Hi Everyone…I hope all has been well with you.  As I began to write this post, I felt the need to start off by saying a huge “THANK YOU”  – thank you for allowing me to enter your email to talk with you, and for taking the time to read my posts and/or watching my videos (if you only knew how much that means to me..).. There’s a soulful song by Anthony Hamilton called “Life Has a Way” and as I listened to the lyrics, I realized how they were such powerful words and yet they clearly made a lot of sense.  Life can be wonderful in so many ways, yet something could happen and quickly change the life we thought we had.  Ever since I spoke about my life changing moment of being diagnosed with breast cancer, my life changed and the news humbled me in a way I thought could have never imagined.   I began to see some things as not so important, because without your health.. ain’t much you can do.  My family recently experienced the loss of our brother.  His death hit us like a ton of bricks, because he was never sick and the first time he got sick (from what we thought was an abscess from a toothache) turned out to be cancer of the mouth.  We found out Dec 27th and he took his last breath Feb 9.  I’m sure Hassan thought he had more time, but that was not the case, and such is life..  The night of his passing, in lieu of a big service (since he really was kind of a quiet, nonchalant person) we spent the night playing throwback music (he loved music and was a dj) having dinner, talking, laughing and serving these drinks.

We know he’d be pleased with us celebrating his life in that manner and especially with no tears (although we did shed them in the midst of it all).  Still hard to believe he’s gone.. .

So that’s the logiest of what’s been going on with me last month.  I did manage to create a new video about simple changes – by using what I already have around.

I was thrilled to find out Yahoo! Life featured my kitchen in this article about 5 Redos To Make Dated Wood Kitchens Look Modern.  Although it was pleasing to see it recognized, I couldn’t believe such horrid comments people made, not only about mine but all the others (luckily I have thick skin lol), which I honestly thought they were all very nice.   I do know my kitchen is not the glamourous, brand new modern with bells and whistles, but creating the look without going knee deep in debt to please the cyberspace was not and will never be in the plans. I humbly and happily live the Lifestyle of the Thrift and Famous (for a really good reason) and enjoy inspiring people who may need some inspiration on a budget.  Exposing your style to the world can be a bit scary and intimidating, but we can’t let that stop us.  I get my joy by sharing what I know and experience with people who care to hear.  When guests come to my home, I want them to feel welcomed and the joy of having them.  Pulling up a chair, sitting at the table and talking, eating, laughing is all part of the enjoyment.

Having a space I can happily display my grandkids art (like Avyn’s hand painted hand towel) where they can come play in and make imaginary meals, share in cooking with Jama and any other fun stuff we can do in here is what this kitchen means to me.

Not to mention, if those readers didn’t like it, and chose not to see the charm behind it, it’s ok.. I can’t please everyone, nor can anybody please everyone.  Also, my plants seem to love it in here – ugly kitchen and all…lol

All joking aside.. I said all this to help you understand why you’re so special to me and why I had to start with a huge thank you.  You’re special because you chose to allow me to enter your world

Perhaps, pull up a chair (in your kitchen) have a seat with you as you hear me talk-maybe over a cup of coffee and enjoy each other’s company.

Life’s too short to take mean comments to heart, but Life is truly a blessing when you have friends, cyber and non-cyber, to share it with.  Peace and blessings to you and sending you a cyber hug.

CIAO!!!!

In remembrance of: Hassan K. Banks  – may he rest in peace