Swine Flu Causes Cruise Line Changes
As of today, April 28, 2009 Carnival, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Carribean have all canceled their ports of call in Mexico due to the Swine flu outbreak. For today most of the ships just spent an extra day at sea.
For future cruises,check each cruise line website for the itinerary change.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Holland America Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Carribean
Norwegian Cruise Line
You can also call your travel Agent. If you booked a cruise with www.GailsDreamVacations.com I will assist you.
For updates on the Swine Flu go to CDC.gov.
For more information on the Swine flu, visit my post on Mexico, The Swine Flu and Travel.
It's amazing how a small virus like the Swine flu can cause such changes in the huge Cruise line itineraries!
Stay well!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Planning a Vacation? Let me help you!
Fill out the form on this blog and I will get back to you.
Or go to www.GailsDreamVacations.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mexico, the Swine Flu and Travel
Mexico, the Swine Flu and Travel
The Swine Flu was a hot topic at work today with my co-workers and my patients. As I nurse I am doing double duty addressing the medical issues and the Travel side of this public health issue with friends and family.
There has been 103 confirmed deaths in Mexico as of this writing . There are 44 confirmed cases in the US, which are milder than the strain found in Mexico. 28 of them are in New York isolated to a school in Queens, NY. World Health Organization elevated the Pandemic alert to Phase 4 out of 6.
So of course everytime someone sneezed in our facility they came over to “Nurses’ Row” My office is in the Bronx which is just over the bridge from Queens. Ah.... Let the fun begin! .
Its important to note that this Swine flu operates as any other flu and the same precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. I have heard and read some interesting concepts about the flu. Like it came from eating Pork, or from people having un-natural relations with Pigs, which is also a myth.
So lets begin with:
What is the Swine Flu?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by an influenza (flu) virus. Mopst people do not realize that animals get illnesses that are also common to humans, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Yes the flu. Human cases of Swine flu occur around people who are around pigs. It can also pass from person to person. This strain of Swine flu also has bird flu and human flu genes.
How do you catch swine flu and is it Contagious?
Swine flu is spread by contact with infected pigs or their surrounding area that has been contaminated with Swine flu viruses.. Also spread by contact with a person who has been infected with the Swine flu. It is considered contagious which simply means it can be spread from person to person.
How Can We Prevent spreading the Swine Flu
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Cough or sneeze in the bend of your el bow if you do not have a tissue available
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners , like Purel are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* stay home from work or school if you become ill with the Swine Flu. Pleeeeeese!!!!
* limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That is how Germs are spread.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Contact your doctor . You may be prescribed an anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza which can lessen the severity of the flu.
I planned a Trip to Mexico, Should I cancel it?
Many people are asking if they should change their travel plans.
The US is planning on issuing a Travel Alert for non-essential travel to Mexico.
This is the perfect scenario to emphasize the importance of purchasing Travel Insurance. This is the type of situation that it is very useful in.
So far No cruises to Mexico have been canceled.
(THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE, CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE ON CRUISE LINE ITINERARY CHANGES DUE TO THE SWINE FLU)
For example, Carnival Cruise line offered this on their site:
“Fortunately, there currently is no evidence of a swine flu pandemic and there have been no reports of guests exhibiting symptoms of swine flu on Carnival’s ships.
Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We are monitoring the situation in Mexico and maintain regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control. We do not anticipate that our guests' cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjustments to our itineraries.”
No Airline flights have been canceled. Some airlines are offering passengers to change their travel plans without penalty. Other airlines are offering to reschedule flights and/or travel plans at no extra charge. This may change day to day. Check with your airlines for their policy, or the travel agent you booked with.
Information is changing and evolving daily Check at the CDC.Gov site for the most up to date information on Travel to Mexico and the effect that the Swine Flu may have on it.
In the meantime, lets pray for Mexico. Its been a difficult year for our neighbors to the South.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Planning a Vacation? Let me help you?
Fill out the form on this blog and I will get back to you.
Or go to www.GailsDreamVacations.com
The Swine Flu was a hot topic at work today with my co-workers and my patients. As I nurse I am doing double duty addressing the medical issues and the Travel side of this public health issue with friends and family.
There has been 103 confirmed deaths in Mexico as of this writing . There are 44 confirmed cases in the US, which are milder than the strain found in Mexico. 28 of them are in New York isolated to a school in Queens, NY. World Health Organization elevated the Pandemic alert to Phase 4 out of 6.
So of course everytime someone sneezed in our facility they came over to “Nurses’ Row” My office is in the Bronx which is just over the bridge from Queens. Ah.... Let the fun begin! .
Its important to note that this Swine flu operates as any other flu and the same precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. I have heard and read some interesting concepts about the flu. Like it came from eating Pork, or from people having un-natural relations with Pigs, which is also a myth.
So lets begin with:
What is the Swine Flu?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by an influenza (flu) virus. Mopst people do not realize that animals get illnesses that are also common to humans, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Yes the flu. Human cases of Swine flu occur around people who are around pigs. It can also pass from person to person. This strain of Swine flu also has bird flu and human flu genes.
How do you catch swine flu and is it Contagious?
Swine flu is spread by contact with infected pigs or their surrounding area that has been contaminated with Swine flu viruses.. Also spread by contact with a person who has been infected with the Swine flu. It is considered contagious which simply means it can be spread from person to person.
How Can We Prevent spreading the Swine Flu
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Cough or sneeze in the bend of your el bow if you do not have a tissue available
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners , like Purel are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* stay home from work or school if you become ill with the Swine Flu. Pleeeeeese!!!!
* limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That is how Germs are spread.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Contact your doctor . You may be prescribed an anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza which can lessen the severity of the flu.
I planned a Trip to Mexico, Should I cancel it?
Many people are asking if they should change their travel plans.
The US is planning on issuing a Travel Alert for non-essential travel to Mexico.
This is the perfect scenario to emphasize the importance of purchasing Travel Insurance. This is the type of situation that it is very useful in.
So far No cruises to Mexico have been canceled.
(THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE, CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE ON CRUISE LINE ITINERARY CHANGES DUE TO THE SWINE FLU)
For example, Carnival Cruise line offered this on their site:
“Fortunately, there currently is no evidence of a swine flu pandemic and there have been no reports of guests exhibiting symptoms of swine flu on Carnival’s ships.
Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We are monitoring the situation in Mexico and maintain regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control. We do not anticipate that our guests' cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjustments to our itineraries.”
No Airline flights have been canceled. Some airlines are offering passengers to change their travel plans without penalty. Other airlines are offering to reschedule flights and/or travel plans at no extra charge. This may change day to day. Check with your airlines for their policy, or the travel agent you booked with.
Information is changing and evolving daily Check at the CDC.Gov site for the most up to date information on Travel to Mexico and the effect that the Swine Flu may have on it.
In the meantime, lets pray for Mexico. Its been a difficult year for our neighbors to the South.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Planning a Vacation? Let me help you?
Fill out the form on this blog and I will get back to you.
Or go to www.GailsDreamVacations.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Susan Boyle, Pursuing her Dream
Susan Boyle- Pursuing her Dream
Recently a friend sent a YouTube Video of 47 year old unemployed Susan Boyle trying out for “Britains Got Talent” . I must admit I am a sucker for these reality talent shows. I love music but I also love the comedic aspect of these shows, especially during these turbulent economic times when all we hear is gloom and doom.
I watched the video and saw a frumpy Susan Boyle address the judges. I saw the look on Simon Cowell’s face when she expressed her desire t o be a singer, as he casually glanced over her resume. She explained how she always wanted to b e a singer. How she has never been married or even kissed by a guy. Simon went on to ask her what her dream was.
“I’m trying to be a professional singer,” she said.
“And why hasn’t it worked out so far?” Cowell asked.
“I’ve never been given the chance before,” she said. “But here’s hoping it’ll change.”
You can feel the jokes coming. And then “it” happened. She opened her mouth and what sounded like an Angelic serenade straight from heaven proceeded to come out! Singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables Susan Boyle cast aside all the doubts and negativity she has undoubtedly received in her life. Years of caring for her sick mother alone, of dashed dreams all vanished during that moment.
The look on Simon’s face as well as the jaw dropping expressions on the faces of the other judges was priceless! The preconceived perception they had in their minds was immediately shattered to bits like exploding glass. Susan Boyle sang with the confidence and assurance of a multi- million dollar professional!
What a lesson to learn from Susan Boyle. Les Brown has a saying “Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.” Regardless of whether its pursing your education, your life’s dreams or a business. We should always keep Susan Boyle as a prime example of why we should never give up on the dreams that are in our hearts. No matter what any of the dream snatchers around us have to say.
*************************************************************
Dream Vacations available for your family vacations! Prices are dropping on cruises, all inclusive resorts. Take advantage of Recession Buster prices Contact me WLKRG5@GMAIL.COM
www.GailsDreamVacations.com Or fill in your contact information in the form on the side of this blog.
Recently a friend sent a YouTube Video of 47 year old unemployed Susan Boyle trying out for “Britains Got Talent” . I must admit I am a sucker for these reality talent shows. I love music but I also love the comedic aspect of these shows, especially during these turbulent economic times when all we hear is gloom and doom.
I watched the video and saw a frumpy Susan Boyle address the judges. I saw the look on Simon Cowell’s face when she expressed her desire t o be a singer, as he casually glanced over her resume. She explained how she always wanted to b e a singer. How she has never been married or even kissed by a guy. Simon went on to ask her what her dream was.
“I’m trying to be a professional singer,” she said.
“And why hasn’t it worked out so far?” Cowell asked.
“I’ve never been given the chance before,” she said. “But here’s hoping it’ll change.”
You can feel the jokes coming. And then “it” happened. She opened her mouth and what sounded like an Angelic serenade straight from heaven proceeded to come out! Singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables Susan Boyle cast aside all the doubts and negativity she has undoubtedly received in her life. Years of caring for her sick mother alone, of dashed dreams all vanished during that moment.
The look on Simon’s face as well as the jaw dropping expressions on the faces of the other judges was priceless! The preconceived perception they had in their minds was immediately shattered to bits like exploding glass. Susan Boyle sang with the confidence and assurance of a multi- million dollar professional!
What a lesson to learn from Susan Boyle. Les Brown has a saying “Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.” Regardless of whether its pursing your education, your life’s dreams or a business. We should always keep Susan Boyle as a prime example of why we should never give up on the dreams that are in our hearts. No matter what any of the dream snatchers around us have to say.
*************************************************************
Dream Vacations available for your family vacations! Prices are dropping on cruises, all inclusive resorts. Take advantage of Recession Buster prices Contact me WLKRG5@GMAIL.COM
www.GailsDreamVacations.com Or fill in your contact information in the form on the side of this blog.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?
The U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Alert to Mexico. People are now wondering, is it safe to travel to Mexico? The Travel industry says absolutely yes, as long as precautions are taken.
(LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE SWINE FLU AND MEXICO TRAVEL? CLICK HERE TO BE RE-DIRECTED)
The U.S. state dept issued this Travel Alert
This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.
“While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable”.
The State Department is advising travelers to avoid areas of prostitution and drug-dealing. The problem is increased violence near the U.S. borders due mostly to drug cartel wars. Americans have been kidnapped, injured or killed during violent attacks, mostly in non tourist areas. Its important to note that 20 million tourists and travelers visited Mexico last year, without a problem and had a wonderful experience. For the most part tourists have not been targeted.
However, When I hear clients say that they want to visit out of the area places when they travel to see “how the people really live” I want to SCREAM!!!! That is when tourists have the potential of encountering trouble.
Recently some colleges have issued warnings to students to avoid Mexico altogether during Spring Break. After all we know they usually do not go on organized tours.
Here are some suggestions for you to have a fantastic and safe trip to Mexico
~Travel on main roads and travel only during daylight hours
~Stay in known tourist areas
~Exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and always be aware of your surroundings.
~Avoid traveling alone
~Do not wear expensive looking jewelry
~Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables
~Book excursions and tours directly from your cruise lines or Resort concierge – They will use legitimate vendors and the tours will be in safe areas.
~Leave an itinerary with family or friends who are not traveling with you
~Check and see if your cell phone carrier is capable of roaming or GSM or 3G international networks.
~Cooperate official checkpoints while traveling on Mexican highways
Following the above suggestions and using plain common sense will pretty much ensure you of having a flawless Mexican vacation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you looking to book a vacation or cruise to Mexico?
Go to www.GailsDreamVacations.com
I can help. Contact me WLKRG5@gmail.com
Call 917-476-7305 (No solicitors please, thanks)
(LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE SWINE FLU AND MEXICO TRAVEL? CLICK HERE TO BE RE-DIRECTED)
The U.S. state dept issued this Travel Alert
This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.
“While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable”.
The State Department is advising travelers to avoid areas of prostitution and drug-dealing. The problem is increased violence near the U.S. borders due mostly to drug cartel wars. Americans have been kidnapped, injured or killed during violent attacks, mostly in non tourist areas. Its important to note that 20 million tourists and travelers visited Mexico last year, without a problem and had a wonderful experience. For the most part tourists have not been targeted.
However, When I hear clients say that they want to visit out of the area places when they travel to see “how the people really live” I want to SCREAM!!!! That is when tourists have the potential of encountering trouble.
Recently some colleges have issued warnings to students to avoid Mexico altogether during Spring Break. After all we know they usually do not go on organized tours.
Here are some suggestions for you to have a fantastic and safe trip to Mexico
~Travel on main roads and travel only during daylight hours
~Stay in known tourist areas
~Exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and always be aware of your surroundings.
~Avoid traveling alone
~Do not wear expensive looking jewelry
~Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables
~Book excursions and tours directly from your cruise lines or Resort concierge – They will use legitimate vendors and the tours will be in safe areas.
~Leave an itinerary with family or friends who are not traveling with you
~Check and see if your cell phone carrier is capable of roaming or GSM or 3G international networks.
~Cooperate official checkpoints while traveling on Mexican highways
Following the above suggestions and using plain common sense will pretty much ensure you of having a flawless Mexican vacation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you looking to book a vacation or cruise to Mexico?
Go to www.GailsDreamVacations.com
I can help. Contact me WLKRG5@gmail.com
Call 917-476-7305 (No solicitors please, thanks)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Celebrate Black History by Taking a Vacation
February is traditionally Black History Month. Black history is 365 days out of the year, not just one month out of the year. Why not turn this year’s family vacation into Black History learning experience?
It is so important for us to pass down the legacy of Black contributions to world history. So ofter our youth are not even aware of the sacrifices and contributions their elders and ancestors have made. I listed a few venues in this blog where
Black history can be celebrated and more learned about it.
One such venue is Washington D.C. Washington DC has a wealth of Black History that is available year round for the family, chock full of history. Did you know that DC was the first city to pass an Emancipation Act, freeing all slaves even before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln? Interesting information. A favorite place to visit is the Frederick Douglass Historical Site. Visit the home of this great abolitionist . We went as a family and must say this was one of the highlights of our trip.
There is also the Anacostia Community Museum, one of the Smithsonian museums. They have a wonderful tour called Jubilee: African American Celebration where you can discover the rich history of African American celebration through artifacts, photographs, and videos.
Another Venue is Memphis Tennessee. If you love music like me then you will love Stax Museum of American Soul Music Otherwise known as Soulville USA Exhibits include an authentic replica of an old Mississippi Delta church demonstrating soul music’s roots in gospel, the Soul Train dance floor Isaac Hayes’ restored 1972 gold-trimmed, peacock-blue El Dorado Cadillac; and case after case of artist bios, costumes, performance footage and the actual Stax recording studio itself. Definitely a must see when visiting the city .
Also In Memphis there is Mason’s Temple the Headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, the largest African American Pentecostal denomination. This is the site where Dr. King gave his "I've Been to the Mountain Top" speech the night before he was assasinated.
No trip to Memphis is complete without going to the National Civil Rights Museum, at the Lorraine Hotel which is the former hotel where Dr. King was assassinated.
To the North of us in Canada there is a rich African Canadian presence.. a popular tourist attraction is the African Canadian Heritage Tour. Part of that tour includes the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historical site the commemorates the life of Reverend Josiah Henson who worked with the UnderGround Railroad as as an abolitionist. His life inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle tom’s Cabn.”
There is another great site in Ontario that was part of the Underground Railroad. The North American Black Historical Museum Explore a home of escaped slaves and the church where their lives of freedome began.
B lack History is not just one month out of the year. It is 365 days a year. What better way to celebrate Black History than to incorporate it in a family vacation!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Gail to get your vacation boooked @ www.GailsDreamVacations.com.
email - WLKRG5@MAIL.COM
call 646-450-6255 *No soliciations please**
It is so important for us to pass down the legacy of Black contributions to world history. So ofter our youth are not even aware of the sacrifices and contributions their elders and ancestors have made. I listed a few venues in this blog where
Black history can be celebrated and more learned about it.
One such venue is Washington D.C. Washington DC has a wealth of Black History that is available year round for the family, chock full of history. Did you know that DC was the first city to pass an Emancipation Act, freeing all slaves even before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln? Interesting information. A favorite place to visit is the Frederick Douglass Historical Site. Visit the home of this great abolitionist . We went as a family and must say this was one of the highlights of our trip.
There is also the Anacostia Community Museum, one of the Smithsonian museums. They have a wonderful tour called Jubilee: African American Celebration where you can discover the rich history of African American celebration through artifacts, photographs, and videos.
Another Venue is Memphis Tennessee. If you love music like me then you will love Stax Museum of American Soul Music Otherwise known as Soulville USA Exhibits include an authentic replica of an old Mississippi Delta church demonstrating soul music’s roots in gospel, the Soul Train dance floor Isaac Hayes’ restored 1972 gold-trimmed, peacock-blue El Dorado Cadillac; and case after case of artist bios, costumes, performance footage and the actual Stax recording studio itself. Definitely a must see when visiting the city .
Also In Memphis there is Mason’s Temple the Headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, the largest African American Pentecostal denomination. This is the site where Dr. King gave his "I've Been to the Mountain Top" speech the night before he was assasinated.
No trip to Memphis is complete without going to the National Civil Rights Museum, at the Lorraine Hotel which is the former hotel where Dr. King was assassinated.
To the North of us in Canada there is a rich African Canadian presence.. a popular tourist attraction is the African Canadian Heritage Tour. Part of that tour includes the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historical site the commemorates the life of Reverend Josiah Henson who worked with the UnderGround Railroad as as an abolitionist. His life inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle tom’s Cabn.”
There is another great site in Ontario that was part of the Underground Railroad. The North American Black Historical Museum Explore a home of escaped slaves and the church where their lives of freedome began.
B lack History is not just one month out of the year. It is 365 days a year. What better way to celebrate Black History than to incorporate it in a family vacation!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Gail to get your vacation boooked @ www.GailsDreamVacations.com.
email - WLKRG5@MAIL.COM
call 646-450-6255 *No soliciations please**
Monday, January 19, 2009
From Martin Luther King Dream to Barack Obama Reality
From Martin Luther King Dream to Barack Obama Reality
Rosa sat so Martin could march. Martin MArched so Barack could run. Barack ran so we all can all fly!
Just sitting here watching CNN and other stations and all through my head the worship song "How Great is our God" is going through my mind. No matter whether one is Republican or Democrat, Black or white, you cannot deny the electricity in t he air. One of the old songs we sing is "We've Come this Far by Faith, Leaning on the Lord". That is how I feel right now. Never, never, never in my lifetime did I dream that I would live to see a time like this. Proof that prayer's work. Prayers of our ancestors and elders.
The Civil Rights era was birthed in the Black church. Prayer meeting after prayer meeting. Chorus (what we now call Worship Songs) after chorus. Strengthening and building the faith of those embarking on change. Many do not realize that the "freedom" songs of the Civil Rights era were modifications of "Negro Spirituals" or Choruses.
We shall Overcome, This Little Light of Mine, I won't Let Nobody Turn Me Around, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize"
This is proof that praise is certainly a weapon in a time of spiritual warfare. I look at Dr. King's often criticized tactics back then. They had sit ins that started in prayer. Marches that started in prayer and praise. It shows me today that Praise and Worship is so important.
Today we are on the threshold of seeing the end of one battle. i just wanted to take the time to thank God for Rev. Martin Luther King and thank God for Barack Obama. I believe these are 2 men cut from the same cloth for "such a time as this".
My whole family is home and we are listening to CNN and speeches and King tributes. Its so important in their lives. I b less God for allowing one son to graduate from college and another to graduate High School and is now in college.
I thank God I can turn to my sons and look them in the face and say "NO MORE EXCUSES" you can achieve whatever you put your heart to do. You WILL experience obstacles. I will not always be smooth sailing. But with God's help you can make.
Don't Let Nobody Turn Your "Round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let the policeman turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't let the policeman turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't let the politician turn you 'round
Slow you down, slow you down
Well don't let the politician slow you down
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let the army general burn the world
Burn the world, burn the world
Well don't let the army general burn this world
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Rosa sat so Martin could march. Martin MArched so Barack could run. Barack ran so we all can all fly!
Just sitting here watching CNN and other stations and all through my head the worship song "How Great is our God" is going through my mind. No matter whether one is Republican or Democrat, Black or white, you cannot deny the electricity in t he air. One of the old songs we sing is "We've Come this Far by Faith, Leaning on the Lord". That is how I feel right now. Never, never, never in my lifetime did I dream that I would live to see a time like this. Proof that prayer's work. Prayers of our ancestors and elders.
The Civil Rights era was birthed in the Black church. Prayer meeting after prayer meeting. Chorus (what we now call Worship Songs) after chorus. Strengthening and building the faith of those embarking on change. Many do not realize that the "freedom" songs of the Civil Rights era were modifications of "Negro Spirituals" or Choruses.
We shall Overcome, This Little Light of Mine, I won't Let Nobody Turn Me Around, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize"
This is proof that praise is certainly a weapon in a time of spiritual warfare. I look at Dr. King's often criticized tactics back then. They had sit ins that started in prayer. Marches that started in prayer and praise. It shows me today that Praise and Worship is so important.
Today we are on the threshold of seeing the end of one battle. i just wanted to take the time to thank God for Rev. Martin Luther King and thank God for Barack Obama. I believe these are 2 men cut from the same cloth for "such a time as this".
My whole family is home and we are listening to CNN and speeches and King tributes. Its so important in their lives. I b less God for allowing one son to graduate from college and another to graduate High School and is now in college.
I thank God I can turn to my sons and look them in the face and say "NO MORE EXCUSES" you can achieve whatever you put your heart to do. You WILL experience obstacles. I will not always be smooth sailing. But with God's help you can make.
Don't Let Nobody Turn Your "Round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let the policeman turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't let the policeman turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't let the politician turn you 'round
Slow you down, slow you down
Well don't let the politician slow you down
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let the army general burn the world
Burn the world, burn the world
Well don't let the army general burn this world
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Andria Hall Woman of Courage
January 12, 2009 was a very sad day for me. My family had to put our best friend, little brother, my baby, playmate down after a brief illness. It was a very emotional day for all of us. He would have been 15 years old next month and he brought so much joy into our family. I really felt it when I came home from work and didn't see my little fur-ball curled up on the couch. Smokey weasled himself in our lives one snowy day in March 1994 when my husband spotted him in the hallway of our building huddled next to the hallway radiator. He immediately spotted my husband and worked himself in our lives. My husband knocked on the door after leaving from work, with this charcoal gray sickly kitten on his shoulder and he said "can we keep him?" just like a little kid. We nursed him back to health from his respiratory infection, skin and eye infections. He showed his gratefulness for the next 15 years.
I got home from work, in mourning for our loss, then I sat down, and got hit by 2 calls informing me that Andria Hall, a former CNN and WNBC news anchor and New Jersey Director with my travel biz host company, passed away after her battle with cancer. I had the pleasure of being blessed by Andria's testimony this past August at our National Convention 2008. She came unto the stage sans the wig she had been previously wearing. Alot of people, including those in her downline had no idea that she was battling cancer, but she decided that she needed to make a statement. What a woman of strength! She talked about how our company's free insurance came in time when she was cut off her husband's insurance. She unashamedly shared her faith in the Lord. She gave encouragement to everyone in that building that may have been facing some sort of challenge. Let me tell you there was not one dry eye in the Edward's Dome when she finished.
Both Smokey and Andria Hall have left me with everlasting memories. I like to think that they are both up there in heaven, having arrived probably around the same time, and his tail is fondly brushing against her leg as they are making friends with each other.
RIP Andria, RIP Smokey as you dwell in God's eternal glory. You will be missed by your loved ones. Until we see you again on that other shore......So long
Read the Carib World News article about Andria here
I got home from work, in mourning for our loss, then I sat down, and got hit by 2 calls informing me that Andria Hall, a former CNN and WNBC news anchor and New Jersey Director with my travel biz host company, passed away after her battle with cancer. I had the pleasure of being blessed by Andria's testimony this past August at our National Convention 2008. She came unto the stage sans the wig she had been previously wearing. Alot of people, including those in her downline had no idea that she was battling cancer, but she decided that she needed to make a statement. What a woman of strength! She talked about how our company's free insurance came in time when she was cut off her husband's insurance. She unashamedly shared her faith in the Lord. She gave encouragement to everyone in that building that may have been facing some sort of challenge. Let me tell you there was not one dry eye in the Edward's Dome when she finished.
Both Smokey and Andria Hall have left me with everlasting memories. I like to think that they are both up there in heaven, having arrived probably around the same time, and his tail is fondly brushing against her leg as they are making friends with each other.
RIP Andria, RIP Smokey as you dwell in God's eternal glory. You will be missed by your loved ones. Until we see you again on that other shore......So long
Read the Carib World News article about Andria here
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