Maisha Walker & Message Medium

Recently, I took an ecommerce class taught by Maisha Walker of Message Medium. It was phenomenal. I learned a great deal and would happily attend more courses. I completed class feeling wiser. I recommend taking a workshop if you're able.

Ms. Walker shared important information. She really knows her stuff. Maisha has been in this business for a while, leaving her successful mark on students and clients. Her expertise demonstrates that Message Medium is most definitely a good place to go if you need a website built.

Ms. Walker has created a workbook entitled, Use the Internet to Grow Your Business - Web Site Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs. For more information check please view www.messagemedium.com


*Posts you may enjoy:

Old Fashion Social Networking
What's on Your Agenda
Male Characters Written by Women

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The royal wedding was lovely.  It was the perfect combination of religion, tradition and elegance.  Even the weather graced the couple with sunshine on occasion.  Thankfully, the rain stayed away.

Catherine arrived in a Rolls Royce looking amazing.  She wore a gorgeous dress designed by Sarah Burton and a Cartier Tiara as her something borrowed from the Queen. The best man, Prince Harry, stole a glimpse of her coming down the aisle.  The dashing groom appeared overjoyed when he finally saw Catherine, reportedly saying, you look beautiful.

The royal couple traveled to their balcony appearance in a magnificent horse drawn carriage.  And, they did not disappoint. The crowd wanted to a kiss from William and Catherine, like Diana and Charles displayed so long ago and they got it.  Apparently the Duke's parents started a new tradition, but William and Catherine made it their own by kissing not once, but twice.

Later, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drove off in Williams Aston Martin.  The customized license plate read, Just Wed.


*Posts you may enjoy are Prince William & Kate's Royal Wedding 4/29/11, Weddings & Vera Wang and The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder.

You might also like this article entitled, Why Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, not Oxford?

Rose Hester-Lavenburg & Poems for Benjamin

Rose Hester-Lavenburg’s first book is Poems for Benjamin, A New Mother's Journey. She began writing it when her handsome little boy, Benjamin, was just three months old. He is an inspiration to his mother. Rose has been writing poetry since she was a child. Ms. Hester-Lavenburg is enjoying the self-publishing process, which consisted of help from Geri Hearne of Joy Media out of Chicago.

If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift consider Poems for Benjamin. It will be released on Mother’s Day 2011, but copies can be purchased now.  When Rose was asked about the  message of her book she said, “I want parents to feel that they are not alone in the trials and tribulations of child-rearing. And I would like people who are not themselves parents to enjoy reading about expressions of love, joy, loss, and frustration which are so universal in nature.”

Mrs. Hester-Lavenburg often incorporates unique poetry into her day job.  She’s a teacher that uses poems to assist children in learning and hopes society will continue to embrace poetry.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Buying the Perfect Gift
Carefully Measure Your Success
National Poetry Month

When Good Things Come to an End

You've heard the saying all good things must come to an end.  We all have. Frankly, I don't know if all good things must end.  I do know when good things do end, it is not the end of goodness.  As long as we stay focused on no longer having something, we fail to focus on the entrance of other things.

We must learn to focus on what is actually going on in life.  Yes, you may have had to let go once or twice, but keep a positive mindset while looking forward to better things.  Ask yourself, am I open to receiving life's best?  Or are you always poised for the worst?

Somethings cannot be helped, but life often takes suggestions from you.  Prepare for what you would like to see come into your personal space.  Put out only what you want to receive because a good attitude goes a long way.


*Posts you may enjoy are Positivity, This I Know About Life and What's on Your Agenda?

Happy Birthday Fransiour!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes Fransiour S. happy birthday.  God bless you and enjoy your day!

The Tribeca Film Festival 2011 and more...

The Tribeca Film Festival 2011 is running now through May 1, 2011. There are many events and panels to attend.  The festival is filled with various movies and the clock is ticking.  Hurry if you would like to attempt seeing them all.  Luckily, TribecaFilm.com has all of the information an avid movie lover will need including a Schedule Tab and ticketing.  Single tickets are now available!

If you just cannot get enough conduct a specific web search for nyc film festival activities.  This way you can get an all around movie mania experience.  Even the Apple Store is holding a Meet the Student Filmmakers session. Be creative in your searches.  You might come across a really unique find.


*Posts you may enjoy are Star Trek, The Original Star Trek and The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder.

On The Rise Magazine & Me!

I, Alice Benton, am being featured in an online publication called On The Rise Magazine.  Please take a look.  The piece is entitled She Has a Way With Words: Poetress Alice Benton.  April has been showering many wonderful things.  I cannot wait until next month to enjoy the fragrant flowers of May.


*Posts you may enjoy are Alice Benton's Blog Reader Appreciation, VDAY Santa Monica 2011 and Zazoo's World & Me!

Renewing Yourself

If your life needs a face-lift, today is the day to start thinking about how to get it.  Think about all of the positive things you contribute to life daily and give yourself a pat on the back.  If everything is great, thank God and find ways to bless someone else.

Next, write down the things you would like to change.  Just because things have always been one way, doesn't mean they should continue along.  If there is something in your life that you don't like change it. Pray to God for guidance while you consider embracing new things and characteristics. Make the most out of your life.  Do your best to be better than you are and never stop praying.


*Posts you may enjoy are Carefully Measure Your Success, Change Can Be Good and Count Your Blessings.

Easter

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you Happy Easter!  As the holy season of Lent comes to an end and we give up the sacrifices we have made for this holiday, rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord.  Remember the price paid for us all and spread love.

Prince William & Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding 4/29/11

The royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton is fast approaching.  It will be held on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abby, according to royalwedding.aol.com.  Prince Harry will of course witness the ceremony front and center, as his brother's Best Man.  I like the rest of the world can only imagine how it will be.  One thing is certain, it will be an impressive event that is highly anticipated throughout the world.

I remember being a young girl watching Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles.  It was amazing, after all, every little girl wants to be a princess.  As a woman, I cannot fathom what Ms. Middleton may be going through.  It's a privilege to marry into the royal family, but there must also be an added pressure that exist.  Soon, Kate Middleton will become part of the regal community, transforming from commoner to royalty.  I'll be watching this one too.

As for the soon-to-be royal couple, I wish them well.  May God bless them always!


*Posts you may enjoy are The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Jimmy Choo Sandals, Vegan? and Weddings & Vera Wang.

The Black Love Book Discussion

The book Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love is great and so was its discussion. Dinner with friends and family can be wonderfully challenging, but the evening went well. It must have been the topic. The ladies had plenty of great comments; all positive. The only thing we were missing was a man's point of view, which is important, perhaps there will be a part II.

Black Love is uniquely designed to represent various relationships. We all have our favorite poems, among some them were God's Gift and The Dance to name a few. The group found it important to review the book on a whole. The setup is simple, but there are some complex lessons to be learned inside. It was interesting to hear how relevant this book has been in their lives. The conversation was lively at times. There was a moment when "Whoa! Whoa!" was blurted because of the need to slow down and reflect on the reading of a poem.

Everyone had a great time dining and bringing their thoughts to the group.  As the author of Black Love, I appreciated the varied views and candor. I look forward to part II of the discussion.


*Posts you may enjoy:

God's Gift
Black Love Sample 1 - Waking Up
How Publishing Began

Good Friday

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a wonderful Good Friday.  It's time to observe and reflect on the true love and passion of Christ.  Don't forget that it is also a time of fasting.  God bless you all!


*You also enjoy A Prayer for my Readers.

Earth Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a happy Earth Day!  Today is a day when people all over the globe take time to treat the earth a little better. Find your way to participate and that's not as hard as it seems.  If you recycle you are already improving conditions.  Or maybe you'll donate or help clean a beach.  It all counts so do what you can and remember having a better planet includes loving human beings.


*You may also be interested in Serve Humanity through Charity Water.

Carefully Measure Your Success

From the time we are born, society tells us, we must be successful to be worthy of a happy life. Regardless, of our background and upbringing, it is drilled into our psyche. And, I have to say that I agree. What I often cannot agree with is the measure of success. It is how we define success that can actually result in a problem.

Our communities want us to believe that money helps us to reach a point of wellness. There is truth in that, but it's not the whole truth. All that you really need to do to obtain a gleeful existence comes down to two things. That is, clearly defining what being successful truly means to you and learning to maneuver toward and within those guidelines.

The whole truth is that anyone can be successful by following the model given above (define success + move toward definition and stay there only adjusting as your definition changes = happy life). If you need further assistance, the Merriam Webster online dictionary defines success as a favorable or desired outcome. That means you have to explore what you find favorable. The challenge is not to fall back on what you've been pushed into all of these years.

I think you are successful if you are kind and loving. I think you are a success if you use your life to do good in the world. I know that you are a winner if you volunteer or are charitable. My list for your success could go on and on, but the point is to start your own.

Good luck on your road to becoming successful!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Count Your Blessings
Loving Life
The Beauty of Life.

Let Nothing Stand in Your Way

There are things that we all have to do.  Some of us know it instinctively while others must be led through life's twists and turns. Once you have found and acknowledged your purpose, let nothing stand in your way.

We all have gifts from God to share.  Acknowledge your unique presence and find ways to display it with honor.  Know that you are special and bless the world with your distinct way of being.  No one else can do "it" the way you can.

Share who you really are with God's grace.  Allow others to use your testimony as a road map to begin their own journey.  Embrace all that God had given you.  Pray that you may always walk with Him. And as you become more passionate about what gift you were given, let nothing stand in your way.


*Posts you may enjoy are Distractions, God is in Control, Finding Passion and What's on Your Agenda?

Zazoo's World & Me!

Today I want to introduce you to a blog called Zazoo's World.  It's run by an old friend, Kell, who was kind enough to allow me to be a guest blogger.  Please read, Calling all guestbloggers...  It's an interesting little piece on education.  It was inspired by another post of mine called, The Ides of March because of the comments.

Thank you to the Queen of Zazoo's World!


*Posts you may enjoy are Alice Benton's Blog Reader Appreciation, God is in Control and National Poetry Month.

Count Your Blessings

Most people are quick to name the things that are going wrong in their lives. If you are willing to entertain it, they will detail all the negative happenstances that occur daily. Try not to participate in making bad things a focal point.

Recognize the goodness in your life. If you're so fixated on numbers, count your blessings. They are countless. When you get into a "funk" label them, instead of the all that has gone wrong. It will supply an immediate jolt of positivity to your attitude.

Take in an appreciation for life. When you actively practice being happy it shows. It will also make others around you feel better in your presence. Moving forward, decide to count your blessings.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Choices
Lovin the Skin Your In
This I Know About Life

Buying the Perfect Gift

Buying the perfect gift is easier than you might think. You may be surprised to know that it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with money. You already have what you need to accomplish this task. Once you learn this simple technique you will be able to apply it to anyone...if you're willing.

Picking the right gift consist of three simple things. Those things are time, conversation and attention to detail while listening. That's it! They are all you need.

1.  Time - Time is a factor because you need it to talk. Whether you accomplish it via a sit-down dinner or on the telephone is relevant. Do whatever best fits your life and the relationship.

2.  Conversation - Talking is necessary because this is where all the great gifts are hiding. Most people tell you what they like. They may not be thinking about presents when they do it, but it's still true. Think about it. A person that spends time around you usually knows at least the basic things you like.

For instance, lets say you have a coffee group at work. Everyone goes to the same place while you dash screaming, "I'm going to Starbucks!" Your daily behavior and words have told the coffee crew that you prefer Starbucks. This simple association tells them a Starbucks gift-card might be for you.

3.  Paying attention - This is where getting the perfect gift can be found. When you pay attention to what someone says they reveal things they like. Listen carefully to the type of stories they tell.  Often there is a fantastic suggestion in it. If the gift you hear is too expensive, find a way to simplify it by making it a picture or book, etc. Be creative.

The point is when you care enough to give a gift, it might as well be the right one. Have a couple of conversations with that person and listen to what they are telling you. In case you were wondering, I stumbled onto this technique while talking to my dad. He was told me about a show he loved as a child.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Listening
The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

The Beauty of Life

Life is a beautiful and delicate thing.  It's also fleeting and fragile too. Life is to be appreciated and shown respect.  Sometimes we forget how quickly it can rush by, or that we can lose someone that we love.

Pause for a minute to honor the fact that you woke up today.  Pay attention to the air you breathe and thank God for it.  Plan to spend extra time with love ones to let them know you care.   Reinforce your love every chance you get.

Enjoy the simple things because they matter more than you know.


*Posts you may enjoy are Distractions, God is in Control and God's Gift.

Happy Birthday Joseph!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes Joseph H. a very happy birthday!  Enjoy it and God bless.

Lovin' the Skin You're In

The slightly warmer weather subconsciously starts pushing another vibe. Suddenly, you're mood is shifting and you want to wear less clothing. You also notice commercials. They are swiftly trying to brainwash you into a gym or the supermarket for "slim food."

There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve upon your physical situation. In fact, exercise is a necessary activity and we all should pay attention to what we eat. After all, everyone has something about their body that doesn't make them smile the greatest.

Whether you like your self image or want it to change, don't forget to love the skin you're in right now. Love the body that holds you up everyday, regardless of what you did to it. This body will help you get through your next steps so feel good about it; no matter if you have a slim physique or full one. It's perfectly fine to work on refining your curves, but it is not alright to hate them.

Let's all embrace the simple thought of lovin' the skin we are in...today and in all of our tomorrows.


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Small Step Towards Heart Health
A Prayer for my Readers
God is in Control

Happy Birthday Monica!

This Shout Out is for Monica A!  Alice Benton's Blog wishes that you enjoy your very special birthday!  May God bless and keep you.

Progress

It is essential to move toward your goals. In life, we are always in some sort of forward motion.  In fact, the process of life itself supports transition through stages from birth to eternity. That's why it is vital to become an active participant in the direction of your life.

Regardless, of your individual application, you are becoming someone that is more than you are currently. Why not take part in that development and attempt a fulfilling direction. Most likely, you know where you've been. Look around, you definitely know where you are and now it's time to figure out where you want to go.

Become excited about your future and look forward to discovery. Get in touch with what makes you happy and hold on to it. No matter where you find yourself at this particular moment, a more joyful life is attainable and necessary.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Finding Passion
This I Know About Life
Self Discovery

Cheerleading & Margaret Scott-Adams

Margaret Scott-Adams, the award-winning Head Coach of the Orange Wave Cheerleaders at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, shared her views with me on Cheerleading.  Ms. Scott, as she is called by her team, loves cheerleading and is disappointed that it is often not viewed as a sport.  She stated, "It's unfortunately one of the most underrated sports.  Cheerleading is very complicated and athletic.  It's made to look easy by professional teams."  Cheerleaders often receive a negative rap with regards to sports, yet the required precision to be successful at it comes from athletic training.

Ms. Scott is on a mission to change the view of the sport she adores. Looking at it as a sport is imperative because it affects funding. Currently, she teaches the Orange Wave Cheerleaders competitive cheerleading basics, which consists of training techniques, conditioning and stamina among other things.

Ms. Scott is in process of creating a Cheerleading Association that includes both girls and boys from young up to high school ages.  She is organizing a summer program for 2011.  If anyone is interested in having their child participate in Cheerleading, as well as a Travel Camp please send Ms. Scott a message on Facebook.


*Another post you may enjoy is Facebook Pet Peeves.

The Spirit of April - Maya Angelou

This is in spirit of National Poetry Month.  I am posting one of my favorite poems by one of my favorite poets, Maya Angelou.

Still I Rise

BY MAYA ANGELOU

You may write me down in history   

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt   

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?   

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells   

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,   

With the certainty of tides,   

Just like hopes springing high,   

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?   

Bowed head and lowered eyes?   

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,   

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?   

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines   

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,   

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds   

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,   

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,   

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.   

I rise

I rise   

I rise.

*Posts you may enjoy are Black Love Poetry Sample 1 - Waking Up and God's Gift. 

The Original Star Trek

Ever watch an old series or movie only to discover this is how a specific fascination in your life began. The Wrath of Khanwas on television and suddenly I was glued to seat.  That movie was great, but they all were.

I boldly admit that I have love for the newest star trek moviebut that's because I have loved them all.  I'm a huge fan of the original television show, but my love is not only for Kirk.  It includes Picard and extends through all the captains to Janeway, as well as their crews.

Become a Trekkie at heart.  Start at the beginning and you'll surely be in love by the time you reach the final frontier.


*Posts you may enjoy are Lost and Star Trek.

Finding Passion

Finding your passion can be as simple as finding yourself.  It is our natural inclination to ask others what we should do.  True be told, only you have the answer.  Yes, people who have been around you since very young can weigh in on the topic, but keep in mind they may not know.

Look into your life.  Reflect on days gone and pull out the things you always did and loved.  Do you have warm memories of dancing? Maybe you couldn't wait to be alone and write in your diary.  Were you always drawing?

Passions are often based in lifetime loves.  So, focus on a time before money mattered.  What were you doing for the fun of it?  The answer can almost always be found in several childhood memories of delight. If you haven't stumbled on your passion as an adult search for it in your past.

Let me know what you find.


*Posts you may like are God is in Control, Loving Life and What's on Your Agenda?

Lost

The television show, Lost, has now come and gone.  It was the most wildly entertaining show.  From the very beginning, it was high paced and filled with drama.  While the show drastically changed from its strange beginnings in Season One.  It always kept you hooked, asking questions, looking for answers and wanting more.

Six seasons later and no more shows, suggest that Lost watchers should get over it, but we can't.  Lost was television at its best.  It was the perfect example of how to keep a viewer coming back for more.  It had excitement and sexy characters.  There were flashbacks, as well as flash forwards and even flashes to side toward the end the series.  

In my opinion, to date, no other show has risen to match the creativity of Lost. I highly recommend watching this series. Also, make sure you watch it with someone because you will want to talk about it.


*Another post you may enjoy is Star Trek.

New York International Auto Show 2011

It's about that time for the New York International Auto Show!  It will be held at the Jacob Javits Center on 11th Avenue between 34 and 40 Streets.  It begins Friday, April 22 - May 1, 2011.  Public hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.  While the official opening day is Saturday, April 23rd, there will be a special public sneak preview held on April 22nd.

Auto Show goers have the usual fantastic things to look forward to like concept cars and just revealed automobiles.  The entry price is affordable. An adult ticket is $14 while children 3 to 12 years old are $4.  If you consider yourself more of the exclusive type a private tour can be arranged.

Your approach can vary.  You can wing it and stumble on many great finds.  Or you can take advantage of the Exhibitors Locator and plan out your every move.  It will help you to cut back on distractions and make your time well spent looking at exactly what you want to view.  Either way, it's an experience not to miss.

The New York International Auto Show isn't just for car lovers, it's a good time for all.  Everyone can have fun at the car show!


*Posts you may also enjoy are The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder and Mercedes Benz SLK Roadster - Another Valentine Suggestion.

Vegan?

Right when you finally got used to vegetarians, vegans were introduced.  This newer sect left some of us confused as to what vegan really meant.  According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, a vegan is a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products.

Kathy Freston, also known as the Veganist has presented new ways of looking at this lifestyle.  She has helped Oprah Winfrey with the 21 Day Cleanse, as well as much of her Harpo staff to take a seven day Vegan Challenge.  Freston claims you can lose weight and drop your blood pressure.

The vegan lifestyle is continuously forming new ways to incorporate itself in everyday life.  Alicia Silverstone, author of The Kind Diethas also made this her way of life.   She also has a blog called The Kind Life which shares ways to save the planet, including fashion by Vaute Couture.

While I'm not converted, yet, I am definitely interested enough to consider a seven day challenge.


*Posts you may enjoy are A Small Step Towards Heart Health, It's All About Accessories and Village Natural

Chris Rock

Comedian, Chris Rock, is as funny as they come.  One reason that many like him is because while his jokes are funny, they also speak the truth.  Lessons can be learned through Rock's approach to life through comedy.

Chris Rock has been expanding his entertainment reach for a long time.  His list of successes include movies, television, a documentary& book called Rock This!

Once again, fans of his get a new treat.  Chris Rock's Broadway debut starts this month.  The Mother F**ker With the Hat opens April 11, 2011.  The show is only running fifteen weeks.  Act fast if you're going and remember it is not suggested for children fourteen or younger because of language.


*Posts you may enjoy are Iyanla Vanzant and Who Is Gwyneth Paltrow?

Ups & Downs

Life has its ups and downs.  We have all experienced them.  One minute things are better than ever and the next worse than imagined. There is no area in our lives that is off limits when it comes to the "roller coaster" of life.  Hopefully, the downside doesn't last too long.

If you are down and out and ready to quit, don't.  Quitting is not an option when you're trying to do good things in your life.  It doesn't matter what it is or who it is for, don't stop.  No matter how hard it seems to maintain your positive actions, continue.  When things are bad push through them.  A brighter day is waiting for you around the corner.

Have faith in yourself, as well as the process you have to go through sometime.  Things worth having are also worth a struggle to obtain. Never give up the good fight!


*Posts you may enjoy are God is in Control, I'm Blessed and When It Rains It Pours,

Choices

As a person, we come across many choices in life. Some are so insignificant they barely register while others can contribute to loss of sleep. The smaller ones don't always make us pause, like the large choices might.

Often people are faced with dilemmas and do not review all their options. Alternatives can be good. Outside pressure, as well as your own comfort can attribute to only looking at one solution.

Beautiful things can happen when you do not box yourself in, so thing outside the box. Your choices in life do matter. Think about them and when you need help pray for assistance. If you have already made a wrong decision, be mindful of it and pray to do better next time.


*Posts you may enjoy:

National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2011
This I know about Life

Beethoven - Love Letters of Great Men

If you are a regular viewer, you know that on occasion I like to share a letters with my readers.  Today's letter comes from Beethoven - Love Letters of Great Men.  I found it on Romance Class.  Parts of this letter were used in the Sex in City movie.


Beethoven - Love Letters of Great Men


Good morning, on July 7

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

ever thine
ever mine
ever ours


*Posts you may enjoy are Alice Benton's Blog Reader Appreciation and One Mother's Letter to Her Children.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2011

April is a busy month.  This month embodies many great things like National Poetry Month and upcoming holiday, Easter.  It also represents National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

There are many things that we as individuals can do for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  President Obama's proclamation was powerful.  He asked all Americans to partake in activities that help child abuse prevention.  Some people have used there social media pages to further awareness.

Take time and thing about you can do to help.  Doing your part might be as simple as deepening your own awareness.  For more information visit Childwelfare.gov.


*Posts you may enjoy are Serve Humanity through Charity Water and When It Rains It Pours.

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month!  This celebrated month of poems began back in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets.  It's a good time to show appreciation for the impact poetic installations have had on our culture.

Being a poet, I love knowing that there is a specific time to bare down and focus on the impact of poetry.  While I am more of the modern def poetry type and I adore some of the old stuff.  I acknowledge that it is necessary to appreciate the original form, which inspired the material that came later.

Be encouraged to make poetry a part of your life.  Read pieces by great poets like Edgar Allen Poe and Maya Angelou.  Now a days, there is a type that can relate to us all.

For more information visit poets.org.  They also offer great ideas on how to incorporate poetry into your life.


*Posts you may enjoy are God's Gift and Black Love Poetry Sample 1 - Waking Up.  You might also want to visit the page on this blog dedicated to my book, Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love.

April Fools Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you happy April Fools Day!  Make it a great one.  While its origins are uncertain, it is widely known as a day of fun that is linked to the beginning of Spring.  Go easy on the pranks, but enjoy yourself!