#ImInspiredBy...

This past weekend I finally finished my vision board.  Mind you, I bought the poster board and supplies for this project back in January.  The original idea was to make a vision board for 2012 but since we are almost half way through this year, I made a vision board of the things I want to do by the end of the year and other things that inspire me.

While going through Ebony and Glamour magazines to find pictures to cut out, I found a picture of Maya Angelou and I immediately cut it out.  She had to go on my vision board.  The summer of 2008 included an exlusive summer reading list of Maya Angelou books.  Her autobiography impressed me.  The life she led was amazing and she is also why I have started writing again.  Now I know that my writing will probably never amount to what she has done but she inspires me to find a way to put some of my deepest feelings into words in a way that most people can relate to.  I am not sure if it will happen before the end of 2012 but I hope to meet and ask her advice for someone that is serious about writing and pick her brain about how she feels about the present state of women. 

Something else I am inspired by is fashion.  I cannot tell you what was on this past spring's fashion runway but I do love fashion.  Basically because this is the utmost way to show off your personality.  This is a way to introduce yourself to someone before ever opening your mouth.  And I cannot get enought of bright colors, belts, big earrings, and wedges.  I have seriously enjoyed putting together outfits that express who I am.  I like to think I am upbeat, unique, and out going.  I want my wardrobe to say the same thing. 

Last but most certainly not least, I am inspired by my spirituality.  Some of you may know that I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  This past April 15, 2012 I was baptized and it will not be a day that I will forget.  It was the day that disowned myself and said that I would live my life for Jehovah God.  It is not always easy but it is most certainly worth it.  My spiritual beliefs have inspired the rest of my life including who I date (1 Corthians 7:39), how I spend my money (Matthew 6:19-21), and who I choose as close associates (1Corthians 15:33).  I am greatful to have Jehovah guiding my life. 

If you have not, create a vision board.  It is relaxing and it reminds you about things that maybe you have forgotten about yourself

If you have not already follow me on Twitter @EbonyMarieRe

My vision board!!!

#ChrisBrownShowingOutAGAIN

Just in case you have not heard about the latest beef Chris Brown is involved in, let me give you the tea.  He has gotten himself into a brawl with Meek Mill and Drake, supposedly over a champagne bottle being sent to Drake’s table at a night club.  I cannot give specific details because there have been so many conflicting stories.  But at the end of the champagne bottle tossing, Chris Brown has a chunk of meat from his chin missing, a girl who was visiting our country has been hit with a bottle, and one of Chris’ body guards was laid up in a hospital bed bleeding everywhere.  Drake has made a statement claiming he was not involved in the beef. 

Regardless of what the true story is, I am really tired of these celebrities showing their behind.  There are people who do not know how they are going to pay their rent this month.  There are people who do not know where their next meal is going to come from; there are people who are jobless and unemployment is about to come to an end.  Then you got Chris Brown and Meek Mill throwing champagne bottles, probably the equivalent of my bi-weekly paycheck.  I have never understood why rich people are the pettiest people.  If I was a millionaire I would be somewhere chilling on a beach, not attacking people in the club with broken glass.  But I guess the old saying is true: Money cannot buy class.

And to the girl that got cut with a bottle here is some advice to you: Get you a good lawyer and get paid.  If Chris Brown and Meek Mil got money to throw around the club in shears of glass, they got money to pay you for your pain and suffering.  If it was me they would for not only pay for the stitches but the hairdo that got messed up, the outfit that was ruin because of champagne and blood, the embarrassment, my plane ticket back home to my country, and whatever else I could think of.  When I was done suing Chris Brown, he would have to rename his album Fame to Famine. 

Now do not get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Chris Brown.  I do believe that he is one of the talented performers of our generation, but every time you turn around he is in the middle of some beef.  Just a couple of weeks ago, him and Brian McKnight were going at it on Twitter.  The day Chris Brown learns that he does not have to respond to every negative thing that is thrown his way is the day his life will become a lot less stressful.  And by the way, where is his publicist, his spiritual advisor, his momma?! Like for real, I need someone to intercede quickly before Chris Brown ultimately ruins his career. 

Okay guys and gals, that is all the tea I got for you for right now.  If you haven’t already follow me on twitter, @EbonyMarieRe.

#DontBullySherriShepherd

I want to start this post off by saying I apologize about being away for so long.  And I want to thank you if you watched the first episode of Through EBONY Eyes on YouTube.  Because of technical difficulties we have not been able to put up another episode but will be posting another episode hopefully soon. 

With that said, on to the main point of this post.  Sherri Shepherd, co-host on The View, was bullied on Twitter.  After someone tweeted Ms. Sherri that she should be dragged in a back alley and raped, she tweeted that she would be pressing charges against this person.  She then talked about online bullying and taking a stand.  Even though some have expressed on Twitter that she is blowing it out of proportion, I support Ms. Sherri Shepherd for standing up against online bullying.

Bullying has certainly been taken to another level since bullies (cowards) have taken their antics to the web.  Growing up in the 90’s and early 2000’s, bullying took place at school on the playground.  Even though this was not right, at least the child was able to go home and escape it.  Now with Facebook and Twitter, children and teens continue to be bully long after the last school bell has rung.  We now frequently hear stories in the news about bullied victims committing suicide or victims taking vengeance into their own hand which at time results in homicie.  Some states have even taken steps to change the laws concerning on-line bullying.  But regardless of the laws, we must take a stand against online bullying and this is what Sherri Shepherd doing.

There is a saying that goes “You don’t believe fat meat is greasy.”  Well, Sherri is showing the grease.  By taking a stand and getting the law involved she is making an example out of this person that you cannot just tweet people whatever and not suffer consequences.  When it comes to posting statuses and tweets, people always think of freedom of speech.  But freedom of speech does not include making threats or repeatedly attacking any one person. 

If this person is charged I think it will make people think twice before threatening someone online.  In order to show that online bullying is a problem, we cannot just keep ignoring it.  Sherri, I salute you for taking this step.

Remember to follow me on Twitter, @EbonyMarieRe

#EBONYEyesGoesViral

I am excited to announce that EBONY Eyes will be taking on a new venture: YouTube!  This is something that I have wanted to do for awhile.  My blog has been a creative outlet for me and I am ready to take it to another level.  Lately, I have been watching a popular YouTube show and it has inspired to do more than just write. This show will talk about entertainment, music, and other current events. 

I am also going to have co-hosts to help me discuss different topics.  The co-hosts will be Alton Young, Morgan Dickerson, and Billy Cordell Pigge.  I met them in college and they all will bring something different to the table.  I picked them because I knew they would give their honest opinions about whatever topic we are talking about and there will be laughs along the way. 

Before the first episode I want to introduce you to the co-hosts of Through EBONY Eyes:

Ebony Marie-Re  You have learned a lot about me through my posts.  I’m obsessed with Real Housewives of Atlanta and all other things entertainment.  I am also a huge advocate for women having healthy, positive body images regardless of shape, size, or color.  Through my blog and new YouTube show I hope to continue to be a spokesperson for the thicker women and the love we need to have for ourselves.  I am originally from Jacksonville, AR and now currently living in Maumelle, AR.  A dream of mine is to one day open my own catering business that will specialize in catering small, intimate events. 

Alton Young  Alton is a native of  Oceola, AR and relocated to Conway, AR about 6 years ago.  He is a lover of music and manages a contemporary gospel group by the name of Extol.  Management of Extol is one of many things that he does under the umbrella of YellaDuck Entertainment, a business he started in 2009.  Alton also loves to laugh, cook/grill, and take road trips. 

Morgan Dickerson Morgan is 26 from Crossett, AR.  She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a BS in Sociology and is currently working on her Masters of Arts in Teaching.  She loves all things entertainment-music, movies, television, fashion, and more. "I should be running an entertainment blog but I rather teach the future of tomorrow about American History!" says Morgan. 
Billy Cordell Pigge  Cordell was born and raised in Little Rock, AR.  He is the youngest of five kids and 2012 graduate from the University of Central Arkansas.  He keeps it real at all times and loves to express his feelings.  Cordell says that he has learned to find the good in everyone and everything and one thing he is not is judgmental.

I will continue to write posts and post episodes to my blog.  Thank you to all who have followed and read my blog this past year.  I truly appreciate all of you and hope you stay tuned for the YouTube series!   Remember to follow me on twitter, @EbonyMarieRe

#ILoveYoutube

Outside of improving my writing skills and watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta, another past time for me is Youtube videos.  Some of my fondest college memories had to do with watching Youtube videos.  I can remember times being in the living room with my girls and watching some of the most hilarious videos on the web.    For this post I thought that I would share my favorite videos on Youtube.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 

5. Single Ladies Gone Wrong

Not only is this song a classic but the video is too! Home girl had the moves down but probably should have done the dance in a more open area.  I know she needed a BC after this dance number.

4. Surprise Your Man

You all know that I am a huge supporter of the big girls (check out last post).  Unfortunately, the pole was not a supporter of  Ms. Lady in this video. 

3. Ebony Jenkins Singing

As funny as I think this video is, I hate the fact that me and her share the same name. 

2.  HeeHeeHooHoo

This guy has to be the sweetest/funniest expecting father ever

And the number 1 video goes to Antoine Dawson.  This guy right here is a Youtube legend.  When his news interview about his sister almost rape encounter got autotuned, this young man became a household name.  I have to admit that I bought the song off Itunes.  For your viewing pleasure, I present to you Antoine Dawson.

I hope you enjoyed these videos!  Before you leave follow my blog and me on twitter at @EbonyMarieRe

#MyWeightMyIssue

I recently went on a tangent on Twitter about how others who have never had a weight issue feel obligated to suggest to others what they need to do about their weight.  Some “smaller” people think that losing weight can happen overnight.  “All you have to do is eat right and exercise and then you will see the weight fade away” says the skinny girl with high metabolism who has never in her life had a roll (the ones on your back, not on your plate).  On this post, I dub myself as the unofficial spokeswoman for the thicker girls who have had a constant battle with their weight.  Here are just a few tips that will help you talk (or not talk) to a thicker woman about her weight:

1.       If you are not a doctor, do not start jumping on people about their weight.  Sometimes people that do this are not always sensitive about their approach.  You could really be hurting somebody’s feelings if you do not watch how your words come out.

2.       Big people know they are big; we do not need anybody to make this known to us.  We do not need your “Girl, when did you pick up all that weight? Did you have a baby?” Believe me when I say we are reminded that we are a little on the heavy side every time we suck in to button up a pair of jeans.

3.       Most of us are trying to make an effort.  Rather you know this or not, most of us are trying to do better with our health.  As a family and consumer science major, I took a lot of nutritious classes and I know you have to make lifestyle changes.  Losing weight is more than just taking a pill or drinking some special shake (both of which I do not trust).  Losing weight means making a pattern of preparing a meal at home versus eating out and exercising most days of the week.  These changes for some take awhile to make permanent. 

4.       We are allowed a treat every now and again.  “Smaller” folks believe that all bigger people can eat is rice cakes and carrot sticks.  And when these “smaller” people see bigger people eating anything else, they start to judge.  I believe that anything is okay in moderation.  It is important that fruits and vegetables make up a huge part of the diet but it is okay to have a cupcake every once in awhile. 

5.       We should not be stressed out about our weight.  My weight has been something I have battled with all my life.  I have come to the decision that I will lose weight at my own pace.  I will only lose weight for myself and no one else and that includes family, friends, or a man.  Since it is my weight, I will deal with it as I see fit.  When you stress a woman out about her weight it does not help her but hinders her.  In some cases, it could affect her self-esteem.

I do not believe all “smaller” people mean to hurt thick people but some just do not care.  Encouragement is fine but be aware of what you say.  What you find as words of encouragement could be words of destruction.

Also if you are not already follow me on twitter, @EbonyMarieRe.  I might have some other tangents in the future. 

#TrayvonMartinProsecuteAsHateCrime?

The tragic case of Trayvon Martin has been getting more attention by the day.  Celebrities and new outlets are bringing attention to this story.  Users on Facebook and Twitter have been reposting stories and news updates on the case of the unarmed 17-year-old black teen that was shot by a self appointed neighborhood watch leader.  A lot of people are looking at the case from a racial point of view.  Black teen wearing a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers is shot down by a white man.  Of course, there must have been a racial motive.  But the fact is that this was not a white man but a Hispanic man who shot this young man.  And as his father told reporters that he [George Zimmerman] is not a racist because he grew up in a multicultural family and apparently mentors black youth in his neighborhood.  And that is why I feel the prosecution should not focus on racism but focus that this man’s careless, irrational actions are the cause of the death of Trayvon Martin.

After being told by 911 not to follow the young man, Zimmerman left the safety of his vehicle to follow Martin.  Zimmerman did not have any reasonable cause or authority to confront Martin.  Zimmerman is not even a part of the national organization for Neighborhood Watch which in their bylaws has specified that watch leaders are not to carry weapons.  Trayvon was not in any way on Zimmerman’s personal property.  This information alone should debunk Zimmerman’s self defense claim.  Not to mention the fact that Martin is 140 pounds and Zimmerman is 250 pounds.  When the police arrived, all that was found on Martin was a bag of Skittles and a bottle of ice tea.  There was no need for this type of deadly force to be used by Zimmerman.

On the 911 calls you can hear Martin yelling for help.  Anybody who is attacking someone and possibly winning is not yelling for help.  After the cries for help you hear gun shots on the 911 calls.  Trayvon was also on the phone moments before he was shot and describing to the caller that he was being followed.  It is obvious that Martin knew he was in trouble and not trying to attack anyone but maybe was trying to defend his self.  Martin had the reputation of being a cheerful A and B honor roll student and did not have a history of getting in trouble with the law.  I do not suppose that he chose this night to engage in a life of crime. 

I feel the prosecution can build a better case by focusing on the fact that an innocent young man was murdered by an overly zealous vigilante.  All the evidence is there: calls, witnesses, and past histories (Zimmerman has called 911 46 times since January 2012).  Do not get me wrong, I do believe that this man is a very ignorant man and it is possible he thought Martin looked “suspicious” because he was black, but when it comes to this particular case race should not be the focus.  All in all, I hope justice is served.