Happy 2 P day!

It’s a 2 celebration type of day. Hooray!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. There will be plenty of cheer flowing around New York and the country. I say do it up in style! Klassy like.

And Happy Birthday to Patricia of pvedesign!

Patricia is a wonderful artist, mother and friend.

I know plenty of you have been touched by her artwork and the daily inspiration she gives out on her blog. If you haven't been by then click on over.

Spread some love and stop on by here to give her birthday greetings today.

Best,
Kwana

Happy President's Day

What's Jack up to? Jack is doing well. Missing the Dear Twins but happy to have all the attention of the house to himself. It's all about Jack right now... but really when is it not?

I hope you had a nice Valentine's day. Mine was lovely spent with the DH and seeing him sing in the male choir for Men's day. Here's a pic of my pretty roses that he gave me. What a sweetheart.

In honor of the Dear Twins I'm keeping up with the French theme this week with this pic of our President and First lady on their past visit to France for President's day today.




So far I hear the twins are having a wonderful time, visiting Versailles yesterday one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion. They even got to go into more private rooms like the opera house which is not for pubic view and sit. Lucky kids. I'm so glad they are having this experience. Their teachers blog for the parents every night and send us pics to tell about the trip. It looks like a blast. Yesterday there was even a sweet Valentine message video from Versailles.








Happy Presidents day to you. Enjoy!




Best,
Kwana

Still Climbing

Happy Monday and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day! Dr. King's actual birthday is January 15th which is my Dear Twins birthday and I always felt such a sense of pride with them having that birthday.

This is such an important and hard fought holiday. For all of us the significance can't be forgotten. On the way to church yesterday while listening to the radio with my son we heard Reverend Al Sharpton say we have to make sure this is a Holiday and not a Hollow day and that makes sense. Kids have to know all that has happened to make this day happen in our country.



I also want to send positive thoughts to my own Pastor and many United Black clergy members as they travel with Rev Al to Haiti to help with relief. It is so wonderful how so many good people from all over the world have come together to help during this awful and devastating time.

Yes, there are those twisted few that are not true Christians (though they claim to be) or those that have dark hearts that want to twist this tragedy for their own media fame, but don't that that outweigh all those who truly care. There are so many from all walks of life, color and religions. And these people should be applauded. Thanks.

Best,
Kwana

A Fresh Wish for 2010

Happy 2010! Well, we made it here, now what are we gonna do with it? Gah!

A fresh year, a fresh decade to start all over again. And to say goodbye to the old crap that didn’t come to pass. I for one will fight to let those things go and work to embrace the new dreams of today.

The DD had a fine idea of going back to an old tradition that I had made up and forgotten about after we moved to the new house in the new town a few years ago. When the twins were small we always stayed in on New Year’s Eve and we’d blow up paper bags and make a wish in them and then pop them for the New Year. Don’t know where I got the idea or why I forgot it, but I was very happy that it made an impression in the now teen DD and she wanted to go back to it.
It was a tough 2009 and it felt good to go back to the old family traditions and start the year on a fresh wish.

Cheers to you and wishing all our dreams come true this year.

Best,
Kwana

Goodbye 2009

What’s Jack up to? Jack is chilling ala Jack style this last day of the 2009. But yesterday he got into a bit of trouble when he ran out of the house and over to the neighbors to bark and him and a friend for daring to just be out and minding their own business. Jack would not come home until the neighbor jogged over to my house and into the front door. Good to see Jack is still being Jack. Feisty huh? Sigh.

So yep, it’s the last day of the year 2009, heck it’s the last day of the freakin’ decade and still I don't have a flying car. What up with that? Unbeweaveable. Now there’s a word to keep in this decade, but you know I’ll be pulling it out again in 2010 along with ‘hot mess’. You know I can’t front. Ha! Now I’m bringing sayings from the 90’s. I’m getting my decades all jacked up. Oh snap! Word.

Oh well, no matter. Either way cheers to you and I’m wishing you ring out this year with love and peace in your heart and welcome in the New with even more to come back to you.

Peace Out 2009. See Ya wouldn’t want to be Ya! And I'm not ashamed to admit I'm so happy to see you go. Lord knows that's the truth. Here's hoping for a better 2010.

Best,
Kwana

Harlem Holidays

What’s Jack up to? Jack is doing great and recuperating from the excitement of Christmas. He had so much fun with family dropping in and by being totally spoiled by having Nana over with him for a few days so he was sad to see her go back home. I know, Jack me too.

Thanks to all of you for your 2 year blogiversary well wishes. Who knew I could blab so much? Thanks again for sticking with me.

A few of you were sweet enough to ask about Nana and she sends her holiday best wishes to you! I made sure to head to her place and take a few pictures to share this year’s Harlem Holiday Hallways with you. Here are Nana and my Aunt Cynthia saying Merry Christmas.

Cynthia along with other neighbors are the masters behind the WOW hallways. Can you believe they actually had lights this year? And the wrapping paper on each door is too funny, but I love it. A present in each apartment.

And they say neighbors don’t get together anymore. I think they do. All it takes is a little community care and friendly cooperation. Hmm…I wonder if the government is listening?

Best,
Kwana

Merry Christmas!

The Yule Log will be burning in the virtual fireplace today and spirits will be high. Wishing a wonderful Christmas day to you and yours from Me, The DH, The Dear Twins and Jack.


And once more for the road...

Much love,

Kwana

All I Want...

It's the day before Christmas and I hope you're all ready and settled. Thanks for all your song comments from my song post. They were so much fun. I'm sharing my favorite Christmas song with you today. Have a wonderful Holiday. I hope it's merry and bright and full of joy.



Much Love,
Kwana

Happy Holidays from Us

Well, there is one week left till Christmas. I have most of my cards sent out but of course I run out of stamps just two shy. Oh well, it's back to the post office for me.

Speaking of cards. Here is a ridonkulously sick holiday card from Me and Jack to all of you thanks to JibJab and Elf yourself. Sorry I couldn't resist. I think I have officially gone over bend.


Much love through this holiday season.
Kwana

Oh Christmas Tree- 09

What's Jack up to? Poor Jack has been a little tippy on his toes? He walks for a bit and then starts to hop. I'm afraid he has a cut on his paw. So we're tending to that. Ouch. Any advice for me on that? How to help the pain also how to get him to stop biting and licking at it? And check him out. Boy does he need a haircut.




First off thanks to all the new people who stopped by yesterday for the PW talk. It was quite a day for me for blog hits and much appreciated.


As promised here are picture so of this year's tree which is pretty much last year's tree since it came out of the box from the basement. Thank you Martha.





As you can see I have lots of ornaments that I add to every year. I still have to pick up this years ornament for the kids. Must get on that. at the rat I'm going they'll be hanging it on Christmas eve. Oh will it'll still count.





Something corny that I do and I just can't stop (superstition maybe?) is I always have an ornament for the hubby and me. Sometimes it's a store bought one and when times are a bit leaner or time gets away from me I just wing it. As long as it says we're still hanging together for another Christmas. You see we were engaged on Christmas eve. But that's a blog post for another day. *wink*







What are some of your traditions?



Best,
Kwana

Joy

Thanks to the lovely Chocolate Covered Daydreams I found a blog that is new to me called Barking Mad! And Audrey is having a wonderful Target gift card giveaway. All you have to do is write a post about what brings you joy. You can visit Audrey here. But act fast. The post is due today.



So what brings me joy? Hmm … you’d think this would be easy to write but not so much since my mind is currently filled with clutter of what I need to do and have to get or need to get me through the day/month and into next year. You see Joy is something I constantly strive for, not something I see myself as always having. But if I think about it, I know that I do have it. Deep down on the inside and I just need to keep tapping into it and not let all the clutter of my world hold it down.

That said there is lots of Joy from the outside too. Things like: sincere smiles from friends and even strangers, looks of love from those you love, a good laugh that always brings joy, unexpected kindness from strangers. That always fills my heart.



Joy is when my family is all home safe and sound and snugged in their beds. Or maybe that is a bit of Peace of mind?


I have found much joy in the generosity and spirit of the blogging community.
And in the care of my writing friends and friends who have supported me as I continue my long quest to publication. Thanks PIC and Lovely Crit Partners, Jen and Jeanine!
There is also Joy in laughing with my knitting group. I love it when we all crack up over something and the needles have to stop.



Oh and I also find much joy in a good period movie or a great romance with an alpha hero and a strong heroine. That gives me lots of joy.

Best,

Kwana

P.S. Even if you don't have time to enter the giveaway. Please comment here on what bring you Joy and get some joy in thinking about it. Or write your own post and please let me know so I can stop on by. That would bring me Joy.

P.P.S. scroll down to see my Giveaway winner and to hear about my Bleak weekend.

Holiday Giveaway!

What's Jack up to? As I write this Jack is hanging in his spot under the bed with the latest toy that he's chewed to bits. Lately I've been finding stuffing in the oddest places. Oh well, that's my Jack.

The holidays are here, really they are! And really I am still so not prepared. This is seriously turning into a thing with me this year. Way to cut it close, Kwana. Sigh.

Ah well, I'm not going to let my lack of planning or get up and go ruin holiday cheer on this here blog so I'm having a Holiday Giveaway. Yay!!!

This giveaway is featuring a beautiful notebook/sketchbook from one of my favorite artists, my good friend, Patricia of PVE Design.

notebook titled: Life's a Beach

Many of you are fans of Patricia's work from her blog or you may have been lucky enough to have commissioned a work of your very own. I'm lucky to have had her design my above banner which I always get compliments on.

Well Patricia has opened up her own Etsy store where you can get some of her works at really great prices. Perfect timing for for the holidays. Please go and check it out here.

Now for the contest. Help me get a little more in the holiday spirit, gather new readers and fill my iPod while I'm at it.

1. You must be a follower to enter.

2. If you tweet or link to the contest you can submit another entry.

3. With your entry please leave me the title and artist of your favorite holiday song to add to my holiday playlist.

The contest is open until Sunday 12/13 at Midnight.

Easy Peasy!

Best,
Kwana

Awkward Family Photo

What’s Jack up to? I really am thinking that Jack thinks that he’s human. This weekend he was a snooty McSnooter with our other neighbor dog Mr. Bean. Giving him the cold shoulder like sweet Arya, but happy to say hello to Mr. Beans pretty owner. Oh well. That’s my snooty dog.


This weekend I braved the family tradition of the corny Sears holiday portrait session. Yep, after last year’s hot mess I put on my big girl mommy panties, gave all sorts of evil eyes, bought matching black tops (yep, I'm that woman. Thought I'd up the torture this year) and took the DH and dear teen twins to Sears once again for the awkward photo session. Here are a few choice lines from the night:

“Do you know how much I hate this?”

“This is the worst”

“I’m so starving.”

“He’s so stupid.”

"Loser."

“You know we’re the oldest ones here.”

“Um, Dad can you sit up straight.”

“Chin down”

“Sorry, you blinked on that one.”

"Brother, sister, um, just a little closer please?”

"Please."

“Hey mom, did you know you have a lot of grey hairs now?”

“Oh crap!”

CLICK!

Photo thanks to Awkward Family Photos.
Check to out here for loads of laughs.


Best,
Kwana

Sweetness

Happy Friday! I hope you have a sweet weekend lined up.



I have a busy one and I hope with all the running around it will be sweet too. I'm about to kick off the holiday season (and not panic- see below) with my RWA chapter holiday brunch on Saturday. It's always a fun gathering. I wonder if any sweet potatoes will be served with all the literary talk?



Best,
Kwana

The Day After

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving. I hope you had a wonderful day and got to spend time with those you love. The DH took the dear twins to the Macy's parade in the morning which was so much fun for them since they have not been since they were babies and it left me with time to get in a few NaNo words before heading for dinner at Nana's.

If you're reading this blog it must mean you're not out in the Black Friday shopping madness today. I sure thought about it. Real Hard. But these images will show why I'm not out today. If you are or did go out. I wish you best of luck with finding great bargains. Me, I'm still hanging with my NaNo writing. Only 4 days to make my deadline. Tick Tock.

Best,

Kwana

Giving Thanks

From Me and Jack and the whole Gang,

With Love,

Kwana

Feeling Parched

What's Jack up to? Jack is gearing up for a long holiday weekend filled with family and the dear twins. No more lounging about it's about to be wild up in here.

Me, I'm hoping to get my NaNo writing done in the midst of all the holiday running around. Don't ask me how. It's a mystery. Yikes.

The DD had been dying to show me this nutty YouTube video. Yes, these are the things that occupy the teen's minds nowadays. I have to say I saw it and thought how silly, but still funny and I also thought of one person. So this goes out to you, Kristen. It made me think of your post here.





Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. Hug all those you love and be thankful for them.
I'm so thankful to all of you for stopping by and hanging with me. Smooches.

Best,
Kwana

P.S. What did you all think of the results of Dancing with the Stars? Did you watch? I was not surprised but also not happy.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween from me and Jack!

We hope you have more treats than tricks.

Best

Kwana

Halloween Glam

Halloween is less than a week away (don't ask me how that happened) and the stores are already stocking Christmas decor and totally ignoring Thanksgiving all together. Ah well...

But for those of you getting excited about this Saturday and ready to get all dolled up for a ghoulish or glamorous night out check out this how to video inspired by the princess of shock Lady GaGa.



Best,
Kwana

Magical Monday

What's Jack up to? Jack's had a good weekend. He got to chill on the 4th of July. All was pretty quiet in our neighborhood on the 4th. Most of the action was the 3rd and Jack hung in the basement with toys and treats where he wasn't bothered much by the loud noise.

I hope you all had a magical weekend filled with good food, fun and fireworks and when I say fireworks I mean only in the best way. Not in the crazy life kind of way. LOL.

The family and I decided to brave the crowds and head downtown to see the Macy's fireworks spectacular. Something everyone should do at least once. This year it was held on the Hudson River instead of the East side. As you can see there were people galore but the big show made it well worth wading through the crowds. Just amazing!

I hope you have a Magical Monday!

Best,

Kwana