Check Out the T-shirt Logo for "The WALK Project"

Introducing Clara Huff's logo design for the "The WALK Project" T-shirts. The shirts will be available for purchase by the end of the month. We will wear them at the January 2012 walk (and the walks to come) to show our unity and spread the word. My 11-year-old daughter and artist director of My Budding Picasso did a fab job of capturing the essence of the walk. Go first born! Check out additional work by Clara Huff at www.myspace.com/mybuddingpicasso. Click here to join the walk: http://www.facebook.com/events/101735703278273.

There Must Be a Limit to What Children Post on Facebook

OMG... I am SO disturbed. While my daughter was checking her FB page for status updates from her friends and colleagues, she alerted me to a relationship status of one of her former classmates. The little girl, just 11 years old, posted on her status that she was "married to...." Clara was in utter shock and reading it greatly disturbed her. Me too. It's really sad. You see, my children have FB pages to promote their accomplishments and businesses. They have character and respect themselves and me. They ask for permission before they post things and let me know when someone has requested their friendship. I monitor my kids for their safety. What's even more disturbing is the girl's mom doesn't tolerate fresh mouths or fresh actions. What happen in this instance? I am going to find out if she is online as I'm curious as to whether she is aware of her daughter's online activity. This is NOT a good look. I am thanking God that my children practice age-appropriate activity on this social networking site. #myheartishurtingformisguidedyouth

There Must Be a Limit to What Children Post on Facebook

OMG... I am SO disturbed. While my daughter was checking her FB page for status updates from her friends and colleagues, she alerted me to a relationship status of one of her former classmates. The little girl, just 11 years old, posted on her status that she was "married to...." Clara was in utter shock and reading it greatly disturbed her. Me too. It's really sad. You see, my children have FB pages to promote their accomplishments and businesses. They have character and respect themselves and me. They ask for permission before they post things and let me know when someone has requested their friendship. I monitor my kids for their safety. What's even more disturbing is the girl's mom doesn't tolerate fresh mouths or fresh actions. What happen in this instance? I am going to find out if she is online as I'm curious as to whether she is aware of her daughter's online activity. This is NOT a good look. I am thanking God that my children practice age-appropriate activity on this social networking site. #myheartishurtingformisguidedyouth

Run Lady Clara! Run Sir Isaac!

Today is a special day for Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. They will be participating in their school's "2nd Annual Village Run". Since last month, my student athletes (yes, they can run!) along with the entire student body collected money as a fundraiser for books for the kindergarten classes and school supplies as well as for senior trip and senior graduation expenses.

As a way of celebrating the money raised, the students will race each other. It's also another means of engaging physical activity (which my two love!). Last year, Sir Isaac earned a first place ribbon and eager to do the same thing this time around. While Lady Clara placed high among her classmates, she has her sights on first place this morning. I'm excited that they are excited about the entire initiative.

I'm so proud of them and of their school's savvy way of getting the students involved in a worthy endeavor especially given the fact that the budgets for public schools have been cut tremendously - forcing schools to cancel many programs, including art and music. I wish I were physically there to see Lady Clara and Sir Isaac run, but my heart is there. And, where the heart is, so is love and support.

Please join me in encouraging my daughter and son to have fun. Run Lady Clara! Run Sir Isaac!

Sir Isaac Loves Me!

While I was at the Women's Press Collective making copies of the program for "The State of the Solo Mommy Address" the day before the panel-led conference, Sir Isaac was busy typing on the computer. After he completed his composition, he beckoned me to turn my attention toward him then cleared his throat to read me a love song. When Sir Isaac finished, all I could do was hug him tight and give my son a big kiss. When he read the love song at my event the following day, Sir Isaac got a standing ovation.

Read my son's love song below and you'll understand exactly why he received so much love for his love song. Oh yes, Sir Isaac loves me!


The Love Song for Feona Huff

By Timothy Huff

My mommy is a strong powerful woman and always stands up for herself.
She will not let people bully her or say mean stuff.
She is a Solo Mommy Magazine woman.She will not let people control her.
She is an awesome mother that you could ever have.
She is a young and powerful woman.
She is my guardian angel.
She is a nice and sweet person that you've ever seen.
I love my mom because she takes good care of me and feeds me.
She plays pillow fights and goes shopping.
She protects me and my sister, and loves us so much.
She works all day long just to take care of her own children.
That is my story of my best Number 1# mom in the whole world.

(c) October 21, 2011

Distance Doesn't Stop Me From Helping My Daughter with Her Homework

Right now, I am in Virginia and Lady Clara is in New York. Last night, I was assisting her step by step with her math homework over the speaker option of the cell phone.

Thank you Jesus that I paid attention in Geometry class when I was in grade school. Thank you Jesus that our cell phone bill is paid so that we are to communicate.

There was only one problem that I couldn't figure out over the phone. It dealt with reviewing a diagram to determine the answer. So, I asked Lady Clara to take a photo of the problem with her cell phone and send it to me. I then uploaded the picture onto my laptop to check out the diagram. Oh, we were going to solve that problem for sure.

So, how far are you willing to go to help your child with his/her homework? #justadeterminedmommy

What's Your Priority?!

At the end of this past March, Lady Clara and I attended The Glam Squad LLC's "No Boys Allowed Teen/Tween Conference" in Bethlehem , PA, where Solo Mommy Magazine was a proud sponsor. In addition to the engaging workshops and entertaining performances that the all-girls event offered, there were vendors on hand.

After conducting my "Can You Hear Me Now?!" mom-daughter communications workshop, my daughter and I headed into the main conference room to partake of the sweet shopping experience. I'm BIG on jewelry and accessories, so when my eyes zeroed in on Priority Bracelet I knew I was going to get something. However, after talking with the Debra Walker, owner of the company -- who was a single mom when she started the company -- I realized I had come across more than simply beautiful sterling silver bracelets with cute charms.

Just as the company name indicates, it's about priorities. You start out by selecting a chain bracelet, then you choose charms that represent your those things most important to you in life. I carefully considered what were my priorities and got busy with picking charms. I chose the "I Love God" charm first because God is the head of my life. Without Him, I can't exist. And, I desire a "thisclose" walk with Him. Next, I selected a "daughter" charm because Lady Clara is my first born and it is essential that I nuture, teach, empower, love and raise her up to be a powerhouse person. Then, I got the "son" charm because Sir Isaac -- my little prince -- is the love of my life. When I look at him, I see so much of me. I want the absolute best out of life for him and I'm dedicated to doing whatever I need to do to facilitate a happy childhood for him and help him have a successful adult life.

It was a no-brainer to pick up the three Greek letters that represent my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am a lifetime member of this international sorority which I joined as a junior journalism major at Norfolk State Univerity (Note: shout out to my sisters of the Epsilon Theta chapter!). I love and respect the principles on which my sorority was founded and stands, and I am committed to living a life that embodies them. I love to travel, so the "blue plane" came next. I traveled plenty with the United States, but when I took a plane to get to Australia (while two months pregnant with Sir Isaac) was a monumental experience. I want to take the children back to Sydney, as well as to Japan, Africa, and Italy. The blue plane charm reminds me to never loose sight of that priority. Speaking of Italy, the last charm I purchased was of the Ifel Tower. I plan to visit it in this lifetime (FYI: It's also a charm that Lady Clara selected on her Priority bracelet).

Everytime I rock my Priority Bracelet, I can't help but think about what's important to me. I hold these priorites close to my heart. I smile inside and out because they are very real to me. So, I ask you... what is your priority?

For more information about Priority Bracelet or to get a bracelet for yourself, daughter, niece, co-worker, etc., visit www.prioritybracelet.com. Tell them that I referred you!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff

Get THAT Scholarship!

Dear Parents,

There are SO many scholarships out here for your children to take various classes. Go get those scholarships! I just secured scholarships for Lady Clar and Sir Isaac to take gardening classes in the fall. I'm ONLY paying $20 for two children. Know how much it would have cost me without the scholarship? $300 for six classes! Take action NOW!

Love,

Feona Sharhran Huff
"A mom that knows how to get THAT scholarship!"

Train Up a Child in the Way that She Should Go

In Proverbs 22:6 of the New Living Translation version of the Holy Bible it reads, "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it." What a deep and truthful scripture.

I remember growing up, my grandparents, the late Chairman Deacon Clarence Isaac Anderson and President Deaconness Clara Lewis Bond Anderson, introduced me to the teachings of God. They had me involved in the House of the Lord from day one. Everyday -- even up until my grandfather passed nearly six years ago -- we had Bible reading in the afternoon. He'd read a selected scripture and give meaning behind it.

My grandparents, along with my mother, Dorothy A. Huff, raised me to be respectful, honest, a seeker of knowledge and understanding, responsible, etc. While I may have strayed here and there on this journey called life, I have never forgotten their diligent teachings and have always reverted back to my foundation.

Now that I am the mother to Lady Clara and Sir Isaac (who, incidentally turns 8 years old 11 days -- Go Leo!), I am doing my part to train them up so that when they do go off into the world to make their way, they will be able to make smart choices. In our household, we talk. So, we have conversations about what things are good to do and what things they should steer clear of.

Like my upbringing, I am raising them up to learn who God is and to develop a personal relationship with Him for themselves. I teach Lady Clara to always cross her legs at the ankle when she wears a dress or skirt. I teach Sir Isaac to offer his seat to pregnant women and elders. I teach them to have each other's back.

I am confident that they will be just fine when they move out of my house and forward with life because even if they make mistakes, I know they will remember their foundation and quickly get it together.

Solo Mommy Magazine proudly presents "The State of the Solo Mommy Address (Where Does She Go From Here?)". This event will bring together people dedicated to the empowerment of single moms to address pressing issues that affect them on a daily basis such as raising a boy to be a man, the backup plan, child support, the pursuit of entrepreneurship/career and help this parenting group to successfully navigate the solo mommy life with powerful and applicable strategies.

A panel of experts will lead the discussions including Cathleen E. Williams (attorney and author of Single Mother The New Father Vol. 1 Sports), Geneva Farrow (A Young Mothers D.R.E.A.M.), Sally Stewart and Pastor Kenneth Basnight (Norfolk, VA). The floor will be open at the end of the address for audience comments and questions.

Lucinda Cross of Corporate Mom Drop Out will be the moderator for the event.

Sheila Holman of Norfolk, VA, will bless this event with her gift of singing.

You don't want to miss this incredible opportunity to be changed forever. To RSVP today, please email solomommymag@yahoo.com or powerhouse4ever@gmail.com.

I'm a Praying Mom! Are You?!

In the morning, at night and throughout the day, I pray for Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. I pray for God's protection over them when they are not in my care; that they excel in school, be upstanding citizens when they grow up and have respect for themselves. I also pray that I continue to be a positive role model for not only my children but and children that I teach, mentor and who see me in the community as I want to let my light shine that they will see my good works and glorify my Father which is in heaven. I pray for the people who have not found their "calling."

I pray that friends and family will come to know, love and serve God as I do. I pray for my enemies that their hearts will be restored and released of the pain that they are feeling which causes them to do what they do. I pray for the homeless, the fatherless and the motherless. I pray for my neighbors, my community, my church family and my pastor.

I am not alone in being a "praying mom." And, for the first time here in New York, moms like me will be gathering together at 5 a.m. inside Central Park Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (90th street and East Drive) for Praying Moms' P.T.A. "Pray and Take Action" Prayer Walk. This prayer initiative is the brainchild of PM founder and my beloved sister Lucinda Cross. We will be walking and praying collectively for our families, our communities, our children, our businesses, our country, etc.

I encourage you to join us in spirit and with your presence. To sign up for this free prayer walk, visit www.prayerwalknyc.eventbrite.c​om. For more information about Praying Moms, log onto www.prayingmoms.org.

Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff

In addition to keeping abreast of my writings here, stay in-the-know with what else I have going on by visiting www.stepintoyourpower.net. Follow me on Twitter @ "solomommy" as well as "powerhouse4ever."

Embrace Summer Learning

Today is the first official day of summer for Lady Clara, Sir Isaac and millions of other children across the country. While the months of July and August may be viewed as a time for them to breathe easy, kick back and do absolutely nothing, I feel just the opposite. Learning doesn't stop just because school doors close for a period time. I believe that learning should be a year round occurance. And, that it can be received as fun. I already have a game plan for my academic princess and prince.

Since I love you so much and want your children to continue their educational progress into the next school year, I'm going to give you some recommendations that can be immediately applied.

You Gotta Read Baby, Read!
Reading is such a powerful and enriching activity. It allows children to learn, explore and soar. Through the pages of books, they can imagine and dream. Take your chidren to your local library or bookstore and let them select books of interest. If you live in New York and have children who will be entering the third grade in the fall like my son -- a grade in which they will take the New York State Exam in English Language Arts for the first time -- I strongy suggest they not only read but be prepared to answer questions about what they read. This helps with comprehesion, especially since they will be expected to explain on the exam what they read. To make it a competition (and what child doesn't love a competition?!), have your children to log in the books that they read over the course of the summer. The child that reads the most books by the first day of school would be rewarded for their literary diligence.

Write It Down
As a writer, I can tell you that writing is so liberating. It allows for creative expression, explanation and enables you to articulate your thoughts. With that said, get your children a journal or composition notebook and have them to write in it on a daily basis. They can write about what they did for the day or you can guide their writing by posing a question for them to answer. I have two composition notebooks for each of my chidren to serve both areas (creative and critical writing). This academic activity will also help your third through fifth graders do well on state exams, class tests, homework assignments and groom them to become excellent writers. You may even have them to write a chidren's book. This could be a creative adventure that can earn them money if they make copies and sell them to their friends and family (starting, of course, with dear ol' mom!). Remember, writing is a form of communication that is important for school and in life. It should always have a place in chidren's world.

Get Cracking on Calculations
Include math in your children's daily routine. Whether they count coins or read the measurements needed for cooking instructions, they will enhance their arithmetic skills. I plan to play "The Multiplication Challenge" with Sir Isaac. For every correct times table answer, I'll give him five cents. If he gets a problem wrong, I'll have him to write the math problem five times to help with remembering it. At the end of the game, he'll count his winnings and claim his certificate. I'm big on rewarding my children with "paper proof" of their accomplishments. This boosts their love of learning as well as their confidence. You may want to play Hasbro's Junior Monopoly or create your own math game. Just be sure to make it fun and they will learn and want to continue doing so.

Take a Road Trip
Okay, I don't literally mean you have to gas up the car and travel the roads to some other state to get your children to learn something new. What I'm saying is that you can take them to your city's botanical garden and let them learn about various types of flowers or pack up a picnic basket and head to the park for a day of food for the tummy and the mind. You may want to take them to a new store in a community your frequent and have them to talk to the store owner about why the store opened and what they offers. It opens up their minds and may even plant an entrepreneurial seed in them. I met the owner of a Brookyn-based bakery at a launch party I recently attended. Since Lady Clara loves to bake desserts and desires to open up her own restaurant one day, I am going to take her to meet with Adrienne so she can learn first-hand what it took for to get to this point. We're also going on a "road trip" to meet with a chef/caterer. Lady Clara is going to document this for her show, "Kids Witness News" (www.youtube.com/powerhouseforever).

There is so much that your chidren can gain by staying focused on learning. Learning is a lifetime deal. It should be nurtured during the school year and definitely over the summer, especially since in-class instruction is not available. Chart your chidren's learnings and share them with me. If you do, I will personally send them a "Summer Academic Award." Email me at: solomommymag@yahoo.com.

Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya!

Feona Sharhran Huff

P.S. To see what else I'm up to in the name of empowerment, log onto www.stepintoyourpower.net and www.youtube.com/powerhouseforever. Follow me at www.twitter.com/solomommy.

Sandals Galore for the Perfect Price

I love this time of the year. It's about sundresses, open-toe heels, sandals and sunglasses. And, I know all the spots to purchase my fashion must-haves.

Today, I went to one of my favorite stores in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, NY, to check out some flats. Danice, located on Fulton Street (at the corner of Nostrand Avenue), just added a shoe section in its basement and offers every color and style that a fashionista can imagine. I went down every row and tried on lots of zip-up, ankle-cut and strapless sandals.

I narrowed down my footsie fancy to four pairs of sandals in gold, black with a hint of silver, silver and turquoise. When the cashier rung up my items, they came up to exactly $30. Wow... what a fashionable and financially-savvy deal for this solo mommy on a budget.

I already have my black with silver flowers dress layed out for Sunday service. Guess what I'll be donning on my feet? I'll have to make a choice, though, because two of the pairs from today's purchase would work. I'm glad I have options and that I didn't hurt my pockets just to satisfy my fashion craving.

I think I'm set as far as my summer wardrobe is concerned. No more shopping for me, right?! Then again, only time and great deals will tell. Besides, you can never get tired of shoe shopping for sandals!

Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya!

FYI: Be sure to log onto www.youtube.com/powerhouseforever for empowering videos from yours truly, Lady Clara ("Kids Witness News") and Sir Isaac.

A Lesson Learned in a Harlem Park

It's such a beautiful Thursday afternoon. Lady Clara, Sir Isaac and I traveled from Brooklyn, NY to Uptown (Harlem USA). Initially, we were headed to The Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture. However, when we got there, the center was closed to the general public. There was a special event going on that you had to have signed up for previously to gain admission. I was a bit disappointed because I really wanted to see some of the newer exhibits that The Schomberg has on display. But then I said to myself, "This is Harlem. There is a always something to get into -- even if we had to stumble upon it."

We walked pass The Schomberg, which sits on on 135th Street and Lenox Avenue, and found a park where the children could play. We found a bench in plain view of where they'd be skipping, running and having a blast. I sat down. Lady Clara and Isaac took off. As chidren have a tendecy of doing, they made friends. One of the little boys has even gravitated to my two and is following them everywhere they go.

Lady Clara and Sir Isaac are enjoying themselves. I am enjoying watching them have fun. I'm also enjoying being able to break from the hustle and bustle of my ultra busy life to watch the birds run pass my feet, feel the cool breeze touch my face (oh yes, even on a humid day such as today, there's a breeze!) and just "be."

Today reminds me that I need to have more days like this -- not just when Lady Clara and Sir Isaac are out. I hope you're enjoying your day.

Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

My Mother's Day Gift to Me: A Picnic in the Park with the "Girls"

After church this morning, I intended to take a community walk. I was going to replace my brown open-toe heels for some sneakers and get familiar with my neighborhood as I worked my leg muscles. While preparing to get my praise on, my sorority sister, Omena, texted me and invited me to a picnic in the partk. Perfect timing, I thought. I hadn't got together with a group of my girls in over a decade -- in fact, before I had Lady Clara. Oh, I was way overdo. Then I thought about my vision board. On it, was a picture of me and several woman sitting on a blanket in Central Park holding our glasses in the air, smiling real hard. I was excited about the forthcoming connection.

I went to the store and purchased some purple grapes, strawberries, Snack Wells white fudge drizzled caramel popcorn and Ocean Spray cranberry juice. My mom created a fruit salad and I packed all of the delicious and healthy goodies into a lime green insulated picnic basket that I purchased a year ago and was using for the first time today.

I kissed the kids and made my way to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY. When I got there, I called up Omena and she guided me to the blankets where women sat waiting to greet the next mommy -- ME! We introduced ourselves to each and got busy connecting as women are so natural with doing. The weather was nice and more so it made for an extra pleasant experience.

I discovered that Melonie was a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and talented wardrobe stylist with a deep desire to work with helping women who have been battered and abused as well as women living in shelters to feel good about themselves from the inside and out through fashion styling. I was awe inspired by Gina, who sat directly beside me. She is currently studying Chinese medicine, mades her own body butters and oils through her company called Ommmango Wellness Holisitic Healing, is a massage therapist and a chef. She made some Sorrell that was sweet and oh-so tasty! Then, there was Kim. She possesed a sweet spirit and had a beautiful smile. She illuminated with happiness. I met another sistah who is a dancer and is preparing for her July wedding (congrats!) to a wonderful man and fellow writer. We talked about youth empowerment.

While eating all of the wonderfully healthy foods, we had "girl talk" and strategized on ways that we can work together. As a result, we will be meeting up every Sunday now and once a month we will participate in an initiative that Omena calls "The Riding for Moms Campaign." She wants moms to be able to get together to ride their bikes to not only get fit but to begin positive dialogues and build a supportive community amongs each other. Out of our get-gether also came the idea for a pampering party featuring mini massages, healthy food and light entertainment as well as a workshop I will be leading called "Loving Yourself Inside and Out."

I really needed today. I just reminded me that I must make time to bond with "the girls" on a regular basis. I need it for my spirit and my growth. It's amazing the things can get accomplished and the good feeling you feel when you get together with women who love life and have purpose and passion.

We closed out our day by hugging each other and promising to follow up on all that we talked about.I walked away inspired and loved. I made new friends, created new concepts and ate some yummy food.

Thanks Soror Omena for inviting me to fellowship with "the girls." I thank myself for investing in me.

Happy Mother's Day!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff

PS: For daily updates on what I'm up to, follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/solomommy.

Get in Shape, Girl -- With Zumba!

This past Tuesday night, I got my workout on! I, along with Lady Clara and Sir Isaac, attended a Zumba class held in a dance studio at the Restoration building in Bedstuy Brooklyn. From the start of the hour-long class to its conclusion, personal fitness trainer and Zumba dance instructor Carolina Walickihas us in motion with Latin, hip hop and Indian tunes. I wwas stepping, winding and twisting away -- non stop! It felt good, too.

As I followed Carolina while watching myself in the mirror, I could feel my body toning up even more. And, how could this not be the case?! After all, Carolina had instructed me and my workout mates with fun but concentrated moves. I was working my abs, arms, thighs, hips and all.

In between songs, I took in some much needed H2O (and boy oh boy did it taste refreshing!). I sipped then stepped. In addition to getting in a workout routine, attending the Zumba class offered fellowship among women. We worked out real hard and laughed all the while. Our smiles and eyes communicated that we were having a great time working out together. We encouraged each other to keep moving and gave each other a signal on the correct turn to make. It was a blessed workout session.

I truly felt charged afterward. I shared with my workout sistahs after class was over. They shared back on the importance of being there. Zumba class with Carolina meets every Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. I'll be back. My children will be joining me (Oh yes, that's the other benefit. I can work out with my tweens.)

Lady Clara recorded the workout session so stay tuned to www.youtube.com/powerhouseforever for the video posting. I must say... I got my workout on!

Make the time to workout. It's good for your body as well as your spirit. So go ahead, get in shape girl!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life!

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff
www.livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

Lady Clara "BROUGHT IT" at The Oratory Contest!

I am so proud of Lady Clara. Today, she participated in her school's 3rd Annual Oratory Contest (and her first-ever speech competition). Lady Clara was the lone fourth grader amongst four fifth graders but that didn't stress her. Her godmommy, Kamille E. Wright, and I, prepped her beforehand on how to deliver or rather "BRING IT" when she hits the stage.

When Ms. Lord, Lady Clara's speech coach, called her name first to come to the stage and recite her speech, the auditorium went wild with cheers and claps. She took the name, stood up tall and proud, and then, she said, "I will be reciting the eulogy of Rosa Parks delivered by Oprah Winfrey on October 31, 2005..."

From the first word to the last, she was poised, gave constant eye contest, paused in the right places and spoke with conviction. My daughter looked natural on stage. Visions of future speeches danced in my head.

When Lady Clara concluded her speech -- which was a flawless delivery -- she thanked the audience and proceeded to leave the stage. Again, she received applauses and praises. I overheard one of the judges say that she did an incredible job. I thanked Jesus out loud. I was thankful because I know the road I have traveled to get Lady Clara to this point of being confortable and confident to stand before a packed room of people to speak.

My spirit was full and my heart filled with gratitude. After the four judges deliberated, they announced the overall winner (who will go on to compete against students from other schools) and the second, third and fourth place winners.

Ms. Lord announced that Lady Clara had tied for second place! Yes! She received her school certificate and later on receive her certificate from The Adelaide L. Sandord Institute, which is the institution that created this oratory competition. I recorded her speech and took pictures of her. This opens up a whole new world for Lady Clara. This is perfect timing, too, because she has expressed interest in broadcast journalism and already has her own news show, "Kids Witness News."

There was nothing more important than being at school today to see Lady Clara step into her power. I encourage you -- my single mom sistahs -- to be there to support your children in school and in their extracurricular activities as much is possible. I know that being in the audience made a difference to her. Being there made a differnce for me as well.

So, congrats to my first born... You did well Lady Clara. So much more is definitely on the horizon!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff

Take Care of You!

I had a health scare yesterday. After returning from using the ladies room, I suddenly felt extruciating pain in my stomach and pelvic area. The pain was so intense that I couldn't move. I stood still, slightly bent over, in the parent coordinator's room at my children's school. I thought the pain would subside with seconds, but those seconds turned into many minutes.

After about 15 minutes of standing up, I barely made it to sit down. Sitting down was just as painful. Cupping my stomach and rubbing it for some relief, I felt sharp pains shooting throughout my body. It hurt like heck. When I tried to get up, I couldn't move (again). The pain was so severe. It felt like the pain a women experiences after during and after giving birth. I couldn't escape it. Breathing exercises didn't hurt. That just set off the pain even more.

At this point, it was about 6:30 pm and Ms. Ayers (the school's parent coordinator) was about to leave for the day. When I arose, I came to another stand still. I couldn't take another step. I hunched over and began crying. Ms. Ayers instructed Lady Clara and Sir Isaac to pack up my stuff. She and her friend, Hutch, decided that they were going to take us home. They saw that I was in no condition to get on the bus.

It was painful getting in Hutch's car as well as getting out. In fact, he had to help me get out of the car and walk me to my door. Going up the steps was a task. I took baby steps. Since I couldn't stand up too long, I ordered food for me and the children. Then, I took a nice hot shower and got in bed for the rest of the night. Lady Clara and Sir Isaac rubbed my feet and massaged my head.

What was the source of my pain? Well, I didn't eat all day. I didn't drink any water all day (FYI: All I had was some hot chocolate in the morning before heading out to take the children to school). I held my urine for three hours -- even though I had access to a bathroom -- because I was focused on the projects I was working at the computer.

I did a total disservice to my body and I paid a painful price. My message to you? Take care of your body or it will shut down on you-- BIG TIME. Don't skip any meals. Drink H2O throughout the day. When you gotta go... GO! I don't plan on revisiting this lesson. I promise you and me!

I want to give a super special shout out to Ms. Ayers and Hutch for taking me and the children home. May God bless you for taking care of one of his own.

To my darling angels, I say thank you for taking care of mommy. I love you two so much!

Until the next time I write you.... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

I'm Creating Strategic Plans for 2011

I have a lot of projects that I desire to complete in 2011. One of the things that I did to set myself up for success going into 2011 was to attend a teleconference on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, offered by Andrew Morrison of Small Business Camp. The discussion topic was appropriately entitled, “Creating Strategic Plans for the New Year.”

Equipped with my trusty laptop (Betsy), I got busy taking notes. I discovered many strategies from this hour and a half-long session that will enable me to realize my plans. Here, I will detail the points and how I plan to apply them to my respective projects not now, but RIGHT NOW:

1. Get in the habit of speaking less and communicating more. I learned from Andrew that you don’t want to half-talk who you are and what you do. You must be clear about what you want to convey and deliver it in a manner that will compel people to become not only interested in what you do but ready to help you or connect you with someone who can assist you. Today, this is my introduction to who I am… “Hello, my name is Feona Sharhran Huff. I am the Founder & CEO of Powerhouse Media Group, a full-service agency that produces publications and events that inspire, empower and celebrate women, single mothers, and youth.” Hopefully, you don’t see my introduction as some long and drawn out speech but something that’s concise yet speaks volumes to the services that my company offers.

2. In event planning, minimize your costs. I dream big when it comes to planning events. However, as I plan for Solo Mommy Magazine’s “Special Tribute to SOLO Daddies,” for example, I am looking at how I can be financially savvy with my expenditures for this June 2011 event. I plan to solicit volunteers and seek out interns who can receive college credit for their services. I am entertaining the idea of having the event at my church. As a member, I would get a discount. And, if you didn’t know it, the venue is ALWAYS the most costly item amongst what you have to dish out for your event. I’m also planning to seek out sponsorships and partnerships.

3. Who else in your industry is making money? There are several people in the industries of event planning, magazine publishing and children’s book writing that I am reading up on. They are monetarily successful at what they do. I know that I can learn from them so I can increase my wealth to be able to do more of what I love.

4. Conduct free workshops and sell your book. Throughout the course of 2011, I will be charging for some workshops and offering others for free. However, at both, I will be selling my books. These are opportune times to get my books out to the masses as oppose to walking the streets and trying to sell to one customer at a time. At my workshops, I will have the potential customers. All I need to do is have the books available for purchase. On Sunday, January 30, 2011, I will be conducting my Mirror Mirror self-esteem workshop for Black tween girls (ages 7 to 12) from 3 to 6 pm at True South Books (492 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216). I will also be selling, Mirror Mirror: An Empowerment Book for Black Girls. Who knows… I may have parents to purchase books for not only their daughters but their nieces, students and neighbors as well!

5. Understand who is your customer. As the publisher of Solo Mommy Magazine, it is important to know and understand who my readers are. In 2011, it is my priority to take surveys as well as do more fellowshipping with these single moms (through events such as “Girl Get-Togethers” and “Movies & a Conversation”), to get a better understanding of who they and what they need. This will allow me to better serve them through the magazine and in the events that I produce for them.

6. Don’t beat yourself up. Be gentle. Ask yourself what you learned from your experiences. I am very hard on myself when it comes to producing successful projects and events. When I don’t feel like enough people showed up or I didn’t meet my financial mark, I can really go in on myself. In the new year, however, I’m going to deal with myself differently. The first thing I will do is acknowledge what I did well. Then, I will access what didn’t go so well and look at what I can do better the next time. Also, I will consider what I learned. Will it be that I should have had a back up speaker? Or, that I needed to plan for attendance cancellations? Whatever it is, I will embrace it because it will only make my planning better for the next event.

7. Find a media personality/celebrity that matches your brand. I have identified several figures in the media and entertainment fields who perfectly suit the mission of Solo Mommy Magazine and the workshops I conduct to empower tween and teen girls. I have already reached out to one tween hip-hop artist whose mother is very interested in having her daughter make a special appearance at my Mirror Mirror workshop in January. The 11-year-old rising star is bold, confident and has a high self-esteem. She is the epitome of the empowered young girl that I write about in my book. Her involvement would bring an increased awareness to my cause.

8. Document your success. By keeping a detailed account of the work I have done, this will allow others to see in black-n-white (or through photos) exactly what I’ve accomplished. Currently, I have binders for Powerhouse and Solo Mommy activities. Every time I conduct a workshop, I place the flier in the binder along with photos taken at the event and testimonials/feedback I’ve received. And, if there have been any media write-ups, I include those as well. When I go to make presentations, my binders speak volumes as to my success. As the saying goes… “pictures don’t lie!”

I hope that by me sharing the ways in which I plan on having a productive 2011, you will embrace the strategies I gathered from Andrew’s teleconference and implement them for your particular projects. Happy strategizing!