Jennifer N. Shannon

Happy February 14…

jennifer — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:02:37 +0000

When I received the call asking had I heard about Whitney Houston, I immediately searched the internet and connected with the most reliable source I know: Facebook. Then of course I called my mom, my homie, Crystal and then I kind of sat in front of my computer in disbelief. Not because “someone” died but because it was Whitney Houston. It was unexpected. It was scary. It was tragic. I’ve never met Whitney but just as I do with so many others who sing or put their art form and most importantly, themselves, before this critical, judgmental world, I connected with her music. I bonded with something within her and could sing along and loose myself for a few moments. And knowing that she was no longer in this world as we know it, suddenly forced me to retreat to my place of comfort; my computer, my writing, my place of release…

So many others have been lost already in this first two months of 2012. And regardless to what Whitney and others meant to you, it should force all of us to recognize how quickly life can change and be taken away. Most of us take for granted that those we know and love will be here tomorrow, when the truth is, tomorrow’s not promised.

So on this day, this Valentine’s Day, February 14, let’s use it for something other than just showing romantic love…And instead of moping around or being bitter because you don’t have or can’t spend Valentine’s day with a significant other, show love to a child, parent, friend…yourself. Cause isn’t that what Feb. 14 is really about? If we take away all the commercialization this day has garnered over the years, Feb. 14 is all about showing L-O-V-E. Pure and simple…

Besides it’s so much more rewarding and valuable to express and show love to someone while they can still hear and acknowledge your voice.

Happy February 14 Loves! I love you all!

Rest in Peace: Whitney Houston, Etta James, Don Cornelius and so many others…

Be blessed. Stay encouraged. And NEVER loose faith or give up on love! God is LOVE and don’t you forget it…

JNS

“what, who, when, where, how and sometimes why” by JNS

jennifer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:41:49 +0000

This is a recitation of one of my original poems entitled what, who, when, where, how and sometimes why…Enjoy and let’s celebrate Black History Month.

JNS

Still Single? Why? – Finale

jennifer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:48:36 +0000

Part 3 –

How “good” are you?

Many people think that because you make X amount of $$, have no kids (or have kids that you take care of), a great career, independence, have your own place, etc that you’re classified as good [a good woman/man]… If you want the truth, we are all flawed…Many people have the misconception that if they have certain things then they’re the best thing since sliced bread, when in fact many of these same good people are: disrespectful, physically and mentally abusive, selfish, unloving, insecure, liars, lack family values, judgmental, cheaters, inflexible, and the list goes on and on…No one’s perfect and frankly not everyone is going to deal with “your” issues BUT someone will.

Truthfully, I consider myself as a good woman, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things I can work on and improve upon so that I can be the best person for my mate. Don’t misunderstand, you’re still good (for the most part ) but don’t think that you’ve got it going on so much that there’s nothing you need to work on because believe me, you do – even those people who are married have some issues they need to work on too!

Why are you single?

I’m not married (never have been but I KNOW about relationships) and being married is still a relationship. If you don’t nurture the relationship the marriage won’t work. There are many reasons for being unmarried and sometimes it has less to do with being good or bad, but has much more to do with life’s choices. Had I made different decisions my life would be different right now however because of my own desires, I chose a route that others may have questioned. But one thing about this life is that it’s MINE. No one else can live it for me. Just like others can’t live yours. Live with the choices you’ve made…if you have regrets, it won’t change the circumstance you are in today so keep it moving…

I’ve always believed that “what God has for you it is for you.” Also, marriage isn’t something you enter into lightly so don’t rush it…As hard as it is to be patient remember that all things happen in due time [in His time, and if you truly believe that and keep the faith, you'll be fine]…so in the meantime, while you’re preparing for that wonderful person to come into your life, focus less on the perception of others, find a way to make YOURSELF happy, work on being a better you, and accept your decisions…

So are you still single? Who cares as long as you’re happy and content…keep moving forward…Love will find you!

B-E-Z

JNS