Happy Birthday to Me... Looking Fine at 39!

Know what today is?! It's my birthday. To be exact, it's my 39th birthday. And, I can't be more happier. While many may wish to hide their age, I choose to highlight it. I am thankful for hitting this year in my life. You know why? Someone didn't reach this age. But God saw fit to continue to let me live and that is more than reason to shout to the mountain top. To kick off my birthday, a dear friend made me breakfast: Fried whiting fish with onions and grits. Next up, I went shopping at L'Bella Couture, a new boutique in Chesapeake, VA. Jaylin attended my purchasing needs with such care for my fashion focus. With her help, I found the perfect dress: A burgundy and tan A-line cut leather dress. After that, I headed over to Denny's for a FREE meal -- the "Build a Breakfast". I had a choice of four items to build my breakfast. I chose whole wheat pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, turkey bacon and grits. Then, I picked up my birthday cake from Farm Fresh. It looks so delicious (FYI: I will eat it after I return home from my son's basketball practice!). Right now, I'm at the Indian River Public Library watching "Polar Express" with Clara and Isaac as well as the other kids and parents who are assembled in the Meeting Room for this Christmas centered movie. In a few minutes, though, I have to head over to basketball practice with my son. Once I return home, I'm taking my cake and come individually-wrapped ice cream cups over to my neighbors house so I can celebrate with my friends. But no one is getting a piece of my face (smile). I want to thank my children and friend Raymond for my lovely cards and to all of the birthday shout outs on Facebook and via text along with phone calls. I love my life. I am happy about today. Happy Birthday Me!

I Choose Chess for My Son... It's a "Thinking Person's Game"

I remember the first chess set that I purchased for Isaac back in New York. It was marble and brand new. I discovered it at a local shop near my after-school program. As soon as we got in the house, Isaac -- who was six years old at the time -- opened up the chess board, read the directions, assembled the pieces and began playing. I was totally impressed. Although completely new to this "thinking person's game", he seemed a natural. Over time, he'd enlist me or his sister to play him in a friendly game. He always won. Fast forward four years... Isaac is now 10 years old, and he continues to love the game of chess. In fact, the first place he makes his way to when we visit our local library, is the chess table (which is nestled in the back near the reference desk and computer station). It got me to thinking that I should really look into a chess program for him. Initially, I posted a request for leads on a social media site that I frequent, but I didn't get any responses. It wasn't until a three weeks ago when I posted a photo of Isaac at the chess table that Misti Goodson -- a childhood friend and advancement writer at our alma mater Norfolk State University -- suggested that I reached out to Dr. Arthur Bowman. She shared that he was the Head of the Biology department and taught students how to play chess. I called up Dr. Bowman, told him all about my son. He offered not only to help my son sharpen his skills but to coach me as well. Two days later, we were on campus for our first lesson. Dr. Bowman was very simple in his explanation of how the game of chess is played. I greatly appreciated that. And, I was able to catch on quickly. After playing a few games, I was feeling pretty good about my playing ability. Dr. Bowman wants to continue to coach both of us and even train me to facilitate a "Learn & Play" station in my community. I'm all for it. The beautiful thing about chess is that it's a game of critical thinking and strategy. You have to be one or two steps ahead of your opponent in order to be victorious in the end. I see Isaac being a Grand Master in his future. I'm going to see to it by keeping him involved in chess. I would encourage you to look into it for your son and/or daughter as well. Search the Internet for chess programs in your area. Also, check with your neighborhood and recreational centers.

Boot Camp Class was the Bomb!

Boot camp class at the Greenbrier North YMCA Wellness & Racquetball Center was the bomb today. Although the class was was quite intensive and caused me to use muscles I didn't now I even had (SMILE), I truly do thank Greg for leading the class and making sure that I stayed on task. Cool thing is I received several compliments from him throughout the one hour long class. He asked me if I was coming back to which I said YES. I have always been an advocate for investing in one's health by exercising. And, as I approach 39 on Wednesday (12.11.13), it is even more imperative that I stay active. What you don't use, you loose. When I return the Saturday after next (no class 12.14.13 because of a racquetball tournament), I'm bringing Clara Huff. After all, she's in track training mode.

Cheers to Literacy: Clara's School Does Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble

This evening, Clara and the Indian River Middle School cheer squad, assembled at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Greenbrier Parkway in Chesapeake, VA, as part of a fundraiser for the school. Every 15 minutes, they'd deliver three cheers then branch off in groups of two to mingle with customers and encourage them to buy a book with a percentage of the sales going toward IRMS. I thought it was an excellent means of encouraging literacy and support for the students. I ran into two of Clara's teachers: Ms. Bradley (who teaches Honors English) and Mrs. Young (who teaches Honors US History). Principal Naomi Dunbar was front and center(as usual) to support her students. The Norfolk Admirals mascot even came out to show them some love. It was a really great turnout. I hope they have another book fundraiser real soon. We love reading.

This Saturday Night Was Live and Well!

This evening, I had the pleasure of celebrating Clara Huff as Miss Youth Matter Teen 2013 and Timothy Huff who mimed with Out The Box Kidz at Youth Matter Inc.'s 5th Annual Black & White Gala Fundraiser at the Chesapeake Marriott. I pulled double duty with cheering, crying and photo opts. I praise God for blessing me to be there for the loves of my life. I thank God for the people He has placed in our lives to encourage us and sow into our gifts and ministries. I thank God for having a heart for His people, especially our youth because they matter.

This is What Can Happen When Are Children Can't Take Bullying Anymore!

I am heart-broken after watching the news earlier today which reported on 12-year-old Rebecca Ann Sedwick from Lakeland, FL, who committed suicide after a year-long battle with cyber bullying. She climbed on top of a tower and blunged to her death. Rebecca is only a year younger than my eldest child, Clara Huff (who, too, has experienced being bullied). We have to talk to our children on a daily basis to listen to them, encourage them and equip them with handling bullying in all of its forms (physical, cyber, name-calling, blatant alienation, etc). Please keep Rebecca's mom, Trisha Norman, in your prayers, as well as all of the parents worldwide who had to or is about to bury their children as a result of bullying. R.I.P. Rebecca Ann Sedwick Love, Feona Sharhran Huff "A Concerned Mommy"

Hut One… Hut Two… Today’s Celebrity Football Camp Scored a Touchdown in Our Book!

Today was a spectacular day out on the football field at Booker T. Washington High School for Sir Isaac, Lady Clara and I. We were out there so that my All-American athletic son could participate in the 2nd Annual Youth & Celebrity Football Camp presented by Action Sparks Events LLC. Sir Isaac and the other male youth ages 6 to 18 got the opportunity of a lifetime to learn plays first hand and do football drills with some of the NFL’s most down-to-earth and talented players including Don Carey (Detroit Lions), Perry Kemp (Green Bay Packers), Keith Henderson (San Francisco 49ers), Trevard Lindley (Philadelphia Eagles), Craig Wilkins (Seattle Hawks), C.J. Jones (New England Patriots), D.J. Bryant (Baltimore Ravens), Justin Bethel (Arizona Cardinals), Cameron Graham ((St. Louis Rams), Nick Eason (Arizona Cardinals), Adrian Hamilton ((Baltimore Ravens)), Eric Matthews (Green Bay Packers), Lamar Campbell (Detroit Lions), Ben Tate (Houston Texans) and others. With Sir Isaac playing his first season of football for the Chesapeake Tigers in the Fall, this one-day camp really had a profound impact on him. I could tell based on how meticulous he was in executing what he learned from the NFL players and by how intently he listened as the men shared their life’s story during the mentoring portion of the camp. The players all expressed how important it was to bring a positive attitude out on the field, be serious and ready to play as well as to remain humble and focused. What I also loved about them was the emphasis they placed on getting a good education and maintaining good grades first and foremost. We had the honor of taking photos with all of the NFL players (see below). I was extra proud to capture a “Kodak Moment” with Don Carey. He was raised by a SOLO MOMMY. I had a heart-to-heart with Ms. Karen at the conclusion of the camp. It was very encouraging to hear her journey as a single mom. As a result of her faith in God, daily sacrifices and dedication to ensuring that her children stayed involved in positive activities and around empowering people, she is a walking testimony that it is possible to raise productive children; that our children DO NOT have to be what society constantly swears they will become. Don, who was drafted by the NFL in 2008, is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and Norfolk State University (my alma mater). He was an honors student at both. To his surprise and delight, Chanda Farrow-Copelin (Founder of Action Sparks Events, LLC), presented him with the inaugural Don Carey Award for Athletic Excellence. This will be an annual award given to a current player at Booker T. Washington High School. It was a proud moment for him, his mom and definitely for me. It was great seeing my high school buddy Antione Corbin on the field as a volunteer coach. My frat brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Thomas Thorogood as well as my other high school friend Monquez Hunter were front and center to support their sons. I honor these men because they are actively engaged and involved dads who also stand in the gap as role models and mentors for the sons and daughters of single moms like me. Esteemed radio personality Cocoa Butter, who is a dear SOLO MOMMY friend of mine, was also at the camp to lend her support as was Jennifer Williams who's son participated. On top of all that Sir Isaac and the other young men received during their celebrity football camp experience today, they walked away with certificates of participation, a gift bag, autographs and photo opts. I am so blessed that my son was a part of this camp. He’ll be back next year for sure! If your sons are interested in playing football, I strongly encourage you to find a sports program to get them on the right track. Look into www.actionsparksevents.com to see what events they have coming up next. Thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors including Powerhouse Media Group (www.stepintoyourpower.net) for making this a successful event. Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff. P.S. Be sure to leave a comment on the blog posts. Stay connected with me on Facebook. Request to join the "Living the Solo Mommy Life" group. Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

Sir Isaac Loves Him Some Mommy (And Knows Me Oh-So Well)

While cleaning out Sir Isaac's backpack and going through his school papers, I came across a poem that he had written about me. I imagine it was one of his English assignments from his poetry segment. When I read it, it made me cry. Why? Every word was true. I was honored by all that he said. My son loves his mommy and I love me some him. I thank God for my loving, attentive, compassionate, educated, talented and giving son. I truly believe that Sir Isaac has a mighty calling on his life and I will do EVERYTHING in my power to see him manifest his destiny. As you go through your child's book bag now that school is over, don't be surprised if you read something nice that he/she wrote. If you do find something, acknowledge it and hug your child tightly. Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff. P.S. Be sure to leave a comment on the blog posts. Stay connected with me on Facebook. Request to join the "Living the Solo Mommy Life" group. Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

Even When You Don't Get the Crown You're Still a Winner

Two Saturdays ago (June 1, 2013), Lady Clara, Sir Isaac and I traveled back to their hometown of New York so that she could compete in Phenomenal Women Charm School's Glam & Glitz Scholarship Beauty Pageant. Lady Clara was vying for "Phenomenal Teen", the category in which the young ladies were 13 to 19 years old. She and the three others going for the title were tasked with walking out on stage before a packed audience in the auditorium of the Museum of the City of New York to not only introduce themselves but to convince the three judges that they were truly phenomenal and worthy of a crown. This was Lady Clara's first beauty pageant and I was super excited for her. I stayed in the dressing room to help her quickly change into the three wardrobe pieces required for her category (business/casual, bathing suits and evening gown). She wore a black sleeveless black House of Dereon dress, two-piece multicolor bathing suit with a sheer wrap and Royal blue with silver rhinestones gown. Each time she graced the stage, I peeped through the crack of the dressing room doors to see my princess impress the powers that be. She was confident, poised, gave great eye contact, flashed that signature Huff smile and worked those three-inch heels every time(yes, you heard me right!). At the conclusion of the hour-long competition, the announcer revealed who would be named "Most Photogenic" as well as the names of the young ladies who would walk away with crowns in the respective four categories. When they called her name for "Most Photogenic", I nearly lost my voice exclaiming from the back of the room, "Go Clara... That's my baby!" However, she wasn't crowned "Phenomenal Teen". Still, she smiled and clapped for the winner. When she entered the dressing room afterward, I immediately hugged Lady Clara and told her just how proud of her I was. I reminded her just how far she has come in publicly exuding her confidence and that this experience would lead to bigger things and bring her further exposure and opportunities. My mom, Dorothy, who still lives in Brooklyn as well as my bestfriend Matthew Scott, were also on hand to congratulate and celebrate her. One of the pageant assistants was really impressed with Lady Clara and asked for my number to work with her in the future. Additionally, the director of the charm school, Sabrina Dore, texted me that a certified talent agent from New York wanted to send her off on some assignments. I have added her pageant accomplishment to her biography. I have uploaded photos of her pageant participation (here as well as on Facebook). I can't wait to receive the pageant journal and DVD in the mail. I know that this experience will take Lady Clara far in life. Although she would have loved to win the actual crown, she won so much more by participating. For one, it boosted her self-esteem to a higher level. Not everyone can go before a crowd of people and present themselves. She's actually interested in competing in other pageants here in the Hampton Roads area. I'm looking into those now. Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff. P.S. Be sure to leave a comment on the blog posts. Stay connected with me on Facebook. Request to join the "Living the Solo Mommy Life" group. Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

I Am Reaping the Rewards of a Great Zumba Workout

My body feels extra great this morning. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I took a Zumba class last night at the Greenbrier North YMCA Wellness & Racquetball Center in Chesapeake, VA. The one-hour session, taught by Krista Elder, was such a fun and high-energy workout. My arms, thighs, hips and tummy all received their proper attention. With a fit body and mindset, I know that I can achieve whatever I desire in this day. I encourage you to try Zumba for yourself or at least entertain some form of an exercise regimen. It will benefit your body and help you keep pushing as a solo mommy! Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff. P.S. Be sure to leave a comment on the blog posts. Stay connected with me on Facebook. Request to join the "Living the Solo Mommy Life" group. Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.