Greetings Sisters:You all have probably heard about the recent CDC (Center for Disease Control) study on Teen Girls and Sex which states that 1 in 4 teen girls between ages 14-19 have an STD (most likely HPV and chlamydia); and of this representative group, nearly half (48%) of Black teen girls is estimated to have an STD.See http://www.cdc.gov/stdconference/2008/media/release-11march2008.pdf .When I read this, I was astounded as the percentage seems quite high. I do not believe, based on my life experience and observations, that Black teen girls are having MORE SEX than white and latino girls, but I do believe that our girls may be having MORE UNPROTECTED SEX as well as sex with young men who have multiple partners.I also learned from a publisher, Ben Bosa, whose wife Ngozi Osuagwu, is an OB/GYN and author of Letter to My Sisters: Plain Truths and Straightfoward Advice From a Gynecologist, that many of our teen girls may have higher rates of infection, including HIV, due to their contact with young men/grown men who have cycled through the prison industry, engaged in homosexual sex, and therefore leave the young women infected. This is a tough allegation to envision but there may be some truth here. In my prior work with teen girls, it was in fact true that many were engaged in relationships with adult men and previously incarcerated men/young adult men.What do you think?This subject--including the specific controversial issue of the HPV Vaccine, which the government of Washington, DC is trying to require/mandate for all teen girls, deserves our attention and engagement.In gist, many of our teen girls ARE HAVING SEX whether we like it or not and whether mothers and fathers and clergymen want to hear this or not.The question is, what do we do now?I would love your responses to this question as I craft an article that will highlight this very issue in an upcoming issue of SisterSpeak Online Magazine.I look forward to your replies.LisaSisterSpeak Online Magazinewww.sisterspeakonline.com/index.aspRead more…
Namaste All!Happy April - National Poetry, Jazz Appreciation, and Financial Literacy Month! Happy DC Yoga Week (April 12-17 www.dcyogaweek.com/)! Happy Earth Day (April 22)!This month kg yoga life practices is focusing on the theme of breathing in the energy of sympathetic joy (mudita) and allowing it to create an appreciation for the sweetness of life. Mudita is a Buddhist Pali word that refers to an inner spring of infinite joy that allows us to rejoice in the joy of others. When we discover and cultivate our own inner joy, we become secure within ourselves. From this grounded place, we are able to rejoice in the joy of others which allows us to appreciate the sweetness of life.kg yoga life practices' yoga classes will include the following:a) Chakra balancing that uses Reiki healing touch practices to cleanse and strengthen the sacral chakra located in the center of the abdomen and lower backThe sacral chakra deals with joy, emotional identity, creativity, desire, pleasure and self-gratification, procreation, and personal relationships. It also governs sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine, auto immune system. The sacral chakra is associated with the color orange, the element of water, and the sense of taste. It is also associated with the following gemstones: amber, carnelian, and orange tourmaline.b) Chanting with mala beads that uses VAM as a sacral chakra mantrac) Creative visualization and meditation using the color orange and Bast, the Egyptian goddess of joy, love, healing, birth, music, dance, the sunrise, and protector of cats, women, and childrend) Aromatherapy with eye yoga using ylang ylang essential oile) Hip-opening yoga poses such as standing wide forward bend (Prasarita Padottanasana), sitting wide forward bend (Upavista Konasana), bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana), and supine bound angle pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)kg yoga life practices will sponsor two Karma Yoga Project events in Malcolm X Park/Meridian Hill Park (if it rains, the group will not meet):1) Saturday, April 12 @ 9:00am-9:30am (if it rains group will not meet) - The short morning practice will honor DC Yoga Week (April 12-18 - http://www.dcyogaweek.com/). During DC Yoga Week, yoga teachers and studios provide opportunities for people living in the DC area to try a yoga class for free or at a reduced cost. Their efforts seek to increase awareness about the benefits of yoga and meditation, and help encourage greater physical health and well-being. FYI Event - Check out DC Yoga Week's Yoga on the Mall event on Sunday, April 13 @ 1:00pm-4:00pm (meet yoginis and yogis on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument Grounds). For more information, visit www.dcyogaweek.com/mall2008.html.2) Sunday, April 27, @ 11:30am-12pm - The short morning yoga practice will be dedicated to National Poetry Month, Earth Day, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.IMPORTANT NOTE: The group will practice kind and gentle Hatha yoga in front of the waterfall located near the reflecting pool and park entrance facing 16th Street and Florida Avenue, NW. Each yoga class will last thirty minutes and include an opening meditation, warm-up, kind and gentle poses, and closing meditation. Yoga lovers should bring their own yoga mat and bath towel for seated positions. They should also dress comfortably in loose clothing and avoid drinking or eating two hours before the yoga class.Stay tuned for more news about the relaunch of OM on My Mind newsletter and meditation podcasts.Peace, Love, and Joy OMs,Ananda LeekeFounder/Directorkg yoga life practiceshttp://kgyoga.blogspot.com/ and http://yoga.meetup.com/584kiamshaleeke@yahoo.com
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Good Message...There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. 'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'So she did and she had a wonderful day.The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.'H-M-M,' she said,'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'So she did and she had a grand day.The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.' So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.'YAY!' she exclaimed.'I don't have to fix my hair today!'Attitude is everything.Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.Live simply,Love generously,Care deeply,Speak kindly.......Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
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For Immediate ReleaseAuthor Ananda Leeke Accepts Honorary Membership into the National League of American Pen WomenAnanda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke, artist, creativity coach, and debut author of powerful woman's self-discovery novel, Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One, accepts an invitation to become an honorary member of the National League of American Pen Women, Washington, DC Branch.April 10, 2008 - Washington, DC -- Patricia Daly-Lipe, Ph.D, President of the Washington DC Branch of the National League of American Pen Women invited Author Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke to become an honorary member after Leeke's book reading at the Historical Society of Washington, DC on April 9. Leeke graciously accepted the invitation and plans to participate in the DC Branch's spring activities.The National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) was established in 1897. NLAPW is a not-for-profit organization made up of women who have demonstrated creative talents in art, letters, and music composition. The purpose of the League is to encourage the production of creative work of professional standard in art, letters, and music and to provide, through outreach, activities and educational, creative, and professional support to nonmembers in those fields. There are Pen Women branches throughout the United States. The national motto is: "One for all and all for one." The League's national headquarters, the Pen Arts Building, is located in the Dupont Circle Historic District (1300 17th Street, NW) in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.americanpenwomen.org. To learn more about the DC Branch, visit www.nlapw-dc.org.Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke tells the story of Karma Francois, a thirtysomething California-born BoHo BAP (Bohemian Black American Princess) with Louisiana roots and urban debutante flair. The book shows how a woman uses therapy, yoga, meditation, art, music, poetry, and support from family and friends to confront the effects of her poor life choices and embrace a spiritual journey of healing and love. The book was published by iUniverse, Inc. and is available through Amazon.com, Barnesandnobles.com, Borders.com, Target.com, and Bookamillion.com.The novel was written to encourage self-discovery and healing, celebrate poetry and jazz, cultivate financial literacy, illustrate the diversity of loving relationships (straight, lesbian, and gay), emphasize the importance of yoga and meditation practice, and develop HIV/AIDS awareness. It was also written to celebrate Black history, art, culture, and music; Washington, DC neighborhoods such as U Street, Shaw, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle; and the cultural connections that African Americans share with Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.Contact Information:Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn LeekeKiamsha.com, LLCkiamshaleeke@yahoo.comwww.lovestroubadours.comwww.youtube.com/kiamshaleeke
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So what's that all about you wonder? It's the declaration. It's working and I am seeing the real fruits of my labor if you will indulge me for just a moment. I have accomplished quite a lot in less than a month.It makes me wonder, why did it take me such a long time to get to this point. I could have been so much further along in the business. I rationalize it by convincing myself that the time is now.I do believe that it's a combination of things. I have procrastinated and I am taking full responsibility for my role in hindering the process. I rested comfortably in doing well at minimum when I could have done excellent. I did just enough when I knew I could do more. What was the problem? Me.............I wanted to figure things out instead of letting go and allowing God to lead me. Yes, I believe that we are all placed here with a purpose. My purpose is to serve others through health care - yours could be to serve others through baking, singing, writing, dancing, defending, advocating,cleaning, sewing, art, cooking, marketing, public speaking, teaching, designing, etc... We all need each other and that's why we have various assignments.I am elated to find that with focus I have accomplished more in the last few weeks than that of the last couple years. There is a great sense of confidence that comes with making progress. Now, I am focused and fierce!
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Friday, April 04, 2008Great News Report!Wow! Where should I begin? I guess I will start by sharing how my goals are falling into place. I made my declaration that I am going to get the business ideas in motion. Well, I did just that and I am so happy to report the great news with you.I had a meeting with the head of an organization that expressed an interest in using my business services. Our meeting lasted 3 hours but by the end of the meeting, I had not only landed a client but also a new friend.I encourage you all to follow your goals - it may take some time for things to fall into place but it's worth a try. You have to - you must - go forth and do it! I must go for now, I have a lot of clients who have no idea but they are waiting to meet me ;-)
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Sunday, March 30, 2008Getting older - Growing UpToday my daughter is 18. An age we all have looked forward to - the beginning of adulthood. It symbolizes the time where we are able to make independent decisions.However, my daughter is somehow not quite ready. She has quite a bit of maturing still on her list of things to do. As I have observed my children, I can appreciate the unique aspects of their characters. They are all very different yet the same. They are all talented writers, singers, dancers,etc. They love to read, travel, go to the theater,museums, dining, etc. However, when it comes to making decisions they are really different.My birthday girl has always been the daughter who I consider to be my biggest challenge as a parent. Of all my children, she is the one who pushes it every time. An example would be her habit of breaking curfew. My other children will be back on time and even before the time. My birthday girl will say that the train was late when in fact she did not check the schedule to see what time she needed to get on the train in order to be home on time. She does not hesitate to point out the privileges that are extended to her other siblings. I have explained to her that they have shown that they are responsible. I can go on and on about her attitude of entitlement, etc.As a parent I allow my children to grow and make their decisions. Somehow, my 18 year old is just not quite ready and I am not ready to let her go. However, I know that I must. I have to trust that as I have done my best - she will be able to follow the examples that were shown to her.Although right now she is not exhibiting the level of maturity that she needs to - she will eventually realize that she must navigate her own life. She will have to determine what is best for her and deep down I know she will. She is a winner - I know she is.
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TheBBC CafeBusiness 2 Business((Guest Speaker: Chiezda Washington))((Guest Psalmist / Spoken Word Artist: Lisa Gilliam of Gilliam VOCALS, Inc))The BBC Cafe is a platform designed for Black Business Owners to introduce & promote their business.By attending and participating in TheBBC Cafe you will:*Expand your business*Learn of other business opportunities*Learn and find new products and services*Establish new business relationships & friends*Learn new business techniques & strategies2 guest to a category limit for vendor space. Only 1 from the category will be able to present and expound ( 1st come, 1st served )Membership is not required ((All attendees MUST RSVP))Each Vendor & Featured Guest must RSVP & make payment in advance. ((NO EXCEPTIONS)) Non-Members can RSVP by sending an email to: Charlene@theblackbusinesscafe.comWhere: THE QUALITY INN7200 BALTIMORE AVE., COLLEGE PARK, MD 20740Date: April 11, 2008Time: 7pm - 10pm*Investment: ((Free)) to attend*Vendor Space: $40.00 (10 Spaces Available)*Featured Guest: $15.00 (5 Spaces Available) Featured guest will receive 15 Minutes to present his / her business to the Cafe audience((Bring plenty of Marketing Materials. Business cards, Fliers, etc.))*Refreshments will be served
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Hello everyone! If you are in a fashion-related industry, it's time to join the premier network for designers of color! It's brand new and we are looking to get the showcasing, announcements and discussions going! Join Shades of Chic now!
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Posted by Posh Affairs on April 10, 2008 at 2:39am
Posh Affairs is a wedding & social event planning boutique serving the MD, DC and VA vicinity. Posh Affairs’ goal is to free brides and grooms from the stresses of planning and allow them to enjoy the process and most importantly the wedding day. In honor of your special day, we are sponsoring a contest! We will award one couple a FREE package of services:“High Class Package”The High Class Package is an appropriate selection for the bride and groom who have secured most of their vendors, but values the resources and expertise of a wedding planner to avoid costly mistakes. Posh Affairs will review plans with the bride and groom to review contracts and become familiar with the venues and vendors. We will then manage the vendors and create a master timeline that all vendors will be expected to follow to ensure your wedding day is a Posh Affair! Other details will be discussed with the winning couple.To enter: Please write a short essay (minimum of 300 words) of why you should be chosen as the winning couple. You could write about your romantic proposal, the story of your courtship, or even some hardship that the two of you have overcome, that has made your relationship stronger. What makes the two of you unique as a couple?Please submit your entry to Info@MyPoshAffair.com with the subject name “High Class Package Entry”.Winners must be 18 years or older. Contest will begin on 4/10/08 and end on 6/30/08. Winners will be announced on Monday, July 7, 2008. Winners will be asked to sign a waiver form if they would like their names and images posted on our website. Wedding must take place on or before 12/31/2008. This contest is open to residents MD, DC and Northern Virginia.If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us.Have A Posh Day!
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Charity is ALWAYS IN FASHION!!! Our Fashion Event: A Fashion Experience will be held on April 19, 2008 at The ABC, 5355 Hunter Rd, Atlanta. Support Charity while reviewing the Springs Hottest Footwear and Designs from Atlanta's own and other National A List Brands! Bring a pair of shoes to be donated to Ghana, Africa and receive $5 off of admission. Admission without shoes is $25. We are trying to raise 1000 pair to send to Ghana and with your help, we can! Many children & adults in Ghana, have no shoes, are subject to infections that can quickly turn deadly. We realize that we cannot save the world, but we will take what God has given us and use it for good. Show your support and bring your shoes!!!Breast Cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands families every year. Although the disease is present in an individual, the effects are felt throughout the entire family. Spouses, children, grandchildren, and so on. Many of these women and their families suffer the effects of breast cancer. During chemo treatments, these women are tired, exhausted, and unable to do the simplest tasks, not because they don't want, to, but because the treatments make these simple tasks, very difficult. An organization called, The Journey, Inc. steps in to fill these gaps. The Journey, Inc. located in GA, provides women with resources to help keep their lives normal and manageable so that they can focus on wellness and survival. Come out to our fashion event and support The Journey with your attendance. We currently have 2 shows scheduled. If we are able to increase attendance to a third show, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to The Journey! Support Breast Cancer and spread the word about the Fashion Event! Any woman wearing pink will receive $5 off of Admission and $5 will be donated to The Journey for every ticket!While we believe in supporting international efforts, we also believe in supporting home. We will make a donation to a local children's charity in Atlanta, that is working to make a difference in children's lives.For more information about A Fashion Experience, email us at innovationcenter@shustylzevents.com or call us at 866.599.6927. There are a few vendor spaces available at only $100 each so get yours before their gone!Not JUST Another Fashion Show, but it will be: A Fashion EXPERIENCE!2Kings 4:8-37www.ShuStylz.com
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It is time! I am so excited at the opportunities that Soul Purpose can and will create for us, I can hardly contain it. Join me in spirit as all across the country, there will be official Launch Parties introducing an awesome new product and opportunity.Let's Get it Started!!
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Greetings everyone,Our show has been honored to have Ms. Jill Lublin, Bestselling Author of the GUERILLA PUBLICITY and NETWORKING MAGIC on April 10th 12:30 p.m. EST.We invite everyone who is into "networking" and to some of you who need some tips in "self-publicity" - hear it from the expert.But here's more - ask her - yes, ask Jill.Email us your questions at theshow@inmypajamas.net and on the subject line please write ASK JILL. You can state your name and your state or if you prefer to be anonymous, just say "anonymous" but state where are you from.We will accept questions as late as 9:00 p.m. (PST) tonight, April 9.Thanks and looking forward to receive your questions.In My Pajamas Show
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MoisturizersMoisturizing is an important step that helps your foundation goes on smoothly and evenly. Make sure to begin with a freshly washed face, then apply your moisturizer. It’s best applied to a damp face because it goes on more evenly. Moisturizer evens the skin’s porosity and is most effective when it’s left to absorb for a few minutes before you apply your makeup. You can use a light moisturizer or a heavy one; just make sure you choose the right one for your particular skin type.•Moisturizers for normal skin are usually light to help even out any dry areas.•Moisturizers for dry skin are usually higher in emollients and are richer.•Moisturizers for sensitive skin are fragrance and irritant-free•Moisturizers for oily skin are extremely light and won’t clog pores. Many have oil-absorbing properties in them that actually help control the oil. Oily skin needs moisturizer, because it can often be over-dried by cleansers. The body is so smart; it actually produces more oil to compensate for the over-dryness, which only makes the complexion appear greasier. A light moisturizer keeps oily skin from producing more oil and can help even out its porosity.TIP:Moisturizing your lips before applying lip color will help it go on more smoothly.For great moisturizers go to: www.marykay.com/cmitcham/skincare//moisturization/default.aspx
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Friday, March 28, 2008What a difference!March is my favorite month. It is the month of my birth and I enjoy celebrating my birthday. In addition, it is the time that I set my goals. Goal setting is great. However, setting goals is nothing until you begin to do the work. I have seen quite a difference in the few short weeks that I have acted on my goals.- business has improved (new clients)- a book and CD offer is in the works- booked more speaking engagementsI understand that there are so many reasons why one would hesitate on working towards their goals as it has a lot to do with timing, confidence, other work or family obligations, nay-sayers, etc.It is safe to say that there will always be challenges. Some days will be great and others will not be so great. The best approach that has worked for me is to understand that I have to be true to myself. My goals will not appeal to everyone as they are my goals. I do not look for validation from others - it can be quite a downer. I trust that I am being led in the direction that I must go in order to complete my assigned task. We must not underestimate our purpose - no matter how small or simple it may appear.The Wright brothers goal was to build an airplane - they worked on it through various stages. Could you just imagine how they were probably deemed as lunatics? How are they going to defy gravity and get something to travel around in the air? Thanks to their ability to go forth and follow their goals we can now travel to states, islands and other countries in a shorter time than by other modes of transportation.I encourage you set your goals and work on them - you will see a difference...........Again, I am so pleased to report that I am making great strides - I am a work in progress.........
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Thursday, March 27, 2008An All NighterHere I am at 4:13am. I have just completed a business contract and sent it off to the prospective client. I am tired and I can't wait to sleep. However, I just had to make a note of it - I am releasing my ideas and sending them out to grow/flourish. I am so proud of what I have accomplished.I researched, revised and reviewed my contract. My next step is to continue on this path. I have renewed my confidence and it has energized me with other great ideas that will add to the business.Somehow, I can't wait to wake up to get back to work - more work to be done. People to respond to, people to connect with - and ideas to act on. I am certainly on a roll...........
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Stay tuned for "Tug of War: Who's man is HE really?" Written by: TheShoeLady (Natasha) & So Above Mistress (Angie & Jasmine).Are you a Mistress? Are you worth it?This book is inspired by “The black man’s guide on how to cheat on your woman”. We know that men cheat. What we need to know is why the mistress is willing to be second best. Men play the game well, but they’ve learned from the best; Women! Learn about the types of men and mistresses, all the way to how to repair your relationship. Reading this book will help those women know how to be a mistress and accept the life style and teach the men on how women can love them, guide them and dismiss them.Devaluing yourself comes with a lot of karma and consequence. Being the mistress represents everything that women should be against. However if you are going to be the other woman you need to know the rules and regulations that go along with it. Mistress’ are forgetting that they are only for a man’s temporary use. A man will hustle you and take your choice away, adding you to his payroll on his wife’s tears. The monkey bar effect of a mistress holds no real value. The mistress’s job is to stroke a man’s ego and then to send him home. The mistress should never feel that she has a chance to take the lead position. If you are a mistress, this book will show you your place and teach you how to stay in it. If you are a man, this book will show you how to be So Above Mistress.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008Work In ProgressA report is due. I am happy to share my progress - I have made the phone calls, sent the emails and business has surely picked up quite a bit. As I make the contacts, the responsibility comes with delivering the services promised. In sending out the emails, I received a response from an important prospective business contract. Procrastination can no longer hang around - it's time to get things going.I encourage you to get your thoughts into the action phase - work on them - put them out there. However, be sure to do due diligence in seeing that you have the answers ready for the inquiries of your clients. If you have to get back to your client with answers, do your best to respond in a timely manner.I strongly believe that our thoughts and ideas are for us to explore. Do not delay or else you will see them being carried out by someone else.Again, I am so pleased to report that I am making great strides - I am a work in progress.........
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Quotes1“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option”.2“Love him or leave him but never feel that you need him.”3“Behind every successful man there is a woman, behind every unsuccessful man there are two."4“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.”~Eleanor Roosevelt5“A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.”~Rhonda Handsome6“The hottest love has the coldest end.”~Socrates7“Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.”~Anonymous8“I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.”-- Nikki Giovanni9“Never let a problem to be solved become more important than the person to be loved.”-- Barbara Johnson10“True forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been different.”11“You never find yourself until you face the truth.” (Mistress)-- Pearl Bailey12“I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become.”-- Oprah Winfrey13“I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we're not wise enough to see it.”-- Oprah Winfrey14“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.”-- Oprah Winfrey15“What I know for sure is that what you give comes back to you.”-- Oprah Winfrey16“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”-- Oprah Winfrey17“Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.”-- Maya Angelou18“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”-- Maya Angelou19“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-- Maya Angelou20“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”-- Maya Angelou21“A man travels all over the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” (Men)-- George Moore chapter 1 bitch he ‘s married22“As I grow older I pay less attention to what men say. I just, watch what they do.”-- Andrew Carnegie23“If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”-- Harry S. Truman24“If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don't, you will find an excuse.”-- Anonymous25“Nothing hurts more than realizing he meant everything to you, but you meant nothing to him.”~ Anonymous26“The worst way to love someone is to sit next to them, knowing they don’t love you back.”~ Anonymous27“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”28“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask the question, the answer is always no, if you don’t step forward you’ll always be in the same place.”~Nora Roberts29”A real man doesn’t make excuses, he makes it happen.”
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