More Family Photos!!

Here are my babies-Che', Cody & Christina. They are all grown now!! Christina is the last in the bunch and she will be graduating 2012 from Lithia Springs High School in Douglasville, Ga.

I am so proud of all 3 of them!!

My babies!!!

My Family Vacations!!

These photos include pictures of my mom, brothers, sister, sister-in-law, niece and nephew on our various trip to the beach and other activities-Enjoy!!

Christina is 18!!!!

My Child is all grown-up. My niece has turned 18 years of age and we just had the first round of celebrations last night with her classmates at IHOP after the football game. So many people came out to celebrate her birthday and eat breakfast food while having a good time. The next rounds will be next week and set for the family and close friends. My family and I are so proud of Christina as she finishes her last year at Lithia Springs High School. Here are some photos of myself, Christina and Briana as we celebrated into the wee hours of the morning. Enjoy Family Time!!

Until Next Time,

Carmen~

Family Day at the History Center~~

To have a great future begins with a great present. Stay in the moment. Stay happy and become who you want & recieve what you desire now in this very moment!

Just left the World's Largest Aquarium with my sister and niece and we had a blast. It was crowded but, it was beautiful and serene. Enjoy Labor Day~

Smile!!

When I talk with my mom about some of the issues I have endured in my personal journey, she told me not to harp on things and learn to smile my way out of things that deplete my spirit. I took her advice and I have started smiling more. I have learned to smile instead of making a big deal out of stuff. I have learned to look at the positive side of everything that happens in my life no matter what happens. I try to make sure that my attitude is in line with what I believe and I believe that all things happen for the good. I have learned to alter my thoughts to thinking about negative situations in a positive light. I am aware of the fact that we humans tend to take certain situations out of context and we tend to allow small things to affect how we feel and act out towards other people. I started researching ways to eliminate the feelings that allow me to over-react to certain things and people. One of the things I learned is to change how I think about the situation and change my feelings to match how I think. If you thinking is off, your feelings are as well. You should always think positively so that your feelings and reactions are in a positive manner as well.

Until Next Time,

Carmen

Good Luck Jenney!!

Good Luck Jenney!!

I dedicate this post to Jenney Fazande. From all of us here at the Museum, wish you much success and a lot of happiness in your new journey!! Life can take you on fantastic journeys of meeting new people in new places and doing new things. We will miss you but, we wish you all the luck and blessings to the pursuit of what will make you happy. Hope that you stay in touch with all of us and visit!! We enjoyed our last dinner with you at No Mas and we look forward to have more fun outings with you soon. Take Care and I hope that you are successful in your endeavors~~

Lots of Luck,

Carmen and The Museum Team!!

Giving Thanks!!

One by one, I am counting my blessing. I am blessed and grateful for my life and those that have been placed in my life. I have to stop complaining because there are so many other important things happening in life that complaining is just going to cut it for me. Instead of venting my frustrations to various people, I have decided that I will give thanks instead. I would like to forward my energy on good things and the good things and blessings that God has blessed me with. He has given me health and strength, a place to live, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, and food to eat. I am grateful for the people who have been in and out of my life whether good or bad. Instead of venting, getting upset or frustrated, give thanks and by doing that you will see yourself and any situation in a better light. Give thanks when you are feeling down or depressed. Look at your life and be grateful for it!! When I was driving in to work this morning, I listened to some news and there are so many people out of work, homes going into foreclosures, families struggling to survive the economic hits that we have taken over the last few years. This is the best time to give thanks. Let your praise lift you out of the spirit of depression, grief, sadness, loneliness, unhappiness, and all the other feelings that are not godly. Let your spirit be filled with thanksgiving and allow God to move through your life blessing you even more than before.

Have a Great Day,

Carmen

Toxic People!!

Toxic People~

I have had my fair share of Toxic People. I would like to share something to help you to evaluate people in your life that may be toxic and need to be eliminated. I had a friend for years that I would do a lot of things for. If this person asked for money to help with gas or food, I would come out of my pocket to help. I realized that this person was toxic years ago but, I cared a lot for this person and I always thought good of this person until I tried telling this person that I cared for them and this person was just using me because they knew I had a good heart and I cared for them. This person tried to make me feel bad about their situation but, could care less about what was going on in my life. Can you say user? Users are toxic people. They may not see themselves as using someone else but, they are using people. These type of people should not be in your life if you want a life of peace and prosperity. If you have a friend or a person who always have their hand out and can not return any of the favors or loans they ask you for-they need to be eliminated, they are TOXIC~

Below is a list of TOXIC Behaviors from TOXIC People:

1-Always need a loan.

2-Never have food or gas or spare money to buy anything they need or want.

3-A person who gets upset with you when you say no to one of the above.

4-A person who gets mad at you when you are not jumping when they call or request your presence.

5-A person who does not consider your feelings.

6-A selfish person who only thinks of themselves.

7-An arrogant person who thinks they are better than you.

8-The phony Christian who reads the Word but, does not follow it or a phony Christian who can quote Scriptures but, doesn't live by them.

9-A person who does nothing for others or for YOU!!

10-A person who is not honest with themselves!!

PS-If you know someone who has any of these above features as a part of their personality, you need to eliminate that person from your life immediately. This person is TOXIC. This person is only for themselves and will bring down anyone who gives them a chance. You cannot allow this person to be a part of your life or you will lose your life trying to help them live their life. You cannot help those who can help themselves. God helps those who help themselves. Stop trying to save people, Jesus is the only Saviour!! Even though some read the Bible and use other people on the same day, need to be SAVED by Christ not you. You can lead them to Christ but, you cannot do Christ work of trying to save someone.

Here is a Tip:

You want to help someone, send money to a charity or get involved in community service like Volunteering in a Homeless Shelter, not giving your everything to people who uses you on purpose.

Let go of those people who have leeched on you for years and years and let God introduce you to a new set of His people who love Him and truly live by His Word!!!!

Walk in the Light,

Carmen

Selfish!!

I have surrounded myself around some very selfish people in my past. These people only care about themselves, they do not care about you or your feelings-everything is about them. It was brought to my attention by a past friend of mine, that everything was about him. With him being a Christian believer, I thought that he would change how he phrased his statement. He confessed to me that he is selfish and he will always be selfish. I believe that some of us Christians are making a joke of Christ. Those who read and comprehend the Word of God, knows that selfishness is not something to take lightly. After I sat through my past friend's confession, I realized that this person is a user. Some people believe in God but, do not practice the ways of God in every area of their lives. This is why the Bible talks about wolves in sheep clothing because they do exist. Watch out for those people who love the Lord and can quote the Scripture, they are sometimes, the Devil themselves. Some people use God's word for their own greed and selfishness. God is not about His children being selfish but, for His children to walk in the love of Christ and to represent what His love is in their everyday lives.

Learn to Love,

Carmen

Carmen Bailey in the Now!!!

These are some updated photos of me-Carmen Bailey. I was watching one of my co-workers look up her friends under the Google and some of the craziest photos came up. So I decided to put up some updated photos of myself just in case someone is looking for me because I am not on Facebook or Twitter. My cyberspace friend is this blog and my other two blogs that I am working on online. I did not want to do the Facebook thing because I noticed that most of the people around me are always on it-checking status and other stuff. I decided to include everything about me on my blog and I can be googled which links you to my many blogs. I am currently working on an Inspirational Book that inspires people to do what they love in life. My journey has been about doing things that would get me by but, I did not follow in the steps of my desires until now. I am happier now that I am working on things I love and encouraging others to do the same. I knew something was missing from my life when I talked with my mother (who loves her career), that I needed to follow in her footsteps of finding work that makes me happy. I currently work in a Museum and I have work there for over 10 years and I am happy with my career but, I have so many other talents and creative skills that I plan to keep those going because they are my passions!!

Signing Off,

Carmen Bailey

Do What You Love

I have learned that when you do things that you love, you find yourself happier as well as more passionate about your life!! Most of us are not sure what our passions are in our lives. I did not know at first what my passion was until I begin looking at the things in my life that brought me happiness. To the left, this is the first handbag I made which took me a little over 18hrs to hand sew. I was so proud of myself when I finished the bag because it came out looking exactly the way I wanted it to look. I was so happy when I finished my three collections, I was fueled to keep moving forward. I sold out all of my bags except this one bag which I will put in a box to remind me when I was ignited with my passion to make handbags. I am happy to have found one of the things that I am passionate about. That's one of the many things that I am passionate about. I also enjoy writing which is why I started my blog. I enjoy when people assist each other to stay positive and to push forward to the goals that they have for their lives. I enjoy taking a few minutes to type a quick inspirational message and post online for all to be inspired. I type extremely fast so doing a blog was ideal until I was able to decide if I want to work an inspirational book. I am currently writing a Inspirational Story which is somewhat about my life and some of the things that have happened to me along my inspirational journey. I want to share some inspiring stories that have helped me in my life. I have found that writing makes me happy and I am very passionate about it as I am in making my handbags. I explore them all and looking for new passions as I try new things. Life is what you make it, so do what you love and be happy while doing it!

Learn to Love,

Carmen B~

Sisters, Brothers, Family

My family is so important to me and without them, I don't know who I would be. I am so blessed to have all of my family in my life as they are very special to me. I am very proud of my of my three babies-Che', Cody and Christina for their advancement in school and their personal life. Welcome to adulthood babies!! I am very proud of them, they make me smile and laugh. I am grateful to have them in my life because I do not have kids and they are my special kids. I take them everywhere and they love it!! They sometimes make me wonder if they are my kids because they act like me. Christina is in her last year of High School at Lithia Springs and the boys are in College! I hope that you take out the time to get to feel the warmth and comfort of family as I have. I also hope that you are spending a lot of time with your family. In the above photo, there is a picture of my older sister and cousin at a Hair Show. My two play nieces looking at each other in the grass at a family BBQ is the next photo is two of my three babies-my little brother and my niece. I love my family and I spend a lot of time with them. Check out all of my blog and notice that I have photos of all my loved ones scattered throughout. They play a major role in my happiness and the joy in my life. They get on my nerves sometimes but, I can't be me without them. Enjoy your loved ones and spend time with them. Life is so short, you should always spend time with those you love. May you and your family remain close and blessed and call them and tell them how much you love them~

Learn to Love,

Carmen B~

I DON'T FACEBOOK

I do not have a FaceBook Page and I never plan on getting one. My sister and brother are on it and we have the same last name so I am sure if someone really wants to get in touch with me, they can through my siblings. I am fortunate to have close contact with certain people in my life and it is unfortunate that I have lost a few folks contact information along the way. Life brings many surprises and I am sure that I will run into the right person at the right time. I do not see anything wrong with having a Facebook Page, I just don't see it working well for me. At this time in my life, I have my blogs and other things going on that prevents me from partaking in something so widespread. I think it is a great social site for people to keep in touch and also to make it easier to communicate with those whom you do not get a chance to see often. I am not against Face Book, it's just not for me. I get on my niece a lot about not being so dedicated to posting stuff on FaceBook every chance she can get but, to find other interests that do not consume so much time. She is young so she is loving the Face Book thing but, I hope she grows out of it. There are so many people using the site for the wrong stuff and I hope that she is not getting wrapped up in the other stuff from that site. I say to do what makes you happy even if it is spending countless hours on your FaceBook page. I just say not to miss out on life by being so cooped up on Cyberspace~

Learn to Love,

Carmen~

Getting on~

Life is so funny at times. We tend to live life without knowing what to expect from other people. I have dealt with the fact that some people are in your life for a Season and when their Season is over, you have to let them go and move on with your life. I have lost a lot of friends along the way and I have gained so many great new friends in the process. Oftentimes, we don't teach our children that some friends will stick around forever and some don't and they should not be concerned with those who don't stick around. We should learn to see a new life with new friends and try new adventures with them. I am so happy to say that life is about learning, growing and sharing while living in love for all people. For those who are confused about losing a friend or someone you care about, just know that you will be made stronger in this process and you will get on with life. You will be a better person when you accept that all things work in your best interest!!

Learn to Love,

Carmen~

Back To School

Wow-Summer vacation is over already and it is time for school. I enrolled myself into school to get higher education to move forward in my career in Management. It is a task working a full-time job and being a full-time students but, it is worth it!! In life, we all make changes to make life better for ourselves and those we love. When I decided to go back, I knew I had spare time to do my classes but, now my workload at work has increased and when I get home, I am beat. I have decided to take a small vacation just to clear my head and come back refreshed and ready to complete all my classes without being exhausted. I have been so involved in other people's lives that I have not taken the time lately to just break. Break away from the busy-ness of all the stuff I am currently working on to just be alone and without it all for a while. I decided that it may be a good idea to eat more healthy since I am back in school and workout more to help boost endorphins and keep me motivated to make it to the end. There are going to be times that are difficult but, if I start off with the right frame of mind and attitude, I am sure that I will withstand it all.

I will much luck to those who have to go back to school and much patience for all the teachers who are teaching our kids. I also want to send out a special blessing to one of very good friends who happens to teach for Atlanta Public Schools. I know that APS is dealing with the cheating scandal but, you have the power to overcome the issues and teach the kids how to excel after the storm of the scandal. Good Luck to all this school year~

Until Next Time,

Carmen Bailey

My Family Photos Extended

Family Fun Days

Spending time with the family is so vital to your well-being and peace of mind. I spend so much time with my family because they keep me from losing out on the person I am supposed to be in this life. I love the fact that we can go anywhere and do anything and we get along swell. The photo to the left is me with my niece Briana and she the sweetest young lady. I hope that I get a chance to take her to some of the places I have taken my other niece Christina (who has been everywhere). It is so important that you use this short time with have in life and have a ball with close friends and true family. I would like to invite you to my About Me page so that you can meet my family and see why I think it is so important to have a close relationship with the people you love~~

Until Next Time,

Carmen

Be Encouraged~~

Be Encouraged!! I am allowing myself to stay encouraged and motivated because I am involving myself in a lot of new projects and other new ventures. The one thing I have been dealing with is letting other people's crap enter my life and thoughts. I talk about how to deal with people who cause stress in your life but, did I tell you how to deal with people who are not aware that they are causing stress in your life?

Being around people who feed off of negative gossip and energy is a waste of your time. You should be able to distinguish when something or someone is causing a rip of negative energy. God fully equipped us to determine when someone is full of the wrong energy and when to let go of the person causing so much bad energy. You have to be able to determine when to let go of people who are causing you to stress. We all have friends, associates and loved one who are not aware that they cause a lot of stress in your life or that they speak on things that bring about negative energy. They are not conscious that they are causing discomfort to anyone, they assume that you want to part take in their negativity. When I was in my 20's, I did a lot of gossiping and talking negatively about people but, now I am more mature and aware that talking about someone else in a negative light will reflect on my life. I made a conscious decision to watch what comes out of my mouth and what I think about. I can be upset with a person but, I don't have to harp on it!! I learned that with time all wounds heal and life pressing forward.

So when dealing with people who are all about the negative, you have to spend less time around them. Some times, it is a good idea to separate yourself from those who cause the bad energy and allow them to be away from your presence for a little while. While they are on temporary leave from your life, you can evaluate if you think that the person is a good fit for your life going forward. Never evaluate what will work with your past, just your future. Think about where you are heading in the future and think about if that person will fit in with the future you are creating. If they are still the same a year later, what purpose can they serve in your life. I always pride myself with having people of substance in my life and not those who create unnecessary drama or strain. I have always had people in and out of my life that were no good for me and some were alright. As I have grown older and wiser, I am aware when I need to let someone loose from my life because of the strain they are causing in my life. You don't expect for people to keep up so much gossip but, there are so many people who have no life, that all they can do to be relevant is keep gossip circulating. I like to speak on an experience that I have dealt with in the past. I let go of a lot of people due to the fact that their lifestyles were very different from the lifestyle direction I was heading for in my own life. I have loss contact with a lot of friends along the way and believe it or not, I am happy that I did. Some times, you out grow friendships and you must move onward. Understand that some people are in your life for a Season and they have to move on and you have to let go and some are in your life for always. Don't keep people in your circle who gossip because they cause you to stress out. Another quick note, is not to allow people in your life who are not Genuine. I will discuss that a little more on the next post.

Until Next Time,

Carmen

Follow my Motivational Page over the weekend and find your motivation to live the life you desire. You only live once~ Carmen

Be happy with your life and make your life what you want it to be instead if looking for other people to make you happy~ Carmen

Yippee for the weekend which has finally arrived. Hope you weekend is Safe and Fun and also Stress-free!! Carmen

Enjoying Every Moment!!!

Enjoy each moment of your life and live in the moment. It is very important that you are in control of living life the way you see fit. Live each moment as if it is your last day. I have spent time these last few days, doing things that make me happy. I am using as much of my free time working out and spending as much time walking Nature Trails. I enjoy taking a walk and looking at Nature. I made sure to use the my days off from work to be as stress-free as possible. I did not want to hang out with anyone that would cause me to be stressed. There is enough stressed people in the world today and I do not want to be one of them. I have being pulling myself from people who gossip or ask too many personal questions. If someone is asking me questions that will help them to succeed in their life, I don't mind. I mind when someone is being too noisy in my personal business or just gossiping about things that need to be dismissed. Some times, the best way to live your life and enjoy the moment is to pull away from other people and spend some time alone with your own thoughts. You do not always need to be in touch with friends when you are off from work. Sometimes, it is a good idea to be without the drama and other people who stir up drama and enjoy being in the moment. If you allow yourself to experience happiness and joy in each moment of your life, you will find that life is easier to live. You don't have to worry about getting stressed out or caught up in drama, just living life the way you wish for it to be!!!!

Until Next Time,

Carmen~