It is no secret that I am a huge fan of performing arts, so, last month, I was nothing less than pleased to attend the Pee Dee Community Arts Team’s performance of Restored III: An Inspirational Dance Musical Production.  The Pee Dee Community Arts Team is comprised of a diverse group of young people who are immensely talented. The group is headed by the very inspiring Minister Leya R. Elijah-Eller.  I had been looking forward to this production for a while and I was oh so glad that I attended.  

​As described on PDCAT’s Facebook page, Restored III is “a moving and soul-stirring story of life and living in a very real world”.  It was exactly that. Segments of the production addressed a variety of relevant issues, including personal salvation, police brutality, domestic violence, and more.  There were very touching moments. There were through-provoking moments. There were humorous moments. One thing is for sure, there was not a dull moment throughout the show.  One of the many highlights of the evening: award-winning vocalist Carlett Martin performed and brought down the house.

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Read on for tidbit and pics...

Michael, a member of PDCAT's musician team, got the show started very nicely.  

Restored featured the music of Take 6, Sounds of Blackness, Karen Clark-Sheard, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and more. Very entertaining! 

Watching these young people perform reminds me of my own daughter on stage when she was enrolled in dance classes. She studied tap, jazz, and ballet from the age of 4 until she was 9 years old. I was overjoyed to see the poise and confidence in my baby and the other students.  Though she decided on sports instead of dance, the benefits of dance have stuck with her until this day.  This is why I strive to support the arts in my community.  

I am certainly looking forward to PDCAT's next production which is expected to premiere in April 2017! Follow Pee Dee Community Arts Team on Facebook for future show dates.  

Are you a fan of performing arts?  How did your love of the arts begin? Comment below!  

On Saturday September 17th there was nothing less than sheer power in the room at the Beautiful Sisters United Meet and Greet Luncheon.  Beautiful Sisters United is an empowerment organization based in South Carolina founded by Audra Blyther. Audra orchestrated the event with the intent to bring awareness to breast cancer and domestic violence, issues that require our attention year-round. The luncheon featured inspiring speakers, spoken word and liturgical performances, and a fabulous fashion showcase.
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I had the honor of participating in the event in two capacities: official event blogger and as a model for Outter Wear Boutique and Infinity Boutique during the fashion showcase.   

I won't go into detail about each individual speaker for fear of leaving anyone out. One thing is for sure: each story was awe-inspiring. There are so many women who have endured and found the courage to escape domestic violence relationships. There are so many of us who have either directly or through a loved one, witnessed the fight against various forms of cancer. The women featured at this event are those who had the insight and courage to champion for others who may be experiencing the struggles that they once endured.  

​My Take-Aways from the Event

1. We must have faith when facing even those situations that appear hopeless.
2. Never judge a book by its cover. Do not assume that you know a person’s journey.
3. As women, we need one another. No one will understand and advocate for those issues that affect us more passionately than we can ourselves. 

The fashion showcase featured fall looks from Infinity Boutique and Outter Wear Boutique.  
Congratulations to Audra Blyther on a successful event. 
Follow Beautiful Sisters United on Facebook!

​There’s always that one coworker.  I was walking across the office one afternoon, returning from my afternoon break and a male coworker (one who seems to pay attention to my every single move) looked at me and said “it can’t be that bad”. This immediately annoyed me because I already knew that he was referring to my facial expression, but I humored him anyway.  I asked “what are you talking about?”  He said “well you should smile more. It will make you feel better”.  So, yea I had to school him on a few things. 
I pulled him aside and let him know 1. I am not here for your entertainment, so there are no smiles on demand (yes, this had to be said due to other comments that he’s made). 2. You’re assuming that I am upset/angry/sad based on a facial expression which is a terrible assumption to make.  3. If you’re truly concerned about how I am feeling, just ask if I’m ok. I know that, to some, this response may seem overboard, but this wasn’t his first time and this whole “you should smile more” “put a smile on your face” thing is a pet peeve of mine. Here are a few reasons why: 

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1. You probably interrupted my daydreaming. I am the poster child for introversion. It takes nothing for me to get lost in my own thoughts. I am totally unaware of it but I’d bet that this comes with some interesting facial expressions on my part. 
2. This is my natural disposition.  It doesn’t mean that I’m not happy.  Telling me to smile only makes things awkward. 
3. The moment in which you witness me not smiling is only a slice of life, fleeting moment. Rest assured, I do have my ‘smiley’ moments.
4. By telling me to smile you are likely to get the exact opposite of a smile.  Why?  Because you just annoyed me.
5. If you really want me to smile.  You should smile and, more than likely, I will smile in return. 
6. A smile is not a good barometer of a person’s overall happiness.  It’s ironic that comedians have some of the most tragic realities. It is true that many people smile despite their inner pain, struggles, etc.   
7. Maybe I am having a bad day and I just don’t feel like smiling.  It happens and it’s ok.  

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t show concern or care for a loved one when they seem to be feeling down, but what I am saying is that is so unnecessary for you to tell a complete stranger to change their facial expression.  We have no need for self-appointed captains of the smile brigade.  It’s irksome…it’s annoying.  Just stop it because I'm truly ok! 

What are some of your pet peeves?  We all have our hang-ups and idiosyncracies.  It's ok.  Comment below!