It's Been Awhile, But Baby...I'm Back!

Okay so, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, & last but not least HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009 was definitely a tremendous treat, after all, I had the likes of you to share it with. And what a year it was! I'm excited to be with you yet once again. 2010 is going to be filled with many delights I'm sure. I have already discovered that 3D television is coming into our homes, that I can now start saving to go to space and that Mariah Carey LOVES champagne! I hope that your holiday was filled with joy and laughter. Here are some of my memories...



Mommy taught Taylor to make the perfect S'more. Mmmm,

The hanging of the key on the door for Santa to get in,

Awww. Taylor & Devyn, just happy to be together.

and finally...

Not just any gift, but, the unveiling of the Wii that they saved half of the money for. Mommy and Daddy paid for the other half. This moment was priceless because of the hard work they put into saving. To actually see it pay off was one of the best lessons in saving money that they have had. It actually worked!!

What was the highlight of your holiday?

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

It's Been Awhile, But Baby...I'm Back!

What A Wacky Week!

"Writing does not exclude the full life. It DEMANDS it." - Katherine Anne Porter

Its a good thing that our friend Katherine pointed out the demands of the writing life. If not, I might have ...i dunno, thought I was going CRAZY!! These are some of the things that happened in my life this week that will somehow add fuel to my writing fire.

1. I had a tooth removed and have been highly medicated every since,

2. Spent time in the classrooms of my eldest child. Ahhh, the joys of Middle School. Only to hear a student share that for Thanksgiving he was thankful that he knows who his father is. Another was thankful for Lil Wayne on all the rap songs that he likes.

3. I took another trip to the dentist for the kids check up, only for them to inform me that "bad patient" was written in my 6 year olds file. She ran around the office screaming, and foaming at the mouth during her last visit. Thank heavens we redeemed ourselves. She did fantastic!

4.Prepared for the big move...

5. And, threw in some reading for good measure.

I would through in the rest but I might scare you away!

What wacky things happened in your week?

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

What A Wacky Week!

Blessing the Boats...My Welcoming of the New Season

Blessing the Boats by Lucille Clifton

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

I love that poem! This is what I tell myself as I welcome the timely/untimely change of fall. My life at this point is in need of change no matter how resistant I am to it. When I think about it, the changing of seasons is Gods gift to me, to everyone. It's like our personal permission slip to do what we want to do, be what and who we want to be and make no apologies for that change. We don't have to gobble up any trash that is fed to us, we don't have to cook up some nonsense excuse not to explode onto the world and claim the space that is cut out for us. For this season, this moment, this day is new and we can do whatever the hell we want with it! So, I gather up my worries, my illnesses, my heartache, and find all of the resistance that I can. I wrap it in disbelief, regret and fear. I gather all of the tears that I shed for the seasons past and I place all of those things in my life's metaphorical boat and I watch all of it sail away.

This is a choice. Not a promise but a journey. And at the end of the day all I can do is take life one step at a time until my next season. Wish me the best. Looks like its going to be an exciting ride. I'm glad that you are along with me.

What are some of the things that you would put in your metaphorical boat? Or, how do you honor the changing of the seasons?

Hugs Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

Blessing the Boats...My Welcoming of the New Season

May The Breast Man Win!

Fantastic news! I was reading an article at the chicagotribune.com, and discovered a wonderful article by Dawn Reiss about a man, Oz du Soleil that has started an organization that "collects slightly used bras for underprivileged, lower income, girls and women." How awesome is that!! This do-gooder collects bras through his blog, support1000.blogspot.com and according to Reiss' article the initial goal of collecting 1,000 bras was met back in April and has now collected over 3,000 bras! The things that we take for granted. I often donate clothes for children and adults but it never crossed my mind to include the ol' overtheshoulderboulderholders. Every woman/girl needs them. Bras are definitely sure to be on my list when the holiday clothes drives come around.

To find out more information on this great cause or to make a donation, please click here or you can mail donations to...

Oz du Soleil

Support 1000

P.O. Box 412406
Chicago, IL 60641

Let's show our love and support by stopping by his blog and leaving a comment of encouragement.

Please leave a comment below to tell me what you think about the efforts of Oz du Soleil

Miss Know It All

May The Breast Man Win!

Attention! Boobs Below - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did You REALLY think that I would flash my tata's on the Internet?


Well, at any rate I'm glad that you're here. For those of you that haven't been overwhelmed by the "pink brigade", I wanted to remind you that October is officially National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that there are a few of you self proclaimed breast experts out there so I'm going to ask that you humor me and challenge yourselves to learn something that you may not know about breast and how to love and care for them. Here are some fantastic things that you can do:

1. Give yourself a breast exam;



2. Schedule a mammogram with your doctor;



3. Have an in depth discussion with a friend or loved one about how they care for their breasts;



4. Donate to the organization of your choice for breast cancer research; (Here is mine!)



5. Buy Yoplait Yogurt, lick the pink lids and mail em in.

Breast Cancer is a topic that is very dear to me as I have been resisting cancer since I was 15 years old. I had my first lumpectomy when I was a sophomore in High School and my last bi- lateral lumpectomy in February of 2009. It has been a blessing that with the exception of God's grace, the consistent breast examinations, trips to the doctor, support from my family and friends and education that I have come this far in my journey. I encourage you to be active in your own health care as well as those you love.

Join me every Friday in the month of October as I explore all things breasts! It's sure to be a heavy TOPic!

Miss Know It All

Attention! Boobs Below - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Happy Birthday to ME!

"Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more conveient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime" - W.E.B Du Bois

Miss Know It All

Happy Birthday to ME!

She’s Gotta Have It!

11 Things Every Woman Should Have

As I realize that I am a little behind on my spring cleaning, and that nothing would please me more than to be able to take an afternoon nap free of chores. I am snapped back to reality by the buzzing of my clothes dryer. It’s time to fold then put away clothes. *Sigh*. As I fold, and sip, then sip and fold, and dream of how nice it would be to have a house keeper. I started to come up with a list of things that I think every woman should have at all times…

(note to self: laundry is best done at cocktail hour)

1. A Side Hustle
At a time when lay-offs are on the rise, people are upside down on their mortgages,
and the price of gas and everything else that we can think of is steadily climbing, we as independent Miss's cannot afford to depend on anyone other than ourselves to keep the necessities in our lives going. For those of us that have significant others, please remember that although they do a spectacular job in holding down the fort, they need us to do our part so that they may shine at the moments that we need them to. Let’s step it up. Try turning a craft or a hobby into a marketable hustle.

2. A Little Black Book and or Great Bag of Bedroom Tricks
One thing that I know for sure is that if you are a “Single Miss”, a roster of “go-to” guys (a list of guys that you can “go-to” for the various needs of a Single Miss) is mandatory!
Whether it’s for a romantic dinner date, a movie buddy, an intelligent conversation or to fulfill that swinging from the chandelier fantasy, this book will come in handy. At this point whether you are a single or a Hitched Miss, the great bag of bedroom can be put to use. This mystery bag is good to spice things up or take things to another level. What’s in your bag is your business but remember to keep it save and fun! Click here for naughty suggestions.

3. Well Kept Feet and Hands
Need I say more? # 2 is definitely out of the window if you don’t keep up with your feet and hands. That means saying goodbye to chipped nail polish, cracked nails, dry calloused feet and ashy feet or hands. I use Vaseline on my feet after I shower/bathe and on most nights I moisturize my hands with a soft unscented lotion before I go to bed.

4. Nice Undergarments
Bras that don’t fit, passing “period panties” off for everyday underwear, holes and just plain ol’ boring undergarments have to go. Liberate yourself by investing in items that fit your personality and compliment your clothes. Finding bras that are both comfortable and sexy was a chore for me as a top heavy Miss so, I found peace at Intimacy. The bras are a tad on the pricey but are durable and fit like second skin without making you look like you have guns in your bras. Bang, bang! Not cute!

6. A Slimming Pair of Jeans
Dress em’ up or down, you can’t go wrong with a pair of jeans that accent your assssets. LOL

7. A Signature Lip Color
I wear various shades of stop in your tracks red. Choose a color for you that expresses your wild or serious side. Have fun with this one. Create a color and name it yourself at your local Prescriptives.

8. A Drink of Choice
When in a social setting, know what you like. Whether it alcoholic or non-alcoholic or a light or dark beverage, know what you want when it’s your turn to order. When I drink dark liquor I prefer the smooth taste of Jack Daniels. If I’m drinking light liquor I go to the refreshing taste of Vodka Gimlets. Both of my drinks choices sometimes strike up interesting conversations. What will your drink say about you?

9. A Great Piece of Jewelry
I love jewelry of all kinds. I can shop anywhere from Tiffany’s to Girl Props. Just remember that you wear the jewelry, the jewelry should never wear you.

10. A Good, Go-Get-Em’ Girl Attitude
Your attitude is the best thing that you have going. Attitude is like your personal customer service piece for your very own Miss, Inc. If you give bad customer service none of the other things listed will matter because no one will want to be around you. Project the best of who you are and it will become contagious!

11. A Glam Squad
Yes, you too are that fab! Pull together a tight list of people that you can count on for hair, nails, a make up artist for the the occasional make up/lashes application, someone or someplace that you can turn to for great fashion items and advice and last, but certainly not least a trainer. No matter what your size, every Miss must strive to be as healthy as she can. If you have a hard time putting your squad together. When you see a nice style or cut, outfit or whatever, ask who glammed em’ up. Any real Miss worth her salt won’t mind sharing this with you.


Well, I KNOW there are more things out there that a woman should have but unfortunately, I have to get back to my laundry. What are some of your must haves as a woman? The Miss’s of the world want to know!


Miss Know It All

She’s Gotta Have It!

A Time for Celebration!

I did it! On April 11, 2009, I released my first collection of poetry entitled, Somewhere Round Midnight. The release party was held at The Feed Store in College Park, Georgia. It was an intimate gathering of family and friends, good food & GREAT cocktails! A very special thank you goes to all that came out to support and celebrate with me. Robert, who I adore for saying so many wonderful things about me that evening, Simone who worked wonders with my make-up, John Crooms for the wonderful photos, Patrick Witt, Manager of The Feed Store and Taylor & Devyn Wright my children for being awesome all night! Taylor even performed an original piece for the evening called “Success”. I can’t wait to do it all again! For more information on how to purchase copies of Somewhere Round Midnight please contact me at missknowitall.blog@gmail.com. Thanks again for all the love!

Miss Know It All

A Time for Celebration!

HELP!!

My eldest daughter, Taylor is running for Secretary of her elementary's Student Council. Anyone that knows me knows that I am extremely proud and excited. We are in great need of great creative ideas and slogans for our campaign. Please add your suggestions to the comment section at the end of this blog. Thanks! I will keep you posted on her success.

HELP!!

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

Cinco de Mayo, a great day of celebration for our Mexican friends and those of us that just want to celebrate to show support. Our independence or independence for all individuals is not only important but necessary. All that we take for granted, all that our grandparents and those before them fought for we celebrate and honor on days like this. So, even if your not Mexican but love the food...remember what this day is for. If you are looking for some more history or would just like to know how to make a kick-ass Margarita click here.


Keep your indulgences responsible... I like having you around,

Miss Know It All

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

Something To Think About...

The following quote is by Marianne Williamson from her book entitled A return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I, like many of you, first heard this quote in the movie Akeelah and the Bee featuring Lawrence Fishburn, Angela Bassett and Disney sensation Keke Palmer. Outside of the movie being fantastic as a whole, one of the most profound scenes is when Akeelah (Ke Ke Palmer) is having a tutoring session with her teacher (Larry...I mean Lawrence Fishburn) and he has her to recite the quote that was hanging on the wall. The quote stuck with me in a way that forces me to read it...and then read it again, to feel and think about me and the me that I aspire to be. What is holding me back and how much of that do I have control over.

There is a humbling truth to these words that makes me want to be the best me that I can be with an unwavering confidence and purpose that even I can't deny. As I shared this with my husband today I thought it might be something that everyone needs to read again.

Please leave me a comment by clicking on the comments link at the end of this blog and let me know if or how this makes you feel or has affected you.

Peace On That,
Miss Know It All

Something To Think About...