#2012Moments #ATIKentCounty@DrDennisKimbro

Friday, I conducted a workshop at the Live Out Loud Youth Summit.  My workshop was Dream IT! Mission Possible!  Anytime that you are doing a speaking engagement there is certain preparation that you go through.  First, I thought I was doing the workshop focused on youth taking action in their community.  I was all prepared, that is what Girl Scouts is all about.  Then I realized that I wasn't doing that workshop and then I went into a slight panic of what I was going to do and say.  I was googling the subject.  Pulling down pictures for the powerpoint presentation and then I stopped the madness.  I went back to the lesson Dr Dennis Kimbro taught me when he was here in Grand Rapids for one of the Minority Business programs for the chamber.  I was the chair of the minority business committee and we had Dr Kimbro as our speaker.  I had to give two speeches that day.  Talk about minority business in Grand Rapids and then thank Ron Hall for his work in leading MMBDC.  Of course, I had not prepared any speech ahead of time.  Early that morning, I had asked my friend Marcus J Gray to write a few things for me to say.  I mean, he was the Regional SBC Advocate for small businesses.  By lunch time with a sold out crowd of over 500 people, I had my two speeches in hand.  I was sitting next to Dr Kimbro and was rehearsing my speeches and had 5 minutes to go to the podium.  Dr Kimbro took the speeches out of my hand and said," I did not need them".  Yes, I thought I was going to have a heart attack.  I swear my heart was about to come out of my chest and I was going to pass out.  He looked at me and said, "You don't need this.  It is better when it comes from the heart."  He then gave me back my speeches.  I went up and delivered two speeches from the heart.  Of course, I had the papers in front of me, but I didn't just read the paper.  I flowed from what I knew.  My sister told me that was the best speech I had ever done.  I am known for getting nervous and just speaking fast when I talked.  That lesson taught me in that moment  ... to relax and just let it flow from the heart.  When you know what you know, just let it flow from the heart.  Every since that day, I do just that.  I don't need a powerpoint and a speech on paper.  Sometimes, I do use a index card with a few notes and I don't get nervous.  I pray about it and I let it flow.

This lesson has helped me give impromptu talks on assigned topics in toastmasters.  It helped delivered the message to the youth that afternoon at the summit.  I could flow with what they needed to hear that afternoon on how to Dream It!  Mission Possible!  How to dream now for their future and how to pursue their dreams.  I could just 'freeflow', because the information was something that I knew and I could deliver it from the heart.  The lesson Dr. Dennis Kimbro taught me that day will be with me for a lifetime.  It will always center me and focus me for any speaking engagement.  Thank you, Dr. Kimbro!

 

Mary C Hartfield

#2012Moments #ATIKentCounty Live Out Loud Youth Summitt

Wow!  What an exciting two days.  Over 650 teens to choose to live Above The Influence.  It was the first ever conference in Kent County and the target was 500 youth.  The conference was totally put together by the youth.  Youth came together from all over the state. They attended workshops, fashion show, pajamma jam, and danced the night away on Friday.  On Saturday, the youth were shown how to use social media to get their message out.  Then they had the talent show.  We have some talented youth in Kent County. It was an impactful weekend to see so many youth deciding to make a difference for their future. 

Follow Kent County Prevention Coalition on Facebook to keep up with the happenings.

When you see Shannon, Denise, and Michelle ...thank them for a job well done!

 

Mary C Hartfield

#2012Moments

2012 is a great year of moments.  Here is a few so far this year:

• My youngest turned 15 this past Saturday.  Three more years and he is off to college.  (I think he may be the one who goes to college around her.)
• On Sunday, my daughter graduates from college with her B.A. in Psychology and Minor in Human Sexuality.  I am so excited for her future.  It is so bright!
• Friday and Saturday is the Live Out Loud conference for teens at DeVos Place.  650 teens are registered to teen.  Check out #atikentcounty for live feed all weekend.

 

Exciting year so far.  I am excited about 2012.

 

Mary C Hartfield

@mcdonalds FourSquare check ins specials

Can someone at McDonalds let your franchises know about the check in specials. Why does most of the employees do not know and then when they ask the manager he doesn't know. Went to the Mcdonalds on Huron in Ypsilanti and had to prove I checked in at their Mcdonalds. Wanted to make sure I was not using another Mcdonalds special. As large of a corporation as you are you should be able to get this out to all of the stores that you are on Foursquares. Please work on it, it frustrates your loyal customers.

RIP - Frederic Meijer

 

 

This past Friday a man that was community minded, philanthropist, and a grocery magnate died.  My memories of  Fred is at the opening of the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, when he talked  to me why he put particular attention to the color of who was playing which sport in the sport sculptures.  He was a man that cared about bringing people together.  He was a friend to everyone.  I also still have my purple cow card that he gave me.  You always knew that when you sat down and talked to him that you would be there awhile.  You always knew that when you left his presence,  that your life would be richer from his wisdom.  He will truly be missed.

 

Commanding my morning,

 

 

Mary C. Hartfield

#JohnWooden Confidence

Confidence: "There is perhaps no stronger steel than well-founded self-belief: the knowledge that your preparation is complete, that you have done all things possible to ready yourself and your organization for the competition, whatever form it comes in. This is confidence."

---John Wooden

 

www.coachwooden.com

BEHIND THE SCENES: TRACY REESE, THE LOOK

BEHIND THE SCENES: TRACY REESE, THE LOOK:

I've always loved Tracy's collections! I used to dress for her shows when I lived in NYC....oh how I miss those days:) Well, I also LOVE Mally and I need to get on buying some of her line! I know it will be AMAZE! Hope you're inspired! I'm going to try to do my eyeliner like she shared.

How to Be a Mother Like Eleanor Roosevelt #WOI

In a 1927 article, Mrs. Roosevelt offered her opinon on parenting:

• Furnish an example in living.
• Stop preaching ethics and morals.  She says, "Children cannot just be told.  They must see the values you preach put into practice if they are to become real."
• Have a knowledge of life's problems and an imagination.
• Stop shielding your children and clipping their wings.
• Allow your children to develop along their own lines.
• Don't prevent self-reliance and initiative.
• Have a vision yourself and bigness of soul.  The next generation will take care of itself.

Ok, do you think that is good parenting advice?  I do!

 

As Always Commanding My Morning,

 

Mary C. Hartfield

(Reading: How to Be Like Women of Influence)

 

New Book - How to Be Like Women of Influence #WOI

This book is written by Pat and Ruth Williams (Orlando Magic).  The last quarter of the year I try to get focus and ready for the New Year.  This is the first book I am reading for the quarter. I thought I would highlight some of the women in the book:

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

How to Be Like Eleanor Roosevelt

1. Strive to keep your social conscience awake and vibrant at all times.  This is so important in these times where so many people are homeless or lacking the finances they are used to having.  It could be you in that situation.
2. Blaze new paths and don't allow yourself to be restricted by outdated traditions.  Working at Girl Scouts it reminds me of volunteers & staffs who want to always refer to 'we use to'.  There is a reason that we have changed, learned, & grown.  We don't forget about what Girl Scouts stands for, but we can't be restricted by outdated traditions.
3. See things for yourself, wherever you have to go to do so. This reminds me that I have to get my passport.  I have been a lot of places in the US, but it is time to venture outside of the US.  I have to experience things, see things myself.
4. Don't shy away from making your opinions known.  Well, I have never had a problem with this. I grew up in a family; where we were allow having a voice.  As long as we did it respectfully.
5. Pay attention to the details.  I couldn't agree more.  If you don't pay attention to the details you may miss something.  I may be a "Just Do It!" person, but I do pay attention to the details.  Also, I want to know everything about everything.
6. Communicate with everyone you need to. Let your voice be heard.  Mrs. Roosevelt did through her daily syndicated newspaper column "My Day."  We do it through blogging, twitter, Facebook, and so many other ways.  Don't be silent.  What you have to say is important.
7. When you feel something is wrong, take a stand.  Thank God for Martin Luther King, II, Rosa Parks, and all the other individuals that took a stand that I may the privileges that I have in life.  Yet, we still need to continue to take a stand on issues we believe in.  I say a longtime friend tonight and she is a Republican.  I admire her.  She talks about how she goes to gatherings and she may be the only African American in the room, but she is taken a stand with her political beliefs.  As an African American, we need Republicans, Independents, Democrats, etc.  We need to have an impact and we cannot do that being in one political party.
8. Stay mentally strong.  No matter what you go through in life --stay mentally strong.  Stay focus.
9. Realize you're never too old to contribute to society.  I will be 50 next year and I feel like I am just getting started.  I know that I have so much more to contribute to society and especially to girls. 
10. Make use of all the hours in the day.  That has been a problem for me.  I am always awake odd hours of the night, trying to get something done.  Yet, I still believe what my grandmother told me, "The early bird catches the worm".  My natural alarm goes off at 5 am most days.  I always thing, if I sleep in I will miss something. 
11. Live your life with passion and boldness.  I love this statement.  You have to read the book to see what she believed on this statement.  I work at Girl Scouts, because I have a passion for girls.  It is not about the paycheck.  I do the work on purpose, every day.
12. Do what your heart tells you and don't ever worry about what the critics say.  No one is going to like everything you do, so you might as well do what your heart tells you to do.  You are always going to have haters.
13. Make the most of every day of your life.  Don't waste the time that God has given.  I live my life on purpose every single day of my life.  I will leave this earth empty. (Read - Robbing the Grave of Its Greatness! by Delatorro L. McNeal II)
14. Know your strengths.  Everyone always wants to focus on their weaknesses instead of their strengths.  If you focus on your strengths, you won't even be aware of your weaknesses.  CEOs everyday hires individuals that have assets that don't have.  They don't spend time trying to gain those assets; they hire someone that already has those skills and abilities.

 

As always I am commanding my day,

 

Mary C Hartfield

Passion in your work

Watching Morning Joe and they are at Bronx Charter School for Excellence. Head of School - Charlene Reid talks about having teachers who buy into the mission. Reminded me of the book "Good to Great", having the right people on the bus. Having the people in your organization who buy into the mission and have a passion to do the work. Sometime in your life, you have to go beyond just going to a job and getting a paycheck. I get up every morning excited, because I have an opportunity to impact a girl's life. I have a passion for girl's and this 'opportunity' allows me to do this everyday. The reason I say 'opportunity' and not job, because I had a career in banking for 23 years. Now I am doing what I have a passion for everyday. Do a self check -- are you doing everyday what you have a passion for or you at a job getting a paycheck? If you answered getting a paycheck .... make a commitment today to start doing what you have to do, to get to the place where you are doing what you have a passion for everyday.

As always commanding my morning,

Mary C Hartfield

The 10 Principles of Power

Principle #1 They Keep The End in Sight

In this article Michele Booth Cole, Executive Dirctor of Safe Shores wanted to buy a building from the city and expand the organization.  The city told them that owning was out of the question.  She had to realize that the overeaching goals was securing a larger space.  She had to weigh her options and remember what the overreaching goal was, even though they wanted to own their own space.  They ended up leasing  a 17,000-square-foot building that they were able to have a central role in the design and layout. The article talks about Cole's ability to focus on the nonprofit's mission was a key factor in using her power.  "A leader who's self-aware and knowledgeable about a company's core values can guide critical decisions and enable the organization to be prudent under pressure."

You have to know your company's core values.  There is going to come a time that you are going to have to make a decision and it is going to come done to the mission and core values of the company.

I work for Girl Scouts and overall I am there to serve the girls. Our mission: "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place."  So my activities should always be based on this mission and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that we want every girl to experience.  

When we as individuals 'Keep the End in Sight' this will keep you focus on what you should be doing in your everyday activities.  Forget about the distractions ....focus on your mission.  This should drive you everyday work.  If it doesn't, maybe you should rethink if you are in the right organization.

 

As always command your day,

 

Mary C Hartfield

The 10 Principles of Power

I am reading my October 2011 Essence Magazine and I thought I will give you my thoughts on the articles in the magazine.  This is a powerful reminder of what it takes to be a true leader.  Here is the subtitle under the article title - 'What does it take to be a true leader? To start, you must be willing to embrace your strengths, apply these ten essential traits of power players, for a swift climb up the ladder of success'.  The article was written by Lonnae O'Neal Parker.  Here is one of the quotes from Michelle Booth Cole, Executive Director Safe Shores - "Power is about sharing leadership and cultivating others to get things done with a real sense of excellence".  I thought this was a powerful statement.  You as a leader have to be willing to share yor leadership.  How many leaders do you know that are willing to do this?  How many bosses have you worked for that are willing to share?  If you are a leader are you sharing your leadership and cultivating others to get things done with a real sense of excellence?  I will leave you with these questions and share tomorrow the first principle.

 

As always command your day,

 

Mary C Hartfield

Ordinary or Extraordinary?

How many times have you just did just enough? Ordinary people do just enough to make it.  Extraordinary people go above and exceed expectations.  Read:  Proverbs 10:4, Deut. 28:13, Rve. 3:15-16, and Luke 8:16.  Thank about it!  God wants his daughters to outshine the daughters of the world. Are you Ordinary or Extraordinary?  If your answer is Ordinary, make a decision today to go above and beyond what the world expects out of you.  As always ..... Believe in YOU!

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield Tapestry of Information

X-Men #XMen

On Friday I went with the Eric's to see X-Men.  My question is why does the black men have to die first? That ruin the whole movie for me.  Why can't a black man be part of the super hero's.  I don't understand.  How many movies can we name that the brotha always die first.  Why couldn't he live to the end and be part of the hero's.  I really want to know.

As always, livin' out my purpose everyday,

Mary C Hartfield

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield Tapestry of Information

JUST THINK, you're not her by chance, but by God's choosing.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

When I walked into work this morning this is the quote I read on my wall:

 

JUST THINK, you’re not here by chance, but by God’s choosing. 

HIS HAND FORMED YOU and made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else—you are ONE OF A KIND.

YOU LACK NOTHING that His grace can’t give you.

HE HAS ALLOWED you to be here at this time in history

to fulfill His special purpose FOR THIS GENERATION.

                                    ­--Roy Lessin 

 

Is that powerful?  Meditate on this quote today.

 

            As Always, fulfilling my purpose,

 

                                               Mary C. Hartfield

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield Tapestry of Information

Christian Louboutin 4A Python Suede Platform Bootie

I like, but I don't know about the 6.6 inches. What do you think?

Christian Louboutin 4A Python Suede Platform Bootie: "

Christian Louboutin 4A Python Suede Platform Bootie is a post from: Your Next Shoes

My oh my, I think Christian Louboutin is doing a major image overhaul. Check out these booties from his Spring 2011 Collection. Tell me, do these look like Loubis to you? Save for the red bottoms…it could actually pass as a pair of Jeffrey Campbells, don’t you think?

Christian Louboutin 4A Platform Suede Booties, US$1395

(heels at 6.5 inches; platforms at 2 inches)

Forgive me, I don’t mean to imply that Mr. Louboutin is a copy cat, and I’m not bashing him either, I am simply stating an observation aloud – his shoes are getting chunkier. The change in his aesthetic for this collection is quite apparent.

Of course, this goes without saying that these booties are more than just show stopping. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted. To wear it will require a lot of personality. If you’re the type, feel free to purchase these 4A Python Suede Platform Booties at Neiman Marcus. It retails for US$1395.

"

Happy New Year!

 "Forget the things that happened  in  2010 the past. Do not keep on thinking about them.
  I am about to do something new in 2011.  It is beginning to happen even now.
      Don't you see it coming?
   I am going to make a way for you..........  (Ref. Isa 43:18,19)

Have vision this year,  See the things that God is going to do in your life in 2011.  Believe it!
Happy 2011! 

 

Mary C Hartfield

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield Tapestry of Information

RIP Robert Walker SR

This post is dedicated to an awesome men of God who was true to the end.  He was a husband, father,grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor and a master at lawn care.  If you sat and listen you would be wiser when you left.  He never met a stranger. He was a giver.  He was authenic. He loved Gloria Walker and his family.  Fresh Manna men's ministry that he directed, will miss him. You will truly be missed by all that had an opportunity to know you.

You were loved,

MCH

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield Tapestry of Information

10 Ways To Push Yourself To GET THINGS DONE and Live That Rockstar Life You've Always Dreamed Of

Need some motivation to light that inner fire or kick your own butt? Here are 10 mental strategies to finally get cracking on those life goals you've been dreaming about.

1. Wikipedia 5 of your greatest role models in your area of your dream work. Chances are they were already getting their ball rolling in major ways at a very young age--late teens to early twenties. Don't fool yourself into thinking you hae a lot of time.

2. Do one very small action step today. An e-mail, a phone call, a sentence, a single brush stroke, ten minutes of research. One very small action step is an infinity times more powerful than doing absolutely nothing. 

3. Have a morning routine and an evening routine that will get you working on your dream career or goal. That way, you are starting your day and ending your day on a high note: making closer steps to achieving your dreams. 

4. Make an ongoing time log of all the minutes and hours you spend working on your important goals. When you clock yourself in and out, you are your own boss and employee, and you are holding yourself completely accountable for how you spend or waste your time. You will also notice your own particular patterns and learn to adjust accordingly for your maximum productivity.

5. Make a RESULTS list, not a TO-DO list. You will know with greater clarity what exactly you want to achieve.

6. Find a mentor. Or a buddy who wants to achieve the same goals as you do. When you are holding yourself accountable to at least one other person, you will be more motivated to prove to the world that you will get it done.

7. Find your own inner motivation to push yourself to do better. What is the most satisfying thing about getting something done? Not fame, fortune, or compliments (though they are certainly nice), but the quiet inner satisfaction and peace of mind that comes from having achieved something great with your own two feet. Remember that. 

8. Get scared of falling into the mediocre life. What's the easiest way to get scared of mediocrity? To think of the many people you know who have been "someday"ing about their life dreams for the last five, ten, fifteen years but not doing anything about it. 

9. Eliminate "try to" when you speak about your goals. Which statement sounds more convincing to you: "I will TRY TO lose five pounds" or "I WILL lose five pounds"? Saying "try to"--whether to yourself or to others--is a subconscious way of giving yourself permission to slack off or not do it.

10. Remember: how you live your life today is how you live your life every day. If you're not careful, what you do to procrastinate on your life eventually becomes your life. Now how about getting that dream map on paper tonight instead of rewatching the entire first season of Glee? 

PHOTO (cc): Flickr / juicyrai

 

via intent.com

I loved this article and thought I would share it.

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield posterous

Deals, Deals, Deals

I have to admit, I am obsess with getting a deal.  Who doesn't like getting a deal.  Yes, I clip coupons and print out freebies. One of my favorite sites is www.Beyondtherack.com. You get a discount on designer brand items.  If you would like an invite - email me at mchartfield@gmail.com with your email address. 

Posted via email from Mary C. Hartfield posterous