Paralyzed By Perfection

Inspiration Requires Action

Tia — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:36:42 +0000

I have been inspired lately by a few awesome quotes so I wanted to share.

As I have previously written my birthday was a weird catalyst for change. It’s funny I woke up the day after my birthday determined to live a different life than I had. I have been so motivated but differently this time; I have been moved to action. My level of productivity has increased significantly and not because I now have more hours in the day or because I have found the magic trick to increasing proficiency or even because I have hired a team of employees or VAs to assist. It occurred because I know it’s necessary and I decided to follow through this time.

I was talking with one of my biggest supporters, friends and fellow mastermind, L10 of Elton Anderson Photography today. We talk about so many things all of the time but today as we were talking he said “Inspiration is not inspiration without Action” (A quote from another friend Apuje – who is an amazing fashion stylist). It resonated with me immediately. Its true if you haven’t been moved to action then how can it be inspiration? Instead it is instead just a point of admiration. Furthermore this quote was exciting to me because it explained unconscious action taken by me here of late. I have found myself totally enthralled by many ideas which others have executed. The resulting effect has been a new set of objectives and goals for execution myself including a new blog I hope to launch this month.

The conversation continued to include talks about Oprah’s Finale Show (which I desperately need on DVD). One of the points most poignant in Elton’s mind was the idea that everything stems from a whisper in your ear. I have had many whispers in my ear; some may call it intuition others may call it the voice of God. Regardless of what you call it acknowledgement and adherence to that voice is essential. Recently I have given the voice power and have begun listening. As a result I have been blessed abundantly.

I am still a work in progress but one thing that has made a change for me has been my self-motivated call to action. Napoleon Hill says “Don’t wait the time will never be just right.” – Hence the premise of this blog. And I am finally understanding and internalizing that fact. Perfection to some extent is a farce but I am much closer to it now than I was a month ago when I was still paralyzed by negative expectations and the fear of failure.

Here’s to continuing on my journey. Thanks to being there with me along the way as I prove that good enough is sometimes just perfect!

Sweetwater Farm Ladies Luncheon

Tia — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:41:33 +0000

So most of you know I am an extreme foodie. I often tell others my life revolves around food. So since I have been back home and familiar with the culinary scene here in town, I have been aware of Sweetwater Farm, which is as a nonprofit community-supported urban organic farm and environmental education center in Tampa, Florida. I have been a beneficiary of the farms goodies on occasion from friends of mine who are members of the co-op. What probably pleases me most is knowing the food is fresh and organic. In this world of artificial genetically modified everything, it’s refreshing just to have home grown harvest available.

So when my friend Sanenyah alerted me to a supper club program Sweetwater Farm was offering needless to say I was ecstatic. The delight stemmed from being able to receive a free basket of goodies from the farm to use to host a dinner party for friends. I chose instead to host a luncheon with my friend.

The ingredients were not confirmed until I picked up the box on Thursday afternoon. This was so exciting … my own “Chopped” challenge. I spent a few hours roving the internet looking for recipes which would best utilize the ingredients I received for the Ladies Luncheon planned. My box contained: swiss chard, radishes, lettuce, carrots, turnips, sunburst and yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, golden tomatoes, basil, marjoram, thyme and mint. (I wish I had taken a picture so you could see the plethora of veggies and herbs received). I was also gifted with edible flowers and MY FAVE sunflowers!

The event was a success! I was able to find recipes which highlighted most of the ingredients given. And the folks said the food was good, which I tend to believe since there were not any leftovers.

Lastly and most importantly I was able to raise some money for the farm with donations from our luncheon guests. If you are interested in helping support the initiative of the farm please click here to donate.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

* I did not raise quite as much as I would have liked so if you know anyone who would like to host a supperclub fundraiser, I’d be more than delighted to prepare the food.

Coupons Saved My Life!

Tia — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:40:52 +0000

Ok so maybe I am being a little dramatic but seriously this year was the beginning of a many experiments for me. One of which included a dedication to couponing. I am no novice to this idea cause I grew up with my mother clipping coupons but I began learning about the world of extreme couponing. I was thrilled because this was perfect for my current financial status (ie: BROKE). Again I mention my extreme love for food; I love to cook but groceries can quickly eat away your budget if you are not careful. So in addition to my apparel diet, I also needed to Wayne Szalinski’s miniaturizing machine to shrink my grocery bill. (Wayne Szalinski is the dad from Honey I Shrunk My Kids for all of you wondering … lol)

So I’ve done it! I have been diligent about clipping coupons and purchasing only items for which I have a coupon unless it’s a necessity. I am no coupon diva or krazy coupon lady and I haven’t amassed a stockpile like those featured on TLC, but I have been able to feed myself and my family on pennies. My couponing has allowed me to even give more abundantly to charities and friends in need. And the best part about it is it does not take me hours a day to do it. It may take 1 or 2 hours each week maximum.

Being a single 20 something, my goal is not to feed my large family with a husband and 5 kids. I also don’t need an extra room for a massive stockpile. Nor do I desire to be a hoarder who is buying just because it is on sale. I coupon so that I can enjoy eating and entertaining on my limited budget. I coupon so I can save money I would have otherwise spent on food to put toward my savings, other expenses and at times my little luxuries (like eating out and traveling).

So to all my 20 somethings get on the ball. You don’t have to be all extreme but if you can save a little money on things you would already be purchasing and using in your home anyway, WHY NOT!

The Diet Was A Success!

Tia — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:35:02 +0000

So you all know that I started my first ever diet at the beginning of the year. (If you didnt check out my original post: My First Diet Ever). I vowed not to buy clothes until my birthday for a few reasons: 1) finances 2) to expand my creativity with my current wardrobe as I take time to re-evaluate my personal style <– 3.

Well I wanted to give you an update and in the spirit of my last post I thought it the perfect time to celebrate a success.

I orginally entered this project thinking that this was going to be an extremely hard feat. I realized that by excerising some discipline (partially imposed by my funds – well lack thereof) that it really wasn’t so bad. In fact I have lost much of my desire to shop. I have felt extremely accomplished by my ability to set and stick to this goal. I even considered continuing the fast. (Considered being the operative word.)

This challenge inspired me to become more creative with my wardrobe so stay tuned for a future post on those revelations.

My Birthday Present from Steve Harvey

Tia — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:08:34 +0000

Yesterday was my birthday and I began writing a blog post when I had to stop. The post was so nauseatingly negative that after writing just 1 paragraph I was feeling down and discouraged (even more than I already was, which should’ve been impossible).

This year my birthday is just another reminder of all of the unaccomplished goals and unfulfilled dreams. Instead of making new year’s resolutions, my goals usually commence around my birthday. {If I am honest it’s because this usually gives me a little grace from January or time to catch myself up before the new year hits again – as is the case this year.} As I turned 29, I find myself in the same place I was last year and the year before that. As you can imagine if that place isn’t one in which you desire, this can be a unpleasant reality.

It’s funny how God gives you what you need exactly when you need it. So this morning I happened to be in the car when the Steve Harvey Radio Show began. If you’ve ever heard the show you will know that starts with a daily inspiration. Today the message centered around the idea that thoughts manifest. Now let me preface this by saying this by no means is a novel idea for me. I am strong believer that thoughts are things. I mean my friends heard me say this so much they began preemptively quoting this phrase whenever the negative words would begin to flow in conversation.

But despite my awareness and previous study of this fact, somehow here lately I had forgotten. I found that I have strayed from the full embrace in my own life. As Steve continued to cite examples, I began to think more introspectively about my thoughts lately (hell this entire year past). It became clearly to m e that I have manifested a reality that I do not truly desire by focusing on the negative I have experienced and therefore expected.

So this year that began yesterday with my birthday I am returning to the optimism that I once embodied. I will remember that my life is a reflection of what I see for myself. I am regaining my vision for my life so that I can realize the greatness for which I am capable. And that is the greatest birthday present ever: to remember that I have control over my destiny.

My First EVER Diet

Tia — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:00:59 +0000

Now ya’ll know my belief on dieting, I don’t! But as I stated in one of my previous posts, I am on a savings quest because I am virtually unemployed and scheduled to move in less than 30 days. So in preparation for this move and as a consequence of my finances, I decided to go on an Apparel Diet. What is this you may be wondering? I decided that I have more than enough clothes in my closet. During the holidays I looked in my closet to find clothes I had never even touched or worn only once or twice. Yet because I have been wanting to transform my wardrobe I was buying new pieces weekly. I still want to revamp my look, as I desire to be more sophisticated in my everyday style. I hope to get out of the T-Shirt and jeans routine that I usually find myself in on a daily basis. I want to look like the women I awe at when I am out and about who look fierce yet effortless. But given the times I have to be realistic.

I read about the Great American Apparel Diet a year or so ago but was to chicken to commit and join. The timing now is perfect. I started at the first of the year and I have been successful so far (crossing my fingers hoping not to jinx myself). I must admit thus far my success is because I have just avoided the temptation altogether. I have stayed out of the mall and my favorite stores. More tempting than those I have avoided looking at my favorite apparel sites online and opening sales emails from these merchants.

Not only do I hope this diet will help me to save money toward other things I desire but also give me the time and perspective to evaluate my vision for my new look. I committed to the diet for 6 months but if I can make it 1 year then I hope to be able to fund my complete makeover. Hopefully my friend and fashion stylist, Apuje Kalu to help me shop for some amazing pieces. I would love for my friend and hair stylist Saasha Wheeler will “do my hair.” And maybe I can get Jay Fierce to finally teach me how to apply makeup for an everyday barely there look that I desire. And of course I want my favorite photographer in the world to shoot my pics … Mr. Elton Anderson, I am talking about you boy!

So I did give myself a few passes: undergarments, accessories and outerwear. These are the essentials I will need throughout the duration of this diet.

Inspired by sites like The Uniform Project & Six Items or Less, I am hoping this challenge will also force me to be more inventive with my styling. It will be great to see how much I can remix outfits so that I look different every time I am out even though I haven’t added any new items to my wardrobe.

Fakin It and Makin It

Tia — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:59:28 +0000

We have all heard the term “fake it til you make it” and although I understood it (or so I thought) I have always hated it. I guess you can attribute that to me (previously) being a part of the “keep it real crew.” But now that I find myself in unfamiliar territory with my entrepreneurial explorations, I understand what that means. For me it does not mean lie. It does mean however finding ways to distract from the skills of mine which are underdeveloped. I feel like a fish out of water with many of the photography editing techniques especially any that require Photoshop but I am finding ways to accomplish the necessary tasks with shortcuts I have learned from friends and others through my studies online especially on YouTube.

I am having to embrace the idea of growth by allowing myself to take baby steps. I am embracing the role of a student as I approach many of my entrepreneurial endeavors. I will at some point master the skills which right now leave me in a state of bewilderment. (And you know what’s funny is by then I will have to learn to master new skills as the industry continues to evolve.)

I am enjoying this place of discovery and making the most of the skills I currently possess while developing the ones that I need and desire. I have embraced a can do attitude which has caused me to have to utilize my ingenuity to mask for my deficiency in skill. So I guess I am learning how to “fake it” a bit until I master it.

Photo Session: Best Friends Forever

Tia — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:46:59 +0000

Friendship is an amazing thing when it’s genuine and true. I am so blessed to have many awesome friends in my life. My friends all represent different period of my life thus far. Because I value friendship immensely it was a real joy to be able to capture the beginning phase of what I hope will be a life long friendship between ‘Suga’ and ‘Mari’.

I met these two children through their Ti-Ti and my friend. She always talked about how close they are at such a young age but to see it for myself was truly amazing. They will proudly tell you “that’s my best friend” when referring to each other. Every time I think of my interaction with these two I smile and I am sure you will too.

Vision + Action = Satisfaction

Tia — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:34:28 +0000

It feels so good to update my blog today because I actually had a productive week last week. I have been executing several of my outlined plans for the year. I can see the momentum picking up in the direction of my entrepreneurial and artistic exploration. This last week has proved to be a testament that if I move in the direction of my desires that the path will be revealed.

As I mentioned in the previous post, after a conversation with a friend I decided to spend more time focusing on enhancing my photography skills. I love working with children which therefore makes them a great subject in my photography. I immediately thought of my friends with children (or access to) and I scheduled appointments for the following week.

Here are a few of the pictures from one of these sessions:

Accomplishment is an a amazing feeling. The sessions were not perfect but I am progressing on the learning curve. I felt proud of myself for moving in the direction of my goals.

8 hours down 9992 more to go!

Photo Session: Khamari is 2 Now!

Tia — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:11:48 +0000

The maternal side of my family is very close. With the hectic lives that we all have sometimes it’s hard to get us all together in one place at one time. But when we do get together we have a BLAST. I am blessed to have a cousin only 1 year (wink) older than me right here in the Tampa Bay area. We promised each other that we would not allow ourselves to be this close and not see each other more often.

{Ironically even though we live about 30 minutes away from each other, we always seem to meet up in Tallahassee which seems to be our family headquarters as that is where we always seem to gather. Blame it on being a family of Rattlers I guess; in addition, to the place where my great-grandmother (the matriarch) lives. }

So yesterday we got together and I was able to capture these photos of her son (my baby cousin) at the playground. I won’t post the pictures of what he looked like when it was time to leave … those are reserved as blackmail photos for when he gets older and is trying to impress the ladies, but here are some of my favorites.

I hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday Khamari!