Last week I wrote about the Women of Power Summit and stated how proud I felt to be in the presence of so many wonderful and powerful Black Women. Since then, I've gotten many email from women all over asking about ways they can learn from what I shared and how they can also become empowered. I also have taken some time to reflect on Empower Me and come up with new ways to help empower even more women.

I am always proud to reach back and give back to my sisters. But the first thing I share is that it is not a cake walk by any means. I'm in a great place. I love my life and I try to spread my positivity and knowledge to all my sisters. But it has been a long and trying road. As I look back over my "career", I have encountered such tremendous obstacles. I have had high moments and low moments. When I was experiencing the low moments, I felt like I was running up a down escalator. It's very hard to tell someone "it'll get better" when they feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Been there. But what separates the winners is the ability to K.I.M. (keep it moving) when times are at their bleakest. I'll admit, there were so many times I wanted to quit. Just lay in my bed with the shades closed with my tv remote. And I confess, there were a few times I DID stay in my bed. But I made the conscious decision to shake it off and press on.

We are such powerful women even when we don't see it ourselves. There is a line in my Founder's Note on the Empower Me website that is along the lines of "we were working along side our men in the fields. We were working long before the women's movement because we HAD to." And it's true. We are often called upon to hold together our families, hold down a job (or three), complete our education, and still be the strong fabulous women we are meant to be. I don't believe in the word "can't". I believe we all have a purpose in this life and the means to achieve that purpose provided we never give up.

Education + Action = TRUE Empowerment....That is the power of an Empowered Black Woman. So for those of you who haven't quite made it yet, keep it moving. Never give up. Dig down deep inside and find that strength your ancestors had. Tap into that and you can move mountains. For those of you who have made it, there is no shame in reaching back to help another sister. If you're not empowered, GET EMPOWERED.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham
Empower Me!
"The Empowered Black Woman"

I'm coming to the end of the online class I've been taking. It's actually been a lot more work than I anticipated, which makes me wonder if maybe I've lost my touch. In college I had a full load of units, usually 16-20, and I worked full-time. I never had a day off from school or work, except on the occasional holiday. I do mean occasional because I worked on most holidays too. I remember having Christmas off for the first time in five years; it was pretty amazing. On top of that, I was driving 1.5 hours whenever I had a chance to visit my boyfriend, who became my fiance, who became my husband.

So right now I'm working full-time, but I have the weekends off. Two whole days in a row, which makes life good. I decided that I should add to be Bachelors degree by getting a certification in copy editing, which will assumably help me get a better job down the road and maybe pave my way to grad school (should I decide to go). I had a friend who went through the classes, and she recommended them. Why not, I thought. My job gives me an education allowance, and not using it would be like throwing away free money.

I was going to take two classes concurrently because I had a lot of faith in myself. The school's system messed up and I only ended up getting one, which turned out to be a spout of good luck. This class has taken a lot of time. Oh, and it's hard. Did I mention that I graduated with an English degree?

In a way though, maybe it's good that it's hard. It means that I'm learning something, the class isn't a waste, and I was right for taking it. Still though, I can't help wish that it was mostly easy.

So the class is coming to an end, I only have three weeks left, which means my final is coming up. I've been quite worried about the final, actually. Imagine my relief today though when I signed on to my class and saw that my teacher had posted something about the exam. It's closed note, but it's not closed book. So I'm no longer dreading the dreaded final exam because I can read a book and translate information to paper like no one's business... Or at least like a person with a B average in a class where the assignments are also open book.

Hey, I never said I was perfect.

One similarity between the north and south americas (and in Canada) was the male domination. Women could not vote or hold office, and couldn't even work without permission from their male guardians (p. 874). Most women were subjected to harsh treatment and assault and were denied education.

1. Mediasite: Mediasite is a website in which you can give a presentation/lecture over the internet and the lecture media should along with the lecture notes, however for some reason I cannot get it to work on my Mac. I've emailed people, done all the necessary adjustments...even almost downloaded internet explorer!!! I'm done and can't figure it out---so I am just going to watch all lectures in the library after another one of my classes..it blows but whatever

2. ACEOrganic: Another website in which I need to take my quizzes, why can't I take my quizzes on the school's website thing that has worked with all my other classes, I've got no clue, but whatever. Oh, now I have to pay 30 dollars to use it, that's cool. I guarantee professor Moore is getting a kickback--seriously

3. Lecture Notes: Oh because it is online I have to print out 300 pages of notes. Real cool Professor Moore, can't you just get a local publisher to make a packet I can buy for 15 bucks. Damn...

Things I Like

1. RSS Feeds: I was real surprised when I saw this in the syllabus---I thought to myself what? How could a old prof know what the hell these even are? But apparently the TA is a big geek and is working on making this class successful. Now I'm not sure how many of my fellow students know how this work, but I love getting announcements and practice problems over NetNewsWire. This is pretty cool.

2. Online Office Hours: Using elluminate, some sort of new website/java application, the professor is able to hold "Live" office hours every day. It is sort of like a chat room but has a bunch of cool features. He has a webcam so we are able to see him and it is sort of like a chalkboard/overhead where he can post slides and write on top of them. We can chat to ask him questions and his voice comes through the system using a microphone. I'm pretty sure I could set up my webcam too but haven't figured it out yet. It is a really cool way of doing office hours/teaching the class.

Well, for my first post this sure is long as hell and I'm sure probably no one will read this but maybe my buddy Shawn. I just needed to rant cause I was getting a little frustrated today. Also it is early in the class so there is still a lot to go and will let you know if anything cooler still happens. Wish me luck.

I have always been one to take risks and go against the grain. Sometimes to a fault. I went home to New York last week to attend another funeral (twice in two months).  While speaking with my various cousins, I was amazed at how some of us had excelled, and some of us had remained stagnant.  One cousin, Debbie, is older than I am.  She was commenting how she had never been out of the Bronx and that she knew there was a whole world out there but never made an attempt to step out beyond the borders of New York.  It made me sad.  Here she is, a grown woman and a grown child and two teen granddaughters, and she had never ventured out of her comfort zone.  I told her "Debbie, there's a whole world out there.  Live your life.  Do something you never thought of doing before.  Go to Atlantic City.  Take a trip up the coast.  Go to Disney World.  ANYTHING!".

My point in sharing this story is simple.  There IS a whole world out there.  The sky is the limit if you believe so.  You're not happy in your current job? Do something about it.  Build your skills so you can explore other career options, companies or departments.  Corporate isn't your thing?  Take a leap of faith and start a business.  Do something today that you never imagined yourself doing.  Whatever you do, don't remain still.  When you're still, you're stagnant.  When you're stagnant, your trapped.

I don't know about you, but I am compiling my "Bucket List" and I'm going for broke.  I plan to do things to push my intellectual limits.  To stretch my skills.  To expand my horizons.  Not sure what you want to do, consult a coach.  So do your thing.  I know I'm doing mine.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

Except, it's not finished, quite. Last semester in an online class I had a student who was an excellent participant and wrote essays that weren't great but were certainly passable. She had some health problems and spent some time in hospital, and at the end of the semester she didn't have her research paper finished. Given the situation I told her I'd be willing to change her grade from an incomplete if she sent it to me by the end of winter hols. She asked if we could arrange a phone conference but could never find a time that was suitable for both of us, and our efforts tapered off as xmas approached. I didn't hear from her for some time. A few weeks into the spring semester, I contacted her again, asking if she would send me the research paper in its current state. It seems she tried twice but the attachments wouldn't open. And every few weeks we try again, with no avail. As the semester progressed I explained that I would be leaving the college so we had to sort this out SOON, and because attachments weren't working would she please print out a paper copy and leave it in my mailbox. She claimed she couldn't find my office, then when I told her to leave it in the division office she said she would - but I've never received it. Then, yesterday, I got an email from her asking what her final, changed grade was.

There are two possibilities here. Either she really has been making an effort and there's just been a lot of bad luck, or she's taking advantage of my willingness to give her a break because of illness. I know it's probably the latter, even though I really want to hope it isn't the case. But logic points that direction: the division office staff are brilliant and I've NEVER not received a paper submitted to me there, which suggests that she never turned in a paper at the division office. It seems that if she really had something to turn in, she'd push harder to make sure I got it. And I'm not a total idiot; I know people can be jerks and certainly some of my students are less than willing to do the required work, on the assumption that I'll let them off the hook and pass them anyway. Maybe she thought that's what would happen - that I'd give up and just give her a C and blame outside forces for all this bad luck. Not gonna happen.

But then, there's this little part of me that wonders, what if she's telling the truth?

It's only a little part of me though, and vastly outweighed by the more sensible part.

I am better at using computers than I am at building things, so I was able to participate more in programming the robot than I did building the robot.  Programming is much more logical and easy to follow.  I didn't have to have previous knowledge of anything mechanical in order to catch on.

I use Etudes now, but I am interested in the differences with Moodle in comparison to ETudes.  Basically.  I want to know if switching to Moodle is worth the effort.

In my Cell Biology class the ratios of adults is considerably small but still far above what I was expecting. My work group consists of a 17 year old high school student, a 28 year old going into radiology, a 38 year old applying for nursing, and myself also doing my nursing pre-requisites.

however, even though I see a ton of adult students all over campus, I am disappointed there isn't an adviser specifically addressing the needs of adults returning to school. I suppose it isn't really that needed though. As long as you are willing to do your 'homework' so to speak.

I found great help from a few books geared toward Non-traditional students. Most library's have an array of them. They cover study skills, typical college resources, gaining family support. I also made sure to meet with an adviser specific to the major I have (Nursing), and discuss all the classes i wanted to take over the next year and plan a strategy for applying to Nursing school. Most nursing schools are highly competitive. Peninsula have roughly 30 positions open each year and 100 applicants. Radiology and dental hygiene schools are becoming quite competitive also.

First off, look to see if you can use a local transit system. In my situation, I live in a rural area and driving to school would take over an hour. However, I can park about a 1/4 mile away from my house and take the bus to the college. I save over $150 in fuel costs per week. Clallam transit also offers a college student discount. I can buy a quarter pass for $54.00 and ride the bus in all their zones, an unlimited number of time. Most transit systems offer student discounts. It absolutely worth checking into. If you are unable to make us of a transit system check with your college about carpooling opportunities.

I take my daughter with me on the bus everyday and It works out great. I have a friend who watches her pick her up at the college in the morning and drop her off in the afternoon for our ride home.

If the cost of getting to a college is too prohibitive, consider bringing college to you. Online classes are a great option for motivated learners. Many people have heard of Phoenix University Online and several other online only colleges. But keep in mind that most community colleges also offer online classes but for much lower cost per credit. Students can even take many science lab classes and math classes online these days, instead of the more traditional English and social classes. Online classes have come a long way over tha past few years.

If you plan on challenging a class, or would just like to audit. You may check into open source classrooms. Many colleges now offer their curriculum online for free. MIT is one example of this. They have provided ALL their classes online for no charge. Students don't get credit or any instructor interaction. but you do get access to all the course materials online and the opportunity to teach yourself. You can find out more from http://www.ocwconsortium.org/

Here are a few steps you can take to True Empowerment:

1. Let go of past baggage. We have a tendency of holding on to what does us no good. Remembering a fight, worrying about bills, being upset about how someone else lives their life, holding a grudge because someone else took credit for a project we worked hard on. All of this is negative energy that takes up space in your world of positivity.  In order for positive blessings to come your way, you must get rid of the old negative feelings and thoughts.  Let go and let them fuel you to push even harder to achieve your goals. Come to new situations with a free and clear mind and heart.  Baggage keeps you from bringing your "A" game and from experiencing true success.

2. Get educated. Now I don't just mean go to school. Education comes in many forms.  Yes, a college education is a good foundation, but continuing to learn well after you've earned your degree comes back to you ten-fold.  You can take continuing education courses.  Find topics that interest you and can help boost your career.  You'll even get credit units for taking them.  Attend seminars, workshops and conferences.  Some organizations give you continuing education credits by simply attending.  Take advantage of events to leverage new relationships and show off what you know (and what you learn).  Read a book or three.  Trade journals, magazines, newspapers, online content and of course books help to continue the flow of knowledge.  Create a binder of important articles that are beneficial to your career or industry.  The internet is right at your fingertips.  Do your research and reading.

3. Find mentors. Notice I didn't say find "A" mentor.  Mentors are all around you.  They don't have to be a specific age, gender, position title or even in the same industry.  Study people whom you admire.  What makes them tick?  What paths have they blazed in their industries?  Reach out to them and ask if they would be open to being your mentor.  Don't limit yourself to just one.  There's a lot to be learned out there.  Don't be afraid to reach out and connect with people.  More often than not, they are willing to share their knowledge.  But be careful not to monopolize their time, and definitely make it a value added relationship for both of you. I'm sure there is a way you can give back to your mentors.

4. Polish your image. You've got to look the part.  There was an article I read about dressing like a CEO.  I believe that no matter what level you are in your career, you absolutely must dress to impress.  Don't go out to buy the Georgio Armani suit so quickly.  Buy classic tailored pieces that are timeless.  Have a couple of good staples in your wardrobe that you can mix and match with the Target wear.  Be sure to bring your own flair to your image.  But follow the tone set by those who are where you want to be.  Even law firms are slightly relaxing their corporate attire...but not too much.  Everything from your hairstyle to your accessories say something about you.  Are you portraying the appropriate image?  Invest in some classic shoes, handbags, jewelry and scarves.  Depending on what field you are in, a stunning briefcase can add value to your look.  And most importantly, buy a dress coat that is professional and classic. You must always be cognizant of your outward appearance. Confidence attracts confidence (and opportunity).

5. Build a solid network and use it. There are so many people who tell me "I can't network. I don't know what to say to people." Well I usually tell them to get over it.  You cannot succeed in the business world without interacting with people.  You don't necessarily have to become best friends forever. But you must have the ability to strike up conversations and the timing skills to know when to strike or move on.  As much as I hate to admit it, there is still an unspoken truth that it's all in who you know, not what you know.  Learn how to network online, but don't let that be your end all be all.  Use it as a starting point to building relationships.  The internet is a wonderful thing and I am grateful that I have it to make my job a little easier.  But it can make you lazy.  You must cultivate your business relationships that you form online.  Let's say you meet someone on Linked In or Viadeo, or any other online professional networking tool.  Immediately suggest a phone conversation.  Take the time to introduce yourself and let the person know how you see them networking with you.  And then continue the dialog.  You don't have to speak every week, or every month for that matter.  But you do want them to keep you in the forefront of their minds.  Don't approach your relationships with a "set it and forget it" mentality.  It takes real work.

True empowerment is there within your reach.  Whether you are a college student, entrepreneur, or corporate riser, these principles will work for you.  Education + Action = TRUE EMPOWERMENT(tm).

Til next time.
Adrienne Graham

I teach a few webinars that focus on not only Linked In, but also social networking to its core. One of the features I read and take advantage of often is the Answers section of Linked In and Yahoo. By answering questions and giving my advice, I seem to draw a lot of people who ask to network with me.  An avid user an fan of Linked In, I am cautious about how and with whom I network and connect.  Daily, I get invitations to connect.  Despite the fact that I have clearly mentioned on many occasions that I prefer people send a note asking to connect and making it personal (ie: an introduction), and that I always take the time to send a personalized note letting a person know how I found them and my reason for asking to connect, this is what I still manage to get from people:

Adrienne,

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

It drives me nuts!  It's as if they haven't even read my profile.  Recently I received the same generic note from a young man .  I politely responded back to him my preference for contacting and connecting with me and asked him to a least introduce himself.  He replied back that he was sorry I didn't see anything in his PROFILE that would make me want to connect.  I was taken aback.  So not only did he not honor my request, he STILL didn't even take the time to introduce himself and tell me how he'd like to network with me.  But he was upset.  It left me scratching my head.

I tell this story to illustrate a point.  When you are stepping into a social networking situation, it's not like being on Myspace, Facebook, Blackplanet or any other social networking site for pleasure.  When you join a professional networking site, you must have a different approach and mindset than you would with the above mentioned networks.  You cannot assume that people will take the time to read your profile if you didn't put any thought into introducing yourself properly or abide by their wishes.  The rules of engagement are simple.  Do your research.  Read a person's profile and see if there are any specific request about how to contact them.  Make sure the person wants to be contacted, and what their preferences are (if you are a pet lover who wants to share an event for your pet, you wouldn't contact someone who doesn't own a pet).  Do NOT EVER send cookie cutter or standard template messages.  That will turn a person off immediately.  I know it turns me off.  Take the time to properly introduce yourself, indicate why you are contacting them, and offer to discuss any possible synergies.

Building networking relationships takes work.  Building networking relationships ONLINE takes not only work, but also the proper etiquette.  The people you reach out to cannot see you.  So you have to be extra diligent about presenting the proper first impression.

The next webinar will be held on Saturday, April 26th.  Please be sure to visit the website for more details.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

As we all know, today is the day that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. The year was 1968. But what you don't know is that I was born exactly a year later, in 1969. I have had the pleasure (or is that misfortune, I don't know) of sharing a birthday with the anniversary of one our country's most renowned orators, leaders, ministers we will probably ever know. When I was little, it didn't affect me much. Children don't think of such things in their small microcosm of the world view. But as I got older, I had mixed feelings about it. Yes, it was a sad and pivitol point in our history, but I started to think of it like this. For every life that is taken, another life is created. I am in no way comparing myself to Dr. King. But I could never help but think I have a huge responsibility to live up to.

I was listening to Warren Ballentine this morning on the radio and snippets of Dr. King's speeches. They touched me deeply, as always. All that he hoped for and dreamed of, some might say we have achieved. We have and then again we haven't (case in point the Jena 6). I couldn't help but acknowledge that if it wasn't for Dr. King, I would not have had the opportunity to grow up as I have. I would not have been able to be a successful business woman. I would not have been able to move where I want, pursue the education I want, raise my son as I want, or be able to set the wheels in motion for the phenomenon that is Empower Me. So, yes, in many respects, we have overcome. Barack Obama is living proof of that. Who would have thought a Black Man would be a serious contender in our lifetime? My son, my mother, my sisters, brother, nephew and nieces get to see this....in our lifetime. Unfortunately my Dad never did. He passed away 6 years ago this coming July. Dr. King certainly didn't and neither did Mrs. King.

I still remember the stories my Daddy used to tell me about Dr. King and the "struggle". Daddy was very animated when telling stories. He had a way of drawing you into the stories as he was telling them. I remembered being so afraid and fearing that "they" were going to get me. I was very small and had not grasped the fact that we were indeed free. My mother being a product of that time, was one who was always telling us keep your mouth shut and do what you need to do. Don't make trouble. But daddy, man he would tell us we have the right to do and go and say what we want. Yes, even in the late 70's early 80's we encountered racism. Not at home though (New York). We would encounter it in the south. But daddy never let us just "take it". He always had a lesson to teach us and always was able to somehow channel Dr. King. Very early on I could never understand some of the racism. But as we got older and daddy used to tell us these stories, it became clearer. Especially after watching Roots....can I get an AMEN!

It was in my early teens that I took Dr. King's words and thoughts and hopes to heart. I became this outspoken grown child. I was never to let anything stand in my way of what I wanted. Naive? Perhaps. But I said to myself, dammit, we have these Dr. King celebrations every year to continue the fight. In NYC I did have a mix of friends. But when I went downtown to the Wall Street, Fifth Avenue, or any other areas deemed off limits to us, I felt a bit out of place. It wasn't until my late teens early 20's that I began to shake that off and own a sense of entitlement. It was my right as an American, as a New Yorker, as a BLACK WOMAN to be there making money like everyone else. And when those doors did not open, I made my own way. My first adult taste of overt in your face racism was back in 1988 or 1989. I went on my first trip to California without my parents. My friend Kim and I went. And of course, I was always miss fancy so I wanted to "do Beverly Hills". Fresh off the plane with my daddy's American Express (don't laugh), I walked into Beverly Hills like I had lived there. I won't mention store names, but the minimum wage earning sales clerks had their noses up in the air and nobody wanted to give me the time of day. A few people even asked if I was "lost". Huh? Are you kidding me? I was dressed just as nice as any of their rich customers. One asked me, are you sure you want to buy this? It costs$..... Again, huh? Don't you see this Amex card burning a hole in my pocket? My friend said let's go. But the stubborn rebel in me didn't want to give THEM the satisfaction. So I bought 3 bags. Of course my daddy freaked out and demanded I pay the bill myself. I was a project girl living a princess life. LOL Or what about in 1991 when I took my infant son, mom and sisters with me back to California. I was once again on Rodeo Drive looking around and my family headed on a walk through the residential area of Beverly Hills. Within minutes, the Beverly Hills Police were called. Someone hit the panic button when they saw these "strangers", BLACK strangers (with a damn baby stroller mind you) roaming their neighborhood. Nothing jumped off, but my mom was pissed!

Why do I tell this story? Fast forward to February 2008. Just about 6 weeks ago. I flew to California for the Women of Power Summit. I drove over to L.A. to stay for the remainder of my trip. I had a ton of emotions going on. I was no longer this kid I was so long ago. I wondered and was a little nervous of the treatment I would receive upon my return to Beverly Hills. Well I was quite surprised. I strolled Rodeo, in and out of stores. And so much has changed. I was greeted and doted on by the sales clerks in nearly all of the stores I visited. I was taken aback. Really. I saw people of different ethnicities working in these stores and also shopping! Yeah, we black folks have money too. Some even chatted with me and asked where I was from. I was amazed. The men were holding doors open for me. The women were showing me things from the cases and the back. I didn't buy anything. This time, I could afford it, but I ain't crazy! LOL It made me feel good to see how things had come full circle. Could Dr. King's dream have become a reality?

Every time I see a successful black man or women open a store, business, restaurant, etc, I fill with pride. Every time I see a black man or woman achieve top rank status in a company, I fill with pride. Every time I see a black man or woman earn their degrees, be it BS, BA, MBA,MA, PhD, I fill with pride. We HAVE overcome. To an extent. But we still have a way to go. I think if Dr. King were alive today, he would be in awe of what he and others set in motion. So I come to you and ask, what is your purpose? What dream do you have that needs to be fulfilled? What's holding you back? I, a girl from the projects of the Bronx, sits here a CEO of 2 companies, a mom, a wife, a mentor, a homeowner, a teacher (not in the school sense), a diversity expert. A black woman living Dr. King's dream. A black woman fighting to empower and educate my sisters, and inspire them to not quit and to achieve all their hearts desire.

I am hopeful for my son's generation and my future grandchildren's generation. If or should I say WHEN Barack Obama wins, that will break all kinds of barriers and set precedents that Dr. King was never able to see come to fruition. So am I sad to be born on the day of Dr. King's assassination? Hell no. I consider it a privilege and an honor. Happy Birthday to Me. Thank you Dr. King. You have touched and molded me in a very profound way.

Till next time.

Adrienne Graham

First of all, It's April 1st ladies.. which means reveal day at Lil' Scrappers!!! Woohoo!! I had *SO* much fun with yet another gorgeous kit!! You're going to love this one! We've packed it with scrumptious goodies that are sure to get you scrapping up a storm!

Here's our April 1st Got Kit, "April Blooms".

And.. here are my reveal items!! Enjoy!!!

 ~@~ Snugabye ~@~

 ~@~ Bloom ~@~

 ~@~ Altered Stamp tin and notecard set ~@~

~@~ Thanks, Bonjour, Smile Cards ~@~

~@~ Mya Mini Accordian Album ~@~

As you can tell... I had such a fun time working with this gorgeous kit!!! I still have goodies left from this kit if you can believe it!! WOWSERS!!!

The April Blooms Got Kit goes up for pre-order today at www.lilscrappers.ca Better get one while they're hot!!

Be sure to check out my bud Aimee's DT reveals at her blog too!!! :)

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2nd on my list!!! Tomorrow night (Wednesday, 2nd) at 9pm est we're having another make n' take class at Lil' Scrappers!! This time the lovely and talented Michy will be hosting!! Here's a sneak peek of what she'll be teaching... looks scrumptious, no?? YUM!! So don't forget about this class and we'll see you tomorrow night at Lil' Scrappers!!!

Here's the link to the material list: http://www.lilscrappers.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1309

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Thirdly.... and this is a BIGGIE!! We are going to be bringing out CARD KITS specially tailored to card-makers!!!! We're talking kits FULL of pp, cs, stamp sets, embellishments, ribbon, every goodie you could possibly need or want to make complete sets of cards!! :)

And... the lovely and wonderfully talented Michy will be our new Card DT!!! So she'll be oohing and aahing you with her gorgeous creations with our first Card Kit beginning on April 15th!! Sneak peek comes on the 10th of April... be sure to check back here for a sneak peek or on Lil' Scrappers!! If you're a card-maker, trust me on this, you do NOT want to miss our debut of the first kit!! ***YUMMY***

That's it for today! Phew!! lol!! Have a great day ladies!!! :)

• March 20, 2008- Linking In to Linked In- $39-

The web offers tons of opportunities to establish yourself and make solid connections. Join us to discuss how to make Linked In an effective tool in your networking, finding business leads and job search. Learn how to get the most out of the free and paid subscriptions, incorporate Linked In in your job search, build your profile to attract recruiters and hiring managers, position yourself as an expert in your field, how to incorporate online networking with your traditional networking strategies, Linked In Etiquette and how to reach any contact whether you are connected or not.

To reserve your seat visit us online. Seating is limited to 100 attendees. Register today to guarantee your seat.

I will be hosting a webinar on Salary Negotiation called "Negotiating Savvy for the Empowered Black Woman". It s a 90 minute webinar that will be held to open more women up to the power of negotiation. Everything is negotiable, when you do it at the right time. "Seating" is limited to 100 attendees and it is first come first serve. More details to follow about this webinar. In the meantime, figure out your appropriate salary by using this Salary Calculator.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham
"The Empowered Black Woman" TM

You can find out how to make this little basket by joining me at www.Lilscrappers.ca on this Wednesday, 5th, at 8pm est! :) It's a super simple basket, and no special supplies needed!

Also have a nice & simple card sketch to share today... posted this for my weekly card challenge over at LS! I'll be giving away a RAK of stamped images at the end of the week, so if you'd like to play, get the card done and posted in this thread so I know to count you in! ;) 

http://www.lilscrappers.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=12201#12201

Have a wonderful day! Hope to be back later on to post my card made with this sketch!

Stay warm!!! :)

From what I've read so far, A New Earth is a lot more about humanity, transformation of consciousness and ego and making some fairly radical changes in order to create a New Earth. A better earth... But I think the point is that you start with yourself, your Earth.

For the next 10 weeks, for those of you who are interested, Eckhart and Oprah have teamed up to offer a free Online Class based on this book to help you awaken your life's purpose. You can get more information here. The first class start March 4th. I signed up for it but the pre-requisite is to have read the book first. I just started. Not sure if I will benefit from everything the class has to offer but I think I will just hunker down and complete the book within the next 2 weeks. I can do it. Done it before.

Have you read A New Earth? Are you taking the Online Class? I would love to hear from you!