Minister of Style

Today is my birthday and I’m beginning a new chapter in my life, I’m relocating to Jacksonville, Florida which is why you haven’t seen much of me lately.  I’m cleaning, sorting and packing this week to prepare for our move on Sunday.  I needed to make changes in my life to give me and my family an opportunity to start anew. I’m chasing my dreams and pursuing the peaceful life that has eluded me for so long.  I’m going for it, I decided that it is now or never and never is not an option. Life is so very short and I want to leave here with no regrets. 2010 was a really rough year for me, things took place that shook me to my very core and caused me to question everything that I knew to be true about myself, especially as a parent. While things have greatly improved, they are by no means fixed. I have smiled through the pain and heartache then wrestled for months on whether or not to share my semi private struggle that I have been having with my middle son and his destructive decisions. My heart has longed to share however I worried about being judged without all the facts being known but I decided that the impact sharing could have for some parent who is facing the same circumstances I have been faced with is better than fretting about how I will be perceived. So I will share some of what I have experienced with him once I have settled in at our new home.  Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!  Until then,  I have been closing chapters in my life and saying see you soon to family and friends (no goodbyes, I WILL see you again, New Jersey is m my home).  My last day at work was last Thursday and I was celebrated with a luncheon, complete with a beautiful cake and gifts.  I was employed for the past 9 years by one of the greatest men in Congress and the first and only African American Congressman of the State of New Jersey, he is a man who will go down in history as someone who took a stand for the poor and disenfranchised…I am honored to have been a member of his staff.

My last day at my church was Sunday and my heart is broken to leave such a loving and caring church! Two years ago they welcomed me with open arms and an equally open heart, I have never felt so at home anywhere.  My pastor has been my friend and my mentor, he has been an excellent example of who I aspire to be in ministry. I am saddened to not  be able to witness what God is going to do in that branch of Zion for I have been privileged to see the beginnings. If you need a church home filled with loving,  God fearing, Bible believing ,worshippers…Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church of Newark, New Jersey is the place to be, trust me better yet trust the Holy Spirit!

Which leads me up to today…my birthday!  We aren’t doing too much as we must get the packing done within the next 4 days  (and I’ve already procrastinated for far too long) but we are taking a little break celebrating with some Jamaican food and a delicious strawberry shortcake.  Tomorrow he will be taking me out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Libretti‘s. My outfit for today is casual chic, I am feeling a little sporty today so I donned a pair of Faded Glory capri jeans with my favorite blouse, Carlos Santana nude pumps and a fedora.

So with that said this will be my last outfit post until I reach my destination. I am wearing the latest fashions in moving attire of which I don’t think you will be impressed. So to fill in the gap I am starting a series titled, Florida Bloggers Bring the Heat! I asked 4 amazing bloggers who reside in Florida to post in my absence about fashion and beauty.  Ashley of A Sassy Woman,  Bajan Beauty of Curves and Confidence, MJ of Fierce, and Prissy of Rush Our Fashion will keep you informed and entertained while my family and I make our way across country to our new home. Look for their posts starting August 29th.  I won’t be totally out of the loop, I’ll be tweeting my adventure  (and this will be an adventure as I have never driven more than an hour anywhere) so if you are not following me  (and why aren’t you?) then you need to be to take this ride with me. Please pray for our safe travels and I’ll resume regular posting when I arrive in Florida!

Please forgive me for not answering your lovely comments, as soon as I get settled or if I stop to smell the roses in between packing, I will respond back.  I love my readers with all my heart and treasure every comment you leave me so puhleeze…DON’T STOP COMMENTING!

Go forth and please be …stylish