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You Just Have to Want It :)

Thank You!

Thanks to all of you, The Recipe Box is now a "FEATURED HOST" on BlogTalkRadio. com!

What does that mean? We're front page news!

So, look for us under "Featured Today" on the home page of BlogTalkRadio. com. We're committed to providing great content and fun guests each week.

Check the show blog - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. blogspot. com or the website - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. com. You will find out about current giveaways, program schedule, recipes and advertisement opportunities.

And listen to the live broadcast and archives at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/TheRecipeBox.

Thanks again for listening and for all of your feedback!

Blessings~

Barbara

So...I Was Kicked Off a Couple Nings This Week

Hmm...

Well, actually not "officially" kicked off. My post was deleted by the Ning managers on two communities where I am a member. Or, was. But more on that later.

If you are not familiar with Nings, they are online social communities. Basically, you set up a profile page, add you widgets and photos and links and banners and other blather. Then you join up with a few discussions, make friends, ya know.

The insane thing about Nings is that somehow they spawn new Nings while you sleep. After joining one, you wake up the next morning with 20 "Join Me At XYZ community..." emails. Then 20 more, and so on, and so on. You begin hearing from "friends" that you have never met on Nings that you have never joined. Spooky.

I usually join groups to network and, being the Queen of Shameless Plugs, promote my projects. I've met some really awesome people through Nings ... and some really irritating ones. Oh well, such is life, right. For the most part, I am pretty low key unless I have something really exciting to share with the other members. Like helping to promote their businesses through my podcasts or blogs, stuff like that.

So, how did I get kicked off - or, why did I leave the two "shall remain nameless" Nings? What could come out of my thoughts into a post that would be so offensive that my words would be deleted? Hmm...

It was the title of a book by Celeb Chef and 6x Emmy Award Winner Writer/Author/Producer, Janette Barber. She was my guest on The Recipe Box Show (btw: if you haven't listened to the show lately, you really should. I'm giving away cool stuff!) ANY-way, Janette is a tremendously funny and talented woman that has taken on the issue of body-image in regards to women weight loss/gain, etc. She blogs and provides videos and recipes to help women along the way to discovering they are SPECIAL in whatever package they are blessed with learning how to EMBRACE their B.F.A.'s - listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/655e7h to find out more. Remember I am the Queen of Shameless Plugs :)

I must say that after one manager deleted my post, she did send an email explaining why she did. I wish she had sent the email prior. Or, actually READ the entire post. Considered my previously unblemished record as an active member of the community. But, que c'era sera.

The other Ning manager was not so kind. She deleted the post and each time I tried to post another entry, it was automatically deleted. Hmm... so I quietly packed up my widgets and dropped out. No fanfare, no goodbye kisses from all my virtual friends. Nothing, not a peep.

Don't get me wrong. I understand we live in a "what have you done for me lately" kinda world. And EVERYONE is EXTREMELY too busy to care about my little drama.

Janette Barber was supportive and kind. A new virtual friend with feelings. It's amazing how certain personalities can connect with you regardless of the medium of communication. Janette has that gift. I hope you'll stop by her blog http://www.janettesblog.com/ and purchase her new book, "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it!

While you're out surfing, drop by The Recipe Box Show blog - Recipes For Life, enter a comment for a chance to win a copy of "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it again!

Exec Event Designer, Morgan Nichole Scott

Friday, 8/22
Family Friday - Party Planning for Your End-of-Summer Bash

Morgan Nichole Scott, Executive Event Designer of Envi Consulting & Associates, a boutique Event Management and Consulting Firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia was my special guest. We discussed how to party planning tips, event themes, selecting the menu and entertainment. www.enviconsulting.com/

I had a great time talking with Morgan on the program last night. She has a creative and generous spirit and wonderful energy. She provided alot of very useful tips for hosts and guests, alike. Be sure to visit the website for upcoming events and the latest trends in party themes.

Also, mark your calendar for the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza, Sunday October 26th that they are sponsoring in support of the I Do Foundation. The event will be held at the LOFT at Castleberry Hill, 170 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313. Admission is $5 in advance/$10 at door.

What Is On Your To-Do List Today?

Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones died yesterday ...

When I saw the news through my Google alert, I went to my To-Do list. And found the notation:

"Contact Tubbs-Jones office re: Medicare Improvement Bill, see attached email) for interview on Cleveland Talks! Provide local cell# for callback."

(btw: I produce several talk shows on BlogTalkRadio. Cleveland Talks! is one of them.)

You see, I was a constituent. I was on her email list. I let my voice be heard, regularly. I always got a response. I did not make the call on that day. Too busy, schedule too full on that day, moved to the next day, then the next ...

Facing the list again last night, a note scribbled in haste, I had to pause. I did not complete the task. A missed opportunity. I have to cross it off the list now. I had to pause. And write this blog.

Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was an icon in the truest sense of the word. Not a self-proclaimed "Diva" - a word so overused in today's culture that it has become meaningless. She was approachable, accessible, a sister, a mother, a community advocate, an effective politician, a neighbor, a girlfriend, and strong ally that worked tirelessly through a life dedicated to living honorably. And, pursuing the greater good.

When I was a child, they taught Civics, and Social Studies, and Good Citizenship. And Community Service. (btw: that was before "community service" was categorized and issued as a punishment because the county jail is too full to contain another community delinquent)

When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. Or, a Supreme Court Justice.

My love for mathematics ended at trigonometry. So, in college I majored in Political Science and moved to the greater Washington, DC area to earn some cash and continue my education. I did not become a judge, or a lawyer, or a paralegal. Although, I did serve as a court recorder for a brief period (Think electronic recordings, microphones, wires). The guy crawling under the table adjusting the cable connections just before the BIG briefings on the Hill. I was "that" guy - or gal. It was fun. Then I moved on. But I hung around the scene for 2 decades and worked it. Part of "the entourage" and "in the know" - it was an addiction. A drain. A thrill. And I loved it. Then I moved on. Or, I should say that I moved "back" - to oHIo.

And people ask me, "So, what do you do [now]?"

And I asked myself that last night. And this morning, my hometown is in mourning. What DO I do, for the greater good?

I try to think more about others than myself. And when I fail to do so, I try again. (Note to self: try again)

I amplify the voices of others (btw: see Encourage Me I'm Young). I write inspirational books for adults and chapter books for children. I tutor inner city children in the gymnasiums of schools in "academic failure" and teach Bible lessons in church basements to adults. I bake cookies and give them away. I don't complain about my neighbors hedges being too high, unless I am in the mood to help trim them. Or when the neighborhood fireworks display runs on until 3:00am because, after all, it's only once a year. God bless America!

I stopped hating on Oprah, and Rosie, and Brittany, and Paris, and Condi, and all the others whose lives I DO NOT know and handle pressure that I can not imagine. I buy bags of peaches or beets when I visit the local farmer's market. I hate peaches and beets. But, my sister loves them. I feed the birds. And the skinny neighborhood cats. I plant flowers that attract butterflies so that the little children can chase them. I give treats to my little dog and bring enough to share with his little doggy friends. I try to care. About things, about people, and their situations. Locally, globally, eternally.

I lift young people on my shoulders and say "Can you see the future? I can. And it's glorious. And it's all for you. Can you see it? I can. I can see it in you."

(btw: Please listen to Cleveland Talks! E-City Teen Entrepreneurs)

This is about Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.

And my To-Do List.

Before I cross that missed opportunity off my list, what will I replace it with?

What will I do today, instead?

What will you do today? (note to self: try again)

Thanks for reading my blog.

(btw: please listen to Tony Reeve's "In The Know" podcast with Former State Senator Leslie Miller)

And do something today...for the greater good.

Ain't Got Dat!

My good friend, Itiel McVay (and her crew) over at SmellGoodSpa have produced their first video through Blue Nile Studios. And I have to share it with you all. When you're done watching the video, visit her website to shop for fabulous all-natural health and beauty products in luscious scents and luxurious textures. Enjoy!