <a href="http://ebonyintuition.blogspot.com/2009/09/look-of-day_28.html">Ebony Intuition</a>. She instantly caught my attention for two reasons: I found her page when she posted a to DIE for (metaphorically speaking of course) black and white environmentally friendly and sustainable little number being modelled by the actress Kerry Washington in the May 2010 issue of Vogue magazine AND the fact that she is from Toronto, Canada where my beloved husband was born and is still a citizen (although he's been here like ALL his life--go fig). Anyway, this post is for those of you who are style divas and interested things like the look of the day, great posts on culture, style, fashion, etc. Tiffany also has another page <a href="http://www.beautyisdiverse.com/">Beauty Is Diverse</a> which features pics, articles, and videos all for the purpose of celebrating the diversity and varied beauty of this world. I am learning to appreciate the fact that even with all our "imperfections" each of us is unique: beautiful and wonderfully crafted. I hope that you will get a chance to check these pages out and appreciate the variation and creativity God has placed in each of us. Have a great week everyone!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-59730430217239614792010-08-17T15:02:00.000-04:002010-08-17T15:02:34.770-04:00Introducing the Movie Mom<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/"><img alt="Movie Mom" height="70" src="http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/imgs/masthead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi guys! I know it's been like a week since I've checked in, but I was trying to get my husband back off to work successfully (he's a teacher). It's one down and two to go (my boys start school next week)! Although summer is over, I'd like to introduce you to Nell Minow, the Movie Mom. I think that many of you would appreciate this Beliefnet <a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/">blog</a> on recent and current movie reviews as well as her mom's eye view on films and the things that are important to parents when looking for good entertainment. She is very objective, candid, and systematic in her approach to grading and rating a film and she is my go-to gal for her take on a particular film. Of course there are other websites out there like <a href="http://www.kids-in-mind.com/">Kids-In-Mind</a> which has a unique rating system for the frequency of certain thematic elements in movies and <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/">Rotten Tomatoes</a> which combines professional critic consensus and public consensus to determine how popular a film is, however, as a mom, I really like Nell's site because sometimes I would prefer to see the big picture on a film and whether or not it would be a good choice for my family's entertainment. I like that fact that she not only lists movies new to theater, but also mentions new release DVD's. It's like getting an opinion from a friend that has seen the movie first and knows how to tell me all the things about it my kids don't want me to know. I can get a head's up so that I don't have any surprises when we pop the DVD in the player (which has happened lemme tell you). For a fun treat, you can send in your questions on movies who's names you can't remember, but can remember the decade, and some plot elements/memorable details. Nell is really good about finding the name of the films and the actors that play in them. Occasionally, she will even post a clip or two! I hope you get to check out the <a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/">Movie Mom</a> page and add it to your list of great sites!</div>CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-43502872495486720552010-08-09T13:35:00.000-04:002010-08-09T13:35:52.696-04:00Letting Go of Unhealthy Sacrifice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-Steps-to-Letting-Go-of-Unhealthy-Sacrifice"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0a1pVQpcsjqFC6qGkS4inPbxU-hFCkU0wL5Xbbed0vPsxYJUjb0ATDQf0u7965YNZF9abSMPBDWMp9mZI7czpC5TXj3ZRGv6Li2ehWb-uY8BvSM-dITGjNoQsXPa1-d8_YXCSQ/s200/Chrysanthemum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I know that I usually blog about other blogs that I think you would find interesting but technically I suppose <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-Steps-to-Letting-Go-of-Unhealthy-Sacrifice">Oprah</a>'s Online magazine would be considered a blog. My sissy sent me the link to this article: <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-Steps-to-Letting-Go-of-Unhealthy-Sacrifice">10 Steps to Letting Go of Unhealthy Sacrifice</a> (she knows me). I must admit the article hurt. LOL! I didn't really want to read it and I knew my sister sent it to me to help me but dang it! It really got to the heart of several matters for me including: not telling people what I really want, being authentic, giving too much of myself, my "yes" maybe meaning yes, but usually was originally intended to mean "no" (yeah), and even the accursed feeling guilty for being happy when others are not (what it that, really?). I recommend that you to also take the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Sacrifice-Test">Sacrifice (Martyr) test</a> and see where you are before you read the article. So, here's the article. I hope you get to read it and I really hope that if you are one of these people (like unto myself) that you will benefit from it. Happy blogging!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27384280.post-7531626393468465272010-08-05T23:04:00.000-04:002010-08-05T23:04:01.856-04:00Introducing Spicy Wifey<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spiceywifey.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzMCZicdLgzfPDeKLZjSvCCxqLUQAiHmqTNr2jgGm6ZjlatEFyK3ZfFEutR7gb13aAUx0adtkuKLnZobzkYLZN2YCE-kCY7QX095zx4h0OMqUAUCV8A0ExbW-Dol9vj9gQTmcEg/s200/final2%5B1%5D+-+Spicy+Wifey.png" width="82" /></a></div><br />
How does the saying go? Variety is the spice of life! I'd like to introduce you to Spicy Wifey. This is a blog which is dedicated to celebrating the lifestyles of the committed and married. That statement alone gives them my vote! What I like about this blog and company is the variety of products and services offered as well as the commitment to encouraging women to be the best women they are. I was duly impressed with <a href="http://spicywifey.blogspot.com/2010/07/weight-minute-monday-celebrate-small.html">Weight a Minute Mondays</a>, The Spicy Wifey <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/cookbooks/287686-Spicy-Wifey-Tastebook">Cookbook</a>, and the <a href="http://www.spicywifey.com/store.html">boutique</a> which includes: Seasoning Sessions (in the Atlanta, GA area) for giving women tools to add "spice" to their relationships, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm7DyRjtWRc&feature=related">Zumba</a> classes (also in the Atlanta area), and fashion apparel for a woman and her spice (Theoretically, the plural of "spouse" is "spice", right? It's a stretch, I know). If you like what you see, you can check Spicy Wifey out on their <a href="http://www.spiceywifey.com/">website</a>, at their <a href="http://www.spicywifey.blogspot.com/">blogger</a> page, and on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spicy-Wifey/244437527663?ref=ts&v=wall">Facebook</a>. Bon Appetit!CeCe Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707141833788706999noreply@blogger.com0