THANK YOU! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

🌟Connecting With People🌟

🖋 I officially became a Blogger at the beginning of this month. As of today, over 2,000 people access my Blog site on a regular basis, and the number is increasing daily.  My audience includes not only the U. S. but also India, Qatar (Asia), France, Mexico, Jamaica and other regions.  My Blog topics have been educational and I choose to sometimes provide a personal diary, and I really love highlighting others’ successes.  Effective writing is a niche, and I recognized it to be my gift a long time ago. MY BLOG:  1. adds value 2. always original 3. is very interesting 4. includes honest and factual information  5. helps empower others.

📝 I’ll continue blogging for as long as there’s something to communicate to YOU! So keep following me. Thank you for your support! 

1goya.blogspot.com

-GPS 

⭐️ ACHIEVING GREATNESS ⭐️

*

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Speak health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.  Be the conduit that causes your Family and friends to feel there is something in them.  Look at the sunny side of everything.  Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your personal win.  Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.  Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.  Move forward “gracefully” and with integrity.

Have the peace that’ll be beyond others’ understanding.  Peace must be the foundation of your purpose—inner-strength.

Bless your journey,

-GPS

🎉HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my niece, Alexys!  Alexys is the Director of Player Development at the NBA. 🏀     -GPS

Coffee Break With Grandaddy ☕

*

-A Granddaughter's Fond Memories-

I’ve known Rhonda since childhood, and she has always had an “old soul”.  She was reminiscing about her Grandparents and shared her fond memories of them on social media. She was missing them and her love for them exuded through her words.

“I love having flashbacks of happy memories that feel so real and I feel like I can reach out and touch the people. The happy flashback this morning - Grandaddy and I at the kitchen table and he has this huge mug of coffee sitting in a saucer.  He adds sugar and milk and as he's stirring it, Grandma tells him, 'Wes, don't give that baby coffee. You'll stunt her growth'.  She leaves the kitchen and he checks over his shoulder as he sloshes some coffee into the saucer and slides it over to me. I slurp it up and quietly slide the saucer back over to him.  I can clearly see the kitchen, smell the food Grandma cooked and even remember the clothes they were wearing.”

Reading Rhonda’s post, I could picture in my mind what spending time with her Grandparents must have been like.  I could almost smell the coffee and her Grandma’s food sizzlin’ on the stove with a sweet aroma that only Grandmas can produce. I can even imagine her Granddaddy’s disagreeable expression about Grandma’s “stunt her growth” comment, which her Granddaddy surely ignored with no intention to deprive his Grandbaby of their “coffee break” together. He was making memories with his Granddaughter and of course, there was no stopping him from their sneaky pleasure of disobeying Grandma. Grandpas are so much fun when they’re sneaky and stubborn. And they seem to assemble others in their suspicious yet fun behavior.

Rhonda told me that several people have teased her over the years about making her coffee so light with cream. She said, “My Granddaddy always added extra milk to his coffee when he was planning to sneak me some. That started my love affair with coffee and also reminds me of those happy days when I make it light.”

It doesn’t matter how Rhonda’s coffee looks or tastes to anyone else.  She’s keeping her fond memories of her Grandparents alive. Flashbacks are good for remembering the sweet moments in our lives.

“I wonder from time to time if I gave my Grandparents as much joy as they gave me. 😁 I miss them so! ❤”

No worries, Rhonda; something tells me you did.  Continue to enjoy your flashbacks. Thank you for sharing your “Coffee Break” memory! ☕️

Grandparents can be our best friends, and when they're gone, memories of them linger forever.

Saluting all Grandparents,
-GPS

💫We Just Never Know

⭐We just never know when something phenomenal is going to happen to us, something that will affect so many people in a positive way. But we do know that preparation and favor can work together simultaneously.

📌 FIELDS JACKSON, the CEO/Chief Cheerleader of Racing Toward Diversity and the Executive Director of HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, will be a guest lecturer for the University of Notre Dame.

"Mark your calendars for November 3, 2018. I will be returning as a Guest Lecturer to the University of Notre Dame - College of Science {#Diversity #Culture #Religion in #Science course} and it will be televised "Live" via @zoom_us from The Harvey & Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center on the campus of Clemson University via @clemson_IncEq."

Fields said, "Notre Dame contacted me after looking at Clemson's football schedule and said that they know Austin and Clemson are playing against Louisville and would I consider broadcasting live from Clemson to the class and they would work around my schedule. I told them I was honored and would look into how we could do this. A few of the Deans are big fans of Austin and thought they might talk Austin into coming to Notre Dame."

Pictured: Austin, during his junior year in high school, was invited by Notre Dame. 

💫Austin is Fields' son. He didn't go to Notre Dame after high school for a college education. Playing football for the Clemson Tigers, he's currently a junior there.  There is a business relationship now between his Dad and Notre Dame.  As I said, we just never know when something phenomenal is going to happen to us, nor do we know how it's going to happen. We just have to be prepared.


-GPS

11 MORE DAYS Before The Big Day🇺🇸

🇺🇸There is an important date coming up: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018 - VOTING DAY

🔹Treat the right to vote as a responsibility because it is.  ✔️


🔹If you think your vote doesn’t matter, you’re so wrong.

🔷Research the candidates in your area; check out their platform to make needed changes in your community, city and state. Hold those accountable for being in office and want to be re-elected. Ask why didn’t they do what they said when they were campaigning. Applaud those who did! Ask civic questions. Get answers.

VOTE responsibly on November 6th!

-GPS

🔶A Billionaire Speaks

🗝 If you take a step toward making a change today, you’ll change your future. How important is your future to “you”?

👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼 A billionaire must know what she’s doing  since she’s a billionaire and has been successful for decades. Oprah, the first female black billionaire and the only black billionaire from 2004 to 2006, is a name that everybody knows. She’s a respected businesswoman and philanthropist. What makes Oprah so successful?  Everybody won’t be Oprah-successful, but success can play a part in everyone’s life.  *Money should not be the only focus but when the focus is to make an indelible impression on the world and help others along your journey, rewards will come. What level of success do you want?

👀 Watch this video and listen closely.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR26wTcHVfIaJ0Y8TqQYF77pX3lAQUnkzgS4YOLAqReTfjXWeufD3-Zaogs&feature=youtu.be&v=LkSgxuQrYwY

Bless your journey, 

-GPS

✨EDUCATION is the fabric of KNOWLEDGE

📝📖📝 The 2018 National Teacher of the Year award was presented to Mandy Manning during the spring of this year. Congratulations to Ms. Manning!  Mandy Manning, an English and math teacher who teaches refugee and immigrant students in Spokane, Washington, has been dedicating her teaching abilities and career to students. She and all teachers, active and retired, around the world deserve applause. Education is the fabric of knowledge. 

⭐️Teachers are invaluable. They serve so many roles in the classroom and at school. I surely appreciate my former teachers, decades later, from elementary to high school.  Each of them has left an indelible impression on me. My favorite classes were English, Biology, and History. I always loved writing. Because of what my teachers taught me for nine months for 12 years, I was able to instill what I learn in my own students (my children), other family members and mentees.

Decades later, I remember most of my teachers from 1st Grade through 12th Grade:

1st Grade:  Mrs. Lemon

2nd Grade:  Mrs. Gordon

3rd Grade:  Mrs. Sharp

4th Grade: Mrs. Richmond

5th Grade:  Mr. Chiles 

6th Grade: Mrs. Moore (and others)

7th Grade:  Mrs. Porterfield (and others)

8th Grade:  Mrs. Stokes/Mrs. Young (and others)

9th Grade:  Mrs. Cade/Mrs. Young (and others)

10th Grade:  Mrs. Pope (and others)

11th Grade: Mrs. Chiles (and others)

12th Grade: Mrs. McGuirt (and others)

A hearty Thank You to all of the educators listed above who contributed to my educational path!  👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

-GPS

🌟From Probation To A Best Selling Author

*

📚 GOYA’S BLOG LIBRARY 📚

📌Breaking Bravely: Self-Love Edition by Stacie Winkfield

⭐Ms. Winkfield is a single mother who went from probation to a Best Selling Author.

📕The book is the first of a 3-part series which focuses on helping people become the best version of themselves.  

💫Winkfield really wants the world to know that, “Changing your story can change your life. When I first started my journey broken, I didn’t know where I was headed, I just knew anything was better than where I had started. I had to retrain myself … to take me from the woman I was, to the woman I had always known myself to be. I searched for the answers … And when I could not find the book that I needed, I wrote it.”

-Reuters Editorial News 

✔Check it out!

-GPS

What's going on? What happened to "Respect"?

*

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Respect is lacking in our society. Lately, there seems to be an uptick of disrespect; people are not respecting others as much as they did in the past. What’s going on? We already know.

"What you tolerate, you cannot change. In essence, you've adapted to it...accepted it. What you respect, you find valuable. What you disrespect will move away from you." 

1. Children should be taught very early to respect their parents, siblings, elders, teachers, and EVERYBODY.  They should see examples in the home, school, and everywhere they go.
2. There is no excuse when an adult disrespects others.
3. A sincere apology should soon follow any episode of disrespecting another person.
4. Disrespect is becoming a trend in society; it’s spreading like a virus.
5. When foolish leaders disrespect others, they set the tone of a bad example. Trust and respect are lost.

*By not addressing disrespectful behavior, we could be considered an accomplice to disrespect in the future. The reason respect is compromised is because we allowed disrespect. It must be addressed each time—never tolerated. 

{Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  Ephesians 4:29} 

-GPS

🌸Save Your Life

October is known nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But we should actively examine our breasts at least once every month of the year. Self-breast exams is a must. A woman or man knows his or her body better than anyone. Oh yes; men should examine their breasts too. Early detection saves lives. If you feel a lump or experience pain, it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t wait. If cancer is detected, early treatment can make a life or death difference.

Breast Cancer Symptoms 👇🏼

https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/understanding-breast-cancer-symptoms

*Know your family medical history and inform your doctor.  You should be advised about other preventative steps to take if breast cancer or any form of cancer is in your family history.

-GPS

K.I.S.

*

Do you know how to K.I.S.?💋
Keep It Simple (K.I.S.)™

Are you at a place in your life where peace is your priority and negativity cannot exist?  If not, you've got to get there...such a peaceful place to be.     
-GPS

Kiss your life by keeping it simple.💋
-GPS

Things That Warm My Heart💖

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

Autumn is my favorite time of year.  I love the brisk, cool breeze in the air and watching the leaves change to vibrant, autumn shades of color.  I like taking road trips and drive for hours, while istening to all genres of music, stopping at quaint, country stores and shopping centers where I've not visited before.  And I absolutely love shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas decor....even only for one additional trimmer for the Christmas tree. People seem to be friendlier, and like me, enjoy the festive time of year.  That warms my heart. 

🍁I have two 'fan-tab-u-lous' children and one extraordinary grandson.  I love spending time with them and supporting them in every way. Nothing nor anyone warms my heart more than them. 

🍁Enjoying meals together is a big deal in my Family no matter the season; cooking, sharing recipes and "chatting it up" are what we love to do. And yesterday was one to add to my repertoire of best meals in MD---right from the hands of my Sister.  She's one of the "family chefs". When she cooks, no one wonders how it'll turn out. She never disappoints....never.

My Sister prepared one of the best gumbo meals that I've ever had!  

Seafood/Chicken/Sausage Gumbo 

{served over a bed of rice}

Rice Garnished On Top

                               Apple Turnovers
            {great "satisfier" for someone who has a sweet tooth like me 😋}

Just For Two: Me & You

Live & Love Well,

GPS

Forgiveness Is Necessary

*Forgiveness - the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.  

Forgiveness is required by GOD, as the Bible has many Scriptures about it.  My favorite Scripture about forgiveness is Mark 11:25>>"And when he stand praying, forgive, if he have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (KJV)  In other words, if you (we) don't forgive, GOD won't forgive us.

Forgiveness can be painful but it's absolutely necessary. We want peace of mind, and we want to experience GOD's grace and mercy.  We shouldn't expect forgiveness of our mistakes and not forgive others for theirs. Forgiveness doesn't 'wipe out' what happened or the hurt you feel. Forgiveness does not mean forgotten. We will remember what happened but we should move in a "forgiveness spirit" for not only the person you're forgiving but for yourself, and more importantly, for your relationship with GOD.

There may be times when you feel that forgiveness is impossible. Nothing is impossible, when we ask for GOD's grace to forgive. When we ask someone for forgiveness, it's not an admission of guilt rather a decision to let it go and move on.  If the person doesn't respond favorably, it's okay. Your action is what you'll be held accountable for, not their reaction.

Peace comes after the act of forgiveness. Seek peace.

Peace & Blessings,
GPS

Poker Face

*

Everyone has used their "Poker Face" at some time or another. A poker face can help with getting out of difficult situations.  -GPS

Poker Face: An impressive expression that hides one's true feelings, hiding what is truly felt or thought.


                           😑 

Quote Of The Day:  “One thing a poker face cannot hide is love."   -Anonymous


                              😍

Not A Poker Face...Always Thankful, 

🦚GPS

Honored Amongst The Greatest

*

I've been proud of many people over the years - - - people of different age groups, races, creeds, and ethnicities. Colin Kaepernick, 30 years old, is amongst my Top 10 list of activists and philanthropists.

-GPS

"Two years after he first took a knee in protest on the football field, Colin Kaepernick was awarded the W.E.B. DuBois Medal by Harvard University on 10/11/18.  The medal is considered one of Harvard's highest honors and is given to people who have made significant contributions to African-American history and culture. Previous recipients include Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, among others."  -CNN

Imagine that. A prestigious educational institution like Harvard has honored a man who just a few years ago was ridiculed and even threatened. His action to "stand for something" (or should I say kneel for something) sparked a passionate conversation amongst Americans and across the oceans. Many will say that Kapernick's actions did more harm than good. I say, au contraire.  The stage curtain was drawn open many years ago and with a different cast, the spotlight is still on racism and police brutality.  *We just cannot ignore what is wrong with that picture. We should stand in support whenever we have the opportunity to do what is right, not only for the present time but for future generations. There will always be an opportunity to do what is right. 

#CountMeIn

-GPS

Kaepernick has the support of Nike, Ford Motors, many other companies, professional coaches, professional athletes, and hundreds of thousands of fans and even people who do not follow professional football yet supported Kaepernick's protest against injustice.

-GPS

Power is not power when misused.  -GPS

Never Was About The Flag

Colin's decision to kneel on the football field sidelines as a NFL player in protest of police brutality of Black Americans, discrimination and inequality was a noble effort. In my view, his protest was a display of pride and justifies his W.E.B. Dubois Medal.  Pride is bred in the soul, in fair treatment of others, love for all people, and intolerance of inequality....not in a flag nor anthem. The flag and the National Anthem have no substance without equality and fairness for all, especially since it was written in the 1800s.

-GPS

"I won't stand to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way."  

-Colin Kaepernick (2016 statement)

Moving The Needle

Colin Kaepernick, who ranks among the most divisive and socially conscious figures in sports, has donated a percentage of his earnings to organizations (School On Wheels, Angel by Nature, Mothers Against Police Brutality, Youth Service, and more) over the years.  He continued his activism, despite not playing during the 2017 NFL season.  Other celebrities have matched his donations.  

#PeopleHelpingPeople

 -GPS

Wheels Up! 🛫

...and the pilot said, “Flight attendants, please take your seats and prepare for takeoff.”

 Yesterday morning, it was a possibility that my flight would be delayed or canceled because of Hurricane Michael. My flight’s departure time was 8AM, barely ahead of the arrival of heavier rain and high winds from a storm that had done major damage in the Florida panhandle and was making its way to the Carolinas. If I had booked a later flight, I would have experienced a different scenario. 

I recorded the slightly rocky takeoff.  The pilot navigated the plane steadily on the runway. The plane was ascending in the air to top speed around 500mph, to get to approximately 30,000 ft amongst the friendly skies. When the plane gains a certain altitude, the aircraft levels off and then its aerodynamic performance is on full display. Most passengers silently sighed with relief because the fast ascension was achieved without incident. I usually enjoy that part of the flight because I’m leaving one part of the country and in another part in a matter of hours, I know that I’ll soon be in another part for what would have taken me much longer by vehicle. A machine that we call an aircraft can navigate in midair with the support of gravity, covering many miles in a matter of minutes. GOD and Man can do wondrous things.  

I'm a bit of a philosopher. So my first thought was that life works that way. We go through rainy days, strong winds, and unpredictable forecasts when we're trying to fly to higher ground, but when we get to the level of peace that GOD desires for us (steady altitude), the turbulence will be over.  Our life will level nicely and our wings will balance with the clouds. We’ll be just fine as we cruise on to our destination.  Wheels Up! 

Bless your journey,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

🛫

👇🏼

👇🏼

Takeoff From Charlotte-Douglas:  42 secs Video

{Click on YouTube link.}

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YBv2Vb-Cr9Q&persist_app=1&app=m

No Place Like NYC

*

🗽
I've collected photos of some of the iconic sites in NY for your viewing pleasure: Statue of Liberty, Patsy's Restaurant, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Chinatown, and Sylvia's Restaurant. There is so much to see in NYC....so many cultures to experience, museums, and entertainment galore whatever your 'flavor'. Until you go {or re-visit}, enjoy the short video. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. If you don't go, how will you know?  It's all about perspective.

*Experience what you can, while you can.

Images by loves_nyc

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tCsZ7r4BZhrZcSgA6

Sharing my perspective,

GPS

Racing Toward Diversity With Fields Jackson, Jr.

We live in a diverse world.  While balancing the workplace, diverse employees provide a vital platform for companies.  Diversity is necessary for many reasons; namely, opportunities for workers, advocates a more creative and innovative workforce, helps businesses avoid employee turnover costs, maintains a positive business reputation, displays equality which impacts employee morale, and the list gets longer. The bottom line is that diversity in the workplace matters and FIELDS JACKSON, JR. is quite the influencer and expert who is moving the needle for diversity and inclusion within a network, but he also works tirelessly to factor in mentors, advisors, advocates, information, and education. Fields' repertoire of diversity officers and leaders is non short of building and maintaining a comradery to soldier the mutual mantra, “We're in this together.”  That phrase is so often used but Fields and his network of diverse, professional leaders are executing with commitment and dedication by assisting with staffing, recruitment, marketing and advertising, and information technology services.     

Racing Toward Diversity magazine was founded by Fields, CEO.  "The magazine showcases the best diversity efforts and initiatives being made today, written with business and educational audiences in mind. Stories highlight messages from influential leaders and their organizations. With our concentration on driving strong, relevant content through global social media platforms, our quarterly magazine, daily newspaper and blog reached over 3.5 million readers via Twitter (@fkeejack and @race2diversity), Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn."  With support of a diverse Advisory Board, Racing Toward Diversity magazine provides stellar story ideas and editorial guidance. 

http://racingtowarddiversity.com

Fields is also the Executive Director of the HBCU Business Dean Roundtable (https://hbcubusinessdeans.net) and Coordinator of Special Projects and Adjunct Professor, teaching Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing, at Chicago State University. Fields is on the board of directors of HiTekPos (www.hi-tekpos.com) and the advisory board of United Athletes Foundation, Atlanta, GA (http://bit.ly/113ORwY).  

Recently recognized by Diversity Next Practices @DBP_News as one of the Top Diversity Thought Leaders on Twitter (bit.ly/2c8CjAK), this recognition further proves Fields' commitment to diversifying as much of the workplace as possible. 

Fields has acquired a long list of accolades over the years and no doubt they'll continue to accumulate for as long as he's driven. I suspect that his drive, which is ignited by his commitment, will remain steady as he continues his allegiance for the sole purpose for what diversity represents.

"Role models! What are they? They come in all shapes and sizes. Be selective and find a few outside your comfort zone." 

Noting all of his accomplishments and milestones, Fields certainly deserves five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fields and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Cary, NC.  They have three adult children. 

Cheers!

-GPS

🎵🎵Rising Young Talent🎵🎵

⭐KADE LALONDE is a teenager. But don't let his age fool you; he plays a guitar like a ‘seasoned’ guitarist. Kade's playlist genre ranges from praise songs for churches to the oldies and latest hits on the top of music charts. Name the song and he can play it. His idols are Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Prince, Otis Redding, and Jimi Hendrix. Kade loves what those artists have done for music. One of the best compliments Kade received while playing his guitar was that he played with so much soul.  And he can sing too! I heard him sing the hugely popular "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding and Kade certainly did Mr. Redding justice by performing it well. Oh yeah! Kade’s rendition of the song had me believing he really was sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away.  He plans to have a band and be the lead guitarist and vocalist. Kade also writes music and has a notebook full of little gems that he would like for his future band to play and record. He would also like to produce in the future as well. Kade wants to be involved in all aspects of music-making as many committed artists do. So just stand by for this young talent to be a household name around the world. Kade is a musician, singer, loves entertaining AND he's handsome. He has invested so much time already toward his career in music. His success is inevitable!  ⭐️Follow Kade on Instagram and listen to his music: k_ade_l_alonde.

Kade lives with his very supportive family in Louisiana. 

“Pray first and then make plans. Don’t plan and then pray for your plan to work.”  -Joyce Meyer

-GPS

💫Evolving With Grace: 10 Personal Photos

💫We can either dissolve or evolve. I choose to evolve. I've gone through many styles over the years and life has certainly been filled with challenges and countless triumphs.  This blog is in celebration of "me" and the GOD in me. I could not be who I am without HIS guidance, protection, grace, mercy, and favor. I requested that HE work "in me" so I can work "for HIM". GOD is doing just that.   #Grateful

-GPS

🗝 “As you get older, you will understand more and more that it’s not about what you look like or what you own; it’s all about the person you’ve become.”  -Unknown