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.

I Am a Mom Building Wealth (Check Out My Interview)

I am so honored to be able to share with you a wonderful interview that I had with Moms Building Wealth Founder Debbie Doyle. I talked about how I stay empowered through life's challenging moments as well as what I am doing to uplift, build and motivate single moms. Please enjoy the interview and do pass it on to encourage another single mom (or parent) http://momsbuildingwealth.com/mommy-interviews. Simply scroll down the page and you'll see my interview.

A Lot of Running Around Produced Some Big-time Results Tonight

After standing on my feet for five hours straight, I headed to the print shop to pick up copies of Lady Clara's art fliers for an economics class presentation. Then, I made my way home so I'd be there in time for Sir Isaac when he got out of school. Whew... I stepped foot in the door less than five minutes before I heard him making his way up the stairs with his rolling backpack. I hugged him tightly,kissed him on his mohawk then asked him about his day and if anything exciting had happened. When I looked at the time, it was 3:15 pm. Lady Clara would be getting out of school 15 minutes later and would be trying out for the cheer squad for the 2013-2014 season. But wait... now that the rain had stopped and the ground was dry, the second day of the Citywide Track & Field Championships would resume (FYI: It had been canceled last week because of a rainout). She qualified for the 1600 Meter and the 800 Meter. I knew she wanted to do both so I had to figure out quickly how this was going to go down. I first texted her cheer coach (she cheered for the 2012-2013 season)to see if she'd be able to try out first, especially since the tryouts and championship were close in time. Then, I texted her track coach to see if she was still signed up to run. I got the OK from Coach B that she'd be able to try out and shortly after, I got the confirmation from Coach Twine that she was a GO for the 800 M. The next issue was to get her track shoes, running tights and white long sleeve shirt to her before the athletic bus left for Grassfield High School, the championship's location. In the midst of coordinating her athletic situation, I had to make sure that my son would be able to go to Recharge this evening. Every Wednesday, my church members get together and break bread potluck style then the youth gather together in their Kids In Christ Serve (KICS) group and the adults get together to share, pray, learn and fellowship with one another. I had him to go over to his classmate's/church member's house to see if he could hang out then go over to church with Quiana. Her mother said "yes". I said the same thing to God! Okay, moves were being made. I packed up Lady Clara's track gear and made my way to her middle school. I had to walk since my ride hadn't gotten off work yet. When I was about four minutes away from the school, I texted Coach Twine to let him know I was near by. Well, the team was en route to the high school. What?! At this point, it was 4:30 pm. The championship was set to begin at 5 pm and I didn't have us a ride. I didn't panic, though, because I know that when something is ordained by God, he will make a way. My friend called me 10 minutes later (as Lady Clara was suiting up)and said he was on the way! When we got to the school, my track star (whom we've named "Lightening Bolt") made a mad dash to join her teammates. I told her to run like she's never run before and that I was proud of her. She did pretty good for her first championship meet. She ran in 2:53. We watched the boys run the 800 Meter as we wanted to support the IRMS boys team. Then we headed back to her middle school to find out the results. It was a lot of young ladies who tried out. It was going to be a long evening because the cheer judges were doing things a lot differently this year. Last year, they would call up the girls and tell them whether they made it or not. This year, Chesapeake law mandates that the judges must meet with each person and tell them yes/no and the reason for the decision. I was confident that Lady Clara was going to be on the team again because I knew in my heart that she had did a great job and she said she felt good in her spirit that she had rocked her tryout. Some girls came out in tears. My heart ached for them because their tears meant that they didn't make it. When I finally got the call from my daughter to meet her on the other side of the school, I asked her what was the good word. Well, she said... "I made it!" I shouted for joy, shared the news with a cheerleader mom from this past season and even did a cheer jump (oh yeah, I cheered my senior year at Norview High School in Norfolk, VA). We got home a little after 8 pm, picked up my son, then headed back out to eat. Though I am a bit tired (and rightfully so), I feel so good and my spirits are so high. As a single mom, I do a lot of running around between both children. They are doing some great things, I wouldn't change what I have to do to make things happen for nothing in the world. I have a track star, cheerleader, actress, artist, mime dancer, baseball player, academic diva and intelligent prince on my hand. It's truly all good!