De-Stressing! Suggestions for Home and on the Job...(Part 3)

Art can be relaxing also. That piece to the left is a piece from Cary Weems, african american photographer. I like looking at photographs and I can just look at pics all day long. But I realize that I have other work to do and I must make progress as a budding artist. Hoowever, to do that I must be relaxed and stress-free.

Are you ready for some more suggestions? We will focus on the home again, first then the job.

De-stressing At Home

1. Enjoy a few minutes of total solitude. Find a quiet place at home, and spend a few minutes doing nothing and thinking about nothing. (whew, is that possible?) Let your mind go blank, and listen to your heartbeat and your breathing. There is a certain peace and relaxation that comes when you take time for solitude.

2. Remove your watch. In our hectic society, everyone is constantly looking at their watch, trying to detemine where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to be doing. Spend an afternoon or an evening with your watch off and forget about any scheduled activities.

3. Hug a baby or a small child. If there are no babies or children in your household, then visit a relative or a neighbor. Give a great big bear hug, and in a few seconds your blood pressure will drop a few points.

4. Go fly a kite.( Sometimes people would tell a person to go fly a kite in the negative sense of the word, go somewhere and do something!) When was the last time you flew a kite? There is something magical (and relaxing) that takes place when you launch a kite into the air and watch it soar effortlessly through the sky. Visit your local hobby or toy store and find a kite that you think you will enjoy. Or if you are feeling really adventurous, you can build your own kite from stratch. There are plenty of kite-making instructions on the internet, or stop by your local library and find a book on the subject.

5. Listen to the birds. Have you ever noticed that birds always appeasr to be happy? They sing no matter what is taking place in their lives. Take a few moments and observe and listen to the birds. Another option is to make or buy a recording of bird songs and begin each day to a chorus of birds.

6. Find your favorite aroma. Everyone has a favorite fragrance or two, especially ones from your childhood-the ones that bring back happy memories. perhaps it is the smell of fresh baked cookies or a cologne or perfume.

7. Browse at the library. When was the last time you visited your local library? These days you can find more than books and magazines. Cd's, DVD's, computer services, etc., are waiting for you. Or just peruse the magazine section and read about something new.

8. Have an ice cream sundae. Or a banana split or a big milk shake. Visit your local ice cream store and splurge. Try a new flavor or get an ice cream cone with two or three scoops. Ice cream has a special way of calming your nerves.

9. Go on an impromptu picnic. Grab some of your favorite foods, a tablecloth and your favorite beverages, and head outdoors for a picnic. If it's raining, hold your picnic indoors. And don't forget to invite a few friends.

10. Stop and smell the roses. literally. Visit your local florist shop or greenhouse and take a few moments to enjoy the wonderful fowers. Their colors and aroma will have a calming effect on you. (lavender roses, anyone?) ( i am still waiting)

11. Stare at the clouds. Remember when you were a child...staring at the clouds? You were looking for shapes, animals, etc.? Well, those clouds and special shapes are still there. Grab a pillow and head outdoors. Lose your stress in the clouds.

12. Start an " I am special" notebook. When you are down and out and feel as if the stress of the world is about to crush you, start writing a few lines in your notebook. Start listing things that are positive about yourself and some of the things you have accomplished.

13. Sounds of the evening. No matter where you live, the night has a special charm all its own. When was the last time you listened to the sounds of the evening? Listen carefully for frogs, crickets, owls and other sounds of the night. Sleep with the window open and concentrate on those sounds, instead of feeling stressed. (I will just have to get me some tapes with those sounds for in this get-toe at pier three..those sounds don't exist. (maybe just the birds in the early am) I may have to buy me a pet frog, or an owl. (lol)

14. Get a massage. have you ever enjoyed a massage? If not, you don't know what you are missing! A massage can help you lose the tension and stress in your body and in your mind. Look in the yellow pages and find a place that offers massages in your town. Many hair salons now offer massage services to their customers.

15. Watch an old movie. If there is nothing good on TV, go to the video store or the library and find some thing that puts a smile on your face. Put the popcorn in the microwave, dust off your favorite movie, an enjoy one of life's simple pleasures.

TOP TEN STRESSORS

1. The loss of a loved one
2. A major llness or injury
3. Divorce or separation
4. Serious financial troubles
5. Losing your job
6. Getting married
7. Moving to a new apartment or house (yes, yes and yes, i know but i need and want to )
8. Having a fight or falling out with a close friend
9. The birth of a child
10. Retirement

THE BEST STRESS-BUSTING IDEA....WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT MOST STRESS IS CREATED BY US. THE "WHAT IF FACTOR"...."WHAT IF THE BOSS DOES NOT LIKE MY PRESENTATION?" "WHAT IF IT IS CANCER?" "WHAT IF MY FATHER DIES?" (And most of the time the (what ifs do not happen.) Learn to think logically and you will nip the stress in the bud, BEFORE IT CAN ATTACK!

NEXT TIME: SUGGESTIONS FOR TOP TEN STRESSORS LISTED ABOVE, ON JOB STRESS AND CONCLUSION OF AT HOME STRESS...

De-Stressing! Suggestions for Home and on the Job...(Part 2)

That's Grandma Osbey in that photo. She is a bird-catcher. If I can just control my stress, maybe I can live to be her age and beyond. What do you think? Do we have a fighting chance? She has lived a good long life and will probably live many more years to come.

Here are some suggestions for de-stressing on the job.

1. Get a good night's sleep. How much sleep did you get last night? Most people do not get enough sleep, and that can cause you to begin your workday already feeling stressed. Stop falling asleep on the sofa and go to bed. Set a goal of trying to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Give your body a chance to relax and you will wake up refreshed and ready to begin your day.

2. Eat your breakfast. Before you shout, "Breakfast, who has time for breakfast?" remember that we all have the same amount of time: 24 hours a day. Set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier and eat something nutritious before you head out to work. Even if you have only a piece of toast, a glass of orange juice and some fruit, at least you are getting something nourishing into your body.

3. Get some exercise. If you can rearrange your schedule to make time for breakfast, you can do the same to include excercise. Excercise can do wonders to relieve the stress in your body and in your mind. Take a few moments and do several jumping jacks and arm and leg stretches. Walk or jog in place and before you know it, you will begin to feel better.

4. Get the right attitude. Do you know that your attitude is your most prized possession? It is something that you and only you can control. No one can take it away from you, so it is important to begin each day with the right attitude. By having a positive attitude, you set your tone for your whole day.

5. Stop worrying. When you find yourself worrying too much, stress will find a way in. Sometimes it helps to simply make a list of what is worrying you and then look for creative solutions for each problem. While no one can live completely worry-free, you can reduce the amount of time you spend worrying.

6. Avoid stressful commutes. For example, try using a road that has less traffic, and you won't get caught up in everyone else's road rage problems. If someone wants to pass you, let them. Take a few seconds when the light changes before proceeding. And make sure you allow plenty of time before you travel to your job. You can cause your own stress attack by leaving late and then worrying about how you can get to your job on time.

7. Set goals for yourself. Know what you need to accomplish each day on your job. If you have a very stressful job, make a list of the things you need to work on, and concentrate on them one at a time. When you become organized and have goals in your work life, stress can be kept at bay.

8. Slow down. While this may be easier said than done, research shows that people who slow down actually accomplish more than people who are rushing around. Concentrate on the tasks at hand and focus on what it is you are trying to accomplish. When you slow down, your concentration increases and you work smarter, not harder.

9. Improve your time managment skills. Everyone has 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you choose to spend your time wisely, you feel good about yourself and everything you have accomplished. Read a book on time management, attend a workshop or simply sit down and brainstorm ways you can improve your use of time.

10. Find your "happy zone" at work. Everyone wants to be happy, but for some reason, the work world tends to rob us of our happiness. But you can be happy at work and when you are, stress has a way of rolling off you like raindrops. Sit down and brainstom creative ways you can be happy at your job.

(to be continued)

De-Stressing! Suggestions for Home and on the Job...(Part 1)

Look at the caption to your left. You are there at the Bahamas, water so blue. Let's say you are there lying on the beach, with family, friends or simply alone. There is no stress here. You are lying on a beach towel with an umbrella to protect you from the sun. You have soothing music, a nice swimsuit on and you are just having a good time for seven days, six nites. You are staying in a nice hotel, NO STRESS! Look again, the bluest sky, bluest water and that sand. Walk in it, leave your footprints!

Now, your seven days, six nites are over. Look at the photo at the top. You are in the sky, a pretty blue one; however you are getting ready to land at the Newark Airport. Oh, you can just smell the death-dealing poison in the air, the fast paced way of life, the STRESS! Ok now, the job, the home, the kids, the computer email, the dogs, the cat, the snake, you name it, it's back! S-T-R-E-S-S IN A NUTSHELL! Let's see the suggestions that are made for us in the small Smartstyles Book that I mentioned in the last post.

Beat Stress at Home

1. Laugh out Loud. (LOL) When was the last time you laughed out loud? You have probably heard the saying, "laughter is the best medicine," and it is true. Get in touch with your inner sense of humor, and watch your stress evaporate. Start by reading the comics in the daily newspaper or listening to your favorite comedian on a CD. There are thousands of Web sites that have jokes and funny stories. Visit a few today and start laughing out loud.

2. Listen to raindrops. The next time it is raining when you are at home, take a few minutes and listen to the raindrops. There is something very peaceful about rain, and listening to the raindrops will help alleviate any stress you are experiencing. Alternatively, buy a CD of sounds of a rain shower. Visit www.allegro-music.com for a wide selection of CDs with sounds of nature. Next time you feel stressed, take one out and listen to it.

3. Pet your dog. Or cat, or whatever pet you happen to have at home. Medical research has proved that your blood pressure drops when you begin to pet an animal. Although your day at home might be so hectic that you wished you lived on another planet, try petting the dog and let it snuggle with you. You'll be amazed at how you will begin to feel better in just a few moments.

4. Sleep in. When was the last time you took time for yourself in the morning? There is no better way to beat stress at home than to spend a little extra time in bed. Too often people rush through life, running from one appointment to another, and the result is stress. Stop the stress now and then by taking the time to sleep in. (that rhymes, my words)lol

5. Spend a few minutes on the back porch. When you are completely stressed out at home, spend a few minutes on the back porch or deck. (at pier 3, i found me a little cage i go to, lol) (If you don't have either one, find a quiet place in the backyard) hmmm...I don't have that either, but i got my cage for concentration) Sit down and do nothing. Take a deep breath, and appreciate the fresh air and the solitude. Look up at the sky, and enjoy nature at its finest.

6. Walk barefoot on the beach. If you are fortunate enough to live near the beach, make sure you find the time to walk barefoot. Just walk and listen to the waves crashing against the shore. Feel the warm sand on your feet and toes. Your breathing will be more relaxed, and any stress you have been experiencing will soon disappear. If you live too far from the beach to take a walk, visualize yourself there. (well alright!) Or listen to sounds of rhythmic waves at the beach and visualize yourself being there. (not a problem!) When you can begin using visualization techniques, you can beat stress no matter where you live. (even at pier3, well I'll be!)

7. Take a long bath. There is something very special about a long, hot bath. When was the last time you had a bubble bath? When your body sinks into the tub filled with bubbles, the cares and worrries of the world begin to slip away. It can do wonders for your tired and aching body and helps make the stress disappear. (and if you have room for candles, that would be nice, my suggestion)

8. Listen to your favorite music. It does not matter if you are into classical, hip hop, easy listening, rock n' roll or country. Something magical happens when you listen to your favorite music. Music has the ability to take your mind off your problems.

9. Give to others. Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." (all quote-a-holics in the house, say hey!) What have you given to others lately? If you are feeling stressed, there's nothing like putting others first to make that stress go away. Pay a compliment to a friend, hug your spouse or child. Or just listen when someone has a problem they need help with.

10. Stop planning and do something on an impulse. Are you one of those people who always has to plan out their schedule and budget their time? Every now and then it is good to do something on an impulse. Run out and enjoy an ice cream cone or go to the movies and see a bargain matinee. Some of your best times can be had when you do things "on an impulse." The excitement of doing something different can drive the stress right out of your life.

end of part one

next ten more de-stressors at home; first ten de-stressors on the job

Quotes-by The Famous! Updates on Red Rose, Crimson Beauty

introducing quotes....by persons you and i both know......

1. the first sparrow of spring! the year beginning with younger hope than ever! henry david thoreau (1817-1862)

2. walk on a rainbow trail; walk on a trail of song, and all about you will be beauty. there is a way out of evey dark mist, over a rainbow trail. navajo song

3. i have accepted fear as part of life-specifically the fear of change...i have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says turn back. Erica Jong b.1942

4. hold your head high, stick your chest out. you can make it. it gets dark sometimes but morning comes.....keep hope alive. Jesse Jackson b. 1948

5. the man with courage is a majority. Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

6. shrug off the restraints that you have allowed others to place upon you. you are limitless. there is nothing you cannot achieve. there is no sadness in life that cannot be reversed....Clearwater

7. we have enough people who tell it like it is-now we could use a few who tell it like it can be. Robert Orben

8. i compared notes with one of my friends who expects everything of the universe, and is disappointed when anything is less than the best, and i found that i begin at the other extreme, expecting nothing, and am always full of thanks for moderate goods. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

9. from success you get lot of things, but not that great inside thing that love brings you. Sam Goldwyn (1882-1974)

10. it is in the shelter of each other that the people live. An irish proverb

Red Rose, Crimson Beauty

the red rose is a thing of beauty when found among thorns; when found not among thorns. the past few months, even weeks have been thorn-like yes, but that is alright for the red rose stands despite the thorns that life brings upon it. the semester is over and the red rose finished the semester with a 3.7 gpa which was quite a surprise to her. the thorns that surrounded her during the semester still remains and how lovely it is to be standing at this time with her mind and heart in the right place. Oh, but the thorns shall not get in the way of her poetic efforts which are taking place at this time.

yes the atlanta journey is still on; just pushed back by a week or two. only able to stay for about four days and still by train....that is not going to change. my friend had her hernia surgery and she will be able to accomodate me still. also the poetry will be mailed on may 29 which is the day in which i will be 48 years of age and that is a gift to myself. if that is memorial day, the poetry will be mailed the following day. at least the poetry will be ready. i will be ready to visit June 6-10th. my thorns have cost a postponement again. that's ok, for the red rose will just get up and move again with a sense of inner strength and determination.


*****goals-send one hundred poems to Neshee Publication or before may 29, 2006
****look into other options such as self-publishing...continue to browse books at library, even checking them out. this goal of having this book RED ROSE, CRIMSON BEAUTY, PETALS OF PASSION, PETALS OF PEACE, is long overdue, but so is a lot of things in life, right? as long as the goal is being worked on the best of my ability and with the help of the one who created me, all is well and good.


goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals, goals.
are reachable, are reachable, are reachable, are reachable!

the red rose

Great Gifts For the Mothers You Know

The beautiful woman that you see here is Bernadene High Coleman, a member of Prolific Writers. She is like a mother to me for she has given me a lot of wisdom. I don't have a photo of my mother to post here but Bernadene is just beautiful not only in stature; she is beautiful at heart. She is an excellent writer. "Beyond Color" is one of her books, I believe it is her latest one.

This Sunday is Mother's Day. Many persons are thankful indeed that their mothers are still alive and there are many who have lost their mothers within this year. In any event, mothers are appreciated by their children for they indeed brought us into this world and no matter how old we become, they still care for us and look at us as their children. They always will.

I am thankful for my mother despite our not being that close, for she has some things that she has to really let go of and she will with God's help. It is good that I have the insight to know that and it keeps me from getting upset when I don't get the phone calls, visits, and conversations that my other siblings get. I am uniquely her daughter, Sister Serious! I can be quite busy and focused about many things that I am trying to accomplish all alone for that is what sister serious is used to. Despite that, I love my mother from the apartment at Pier 3, from the windows of my soul, for she deserves my love. I deserves her love, too. I am glad that she gave birth to me and that I am still breathing. She is still alive and in the Poconos at this time and that is a good thing! She still travels at the age of sixty-six. Go ahead mother with yo bad self! I just called her at the Poconos and you know what! She is watching a Lifetime movie! She appreciated my call. God is in control of all things.

Every year when Mother's Day rolls around, there are so many advertisements about diamonds and expensive jewelry that we're supposed to buy to make our moms feel appreciated. Now my friends, it is not all about money. You want to bless the mother in your life without spending a fortune.

1. Any picture of her children will be appreciated by her. You can create personalized photo albums with captions and memorabilia which will be appreciated. You know she will delight over such gifts. At craft stores blank ones can be bought in all sizes.

2. Write out a coupon for a night of babysitting.

3. How about a coupon for housecleaning?

4. A basket filled with a picnic for her family and you can throw in her favorite chocolate.

5. Compose a letter of genuine appreciation telling her how much she has meant in your life. Enumerate some of the wonderful things that she has done for you over the years.

6. Design a powerpoint presentation of her favorite memories. The sky is the limit, if you are computer savvy!

7. Organize her photographs for her.

8. Polish all of the silver in her house. If she does not have silver, buy a drawer organizer and organize her junk drawer.

9. Plant a row of flowers in her yard.

10. Homemade food..lasagna, bread, pot pie, soup...) is a hit!

The above ten suggestions don't cost a lot of money, if any at all! But they cost time and true attention, they require some effort. Appreciate your mother on Mother's Day but don't let it end there! Love her every day in every way.

**the above ten suggestions were taken from the In touch magazine. **

Red Rose, Crimson Beauty....Petals of Passion, Petals of Peace

I am sending the poetry to the publisher next Friday for a free review. Please pray for me, for this is a first. I am still dealing with school work, so it is going to take great effort; however it must be done for the goal is the month of June. I need to have my work publish!

Queen Writer

SIMPLY ARTISTIC-FINALLY!

Ok, I will try again on this blog site. It may not be the exact words, but the thought will be the same. Each time there was a good message and it was hard work. So please read this carefully knowing that this is the message that I have trying to get to you since last week and lost each each and everytime.

I had mentioned that the pictures that you see on www.diamondwright.blog.com were there because of my love for art. The reason that you see the photos of myself is because I was unsure of the photos since they were labeled by number. I needed more room for two more photos and so I used myself. I mentioned on the prior posts that I was not conceited, just convinced! It's not that I like looking at myself and want all of you to look at me all the time. In fact, whenever a person meets me for the first time what they will find is a shy, quiet and reserved individual who is really not too comfortable around a lot of folx. Especially if I spot some hypocrisy in a person, I will not have too much to say. I tend to let others talk and I may simply smile or blush. Others will detect that right away and will accept me as I am. I am just me, the Queenwriter.

All of us are artists in various ways. Some of us are literary artists; some are visual artists. Literary artists enjoy the written word for they use their pens as their swords to write poetry, books and even plays. On the other hand, the visual artist uses their hands to express their creativity to draw, sculpture, paint, do printmaking and ceramics and even photography. Some of us are in the category of both the literary and the visual artist. We are engaged in the artistic world of both the literary and the visual arena. Regardless of what area we may be engaged in, we are simply artists! Tell yourself that sometimes. Shout it out, that you are a poet, writer, painter, printmaker or photographer! Go ahead, don't be afraid! You are not conceited, you are just simply convinced! For there is always room for improvement. Oops, I left out music, how can I forget when my dear friend and sistah made it possible for Misinterpretations on the American Idol Underground.Song #111. Yes, it's called Musicality! Music is a form of art. Now dear Mocha Sistah where did I learn that word from? You are convinced!

Sometimes a person may become so dependent on their position in the corporate world and may feel really secure in it. However, one may go in to work one fine day or week and given the pink slip or the ax and told that they no longer have their position or are laid off. Being a creative artist allows you the flexibility to be your own boss. You don't have to worry about a layoff. You just have create a job or position. You are an artist in your heart, soul and mind. How can someone lay that off? You can't. Even if you don't have a position at the time, you still have a title for yourself. It does not rest on another person using tactics, manipulating to see who goes and who stays, creating a whole lot of havoc. Pick and choose so to speak causing ill will among employees. Using the bumping system. Shoot! Who needs it! There is nothing wrong with working a nine-to-five for one must take care of their needs and bills. However what is being said here is that if and when it ever happens, do not fall apart because you are going to make it as long as you are a creative artist. Being marketable is the key to success in this game of life.

Recently our dear friend and sistah Shai was laid off from her job. She needed encouragement and comfort shortly thereafter. Of course it stunned her and she was quite shocked. However, Shai will make it because she has skills that will enable her to do something else like writing more poetry, a book, may look for more work, enter more contests, she may even decide to work from home. She has a lot of options that she probably has not even thought about. She is a college graduate. God has her back and He has ours. Right? Right!

I have decided to take more art classes because I really enjoy them. I am so glad that I did not back out of Basic Drawing even though I wanted to. My professor encouraged me to stick with it, not to compare my work with the other students. I love being a "visual artist." As a matter of fact, I still enjoy my poetry, it is just that school takes a lot of time. It can be compared to a full-time job. Somehow drawing is more therapeutic than writing is at this time. The reason being is that drawing is more expressive for me and requires more concentration. I can just imagine what painting will be like. It is so expressive, yes I can see my using the paint-brushing strokes across a blank white page. Let the emotions flow, let them flow! Anything to get my mind off of Pier 3 for a moment. For a small moment! Writing and poetry are still in my blood now. I'm not leaving you all as far as the poetry! Just that I am applying to some art schools in Atlanta as well as Clark-Atlanta, Agnes Scott and Spelman College again for September. I am going to be in somebody's school somewhere on the planet called USA. If not, I am going to the moon!

Look at this experience and tell me if there is a God. On Sunday I was in Pennsylvania at a christian conference. There were a lot of persons there, some I knew and some I did not know. Vera, someone that I had not seen in years approached me. We started talking and a name came up in the conversation. Terri Williams. Wow! Why did that name come up? It was God. Read on. Terri was my maid of honor twenty-four years ago. I wondered where she was living now and guess what folx? You guessed right! ATLANTA! ATLANTA! ATLANTA! There goes that word again popping right up in front of me. Vera was calling Terri that night and said that she was going to give her my telephone number. She promised to. I mentioned to Vera that Atlanta is where I had been trying to get to since 2002. Terri, her husband and her mother lives in Atlanta. You heard me right! Terri is from Trenton and we were so close when she was single. I have not seen her since 1990. I got married in 1982. Anyway, Terri called me yesterday and we talked. She shouted from the rooftops: SHARON, COME ON DOWN! SHARON, I HAVE A GUESTROOM! SHARON, MOVE DOWN HERE, FOR YOU CAN GET A NICE ONE BEDROOM GARDEN APARTMENT FOR 300. little does she know that i need a 2 bedroom apt, for i have an office in my kitchen now and i may adopt that baby boy one fine day. SHARON, PLEASE COME! SHARON, JUST SOME ON DOWN! You know I know she means it and if anybody knows about moving, it is Terri. She moved all the time when she was in Trenton here. She promises to show me some apartments when I come down. Now can I ask for more? She lives near Spelman College.(fifteen minutes, in Morrow) The excitement in her voice! She is having a hernia operation on May 15th so she wanted me to come either before or sometime after. My only options are to go there on the 11th for 4 days or wait until the Memorial Day weekend in which I turn forty-eight years old on the 29th. I can go on the 26th-29th or 30th. Summer school starts on the 22nd and I need the math class in order to get my degree in June. That was my purpose of taking the summer school class. The class is by internet and it goes by fast. Well, just as God directed my meeting Vera in among a large crowd of persons, He will direct me when it is time for me to go to Atlanta. I had been worrying about where I was going to stay, with who, money to do so, etc. By staying with Terri and her husband in the guestroom, I know that I will feel secure. I will be taking the train by choice. I love riding on the train. I can meditate, contemplate on many things and feel SIMPLY ARTISTIC! What about you? How do you feel about now???????

with love,
a beautiful red rose

ps: i pray that this goes through; this is what I have been typing at least 6-7 times and lost it every time. Please value this; I worked hard and I hope you enjoyed it.....whew!!!!!!!!!!
this was typed with love for you all believe me!!!!


www.diamondspeaks.blog.com
is going to replace the other one.
it really let me down, the other one
i don't know what ails it. lol