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.