theCurvycon 2015

IT'S SOLD OUT!!!!

After a lifetime of ridicule and abasement because of my curves (well, I'm being a little dramatic for effect because I've also been quite adored for my curves, but allow me this latitude)..ahem, yes after all the ridicule, I am able to attend an event designed to celebrate and inspire the "curvylicious" ladies out there. I'm beyond excited about this whirlwind of a week that will culminate with a day-long conference theCurvycon in one of my favorite cities--cue music "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere"--New York City! Had it not been for a minor life detour on last Friday, I wouldn't have ever been so relentless is making strides in my professional life. I am thrilled that once I gas up my car I'll be all set for an adventure in motivation, encouragement, and of course, shopping.  Here is a little background about this groundbreaking event given by one of the organizers, Ce Ce "The Plus Size Princess).

In a matter of 2 days, I got my ticket, hotel room, and outfit together on a whim. This evening I must pack and rest for a day full of new experiences, fabulous people, and electric sparks for my creativity. I'm literally dancing in my seat as I type. I'm looking forward to fresh inspiration for my writing and PHOTOGRAPHY. Oh yes, I have a new camera and I know exactly what to do with it. Speaking of camera, I've re-joined Instagram. I'm starting off with simple phone pics of "bright" colors and furry creatures that I encounter during my morning walks. I'll ramp up the content when I decide the direction in which I want that account to go. So check me out... @therealamandagia on Instagram.

@therealamandagia

Last but not least, Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck is a GAME CHANGER. I will have a detailed book review in the coming weeks, but honestly, this book has changed my life already and I've got three more chapters to complete. If you start reading today, your life will change by this time next week! It is one of those self-help books that you'll want to keep in your purse or desk drawer to skim when your hope is waning. For me, with God's word the Bible and this books along with Steve Harvey's Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success, I have nowhere to go but up to my full potential!

Stay tuned to my Instagram and my blog for updates about theCurvycon 2015!

Eyesight

This month has been a whirlwind! So much has and hasn't happened. But, I just read a tribute to a wonderful woman of God who had to battle an illness which eventually transitioned her from this life to the next. I usually shy away from reading such things in the morning or at all, but because I'm feeling rather vulnerable today, I bit. I read about her life and how she met her husband. I read about her commitment to serving God and man. I read about her family, but it was the words of her husband that touched my heart and brought on the tears. He praised her for braving the illness with a renewed faith in God. The fact that she was ill did not change her spirit to serve. She impacted the lives of anyone she came into contact with while she should have been the one receiving the encouragement. Whenever I read how a husband praises his wife, I immediately recall Proverbs 31:28 .  Then that sinking feeling comes upon me. I wonder if I'm living an impactful life. Then my heart longs for the day that my "husband' will speak praise filled words of me for living a life well done. I don't even have a husband yet. Woe is me.  "Stop!" I tell myself, "you are looking at life with your own eyes." I must learn from the tribute about this wonderful woman of God. I must look at people and life with Jesus' eyes. So I challenge you to check your eyesight today. Are you using your eyes to judge people and situations, or are you using Jesus' gracious and loving eyes to perceive the world? I'm dedicating myself to doing the latter.

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