This blog is dedicated to finding a commonality that connects us all globally. I've developed this mathematical equation that equates success to me.
It goes like this: music, arts, entertainment, good food, good health, lots of laughter, happiness, and most of all, L-O-V-E (of self/family/friends) = the best quality of life!
So, I stand on my soap box and express my thoughts.
May they enlighten and strengthen you.
Hey all of you beautiful people! I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you all for reading my blog and supporting me over the years. Having said that, keep in mind what you've heard me say so many times; Life is about choices. What road are you driving up? What direction are you heading in? I'm traveling in the right lane...Won't you join me? Choose L-I-F-E. Choose L-O-V-E.
What I mean is, we all get 24 hours in a day. What you make of it is up to you (God Willing, of course!)
Try to the best of your ability to talk about positive things, places - not people. Stay away from negative people. Smile more. Show some kindness to others. Put on your favorite music and dance more often!
Do yourself a favor. Invite love in. Let it sit a while. You just might be pleasantly surprised to know that Love fits you well! (I know you're smiling - I can feel it!)
Enjoy this day, and know that we all have choices to make in life. Choose life! Choose love....
Truly,
Carla
Oakland Bay Bridge, en route to San Francisco, CA.
What would you do if you knew that your child's been diagnosed with Autism? You would pray for the best and search around for a support group, a team of people who could add practical ways to provide the best support for your child. You would probably reach out to other "brave parents of children with autism who have refused to give up." - Meet Areva Martin Esq., Award-winning Attorney, Author, Speaker,
Television Personality, and Co founder of Special Needs Network. You see, when she learned that her son, Marty, (at the age of 2) was diagnosed with autism, that is precisely what she did. Areva Martin, Esq. is a wife, mother, attorney, community activist and her sister's keeper. You see, everyday, the parents, staff and volunteers @Special Needs Network, Inc.(SNN) work to create a world where children with special needs are loved and cared for.
Areva Martin Esq. with JPAC participants 2013
Special Needs Network, Inc.(SNN) Mission: "To raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and to impact public policy, while providing education and resources to families, children and adults. SNN serves as a link between under-served communities and mainstream developmental disability organizations and governmental institutions, which often fail to address issues specific to these communities. SNN firmly believes that dignity, hope, opportunity are the birthright of all children."
Up and Coming Events: Parent Advocacy Mentor Program (PAM) - Providing especially designed classes (for Free) for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with special needs children. These classes are provided on a quarterly bases. Childcare, breakfast and all materials are provided. To sign up for the next cycle of classes - contact 213.389.7100 | pam@specialneedsnetwork.org
Special Needs Network Holiday Toy Drive 2013 - #5000toysSNN plans to distribute more than 5,000 unused toys to special needs children! Please donate a toy! Drop off toys Special Needs Network, 4401 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 215, Los Angeles, CA 90043 edguin@specialneedsnetwork.org or call 323.291.7100
"We know our goal of collecting 5,000 toys is ambitious, but we also know so many families depend on our toy drive. Kids with disabilities deserve for the holidays to be just as special as everyone else. It's eye-opening to see just how many children and families would go without if not for the generous donations of so many." Says Areva Martin Esq.
Hats off to Areva Martin, Esq. for being an advocate for children and their parents, providing the proper tools to help them navigate through an otherwise world that seems to allow some to slip through the cracks, without a voice. Thank you for co-sponsoring SB 946, "a bill that mandates that private insurance carriers cover autism therapies." (information taken from SNN.org - Activism)
There is so much to be grateful, and every single morning that I rise, believe me, I'm thankful to the Great I AM, for getting me up and on my way. I'm hoping that everyone got a chance to spend quality time with family and friends on the Holidays. For some, it's a lonely time of the year, so please be considerate and invite a Senior Citizen over for a meal with the family. Make a plate and bring it to someone who is home and not able to get out.
For those of you who are visiting Beverly Hills for the Holidays from around the globe, do yourself a favor. Stop in to Villa Blanca, and step into a little slice of Heaven, Honey Child. First of all, the Staff is amazing - and beautiful!
I say pop on by, to celebrate an occasion, or just you and your BFF can step into the world of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and have yourself some appetizers,a nice hot tea, a latte,
and dessert!
You will love the atmosphere.
Life is too short not to enjoy the different spots that Beverly Hills has to offer. Lisa Vanderpump and Executive Chef Francis Dimitrius know how to make it happen! For those who celebrate, enjoy the Holidays!
Smooches, Carla
Photography by Mathew Mitchell Villa Blanca of Beverly Hills | 9601 Brighton Avenue, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310.614.4427 |
I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother would say, "You can get more with honey then you do with vinegar." My grandfather would say, "If you treat people with kindness, they might not remember where they met you, but they will remember how you treated them."
Those words of wisdom have truly been like a beacon of light in my world. I thank God for my grandparents, who have since laid down with my ancestors.
I'm so grateful for the quality time that they spent with me and my siblings, and the consistent love that they showered us with on a daily bases. I can still feel their love, and it warms my heart, and puts a smile on my face. Love. It's so healing.
When I feel like I've go so much on my plate, and not enough time in which to get everything done, in a timely manner, I put on some American Jazz guitarist, Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life. Oh yes. And then I tune into my all time favorite, "Bumpin' On Sunset" - I listen to those rare grooves, and get things done. Try it. You might just enjoy Wes Montgomery as much as I do.
Love & light,
Carla
There is nothing like a community of people that unite, stepping up to support an outstanding cultural expression in the heart of the downtown community, at the lovely, Historic Palace Hotel, and I mean in full force - to support
the Museum of the African Diaspora San Francisco as they celebrate their 8th Anniversary. The Theme?
The World's Canvas. Moet Hennessy USA, a major sponsor, spoke of the history and their legacy of supporting African-American Arts and Culture. Hats of to Moet Hennessy USA.
Being a Native San Franciscan, it was truly a remarkable evening, running into old friends, and making new ones....
In my humble opinion, the heart of the matter was truly what the Museum of the African Diaspora meant to each of us personally. Of course I couldn't ask everyone, but I was able to ask a few of the 450+people attending the Gala Event -
What does MoADsf mean to you?
Sandi Bethune - "My Heritage."
Mayor Willie Brown brought it home for so many, when he had a vision for a Museum that would be "inclusive" of all ethnic back grounds, highlighting the contributions made by people who are the descendants of Africa in America.Mayor Brown also spoke of his appreciation for the support of Moet Hennessy USA,
An excellent MC, Pam Moore, KRON 4 News, looked absolutely fabulous! I swear, she hasn't aged a day since I moved to Southern, CA, 18 years ago!
What does MoADsf mean to you, Pam? She shared her thoughts with all of us, stating,
"When I'm driving through the city, and I drive down Mission Street, and I see the collage of the face of the little girl that represents MoADsf, it makes me smile, knowing what's been accomplished w/ MoADsf."
There were three women eloquently dressed in traditional African garments. Small wonder! They were from Ghana! What does MoADsf mean to you three Ladies?
Mabel, Gladys & Vivienne -
"It speaks to our survival and represents the wonderful progress that has been made throughout the Diaspora."
Denise Bradley-Tyson, the first Executive Director of MoADsf, - "MoADsf literally, Something connected to the African Diaspora."
Renel Brooks-Moon, what does MoADsf mean to you? MoADsf moves me deeply. It represents generations of struggle and achievements, despite the adversity that we've gone through for years." Thank you, Renel. Very #powerful #words.
Do you want to talk about fabulous? Wilkes Bashford is truly a gentleman, charming, and very very stylish. Speaking of stylish, look at the photos of so many well dressed people.
San Franciscans do know how to dress for the occasion, Darling....
I promise, you, if you wish to revamp your style, please make an appointment with Sheree Chambers @Wilkes Bashford , this Lady sets the fashion trends....
Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez and Viviana Paredes truly were enjoying the evening. Mayor Willie Brown introduced Dr. Hernandez, who gave a very down to earth, compelling acceptance speech! Deborah Santana made it a point to speak to everyone.
Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez
and Viviana Paredes
(Drew Altizer Photography) MoADsf not only educates those who walk through the doors physically, but also provides an educational platform via multi-media, so that everyone around the globe can visit MoADSF with the tap of an iPad, or a click of a mouse. Support the Arts. Support MoADSF.org Remember, WE are only as strong as our weakest link. With love & light, Carla Special Thanks to: Michael DeFlorimonte, Michael D.Communications, and Cathy Adams, CDA Consulting Group. Thank you Shiree Dyson, Curator of Public Programs MoADsf, for always being a consummate professional Gwen McKee, Office Manager for providing the best first impression of MoADsf Kitsaun King, Moadsf, for taking a moment out of your busy schedule - at a moment's notice, to assist me. You are very kind. Big thank you to the entire Staff @MoADsf
Ledisi's vocal range is so beautiful, and she got the audience up on their feet and singing the lyrics to the songs that only Ledisi can bring to life, "Pieces off Me", "Higher Than This", and "Alright" and something from her new joint, "I Blame You" - GO Get it on itunes now! Keep on doing your thing, Ledisi!
Museum of the African Diaspora MoADSF- 8th Annual Gala Event, Oct 12, 2013 @ The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA. This year's theme? "MoAD: The World's Canvas" More to come....C
Dr. Maya Angelou. Her books helped me to heal. Her books helped me to understand what happened to me. We have a big connection. I talk to her every single day. Every single day. When I think of her, I say,
'I am proud to be a woman.' Dr. Angelou says,'You may not cannot control all the evils that happen to you. But you can decided not to be reduced by them.' And another thing she said,
'Nothing will work unless you do.'
I remember that."
Dr. Aklilu's second (First in her heart) woman that motives her?
The woman that gave birth to her, who was taken away from her, when she was a child, in Ethiopia.
That just cut me like a knife when
I heard her say that her Mother was murdered right before her eyes. Even after experiencing that kind of trauma, Dr. Aklilu keep pushing on. On to Italy, then on to The United States of America.
Power in Words
"My Mother. Even though she wasn't there for my teenager trouble. Even though she wasn't there for my High School graduation. She wasn't there when I was abused verbally physically, sexually. She wasn't the wasn't there to protect me to dry my tears. Even though she wasn't there when I brought my son in this world, to hold him. But she is always with me. Always. She's behind me to give me power. She's in front of me to pull me to go further. Every decision I made, every recited every step I take, she is always with me." I feel the power in your words, Dr. Aklilu. Amen?
So today, the love, the respect, the affection, the smile you give me remain in my heart forever. But the degree you give me, I want to dedicate to my Mother. Please allow me."
"I moved from Ethiopia to Italy. Things did not go very well. I got involved in an abusive relationship."
After realizing that things were not going to get better, and at the time, Dr. Aklilu was 9 months pregnant with her son, she went to God's house, and was sitting in a pew, crying her heart out. Then something happened. It was truly a blessing. Dr. Aklilu says,
"Father Gasparini walked into the church. 'Why are you crying?' I told him that I was homeless and 9 months pregnant." He said, "Let me give it to the Lord, and I'll come back to you." " The next day, he came back. He said, 'Menbere, I found a place for you. It's Mother Theresa's Women's Shelter.' I said, "Thank you."
I gave birth to my son at the shelter. His name is Christian."
One morning, Sister Superior Sister Matilde, said, "Menbere you have to be here tomorrow, because Mother Theresa is coming to the shelter." I said, "Okay". The next day, when Mother Theresa arrived,
"I was in the corner holding my baby and crying. Mother Theresa said, "Why you are crying? Give me that baby." She held him. "She said, Why you are crying?"
I said, "Mother, this it's not what I want. It's not my dream. I have a dream. I have passion. I a have fire inside me. I don't want this one." Mother Theresa said, "Well. Have Faith. Both of you - you are God's Child. God will never abandon you. HE will take you on the right path." I got a job and started living a normal life.
"Then I decided that I must move to America. I hear it's a wonderful country. It's an opportunity land.
I had to go. I had to take risks." Her son Christian was very upset over the idea of moving to America, leaving his church, his friends, his country. I told him, "There is a voice inside of me. I have to listen that voice. Otherwise that voice start screaming at me. I have to go. " It was 1995 when Dr. Aklilu and Christian stepped foot on American soil, making it their home.
Willing to Work
After arriving in America, she says, "I got a job paying $7.00 per hour. I asked,
"What's my job?" I was told to be a Hostess. No problem. I am an actress, I can do this. But I felt that they were paying me way too much money for what I was doing.
So I started cleaning and making sure things were in order. She got promoted. Today Dr. Aklilu owns Salute Restaurant in the Richmond Marina Bay
"When you do a good job. People see you. People remember you."
Giving Back to the Community in Which we Serve -
Dr. Aklilu's Three Lessons For Which She Lives By:
1) "No matter what it is you have to say and you have to do the right thing. The right thing comes back to you. It doesn't matter. Even if they don't agree, always do the right thing."
Are We Entitled to Success?
2) "Success. No one is entitled to be successful. You earn it. You earned your degree today. Success - it doesn't make you happy. When you are happy, you become successful. To be happy, you have to be in the community and you have to give back. You have to remember from where you came."
Dr. Aklilu said, "I took my son back to the shelter where he was born in Rome, Italy. The shelter looks the exact same as it did when I was there. Mother Superior is there. Mother Superior said to my son, "You have to give back. What you got, you got from the world. You have to give back to the world. You have to give back. You have to come back to the shelter, you have to give back." Christian said to Mother Superior,
"This will be my first job."
Don't Settle For Less
3) "Don't settle. Do not settle for less. Keep looking until you find what you like.
I am an actress. I greet people and talk to people and share my story, and I am happy."
"I give you all Gift Certificates to my restaurant for all of you! You can come and celebrate your graduation! Bring your parents, neighbor, boyfriend, girlfriend. Your job is, pick up the phone and say,
"I am 2013 Holy Names Graduate Student" - and I will open the door for you, you will have the best seat in the house! Thank you. Graci! Caio!"
Dr. Aklilu's Words to Live By
"The past has no power over this present moment. Because life is now. Life is this moment. You have to give back. Tell the past thank you. Tell the past, " I got the lesson, thank you." Then tell the future I am ready." Dr. Aklilu, those are true words of wisdom. Thank you. May you continue to be blessed 1,000 fold.
WE Salute you, Lady.
Dr. Aklilu is a Mother, humanitarian, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and things globally. Salute Marina Bay Restaurant, features Italian Cuisine and is located @ 1900 Esplanade, Dr. Richmond, CA 94804| 510.215.0803
The Southern California Community is celebrating Dr. Aklilu's philanthropic endeavors in the Los Angeles Area as well - in Little Ethiopia @ their 12th Annual Cultural Street Festival (celebrated September 8, 2013). Los Angeles City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr., Dr. Menbere Aklilu, and the Mayor of Los Anglees, the Honorable Eric Garcetti presented Dr. Aklilu with an honor.
(L to R.) LA City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr. Dr. Aklilu ,
Mayor of Los Angeles, CA The Honorable Eric Garcetti
Wayne Schoenfeld is the man behind the lens, with insight and wisdom beyond his years. Wayne has the ability to use his "third eye" to enlighten us. Join Wayne Schoenfeld & Rotaplast International as they take us on a journey around the globe, changing up the game by making a difference in over 10,000 children's lives. Hit the re-set button and get with New Democracy ProductionsWhy? To effect positive change in this world.
Dr. Capozzi has 49 years of experience as a Plastic Surgeon. PDG Peter C. Lagarias , Philanthropist, are being of like minds, envision eliminating the incidence of untreated cleft lips and palates in children worldwide by the year 2025. Rotaplast International is the vehicle that will allow Dr. Capozzi and his wonderful team of health care professionals/volunteers to make their goal a reality.
Randy Floyd, a patient transporter, w/ baby in tote to surgery
Where to next?
Rotaplast International and New Democracy Productions are heading to Monrovia, Liberia in September 2013 to surgically repair cleft lip and palates. So far, they've helped to put smiles on children's faces in Vietnam, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, El Salvador, Romania, China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Brazil and now Monrovia, Liberia.
I remember my Aunt Bertha's (Caldwell - Sims - Rankins) reflection on the 1963 March on Washington.
Aunt Bertha said that she marched because our very human rights to exist in a country that we helped to build was under siege. Aunt Bertha said that a black man, woman and child should be treated as human beings, first class citizens in "Our Country 'tis of thee - sweet land of Liberty", and if we don't stand up for something, we will fall for anything. Aunt Bertha is 89 years old and still recalls their travels from Chicago, Il, to Washington DC.
Clarence B. Jones, writer - in- residence at Stanford University's Martin Luther King Jr. Institute, breaks it down when he says, "It was a stressful day." " I got a call - an urgent call - from Harry Belafonte, because we were getting enormous pressure from the parents of these kids to get them out of jail," Jones recalls.
The Rockefeller family wanted to help, so Jones had to fly to New York, go to a bank vault and sign a promissory note in exchange for $100,000 in cash. That meant, Jones explains, " when the creditor calls you and say[s], 'Pay me,' you pay that person."
So when he was helping King draft talking points for his speech, Jones suggested that event would make a powerful analogy.
"You know, coming here to Washington...is like we are coming to our nation's capitol and ask[ing] to be repaid, or ask[ing] to be paid in full, on a promissory note," Jones says. "Well, there has to be sufficient funds in the vaults of justice in this country."
Indeed, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr used that image of a bounced check to assert that America had failed to live up to its promise. "It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned." Dr.King Jr. stated from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. "Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check; a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'"
Food for thought: In 2013, the question is, what does Equal Rights, Fair Employment and First Class Citizenship mean to you? Who qualifies for these inalienable rights in the USA? Every American Citizen qualifies, right? ~ Your thoughts please...
My opinion? - And you already know I have one ~
This is truly a "Must See" film that shows how America, "The Beautiful",
is comprised of people who have True Grit. We've got some issues to work out amongst( yes, I'm using my Grandfather's word) ourselves, but through and through, we'll work 'em out.
Family. There is nothing more important, or more valuable then Family. Today is Father's Day, and I would like to thank all of the men out there in this world, that take the time to love/ provide / protect / and instill wisdom and knowledge into the minds and hearts of children. Now, you know how opinionated I am, so here it goes. A father is
a man that not only provides the seed to reproduce the child, but stays committed through the entire process of raising the child to adulthood. Riding the waves of life - ups and downs, twist and turns, but sticking to it, making sure that he has the child's best interest in mind. Now, due to so many unforeseen occurrences, life takes a spin tail turn and for whatever reason, the father is not in the picture anymore. Well, the child still needs a father figure. That's where all of you men who have stepped up to the helm and helped raise the children comes into play. Thank you. Thank you all of the brothers and uncles and cousins and friends of the family that have stepped in and helped to lead children into safe havens. Keeping their innocence - guarding their innocence. May God continue to bless and protect you.
Every time that I hear that song by the Intruders, " I'll Always Love My Mama", it puts a smile on my face, and takes me way back. I remember as a little child, watching them sing that song on "Soul Train", and singing along as best I could. When I think of all the sacrifices that my Mother made for us, it makes me want to cry, because she made sure that we had everything we ever needed, never thinking of herself.
Mother and I in Cairo, Egypt, The Pyramids of Giza
Yes, today is Mother's Day, and I am wishing my Mother, as well as yours, a very Happy Mother's Day.
Thank you, Mother, for raising my brother, sister and I with integrity. For even having enough love in your heart to raise other people's children as well. Al, Sissy and I appreciate what you've done for us, and thank Jehovah God for you. (Grandmother, Malisa Caldwell Evans,(R.I.P.) laid down with our ancestors in 1984. Today, she would've been 100 years old. I'll always treasure her as well. I miss you, Sweetie!)
Since tomorrow is not promised, we must treasure each day that you have with your Mother, your family, your friends. #Try love.
Carolyn and Janice Wilbourn come from a strong legacy of women who use their God given talents, taught to them by their Mother, affectionately known as
"Queen Mother "Elizabeth".
Queen Mother "Elizabeth", of Jackson, Tennessee, encouraged her daughters (7 women) to follow in her footsteps, and learn to sew, creating their own sense of style, market and sell their designs, thus becoming entrepreneurs at a very young age. These women were taught that if they can visualize it, they can create it and the sky is the limit!
Having traveled extensively, Carolyn and Janice have lived in Paris, France for many years (a decade, to be exact), designing with beautiful fabrics, texture and magnificent colors for women of all nationalities, shapes and sizes. After-all, the globe is their home.
Because 50 years of Mother Queen "Elizabeth" and her gifted, talented daughters sew love into every garment, instilling knowledge, wisdom and a spirit of
"I am beautiful!" in the garments wrapped around you!
Walk on, Diva, swaying those hips and moving in time, feeling every bit of fabulous in your own Wilbourn Sisters Designs Inc.
Dawn Sutherland welcomes Designers Carolyn and Janice Wilbourn to her lovely home in Los Angeles, CA
Dawn Sutherland is having an
Ultimate 2 Day Fashion Experience
May 4th & 5th (Saturday & Sunday)
Get prepared to shop and Support Black Businesses, Artists and the Arts
Proceeds will benefit BALA a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation
Some of Dawn's Private Art Collection will be on
Sale as she prepares to move on to her Next Chapter!!!
In Memory of two dynamic women who made their transition 4/24 and 4/25
Antronette (Toni) Yancey, MD, MPH and Donna Lee Andrews R.I.P.
Love & light, Carla
You can purchase your Wilbourn Sister Designs at Macy's Greenbriar Mall, SW Atlanta, GA, or By Appointment: janicewoods11@comcast.net | 770. 634.3494 or 770.634.3496 For information regarding the 3 day event, and BALA, please contact Moza Mjasiri Cooper 323.291.2024
This Saturday, April 27, 2013, The West Coast Urban Ballroom Gents are having their Third Annual Black & White Ball and this year's theme is "Harlem Nights Revisited." Meet the Gentlemen of the West Coast Urban Ballroom Gent: James "Rocky" Hubbert, Gent: Charles Dean, Gent: Reggie Lewis, Gent: Roger Franklin, Gent: Eric Weaver, Gent: Curtis White, Gent: Victor Brown, Gent: Roy Dennis, Gent: Sam Elijah.
ABCs "Dancing With The Stars" seems to get that much more fun and exciting each Season. Oh, but this Season - 16? Off the charts! Did you watch it? There's so many fabulous routines, and Andrea Bocelli, and Stevie Wonder were on the show, and it was awesome! Now, what I suggest one do is to put on your tux, have your Lady dress up in her fabulous ballroom gown, put some curls in some bouncy hair, get those lovely to die for heels on, purchase a ticket to the "West Coast Urban Ballroom Gents" Black & White Ball, Harlem Nights Revisited, and hit the floor, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire Style!
You've got to know that there is truly a certain style and class that goes along with what it is that the "West Coast Urban Ballroom Gents" bring to the dance floor. There's going to be a fabulous evening, dancing the night away!
You can reach Roy Dennis on Twitter @Ballroomroy or FaceBook Roy Dennis, and West Coast Urban Ballroom Gents.
