TM

May 2012 Volume 11

15 TRICKS TO

SLEEPING

BETTER

Bring the

WOW to your

Mother’s Day Celebration

A M

OTHERS

MIR

ACLE !

GET YOUR BUCKET LIST TOGETHER

TRAVELING TO FIND

HIDDEN TREASURES

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Be Blessed,

Roxanne

Dear Reader,

.I hope you and your family celebrate a wonderful Mothers day with your mom,granma or

aunts. Celebrate a woman in your life that has poured wisdom and love into your life. They don't

have to be connected to you by blood as long as they are connected by LOVE. Mothers day was

designed to celebrate mothers and mother figures. Its not about what you buy or where you take

her to for dinner. If you would just ask her I am sure she would tell you that YOU matter the most

to her. You make her a mother.

I was watching TV and saw a beautiful commercial by Hallmark celebrating Mothers day. The

things that the mothers were stating they wanted were not material things. It was relationship.

Mothers want to continue to have relationship with their children, even after they are grown and

moved away. Remember to call us. Remember we like to laugh too. Email us a joke or two.

Remember we like surprises. We like to hear momma when everything is calm not in an uproar.

Call us just because. Even if we don’t say it ,we miss you more than you think.

Mothers are special. They are an invaluable resource that we sometimes never fully appreciate

until they are gone. Don’t just wait for one day out of the year to let your Mom know she is yours.

HAVE A HAPPY AND BLESSED MOTHERS DAY

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2 Editors Perspective 3 Contents 4 Meet Our Cover Girl 6 Dating Rules Pt 2 8 Through God’s Grace I am a MOM!! 10 The Curse 11 Tantalize your Taste buds 12 Poetry & Prose 14 Making Your Bucket List Now

16 Mothers Day “WOW” Factor 18 Hidden Treasures 20 Celebrating Mothers 21 Poetry and Prose 23 So You Want To Be A Model 24Movie Mania 26 15 Steps To Sleeping Better 28 Contact Us

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Meet Mandy Frank

I am a plus size model;

I am fleshy, rotund ,flirtatious,

luscious, sexy, husky, cuddly, hot, provocative,

risqué, sensual, spicy, voluptuous

and so much more. I am beautiful,

I am a real woman. I do not resemble any of the

woman who strike the cover of the

Victoria’s secret catalog, Maxim, or Cosmopolitan;

and I never will. I am a plus size woman

and I am proud of my size 18 curves.

I have a lot of confidence and

I am very comfortable in my own skin;

it took many years

to get where I am today,

I am proud of who I am and who I have become.

In thewords of Nicki Minaj, “ I’m fighting for the girls

that never thought they could win;

cause before they could begin you told them

it was the end, but I am here to reverse

the curse they they live in.”

My goal is to show the world natural doesn’t mean skinny,

beauty isn’t the same as slim;

being comfortable in your own skin, looking yourself in

the mirror and being happy with your reflection, walking with your head high and a

smile on your face is beautiful, regardless of your size, shape, height or weight. I

want Mandy Frank to become a household name; if it never happens, that’s fine by

me, I know I gave it my all and I have come this far to stop; there is no turning back

at this point.

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Last month you learned the Sassy’s 1st rule to

dating and that was to – Always Say What You

Mean. This month we will review Always Mean

What You Say.

Sassy’s 2nd Rule for Dating”

Rule # 2 Always Mean What You Say

One cannot say one thing and then back-

track to mean another. This is a vital aspect of

life. How many times have we heard people say

one thing but then they mean another? Too

many times to count, and because no one holds

their feet to the fire on their words they con-

tinue to do the same things over and over

again. It’s what they say the definition of crazy

is…doing the same things over and over and

expecting a different result.

This is no different in the dating world.

How can a woman tell a man that she does not

sleep with men on the first date, and yet on the

first date she sleeps with him? The excuse for

her would be that the “vibe” was right. At that

point she has shown to this man that she says

one thing, but doesn’t really mean it. She can

be easily persuaded and/or manipulated to con-

form to his wants, his needs, and his desires.

She most likely, and in all probability, had no

intentions of sleeping with him because it was

the first date. But here is the thing; the conver-

sation was flowing as were the drinks. And this

is where she may have let her guard down and

the next thing you know, she is prone on his

bed, with her blouse pushed up to her shoul-

ders. Let’s face facts, there is a societal stigma

attached to all women whom sleep with men on

the first date. I have heard a lot of men say that

a woman that sleeps with a man on the first

date is a woman that knows her mind. That

right there is a bunch of bull, it’s a woman that

may know her mind, but it also shows a woman

that doesn’t know the man. After she sleeps

with him is when she will make the attempt to

get to know him and at that point, what’s the

point. He has gotten what he wanted from her.

Yes, I know that this is not always the case, and

that there are some unions that are still to-

gether now after having slept with one another

on the first date, but that is the exception, not

the rule.

Sassy Scribe AKA Saundra Harris

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Have you ever wondered what motivates a fat

girl to stay positive in a "pro skinny girl society"?

“What Every Fat Girl Wants “will answer those

questions

once and for all.

You will laugh and you

might cry

but you will hear the

truth from

a fat girl’s perspective.

Available at www.whateveryfatgirlwants.com , www.amazon.com , www.smashwords.com

Available in print and as an eBook for your Nook and Kindle.

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Shannon & Kenneth Watkins of Cumberland, Md., tried for many years to have a baby.

After several procedures at the WVU Center for Reproductive Medicine they were preg-

nant with twins! But things didn't go as planned. Still, the Watkins are grateful for the

care and kindness they received at WVU Healthcare in their darkest and brightest hours.

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WEFGW: We are so excited for you and your blessing,

SHANNON: Yes I have always wanted to be a mom. I really wanted to have lots of kids.

Due to complications I had to have 5 procedures to become pregnant. I had a procedure

called an IVF. From one of those procedures we were able to save several embryos. From

those frozen embryos I had a embryo transfer and became impregnated with my twins.

WEFGW: We understand that your babies were born premature.

SHANNON: I was suppose to be on bed rest for 11 weeks. I became real sick and found

out that my son was not doing well in the womb. He had stopped moving and there was

no blood flow. We soon learned that my son had died.

WEFGW: Did this effect the other twin.?

SHANNON: Both babies were born 11 weeks early. My son was still born but my daughter

was alive and struggling to hold on. We named he Shekinah . Which is an Hebrew word for

the glory of God .The staff here at the WVU Children's Hospital are very caring and com-

forting

WEFGW: How is Shekinah doing now?

SHANNON: She is improving every day. She is gaining weight. We are so thankful to God

for our beautiful daughter. Because of God’s Grace I am now a mother.

Want To see full interview of Shannon’s miracle

follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvcSytkWz3Q&feature=youtu.be

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The Curse Curse [kurs] noun, verb, cursed or curst, curs·ing.

noun 1. the expression of a wish that misfortune, evil, doom, etc., befall a person, group, etc.

2. a formula or charm intended to cause such misfortune to another. 3. the act of reciting such a formula.

4. a profane oath; curse word. 5. an evil that has been invoked upon one.

We all know and love the famous fairy tale

curses such as Sleeping Beauty falling asleep for

100 years, Snow White is poisoned by an apple,

Beast was placed under a spell because of his

failure to love, or Fiona:

"By night one way

By day another.

This shall be the norm

Until you find true love's first kiss

And then take love's true form"

But, how much do you know about sports

curses? More specifically, sports teams’ curses?

Have you heard of the Curse of the Bambino or

the Curse of the Billy goat or The Sports Illus-

trated Cover Curse? If not, don’t despair, I will

share some of the most popular sports curses.

As I was doing my research for this article,

ironically, it seems, a lot of curses are baseball

related. So, let’s start there.

The Curse of the Bambino relates to the sell of

Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New

York Yankees in 1920. From 1912-1918 (7

years of baseball), the Red Sox had won 4

championships. After they sold “The Babe,” the

Red Sox went a long 96 years without another

championship (2004), while the Yankees racked

up 26 championships in the same amount of

time.

The curse of the Billy Goat has been haunting

the Chicago Cubs championship hopes since the

postseason of 1945 when Billy Sianis and his

billy goat were asked to leave a World Series

game at Wrigley Field. When Billy left the sta-

dium, he declared the Cubs would win no more.

The Cubs as well as fans and family of Billy

Sianis have all tried to reverse the curse, to no

avail. The Cubs have not won a championship

since 1908.

The Sports Illustrated (SI) Cover curse has a lot

of superstars fearing to be on their cover.

There are some eerie coincidences of mishaps

after people have been featured on their cover.

Some of those recent “jinxes” are:

Albert Pujols, the home run king for the St Louis

Cardinals, was featured after starting his new

job with the Angels after being traded from the

Cardinals; he has yet to hit a home run this sea-

son.

Tom Brady, the quarterback for the New Eng-

land Patriots, suffered a terrible season ending

knee injury just days after appearing on their

cover in 2008.

Just days after Nomar Garciaparra was featured,

taking note of his off-season conditioning, he

broke his wrist and ended his season.

Other similar curses to the SI cover curse are

the NFL Madden Curse (video games) and the

Gillette (safety razors) curse, where after stars

are featured they soon have setbacks such as

injuries, games lost, and bad seasons.

They really are just fairy tales, aren’t they!

Sara Hughes

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Citrus Salad With Honey and Mint

INGREDIENTS 1 grapefruit

1 navel orange

2 teaspoons honey

4 small sprigs fresh mint

Directions

With a knife, cut away the peel and white pith of the grapefruit and orange and slice the fruit into rounds.

Arrange the slices on individual plates. Drizzle with the honey and top with the mint.

By Kate Merker, March 2008

Quick Tip You can cut the peel and pith up to 12 hours

in advance. Keep in the refrigerator in a

SEALED CONTAINER UNTIL READY TO SLICE

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Look Up!

I WILL, lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, WHICH MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH. PSALM 121:1, 2

In this journey of life , we have our good days and our bad days. I pray that there are many of you who have more good than bad days. Some of us need doors open ,and some may need doors closed with the keys thrown far away!

The LORD is always with you! Even when you can not see or feel Him anywhere! The LORD has already worked things out for you.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

We must continue to trust God in this journey.

When things get rough get tough and pray!

Lift your eyes up to the hills! Our help comes from God! Lift your eyes up!! Hold your head up!! My help comes from the LORD! I will trust Him! I will not give up! I may fall down or trip, but the LORD will lift me UP! Glory to God!

I'm trusting in the one who has made HEAVEN and EARTH!

He is God Almight ! He has all power in His hands. God is in control of our lives. Stay focus on Him and trust Him!

Look Up to the hills and call on God! Look Up!

Have a safe and bless month of May!

Blossom & Bloom!! Go forward , don't look back ! Hold on to your dreams and work it! God bless you all

Pastor Nannie German Madison , NJ

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Contact Destynee Travel for additional info

and to book your room Finding A Way 2 Your Purpose~ Rona Walton, Travel Designer

Destynee Travel

512-524-3874/o 512-524-3875/f www.destynee.com

Follow this link to reserve your cabin on line. STC

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Why Not Get Your

Bucket List Together

You probably first heard of a "bucket list" (a list

of things you want to do before you die) after

watching the movie, "The Bucket List" with Jack

Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Wouldn't it be

nice to have your own bucket list?

If you've been putting it off, maybe now is the

time to put pen to paper (or use your computer)

and start your list. Doing the things you've al-

ways wanted to do, but never got around to,

can be incredibly fulfilling!

Inspiration for Generating Your

Own Bucket List

Let your mind go. Give yourself the freedom

to think about all the things you've always

dreamed of doing. Then write them down.

Take a look at these sample bucket list items to

find inspiration for your own list of things to ful-

fill before you "kick the bucket."

Travel to Tuscany to take cooking lessons.

Learn how to knit or do woodcarving.

Re-read, "War and Peace" and "Great Expecta-

tions."

Volunteer for a mission in Haiti.

Go a whole week without television.

Take your sister on a surprise trip.

Go to a musical on Broadway in New York City.

Give a $50 bill to someone who looks like they

need it on Christmas Eve.

Tell your high school English teacher how he

made a major impact on your life.

Write a letter to a soldier.

Hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail in the

U.S.

Visit all the state capitals in your country.

Learn the Japanese language.

Camp out overnight in the back yard with your

children.

Fly first class just once.

Get down to your goal weight to see what it

feels like.

Take a vacation alone to a place you've always

wanted to go.

Go on a road trip with your family.

Spend a week at a health spa.

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Go vegan for a month.

Cook every recipe in your favorite cookbook.

Take those guitar lessons you've always wanted

to get around to.

Walk 2 miles a day five days a week for three

months.

Learn to operate a sailboat and then go sailing.

Tell your brother he's the best brother in the

whole world.

Free yourself to daydream. Include your great-

est fantasies. Think about what you've always

wanted to do - take trips to your favorite desti-

nations, experience something you've only read

about, or accomplish something of substance in

your life.

Fulfilling the Items on

Your Bucket List

After you've made the list, the only thing to do

is go for it. Each week or month, strive to

carry out an item on your Bucket List.

Then, cross it off your list. You can add to your

list as you think of other activities you'd like to

do before you're no longer on this earth.

There's nothing like a bucket list to re-

mind you what it's like to really experi-

ence everything life has to offer. You'll be-

come infused with energy and excitement at the

idea of achieving another activity on your

bucket list. And you'll go through experiences

that you never thought you would, just by hav-

ing a bucket list.

Start your bucket list today. Doing the

things you've always wanted to do will inspire

you to live your very best life. With your bucket

list, you might be compelled to discover an exis-

tence you've only fantasized about.

Known for a contagious passion for excellence,

a talent for practical business solutions, and a

competence for being a motivational leader,

Lorene Collier Purcy, is professional speaker,

entrepreneur & lifestyle prosperity coach, a con-

tributing author to (2) newly released books

“The Power of Change: Reinventing Yourself at

Any Age” & “How to Break the Glass Ceiling

Without a Hammer: Career Strategies for

Women”. Whether its life balance or financial

management strategies, Lorene has been help-

ing individuals realize their true potential and

acts as their accountability partner, assisting

them on how to effectively implement strategies

to live the life they truly deserve. You can con-

tact Lorene at info@savvychicks.me or visit her

online at www.savvychicks.me.

Lorene Collier Purcy

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As we begin lets clear the myth

about when mother’s day really is.

Every day is mother’s day. Where

would your little potato head be

without your mother. It makes me

angry when I see people disrespect-

ing their mother. This year let’s

forego the dinners, the cards with

money in it and the Kmart flowers

and chocolate. Let’s make this the

Wow of all mother’s day celebration.

Once again everyday is mother’s

day so plan, plan, coordinate. The

wow factor is going way out of what

you would normally expect a

mother’s day celebration to be. My

wow factor for my mother starts like

the following. Family prayer and

family breakfast. Family members

and relatives call her from 10am-

2pm speaking to her, wishing her

well (it’s your job to coordinate who

calls when) none should visit be-

cause of all you have coordinated.

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Next is a shopping spree, not Wal-

Mart or Kmart, a store that when

you enter the security guard gives

you the once over,. Take lot’s of pic-

tures throughout the day posting

them on the family face book page

making her the center of attention.

You could take a professional fam-

ily picture that you scheduled with

her seated and everyone standing

behind her. She is the queen, the

matriarch of the family the glue that

holds it together. Finish the day off

with a homemade dinner (her favor-

ite). Now for the best part of the

day, each son or daughter will stand

and tell the mother how much they

love her , how she has helped and

guided their life , things they re-

member being told as a child .After

the dinner and the reflecting , hug

her ,kiss her, clean up the kitchen

and all the dishes and go home.

When you make it home call her tell

her you love her and commit to

speak to her at least once a week.

She is your Mother. And you only

get one!

Steve Harris

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A glass ball floating? Along the Pacific Ocean,

you will find an event called "Finders Keepers" -

a clever scavenger hung designed to attract

more travelers to the seven and a half miles (12

km) of sandy beaches that define the town's

coastline. Like most towns along Oregon's cen-

tral coast, beaches are the primary draw, par-

ticularly in the summer when Lincoln City joins

many of the shoreline villages in hosting tourists

attracted to the coastline's crashing waves.

Whale watching eats up hours of free time as

people stare at the sea pensively waiting for the

awesome moment when spray from a blowhole

breaks the water's surface. It is reassuring

knowing they are out there: gray whales have

repopulated the area, thanks to on-going con-

servation efforts. Sea lion numbers are also up,

and these mammoth sun-loving mammals are

easy to find when they start clambering on

docks, barking like air horns while nosing each

other for a coveted spot.

Officially, the central Oregon coast is Lincoln

County, and it stretches from Lincoln City to 60

miles (96 km) south in Walport. Within this

boundary, all beaches are public. Owning a slice

of the sand is not legal, as settlers first used the

shore as a primary (and therefore public) trans-

portation route long before the roads pushed

through the sea-ridge forests.

Lincoln County is the warm-weather playground

of urbanites retreating from the daily grind but

wanting the dependability of three- or four- star

accommodations. Residents from nearby Port-

land and Salem, and some from California and

Washington states, head to Highway 101, run-

ning the length of the county, in search of me-

andering coastal tranquility.

Created for destination, from October to May,

special blown-glass float "faries" hide colorful

glass balls between the high tide line and the

ocean all along Lincoln City beaches. The num-

ber of floats distributed reflects the year - in

2007, 2,007 floats are scattered along the

beach during an eighth month period. The rules

are simple: If you find one, you keep it. Floats

are decorative hand-blown balls of colored glass

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commissioned by local artists. Each one-of-a-

kind glass globe is numbered, signed and

dated. The hand-crafted art pieces are mod-

eled after Asian fishing boat glass floats used

to give buoyancy to fishing nets along the

coast of Japan. Sometimes these opaque

green balls come loose and slowly make their

way on a 10- to 30-year journey across the

Pacific Ocean, eventually landing on Oregon's

shores.

Finding one of these authentic floats is excit-

ing but rare, which led to the idea of planting

a few thousand local treasures. Of course,

finding an artist-made float is also fun, but

never guaranteed!

If you don't luck out, you can always make

your own at the Jennifer Sears Glass Foundry

in Lincoln City from Wednesday through Sun-

day, although it's best to make an appoint-

ment before you arrive. The city's most hands

-on tourist stop opened in 2004. Here, three

large kilns burn like gateways to the under-

world, and professionals demonstrate the art

of glass blowing. For $65, any of three arti-

sans will assist visitors who want to make

their own float. Take it home the next day, or

have it shipped.

If getting swelteringly close to glass-melting

heat isn't your cup of tea, you can always buy

a float ready made. Glass floats ranging in

price from $40 to $75 are for sale at almost

every gallery and shop along the state's

coast, so few seekers go home empty

handed.

As for Isabelle, her story ends as only non-fiction can. On the last day of my aunt's ex-

tend trip, she found a blue glass float along Lincoln City's shores. Thrilled because blue is her favorite color, she then turned it over.

The registration number was the same num-ber as her birthday. This float was made for her.

Reminder: Please add this link for the Soul

Train Cruise booking online: STC

Finding A Way 2 Your Purpose~

Rona Walton, Travel Designer

Destynee Travel

512-524-3874/o

512-524-3875/f

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Meet the Moms of our WEFGW Staff

Mother Leola Currie Mother of Evang. Janice Alston

Gloria Collier Mother of Lorene Collier Purcy

Brenda Hughes Mother of Sara Hughes

Florence Logan Mother of Roxanne Harris

Mary Hunt Mother of Rev Steven Harris

Evelyn Mother of CJ Kirven

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Blessed to Be Called Mother

I am Blessed to be called Mother

Although some that call me by that name,

are from the Loins of another.

I brought only sons into this world,

And yet there are lady’s and little girls

Who call me Mother.

Some I listened too as they cried big tears

There are some, who’s noses I wiped,

While they shared with me their hopes, joys and fears.

Some say Mama, some say mama ceta, and others momma,

Whatever word they use, it means the same,

It is prized above fortune and fame.

So as the day approaches, that we celebrate once a year-

To show special kindness to women we hold dear.

I am Blessed to be called Mother--

Even, by the children of others.

I love each and everyone who has blessed me so,

This poem is written, just to let you know-

That you have bestowed upon me, a handle so dear,

Just thinking about it, brings me to tears.

Thank you my children for being so kind and loving

the very first chance I get, On you I will be hugging…

Blessed to Be called Mother, by my own and

Those from others.

I lift you up in prayer,

Asking God that you, he will take care.

You mean more to me than my words can convey,

Just know this, I love you and think of you every Day.

I Thank and Praise God, because I am so wondrously

Blessed To Be Called MOTHER By my children and those from others ……

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Are you wanting to become a model, but

not certain on how to get started??

Model Fashion is here to help! Learn how

to launch your modeling career, learn in-

teresting modeling techniques, new, in-

teresting ways to practice your angles

and SO much more,

from professional Plus Model Keri Atkins,

on Model Fashion!

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On today's hotlist is a movie that will set your

soul on fire. Yes you already know it the infa-

mous "ACT LIKE A LADY THINK LIKE A MAN"

this is the original title as dubbed by Steve Har-

vey as the movie is based on his award winning

book. I know this is a movie critique but please

please please read the book.It will change your

life. Now for the good part. This movie has the

most attractive cast of people from all races I

have ever seen. Starting the line up is Michael

"too sexy" Ely pardon my commentary lol but he

is my future husband after Hill Harper that is, he

play's a man with potential. Don't knock the up

and comers ladies might miss your blessing.

Next we have Taraji P Henson who is strong

and beautiful pow!!! a dangerous combination.

She plays a six figure income earner who does-

n't want a man that has anything less than what

she can bring to the table watch out!!! We bring

in the rest of the cars on this train with Kevin

Hart fun sized and cute who plays a divorcee

who doesn't know if he wants to be single or

endure the supposed abuse of his wife. Then

Regina Hall an oldie but a goodie because she

hasn't been on the scene in a while

her ageless beauty plays a single mom who

needs a man and not a man not a mama's boy.

Some new eye candy of a different latte is Jerry

Ferrara he is also fun sized with a hint of milk

his issue is simple he just needs to grow, up

that is according to Gabriel union who plays his

live in girlfriend. Who do we have here also

timeless is Meagan Good young, talented, and

gorgeous can you say triple threat. She plays a

young woman that has a little trouble

"clink clinking" as Madea says. Ladies just

know if you have this problem all hope is

not lost there is a man for you too. New

to the scene is Romany Malco bald men

are in now so get with the program he is a

lady's man and he can pull you without even

trying look out. Jennifer Lewis with her extraor-

dinary ability to play a mom as she does in this

movie always fulfills our expectations and then

some as the mom of Terrence Jenkins or se-

cretly sexy Terrence J in the movie who obvi-

ously doesn't want to let go of motherly ties.

As much as I would love to tell the entire movie

but I can't just know there are

also surprise appearances by LaLa, Kelly Row-

land, and many others. As I always say this

movie is a MUST SEE, but also know right from

the beginning you will learn how to get a man

and keep him. GO SEE IT!!

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Next on the list is The Hunger Games what con-

troversy this movie brought up. We all love a

good action movie but when it involves children

heads will roll literally. So this cast is filled with

some new faces to the big screen I feel with go

very far in the acting careers. First up is Wes

Bently eye candarific he is yes I said it. He has

what I call quiet strength he's charismatic,

charming, sophisticated in farm boy kina way

and handsome to boot. He plays Seneca Crane

the supposed antagonist of the true star of this

movie from the same neighborhood if you know

what I mean. His co-star is Jennifer Lawrence

who plays Katniss Everdeen who is America's

sweetheart in the movie because she volunteers

her self in place of her sister Primrose Everdeen

played by Willow shields. Woody Harreleson a

man we know from many different screen de-

but's especially cheers plays Haymitch Aber-

nathy a previous member from District 11 which

is what the cities are called who is supposed to

guide the teens on how to survive and win. He's

not exactly the most competent role model in

the movie and I will let your imagination's sore

with that. Now the topic of controversy is

Amanda Stenberg who recently played the little

girl version of Colombiana she brings her inno-

cence and wit right on into this movie as well. I

know she has a strong career ahead of her. The

controversy came about because she is not

white ironically she is of Danish decent so stop

hating on her thanks. Back to the critique this

movie is a definite MUST SEE!!!! Warning it is

very gory and PG13 may be an understatement.

This movie too has a book as the precursor so

to gain a better understanding please please

please read the book if possible I have heard it

is an awesome read and gives insight into the

movie... GO SEE IT!!!!!

This has been movie critiques of the week with

your truly C.J. Kirven the Cinema Diva...

Cheriden J. Kirven

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1. Lose Control

Of all the things you have power over in your life, sleep isn't

one of them. No amount of wishing, hoping or willing can make

it happen. As soon as you accept that it's out of your control,

you'll spend less time worrying about it. It's like traffic during

your morning commute, you can either let it drive you nuts

daily or know that it's just a part of life--some days will be

smoother than others.

2. Set a Bedtime

You set an alarm to get up every morning, but punctuality for

going to bed is just as important. While you don't have to set a nightly alarm, pick an hour for shutting down every night and

stick to it—on weekends too. Your body needs routine.

3. Take a Bath

The Sandman comes when the body's temperature drops. Exag-

gerate that effect with a toasty bath or shower then lie down and

let your body heat get low.

4. Black Out

Even the smallest amount of light can disturb slumber. That means TVs, computers, and even hallway lights should be

switched to the off position until you've landed safely on the

other side of morning.

5. Drown Out Noise

Putting your iPod on shuffle isn't the best idea for drowning out

your partner's snoring. You never know when a jolting party

anthem will come up. Instead, sleep with a fan on or invest in a

sound machine that can produce white noise to block the racket

of the outside world.

6. Be Cool

Cold is sleep's partner in crime. So lower your thermostat a

bit—and save money on your heat while you're at it—then pile

on the blankets. A colder bedroom means your body will func-

tion at calmer, more restful speeds.

7. Eat Light

Heavy eating or drinking before bed increases your chances of

indigestion or frequent trips to the bathroom. A light dinner

about two hours before bedtime can help you sleep more

soundly.

8. No Smoking or Drinking

A night of debauchery every now and then is fine but don't

make a habit of a glass of wine and a smoke before bed. Alco-

hol and nicotine are stimulants that can not only keep you wide-eyed, but also interrupt a peaceful night's sleep.

9. Pillows

The pillow is like a sports bra; it's the most important equip-

ment for working out your z's. Make sure that your pillows are

supportive, comfortable, and suited to your sleeping position

tendencies. The pillows of a stomach sleeper and a fetal posi-

tion person don't have to look the same. Find the best pillow for

your sleep habits.

10. Kick the Pets Out

Midnight hairballs, dogs dreaming of digging—need we say more? As adorable as they are, your pets are not sleep's best

friends. They're just as prone to be woken up—and thus wake

you up—by the little things that go bump in the night.

11. Kill the Pain

If a minor ache or pain is keeping you awake don't fight it. Do

whatever you need to make it better, whether it's popping some

Ibuprofen or getting to a doctor.

12. Avoid Caffeine

It's fine that you can't get through the day without your morning

latte, but make it a rule that no caffeine touches your lips after

sundown.

13. Just Breathe

Stop concentrating on the laundry list of concerns in your head

and focus on your breath. Deep and slow or short and shallow,

the sound of your inhales and exhales can be a lullaby to sooth you into slumber.

14. Stay Calm

When sleeplessness strikes, don't freak out—that will only de-

lay the process further. Give yourself a break. So what if you're

having a sleepless night? It's not the end of the world. By think-

ing, 'Great, I can't sleep. I'm going to be worthless tomorrow,'

you're creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Relax and trust that

there will be plenty of sleep-filled nights in your near future.

15. Don't Compensate

There is no such thing as making up for lost sleep except for

getting back on your regular schedule. Naps, going to bed super

early, or sleeping late may seem like the natural fixes to a sleep-

less night, but they actually send your body mixed messages.

Keep your sleep schedule calibrated for your life, not a random

late night or a short bout of insomnia

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Pastor Nannie German

Sr. Pastor of Spirit and In Truth Ministries in NJ . Pas-tor German writes our Spiri-tual Insight column.

Freelance writer and web designer Keri Atkins has always enjoyed

fashion, but never thought she had a place in fashion as a plus sized

woman. Her fashion blog, Model Fashion, was inspired by this goal: to share fashion spreads, modeling

tips, 'how to' styling videos and

Steve Harris is a licensed

minister of the gospel. He re-

sides in Tuscaloosa Alabama

with his wife Roxanne Harris,

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