NEW BOOKS TUESDAY/THE INSPIRATION CODE
 

It’s June already! Trees and plants have already bloomed, birds are singing, Johnny is counting down to his big trip to the dog park, and readers everywhere are looking forward to their summer reading.

Per tradition (at this point), I will be starting my summer reading with "Peter Rabbit" and ending with "To Kill a Mockingbird," but in between, there are some wonderful new titles that are being released this summer. Here's one that will surely inspire you.

 
 
The inspiration code

THE INSPIRATION CODE

How the Best Leaders Energize People Every Day
By Kristi Hedges

This outstanding leadership book by Executive coach Kristi Hedges might just change your life. She refutes myths about executive leadership and argues that any employee, manager, or CEO can inspire others, the same way any child can grow up to be president. You can learn the skills that can allow you to become someone others want to follow.

In this well-researched book, Hedges argues that genuine communication moves people to action. She argues that being authentic and invested in conversations, while displaying genuine emotions can make you an inspirational leader. This book is not only a must-read, it's an easy read. It's so engaging that you'll find yourself turning the pages without even realizing it.

 
Quickies, New Books Tuesday, May 2017CandiaThe Inspiration CodeComment
MEMORIAL DAY
FullSizeRender.jpg
 
 
 
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” — Minot J. Savage
May 2017CandiaComment
ANGELA RYE
When Women Speak
 
Photo Credit: Warwick Saint(via: Essence.com)

Photo Credit: Warwick Saint
(via: Essence.com)

 
 
 
"There was a time when we engaged in rigorous debate on policy. Now we are in an era of gaslighting, which is dangerous—because we should all be allowed to have our own perspectives but not our own facts. I take my role very seriously. I count it as a privilege to be a voice for my people and to serve as a translator about what’s really going on."
 
When Women Speak, April 2017CandiaAngela Rye, Activist, PoliticsComment
ADOPT ME!

After my Woman’s Best Friend post, many of you were curious to know whether my brother adopted Johnny or bought him from a store.

Unfortunately, it was the latter.

When I found out, I was upset, but there was nothing I could do. He was tiny, and in need of a home. Many pet stores support puppy mills, but my brother didn’t know that.

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, adopt one. It’ll be one of the most loving things you could do.

Here a few organizations you can adopt from:

Quickies, Adoption, April 2017CandiaJohnnyboy, adoption, pet, dogsComment
J.K. ROWLING
Words From Writers
 
 
 
"Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power to that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared."
Quickies, Words from Writers, April 2017CandiaJ.K. Rowling, QuotesComment
RIP TO A CARIBBEAN GEM

LOVE AFTER LOVE

BY DEREK WALCOTT

 

The time will come when, with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart. Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast on your life.

 
Literary News, March 2017CandiaDerek Walcott, Love After LoveComment
THAT'S ME
 

Phenomenal Woman

 
 

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please,
And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees.
I say, It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say, It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

 
Phenomenal Woman, March 2017CandiaMaya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman, PoemComment
MO
 

Yesterday was First Lady Michelle Obama's birthday! Here's my favorite quote from her. What's your FAVORITE quote from MO?

 
 
"I never cut class. I loved getting A’s, I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world."
 
 

The First Lady -- one last walk through the People's House

 
Culture, Quickies, January 2017CandiaMO, Michelle ObamaComment
COFFEE, ANYONE?
 

Coffee. Yes. This is a post about coffee. Coffee!

Everyone has their own definition for it. For some, it's an escape -- from the mundane and same old, same old; a quick picker-upper.

For others, it's a beverage they prefer to tea or an addiction they can't shake. 

For me, it's an addiction I gave up, but like to dabble in from time to time.

What does coffee mean to you?

 
Guilty Pleasures, Quickies, December 2016CandiaCoffee, guilty pleasuresComment