Bringing in the New Year

The San Francisco Skyline Dec 31, 2013 

I am so glad that we have prayed out the old year and are stepping into the New Year! I am hoping that each and everyone gets an opportunity to look at what it is that each of us can do to make this world a better place. Why? Because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

I recently lost someone very dear to me. Her Memorial Service was held today, Dec 31, 2013.
She was the Bubby I always wished and hoped for. Her name is Beverly Bateman Moore.
Beverly was one of the first women in the City of Beverly Hills to befriend me. Beverly, and her sister, Florence Vinet, are two remarkable women, who paved the way for so many women to find balance in having a family and a career;  Beverly worked in the Bridal Department, at GEARYS Beverly Hills, registering thousands of Brides from all over the world, for 30+ years!
Beverly opened up her heart and showed me so much loving kindness. She touched my heart, sharing her life's experiences, enriching my life. Beverly could bake some of the most delectable chocolates. She also knitted me the best Booties in Purple, Green, Blue; I have so many pairs over the years, and they're so comfortable. Made with love.

R.I.P. Beverly Bateman Moore. I will miss you.Thank you for your loving kindness.

Love & light,
Carla

Life is About Choices - What Lane Would You Choose?

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.

R.I.P. Madiba - Nelson Mandela - Thank You

President of the United States, Barack Obama at the right hand of President Nelson Mandela

#GivingTuesday | Special Needs Network Inc. (SNN)

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."

Check out the Special Needs Network Blog! Our Biggest Graduating PAM Class Yet.

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)

Must read:
The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism or Other Special Needs, by Areva Martin Esq.

Follow Special Needs Network on Twitter: @SpecialNeedsLA
Facebook: Special Needs Network 
#GiveTuesday - Special Needs Network Donations
(Thank you, Areva Martin, Esq., Executive Assistant, Manuel Deran, staff,  The Todd Group, for  your kindness, which means everything.)

Visiting Beverly Hills For The Holidays? Welcome!

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.

Villa Blanca of Beverly Hills, CA

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills(BRAVO Network)

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 |

Let's Practice Kindness - Shall We?

 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

MoAD San Francisco, Wrap-up! Mayor Willie Brown, Wilkes Bashford, Moët Hennessy USA ~ What Does MoADSF Mean to You?

San Francisco is truly an amazing City.
Just think, the city is 59 miles in
circumference, and is so so rich in culture.

Former Mayor of SF, The Honorable Willie Brown, Pam Moore,
Fashion Icon Wilkes Bashford
(ModernLuxury.com)

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.

Honorees, Danny Glover & Alfre Woodard
(Drew Altizer Photography)

This year's Honorees were: Alfre Woodard
 (12 Years A Slave),
Danny Glover,(Louverture Films), and
Dr. Sandra Hernandez (The San Francisco Foundation).

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."

Italina Kirknis - "It represents History/Art/Education."

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."

Kimberly Brandon, Brenda Wright, Deborah Santana,
Fashion Icon, Wilkes Bashford
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Philanthropist Joy Venturini Bianchi
(Drew Altizer Photography)

It was really good seeing Joy Venturini Bianchi on the Red Carpet @MoADsf Gala Event! Not only is Joy Venturini Bianchi a strong supporter of the Arts and Culture in San Francisco, she was also in Beverly Hills, the same week, supporting the grand opening of the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts as well. 

Tommie Moon, Renel Brooks-Moon, Danny Glover, Wilkes Bashford, Eliane Cavallerio
(Drew Altizer Photography) 

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....

Nicki Naylor, Alain Pinel Realtors & Sheree Chambers, Wilkes Bashford
- These 2 Ladies were so delightful to talk to about fashion and Travel!
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Sherri McMullen, McMullen Boutique &
 Lisa Blackwell - Fabulous!
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Carolyn Tyler, ABC7, Gary Love looked wonderful on the Red Carpet.
Carolyn interviewed Danny Glover  - for more details, go to Moadsf.org
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Derrick Muhammad,Supervisor of  District 5, London Breed
(ModernLuxury.com) 

It was really good to see Supervisor London Breed again!

Ledisi singing,"Higher Than This."
(Drew Altizer Photography)

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

Photographs: Drew Altizer Photography, 

                 San Francisco Magazine - Drew Altizer Photography

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!