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