Driving from Houston to the Miracle Foundation in Austin, my mom and I hit the ground running.  Having only connected with Friley by social media, it was a pleasure to meet her in person.  After catching up, I immediately extended an offer to help get things together for the day.  Shortly thereafter, the girls started to arrive.

The girls were soo excited!!  They began the day perusing magazines for pictures that represented places they wanted to go and things they wanted to do.  Placing the pictures on a luggage shaped cardboard cutout, the girls had made their very own vision boards.  While creating their vision boards, Friley and the volunteers, Shelly Seale, Julie George, Iris Petitt, Melissa Sustaita, and myself, had the opportunity to share travel stories and adventures.

The day continued as the girls had a blast playing dress up with travel attire from around the world.  It was amazing to see the joy and happiness on their faces as the costumes actually brought out their excitement to travel even more!  After a nice lunch, the girls each had their chance in the photo booth to take their passport photos.  Several girls even won prizes such as an HD flip camera from Friley, a travel-themed children’s book from Hartlyn Kids, and a custom made map necklace from Paper and Place!”

As the day came to a close, it was evident that the party was a huge success!  The smiles on the faces of the girls were such an inspiration.  It has been said that nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something. With that said, Friley has definitely done something!

 “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Saint Augustine

Happy Travels!!

~A

MLK Washington, DC

MLK Washington, DC

 Inspiration: Where will your dreams take you?

Be blessed beyond measure!

~A

“The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do.” — Leontyne Price

After many jaunts to and around the Mediterranean, Croatia has been on my LifeList for a long time.  Proclaimed to be one of the newest jet set hot spots, Croatia did not disappoint.  Nestled on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik was a welcomed treat as the last stop aboard the European cruise ship.

Wandering through the medieval alleys of the Old City, there is a certain old world charm and elegance that surrounds you. The walled city rides the coast giving way to beautiful landscapes and a sea of tiled red roofs.

Taking a taxi up the steep one-laned street up to the fortress, we were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful panoramic overlooking the Old Harbor.  Apparently, one of the oldest European pharmacies is still in operation in Dubrovnik.  I never did find it.  But, I did find shopping, bell towers, beautiful churches, historic landmarks, and impressive architectural highlights at every twist and turn. Croatia is a jewel to be discovered…and I will definitely be back!!

Inspiration:  Travel is at its most rewarding when it ceases to be about
your reaching a destination and becomes indistinguishable from living your
life.  Paul Theroux

Where will your dreams take you?

Blessings!

~A

Inspiration – “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.”

Be blessed!

~A

I am so excited to share that I am in the October issue of ESSENCE magazine with Michelle Obama on the cover!!  It is such an honor to be featured in the article “The 10 Principles of Power.”  With a mention on page 18, the interview lists me 4th on page 137 under the caption regarding Power Players “Chart Their Own Course.”  WOW!! I am still in awe.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Inspiration:  “Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.  If you can dream it, you can make it so.”

Be Blessed Beyond Measure!

~A

Later that night, just talking about the day’s events with my brother, Kevin, I just casually mentioned that the school was sponsoring a trip to Israel that sounded interesting. He just said out the blue, “Why don’t you ask me for the money?” That thought never even occurred to me. I was surprised, shocked, and elated at the same time. Could he really be offering to give me some money for a trip?? So, I asked. He then responded “Sure, I’ll go to the ATM and get it for you.” It was that easy.

After securing the “gift” from my brother, the next step was to contact the trip sponsor to reserve my spot.  To my surprise, she stated that there was some scholarship money available. I quickly responded, “Where do I apply and what do I have to do?” She then said, get your passport!!!

At this point, I was still unsure about how I was going to pay for the whole trip. But with faith and perseverance, I continued on.  I took my passport photos, completed my passport application, and turned in my essay in hopes of getting a scholarship. Then, the waiting began.

After a couple of weeks, I checked the mail. My passport had arrived!! Woo Hoo!! I quietly prayed in my heart “if the scholarship notification is in this bunch of mail, I know it is God telling me that this trip is for me and He heard my prayer.” As quickly as I pondered that in my heart, I quickly forgot about it. It was just a farfetched thought.   Junk mail, pizza coupons, sale papers…hmmm, that is until I reached the last letter – the award letter.  I got the scholarship!!!

That was over 14 years ago. Little did I know at the time, that my passport would open up the opportunity for me to fall in love with traveling and experience the beauty of God’s creation first hand.  In fact, it has opened the door for me to visit and explore well over 30 countries and 140 destinations.  Many of which I have experienced in the last 2 years on a sabbatical. Yes, my love affair with travel led me to quit my corporate job to see the world and learn new activities.

I have climbed the Great Wall in China, narrowly escaped the earthquake in Japan, watched beautiful sunsets over the Grand Cayman islands, snorkeled near the Twin Peaks in St. Lucia, been surprised with flowers from an admirer in Italy, cruised the Alaska’s Inside Passage to beautiful British Colombia.  I have also traveled to Egypt, Israel, Honduras, Austria, Greece, Colombia, Nicaragua, Germany, Panama, France, Switzerland, and many other amazing destinations.  All because I took a step of faith, got my passport, and stepped out.

Travel has been a glorious adventure and experience that has shaped my well-being and inspired me to be a participant in life, not just a spectator.  Thinking about the thrill of getting my first passport reminded me about the Passport Party Project.  The Passport Party Project will gift 100 girls with their first passport within the next 18 months.  Just think what a passport will do for these young ladies.  A greater world view, an opportunity to marvel at cultures, and the chance to see amazing landscapes – the possibilities are endless.

By the way, I’ve visited Israel twice so far!  Where will your dreams take you?

Inspiration: The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine

Be Blessed!

~A

Most of you are aware of the changes going on in my life.  My Daddy passed away recently and my family has been adjusting to life without him.  With that said, I have a new house guest — my Mom! I am so excited to have her living with me.  So, after a long day of moving, I settled down to watch tv to ”decompress” and an old favorite was on, Mahogany starring Diana Ross.

The movie opened in 1975 and is about Tracy’s (Ms. Ross) journey from the slums of Chicago to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a World Class Fashion Designer.  From secretary to being a model, her step of faith leads her to Rome.  Oh, I just love the 70′s fashion, style, and of course ROMA!!  Check it out and let me know what you think?

Dreams & Destinations: Diana Ross in Mahogany (1975).

A single journey can change the course of a life.  Where will your dreams take you? 

Peace & Blessings!

~A

In life we loved you dearly… in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly… in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.  Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Love and miss you dearly Daddy.

~Angie

Taking a deeper look into the people and the times, award winning film maker Stanley Nelson’s powerful documentary airs on American Experience May 16^th on PBS.  Students have also been invited to “Get on the Bus” to retrace the journeys and to blog about the experience. 

In a special event held at Houston PBS studios, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Nelson and hearing from a panel of original Houston Freedom Riders.  The Houston Defender newspaper was also on hand covering the event.  Click here and you will see a familiar face – http://www.defendernetwork.com/freedom-riders/.

“We were past fear.  If we were going to die, we were gonna die, but we can’t stop.”   ~ Rider Joan Trumpauer-Mulholland.