7 Random Things

In the spirit of Thanksgiving the 7 things I am grateful for:

  1. My family ~ I would not be a fraction of what I am today were it not for them. I am glad that although we are not perfect we are honest and supportive of one another.
  2. God answers prayers ~ I contended in prayer this summer for a handful of great female friends from whom I could lean on, learn from, and (hopefully) pour into. I am so thankful God brought me Leticia, Jess, Tasha, Nicole and Steph.
  3. I am appreciative of my God-given gifts ~ it took me awhile to get to this point of appreciation but with a lot of prayer, study and a bit of coaching from Joyce Meyer I can, truly, say that I walk in my gifts and do not covet another’s.
  4. That I have made progress in my personal life over the past six months with the epitome of clarification coming from time this fall. I am learning to accept my personal life for what it is while (slowly) letting go of what I thought was going to be the future and faithfully praying God will meet my heart’s desire.
  5. Generations ~ after fixing all of my grandmother’s Thanksgiving recipes I am grateful she taught us how to cook; the importance of tradition; and the love of family. (P.S. Mom and Stac helped a lot – don’t want to take credit for much).
  6. Hobby Lobby ~ and their 50% off sale the day before Thanksgiving. Watch out – Outlaw, Ink is in full-force!
  7. I hate pumpkin pie! So … I am grateful for all the other treats.

Be Inspired - Be Inspirational

Inspiration is very important to me as it is often that crutch that can take me from one step to the next. I am fortunate to have a great group of ladies who do just that … probably, unbeknownst to them.  Check out their inspiration … Queen Ebony Halliburton – one of my dear, dear friends! She always makes me laugh even when I am so aggravated with her for signing me up for, yet, another project. And, she blows through books at the pace that makes me feel like an illiterate 4-year-old. So, instead of continually being intimidated by my lack of page turning I follow her at www.resolvedradiance.com and on Instagram @ebonyhall.

Katie Moore – just being around her makes me giggle and she makes everything pretty! I gain décor inspiration from her website www.oliosdesign.com while secretly redesigning my house (don’t tell my sister!).

Lindsay Tolar – www.pursuitofpink.com . Lindsay is an amazing new mom who is real and makes it look easy! My greatest inspiration gained was when she and her husband had a scare during their pregnancy and the grace, faith and poise in which they handled it was so encouraging. Plus, she has regular sassy outfit posts!

Tasha Punch – talk about keppin’ it real! She is my inspiration for all things real! She is not a social media buff but she does keep me rollin’ throughout the day with her tweets – follow her @chasengod. Tune in for a chuckle.

My deepest inspiration right now if Mercy Lokulutu – you know when you hear someone speak and everything just resonates with you? That is what Mercy is for me. And, to top it all off – her new book comes out October 1 - As You Wish: Finding True Strength in Surrender to God. I am fortunate to be part of a select few who got a sneak peek – and, let me tell you – it is awesome. This is the only word to describe it … me, at a loss for a more eloquent description!? It is so good that even Stacy is reading it (please, don’t kill me – you know I love you!). Follow her @MercyLokulutu.

The best of all, none of these women even know how much they drive me and their humility makes them all the more motivating and encouraging to me.

Leap of Faith

billcosby This blog is brought to you with the help and support of five very important people! First and foremost on the list is (of course) my sister, Stacy – who has constantly said to me “YOUR WORDS MATTER”. She was, also, able to take the one thought I had about the ‘concept of me’ and turn it into my brand.

Her co-conspirator is a very dear friend of mine – Jola. She has an uncanny ability to take the most inconsequential thing and make it into a sensation – I have witnessed this both professionally and personally.

Next – Ellen Killian (view her work at thinkkillian.com) who was able to take my emotional mess and make this amazing blog. How far we have come in a few short weeks?! I know I scared her after our first meeting as I scared myself with the thought of “Do I really want to do this?” Thank you! Thank you! You have no idea the impact you have had on my creative notion.

Heather Behlendorf -  (heatherbeephoto.com) – is responsible for all the professional photos you see in my social media. Not only is she an extremely talented photographer she has talked me from the ledge on a photo session or two. She just has a way of soothing your soul and getting you to open up about what is truly on the inside.

Lastly, Raul, thank you for continually encouraging me (over the past several years) to begin writing what God has placed in my heart. While I have always known that I have wanted to write … the creation of Outlaw, Ink emerged from a simple drink and a candid conversation about what one wants the future to hold and the humble act of taking a leap of faith…

Thank you to all those who support me now and in the future  - I appreciate you taking this journey with me!