Every child has friends & crayons

Crayola brand crayons were the first kids crayons ever made, invented by cousins, Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith. The brand's first box of eight Crayola crayons made its debut in 1903. The crayons were sold for a nickel and the colors were black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green. The word Crayola was created by Alice Stead Binney (wife of Edwin Binney) who took the French words for chalk (craie) and oily (oleaginous) and combined them. (this information is listed at http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/crayons.htm)

Currently the company makes more than 120 crayon colors that help to stimulate adult and children's creative development. But why didn't Binney & Smith stick to just the original eight ? Because the world would be rather boring with just the original eight colors. Even grade school kids know this. They are constantly switching up colors and experimenting with mixing colors.

Our lives should be the same , we should have a core or base of everything but then we need to branch out and experience life. One major area where I have noticed that people have issues is with friends! Some really feel threatened or insecure when others form new friendships and this really boggles me. Can a magenta or mauve replace the original purple? Of course not, but it can compliment that same color. Binney and Smith were smart enough to not limit the company to only creating the original eight and I'm just as wise!

Moreover, I'm like the kid that wants the 64 box of crayons with all of the different little boxes inside. Like that kid I vow from this day forward to make sure those colors that don't "MESH WELL WITH OTHERS" stay in their own little box.

You can give a kid a crayon but you can't make him color with it.....

Hence, I've accepted the fact that you can't force others to grow and expand their minds but I won't let other kids break my crayons because they aren't interested in them!

In love and peace,
L. MZL

What I'm thankful for

Its Thanksgiving morning and I am thankful! I will not start a laundry list of things that I am thankful for but I will let you know that I have done a mental inventory of the many things in my life that I am grateful for.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving let us all be thankful for today despite yesterday's disappointments, failures or arguments.

It's all about perception, if you've had a disappointing year it means that you had goals or expectations that you may not have reached; then be thankful that you planned and then get up and try again.

If you are disappointed by a loved one's actions or lack thereof, count the blessing to have that loved one in your life and look at the situation as an opportunity to have a heart to heart conversation or as a teachable moment.

If you are LUCKY enough to have engaged in an argument with a loved one or friend look at the positive - at least the relationship is valued enough that you expressed your feelings even though they did not mirror the other parties feelings.

Life is all about choices, so today let's choose to focus on the positive. Express your gratitude and love for that are close to you. Do not focus on material things or the lack thereof; focus on the people and things that contribute to your happiness.

Today enjoy your turkey, pies, and veggies but most importantly enjoy your family and friends. Enjoy your mental well being and your health and if you know God like I know God be thankful that He has given us another day.

I pray that all of those reading this entry find themselves as fortunate as I feel this Thanksgiving season.

I am not my blog....

Now before I commence to post my Thanksgiving post I had to post something really funny! With that said I came up with this "I am not my blog"!!! I know that I am new to this but in the past two weeks every incident results in the following question "will this end up in the blog?" (at least by two ladies A.W. & T.F but I ain't calling no names).

My response has been, "Have I been reduced to just my blog?" and that is met with laughter. So if anyone is wondering let me address this, as always there is more to me than just my blog. Therefore ladies, when you have a faux pas or break my things or any of the countless incidents that our life entails (could have entered a funny here) it does not mean that you will read about it here!!! I hope you all laughed and now can relax!

35 Years in the Making !!!!

My dear friend came up with this theme and what a wonderful theme it was. It ended being a synopsis of all that I was feeling..... who, where and how I became was all tied into that theme... 35 years in the making. Who I am and who I will evolve into is connected to the 35 years that had preceded that day. Where I am mentally, spiritually and physically has to do with those same 35 years.

The celebration lasted a week and what a great week it was ! The Friday before my birthday was celebrated by dinner with the ladies. The evening began with my home being decorated by my friends. At 7pm our chariot arrived, a 10 passenger Chrysler limousine. We were transported to The Samba Room in Orlando where we dined and danced.

The evening wrapped up by being transported back to my home by midnight. However, we spent two more hours laughing and talking!!! I am grateful for two of the best friends a girl could have, Te-Kisha and Yvonne for coordinating such a great event and my husband that provided our transportation.


The following Saturday there was a brunch hosted by the Wilcox's! When I say that we ate good, I mean we ate good. They really put their best foot forward and provided me and my guests with a fine dining experience. The brunch began an 12:30 and lasted for hours. The brunch was not limited to great food, we also had a great time laughing and talking and enjoying each other's company.

On my actual birthday I spent the day with my husband. Our morning consisted of breakfast prepared by the Ferguson's. Dinner was prepared by my husband along with Raymond & Lauren. Lauren & I "dressed up" and she loved it!

The next day my husband and I departed for Chicago, IL. The trip was my gift from my husband; while there we went to the Harris Theater for a "Step Afrika" performance. We also shopped, dined and rested. Overall the trip was the perfect way to wrap up a week long celebration. I enjoyed each part of it and I appreciate all those that planned & contributed to such a wonderful celebration.

Big shout out to Ms. Elaine and the Yarbrough's for babysitting while we were celebrating and traveling.

I love you all, the collective efforts of many reinforced that I'm one lucky lady !!!

Reciprocity is key

In the words of my girl Lauryn Hill, “Can I get some reciprocity?”

I have been scrutinizing the words of the American statesman and inventor Ben Franklin who first observed the paradox, now called the Ben Franklin Effect: "He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged."

Simply put, the Ben Franklin effect is a psychological finding: A person who has done someone a favor is more likely to do that person another favor than they would be if they had received a favor from that person.

But when does the madness stop? It is proven that if you do a favor for someone once you are more likely to do a favor for that person again. Why? Because you rationalize that you like that person and you helped in the past.

Author, Dale Carnegie understood that the technique of asking for a favor is effective because, rather than being a burden, it is a subtle form of flattery.


The tire is flat…...... and flattery won't help!

Well how about this – I’m no longer flattered that some feel as though I am “able” to handle their requests or needs. I’m going to need some reciprocity!

The tire on the wagon is flat! What wagon you may ask? The wagon I’ve pulled around mentally feeling as though I am obligated to help, obligated to do or obligated to attend.

Yes, the tire is flat and I have no intentions of inflating that tire; as a matter of the fact I’m junking the entire wagon.

From now on my actions will not be tied to feelings of obligations, I will engage in an activity because I choose to. I will invest my time, money and talents in areas that are conducive to productivity.

But I am not upset or jaded by the lack of reciprocity from previously semi-noteworthy relationships, because I truly understand the law of giving and receiving.

The universe operates through dynamic exchange……giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. In our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe operating in our lives.

The Proof is in the pudding…..

What God has for me is far more than I could receive from any man or woman so I rest in knowing that all of my work has not been in vain. I see how He has smiled on me; these things are evident in my children & their happiness, my husband and his faithfulness, a home that is peaceful and healthy relationships with family and friends.

The Fabric of our lives

When the newness wears off I will probably post every other day or so but for now I have so much I need to let out of my head.

Have you ever seen someone with the same purse that you have but it's adorned differently ? If not if you looked inside the contents would be different. Someone with the same pair of shoes aren't going to look exactly like another persons. Reason being, everyone walks differently, thus the shoes will reflect wear in different areas. That being said we can't expect our friends and or family members to be just like us! We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. God was too creative to duplicate any of us. With that in mind we should not be surprised that our surroundings are going to vary.

This is my quilt

If I were to make a quilt based on my life experiences it would not look like anyone else's it would be unique! We are each a reflection of the people in our lives and our own past experiences. For Christmas this year I am asking each person in my life to provide me with a small piece of fabric that best represents them. I am certain that no two pieces of fabric that I receive will be the exact same. This is very inexpensive and I will collect all of the fabric and have them sewn together to make a quilt. Often times when I'm cold I'll snuggle under a blanket but my quilt will replace any blanket that I own. My quilt will reflect my family, friends, kids that are in my life and other treasured memories.

I have been wondering why am I holding onto old bridesmaids dresses but now they have a purpose. I also have an old "housecoat" that belonged to my deceased aunt that I still wear 13 years later merely because it reminds me of her. It's tattered and to be honest it's ugly. But the memories it brings are beautiful.I will take a POCKET (not departing with it)from that housecoat to add to my quilt. I also have a handkerchief from my late stepfather that will be added to my quilt. Frank's graduation gown, my graduation gowns, Lauren's pageant dress,one of Raymond's old suit jackets, Pebbles old neckerchief.... the list goes on and on. Even though it's only in the beginning stages I am excited about my quilt because it will never be able to be duplicated. It will be an original and it will reflect my life.... it will be MY QUILT.

For family and friends please start looking for fabric that reflects you and don't be surprised if you receive a square of fabric from me. Please use it and see what your quilt will look like.

In love,
Mrs. Mzl

Confirmation ......

This blog is about my life through my eyes based on my experiences. Yesterday morning I decided to start blogging and confided in two friends. Their initial response "go for it" but this new endeavor was confirmed as necessary after my daughter and I left Wal-Mart last night. For those of you that know Lauren put your seatbelt on, for those that bumped into this blog get ready to get a glimpse into the window of my life!

With the weekend being so busy I did the usual shopping last night and decided to take my 7 year old daughter along. The rounds included JC Penny's, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie in that order. While checking out at Wal-Mart I noticed that the cashier had deformed arms and only had one finger. My daughter is rather compassionate for person's with special needs and developmental disabilities because my husband works with this population and has done so for 14 plus years. So I was not concerned about her staring or being the least bit alarmed. We paid as usual and proceeded to exit the store.

On the way to the car we chatted and laughed about school, the weekend and her upcoming play. Once in the truck and she was safely secured by her seatbelt she looked at me with an all too serious look..... I knew something was coming so I too put my seatblet on. And that's when the train hit the truck ! The conversation went somewhat like this:

Lauren: "mommy"

me: "yes Lauren"

Lauren: "if a person is born without all of their fingers and they only have one and that one is the MIDDLE finger would God be mad at them"
me: (deep breath) "like the middle finger as in the birdie ?"

Lauren: "yes!"

me: (shaking my head) "of course not! God knows that if someone is born like that they aren't doing anything wrong"

Lauren: "I didn't think so because if they were born like that it's not like they're doing something bad it's just the way they are. Right mommy?"

me: "yep, you're right"

and then I knew, that was my confirmation; that was the day I was destined to start blogging. How random ? How weird ? And what would make her ask such a question?

This is my life; these are the people that bring me joy but on the other side of the token - these ARE sometimes my challenges!

For Optimal Growth be willing to change

I started this whole blogging thing at 10:30 pm and it's now 12:23 am and I'm still at it. Why? Because there's so much in my head that I need to get out. Like why I had my son's first birthday party at McDonald's when he turned a year old and how insane it would have been if I used the same venue for his 12th birthday celebration! He's not the same kid he was at a year old and his experiences in life need to be age appropriate.

Every year the family and I travel to Atlanta 2 - 3 times a year. Because we are a family of 4 we usually drive. However, in February 2008 we realized that our then 6 year old had never flown on an airplane. We had to rectify this problem! Therefore, we booked a one way flight for all of us and we flew to Atlanta and rented a car One Way to return home. Could we have traveled in the same fashion as normal sure we could have. But we opted to fly and broaden my daughter's horizon's.Maybe now if asked in class she won't be amongst the few (if any)that have never been on an airplane!

Upon meeting a new friend (M.K.)that recently relocated to the area, she and I quickly found out that we both enjoy eating out!We have set a goal to dine at a different ethnic restaurant each month. I enjoy eating out and experiencing the diverse atmosphere of new settings. This goal was adapted based on what she and another friend were already doing before she moved to Florida.I have never set a goal of this nature but I am excited to embark upon such a journey that will inevitably broaden my horizons. Last week was Thai (one of my favorites) and this week is Indian (never had it other than Indian bread).

We still have favorites and staple restaurants on our list of must do lunch dates before the end of the year; to include Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili's, etc. We aren't abandoning the old for the new but we won't miss out or limit ourselves by only doing or embracing what we already know!

If you read books explore a new genre. If you listen to music flip the script and listen to something you've never listened to before. Set a goal to do something new and post comments from your experience, I'd love to read about it. (off to bed now)

Tidbits - High heels and friends

A few weeks ago I took a trip to the Florida Mall with a friend and her son. I was dressed in high heels paired with a cute outfit. My friend, younger yet smarter in her wardrobe choice, donned jeans and a pair of flip flops. After 45 minutes or so in the mall my feet were killing me! I couldn't understand why.... I always wear high heels to the mall because I'm short. My impending birthday caused me to consider that I can't do everything that I used to do. I complained for a few minutes then I asked "Anya can we trade shoes?" she laughed and teased me but then right there in the middle of the athletic shoe store we traded shoes !!! She used her son's stroller to steady herself as she wobbled in my heels. The flip flops felt so good on my feet but my friend's willingness to help me out felt even better.I vowed to never wear high heels to the mall again, after all I'm cute in flip flops and I got a man. lol <3

Greetings, salutations and my introduction

I am "thirty something" years old. My roles consist of being a daughter, sister, mother, wife & friend. These roles are my life and sometimes they are also my challenges. I have a wonderful mother that I love with all of my heart and wouldn't trade for the world. I am blessed to have a loving husband and a 12 year old son as well as a 7 year old daughter. I have four sisters and a brother and lots of inherited family by marriage. Then there are my friends.... some old, some new but if they are labeled as a "friend" they are tried and true! So why am I blogging ? Because so many times in life things change and although the reasons for the change make perfect sense to us (the one making the decision) yet, the reasons are not always so obvious to others. Hence, this is my outlet; this is my duty and for NOW this is my part of my purpose.

That's where I used to live.......
It's quite obvious when you move that you have a new home, a new address, a new neighborhood, etc. It's obvious to the natural eye of others when you get a new car and maybe even new clothes. As we age we outgrow clothes and we have to "move up" to a new size. Why don't we wear shoes that are too small? Because they would be uncomfortable! These things are quite obvious; however, as we mature and grow sometimes it may not be as obvious as to why we do things differently. Yet it occurred to me maybe if I can help enlighten just a few "through my eyes and experiences" then I am in some way giving back.


Mentally and physically, I don't live where I lived at age 5. I don't reside in the place that I did when I was 18. Moreover, I don't reside in the same home, nor the same spiritual or mental state that I was positioned in at 30! No I am constantly morphing and evolving and I'm not going back !!!

If you want to laugh and learn come follow my blog as I explore "Life through my eyes".