Mandee Stone with Sister Expressions

Metamorphosis/Elle Capri

2018-04-09T13:22:00.002-04:00

One of the most famous quotes regarding relationships is "people come into your life for
a reason, season, or a lifetime" and for the most part I tend to agree! However, I've
discovered an additional purpose for some people to enter another's life, I call it "mic-time"!
I'm sure you are wondering what does it mean, mic-time. It's quite simple, it's when you
meet someone and they are filled with words that speak to you through experiences and
involvements that can be shared to promote wellness and wholeness within another.
There are a small number of individuals that we come across in life that share artistic gifts
that can uplift, inspire, and purge us into a better version of one's self. Although, these
interactions are powerful they may not be there for a season, one particular reason,
or a lifetime....just a mic-time!

Recently, I met this remarkable and courageous young lady who is full of life in various
ways. She's striking in the areas of self-awareness and education. Meeting this
sister reminded me of some of the reasons why I started this blog. We (sisters)
are often described in negative ways such as "angry, bitter, and hostile", however we
are much more than that! We are leaders, nurturers, trendsetters,
survivors and the list goes on. However, despite the most difficult situations
that have been placed on us, we remain vital and an essential
fabric to the future of all humanity!

Therefore, I'm elated to introduce to you an author, educator, poet, and sister,
Ms. Elle Capri! Ms. Capri is the author of "Metamorphosis", which is "
a collection of poems in which she shares an array of her feelings,
thoughts, and emotions including happiness, sadness, bluntness, disappointment,
joy, love, resilience, and her undeniable faith in GOD." After several discussions
with Elle, I was overwhelmed with the sense of life, which resonates from
her soul. I gathered that her life has been full of amazing twist and turns
that fashioned and shaped her into a unique being. Enjoy the read!

Buried Treasure
By Elle Capri

Sunlight accented melanin, beams of heat penetrate my skin.

Flowing with elegance and grace, the look of pride upon my face.

Head shining like the moon, turning heads as I grace the room.

Strong and forceful I walk the trail, waiting for the moment I exhale.

I’ve waited for this moment to come, a beautiful depiction of were my ancestors came from.

The smile is forming, I feel my face.

Small tear drops I began to taste, flashes of color take over the screen.

As I feel my insides scream Wakanda!!

I can’t help but wish this place did exist, as I marvel at these beautiful images.

My breath is taking and so is my speech, I gotta pee but can’t leave my seat.

The 3D is amazing I feel like I’m there, just another black woman moving in her chair.

Here come the credits I don’t wanna leave, now that was a movie I’d pay twice to see.

Contact Information for Ms. Capri:

P.O. Box 491221

Atlanta, GA 30349

ellecaprithewriter@gmail

ellecapriproductions.org

God is Faithful.....Kevin Dunn with Dunn4U Ministries

2018-03-18T13:38:00.003-04:00

God is truly faithful....

Approximately eighteen years ago I met a remarkable family that included a soft spoken and gentle

Kevin R. Dunn
Gospel Artist

young man. Being the proud father of three and a loving husband were two of his titles in life. He was also called son, brother, and nephew to the previous generations of Dunn's of Valley, Alabama. His personality reflected a great up-bring and class. Shortly after meeting him I became smitten and elated to call him friend, as well as my brother in Christ. This man is known as Mr. Kevin Dunn of Dunn4U Ministries.

Kevin, as I so friendly refer to him quickly became a blessing to the ministry in which we were associated with. The church was small and was in need of growth and development and Kevin became an important part of its expansion. Kevin assisted by rendering his God given gift of psalms by leading the church's music ministry. Needless, to say God was faithful with the work of the church and the ministry grew. In addition, I believe because of Kevin's obedience and willingness to help grow God's kingdom, God spoke a word and gave clear direction for Kevin's future.

If memory serves me correctly, through the voice of God's leaders Kevin was encouraged to minister and sing more frequently and that he would one day create music for others to enjoy via CD's. Therefore, I am indeed grateful that God allowed me to witness His faithfulness yet once again, towards a remarkable young man, Mr. Kevin Dunn of Dunn4U Ministries.

On March 11, 2018, Kevin release his third CD, entitled "Look at Jesus Lord of the Heavens". Prior to this album God spoke through Mr. Dunn by way of two other CD's named "Introducing Kevin R. Dunn" and " Kevin R. Dunn Acapella Heaven". God is truly faithful!

Once we accepted God's faithfulness, we must seek to accept what God has spoken over our individual lives as it relates to our gifts. The second part of Proverbs 18:16 states, "a man's gift...brings him before great men"(NKJV). "It is your gift that is the key to your success" is also conveyed to us. We must strive to believe that our talent is embedded within us and it is fully loaded! Therefore, I'm encouraging each of you to place on your daily agendas a goal to discover, maximize, and utilized your God given abilities!

Love,
Mandy

Paparazzi Kids

2018-03-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Sister!

I am so excited about a stop I made this weekend! Staying in line with the well-being of sisters of all ages, Sister Expressions found a gem of a place for young ladies from ages two to eighteen. As we've once stated, cultivating a healthy woman begins very early in life and it details caring for the totality of the person. Not taking away from the importance of being a deeply and soulful person on the inside, this location meets the needs of beautifying girls from the outside, it called Paparazzi Kids!

According to our findings the word paparazzi was inspired by "a news photographer named Paparazzo (played by Walter Santesso in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita) is the eponym of the paparazzi." Therefore, as it is known today paparazzi can be viewed in many different aspects, depending on who you are talking with. Paparazzi being independent photographers who are constantly on search for the opportunity to photograph high profile people in order to sell their work to high stream media organizations. Nevertheless, if you happen to find yourself as one of their targets, it's beneficial to be looking your absolute best! Giving the fact that high profile people are represented in all ages there is no question that having your young sister glamorized by the professional staff at Paparazzi Kids is the move to make!

This five star full service fashionable salon is located south of downtown Atlanta in College Park, Georgia. Paparazzi Kids in now in its third consecutive year of operation and growing yearly. Founders Sunshine and Sasha are the geniuses behind this upscale beauty salon for girls! From the services rendered, to the decor your girly-girl will find herself surrounded with sophistication and class as she is being pampered and gleamed for her encounter with the Paparazzi!

Mandy the Motivator

Paparazzi Kids Hours: Sunday - Closed
5611 W Fayetteville Road Suite 107 Monday -

Saturday 8AM to 6PM
College Park, GA 30349
(770) 703-8855

Glam Squad

Lights, Camera & Action

Beautiful Decor

Accessories Available

India and "Special K" Mason with Mandy

Feeling My Beauty Before Seeing My Beauty

2018-02-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Sister!

Like many others, as a product of the 60's I was automatically born into a world of challenges. One of the main obstacles I was forced to deal was racism. When we think of racism our first thought involves ethnic groups against other ethnic groups. However, when entertaining the meaning of racism sociology, we discover that social racism is a term that "refers to racist attitudes within a society, and according to Carl E. James, "society is structured in a way that excludes substantial numbers of people from minority backgrounds from taking part in social institutions. As a result, without being directly taught we develop habits of forming judgments and thoughts of people based on physical attributes and social status. Since the beginning of the realization of society those who are of a certain echelon is viewed as good and acceptable! However, we are rapidly discovering that using that strategy or tactic is leaving us expose to higher levels of abuse. As the "ME TOO" movement grows, we discover that our social ranks does not exclude our need to look for beauty from within! Feeling my beauty before seeing my beauty is of the up most importance! When in each other's presence it's the words we use to impact one another that should express what's in my heart. It is how we assist those in needs and those less fortunate as ourselves that should exhibit who we really are! Therefore, until next time I encourage you to allow others to feel your beauty!

Mandy the Motivator

Fashion "Savvi" Magazine Style

2018-02-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Personality is known as “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character,” included in that amalgamation is one’s approach to fashion also known as personal swag. This weekend Sister Expression was in the mix of fashion through the eyes of Savvi Magazine. Savvi held a release party at The Ellis Hotel located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The party highlighted their February Issue Featuring Cover Model D Alonzo Clay, hosted by James “Jae Tea” Thompson, also known as the The Klasssic Man.

Savvi Magazine displays the latest in fashion for everyone, models of all size both males and females can be found pounding the runway with designs by labels such as Pretty Plus Girls Inc., Carlos Wayne, ill Crew Clothing, and Wildlyfe just to name a few! No matter what your style Savvi Magazine seems as though they can provide you with visuals you need to get your SWAG ON! www.savvimagazine.com

What Gets You Through the Door?

2018-02-23T12:21:00.001-05:00

Hello Sister!

As I meditated on life today I landed on the thought that from the very second we arrive into the world we are met with goals and expectations. The doctor and our parents meet us with our first one and that is to cry and begin breathing. From there the goals get more intense; therefore naturally we begin to form strategies and knowledge regarding how to maneuver through life and some of approaches take different paths. Therefore, it’s important that as we grow we begin to ask the question, what will get me through the door?

For some climbing the corporate ladder is a primary goal, for others it may be growing a business, and for others completing a degree, but what will get you through the door? I’m reminded of a popular saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and I totally understand the meaning and because God does use people to assist with His blessings there are times when are grateful to others, however ultimately favor and sanctions come from God! Moreover, it is our job to understand what God is looking for out of His people in order to move on our behalf. It is clearly stated that God finds pleasure in when we have spectacular goals, purposes, and ideas in life. He clearly stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) ^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Therefore, no matter what our desires are, it is our drive and character that will promote us to the steps that we take in order to achieve the task at hand. Let’s seek God’s ways to get us through the doors that leads to conquered goals, dreams, and ambitions. Be blessed!

Mandy the Motivator💗

When a Motivator has to Self-Motivate

2018-02-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

Heey Sister,

When you think of the life of a Motivator you probably imagine an upbeat person who is a ray of sunshine! On the other hand you might think that their lives are just smooth sailing. Perhaps you envision them knowing the right strategies to their life challenges, and if so I would agree that most of the times they are able to stay focused through hard times! However, we all know that trials and tribulations come knocking on every humans door, therefore as a motivator it's impossible to be in mint condition all the time! So what happens when the Motivator is facing a challenge of some sort? Does your expectations lead you to believe they remain positive through it all? Do you imagine them perhaps having a circle of supporters that guide them through? Nevertheless, here's a glimpse into a day of challenge with Mandy the Motivator.

Recently, I hit a very tragic storm in my life, although this was not the first one, each one to this magnitude feel as though it's the most severe. Everything that I worked so hard for in recent years was being questioned and finding the right solutions seemed so far out of my reach. This situation brought on many emotions and mental challenges that weighed me down day and night. There were many sleepless nights with thoughts of why is this happening to me? In addition, when was it going to end?

Nevertheless, I learned several valuable lessons! One in particular being, the process of going and growing through trails and tribulations cannot be rushed. As a result, I realized strategies that work best for me. I took on the stance of David and began to remind myself of what God had already done and if He rescued me before He would surely do it again! I also allowed those closest to me to have my back. Whether it was emotional, monetary, or a shoulder to cry on, I knew it was my job to ask for what I needed without shame! Although, there were many other avenues that I had to take to bring me back to a place of healing, the most important was envisioning myself on the other side of through! As you face battles and circumstances remember the words of our elders, "trouble don't last always!" Amen!

Mandy the Motivator

Recognizing Our Purposes

2018-02-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Again My Sister,

It's a pleasure growing and developing with you! On my last post I discussed some differences between operating through our pleasures in life verses being influenced and led by our purposes. Even though, the topic of discovering life's purpose is being preached and taught more and more freely, the number of people discovering their purposes are still dwindling. In understanding what purpose is, we learn that it's simply "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." However, how do we find our purpose?

As a believer in God and His existence, I also trust that He is the overseer of this universe and beyond. In addition, I believe in His word! According to Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Through this test many of us have heard sermons and teachings that informs us that our images mimic God's by way of the Trinity. We've been taught that God has three beings, God, the Father, God, the Son (Jesus), and God, the Holy Spirit. As a result, human beings consist of having a body, mind, and soul. Moreover, I would ask you to consider, if that being so, would not our purposes be made in His image as well? When we study the life of Jesus, we find out that His entire purpose dealt with the need and the necessity of others. No matter what we do for a living our livelihoods depend on others! As a singer someone have to purchase your music, or as an educator, someone must be in the need of your knowledge. Therefore discovering our purposes in life is simple, what gifts have God given to you that would serve humanity in an arena that God can be glorified? What are you simply great at doing with little effort, how have you been called to serve humanity? Don't be shy to share!

Mandy the Motivator

Pleasure or Purpose

2018-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Sister!

It's always great having this time with you! Recently, during my time of meditation I found myself pondering times in my life when I was living for simple pleasures versus the times in which I was purpose driven. For those of us who are well into our lives and depending on life's circumstances, we can recall several hard and trying experiences that we felt as though we barely survived. Nevertheless, often times when we find ourselves in the midst of a life crisis we focus on the pain, while missing all of the learning opportunities. It is during these times, we have the chance to gain wisdom, make positive changes, learn lessons, and most importantly discover our life's purpose!

Given the fact that we are individuals, it's within reason to say our pleasures in life varies. As a result, some seek to ease their pain with drugs and alcohol, while others choose a promiscuous sexual life. Still others allow their pain to disfigure them spiritually and/or mentally. They slowly become products of their pain and it begin to reshape and mold their character and damage their moral make-up. Nevertheless, neither of these choices lead us to suitable outcomes.

However, when we decide not to focus on the pain, we are left with propositions that can lead us to our next purpose. When we become survivors of situations and conditions, we become professionals, so to speak! We know what will work and what will not work to get someone else through that particular issue. In addition, as we are forced to make changes our gifts began to evolve and develop. It is at this point we discover talents that we never knew existed with us. This evolution reminds me of Whitney Houston's come back album entitled, "I Look to You" and her single, I Didn't Know My Own Strength! As I leave you today, I'm encouraging you to choose the path that leads to you purpose!

Mandy the Motivator

Smart Girl

2018-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Sister,

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on a class of second graders who were expressing themselves in art. As I moved around the room, I noticed one student with a captivating photo of herself. First, I was taken aback that she showed such poise and self-confidence in herself! It was easy to notice, since the picture conveyed her exact skin color with an amazing smile that lit up the room, as it leaped off the paper at you (see picture below)! Nevertheless, what was more enchanting were the words that accompanied her drawing. "What smart girls love to do. Smart girls love to do a lot of stuff, like read books, learn about human bodies, the weather, and mother nature. The thing they hate is being bullied!" Immediately, I thought of Psalms 8:2.... "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength...." The strength and clarity of her words conveyed how we are able to acknowledge our talents and abilities at a young age, we are also capable of being curious about the things around us (our environment) and how we are connected to it, as well as individuals that are apart of our immediate community. Weather we are an adolescent or an adult, being bullied in any form aim to stunt our growth! Understanding that bullying comes in various forms, it can be depicted as being a mean girl (woman), by way of gossip, pushing others into isolation, sabotaging one's relationship/career or causing mental or emotional anguish upon a sister. Therefore, it is imperative that we seek out all opportunities to motivate, uplift, celebrate, and support the efforts of all SMART GIRLS AND WHAT THEY LIKE TO DO! KEEP BEING YOU... YOU'RE THE BEST AT IT AND TELL ANOTHER SISTER SHE'S GOOD AT WHAT SHE LOVE TO DO!

Mandy the Motivator

VISION

2018-02-11T19:07:00.002-05:00

Hello Sisters:

I hope this post finds you prospering and planning for your life's goals! Recently, I listened to a message entitled "Vision" by Joel Gregory of Linked-Up Ministries, the sermon not only blessed me, but it inspired me! Vision is define as the ability to be able to see. Spiritually, vision adds the ability to see a supernatural goal that has been given to you by God but has not taken place in the natural. Taking time to dream leads to creativity. Creativity open doors of new opportunities, and new breaks create purpose! Moreover, purpose provides living out your vision, vision experiences! GO AHEAD ENVISION.....You have everything in you to be GREAT!

Mandy the Motivator

God's Love vs. His Favor

2018-01-17T22:38:00.002-05:00

Hello Sister,

As always, I'm writing to encourage and uplift your spirit as you navigate through life. During my time of meditation my prayers rested on God's love versus His favor. Many of us wonder if God's love can changed based on our choices and deeds in life. Well my sister, please rest assure there is absolutely nothing we can do that will make God stop loving us! We're made in His image and we are His creation. As we all know God's love should never be taken for granted, but with all our efforts, we should seek to express our love for Him. Moreover, God's favor works a little different! Have you ever witness or observe a person that seems to have everything going on right in their life? Many of us have. Often times that person is experiencing God's favor, unlike love favor is earned! It is through our obedience and sacrifice to the things of God that gets His attention, in which He chooses to show partiality towards us. As a result, I'm praying that all our efforts are directed towards fulfilling God's purpose in our lives and He finds Himself pleased enough to SHOW US FAVOR!

Your Beloved,

Mandee Stone

Dear Sister II

2018-01-17T22:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Sister,

You developed your plot, you picked your team, and put your scheme into action. I imagined your ultimate goal was to destroy my career, my life-style, and my drive, but why? As I lived through the challenges you wished and inflicted upon me, the answers became more clear. HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE! You hated my fashion sense, my confidence, my ability to love and draw people into my cocoon of love! You allowed envy and jealously to over flood your heart without giving thought to the outcome of your life. To be continued.....

Dear Sister

2017-12-27T12:28:00.003-05:00

Dear Sister,

Having you in my life started out as any other relationship, I was fully opened to getting to know you. I look forward to times of laughter, fun, growth, and mutual support. However, as time progressed something happened, although I wasn't quite sure of what! I was even oblivious to the change. Your behavior never displayed a difference. Why didn't you just communicate, therefore you choose to secretly hid your feelings until it manifested into HATE! As a result, your hate turned into an elaborate plot to totally destroy me! ..... to be continue.

It's Time to Write Again

2017-09-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

One of the most natural purposes of human life is having the ability to contemplate subjects and topics during our time in this universe. Like myself perhaps, you have found yourself thinking "life is worth living, therefore it's worth writing!"

Real Friendships are Balancing and Relaxing

2014-11-02T10:53:00.003-05:00

Given the fact that birthdays are very special to me, this past weekend was very exciting! It was time to celebrate one of my dear friends (Patrice Harrell) birthday. During this time of her life's celebration, I witnessed friendships that are balancing and relaxing to say the least. I know you are wondering what I mean about balancing and relaxing. Let me elaborate if you will. Experiencing balance within friendships consist of opportunities of being transparent, unmasking, competition free, and growth developing moments. As it relates to the term relaxing, simply put, opportunities to be less tense or anxious.

Therefore, as expected her birthday began with an evening of family, friends, food and music at her newly purchased home. Toasting, cheers, and bliss filled the atmosphere. The ambience was full of unconditional love and a strong presence of God's un-measuring favor in several areas including marriage and friendship. As a result, the festivities called for a second day of observance, which impacted me to the point of writing this post. Although, the crowd was much smaller, the purpose was extremely life changing. The term of "life changing" can sometimes be used lightly, however not in this situation! Many of us see this phrase as impact filled, which leads to a time of self-evaluation.

Being apart of a small assimilation of women who have allowed their life experiences to revamp them into confident and purposes filled ladies who are focused on their own life's journey was indeed relaxing! Many times we permit ourselves to be drawn into gatherings and friendships that brings us grief, low self-esteem, competition and a compromised being. These relationships usher us into arenas of life that God never intended for us to travel. Allow me to give you an example, the Old Testament reveals the experience that the children of Israel faced when they lost focus on God's promise. A journey that should have taken two weeks turned into a forty year excursion. Nevertheless, we should frequently reevaluate our life's purpose and goals in order to make necessary changes that will lead us to the abundance life (Jer. 29:11) God intended for us to have! It is a waste of precious time to walk through life without being spiritually influenced and vice versa.

Moreover, I would like to thank Patrice Harrell, Kellye Bowens, Tameka Bouyer, and Vanessa Desir for being open, raw, and expressive this weekend. Patrice and Tameka you are anointed beyond what has been revealed. Kellye you embody loyalty and commitment regardless of how your life started and you will live to see the fullest of this spoken word. Vanessa you host the spirit of freedom, your strong desires will drive you into many choices, be watchful, equipped, and realistic. I'm dedicating this post to these special ladies and to all of those who are search of valuable friendships, don't settle!

Love Always,

Mandy

I Think I Have A Good One

2013-05-27T22:36:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a while since my last post; needless to say I have missed you all. However, there have been various things that have changed in my life's arena some great and some have been challenging. Nevertheless, I hope and pray that all is well in your life and here's to the start of a series of many great posts from Sister's Expressions.

As you may or may not remember my last post was about "How to Meet the Man of Dreams", in which I discussed a conversation with two ladies who both met their dream guys by way of personal friends. This method of meeting a great guy intrigued me to the point I was willing to give it a try once my previous relationship became bleak and sizzled out. I began by sharing with those I most trusted that I was once again single and was simply looking for someone to go out to dinner with on occasion without any commitments. An old friend once advised me that it's best to spend time with one's self right after a break-up in order to get to know you again and I was determined to take that advice and build upon it. In addition to the break-up with a companion of two years, I found myself in a pivotal moment in life as it related to my career and some personal friendships. Therefore, I was in no position to take on a serious relationship of any sort.

Shortly after obtaining a new employment opportunity and regaining my composure from broken friendships I regained my strength and began to feel alive again. The air felt more crisp and fresh from day to day. My love and enjoyment of life began to bloom once again. My smile was not only shown on my face but it was radiant from within. Soon I was meeting new and interesting people and having great relationships with those who remained. During an outing with a group of friends one of them happen to mentioned that she knew a guy she would love for me to meet just to see if our personalities would match. Reluctantly, I agreed and within three weeks I found myself at a dinner table in Buckhead enjoying myself. Needless, to say he and I have been spending a great deal of quality time together. Now I'm not saying that it's headed towards marriage, but I Do Think I Have a Good One! As the ladies stated in my last post and I now agree "a friend who REALLY has your best interest in mind and know you well is a great way to meet a good guy". I am once again asking you to try it but at your own risk and don't forget to let us know about your experiences......Smooches!!!

Mandy Stone
Sister's Expressions

One Way to Meet the Man of Your Dreams

2012-11-21T17:07:00.000-05:00

During a recent conversation with a couple of associates concerning relationships, I discovered an interesting point to meeting the man of your dreams. One of the ladies involved in the dialogue is in her late 20’s (Jeanne) and the other young lady is in her early 50’s (Cynthia). Jeanne is recently engaged to someone she describes as a wonderful and loving man who she thought she would never meet while, Cynthia is newly married to the man of her dreams. Given the fact that I was the only one single in the bunch I was provoked to ask the question, how did you both meet these great guys? Ironically, they both met the loves of their lives through good friends!

Cynthia shared that given the fact that your close friends really know you as a person and perhaps you have shared with them the downs of previous relationships that went sour that they know you best and are better equip to recognize the perfect guy for you. Therefore, it is within reason to believe that it is safe to let our close friends know when we are looking for a new love that can turn into a lifetime commitment. Nevertheless, my opinion leads me to add this one small piece. We should make sure that the friends we involve in our quest be those who truly and sincerely have our best interest at heart in order for this process to work! Go ahead spread the news and don’t forget to let Sister’s Expressions know if this method works for you!

Love,

Mandy

Character vs. Reputation

2012-10-18T10:17:00.003-04:00

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you REALLY are, while your reputation is MERELY what others think you are!" -John Wooden

How to Find You

2012-10-14T22:13:00.003-04:00

Okay let’s be honest….no one will ever know, have you ever wished you had features and/or qualities like someone else. I have, several times. My first experience with this desire was around six or seven years old. At such an early age, I found myself wanting to be more like my mother. I am from a single family home in which my mother was the sole bread winner and I knew early on that my quality of life depended on her. As a result, I always paid close attention to my mother’s work ethics, personal drives and ambitions. Witnessing my mother handle her responsibilities so well in the 70’s made her my hero; therefore I wanted so much to echo her in various areas. I wanted to look like her; she is what we define as light-skinned, and physically framed very well. She was able to speak her mind freely with eloquence and never allowed people to run over her. She was awesome in my opinion. But I soon realized that I didn’t look like her. I am dark-skinned, full-figured, and beautiful I might add. Therefore, I had to spend many years discovering myself. So, let’s talk about how to find ourselves!

Allow me to start by saying that I think it is okay to admire certain attributes and characteristics of others. I would even go so far as to confirm that it is within reason to adopt certain traits from others. Sometimes we gain helpful points that we take on as our own in order to build our character, nevertheless it is very crucial that we embrace who we are as individuals, which leads to a better stay here on earth. In my personal quest to find me, I focused on what brought out passion from within; I learned what caused me to feel hurt, what caused me to smile, how I influenced others, and then I learned to LOVE it all. I now embrace my personal make-up and who I am. All the love and understanding that I have for myself allows me to love others for their differences and how they were developed and fashioned for life. Nevertheless, in order to capture this love for myself and maintain it, I’ve learned that I must reflect on my life daily. Therefore, I spend moments throughout the day identifying attributes regarding my personality. In all honesty and fairness, I must admit there are times when I do not enjoy going through this process out of fear of becoming aware of things I do not like about myself. But, I became skilled at being committed to this course because the reward is so POWERFUL and fulfilling. Life can be so enjoyable and purposed when we pledge ourselves to the purpose of our existence! Therefore, I hope and pray that all of you who read this post will make a personal pledge to becoming more familiar with YOURSELF and what makes you, YOU!

Love,

Mandy

Now Let's Talk Steel Magnolias

2012-10-09T12:50:00.000-04:00

As I expected “Steel Magnolias” was wonderfully written and well preformed. The cast worked great together and their acting capabilities complimented each other without prejudice. The revised script gave a warm feeling to what a southern African –American family would exemplify with regards to love, family bond, and friendship. Although, there were many messages for us to gain from, the one in particular that I wanted to make mention of is acceptance!

Understanding that we all are imperfect beings should lead us to the awareness that we all make mistakes in various areas of life, relationship and sisterhood. It was quite evident that all of the ladies suffered some type of life disappointment and each one dealt with it in their own way. Nevertheless, each of them knew the other’s struggle and accepted their friend just as she was while allowing room for growth. I would love to hear what message you gathered from the film….don’t be shy…communicating is good for the SOUL!

P.S. If you had to choose a character that illustrated you within your circle who would it be?

Love,

Mandy

Steel Magnolias

2012-10-05T12:34:00.000-04:00

I often ask myself is there a need for Sister’s Expressionsand I have been reminded that YES is the answer! Here recently the entertainment media has been bombarded with the latest story concerning Nikki Minaj and Mariah Carey. Again, the image of black women is being portrayed in a negative manner. I am outraged with all of the naming calling, fighting, and just plain ignorance that those who are representing black America via multi-media within the entertainment industry. As I am reminded of how hard previous generations worked to improve black image in America, I am almost brought to tears to see this current generation destroying it with little hope of recovery. However, the saddest point to all of this is our desire to watch ourselves being misrepresented. We rush home weekly to tuned into all the House Wives shows, R & B Divas, Basketball Wives, etc., without considering the message that we are sending to the world. Nevertheless, there are many positive black women out there, Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Alfre Woodard and many others in our local communities that we can learn, grow and build upon our reflection as a race of women. Therefore, I encourage all of us to rethink the message that we send daily! Yes, let’s show the world that we are not all angry, and confrontational. That we can get along and we do care for one another!

P.S. Don’t forget to watch Steel Magnolias, this Sunday, Oct.7^th, on Lifetime at 9:00 Eastern Time. Although, it is a remake, I’m sure it will be refreshing to watch Sisters sharing and caring for each other!

Love,

Mandy

Women Who Cheat

2012-10-04T23:35:00.000-04:00

As a result of divorce and infidelity, we have seen the effects that broken marriages have caused our children as well as society as a whole. The increase of divorce is influenced by various reasons, one in particular is infidelity. Due to technology being unfaithful to one’s spouse is made easy and quick. With dating web pages and cell phones at our finger tips, email addresses, etc., we are bombarded with temptation constantly. In addition, the influx of acceptability regarding disloyalty has fueled this situation to a fiery disaster. And within this catastrophe of infidelity are the women who cheat?

Many have voice their opinions about the reasons why men go outside their main relationships. The oldest reason regarding our male counter-parts betrayal is the CAT. But what drives women to join this rat race? Although, there are several reasons, I believe that one meticulous motive is the lack of affection! As women a lot of us grew up with the notion that we should be treated like princesses, and although I would love to hold on to this childhood outlook, reality has led me to believe the contrary. Some of us have been involved with men who are not meeting our needs financially, sociably, or emotionally. In our efforts to get our needs met we are left to confront our spouses (lovers) who in turn say that we are nagging them. Nevertheless, out of frustration and disappointment some of us have found comfort in the arms of another. I do agree that this decision does lead to some type of satisfaction but only temporarily. Bringing another party into an already sticky circumstance can only lead to more confusion, in addition you could be possibly setting yourself up for more heartache. Therefore if you are feeling unfulfilled in your current relationship, I suggest that you fight hard for a resolution. If your significant other is not willing to work with you towards an agreeable declaration than be a SISTER who is able to resolve her own issues, for some that could mean cutting the ties. But no matter what by all means be respectful to yourself and the person who lives you affect by the decisions you make, here’s to loving relationships!

Love,

Mandy

Breast Cancer Awareness

2012-10-01T20:30:00.003-04:00

Today is the first day of BREAST CANCER awareness month. Sister’s Expression would like to remember all those who fought a good fight and those who loved them. I am sure they will forever live on in our memories and dreams. SE is sending special love to Sara Harper-Chatmon and Deirdre Buckles-Alford as they celebrate the lives and legacies of their mothers. We would also like to remember their mothers for raising such incredible women that I am blessed to have met. In addition, please take the time to add any other people you would like remembered during this month!

P.S. Remind someone that self-examinations can save their life!

Love,

Mandy

My Husband vs. My Girl

2012-09-29T22:23:00.001-04:00

Having been married for eight years, I can still remember the day my ex-husband proposed to me. It was a Sunday afternoon at church and I was surrounded by friends and family. Given the fact that my husband to be was the pastor of the church, the proposal was a day that we all were destined to remember. I was so thrilled to tell my best girlfriends the big news…..I’M GETTING MARRIED! I’m sure we all can agree that that’s some of the most exciting news to share with your GIRLS. Although, it is a magical time in a woman’s life, several changes come along with the news. Having a man in your life takes up a lot of your free time leaving us to deal with one topic in particular; how do we juggle our social life now that we are married? Do we involve more married couples into our social lives as a couple or should we continue to intermingle with our single girlfriends the majority of the time as though nothing has changed? And how do we handle bringing and assisting our husbands into accepting our GIRLS? And most importantly what happens when your husband and your girl just don’t see eye to eye? Of course standing by your man is something you have now vowed to do, but you can’t over look the fact that your girl has been there through many years of laughter, tears, and ups and downs.

From my point of view I believe that the resolution depends on the bond that real girls should have with one another. Most likely you have shared most of your live secrets with your girl therefore, it is probable that you have shared your low points concerning your man, whether it was infidelity, his lack of income, or his resistant towards affection that type of discussion can lead to built up animosity within your girl. Nevertheless, from her point of view he doesn’t deserve you and perhaps this is the case or maybe it’s not! And as it relate to your husband, your girlfriend is conceivably overstepping her boundaries, which is possibly true. But as I look at it all the solution resides in you!

Sharing too much information with your girl regarding your man can be like sharing too much information with your mother. There are some things that are just between a husband and a wife, unless you really need your girlfriend to help you find your way out when you are 100% certain that your marriage is over. Also, keep in mind that you must convey to her that her personal thoughts regarding your man out of respect for you should be an emotion that she keep to herself unless it is crucial that you are made aware of a situation. Also, discuss with your husband that you were an adult and capable of choosing your own friends prior to the marriage, and that if he selected you to be his wife he must trust you in every aspect and that you are quite capable of keeping a healthy balance.

Remember we are creatures that keep evolving and as time process be committed to growing spiritually. Life never stays the same therefore, the make-up of friendship is subject to same, the concepts of marriage will change and YOU are going to change! Stay true to yourself and teach everyone how to LOVE YOU!

Love Ya,

Mandy