What is Dropshipping?

Paul Lipsky is an attorney and professional Dropshipper.  Here in this video he provides a brief overview of how he makes a six figure income and offers his Dropshipping Titans training program to those who want to set up a second income stream from the comfort of home.  Results vary among individuals based on their dedication to implementing his suggested methods.  So far my individual results have been amazing.  Dropshipping Titans offers videos, Q&A sessions, a Facebook support group, and email correspondence to address questions and assist members reach their goals.  You have to start somewhere, invest in yourself, and do the work if you're going to live the life that you desire.  Here's a real opportunity to make that happen.  Watch the video above to get an understanding of how dropshipping works or click on the affiliate links within this article and step out on faith in yourself to make your dreams a reality.  Dropshipping Titans!

Dropshipping Titans!

Introducing Dropshipping Titans! 

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Lord, Hear My Prayer

I am sorry that I didn't go to church every Sunday.
I am sorry that I wasn't the apple of my parents' eyes.
I am sorry that I didn't accomplish anything in life.
I am sorry that I couldn't help.
I am sorry that I didn't make you proud.
I am sorry that I have not accomplished any goals.
I am sorry that there is no money.
I am sorry for being so tired all the time.
I am sorry for not being quite good enough.
I am sorry that my head can't wrap around what is needed to be done.
I am sorry for not being the right choice.
I am sorry that I have lost Mommy, Daddy and Portia.
I am sorry that I couldn't quite cut it.
I am sorry that I was not good enough to marry.
I am sorry that you don't think I'm worth anything.
I am sorry that I wasn't worth remembering.
I am sorry that I was worth ignoring.
I am sorry that I called too much.
I am sorry to my children.
I am sorry that you thought I was not worth knowing.
I am sorry that I look so raggedy.
I am sorry that is what you think of me.
I'm just sorry.

Kids Give Back Through Birthdays That Benefit Charities

Birthdays That Benefit Charities

What makes a child want to give birthday presents away instead of keeping them?  “Mom, I don’t really need anything.  For my party why don’t we have people bring things that we can donate to someone,” said Leilah Mizer to her mom Crystal Macfarlane.  For Leilah’s seventh birthday party, she asked guests to give to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland.  She was familiar with RMH because one of her teachers volunteered there.

The theme of giving back through Charitable Birthday Parties seems to be catching on.  Kids want to share their birthday celebrations with others in need.  How sweet and wonderful is this?  Laura Klinger Doyle, communications manager at Ronald McDonald House, said she’s seen “a lot of success” with children asking for donations instead of gifts.  Leilah Mizer raised more than $1,000 through the online fundraising page they set up with FirstGiving.

Claire Hall and Sydney Brown insisted that friends and family give to the Animal Protective League for their birthdays.  Sharon Harvey, president and CEO of the Cleveland APL, notes that contribution-minded kids are influenced by contribution-minded parents, and sometimes kids don’t need prompting as children nine years and older can volunteer at the shelter with a parent.  Claire, who is now 11, has been donating her birthday wishes to the APL since age 4, and Sydney has donated pet toys and treats two consecutive years in a row.

Children imitate their atmosphere.  With active volunteering from parents and other role-models, kids realize that excess is not all that it’s cracked up to be.  Noting that the world and the people in it may require a helping-hand every now and again, children tap into a self-less concern for others.  Maybe they experienced a family crisis, in which the family successfully overcame and the unit became stronger.  Researchers say as kids shift from receiving to donating, they get many immaterial gifts in return.  Studies show that children who take on altruistic responsibilities exhibit higher self-esteem, gain a deeper understanding of the needs of others, and improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

All kids may not jump on board the goodwill bandwagon, but here are some suggestions for parents to consider. 

·       Talk with your kids about the blessings in their lives and what’s their perception about others who are less fortunate.  Ask them what they can do to help.

·       Get kids enthusiastic about causes that reflect their interests.  Margaret Hall says this about her daughter, Claire, “She feels bad for the dogs and cats that don’t have a home.”

·       Learn more about charities in your area that hold the interests of your child and its requisites.  Many charities have specific wish lists of their needs.

·       Make it a reality for your kids.  Have them go with you when making a donation or contribution on their behalf.  Seeing is believing for the kids.  When children witness how their efforts bring happiness, comfort and peace-of-mind into somebody else’s life, they learn the importance of giving, and develop a greater appreciation for what they have and the needs of others.

Not all adults agree with birthdays that benefit others.  According to the New York Times, Judith Martin, who writes the Miss Manners syndicated column fears that kids may “grow up hating philanthropy because it’s done him out of his birthday presents.”  Or maybe, it’s best to let the kids decide how they want to celebrate their birthdays.  Wouldn’t that be the proper thing to do? 

The Best Running Back Who Never Was...

The Best Running Back Who Never Was...

College Rushing

Holds 7 National Records

5900 Yards; 69 TDs; 6.9 Yards Per Carry;

855 Carries; Most Points in a Single Game;

Most Career Points; 7 TDs in a Single Game;

and Most Yards in a Playoff Game (333 yards)

Dear Jo Jo,
Uncle Tim and I were talking about you over the weekend and were reminiscing about our good times.  You hold a special place in our hearts and we love you.  Can't wait to see you, Dallas and the rest of the family soon in Savannah, GA.  
Congratulations on your new endeavors.  You'll once again be jet-setting around the world.  
Ladies and gentlemen reading my blog today, I would like to introduce you to my nephew, Mr. Jo Jo Jones.  The man who broke Walter Payton's NAIA records in football.  Enjoy the footage.  He's a bad man.  

Love you,
Auntie V.

The Lie In The Tea Leaves

What Are Your Tea Leaves Saying?

I am so furious.  Being a Southern Belle, I have enjoyed fresh brewed tea all my life.  It’s considered a food staple in my house.  I have discovered that several of my favorite brands have pulled the wool over my eyes.  They’re not safe to drink.  Laden with pesticides, toxins, artificial ingredients, added flavors and GMOs are the reasons why I am so disgusted.  These brands include Lipton, Celestial Seasonings, Tazo, Trader Joe’s, Tea Forte, Twinings of London and Teavana to name a few.  Based on a recent study by Glaucus Research, 91% of Celestial Seasonings tea tested had pesticide residues exceeding U.S. limits.  To make it worse, the company’s Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Grape Herbal contained .26 ppm of propachlor, which is a known carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65.  They have the audacity to possibly harm our kids.  Is nothing or no one safe anymore?  In addition, the “Wellness” tea line contains propargite, a known carcinogen and developmental toxin.  On top of having tainted tea leaves, the tea bags aren’t safe either.  The tea bags are treated with epichlorohydrin, which is a compound used in the production of epoxy resins, and it’s used as a pesticide.  When in contact with boiling water, it hydrolyzes to 3-MCPD, which causes cancer in animals.  It has been implicated in infertility and suppressed immune function.  These major labels appear to have no interest in true quality control or making a product that really mirrors their claims of being natural or providing health benefits.  What a shame?  There is a saving grace however.  I would suggest reading the labels, research a brand that is organic and non-GMO certified, and make sure they use a safe form of packaging material or buy loose leaf tea.  Also check out ToxDr.com. Their mission is to improve the quality of people's lives by educating them about the toxins they are exposed to in daily life and the effect of these toxins on humans and the environment, and offer healthier and toxic-free solutions for every walk of life.    

On The Third Day, He Rose...

Cathedral Of Prayer

And he said unto them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." 
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.
And he said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and rise from the dead the third day."
"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
"And ye are witnesses of these things."
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

                                                                                                                                                                                          St. Luke 24:44-49

Oil Pulling: Hot New Craze Getting Attention Of Modern Dentistry

So you ask yourself what is oil pulling?  What does it do?  Why should I be doing it?  Well, to address these questions, oil pulling is an ancient, Ayurvedic, natural remedy of swishing oil through the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits.  Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent and a form of alternative medicine.  It is the oldest form of medicine known to man.

Oil pulling is a safe, simple, cost-effective and a gentle way to rid your mouth and body of toxins and bacteria.  It is claimed to cure nearly 30 diseases from headaches, migraines, diabetes and asthma.  Much of the bacteria that we come in contact with enters the body through the mouth.  The movement of the oil throughout the oral cavity causes a mucosal and tissue perfusion.  Vitamins and minerals from the oil are absorbed into the mucous membranes and removes toxins from the body through the mouth.  Oil pulling balances microflora to restore cells, tissues and organs so they can regenerate.  It is suggested that you do oil pulling up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Oil pulling involves putting 1 tablespoon full of organic, unrefined, cold pressed sesame, sunflower or coconut oil into your mouth.  (Do Not Swallow The Oil) Swish it around your mouth (like mouthwash) and pull it through your teeth for 20 minutes.  This step must be done first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything, and on an empty stomach.  It has been suggested to do oil pulling while in the shower, so you’re not just standing around doing nothing, swishing oil around in your mouth.  After the 20 minutes have passed, spit the oil out in the toilet or into a lined trash can.  Constantly spitting out into the sink may clog your plumbing pipes.  Rinse the mouth out with warm or salt water several times and then brush your teeth as usual. 

There are some additional things of which you should be made aware.  When you start oil pulling, you may notice some oral discomfort or irritation.  If you do experience this issue, switch to another oil that is more pleasing.  It is reported that coconut oil is more detoxifying.  Be cautious and go slow when starting out.  One of the most common testimonials for oil pulling is an improvement in gums and whiter teeth.

Oil pulling was introduced to the west in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach who claimed the practice could help with heart disease, digestive problems and hormonal disorders.  In addition, Deepak Chopra endorsed the practice of oil pulling in his 2001 book “Perfect Health.”  

I am beginning my oil pulling adventure today.  I can definitely use the savings on my dental bills.  What are your thoughts on oil pulling?  Are you interested in trying it?

The History Of Chocolate Milk

“It’s sweet, creamy, and cold when it hits your lips.  It soothes the palate. It coats your throat when you take that big gulp.  It’s treasured by all, young and old alike.  It’s called chocolate milk.  What a wonderful delight.”

Chocolate milk has been a lunch room staple of American school children for years.  In the New York City school system alone, more than 60 million cartons of chocolate milk are consumed each year.  Parents don’t know whether to love it or hate it.  Some think it’s better than sugary sodas and others think it fills their kids with empty calories.    

Chocolate milk is said to have been discovered by Irish doctor Sir Hans Sloane. Soon after completing medical school at the University of Orange, Sloane was offered the opportunity to travel to Jamaica as the physician to the 2^nd Duke of Albermarle.  After a 3 month journey to Jamaica and a 15 month stay, Sloane took great interest in studying the local fauna and flora, customs of the local inhabitants and natural phenomena such as earthquakes. 

Sloane was introduced to cocoa by the locals as they drank it mixed with water.  Upon his sampling of this concoction, he noted that it made him feel somewhat nauseated.  After many experiments, it is said that Sloane finally discovered that the use of cocoa in milk made the drink more palatable.  Following the Duke of Albermarle’s death, Sloane returned to England, brining his milk and cocoa mixture back with him.  It was first made and sold by apothecaries as medicine.  Eventually, in the nineteenth century, the recipe was taken up by Cadbury who manufactured chocolate using Sloane’s recipe.

As with most things, Sloane, who is given the credit for inventing chocolate milk, probably didn’t actually create this drink.  According to historian, James Delbourgo, Jamaicans were mixing a hot beverage of cacao shavings, milk, and cinnamon as far back as 1494.  Chocolate has been known to the human race as far back as 350 B.C.  Even Europeans had exposure to chocolate as far back as 1502.  So it’s hard to believe that Sir Hans Sloane was the inventor of chocolate milk.

Further studies show that archeologists reported findings of chocolate use pre-dating the Maya.  Chocolate residue found in an early classic ancient Mayan pot in Rio Azul, northern Guatemala, suggests the Mayans were drinking chocolate around 400 A.D.   Chocolate was believed to fight fatigue, and was associated with the Mayan god of fertility.  Chocolate was a luxury item throughout pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.  The cacao bean was so lucrative that it was used in trade.

The advent of chocolate milk has a long and tumultuous history.  It is said that an Irishman that relocated to England, studied medicine in Paris, was the inventor of chocolate milk in Jamaica, but the cocoa bean’s history says otherwise.  It can be used to make hot chocolate or the childhood favorite we all know as chocolate milk.  One thing is for sure, the cocoa bean has seen the world over.  

NEW! ELIXIR 7.9 SKINCARE FOR FIRST WRINKLES

I love Yves Rocher products.  I have been using their products for over 20 years and have not been disappointed once.  The benefits of Yves Rocher include botanical product innovation, green packaging, and for each product purchased, a tree is planted.   

ELIXIR 7.9

7 Plants

9 Anti-Aging Patents

Paraben Free
Mineral Oil Free
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In 1 day:  Skin appears re-energized

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"This unique complex boosts skin's energy reserves and reactivates its youth."
Xavier Ormancey, Director Research & Development
Yves Rocher

YLANG23: joanne's eye: SUMMER 2013, CHAPTER 3: It's All About Our Designers...

YLANG23: joanne's eye: SUMMER 2013, CHAPTER 3: It's All About Our Designers...

How Great Thou Art!

My favorite gospel singer is Mahalia Jackson.  Her voice can roll like thunder or lull so sweet to make a small child fall asleep.  This morning while listening to Music Choice On-Demand, she was there and her voice touched my heart.  So today I want to give testimony as to how great God is and how he has touched my heart.

On Friday, June 28, 2013, I discovered that a friend had suffered a seizure that left him in a coma for nearly two weeks.  He was hospitalized in Columbia, SC, a few hours away from his hometown of Greenville, SC.  His mother by his side on a daily basis, was informed by the doctors that he was being kept alive by machines and they saw no sign of brain activity.  Ms. Marie decided on that Friday to pull the plug on her beloved son based on the information provided to her by the doctors.

My sister called to tell me of the unfortunate news about Tony late Friday morning.  We talked for about an hour about Tony's condition.  Later on during the day, she called me back to tell me some miraculous news.  Ms. Marie pulled the plug on her son based on his condition.  And do you know that while the plug was being pulled, Tony opened his eyes and called out his mother's name.  Baffling the entire medical staff, today Tony is talking, breathing on his own and is being transferred to a hospital in Greenville to be closer to his family while he undergoes rehabilitation.

Now there is no better acknowledgment of the fact that God is the only one that can make a way out of no way.  To be considered dead at 11am, and alive and talking at 1:30pm, only God Almighty can make it happen.

Thank You Jesus!  Be Humble.  Keep The Faith.  Praise Him.  Put God First.  Obey The Father.

Purple Iris, 2'x2', Photography, $45.00

Purple Iris

We Are Going On The Family Feud

Portia, Latrice, Vicki, Micah, Valeta, Karen
LET'S GO BUSSEY!

My sister Portia had the ingenius idea to send out an email blast to all of us to see if anyone would be interested in auditioning for the "Family Feud."  She is an avid viewer of this game-show as were our parents when we were growing up.  To her surprise, "Everyone replied with a resounding 'Yes,' and where do we need to be?"  So on May 5, 2013, right before Mother's Day, 11 am, at the Atlanta Civic Center, conference room E, we tried out for the Family Feud.  

People from all over the southeast came out, filling several conference rooms to play a fun-filled game of Family Feud.  Families attending were from Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana.  The Bussey family played against the Ruiz family.  The game was intense and we answered mock questions such as "Name a way a person could acquire a large sum of money."  Trying not to get a strike, I was fortunate enough to answer correctly with the answer of "Inheritance."  During the round of play, we were being video taped and from this audition tape, the decision makers would review it and inform us via postcard within 3-6 weeks if we would gain a true appearance on the Family Feud.

After several telephone calls, text messages, and emails from all of us asking if she received the postcard in the mail, on June 17th the postcard finally arrived.  When Portia called me to let me know that she had received the postcard, I could hear an echo in my head of us chanting with large cheesy smiles on our faces, "We're going on THE FEUD!"

Following our audition, we all enjoyed brunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room.  All of us are children and grandchildren of siblings, and we know and appreciate true southern cuisine.  Mary Mac's Tea Room was established in 1945 by Mrs. Mary MacKenzie.  Following World War II, Mrs. MacKenzie was an enterprising woman in search of a living.  Now owned by hand-picked successor John Ferrell, Mary Mac's Tea Room offers a quaint, southern atmosphere with food preparation still done like when their doors first opened.  The establishment offers the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken, pork chops done right, ribs dripping with savory, tangy sauce, fish, shrimp, oysters and more than 30 fresh vegetables including fried okra and true macaroni-and-cheese.  It was a nice time for all of us to get together, break bread, have good conversation, and catch up with one another face-to-face.  Like a true Sunday go-to-meeting dinner.  

So look for The Bussey Family on the Family Feud and wish us luck!

Etsy Craft Party At Cacao-Atlanta

Cacao-Atlanta

What a great combination?  Chocolate, handcrafting and a great get-together.  On June 20, 2013, Etsy launched a community craft day. The Etsy Craft Party brings together handcrafters in Atlanta to express why art is important for our community and indulge in some of the world's finest chocolate.  Cacao-Atlanta creates some of the finest chocolate in the world and we definitely indulged.  Noting my love for cooking, creating, and eating, it was an honor for owner Kristen Hard to allow us to gather at Cacao on Peachtree Road and craft together.  As a formally trained chef, Hard discovered her niche as a chocolatiere after watching Carribbean women crush the cacao bean with their bare hands, and discovering the many aspects of chocolate.

Our organizer for the Etsy Craft Party was Stella Tompkins and she did a great job of bringing us together.  It was nice to meet other crafters who had talents including theatre arts, fashion design, collage art and mixed media, metalsmithing, glass beads, and hand bags.  If you get a chance, check out their work.  These talents include Neci Harmon, Valeta Goode, Makeila Wardlaw, Paula Guerin, Marcy Lamberson, and Marnie Wardlaw.  Everyone's style is unique and different.  In addition, we had the greatest service person at Cacao-Atlanta by the name of Tricia whose first love is theatre acting.

It was a pleasure ladies to meet you all.  

Hope we all get together again.  

Have fun doing what you love.

Stella Tompkins-Etsy Craft Party Organizer

Cacao-Atlanta owner- Kristen Hard

And The Winners Are...

Best In Show:  Kevin Horvath, 'One To Many,' ceramics

Best Faculty:  Sharon Weiss, 'Pomegranate Pair,' pastel

Best Student:  Janis Patterson, 'Tiny Tea,' ceramics

Peoples' Choice:  Sherry Robinson, 'Peacock,' oil on canvas

Honorable Mentions:

Sam Alexander, 'Intersection,' watercolor

Jenny Baughman, 'Lirael,' necklace

Terry J. England, 'Architect Crow,' mixed media

Here are the winners of the Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition.  

Thanks to all that came out to the opening reception.  

We were blown away by the flood of support.  

Stay tuned for information on upcoming events.  These artisans love their craft and it shows.  

The exhibit lasts from June 14 through August 17, 2013.

Great Community Support For The Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition

Thank you to all that attended the Spruill Arts Student & Faculty Juried Exhibition's Opening Reception and for making it a success. We had hundreds of people there to show support for local artists. As informed by instructor Kristen Wilder, the event was the largest for the gallery.  Ninety one artists displayed their talents and the love of their craft in this show.  Sculpture, paintings, pottery and jewelry were among the different pieces on exhibit.  All selections were made by juror Michael Rooks of The High Museum of Art-Atlanta.  This display will be available for viewing and purchases from June 14 -August 17, 2013.  The Spruill Gallery & Gift Shop is located at 4681 Ashford-Dunwood Rd., Atlanta, GA 30338, 770-394-4019.  The pieces that I have available are called "Sphere" and" Simplicity."

Artist - Valeta Goode

Featured Artist - Norm Citron

Tim and Me

Featured Artists

Instructors/Artists Joanne Hernandez & Kristen Wilder

Sign of Hope @ The Spruill Gallery

And What Is The Jury's Verdict?

The Jury has decided to accept my jewelry designs into the Spruill Arts Student Faculty Juried Exhibition, June 14 - August 17, 2013. When Jennifer called to let me know that two of my pieces were selected for the exhibit, I was tickled pink.  It was hard enough to complete my pieces by the deadline of May 23, 2013 by 5 p.m. with all the finishing touches, but waiting to hear the selections from juror Michael Rooks is a totally different ball game.

Mr. Michael Rooks is the Wieland Family Curator Of Modern & Contemporary Art at The High Museum Of Art Atlanta.  Need I say anything more?  This is the boost my ego needed.  Every now and again, inspiration and creativity do not come so easily.  The news today definitely makes me feel better.

To stir the pot a little more, the exhibit will award prizes to its participants.   This exhibition will also showcase all mediums currently being produced at the Spruill Center For The Arts.  Prizes include:  

Best In Show

Best Faculty

Best Student

2 Honorable Mentions

People's Choice

Prizes will be awarded at the Opening Reception, Thursday, June 13, 2013, 6-9 p.m. at the Spruill Gallery, located at 4681 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA  30338, 770-394-4019.

Last but not least, I'd like to tip my hat off to the Spruill Center's Educational Center.  The administrators and instructors are like family.  It's a great place to learn, fellowship, and test the waters with your creativity.    Kristen, Terri, Mindy, Jennifer, Susan, Tom, Bob and the list goes on, are great people to work with and are great community craftivists that keep the arts active, vibrant and alive in the Atlanta community.  

Support the arts at the Spruill Center!  We hope to see you at the Opening Reception.  

Earn Some Extra Cash

Money has been a little tight for me every now and again.  I've been out of Corporate America for a little while now and needed to make sure my mortgage and bills were paid.  I had to also make sure food was on the table and other basic necessities were taken care of while working on my jewelry designs as well.  It's amazing how your mind will spin into a tizzy when your ends don't quite meet.   I have a suggestion about making things balance a little better.  Take a look at signing up for www.instantpaydaynetwork.com/vjg30 as a means of making some extra money, there are no out of pocket expenses, and it's an honest day's work from the comfort of your own home.  I think it'll help.

p.s. For the U.S. & Canada

A Note To Mommy...

Mrs. Annie Willie Bussey Goode

Happy Mother's Day Mommy.  You are all that a child could wish for.  God so truly blessed me to have you as my Mother.  Not all women are fit or designed to hold the title of Mother, but you have bestowed all the best of this honor upon me.  All my life I have tried to emulate you as best I could but I am still working to make myself better.  By protecting, nurturing, loving, teaching, demonstrating, supporting, advising, counseling, and praying with and for me: these are just a few of the words used to describe how you taught me to be a woman.  These lessons learned still come to mind while trying to carve out my place in this world and become a better person.  I miss and love you so much.  I know you and God guide my footsteps.  I can feel it.  Thank you for talking with me in my dreams.  I cannot wait to see, touch, and talk with you again.  
Oh, what a glorious day it will be.    

I Love You Mommy!

Happy Mother's Day