Family & Friends Day was Wonderful!

Clara and I had a blessed church experience today with Charles Deanes Sr. at Living Word Ministry Church of God in Christ for "Family & Friends Day". Elder Thomas B. Campbell delivered a message that I needed to hear. He anointed my head with oil, prayed over me and spoke a Godly adherence in my ear. My godbrother and Minister of Music Byron Collins set the atmosphere for Praise & Worship. Bro Joe was so welcoming to us and I had the opportunity to fellowship with my Sister-in-Christ Chelsea Campbell. Oh yes, today is a good day.

I Absolutely L-O-V-E My Macys Makeover

I believe that every solo mommy should experience getting a makeover. It is a fabulous treat. I had the opportunity to receive a full skincare treatment and makeover by Terri Shorter. She works for Fashion Fair at the Macys inside of Lynnhaven Mall (Virginia Beach, VA). She worked her magic on me and put a capital "F" in the word fabulous because that's how I looked at felt when I got out of her chair. Terri did such a stellar job on my face that the department store's customers were walking pass giving me kudos and thumb ups. Her coworkers were raving about me while in the store and well after I left. Terri brought out my inner beauty and ignited an extra pep in my step. I can't thank her enough. If you like what you see, I strong urge you to check Terri out. She will hook you up, too.

Tyler Perry's New Film for Single Moms Was a Right On Time

Single moms are oftentimes overlooked, blamed for the troubles of society and bad mouthed. But, for the first time, I was able to go to the movies and see something dedicated to my parenting community. Tyler Perry's new film "The Single Moms Club" debuted in theaters nationwide last night. I attempted to gather other single moms together to join me, however, that didn't pan out. I was initially disappointed especially since it's my heart's desire to bring single moms together to bond and be there for each other. I do, however, understand that when situations arise, you have to handle them because you are the only one there. I was glad that I had my very supportive daughter and aspiring actress Clara to accompany me. Oh yes, single moms carry a heavy load, which is why we need each other. We must be each other's support. We must create a "VILLAGE" for us and our children. But, we must also show up to get the help and support that we seek. God gave me this ministry many years ago and because he chose and entrusted me to carry out this very important work, I won't give up on single moms. Please keep me in prayer. I really want to do all that I can to keep us lifted, inspired and empowered. Also, please let me know what your interests and needs are. What I loved about "The Single Moms Club" is that it bares witness to our challenges as single moms and celebrates our strength and tenacity. I am very thankful to Mr. Perry for being bold enough to shed a glimpse into our lives as single moms and for taking the heat when being bashed by people who are negative. There were many moments where I laughed and definitely some when I shed a tear or two. I think my favorite filmmaker did a fine job. But please, check out the film for yourself. And, if you want to know what it's like to raise a child alone, ask a single mom. Don't judge her or make assumptions about her. We do the best we can with what we have. If you are reading this and you are a single mom, I encourage you to make time for you. Replenish yourself.Go back to school if you want to. Take a dance class. Laugh. Live. Do whatever makes you happy. I feel even more empowered after leaving the theater. I will continue to love and support my children and raise them according to God's Word. I will celebrate my small and major accomplishments. Is it easy running this solo mommy race? No. Do I get sometimes get overwhelmed and question myself? Absolutely. But, I know that I am a blessed woman with blessed children and we will make it. I want you to know that you, too, will be just fine. If you in the South Hampton Roads area and want to join me in forming a single moms club, please email me at solomommymag@yahoo.com. Until the next time I write... I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love, Feona

Single Mom Support Group Comes to Hampton Roads (VA)

Are you a SOLO MOMMY who lives in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia? Would you like to connect with other mothers like you for support, empowerment, fellowship and fun? If you answered "YES" to both questions, I have GREAT news for you... Beginning next month, Solo Mommy Magazine will host a monthly support group for single moms. If you're interested in finding out more information, please email me at solomommymag@yahoo.com.

I Had a Dream...

I woke up this morning with a dream about Timothy Huff fresh on my mind. It seemed so real and it was amazing. It is as though the dream was confirming what my son put on his vision board. Timothy received his jersey number for his rec basketball team The Warriors (#12) this past Monday. His first game (and 1st time ever playing bball on a sports team) is Sat, Jan 11th at 12 noon. I have to pray on this dream. I have a feeling that God is up to something really good for Timothy.

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.