The "I Won't Complain" Challenge... LET'S DO IT!!!

My facebook friend Phil Turner Jr; a relationship coach and mentor at The Relationship Group Inc., has invited his facebook friends to join him on a 30 day challenge to... not complain?  ABOUT ANYTHING???  Hmmmm, my first instinct was to... well... complain!  I mean, being "invited" to join a group or a page on facebook basically means nothing, you receive notifications anyway and are basically "in", so if you're not interested then you have to remove yourself!!?? And that's exactly what I was about to do; remove myself I mean, my mindset was already in complain mode!  Then I read Phil's mission statement;

"Join me on a 30- day challenge to not complain about anything.  Don't complain about how you're feeling to your mate or children, don't complain about work, or your job.  Don't raise your voice and just deal with whatever issues that come your way in a calm fashion.  Share your progress here; and if you do complain, no worries, just pick up and start over." 

After I read it, I thought about every important relationship in my life; how I feel about them, how I hope they feel about me and I knew I wanted to be better for all of us.  Life is awesome and God is GOOD!  My inspiration for this blog, my first in ages, is to not only not complain for 30 days and beyond, but to ACTIVELY do whatever it takes to work on correcting whatever I'm complaining about... silently, and to start writing about things I don't just like, but LOVE, again!

So much has changed for me since my move to Florida and my last blog entry, I'm looking forward to filling you in!  I have real love in my life, for the rest of my life God willing; my son is back in school with definitive goals in mind and my daughter is blossoming into a BEAUTIFUL young lady.  And, I'm feeling better (physically) then I have in a very, very long time... So, I guess you can say I have nothing to complain about!  Be well...

Me, Kam and Donovan, May 2001

To join The "I Won't Complain" Challenge and read daily posts that inspire, click the link below!

The “I Won’t Complain” Challenge

I Don’t Just Like It, I LOVE IT!!! - DivineCaroline

I Don’t Just Like It, I LOVE IT!!! - DivineCaroline

The "Virtual Village"

Hey all, I know it's been a while...  I woke up this morning laughing and I'm not sure why.  I want to believe that my "lightness of spirit" has to do with where my life is at the moment.  The page... yup, that's it, I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!, has a lot to do with my feelings lately!  I draw so much strength from the spiritual, comedic and heart wrenching posts and scanning the Newsfeed for this awesome fair daily brings a sense of renewal in my heart... I know it's a direct reflection of your awesome words!   Thanks friends, you all truly are a Blessing!

Now, you know there's always a flip side to this thing, right?  Lol, because I'm adding new "friends" daily, reading their statuses gives me a window as to who these people may be, but more importantly, after reading a few of said statuses, I'm not so sure if I WANT to know these people!  Again, because my purpose on facebook is two-fold; 1/3 entertainment, 2/3 I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!, I've become quite the watchdog!  In no way do I liken myself as the "moral police", although I believe in GOD and consider myself to be deeply spiritual; I, like many others, am still a sinner and struggle in my quest to become the person God wants me to be everyday.  

So back to the "watchdog" thing!  Lol, when reposting, if I notice posts that are in desperate need of grammatical, spelling and/or punctuational correction, I fix it. Some posts, in my opinion, are borderline disrespectful/offensive and I don't even consider sharing!  These are the "friends" whose posts I hide from my Newsfeed. But what if it gets a little more complicated?  What if it's a family member or your "real" friends?

A few weeks ago my sweet, beautiful and talented, 17 year old niece posted something that was as innocent as status updates go.  Unfortunately, a facebook friend of hers decided he was going to take what she posted in a different direction and made a rather obscene remark.  Now, doing my "scanning" thing, not only did I read it, I felt compelled to comment on my niece's thread!  In my comment I admonished this young "boy" for being  rude and encouraged my niece to delete it before other family members saw it.  After my comment, I got notification that additional comments had been made.  Of course my niece set that kid straight, or so I thought.  Apparently, a couple of her friends, one of them being the same "boy" who's comment spearheaded the events that followed, found my remarks to be quite humorous.  When I realized a few hours later that she was NOT going to delete the comments, or the entire thread for that matter, I sent her an inbox message.  I thought it was important for me to tell her how incredibly valuable she is and when you ALLOW anyone to devalue you, before you know it, EVERYONE will.  I told her that I love her and because she may not have understood how offensive and disrespectful this young man was actually being to her, I did, and pointing that out to her so she can "check" him was my job and this was the posture she herself, needed to adopt.  Honestly, above and beyond anything I needed her to know I had her back!  But, it  was clear that she didn't have mine.  I came across as the "nosy" Aunt that her friends laughed at because her position was that this boy was only "joking" and that was that.  The status/comments stayed and the only choice I had was to unfriend her.  This wasn't the first time that I "inboxed" her with my thoughts about the impropriety of comments on her page, but it would be the last.

Question; if the "Village" has gone "Virtual", what happens when wisdom and advice is dismissed?  When following-up online simply becomes nothing more than words?  Showing someone has always been a lot more productive than telling them, but how is that possible in this medium?  When the written word has zero impact, is ignored, and even worse, become downright laughable, where do you go from there?  I'm pretty sure that boy would not have thought is was the least bit funny if I was there in the flesh, TRUST ME!  Now, in the case of my niece; being facebook friends is a non-issue, I love her, she'll always be my niece and I will always be here for her.  Whenever she needs advice, she has my number.  However, when she refused to delete the thread (I hear that it has since been deleted) I felt superfluous.  Even online, I had no control and/or influence on her and my opinion didn't matter.  I had to ask myself; was I encroaching or coaching?  I'd like to think it was the latter, but appealing to someone who's main focus and allegiance is to their friends is a difficult task, and, I found out the hard way, more difficult to do online.

She's still a fan of the page and now; because all of you, I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  helps me reach her and 1300 other people everyday with words of encouragement, inspiration and LOVE.  I know I draw from it and find myself repeating famous quotes, and sometimes not so famous words from you... my friends.  On behalf of my niece I want to thank you all again for the continued support; until the next blog, be well!!!  :-)



I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Treat your (minor) children as human beings. Of course, they are not peers or buddies, but they are people. Try to understand their perspective, listen to them, talk to them. Relationship and dialogue are essential, even when they are little. Laugh with them, dream with them, play with them, try to get to know them as they are, and be someone that they will enjoy knowing.  Michael Tyler Smith

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! In some cases, it might take a village to raise a child, but in most cases it only takes the love of one person in the village.  Michael Anthony Snowden

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  I learn something new or see thing from a different perspective everyday... Much thanks to this group and its contributors.  Sweet!*  Tumi Right

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Racquel Mallett Jones  believes when you stop settling for less you'll finally get what you deserve. Never settle for less than you deserve.


I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  “We are guilty of many errors & many faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children,neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, & his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer 'Tomorrow', His name is 'Today.'” ~ Gabriela Mistral, Chilean poet via  Kwame Reina Morris

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  ‎"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality." - Ralph Marston via  Lee Fuller  

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!‎"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict." ~ Author Unknown via Kwame Reina Morris

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Try to avoid negative people, they are the greatest destroyers of self confidence and self-esteem. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.Healing Heart Counseling Service

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  "The Trouble Maker - The problem with speaking your mind is that it can be confused with creating a problem or seeking for one." ~ Vanessa Black via  Kwame Reina Morris

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  No one can change a person. But, a person can be the reason someone changes. via  Dwayne Riley Jesus

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! "No day is wasted in which I touch another person's life in any positive, meaningful way. And so it is that I enrich my days by giving something of myself whether through a warm smile, a kind word, a sympathetic ear, a gentle embrace, or a helping hand."- David L. Weatherford. via  Myckelle Williams

Happy New Year!

Hey everyone, Happy New Year!!!!!  I wanted to start off this year right and talk about resolutions.  I don't save them for the New Year, I practice them everyday. I'm resolute about many things, but today I'll talk about the power of giving.  It's a wonderful thing, isn't it?  It truly baffles me when that, along with the gift of love, understanding and compassion; that we're all in possession of, aren't returned.  I mean, what does it really cost to give back?

Making people feel good, about their lives, their situation and themselves should be the norm and I'm resolved in sharing this with any and everyone that needs it. In May 2009, the I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! page was created for this purpose; your words have impacted me and in all sincerity, changed my life, thank you.  With over 1200 supporters, I can only hope others are benefiting from this page too.  I copy and paste hundreds of statuses for the page, but I read thousands.  I want to thank everyone who contributed to the page directly and inadvertently!  On some days, the commonality in your shared posts was phenomenal!  It was almost as if we were ALL on the same page, no pun intended!  The honesty some of your posts revealed, the emotion that your words evoked, had me in a contemplative state of mind regularly and I truly felt it... my cup runneth over..  :-)  


Ted Williams, the homeless gentleman who is Blessed with the gift of voice should be a living testament of what the human spirit is capable of.  To never give up and persevere with no fear and no excuses is the rule of thumb and Mr. Williams' meteoric rise and phenomenal appeal to the masses is nothing short of amazing. His resolution, his belief in God and in his natural ability enabled him to push through and I couldn't be more happy for him!  And to Doral Chenoweth III of "The Columbus Dispatch", the newsman who stopped, spoke to and shared Mr. Williams' story, you changed this mans life and when I prayed for Mr. Williams, I also prayed for the Blessing that is you.  Those steps you took were guided and I said a special thank you to Him because you were listening!


We're not perfect, period.  Hurting people is going to happen, it's how you acknowledge that hurt and try to make amends that's going to make the biggest difference; not only to the person you hurt, but in/to your life as well.  I think of it this way; what would I want to pay forward, love and kindness or hate and anger? The determination I have in not treating anyone in a way that they themselves wouldn't want to be treated has become my personal mission.  Reciprocity is awesome but, if it's not coming from a natural place, it shouldn't be expected. Besides, the unexpected can mean so much more.  I should know, it's what you've all given me since the inception of this page... *tear

Thanks everyone and Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!!!



I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Never underestimate your FB status. Words have power. Sometimes the words you type can mean the difference between life and death; between someone seeing or remaining blind. There are always those who never click LIKE, who never comment, who never inbox you, but they read your words and benefit from them. So never underestimate your FB status because they're touching somebody out there. Mark Goggins

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   ... Cried this morning. Cried until my body choked, heaved, and trembled. Through the tears, I talked with GOD... And HE heard me... Even when the words couldn't get around the sobs, HE heard me. After I was completely spent, when there was nothing left of me; a small quiet voice whispered in my Soul... Victory.  Kwame Reina Morris

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  "The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself." —Wallace Wattles via Michael Anthony Snowden

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Don't allow laziness, "That's too much/I don't feel like doing that"; pride "What you want is stupid" or comfort, "That person will always be there" open the door for someone else. There's a HUGE difference between "I can't do what you're asking me to do," and "I have the ability to, but I WON'T."  Jullian Goodin

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  I've continued to recognize the power individuals have to change virtually anything and everything in their lives in an instant. I've learned that the resources we need to turn our dreams into reality are within us, merely waiting for the day when we decide to wake up and claim our birthright. Let's Go Get It!!!  Rick DaBarba

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  ‎"It is better to give than to receive" can be applied to MANY circumstances; relationships are not one of them. Two people should contribute to a union. When one is weak, the other is strong. Its about finding the right balance. If what you're giving outweighs what you receive, maybe the person you're with is just not the right fit for you. - Sol-Caritas.com  Carlos Wallace

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! When People Are Baffled At How You Continue To Succeed Even Tho The Odds Are Stacked Against You... Silently Tell Them "You're Right... It's Not Fair... It's Favor..." JS (God's Son) John Spruill

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Shared by  Janise J Danzy

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  My heart hurts...its too big for this body. Evan L. Morganstern

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  ‎"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be." Johann Wolfgang Goethe via Aaron Justice

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! Use your talent (everybody has one) in anyway you can. Don't keep it for yourself like a miser - spend it like a millionaire! Damon Sessions

Home Improvements...

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   ...on to the next, welcome Autumn, officially that is....  Chaundra Daniels










So walking around my home, I'm starting to notice ALL the "little" things that I need to get done, but haven't.  Funny how those "little" things turn into BIG things after a while.  Yes, it's that time of year when heating systems need to be checked, windows need to be sealed and the money that's needed to winterize homes in preparation for the upcoming season(s) need to start growing on trees!  ;-)

I bet you're wondering why I still feel Blessed, huh?  For obvious reasons I suppose.  For starters, I have a home; a roof over my head for me and my children, and even though maintaing this home can be somewhat of a struggle from time to time, in the words of the infamous style guru and Project Runway fashion consultant Tim Gunn, "I'm making it work!!"

In the midst of my boiler blues, plumbing problems, deck damage and subsequent salon (french for sitting area in my bedroom) situation; oh, did I forget to mention I'm currently painting and redesigning my boudoir/lounge area and bath?  Anyway, I keep picking out the wrong colors... Ugh!!!!

I should be climbing the walls, up all night, (wait a minute, I slept all night after being up for over 40 hours straight.. insomnia really does suck!) and SUPER stressed out, but I'm not.  I'm content actually.  I know all that I need done around here will get done and I know this because my will is strong, so there will definitely be a way!   My house is so chaotic right now and this may read strange, but everything in my life is on the upswing and I owe it all to HIM!  Sure I can sit here and worry, but He won't allow that either.  I got a message today from someone that was sent by Him and I know everything is going to be alright.  Life is beautiful and so is he... xoxo

They say some people have the power to speak things into existence, so in closing, this is all I have to type; if it's not broken and falling off the hinges, fixing it can wait and I expect a few calls in the event that money tree is discovered...  ;-)  Be well...


I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  A day of beauty makes any woman feel better :)! Monica Michelle Cooper

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Positive Thinking: We are in a time where the economy has us backing up daily. Stop and pay closer attention to detail. This is the time to build your business, work your resume, network hard and stay positive in all that you do. As you take this step back please do the following; review finances, create a plan, set goals that you can REACH & don't take NO for an ANSWER. IT CAN BE DONE. -The Next Level- Kendell Maliki

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Nobody said this was gonna be easy........... Joe Razzano

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  The GREATEST EFFORT is not concerned with results. Joy can be found in the process itself and knowing that you gave it your best shot. Results may not always be what you want them to be, but still...before you ditch your plan, just TRY.  Janet Grier

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  No one makes it to the "top" by themselves. Each step you take is guided by at least one person's blood, sweat and tears. If you don't appreciate those who stand behind you as you rise, don't expect them to catch you if you fall. The ladder of success is steadiest when someone's there to support it. - Sol-Caritas.com  Carlos Wallace

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   "All I do is WIN, WIN, WIN not matter what! Got God on my mind, I can never get enough. And every time I think about His goodness, you know I gotta throw my hands up. And they stay there....." Dannielle Bradley

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.  J. E. Barnes

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  “One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” - Michael Korda shared by Lee Fuller

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  An artist does not fake reality--he *stylizes* it.  Pras Michel

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  People who want by the yard, but try by the inch, should be kicked with the foot !! Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. We will accomplish a lot more when we get rid of our if's and and's; and get off our but's.  Rick DaBarba

Inspiration...

Mike and I on Turkey Duty, Thanksgiving 2009

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Wanted item fr. Walmart $40.Got 2 cashier it was $20. I prayed Lord, I need 2 bless some1. Outside, a voice spk..Woman w/keys..woman comes 2ward me dangling keys. Stopped her & pressed $20 N her hands. She collapsed n my arms bawling. She thought God hadn't heard prayers & He sent a stranger 2 encourage her. People follow ur heart..bless some1..I felt like crying 2. Don't kno wht her problem but God did.  Pat SisterBetty G'orge-Walker

When I read this status this morning, it brought tears to my eyes as well.  When God is speaking through us to help others, aren't we simply the conduit?  I have been Blessed a hundred times over and never get weary of giving a "shout out" to whom I owe it all, and so much more, to.  Being Favored isn't solely felt by the givers of this world, but to the receivers as well, and I have been in receipt of His many Blessings everyday of my life..  :-)  

Two years ago my best friend, sister and children worked with Darren Green, from the Nassau Guardians, and fed the Hempstead community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Last year, My sister Angie, our friend Vance  and I worked with Aunt (Sister) Mary, of Yes! Solutions, and fed thousands of homeless people in Harlem NY...

The day was unseasonably warm and we got to the site; 125th Street and Morningside Ave, a little early.  Walking to Starbucks and enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee was about all the down time we had because when Aunt Mary showed up, it was GAME TIME!!  Feeding well over 1,000 people in the community was hard work, but the dividends were worth it.  This experience was, hands down, one of the most awesome (outside of welcoming my children into this world) experiences I've ever had.  Helping people, making sure everyone had, and having so much donated food to give people extra was, in a word, AMAZING!  The hundreds of volunteers it takes to pull this off annually is nothing short of miraculous, and the friendships that were formed that day will last all the days of my life..  I can't wait to do it and see everyone again!

I'll never forget leaving the site and jumping on the Bruckner, heading back home to Long Island to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family that evening.  There was a homeless man walking, and panhandling underneath the underpass.  We didn't have any cash, but we did have a GINORMOUS styrofoam container filled with food...  The traffic was pretty bad, almost at a standstill and the Man began to walk back towards our car...  Vance suggested we give him our food and it was at this time that I looked at him.  Poor Man...  I rolled down the window and offered him the super sized container.  When he opened it, he looked back at me with surprise.  I can only imagine that it must have been a very long time since he had a proper Thanksgiving dinner...  He looked at me with tears in his eyes and simply said, "God Bless You"...  He walked away and I watched him in my side view mirror until he all but disappeared.  Vance, Angie and I began to cry as well.  The love in our hearts was too much and the emotions felt were mirrored and shared.. we were all in awe.  I'm crying as I type this and I cried when I read Pat's status this morning...  God is SOOOO GOOD!!!  :-)

Paying it forward doesn't always have to be through deed either...  I know why I created the I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! page, it was to pay it forward as well.  To my sister who's bravery and Duty fills me with so much love and pride.   All the way from Afghanistan she continued to uplift me with her wonderful thoughts and words.   And to ALL my facebook friends who inspired me with their awesome statuses to get better and move forward with the awesome life God has planned for me post operation from back surgery...(emotional~*tear) friends...  through you and your words, you've given me the opportunity to re post which, I can assure you, has helped me and so many others in so many different ways.  You all continue to inspire and your support is appreciated... THANK YOU!!!  Be well...


I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   You have a special gift inside that only you possess, learn what it is, how to operate it and then share it with the world - that's the secret to living a wealthy life... Blessed Day Beloved!  John Spruill

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be no help. (John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963)shared by Jackie-Fabulous Champagnie

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo F. Buscaglia shared by Lee Fuller

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  To look around and see all the wonders of God &To know that God created you in His likenessYou in Him and Him in you What a wonderful thingWOW I love you FB Fam..  Donnell Dunbar

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  COMPASS- What defines U? Your things, your clothes,your car? Your great or sorry personality? Other people? You were made wonderfully. We mar and scar ourselves by what we follow.Follow chaotic people, be stressed/ confused. Follow the confident/ controlled, and develop your own greatness. Where is your compass pointing and what do you follow?ReDefine your existence, from the inside out.  Janet Grier

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Behind every action there's a consequence, now that can either be a reward or a punishmennt based on the action. Make sure you act accordingly to reap your rewards life has to offer you. Everyone deserves a chance at being GREAT...DUECES John Jay

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  ‎"You have got to let go of the life you have planned to live the life that is waiting for you." ~ Joseph Campbell ~ "You have got to let go of those old clothes and dance naked every once in a while" Evan Morganstern shared by Evan L. Morganstern

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” -Unknown

BE the BEAUTIFUL GEM inside and out TODAY! shared by  Kim Coles

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   I extend love to people everyday-- little by little, task by task, gesture by gesture, word by word.  Simone Hylton

Chaundra Daniels via  I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!! We want God to Change our Circumstances but God wants 2 use our Circumstances 2 **CHANGE US** AMEN!! Thank You Lord God 4 Loving Me & My Family Enough 2 put us through Trails & Tribulations.....How else would we exercise our **FAITH** and through our TRIUMPHS & TESTIMONY be a BLESSING to someone else.....ENJOYING THE JOURNEY!! Life is Good but is GREAT when you have God in your lives:) Charlene Ewing

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  It takes who you were and where you've been to make you the person you are today.Phil Jones  

Trust..

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Lee Fuller shares this: “Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong - sometimes it's letting go.” - Unknown

Trust...  I think my son was 13 years old when I realized he was not only computer savvy, but appreciated the female anatomy VERY WELL!!    Lol, it was when I upgraded my computer and had an IT guy at the house that I first became aware of "Cookies", what it's function was and ALL that my firstborn was truly up to!  When asked if I wanted to migrate my files, I immediately said yes; my poetry, several book ideas and treatments for Motion Picture were on my old computer, I didn't want to lose all that material.  When I was shown the 10's of thousands of pornographic websites that my son had accessed and had strategically been hiding with the help of "cookies", I was shocked!!  Ok, ok... maybe I wasn't shocked; I mean, secretly, I had begun to question my son's sexuality...  He didn't express any interest in boys, but he didn't express any interest in girls either!  I was quietly preparing my self for the unexpected.  But when I saw the plethora of websites denoting women with "Big Asses", I was pretty clear about his choice then!  Yes, I admonished him when he came home from school that day, and the look of sheer horror on his face upon realizing that I knew what he was up to, his discomfort about being confronted and the difficulty of keeping a straight face throughout it all was priceless.  Imagine the ground opening up at that very moment, creating the largest hole known to man... my son would have gladly leapt into it at that moment and trying, successfully I might add, not to laugh, was hard but I managed!  

Now, that was over 8 years ago...  over the years, children have become experts on the computer.  My daughter, who is now 11 years old, helps me with computer problems I have and deftly puts me back on track as good as any old IT professional could!  ;-)  We've discussed social networking pedophiles and the strict rule that she is prohibited from speaking to anyone online (Skype, IM, facebook, etc..) that is a stranger!  In the 2 years that she has been navigating websites for entertainment purposes (Disney) socially and school stuff, I haven't had an issue yet.  She religiously asks for permission to accept friend requests, (even if she does know the person, she'll ask) and I trust her not to do anything foolish, like offer information about where she lives, where she goes to school, etc..  The trust I have for her has nothing to do with the fact that I DO NOT trust people on the internet.  But, I have to believe that with the instructions , warnings and knowledge that I've given her, she will make the right decisions.  As the parent, my supervisory role is in full effect at all times, but I also give her the space she needs to explore...  And besides, I know what "cookies" is now, so whether she knows it or not, she is ALWAYS being monitored!  

My big question is this...  when do we as parents cut those strings?  At what age does cyber monitoring  become down right intrusive?  Honestly, shit I've said about my parents growing up was downright awful!  The idea of reading what my children type freely over the Net about their hatred of me, at that moment in time anyway, is as unappealing to me as all those ridiculous websites my son as a teenager accessed!  Besides, when my children weren't mad at me, and I wasn't angry with them any longer, it was all love...  I'm not sure how long the anger would have continued, on my part anyway, had I read anything they may have shared in anger over the world wide web!  

This isn't an admonishment to those parents who do keep a watchful eye on their children, regardless of age, over the Net, I'm just talking about me and my style; making sure teeth are brushed, chores are done and now that school has restarted, homework is understood and completed, I'm tapped out!  Above all else, I want to encourage trust, love and communication with my children.  If they'd rather share things with friends and family online than have a conversation with me, then I'm not doing something right.  Live and let live, supervise, but don't control.  Know that the tools you give your children everyday to become the citizens you want them to be are being adhered to, and if they aren't the signs will show up, trust me...  As a matter of fact,  don't trust me... try trusting them!  Be well...

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!   I remember a playhouse set fragile built with cardboard in a haunted playhouse as they played. We know eachother don't we? wait stay in the scene! you are my enemy in this scene, but I don't want to hate you I want to make you smile - and remember the ghosts past, but the scene requires us to be bad people and hate eachother...I don't like this scene I want to stop but I can't break character  Nema Williams

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  The ELEPHANT still IN THE ROOM: can't Ignore it. But Dont Feed it. It wont go away and you might accidentally get stomped. ACKNOWLEDGE its presence. Make the elephant leave on its own by strategically partnering with an Animal Tamer and a Zoo Keeper. YOU BE THE MOUSE! Switch the status quo so the elephant has a ‘new experience’ and backs away.Janet Grier

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Give what you expect to receive, love how you expect to be loved, and live like you have a life worth living. Take a long look at in the mirror. Hold you accountable! ~Style Matters~- Shawn Lovings'

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgivethe nonsense of those who think they talk sense.~Robert Frost~ Janet Grier

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  ....your daily ritual is creating your future reality regardless of your past ambition..... Asah Zilla

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  REASONABLE: Separate the Good reason from the Real reason. They're typically not the same... Janet Grier

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  "The greatest happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." ~Victor Hugo~ shared by Angelique Worth

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  I finally found it....I finally get it....I finally understand! How freeing it is.....Graceann Rivera  

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  Constructive criticism is about finding something good and positive to soften the blow to the real critique to what really went on. Every person has their true and certain value. Praise and criticism doesn't change any of that. Only the work itself praises and criticizes the person. The trouble with a lot of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. Rick DaBarba

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!!  I know sometimes we look at the youth and see the senseless crimes they commit and say that the youth have gone crazy. Well these are the fruit from our collective tree. So if there's a problem with the fruit, we better go to the root and check the tree. Mark Goggins

I don't just "Like it", I "LOVE IT"!!  Lee Fuller  shares this: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." - William James