Mr Walmart - 1st call

Mr Walmart called, as he said he would, and I must say the 1st phone call was as nice as the initial meet and greet. The 30 minute conversation did ALL it needed to do with out giving or taking away too much.

A little about Mr Walmart: he's 31 years old with one 12 year old son. When I asked him if he wanted anymore children he responded simply "NO" because of his attraction to older women. You like what you like, that much I know so I thought that rather commendable on his behalf that he would sacrifice the opportunity to have more children to be with the older woman he loves. He knows most of the women he is attracted to have adult children and have had some form of procedure to prevent childbearing so he is happy with the one son he has. He is gainfully employed full time and attends school as well. He has attended the same church for the past 5 years and admitted that he is not a devout Christian. Yes he has a personal, close relationship with GOD but he does fall short sometimes. I dare not judge there because who among us is any different? He's a sports fanatic and was extremely impressed that I am a FOOTBALL lover and could talk the sport with him. Of course we went over the "why are you single" on both sides and we both have our reasons so *shrugs* who knows, this could lead to something!

It was really a nice conversation over all, nothing derogatory or out of the way. He did say, which I thought was just TOO cute, 'I am applying for the position that you have open and if I pass the initial interview I will gladly accept the position'. I was lost at first but quickly figured out he was referencing the position of HUSBAND, life long mate! We shall see. I will say he knows how to safely play his deck of cards, which is a great thing but do not get it twisted, game recognize game. I will ride this until the wheels fall off OR until I discern this is not the place for me.

Stay tuned as Mr Walmart and I go out on our 1st date ...

Mr. Walmart - Chivalry is not TOTALLY dead!

Today, I had an awesome experience in one of our local Walmart's. As I walked towards the aisle for bottled water, a very neat, casually dressed man and I crossed paths. It seems that after that first encounter we continued to cross paths for the duration of our time in the store and nodded in acknowledgement each time we did. At check out I placed my banana and water on the belt as did he. He pushed his banana next to mine as if signaling for me to purchase it for him. I giggled (yes giggled) because I thought it was cute but I smiled and slid mine forward, paid & walked out. **SN: He did have a $20 bill in his hand which I found out later was for his AND my purchase**

As I departed Walmart and walked across the street to Center Stage barbershop a car slowly rolled up behind me, it was Mr Walmart. He drove up, stopped, complimented me and asked if I was from Jacksonville, when told no he advised could tell. He then asked if he could call me since I did not allow him to pay for my items. I, of course, gave him my VI business card and moved on. A few minutes later Mr Walmart calls and asked me 3 questions:

1. Do I aspire to marry?

2. Do I have a church home?

3. Do I have a relationship with GOD?

After answering yes to 2 out of 3 questions, he advised I 'passed' and asked if he could call me after work. Nice approach ... let's see how this goes. I will say I love how he asked if he could call after work instead of simply saying I will call. That, to me, shows he is mindful of my interest or lack there of. This was an extremely interesting experience for me as I've not been approached by a man in this manner EVER! There are still gentlemen in the world I see and though it was only an initial meeting in Walmart and his approach was absolutely flawless I know 1 thing for certain and 2 things for sure ... even the slickest slickster knows the Father and how to use his knowledge thereof to his benefit. I won't focus on that though, I will simply let GOD be the guide for anything beyond this meeting.

By the way, he was attractive! *smile* Stay tuned for the 1st call ...

CAN YOU KEEP HIM: a priority or an option

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a FACEBOOK fanatic! I am big on social media networking and promoting so this is what I do. I decided to go through my 3000+ friends and clean house because at least 1000 serve no real purpose, we don't interact nor do we have a connection, only mutual friends. As I've been going through my friends list, going to pages to read over what some of these people are about, I've come across some very interesting statuses.

I've read quite a few statuses from some of the women in my list and been really surprised at how far back our gender has gone!! Why must so many of us resort to giving away one of our most valuable possessions, the "box", that most parents raised us to take care of? I don't know many men who will turn down the "box" so know this ladies ANY woman can GET IT, be she fat, skinny, cute or ugly. The real question here is CAN YOU KEEP HIM? Are you being made a priority or an option when it comes down to it? SEX for attention or simply because you think you have the best BOX on earth is not good NOR is it cute! And even crazier, most of the ladies are usually single and always posting statuses like "where da good men at", are you worthy of a good man with those actions? Even funnier, while women are posting these statuses, the men reading them are asking "where are the good women with more to offer then just her cooch BUT umma hit that tho!"

When has being sexy and getting/keeping a man EVER equated to the act of sex? THEY ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT and truth be told, that man will be there regardless if he is really into you! What happen to leaving something to the imagination and having him wait anxiously in anticipation for what will EVENTUALLY come? I was asked "well what about those who just want sex" and to that I responded "it's never all they want ... if the walls could talk when they are home alone and crying wishing for a mate that would be one hell of a conversation".

The young lady then responded with "you'd be surprised how many women just want to get laid and that alone these day". My response? "No I wouldn't be surprised ... she was once me BUT when I tell you that's a lonely and miserable place to be ... IT IS!! I don't judge anyone for their actions because most of what I speak about I've experienced, been there, done that. I simply wish that I would've had someone, like myself, to tell me there are better ways. What I've come to learn is thoughts like that (mind set of just wanting sex) starts with lack of self love. Once I truly learned to love myself all of that ceased, not intimacy but feeling that a one night stand or someone to lay me down was all I needed. We as women have to do better in loving our selves and once we truly know our worth casual sex won't exist anymore! One things for certain, two things for sure ... you can get a nut and a wet behind by yourself!

I pray for women of ALL ages to do better because what I am noticing is it's not just the young women any more, some are MY AGE, 40 and above!!! You'd think they would know better, would want to do better and set an example for those younger women. I admit, body wise, I will do my best to keep up with the 20 year old figures but my morals and values won't allow me to do what some of those young women do. I wish more mothers took pride in teaching their daughters how to be a lady, sadly some of the mothers don't even know themselves. I wish the fathers would do more sticking around and not just sticking to show their daughters what the love of a man is supposed to be after all he is her first interaction with how a man should treat her!

THIS WORLD ... I SWEAR!! (FACEBOOK STATUS AND COMMENTS TURNED BLOG ... GOTTA LOVE INSPIRATION WHERE EVER IT COMES!!)

Mother of an incarcerated son - Baker C.I.

My son was moved to the Re-entrance program last week, Friday August 31st I believe it was. He has not been at Baker C.I. for a full week and "IT" has begun already. I am learning to LET GO AND LET GOD but the mother in me keeps wanting to jump in and SAVE MY SON!

I knew when he was transferred to Baker C.I. that there would be problems. He's not been there a full week and already had to fight, supposedly over some previous "beef" with this other inmates family member. I am trying my best to leave the matters I can not control in my Fathers hands but it's so hard and so frustrating. I am happy my son has a friend, Chaunyce, who can visit him when I can't and take me when I can.

After visitation today, she brought me back a picture of my son.

The mother in me see's that the smile is not real but mother in me also wants to believe it is and that he is going to be just fine. I am so torn with emotions right now, I hate feeling this way. I want to scream, I want to cry, I want to hurt anyone who even things about hurting my son but I can't ... THAT is the worse feeling ever. A parent who can't protect their child even thought that child is grown. I wish I could have seen him today.

I want to call Baker C.I. and speak with his Classification Officer, Mr. John's tomorrow, to discuss my feelings but in the same breath, same thought process, I don't want to call and risk my son being looked at as a punk or a mama's boy who needs his mother to call about his prison issues. He hasn't asked me one time to call or request a move. One thing I know is the grass is not always greener on the other side. He could be moved to a worse facility, GOD forbid that but these are the things that make me scream often. These are the feelings I felt when he first went in and here they are ALL over again. Please keep my son and I in prayer as well as my daughter and his daughters. They are affected by all of this as well, maybe not in the same capacity but it does effect us all. I will end here because I am rambling and I do not like one bit how it feels. It "aches" me inside, this life he's chosen that has caused him to face the consequences he's facing now but I am thankful that he is still above ground for me love. GOD has a purpose, GOD has a plan or else my son would have been destroyed in the streets. Love you son

Mother of an Incarcerated Son - What about me???

As you all well know by now, I am a mother of 2 children, my incarcerated son is 23 and my daughter is now 21. As parents of multiple children sometimes we don't realize how much the other child(ren) are effected when the focus is on the one child that is "going through" or "taking us through". We don't realize how much we "neglect" the other child(ren), how it makes them feel that we favor the child taking us through more than them. Neglect is a strong word with many definitions but the one that suits this blog best: NEGLECT (verb)- give little or no attention to. It is usually unintentional but it unfortunately happens.

I asked her about her mixed emotions towards my blog(s), her response was sad, angry, hurt, depressed but she ended up being happy with the way things turned out (later explained in this blog). She said before my son began getting in trouble with the law we were a family. I went to work and no matter how hard I worked that day I came home and cooked...EVERY day almost. We were always out doing something, even if I had no money we found things to do. She had a happier mother, totally opposite of the mom she began to know.

My daughter was my "roadie". Where ever I went she went, if she could. When my vehicle moved she usually moved with it. My son, on the other hand, did not want any part of our activities, he preferred to run the streets. He has since informed me how much he regrets those decisions. It wasn't until I wrote the first "Mother of an Incarcerated Son" blog that my daughter opened up a little about how she felt. Her initial response was simply "mixed emotions".

Once Dante' began his run with the law and I lost my job which in turn caused me to lose my vehicle, our home and ultimately my children...everything changed. Here we were in Florida with no family, no one to rely on but us and we were slowly but surely falling apart. She told me she cried every night and just about all day long when she was staying with her friend, she missed her family and the life we used to have. We didn't have much but we always made due with what we had. It amazes me when I look back and see how much LESS I was making then but we lived in a nice apartment complex, had a really nice vehicle, planned great activities often and even had Jaguar's season tickets...but my life now does not reflect that and I make more. INTERESTING!!

Years have passed since the family drama began and over a year since starting this blog. I asked my daughter to write down all the things she felt so I could add, accurately, her feeling to this blog, in her own words, "WHAT ABOUT ME" ... the purpose for this blog. To this day she still has yet to provide me with that information, I think it is still a bit much for her to put on paper. It's still a bit much for her to put in words when we speak about it and more than 5 years has passed since it all started.

I want Deondrea Tillman, my daughter, to know that with every tear she cried, I cried also. When we were not together as a family, having to live apart because we had no home for almost a year ... I CRIED DAILY! I cried painful tears DAILY! I cried out for you, your brother and myself DAILY! When I HAD to send you back to VA because I could not provide for you, because you're brother was so out of control that I feared for your safety, that was the most PAINFUL thing that I, a mother, could ever do. I felt like I failed you as a mother. I still cry now but the tears are of joy because I look at how far we have come and how far we are going to go. I know all that happened, happened for a reason ... it was GODS will!

I want her to know I never meant to neglect her or make her feel like she was less important than her brother in any way. To this day I still believe she feels I love him more than I do her, though she has never admitted it. I am always on this MY SON quest, advocating for him but barely mentioning her. I will be honest and say there is a different love I share with both of my children BUT they are loved EQUALLY! Sometimes the child that has more "need", in this case my son, draws a parent away from the other child(ren), in this case my daughter ... be it on purpose or not ... it happens and it's not a good feeling.

I pray that she knows in her heart of hearts no matter how much or less she and I speak she is just as important and dear to me as her brother. I am proud of the young woman you have become and the greatness you are destined to achieve.

Mother of an Incarcerated Son: Re-entry Program

I found out Friday, August 31st, that my son had been moved once again, this time to his final housing until he is released. I spoke with Classification at Baker C.I. and found out his C.O. is Mr. Johns, with whom I will speak on Tuesday, Sept 4th and was advised he is in the Re-Entrance program. What is that exactly you ask? Well, you have the same question I have so I searched it and this is what I found:

Baker C.I. in Baker County is the second re-entry facility. Baker C.I. offers re-entry services to inmates being released to Duval County and surrounding counties. It is the site of the Second Chance Demonstration Grant project funded by the Second Chance Grant funds. Inmates will receive comprehensive programs and services to assist their transition from prison to the community.

What is the Second Chance Demonstration Grant project? I asked that too, here is what I found: The Second Chance Act (P.L. 110-199) was designed to improve outcomes for people returning to communities from prisons and jails. This first-of-its-kind legislation authorizes federal grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, housing, family programming, mentoring, victims support, and other services that can help reduce recidivism. For those of you who do not know what recidivism is, it is the habitual relapse into a life of crime.

Everyone knows I prayed against my son going to Baker C.I. due to it being a "little Duval" but my prayer went unanswered because THIS was in my Father's will, for my son to be where he is. There is going to be a lesson for my son and I both in these last 2 years, just praying for strength and guidance to make it through. This facility is called "little Duval" because everyone transitioning out of their sentence that reside in Duval and surrounding areas are sent to that facility. I am not sure what my son's street dealings were but I am under the impression he made a LOT of enemies, those same folk that he will encounter in Baker C.I. or friends of those enemies. This is where my concerns lie as a mother. My son has done 3.5 years of his 5.5 sentence and I want to see him come home safe and sound. I've never been incarcerated so I know there are things in there that I will never understand, "safe and sound" may not even sound right but that is what I pray for. It's not all about the inmates, it is also about the guards. When they know inmates are trying to get out and have so much to lose they try them. I've been told this by ex-offenders and other C.O.'s. It's sad and disheartening to know some folk come to work JUST to make the lives of others miserable. *FATHER KEEP YOUR LOVING ARMS AROUND OUR SON AND MY MIND PLEASE*

I was praying I could see him this weekend, they were able to have visits for 3 days (Saturday, Sunday AND Monday since it is a holiday) and I couldn't make one of them. I just look at it as it was not in my Father's will for me to see my son. Whatever the reason I dared not question, simply carried on with my day to day activities and prayed.

The song on my heart as I think about ALL my children and I have been through is James Fortune and Fiyah "YOU SURVIVED"! The lyrics seem to fit so much of our lives PERFECTLY and no matter what, come what may WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THESE LAST 2 YEARS ... we've done it before and we'll do it again! GOD takes care of fools and babies ... my babies are covered and I've been a fool for many things and made some foolish decisions THEREFORE I too am covered!

Though you've been hurt by someone And you feel your smile is gone No one can understand your tears Or what you've been through just to make it here The pain that you felt hurts so deep inside And you often ask yourself why But you survived (you survived) You survived (you survived) All the pain that you went through But Jehovah brought you through You survived (you survived) You survived (you survived), it all You may have lost some loved ones And you can't understand why they're gone Just understand God makes no mistakes And they're smiling down from a better place But the pain that you felt hurt so deep inside And you often ask yourself why But you survived (you survived) You survived (you survived) All the pain that you went through But Jehovah brought you through You survived (you survived) You survived (you survived) You survived it all By the grace of God you made it through With His strength and power He gave to you In spite of all you can smile again You can hold your head up high, You survived You survived (4x) Oh After all that you've been through Now you know God carried you Through the rain (rain), and the pain (pain) Then you called and He came, Oh

Love you son ...

Mother of an Incarcerated Son: Transition

Ever had missed calls from odd numbers and soon as you saw them you knew that they were associated to something that could go either way (good or bad) if called back? Well that is what happens to me often and what happened to me on Friday night, August 24th.

After working a 9.5 hour shift, thinking I was going to get off and just go home to get in my bed and prepare for the next work day I see I have a missed call at about 6:20 p.m. from an 805 number and a voice mail associated to that number. I immediately knew, felt in my heart of hearts, that it was in reference to my son ... I was right.

The call was from a woman advising that my son had been transferred to another facility. (I was praying so hard that he would be kept at Madison C.I. but GOD'S WILL BE DONE!!) The woman that called didn't leave a name, just said Dante's been transferred & hung up. It was so impersonal BUT she didn't have to call at all and I took that into consideration. I will say her random act of kindness to keep me informed about my sons situation made me happy so I called her back to tell her thank you. I did not get an answer so I left a message of my gratitude.

I have NO clue as to why Dante' was moved nor could the Officers answering the phone at Madison tell me but after calling I immediately went to my Father in prayer and received joy in knowing whatever the situation is MY GOD HAS IT UNDER CONTROL!! When I asked where my son had been moved to I was told the R.M.C. facility but not which one so when I arrived home the first thing I did was check the Florida Dept. of Corrections site. Who ever updates the site must have been off because it still showed my son's location as Madison C.I.

I was going to leave it at that and wait until Monday to find out where they'd moved my son BUT my soul couldn't rest until I made another call. I called the R.M.C. Main Unit in Lake Butler and was advised he had been placed in the West Unit so I called the West Unit. GOD YOU'RE AWESOME I've located my son and he is actually closer to home. The officer there had no info as to why he had been moved either BUT did tell me that he could have visits which let me know he was not moved for any trouble ... YES!!! *happy mom dance going on* FATHER I THANK YOU At that very moment I could see, could feel, a visit for the weekend. How I was going to get there I didn't even know but what I did know was if it was meant for me to see my son nothing or no one could stop that from happening!

Saturday (August 25th), I went to work with my son on my mind. I knew I had to see him but how I was going to do it I didn't know. I prayed about it and left it with my Father. I had an awesome day at work, very busy ... folk spending money and the crew all enjoying themselves. It was the beginning of a great day starting with an awesome PRAISE AND WORSHIP, as always. I knew everything would be alright and if it is meant I'd be heading to Lake Butler to see my son Sunday. During my first 15 minute break I, again, had a missed call from an unknown number with a voice mail attached to it and once again I knew it had to do with me son. This call was from a different woman, she wasn't so short in her message and she called because Dante' had asked her to contact me about visiting him. I don't like those calls because I feel like he has gotten his hopes up for a visit and if I can't make it he is saddened so now my mind is back on getting there. I called the number back and spoke with the woman, she too is a mother of an incarcerated son. I thanked her for the call and asked her if she spoke to her son again if she could pass the message that I'd be there if I could get there. She was so kind. GOD IS GOOD!

After work, I spent some time with one of my Vi Divas Kayla, having girl talk and eating. We began talking about our sons and found out our sons are around the corner from one another (mine in prison and hers with a relative) so she offered to take me to see my son so she could visit her son. GLORY GLORY GLORY TO GOD!! One thing I know, when you give something to the Father and LEAVE it there for Him to work out HE WILL!! I went to bed Saturday with the lightest heart and a smile on my face! THANK YOU FATHER!! I woke up the next morning so full of joy! You know it's going to be an AMAZING day when you can't stop crying long enough to apply a little eyeliner!! *tears of joy* I had to thank my FATHER for the people He's constantly placing in my life and even those He removes! Sunday, after ALL of the random calls, prison calling and praying I headed to see my #1 earthly man, Dante' Vann! I couldn't thank Kayla enough ... she will be blessed for what she thought was such a small deed! We hit I-10 with a vengeance, ended up getting lost and shortening our time with our sons but once we made it ... it was ALL love!

*BONUS* 30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution

*BONUS* 30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 31 (Aug 25) - (I know it was supposed to be 30 but I had to add 1 more day) I was happy ALL DANG ON DAY!! Woke up in an awesome mood!! Morning praise and worship on the way to work kicked the day off just right! Work was AWESOME, dinner/girl talk with fellow Vi Diva Kayla and foolish but needed conversation with fellow Vi Director and Diva Keana!! OH ... can NOT forget to mention Kayla offered to take me to see my son on Sunday (GOD IS SOME KINDA AWESOME)!!! *MOOD: HAPPIER THAN HAPPY!*

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 30

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 30 (Aug 24) - Happiness came in the form of a random call. After a long 9 hour work day I was informed, via voice mail, that my son had been transferred to another facility (was praying he would stay at Madison). The woman that called didn't leave her name, just said Dante's been transferred & hung up. She didn't have to call at all so her simple act of kindness to keep me informed of my son's situation made me happy. I don't know why he was moved nor could the prison tell me but after speaking to the officer I went to my Father in prayer and received more happiness in knowing whatever the situation MY GOD HAS IT UNDER CONTROL!!

I did find out later he is in RMC West Unit in Lake Butler awaiting transition AND can have visits so this was not a transfer due to trouble! Thank You Father for keeping my son & my family in Your loving arms!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 29

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 29 (Aug 23) - Happiness was waking up to the extended family my Father has placed in my life - Miss Daysha, her mother Ashley, her other nana Danielle & her cousin Mook. Blood doesn't define family but what you do for & with one another does! Love y'all!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 28

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 28 (Aug 22) - Happiness came by way of spending time with my extended Jacksonville family; nana's heart Miss Daysha, her mother Ashley, Nana Danielle and cousin Mook. Thank GOD for family, blood and non-blood. *smiling as I lay and watch Miss Daysha sleep*

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 27 (Aug 21) - HAPPINESS, after a late night of inventory prepping and an early morning of inventory, was simply getting off work, tending to the 3 S's and getting in MY BED!! I slept from 7 or 8 until 2 a.m. and then again from 3 something until 9 a.m. MY BODY AND MIND ARE HAPPY TOO! LOL Happiness came in the form of pure and simple REST, I sure needed it!! NOW to get on this cardio and strength training today! LETS GO ... VI LIFE!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 26

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 26 (Aug 20) - Happiness came by way of spending the night with my grandbaby, Miss Daysha! After a long day of work & inventory prepping until almost 11 p.m., it was really great to leave work and get in a car full of love to spend time & spend the night. Daysha was laying on my lap playing with my ear as I typed ... LOVE IT!

Time with my legacy is HAPPINESS!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 25

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 25 (Aug 19) - Happiness was brought about through my PRAISE AND WORSHIP this morning on the way to work. When I start my days off w/o it there is a SIGNIFICANT difference in my attitude ... Tye Tribbet radio on Pandora is NOTHING but the truth for me! I've been happy since my feet hit the floor, I thanked my Father and PANDORA came on! I thank you FATHER for your goodness and mercy! *sings*I WILL BLESS THE LOOOOOOOORD, ALL MY SOUUUUUUUUL and ALLLLLL THAT IS WITH IN ME, BLESS HIS HO-OO-OO-LYYYYY NAAAAMMMEEEE!!! (I love to hear Tye and his group sing this)

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 24

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 24 (Aug 18) - Happiness came in the form of a VERY successful day at work ... between the plus size modeling group Dangerous Curves turning it out in the fashion show which directly resulted in some of the BEST sales ... WHEW ... what a happy day it was.

Thank you so much ladies! You are the absolute greatest! Toni, my District Manager, can't wait to see the pictures! Much love to you all! See you next month to do it all over again.

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 23

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 23 (Aug 17) - Happiness came in the form of a great day at work! I love the atmosphere of my store and my managers (Edrice Green and Jai Ashley) always keeping me laughing NOT to mention associates Bianca and Tyyesha, we all have a good time together.

There's nothing like working in an environment that is not stressful and TODAY was one of those days! Thanks ladies!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 22

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 22 (Aug 16) - HAPPINESS today .... *in Genu-fine voice* IN THOSE JEANS!! Sister girl is now a SIZE 8 ... BOOM, POW!! Oh what a day it turned out to be when I took 7 pairs of pants (6 denim, 1 slack) in to that fitting room, all different cuts and styles, and could FIT THEM ALL!!! *Ren and Stimply* HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!

Those that have known me all my life know I've had that "yo yo" weight (up down, up down) but for the most part I was plus size ... WELP ... not anymore! Thanks to ViSalus and their wonderful program/products I am leaner, meaner and looking younger! I think they've found the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH and I dipped myself in it! HEHEHE

Would you like to know more about the program? Well go to ~~~> ChanelVTillman.myvi.net <~~~ to find out exactly what I've done to acquire the health I have! Join us why don'tcha?? You won't regret how awesome you look and feel!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 21

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 21 (Aug 15) - Happiness REEKED thru me today because 1) I am off tomorrow and 2) LEVERAGE comes on (as a matter of fact its on NOW)!! It's the little things that mean the most to me! I am looking forward to my mani/pedi/hair cut and shopping! *squeals in joy* I CAN'T WAIT!!! NOW ... back to Hacker! *HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY*

30 Days of Happiness Campaign contribution Day 20 (Aug 14) - Happiness came by way of my conversation with an older lady in my store (Ashley Stewart Rivercity, Jacksonville, FL) in regards to health and wellness. She'd done a lot of "fad" dieting so of course I got around to talking about the challenge. She listened very attentively, asked a few questions but in the end said she wasn't interested. She said she's had several people approach her about the challenge who were very pushy and adamant about her "buying" the product but what she liked about me was that I was not pushy, not trying to SELL her anything but simply sharing with her what it did for me and possibly could do for her. Before leaving my store she did thank me for the time, conversation and health tips. I appreciated her for thanking me for my time ... I was merely doing what I was am supposed to ... SHARE MY TESTIMONY! I love my VI LIFE!

30 Days of Happiness Campaign contribution Day 19

30 Days of Happiness Campaign contribution Day 19 (Aug 13) - Today I was happy JUST BECAUSE! I am still on my HIGH from my visit with my son yesterday and all the joy in the world from that visit filtered right on over to today. There is not a complaint in this world that I have and I am so thankful to my Father for that. I have happiness and joy in knowing the BEST is yet to come!

Mother of an incarcerated son: MADISION C.I. 1st visit

Today was a day like no other that I've had in a LONG time ... since Christmas of last year as a matter of fact! I had not seen my son since that time. He'd gotten in some trouble at Mayo C.I., shipped off to Madison C.I. and immediately put into confinement which meant NO visits!!

I'd been trying since April (when he was finally released from confinement) to see him but it just was not working in my favor. I thank GOD he is not a "pushy" child, he totally understood why mom couldn't come see him and said as long as I am writing him he is fine. I, on the other hand, was not fine and as time passed I was beginning to think I wouldn't see my son again until the holidays BUT GOD heard my prayers ... our prayers and made it so that was not the case.

One of the young ladies my son use to date became my beacon of light ... Chaunyce. She'd been approved for visitation since my son was sentenced (over 3 years ago) but never had an opportunity to go. NOW WAS HER TIME!! She was ready to roll and roll we did! We hit I-10 rollin!!

Madison is a straight shot there unlike Mayo and Brevard.

He was unaware that he was going to have a visit so it caught him completely off guard and as soon as he walked into the visitation area I JUMPED UP CRYING! We hugged, rocked and I grabbed kisses for a few seconds (felt like minutes) ... seems like it had been so long since I'd seen my child. He looked good, strong and his emotional and mental status seemed to be the same way (THANK YOU LORD)!!

*tears* THIS WAS THE MOST AWESOME VISIT EVER and I am still so FULL. I feel the need to cry, to scream out PRAISES! There is SO much JOY inside me right now! I can not understand how parents voluntarily leave or abandon their children as this involuntary leave kills me daily! I am SO thankful for how good my son looks, how great his spirits are in-spite of his circumstances. I had to let the staff know how much I enjoyed our visit. The facility and all the staff were beautiful! This has been the best camp he's been in since his incarceration.

People judge my son by his current situation but I thank GOD for it because if it had not been for the LORD on our side I truly believe I'd be visiting a grave instead of a prison! All praises to GOD that trouble doesn't last always. It's not the easiest position in the world, being the MOTHER OF AN INCARCERATED SON, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and with all my GOD sees fit for me to endure I CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS!!

I am totally encouraged because I know EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT! We have 2 years left of this current situation before my Father brings about the winds of change. I will be ready ... even if I am NOT ready I WILL BE!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 18

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 18 (Aug 12) - I think it's easy to see what my HAPPIEST moment was

(NOTHING will top this).

I hadn't seen my son since Christmas 2011 (over 7 months ago) so THIS was indeed an AWESOME day for me! I cried, we laughed, talked, and reminisced. I am so thankful that GOD has HIS protective arms around my son, around my family during this time. He has only 2 more years left (May 2014) and its OVER!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 17

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 17 (Aug 11) - I spent time with folk who mean a lot to me and I know without a shadow of a doubt that the feeling is mutual. Happiness should come from some of the smallest things as simple as having breakfast, musical instrument shopping, phone accessory shopping, etc and in my case IT DID! Love my FRIENDS!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 16

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 16 (Aug 10) - 2 words ... JAGUARS FOOTBALL!!

The season of my favorite sport with my favorite team has begun and I was happy as a lark!! *dies laughing* I couldn't contain myself at work because my mind was totally consumed on the fact that I was going to be in a real, live NFL atmosphere again for 16 games (prayerfully & beyond)! THEN to top it off my brother couldn't make it BUT he let my fab VI diva have his ticket so we could enjoy ourselves! Love ya Dennis!!

HAPPINESS = my loving brother Dennis, fab VI diva time w/ LaTavia AND JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS football!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 15

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 15 (Aug 9) - I woke up and immediately checked my Vi net (mobile app for ViSalus) and not only is my PQV (personal volume) over $1000 (which means I get ANY kit I want for free ... I choose the FIT KIT) BUT there are 5 new health and wellness VI family members to Team Nel!! **BIG UPS** to my wonderful Vi fam who've continued on with their challenges!

I love seeing numbers that show proof of people wanting to get & remain healthy! Happiness today came in the form of my happiness EVERYDAY - the VI LIFE!! Changing 1 body at a time and fighting OBESITY!!!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 14

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 14 (Aug 8) - Today was an extremely long and tiresome day that moved along swiftly and smoothly with no complaints. My happiness today though came when I clocked out of that Ashley Stewart associate system and became even better when I arrived to my apartment, got in my bed and awaited Hackers arrival at 11 pm (LEVERAGE)!! What a great life!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 13

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 13 (Aug 7th) - Happiness came today in the form of GIVING! Thank you Ty'yesha Hill for helping me clear my closet! 4 bags gone and STILL more closet to empty (SMH)!! I love sharing things I can no longer use, especially with my VI fam who won't be able to use them much longer either!! Sharing is caring and I LOVE TO SHARING/GIVE!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 12

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 12 (Aug 6th) - today I received a most joyous letter from my son, Dante'. He'd received the pictures from my day out with his 2 beautiful daughters and he was so grateful for the letters containing the pictures of them bonding. He noted how happy I looked which made him even happier thus creating my happy moment of the day! I know he had a big ole smile on his face, I could read it in the letter. GOD BLESS HIM!!. *MOOD: HAPPY MAMA*

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 11

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 11 (Aug 5th): Happiness today came in the form of all the love received from those checking on me today via FB, Twitter and phone! I can't thank Ashlee Smith and Danielle Burns enough for all they do!! <~~~ see DAY 10

I so appreciate the love and concern! To my daughter Dee Dee, her best friend Tennile Simone, my sister Ebony Vann, sandbox friends Wendy Jennings and Roland Carr as well as my boo Billy and dear friend Charles Griggs, thank y'all for the calls and text! You are loved RIGHT back!

GOD puts folk in your life AND removes some for GREAT reason! Let HIM have HIS way!

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 10

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 10 (Aug 4th): For the last 4 days, after finishing the steroids prescribed, I'd been having a dull, throbbing heading located only on the left side in my temple creating pressure behind my left eye. Saturday evening I noticed it had gotten worse and by 10pm I was struck with left side head pain & pressure like I had never experienced before. By midnight I couldn't take it anymore, it was almost as unbearable as child birth and THAT frightened me.

This is the part that truly hurts me in living alone here in Florida as well as being single because in times like this there is no one to call on that resides close by. I called Ashlee, Daysha's mom, who lives on the other side of town ... not close to me at all. Ash got out of her bed (after midnight) with my grand-daughter in tow and sat at the ER with me until 5 a.m. in the morning! I am not her blood family and she did not have to do this but she did.

Happiness came in the form of knowing GOD put the perfect family in my life through my grand-daughter Daysha. Though Ashlee & my son are no longer together she & her mother Danielle continue to treat me like family and will come across town to check on me whenever I am in need. Love you Ash and I thank GOD for you!

30 Days of Happiness campaign contribution Day 9

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 9 (Aug 3rd): I woke up to more inspiration, another big part of the WHY I do what I do! I logged on to my Vi Net and saw there were 3 new customers to the VI LIFE! What exactly does this mean? It means 3 more people decided to change the way the eat, the way they think about their health and the way they take care of themselves. NOT just for them but those that love and count on them as well!!

Way to go!! To all who have joined and to those new to the program ... WELCOME! Happiness today came in the form of knowing 3 more people have been inspired and decided to live better, healthier and fight obesity!!GO HEAD Y'ALL ... US ... WE!!

Tilldn1.myvi.net <~~~ Join the #1 Health and Wellness program today!!

30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 8

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 8 (Aug 2nd): One of my DEAREST friends, who has been there through thick and through thin, FINALLY made some time for me!

Chillin' at the Avenues Mall shopping, eating and most importantly talking like we used to do!! Happiness today came in the form of spending time with him, time that I've missed more than I knew.

30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 7

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 7 (August 1): At work today I mentioned to a customer how nice she looked and how I could see she was losing weight. She proceeds to tell me she was at a health fair and saw a picture of a young lady who looked really familiar at one of the vendor booths ... she then says IT WAS YOU (me)!!

It was a Body By Vi vendor of course and this is the 3rd time I've been told by a customer THIS WEEK ALONE that my picture was being shown somewhere to inspire and promote health and wellness. It is a pretty awesome feeling to know I am inspiring people to do better! THIS was my moment of HAPPINESS for the!

HealthyTrouble.myvi.net <~~~ want to join the 90 Day Challenge?

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign DAY 6 contribution

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign DAY 6 contribution (July 31st): Today I am happy simply because my Father GOD saw fit to awaken me today! My phone died last night because I'd forgotten to connect it for charging before I fell asleep. This ultimately meant there was no alarm to awaken me BUT my Father wrapped His loving arms around me and raised my head from the pillow ... LORD I thank You!

ALSO for the 2 new members of the VI LIFE, Shana Shell and Kayla King, I am SO happy that you've decided to take your health back! Happiness for me comes in ALL forms but my Father's work and those wanting to be healthy and well does something extra!!

CHANELVTILLMAN.MYVI.NET <~~~ JOIN THE CHALLENGE!!

"30 Days of Happiness" Campaign contribution for Day 5

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign Day 5 contribution (July 30th): Talking to a customer at work who asks me about the Vi Life & for one of my cards because she is ready to join. She said one of her co-workers (who I don't know) shows my picture

to everyone in his excitement over the progress the program gives!!

Then a little later, one of my team members (in Cali) said she uses my pictures to show the people on her job how successful you can be on the program.

My happy moment ... when I realized I AM INSPIRING OTHERS COAST TO COAST TO LIVE HEALTHIER!! WOW ... LIL OLE ME! *MOOD: PROUD* (I woke up out of my sleep to create this post on FB)

"30 Days of Happiness" Campaign contribution for Day 3

"30 Days of Happiness" campaign contribution Day 3 (July 28th): So I'm just getting off of work and walking to the bus stop. When I arrive there are 3 black young adults (2 females, 1 male) & 1 white male, who visibly appeared to be a bit "off" to some degree, at whom these 3 black young adults are laughing.

I sit on a WalMart basket and the white man immediately says "NO MA'AM, take my sit" & gets up. So we switch places & I thank him. He then begins to talk, rather intelligently too! He spoke about a few of his medical conditions & his attempts to get back to Norfolk, VA to get medical treatment because the VA here won't care for him.

We conversed until my bus came, he thanked me for listening to him. I told him no thanks needed because he'd given me no reason not to talk to him. I also said and made sure the 3 black young adults heard it, that if more people treated others as they want to be treated it (conversations with him) would happen more often.

As I walked away I blessed him & wished him safe travels to where ever he was headed. He gave a toothless smile that made my day! THAT was my happy moment ... knowing I could bless & put a smile on a mans face who did not seem to carry one often. GOD bless him ...

BONUS 3RD DAY CONTRIBUTION:

All this love from my 1st grand-daughter, Miss Daysha, wrapped around my neck as we watch Despicable Me!! *PRICELESS*

"30 Days of Happiness" Campaign contribution for Day 2

"30 Days of Happiness" Campaign contribution for Day 2: I've posted enough about being ill and how I am hating the steroids so everyone knows I am not feeling well. Most of you know I don't have a car either so this morning I had to get up and walk to the corner store for a few things.

Now being sick and walking in rising heat is NO fun so you can imagine how unhappy I was but not complaining. I hadn't checked my mail in 2 days so I decided to stop and knock that out, my JEA bill & a letter from my son were enclosed. I open my JEA bill 1st which is usually under $10 but this one is $35 (COME ON NAH, SOMETHINGS GOT TO GIVE!!) and then I opened my son's letter to find a new picture of him. *squeals in excitement*

My baby boi looks wonderful under the circumstances and in his letter he says "2 more yrs mama. I am ready to get home to my favorite lady, my sister and my girls*! THIS is my contribution for today! Nothing else that happens today will top that so I can give this early! LOVE YOU DANTE"!!

I AM STILL BLESSED

With all that goes on and has gone on in my life I AM STILL BLESSED!

Though my life is not perfect and probably never will be I am more than PERFECTLY in love with it!

My Father blessed me with 2 beautiful children of which have spawned 2 BEAUTIFUL grand-daughters ... BLESSED!!

There's absolutely nothing more in this world I want than to see these 4 happy and well off for life! GOD KNOWS I AM WORKING ON IT!!!

*sings* WOKE UP THIS MORNING FEELING FRESH TO DEF I'M SO FRESH, SO FRESH