Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant joins the cast of Who's Loving You?
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
KICK STARTER: Who's Loving You? Stage Production
The Cause: Hello! I would love for you to help with the birth of my baby. :) I am so excited about this production! “Who’s Loving You?” These inspirational stage productions rewards me with the ability to connect with some very courageous people. These people, some would probably consider to be ordinary people, - I would beg to differ. They come from various walks of life and have endured many trials and tribulations and have prevailed in many of them. Our endeavors has been the focus of various local and national media outlets.
To DONATE Click on link-----> http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1593585232/whos-loving-you-the-stage-production-by-vanessa-ri
I’ve created an annual free acting/drama class or session. I describe these sessions as: “I AM,” it's an self-proclamation and reminder, that set goals and aspiration can be obtained in spite of hardships. At the end of the year; group participants get the opportunity to perform live on stage! I write characters opposite of their true personalities. If they are introverts, I write a character who is not introversive; and if an individual in the group is bold and possesses a great deal of confidence,- they would act out character of someone, who has low self-esteem.Our meet-ups, literally allow participants to walk in the shoes of others. When joining; they aren't aware, that I write varying characters mirroring members personalities. These drama classes as proven to be successful. It provides a sense of faith, family, and friend atmosphere. We also collect nonperishable food items and warm clothing to donate to those who are experiencing economic hardships.
In addition to helping out our youths and the economically challenged. A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Endometriosis Foundation of America ( EndoFound) to further aid in the research for a cure. http://www.endofound.org/Endometriosis.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a robust campaign to inform both the medical community and the public, the EFA places particular emphasis on the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients.
In 2009, Lakshmi co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America alongside World Renowned Advanced Gynecological Surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD. After suffering from the disease for decades herself, she has been able to make amazing strides with the Foundation such as launching the first interdisciplinary research facility in the country for Gynopathology as a joint project between Harvard Medical School and MIT, where she gave the keynote address at the Center’s opening in December 2009.
Endometriosis Facts & Statistics
- Most women with endometriosis suffer pain—and present symptoms—up to a full decade prior to diagnosis.
- Approximately 176 million women and girls worldwide suffer from endometriosis; 8.5 million in North America alone.
- Associated costs of the disease are estimated to be a staggering $22 billion annually.
- The average woman is 27 when she is first diagnosed with endometriosis.
- Endometriosis is one of the top three causes of female infertility. While it is one of the most treatable, it remains the least treated.
- Abdominal and bowel symptoms linked to endometriosis are commonly misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as Pelvic Congestion or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
- Many infertile women with endometriosis experienced debilitating painful periods as teenagers but were misdiagnosed.
- Many women suffer silently because they feel that their pain, especially pain associated with sexual intercourse, is just too personal to discuss with their gynecologist. This is more common in some cultures than others.
- Many cases of endometriosis can be successfully treated with Laparoscopic Excision Surgery. Hysterectomy should only ever be considered as a last resort. There is no oral medication to cure endometriosis. Stats taken from Endofound.org. http://www.endofound.org/endometriosis
Donations/proceeds will be sent to:
Endometriosis Foundation of America872 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065
212.988.4160.
Some couldn’t afford transportation or wardrobe. So, I would meet them at a designated location and rehearse with them, other times, we’d rehearse over the phone. We also, provided make overs and food. Upon doing this, I felt great humility, that I was able, (although it would financially hurt me), to help others in their need.
What is needed: We want to build a set for “Who’s Loving You?” We are in need of sound technicians, a set to be built, transportation fees for cast and to distribute donated food and clothing items, to agencies and charities, promotional tools, and large food containers for storage of donated food items and clothing.
Additional needs:
Your donation will go towards the following:
1) Administrative fees: marketing, fundraising, financial management<----- This is crucial to productions success rate!!!! Our voices and cause needs to be heard and seen.
2) Space rental for rehearsals and slated performance (s).
3) Printing of our advertisements tools: Programs, posters, flyers, and postcards.
4) Production filming fees.
5) Building of our set.
So you can see that there is a lot of work that is put into these productions. But, I have great faith! Together you and I can make it work! Let's go get it!
I cannot express my THANK YOU!, aptly enough for your staid support and prayers! Just know that, I AM so very thankful for you!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wanda B. Campbell Author of Unresolved Issues Virtual Book Tour
Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.
About the Book
Stacelyn thought her life was complete the day she married Dr. Derrick Garrison. The fairytale life she envisioned quickly vanishes, however, when Derrick’s late nights and unexplained absences cause her to question his motives for marrying her. As secrets from the past and emotional wounds are revealed, Stacelyn discovers the hard way that it takes more than love to build a marriage.
Alone and bitter after Derrick’s sudden departure, Stacelyn is forced to face hard truths about the man she married. In the process, she discovers her own unresolved issues.
Will the revelations drive her to her knees, or send her seeking comfort from the enemy?
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Unresolved Issues Book Trailer
Monday, August 20, 2012
Let the church say amen
Let the church say amen, let the church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Let the church, let ‘em say amen
If you believe the word, let the whole church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Lift your hands, lift your hands
God has spoken, so let the church say amen,
Oh, thank you Lord
God has spoken, so let the church say amen.
Sitting in the church pew, I looked around and my eyes rested upon a young woman. She was beautiful, not just aesthetically, beautiful, but beauty resonating from the inside out. From afar I have witnessed her ups and downs. Through it all I have never heard her complain. Her head was tilted slightly to the left, she was oblivious to those around her; she was simply living in that moment. The young girl’s mouth moved, softly repeating the empowering words, affirming that what she prayed for God had heard and will answer. She ignored the flirtatious and envious stares, remaining focused. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”
A glance to my left revealed a man whom, I’ve known for years. Some of the congregants had long ago dubbed him simply as “The Rock.” Many witnessed his private loss, an episode which should have sent him spiraling into a state of despair. Instead he endured, becoming a living testimony to those who suffered severe losses in their lives. He looked down at his folded hands, nodding and softly sang the words. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”
In front of me was a septuagenarian — you would never have known she was in her 70s if she didn’t voice it aloud, which she humbly does. She was chubby-cheeked, bright-eyed, and always offering, an infectious smile to those who were ever blessed to cross her path. She had lived to see many of her friends come and go and had witnessed the good and the bad, sometimes, it seemed, it was more bad than good. Yet, she still prayed. Still believed, becoming better and not bitter in life and age. Her head was bent, her mouth softly singing the words “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” I loved the sound of her joyous voice. She subtly began rocking back and forth, lifting her hands saying thank you.
Different individuals with different problems, yet that day they were all linked together on one accord. Just like the day of Pentecost the Bible spoke of. “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.” Acts 2:1. There is strength not only in numbers, but unity and supporting each other in their hurts and trials. A person can be healed, yet still feel the residuals of their symptom. The mind has to be reformed all over again. There are many who can testify to this; I know personally I can. Has God has spoken healing, deliverance, breakthrough, renewal, marriage, and restoration to you? Then rest assured it is going to happen.
The congregation began exiting the sanctuary; in a perfect world everyone would leave renewed and revived. Unfortunately that is not the case. There is timing and walking the staid path of faith, believing if not today, then it will be tomorrow, that which God has promised you shall come to pass. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” And so be it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. “Matthew 5:14. I am a firm believer that inside of us all are great testimonies. Testimonies are lighthouses to the world. God will give us beauty for ashes. Let the church say...AMEN.
Let The Church Say Amen (extended) - Andrae Crouch feat. Marvin Winans
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Journey...Has just begun.
The 2012 Olympic Women's Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medal Winner Gabby Douglas
As I was gearing up for my weekly The Certain Ones, radio interview, with special guest “The Journey.” Author Jamee Greene. I just received the news that Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas has won, the 2012 Olympic Women's Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medal! This is winning for America! And also a historical landmark as, Gabby is now hailed as being the first woman of color to win this event! If you have been watching this young lady’s light shine, in the competition you’d witness her grit and determination to win the gold. Her performance has been acknowledged as almost flawless, with a score of 62.232.The pictures that captures Gabby’s breakthrough performances, gives testament to this. Gabby isn’t called “The Flying Squirrel for just any reason, this young woman is true to the name. She is fast and incredibly flexible. Only 16 years of age, Gabby Douglas’ journey to get to where she is today; has been no easy feat. For her part, it took dedication, sacrifice, and practice, --and not focusing on the negative commentary of the naysayers. Gabby’s mother was hesitant to release her daughter at such a young so she could train with Liang Chow, the former coach of Olympic champion Shawn Johnson. Fast forward, this journey has only just begun for Gabby, endorsements and speaking engagements, I would surmise are certainly apart of Gabby’s journey.
“The Journey” by Jamee Greene is another powerful testimony that should not be missed check out her inspiring interview on The Certain Ones Online Radio Talk Show. Your journey has just begun!
Check out our interview at www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones. Let's go get it!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
It’s a New Day and I am feeling good!
It’s a New Day and I am feeling good! The storm has passed and it’s a new day! It has been raining for past couple of days, for some people this makes for a dismal existence, as it interrupts their pace. Some storms can be frightening beatific. Dark looming clouds overcasting the horizon with gray. There is something about the approaching storm (s) that make people edgy; this of course is understandable, as they can be unpredictable, with strong winds, thunder, and lightning accompanying it.
It truly is a phenomenon to witness. Today is different. The Sun is at its zenith, the birds are chirping, and the soft gentle breeze, is causing the leaves on the trees to sway back and forth. Life. There is beauty all around, many will ignore the beauty that life, offer us for free, i.e., walking the beach, spending time with friends, going to the park, and so on. This “ignore”, is often not often by intent, -and it is just taken for granted. Until a storm happens. It is the dawning of a new day and the inspiring song “Feeling Good,” by the incomparable Jennifer Hudson, originated by the iconic Nina Simone, is playing in the background. I heard the beat.
I heard the strong vocals. Those entities are not what catapulted me into a new day. Sometimes, we can let the beat of a song move us, thus missing the message being delivered. I paused for a moment; actually listening to the illuminating words being sung. "Feeling Good" Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel Sun in the sky, you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me. Yeah, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, ooooooooh... And I'm feelin' good. Of course this song alone is not what actually caused a shift in my disposition. The choice to be happy in spite of life’s contending forces; is a personal choice in which we must all must make. There is a process to embracing the new, as a rule it begins with the mind. There maybe someone who is now, reading this article, has experience a loss, - or maybe in a state of sadness or oppression.
There is certainly empathy to their plight. No one is exempt from the storms of life, as the Bible states “God sends rain on the just and the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. God doesn’t leave us in our storms; in fact He leads us through them. Don’t listen to the sounds of the thunder and lightning. Be in tuned to His soft and gentle voice, believe me He speaks to us, we often times, miss it. Pain and hurt can do that. There is one thing, that I do know about storms are, they don’t last always, and the Sun is going to shine after a while. Hold on and never let go. Give out, but, never up. Go ahead and shine now, because after all you’ve been through and endured, you have a right. Before, you know it; it is the dawning of a new day!
Feeling Good Video Jennifer Hudson
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Broken To Be Made Whole
You know my sister once shared with me an illustration, where she took a single sheet of paper,then ripping it into several pieces. Stating that was her: All torn apart. (painful situation can do that to a person) My sister, then proceeded to pull out a new single sheet of paper. I continued to watch her in rapt fascination. Wondering where she was going with this. My mind was too busy conceiving its own answers. Is that not how we often times do? When the situation gets hot, and answers are slow in coming, we want to "help" God out. We want to work it out. When God has already worked it out. My thought? Certainly when something is torn asunder there is no restoration for it. I guess my facial expression conveyed my inner thoughts, she looked at me sharply, and just smiled. I felt the slight censure and was immediately humbled. Submitting my thoughts, I focused on her. "Yes, the paper was torn. That was me then." she stated. I really looked at her, not as my sister, but as woman, sharing her testimony. She held up the another piece of paper. "This is me now. I am completely whole." her voice was stronger this time. My eyes began to swell with tears, as I remembered some of her public angst. My sister was once broken into pieces. Yet there she stood in front of me. A whole woman. She was beautiful. There was a look about her, that was never present before. It was the look of an victorious woman. And at that moment, revelation dawned on me. Our thoughts are not God's thoughts; nor our ways His ways. He is omnipotent! All power belongs to Him. How quickly can we forget this in our storms. The Apostle Paul took his eyes off of Jesus in the storm and began to sink. Don't lose focus. If God chose you for a purpose, rely on Him to lead you through. His will is good and is made perfect. Watch this: testifying how God had made her new. He gave her a new mind, a new heart, a new song, a new praise! You are not invisible. Coming from behind, is your testimony, earned. Your are a light. Believe me when I say, you are relevant in the most tangible way. You must know this... and then believe it. Your time to shine will come. Like the Sun, it knows it time to rise, to illuminate, the WORLD.I believe in you! Let's go get it!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Beauty for Ashes
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Is 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Is 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Is 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolation's, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolation's of many generations. Is 61:5
And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine dressers. Is 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Is 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. Is 61:8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Is 61:9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.
Enjoy the poem below "Beauty for Ashes", by Poet Christina.
Friday, April 20, 2012
What's Happening?
- Going to the Beach.
- Visiting Museums.
- Going to the Aquarium.
- Watching the sunset and rise.
- Performing in Poetry Clubs.
- Going to Stage Productions. (Not written by me!)
Taking Potter Classes.
Tony Grant and Tamaro Johnson
Tony Grant and Donta' Robinson
Actress Trisha Mann posing with cast members and the babies! Awww.......
Actors Tony Grant and Trisha Mann posing with the infamous Sister Ethel!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month!
About Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide regardless of their ethnic and social background. Many remain undiagnosed and are therefore not treated.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body [1].
It is generally acknowledged that an estimated 10% of all women during their reproductive years (from the onset of menstruation to menopause) are affected by endometriosis [2]. This equates to 176 million women throughout the world, who have to deal with the symptoms of endometriosis during the prime years of their lives [3].
Endometriosis lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity:
- on the ovaries
- the fallopian tubes
- on the pelvic side-wall (peritoneum)
- the uterosacral ligaments,
- the cul-de-sac,
- the Pouch of Douglas
- the rectal-vaginal septum
In addition, it can be found in:
- caesarian-section scars
- laparoscopy/laparotomy scars
- on the bladder
- on the bowel
- on the intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum.
But these locations are not so common. In even more rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, in the lung, spine, and brain.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain.
The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle – this is what makes this disease/condition so unpredictable and frustrating.
For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways.
Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a “frozen pelvis.” This is not common, but it does happen.
It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis may not be able to have children (if you suspect you suffer from infertility, please see our section on endometriosis and infertility).
If you, or someone you care about, has endometriosis, it is important to research the disease as much as possible. Many myths and misconceptions about endometriosis still persist, even in the medical literature.
For many women, management of this disease may be a long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and consider joining a local support group.
http://endometriosis.org/endometriosis/
Whoopi Goldberg speaks at Blossom Ball 2009
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A New Year: 2012, Love Found Me Stage Production
I looked around and the 2011, year just zoomed past. I hear the on the lips of others, of how that year was quite difficult for them, in fact they were not too sad to see it go. I certainly can understand. It depends on how an individual view things in life, really.
Starting all over again, can be considered a NEW beginning. An adventure if you will. So, here it is a new year, and another opportunity to create/make. To be given the gift of “today,” is a blessing --and should never be taken for granted.
So, what are your goals for 2012? I am not a numerologist, but I do have fun playing around with the significance of numbers. Did a little digging and I come up with some interesting facts about the number 12.
Actor/Model
as Lance Harrison
in Love Found Me.
Twelve is a perfect number, signifying perfection of government, or of governmental perfection. It is found as a multiple in all that has to do with rule. The sun which "rules" the day, and the moon and stars which "govern" the night, do so by their passage through the twelve signs of the Zodiac which completes the great circle of the heavens of 360 (12 x 30) degrees or divisions, and thus govern the year. http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/12.html
Cool, right? I thought so. 2012, I just want to encourage you today. Go for your aspirations. Pursue, what God has chosen you to do and NOT what others to do, -- at the end of the day, you will be spiritually happier and physically healthier. Don’t forget to order your tickets to attend our upcoming production, "Love Found Me”, March 17th, 2112 the last performance of the year. Go online at lovefoundmeinspirational.eventbrite.com.
Actor/Singer Donta Robinson,
starring as Eric Miller
We have a talented group of actors who are just phenomenal and are working hard to bring forth one of the best performances of 2012. Be sure to order your tickets online and help us in spreading the word. Thank you so much for the support! Happy New Year.
New Beginning. New YOU!
The ladies of "Love Found Me", the stage production.