Dear Friends and Colleagues:
 
As we are finishing up 2009 I hope you are enjoying the remainder of the year. Personally, this year I had a lot of ups and downs but I can really appreciate it now. With each experience the end result is growth and strength. I will call this the year of unexpected surprises. There were, and still are, a lot of changes in and when all is said and done it is for the best.
 
It is funny how we pray for something so much and it never comes to pass, I see it as a blessing in disguise. During the time we may ask why not me, but as time goes by and you see the situation for what it is you can say thank goodness it wasn't me. I knew this, but this year it was thoroughly understood.
 
Fall has been very busy and wonderful. I am teaching again, which is so great. Interestingly enough it is something I wanted to do last year, I remember talking to someone about it and a year later it has come to pass. When I say timing is everything, I couldn't have asked for a better situation. In my experience teaching I can't say they all were pleasant, but my position now is a mix between educational and intellectual boot camp. If you know me you know I love to learn and grow and help others do the same. The kids I work with everyday are amazing as well. With the writing, that is going well too. I still write about health and beauty but I have expanded my topics into businesses who implement sustainability into their corporate culture and building structures. When I got the assignment I didn't know much about the topic, but with research I leaned a lot and it is really interesting. I feel so blessed to have the honor and opportunity to execute my life mission. In 2006 my creativity coach/mentor made me create my mission. "To educate, motivate and inspire individuals through creativity and intellect."  Finally, in 2009 it has all come together. I would also like to announce to my private list that I have started a writing business. It has been keeping me very busy along with writing articles. You will hear more in 2010, but I feel it is my duty to let the people who have been with me all the way know first. Many of you already know, but I write bios, press releases and copy for businesses, actors and authors. I dabble in web design as well.
 
It is amazing how fast this year went by it seriously feels like a blink. I realize the older I get the less time I have so I must preserve my energy for the things and people that matter. I have realized that ego is a false illusion that creates our own worst enemy. I operate on depth and character. I have leaned when it comes to people look deeper than the surface and their words, over time folks show you who they really are. I have leaned to hear what they say and watch their actions and if it doesn't line up then I won't even bother listening because it is all a lie.
 
This month I had the honor to catch up Ruth Forman. She was one of my instructors at VONA, the writing workshop, and I had the opportunity to attend one of her readings in LA a couple of years ago. She is an award winning poet and has a new book of poems.  I was honored when I was asked to review her new book Prayers Like Shoes. This collection of poetry is like a composition of music. The words are like melodies that submerge in our soul. Prayers Like Shoes gives the reader a new relationship with words that forces you to seek truth and see the light in your own life. I also caught up with Detroit based Fashion Designer William Malcolm. I am excited because he reached out to me earlier this year to find a way to collaborate and the time is finally here. He started working in the fashion industry approximately one year ago and has been featured in both local and national publications. He is setting trends not only in fashion but encouraging substance with style.
 
I want to thank each of you for your continued support it means so much. Have a wonderful holiday season, many blessings for the New Year.
 
xo,
Yvelette