Where It Begins Magazine on Love & Marriages

5 steps

TO SELF LOVE & POWER COUPLE GOALS

6 TIPS

for Keeping Romance Alive

REALITY STAR

Courtney Larisa &

Terrance

On Love & Marriage

Singles & Couples

TALK LOVE

CONTENTS APRIL 2020

LAUREN QUIRKE - The Real Deal with relationships in 2020

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ALANA HUNNICUTT - When Love Is C.U.R.E.S.”

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JAE & CJ

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JASPER MOORE

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RENA & LAURENCE

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DANA WILLIAMS

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JESSICA ALLEN - Creative Ideas

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DEIDRE & JUAN’YA KRIS FULLER - 6 Tips for Keeping Romance Alive

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KRIS FULLER - 5 Ways to Love Yourself While in a Relationship 21 CANDY WASHINGTON How to Turn Self-Love into Power Couple Goals 22 JACKIE B. 26 OLEATHIA & TERRANCE

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COURTNEY & TERRANCE

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KRISTEN HANEY Iris Enterprises,Phoenix Wellness Programs 34

10 JAE & CJ

RENATA LACEY

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IN MEMORIES OF KOBE BRYANT

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MONIQUE & TONY

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RENA & LAURENCE

12 JASPER MOORE

26 JACKIE B.

06 ALANA HUNNICUTTCARROLL

Founder – Cece Hymes

W.I.B (Where It Begins) is an Independent agency with the aim to always be innovate in each approach taken to projects and making sure excellence is given in a projects execution when it comes to media marketing, branding, networking and management.

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DEIDRE & JUAN’YA

Founded by the well experienced and ever growing force; D.C native - Cece Hymes, the most important and integral aspect of W.I.B is that branding for both Creatives and Businesses is taken to the next level with each and every project undertaken.

We’ve continued to represent a very diverse and well acclaimed roster of emerging talents in the entertainment, and businesses!

With a determined persistence for continued excellence, our Founder – Cece Hymes, with a college Degree in Business Management, has also worked within radio and with many companies such as: RDE Entertainment, H.I.G.H Entertainment and Caribbean Gospel Records Ltd.,

The Real Deal with

Relationships in 2020

By Lauren Quirke

After almost a decade with my husband, three tiny humans and building a successful business i get asked regularly for advice on how i make it all work and the simple truth is this: I only have space for REALATIONSHIPS.

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n the time I have known and loved my husband we have had our fair share of ups and downs. We have fought and floundered. We have battled and braved many of storm together. If there is one thing that I have learned from our relationship it would be that you have to stay true to you and your partner has got to do the same. I don’t believe in measuring success within a relationship, there is not good and bad, the lines are blurred and there is no black and white on the page of your love story.

This year my husband and I will renew our vows, a decision we made based

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on two things. Firstly, neither of us can remember our original and traditional vows but secondly and arguably more importantly we are not the same two people who stood in front of our friends and family and declared our love. In the time since our original wedding we have both grown into new people. I am not the same woman I was then, and he is not the same man. Our tandem journey has involved disagreements, vulnerability and a heck of a lot of uncomfortable conversations and yet here we stand. Two different people, still in love, still willing to commit to each other and to me, that calls for celebration. I was the first to embark

on my journey of self-exploration and surrender to my spirituality and follow my soul. He watched for a long time, probably convinced that he married a mad woman.

Soon after I started to see the changes in him, he became more willing to step out of his comfort zone, try new things, read new books, he even meditates now – the man I married NEVER would have meditated. Here is the thing about being in a relationship in 2020, this is the secret that we discovered that equates to our success. We don’t have a relationship, we have a REALATIONSHIP.

A Relationship is exactly how it sounds.

We choose every day to remain true to ourselves and follow our souls, but we also choose every day to facilitate the other in their journey. At the end of the day it comes down to being honest with yourself and your partner, committing to your personal growth and giving your partner the grace to walk their own path. I like to think of us as two vines who grow side by side, we are two individuals who wrap around each other but grow separately, sometimes one vine gets more water or sun and grows a little faster but side by side they remain.

The real deal with relationships in 2020 is simple. Create a REALATIONSHIP and stay true to you.

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“....A kidney transplant is a treatment, but it was my husband’s love that cured me.

I can humbly and proudly say we are a match in more ways than one. “

WHEN LOVE IS C.U.R.E.S.”

By Alana Hunnicutt - Carroll

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lana has lived with kidney disease for 25 years. She is a two-time kidney transplant recipient, when her first transplanted kidney of 10 years failed, Alana was devastated, scared, depressed, and angry all at the same time. She knew dialysis was sure to come next and life as she knew it had drastically changed. Alana found her time on dialysis to be one of the most difficult times in her life. She understood that she needed this treatment to stay alive while she eagerly awaited a new kidney, but she was frustrated because she could no longer live life on her own terms. Alana stated “I am a very independent person, free spirited, and full of life. While in kidney failure, and survival mode, I found it difficult to be who I’ve always been... independent, free spirited, and full of life.” “I knew that I wanted a kidney transplant as soon as possible to get back to me.”

Reginald, Alana’s husband would ultimately be her living kidney donor, but the process was certainly not be a smooth one. “I knew my wife suffered from kidney disease, and when the time came, I knew that I wanted to donate to her.” “What I didn’t know was the rollercoaster ride it would take us on.”

Reginald got the work up done to see if he was a match to donate to his wife Alana. To their pleasant surprise, Reggie in-fact was a match and Alana had no antibodies against Reggie’s blood which meant she likely would not reject the kidney when transplanted! Even more surprisingly, Reggie was an even better match than Alana’s first living donor her biological brother. This is the true meaning of “the perfect match” literally.

Once you get past the initial workup, and are a match, the potential donor must get more extensive testing done one being and image of both kidneys to figure out the kidney that would be removed for donation. That’s when it was discovered that Reginald had kidney stones and was denied to donate to Alana. They were immediately deflated with disappointment, fear, and uncertainty. “This devastating news stopped us in our tracks, we were so close but so far away.” “Just seeing what my wife was going through, I knew that I’d stop at nothing to donate my kidney to her. After I was denied twice from to different medical institutions for the same reason, I didn’t know how I would get my wife healthy again, but I knew I was going to do something. I refused to have my wife’s suffering be long lived.

Alana & Reginald Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

A. We met each other 22 years ago from a blind double date. My best friend at the time and my wife’s cousin were dating. You know when you’re young you want to hang out with your best friend and closets cousin all the time, so it was common to double date. They decided we should all hang out and my wife and I have been inseparable since the day we met.

Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

A. We know it may sound cliché, but it was love at first sight. We are soul mates, we literally connected from the day we laid eyes on one another. We just felt natural, safe, and organic around each other. Nothing felt forced, we felt at home in each

I needed to be the strength for both of us and even more for her, so I got into the mind state of love is Compassionate.

Uplifting. Resilient. Empathetic. Supportive.

Love c.u.r.e.s.! My wife and I put our heads together and I decided that I would have my stones physically removed from my urologist and change my diet, my diet is was caused my kidney stones. After getting the kidney stones removed, we went back to the kidney board of the last hospital that denied me and we were approved!”

one’s presence. We realized we wanted to marry each other when we couldn’t imagine life without the other. We felt a bond that was deeper than either of us could comprehend, but we knew we’d spend a lifetime together trying to figure this bond, this love out and use it to be of service to others.

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

A. Being married for 18 years, as you can imagine, we’ve had our fair share of rides on the emotional rollercoaster. There are two experiences that standout as the hardest experiences we’ve gone through.

The first being the birth of our first child together, our son who was born a micro preemie weighing 1lb 4.6oz at birth with a 4-month hospital stay. Every day was touch and go and we were told many times he wouldn’t survive pass the night.

We were told if he did survive, he wouldn’t have much of a quality of life. We fed into the mind set of modern medicine for a second, but then we decided to lean on our faith especially during a time where

Alana and Reggie were transplanted on September 26, 2016. They are both doing amazing and welcomed and happy and healthy baby girl into the world October 2018. Alana and Reggie are passionate about spreading their love c.u.r.e.s. mission around the world, they travel monthly as keynote speakers to spread the word on living donation while sharing their personal journey to encourage self-advocacy, educate, and encourage potential donors and kidney warriors.

we were so emotionally depleted. I’m happy we leaned on our faith and didn’t lose our minds because we have a happy, healthy, and thriving 18-year-old that beat the odds. Another experience that was hard on us is when I had kidney failure and ended up on dialysis. That was a very low time in our lives going through this health crisis. My selfless husband decided to be my kidney donor to save my life. If everyone knew the hoops my husband had to go through to donate to me, you’d clearly understand how deep his love runs. We’ll have to share the details of that journey at another time. Who knew we’d even be a match? A kidney transplant is a treatment, but it was my husband’s love that cured me. I can humbly and proudly say we are a match in more ways than one.

Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

A. My love is boundless for my wife, there is literally nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I gave her a kidney, an organ, a whole-body part and I would do it again if I could, but I need at least one of my kidneys to stay alive lol. Seriously though, my wife really

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is my best-friend and I must do life with her…no one else will do. I support my wife in whatever she does because I know her heart and intensions are pure. It is my mission to consciously love my wife and make sure I keep peace and happiness in her life.

Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being engaged for marriage?

A. I think the difference in being in a relationship versus being engaged/married is the commitment.

A. I think in a relationship, both should continue to be committed to themselves, their self-growth, accomplishing personal goals, making themselves happy, and being open to meeting other people. Being engaged/married both people should be committed to showing-up as their true selves, being fully present, and learning to move as one. While we should always focus on self-growth, married/engaged couples must be committed to growing together as well as fulfilling each other’s needs.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

A. I think it depends on the age. Someone in their twenties should probably date for 3 years so they can continue to learn who they are before getting married. Someone in their thirties, I would say two years, they know who they are but still want to be focused on setting a foundation for themselves before being married, and someone forty and over may date just one year. Most will be clear about who they are, have a foundation set for they life they want to live, and very clear about what they want in a marriage, and are able to settle down sooner as a result.

Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

A. We did not have marriage counseling prior to getting married, but I strongly recommend marriage counseling.

Getting that outside help to set a strong foundation to a strong marriage is essential to a happy and healthy marriage. No one knows it all and getting a professional to help set the ground rules can potentially alleviate unnecessary heartache and pain.

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came to mind. At the time we didn’t know it would have a greater meaning in our lives, but the phrase just felt right. It wasn’t until 3 years later that something in our spirit said make this a movement. So, what is our definition of Love? Love is a cure.

Love is C. ompassionate U.plifting R.silient E.mpathetic S.upportive.

I can come up with so many positive, action words and acronyms for c.u.r.e.s., but I’ll just say if we lead with these love actions, we could heal/cure the world.

That’s what love means to us and stay tuned for the movement.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

A. Love is all encompassing. You know, it’s funny you asked this question because ever since my spouse went through the kidney transplant, the phrase “love cures”

A. A perfect date for my spouse would be going out to dinner, going to a concert, drinks after and back home for some “us “time.

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Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. Speaking as a married person. Don’t Give Up! We all know that relationships aren’t easy, but it’s a commitment and when you commit to something, you show up for it fully. That’s what you must do in your relationship, show up fully EVERYDAY. When we commit to something it rewards us if we are patient with the process. See, all relationships will be battle tested and only the strong, patient and committed will survive.

There is power in two that’s why I love the phrase power couple. When we decide to be committed to something the universe will support it. Once you get to that stage in your relationship the reward is understanding your purpose as a couple and that’s when you get to move in power by blessing and serving others as a dynamic duo.

An Engaged Couple From Visionary

By Jae & CJ

“...Love can be defined in different ways.

I feel that love is a deep affection and care for another person.

J

ae Monique and CJ The Visionary are an engaged couple that are hosts on the Reality Intercepted podcast. They also jointly own Pitch Vault Media and Pitch Vault Magazine.

About CJ The Visionary: Visionary, as the title describes, CJ is an author, designer and podcast host on Reality Intercepted who is keeping his vision high in aiming success.

Since his early childhood, he had been fond of writing stories which were appreciated by his mother, Louis Jackson, who almost always read whatever he wrote. CJ found himself lost in the world of imaginations he created by his stories. One day, he fell asleep and came across a dream.

A dream that felt so real to him that he started writing on it when he got awake at 3:00 am in the morning. He continued to write up to late afternoon that day. Before he could realize, he was already working on multiple stories all at the same time. He was so dedicated that some days he would exceed writing even more than 10 pages per day. CJ could never figure out what drew his attention to writing but all he knew is that the driving force is much greater than him and he attributes all his praise to it.

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About Jae Monique: Jae Monique is a co-owner of Pitch Vault Media, co-owner of Pitch Vault Magazine, writer at The Hype Magazine and co-host on the Reality Intercepted podcast. Her writing career started in 2012 with Examiner.com and since then, she has written for various online media outlets. During her time as a media writer, she has conducted interviews with public figures and celebrities including Claudia Jordan, Marques Houston, Draya Michele, and Darrin Henson to name a few.

Jae & CJ Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

CJ: We literally met at Jae’s doorstep.

We met through a mutual person who was a friend of Jae’s family. The person was visiting one of Jae’s relatives.

When we pulled up at the house, I saw Jae, we started talking, and we clicked instantly.

Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

Jae: When we first met, there was an instant connection. We have a lot in common and very similar past experiences. I feel like he’s my best friend and I can talk to him about anything and be myself. We have long talks, laugh, and motivate each other.

I couldn’t see myself without him in my life.

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

CJ: We were expecting a baby boy in 2019. At around 6 and a half months, Jae was admitted to the hospital for an emergency C-section due to a condition with the baby called fetal growth restriction. Unfortunately, the baby died before he was born, and she was forced to do a regular labor. This was one of the most heartbreaking experiences that we both shared. I feel that it made the relationship stronger by us supporting each other and being a shoulder to lean on.

Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

Jae: I have the most love and appreciation for CJ. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s the air that I breathe and the energy that I need.

He has motivated me in so many ways and made me see strengths that I didn’t realize I had.

Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being married?

CJ: Anybody can say that’s my man or that’s my woman. By being married, you’re making a vow not only to each other but to God as well.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

Jae: It depends on the situation. Some people know right away, within the first 6 months if they want to marry a person.

A couple should know if they’re compatible or not within a reasonable amount of time. For instance, I don’t think it should take 5 to 10 years for a couple in a relationship to figure out if they want to get married.

they need to hear, not what they want to hear.

Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

CJ: No. It’s not necessary to have a marriage counselor, but everything is a case by case basis. A marriage counselor is not for everyone. A marriage is based on communication, understanding, and respect for each other. One of the most important things is trust. If couples can communicate with each other and trust each other, then there’s no need to have a marriage counselor involved.

CJ: I would start off by cooking her a nice breakfast in bed. I would buy her a nice dress, and have it delivered to her unexpectedly with a note inside the box. I would arrange for her to go to the spa to get pampered for that day. After she gets back from the spa, I would send a text to tell her how much I love her. I would schedule a coach with a white horse to pick her up and drop her off at the beach where there will be nice, soft music, a live band, with flowers everywhere. We would have a nice dinner by the ocean.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

Jae: Love can be defined in different ways. I feel that love is a deep affection and care for another person. You care about the person’s well-being and miss them when they’re gone. You want to see your partner happy and accomplishing their goals. Love is letting a person know when they’re wrong telling them what

CJ & Jae: Always communicate with each other. Make every day like it’s your last with that person. Appreciate each other, don’t take each other for granted.

Respect each other’s feelings and be understanding. Laugh with each other.

Trust each other because without trust, you have nothing. Be yourself.

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

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JASPER MOORE

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Q. What do you think is the meaning of Love?

A. The meaning of love is sticking by someone’s side through the good, bad and the ugly. Not making them feel worthless for mistakes they make. Forgiveness is the key to love.

Q. Why do you think it is so hard to date these days?

A. I think it’s hard dating these days because times have changed. A lot of people don’t want to date because they’re too traumatized from a heart break from their childhood. They haven’t reached a healing point yet or have simply gotten comfortable with being alone.

Q. How do you feel about online dating? Have you had any experiences?

A. I never experienced online dating. I honestly like to meet people in real life.

Q. What would be a romantic date for you?

A. A romantic date for me would definitely be traveling somewhere. I love to travel. Having a chef come and personally cook for us. Gifts and flowers are romantic to me.

“... I never experienced online dating. I honestly like to meet people in real life.“ Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in your past relationships?

A. The hardest thing I had to deal with in past relationships is being cheated on.

It lasted for about 2 years. I suspected signs but didn’t want to accept the truth. It’s was heart breaking for me. But luckily, I was able to recover and get back to loving myself.

Q. What are you looking for right now?

A. Current relationship status: single, happy and loving myself. For the future I wish to be married, have kids and be a housewife.

Q. What is your ideal Men? A. My ideal man ...definitely someone who is about his business. I’m attracted to the kind who like to grow and better themselves in all aspects whether it be a daily route or something within his field of work. Great hygiene is a must. I love when a man has an affectionate side but not too soft.

Q. What are some advantages being single than being in a relationship?

A. Being single allows you to have a

peace of mind to figure out what you want in life. Being single allows you to take time in loving yourself so when you are ready for the right relationship you won’t drop baggage on your partner. A relationship can hold you back for your goals if you’re not in the right one.

Q. Do you believe in soulmates?

If so, what is a good soulmate in your eyes?

A. Yes, I believe in Soulmates. A good soulmate to me is someone I can balance with. If I’m thinking of something, they know what to say to finish my thoughts. A good soul mate would automatically connect with me without having to ask 21 questions or more they would just notice by the way I am.

Q. Give any advice or inspiration to others that’s single and trying to find love?

A. My advice to individuals who are single and looking for love is to have patience. DO NOT RUSH! Focus on you FIRST and when the time is right, the right one will be there. Also don’t shut yourself out from being open to love because of past relationships. Everyone is not the same and not everyone is going to hurt you.

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RENA & LAURENCE “...Be understanding of each other’s perspectives regardless of the situation.

Keep your business ... with youll!! Love unconditionally ... no one is perfect, but someone is perfect for you“ Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

A. We originally met in West Elementary school. However, I was smart and he was a class clown LOL. We met as adults on Facebook, he would like all my pics, comments, flirt through messenger and then my fat butt was being greedy when he posted a steak he was cooking, and I commented. Lawd!! LOL, We engaged more via messenger, I finally gave him my number. I had to do some deep research and investigating because of the name and because it was clear he was kind of a male whore, LOL. but now My Husband.

Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

A. I knew he was My husband when I took him through all the aka test women take their guy through lol. We talked about our future together. He was gentle and kind. He just fit in my life and we went through some test while I was going through a divorce ... he didn’t flinch!! No one or nothing could come in between us and he made that clear back then and still to this day, he makes that clear to me. That alone meant the world. I remember finally going out with him and I was like I don’t have people coming over my house or meeting my kids. He was like “okay’, I respect it “... I was like okay to myself LoL. I remember I was on a girl’s date with coworkers who became

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friends for restaurant week... I was trying to duck him because I was afraid if getting attached to any man and was on my “hell with men” regime lol. He was consistent with communication... followed up with text ... I swear we was just supposed to be each other’s booty call lol. I gave in and was like I don’t feel like going out it’s late I’m already out so you can come over ... I’ll sneak you in. He was like ok ... of course he was with it ... he was a man lol. He came over and never left ... and we built a friendship and relationship that turned into a marriage that we work at every day!

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

A. We have a few breaking trust with other women where I had to realize I needed to be more open about how I felt with certain things. My husband is a very charming man. He communicate his feelings and also take kind of a stand and let it be known what is and isn’t acceptable.

I also had to take into consideration my husband never had a “real” relationship that requires the things I required from a man. The different topic we have been dealing with 1. baby daddy and baby mamma drama yes! Both of them are equally crazy lol ... one is just more bitter than

the other so it’s a constant annoyance 2.

Dealing with mother in-law drama ... I think that was the worst because I’ve never had to deal with that with any man’s family let alone mother, so it was all new and strain on me but my husband not only verbally assured me he was my husband 1st he demonstrates that .. he kept me protected and still does.it bothered me for a while but after I heard her excuse for the nonsense I literally fell out on the floor laughing and at that moment I was reassured that it was definitely all her and had nothing to personally do with me .... and with all of that ... we navigated our way through the past.

We learned that you have to acknowledge it, address it , determine if it’s worth our peace as a couple and family. We work through it by talking and sometimes not determining if it’s worth us being apart , can we be apart , do we want to be apart , who are the foxes

(aka people .. we learned about foxes through marriage counseling)so we are moving past it and letting it go. Now, I just be honest ... some things are hard to let go and if anyone says anything different It is a lie.

Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

A. The love that I have for my husband is immensely deep! It’s forgiving, it’s humbling, it’s fun, it’s angry sometimes, it’s a forever love ... through whoever and whatever!!! He’s my best friend.

Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being married?

A. The difference between being in a relationship and being married with the level of commitment. It’s knowing you owe not only your spouse but God to keep your promise. Being married to the right person, keeps you in check! It’s a daily reminder of who and what I get up for outside of kids of course to push through another day. It’s when all else fails ... you know you have the 1 person to lean on to get you through whatever!! And yes, I get that not all marriages are marriages. I know all too well. I was married before by paper but not by commitment and love. I am glad of the outcome that I am in now and so grateful that I met My Husband.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

A. I personally don’t have a time frame.

However, I do think you should get to know your potential spouses’ bad days, down days and moments, crazy days and ugly days ... knowing those things and

being able to say.

Yeah ... I still want to marry this person and be with them for the rest of my life and will carry you through. You will always see the good days when you start dating ... so that’s a given. It’s those ugly days/times/moments that put your ability to love through whatever and whoever that will carry the most weight on a lasting marriage or relationship for that matter.

Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

A. Yes! I think having a marriage counselor before and during your marriage is needed! Once you are married a family member or friend that you trust might become your marriage counselor sometimes more than 1 person if you think about it. However, be EXTREMELY careful of who you share your marriage wit not everyone is for you and even some that are can unintentionally cause more harm than good. I have learned to take it to God and my spouse because they are the only two who can fix whatever.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

A. LOVE definition in marriage - GOD,

compassion, forgiveness, determination, humility, grace, always figuring it out without giving up, affection, adoration, devotion, kindness, honesty, respect, mutual understanding, fun, and romance .

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

A. Perfect date.... you mean dates? We or more so me than him lol are always in the hunt for the aka perfect date ... they vary. A perfect date can be chilling at home watching tv with his peach cobbler and butter pecan ice cream and my champagne and crabs or cheesecake before a walk on the beach in Dubai ... a perfect date should be perfect date(S) ... just remember to always date !

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. Hmmm... If it’s who you love and who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with... don’t let anyone or anything deter you from that. Always show respect to your spouse even if you don’t think it’s a big deal it might be to them. Be understanding of each other’s perspectives regardless of the situation.

Keep your business ... with youll!! Love unconditionally no one is perfect, but someone is perfect for you ♥️

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DANA WILLIAMS “...I believe that person is someone whom you mesh well with in almost every aspect of both of your lives. “ Q. How do you feel about online dating? Have you had any experiences?

A. I don’t care for online dating. I have tried it a couple of time, but it honestly feels like the majority are on there for sexual hookups. I haven’t had any bad experiences with online dating but it’s not something I would ever do again. I prefer to meet someone out in public and strike up a conversation like that.

Q. What would be a romantic date for you?

A. A romantic date for me would be hanging out having a good time together. I don’t have an ideal setting of romantic date because just spending time with the person that I care about is romantic enough.

Q. What do you think is the meaning of Love?

A. I think the meaning of love is when you are open and ready to accept another person into your life. It’s when you feel that can willingly accept and love that person with all their flaws, insecurities, baggage, past issues, present issues and love that they have to offer.

Q. Why do you think it is so hard to date these days?

A. I think it’s so hard to date nowadays because of social media. Men and women feel the need to have to show skin and do all this extra sexual entertainment on social media just to get attention. It’s so easy to obtain sex these days that men nor women want to put in the effort of dating and getting to know someone.

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Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in your past relationships?

A. The hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in a past relationship is my ex-boyfriend being an alcoholic and me thinking I could change him if I showed him how much I loved and cared for him. I saw all the signs at the very beginning, but I told myself that I could change him, and he will want to change because he loves me and wants us to be together forever. Yeah right lol.

Q. What are you looking for right now?

A. Right now, I want a total commitment in an exclusive relationship with someone whom I share similar life values and goals. I

want to get married and that needs to be his relationship goal as well.

Q. What is your ideal Men? A. My ideal man of course is honest, respectful, caring and all those wonderful things but above all, he needs to love, honor and cherish me unconditionally.

Q. What are some advantages being single than being in a relationship?

A. The advantage of being single is that you can do who you want when you want lol.

Q. Do you believe in soulmates?

If so, what is a good soulmate in your eyes?

A. Yes, I do believe in soulmates.

I believe that person is someone whom you mesh well with in almost every aspect of both of your lives.

To me, it’s someone whom you have such a strong connection with that almost nothing can tear the both of you apart and almost everything draws you together. I’ve experienced it once in life and I must say that it’s the most incredible feeling ever when you’re with that person and almost unbearable when you’re apart from one another.

Q. Give any advice or inspiration to others that’s single and trying to find love?

A. The best advice I can give is not to give up. Everyone deserves to know what it feels like to be loved by someone outside of your family.

To me, love, makes this life we have worth living.

• Go out with your other single friends • Cook a nice meal for yourself • Pamper yourself.

Indulge in DIY spa night.

Or just soak in the bathtub.

• Buy yourself a gift!

• A Wine Bar Crawl

• Go on a Chocolate Tasting night. Go to a local desert bar and enjoy a chocolate dessert together.

• Sign up for a Paint and Sip Class • A themed dinner and Movie Night at Home • A Burlesque Show • Couples massage • A couples cooking class

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DEIDRE & JUAN’YA

Credit : Belle Rouge Photography

Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

or I have even met for that matter.

A. We met at church.

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

A. DP- Well, for me, I wasn’t looking for anything. I was focused on myself and trying to love me again. He was a true friend first and I have never had anything this real in my life. So, knowing that he’s my friend and the way he wanted to see me grow and heal from such a hurtful place, I knew I needed him to be in my life.

A. JG- I was used to dating a certain type of female. But when I met Deidre, she was different. She was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. We just immediately clicked. She was a country girl; I was a country boy. We connected on levels that I had never connected on with any female I had ever dated before…

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A. DP- Well, well, well. Although we met at church, that’s the place I got hurt the most. He holds a position there so to try and be his partner in a place where I don’t feel safe was and is still very hard.

We dealt with the lack of support from his family, who goes to the church as well. With me being me, I always had love for them but when we started to date, the tables turn and so did people and that was just something I, still to this day, has always battled because it made me feel unwanted and unappreciated.

I never had to go through this with anyone. I’m the one folks want their son to marry! LOL. But I guess why we’re still together is because he made it known that I’m not going anywhere, and he stood by me ten toes down.

A. JG- On one note it was family and

on the other it was my spouse. For a great period of time, where I was fighting my family for my spouse, I had to fight my spouse to try and prove that I would fight for her like I said I would. And for a season where I thought it would draw us closer, more than anything it pulled us apart. During that season of not having my spouse with me and holding the position that I have, at times I questioned a lot of things and still kind of do.

Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

A. DP- It’s child-like. Like I feel like a princess when I’m with him. Like if I don’t talk to him for a certain amount of time, I feel empty.

The love I have for this man is so unusual because I haven’t given or thought I could love anyone this deep before. Regardless of all the hell that can go on in a relationship, the way he loves me makes me feel like royalty and how can I let that go un-noticed.

I love him like chocolate and peanut butter because just like Reese’s, we are just meant for each other. (That’s our favorite candy by the way). I’m such a cornball!!! LOL

“...when we started to date, it was for a purpose.

The ultimate goal for both of us was to be married and break generational curses while building generational wealth.“ be his wife because we share this same mindset.

A. JG- The difference is the dimensions change. Your arguments change, your mindset changes. Not for the worse but for the best. Because you’re finding out how to merge. What works for her, what works for you, what works for you’ll.

Things you really don’t like and things that you really do like. For instance, who’s the spender vs. who’s the budgeter, who’s the cook, who’s the taste tester.

And you have to remember, that it’s you all against the situation, not you all against each other because it’s all a part of the two becoming one.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

Credit : Ariel Viees Photography

A. JG- The best way to describe our relationship, it just works. It’s complicated yet simple. We come from the same background, same beliefs and same country roots. It’s different, because when you come from the same upbringing, everyone won’t work for you. When you get into relationships with people that don’t have that in common so to have someone who shares the same morals and values and that can relate to you works for Deidre and I. Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being engaged?

A. DP- Well for one, you know what you’re doing. You know what you want. I think what works for me and my fiancé is that we are old school. So, when we started to date, it was for a purpose. The ultimate goal for both of us was to be married and break generational curses while building generational wealth. I think today’s society is a mess. Like priorities, values and morals are just gone but I’m thankful I have a God-fearing man who saw fit to ask me to

A. DP- I think you know when you want someone, you just have to let go of any outside distractions. I know couples who’ve been married for 80 years and they only dated for three months and I know couples who dated for 4 years and barely made it down the aisle. You have to be equally yoked and you have to know that the person is GOD SENT, not someone YOU want but someone YOU NEED. A. JG- Until you know. There could be no measure of time to determine when you will know. As you date, you begin to remove layers from past relationships, scars, and wounds and there could be no gage to determine the length of time when you KNOW. Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

Version (NIV)4 Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

A. JG- Love doesn’t have a definition.

Men’s version of love equals respect.

Women’s definition goes into the emotional aspect. It’s complicated. You can’t say “this is love”. You can say what it looks like. You can’t put a definition of love, but you do know what it’s not because that’s defined by different experiences.

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

A. DP- For my fiancé’, I try to listen on what he likes. It’s not about what I think we should do but what he likes. For his birthday, I took him to the gun range. He’s been talking about getting a gun and all these stories of his military training, so I took him. I thought he really enjoyed it.

But we’re both big kids, we like to explore and have fun…on a budget LOL A. JG- Time well spent. No social media, no phones just intimate time uninterrupted.

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. DP- Well I would like to really say to the ladies, be patient. I think the more I see on social media it’s like “Who hurt you”. No man wants a desperate, beat up woman.

He needs to see that you are who you are without broadcasting you are single in every post. Then be careful how you treat people. If you want real love, you must know how to show it.

A. JG- Remember it’s not you and your spouse, when you have an issue or a situation. It’s you and your spouse against the issue or the situation.

A. Yes, we believe in pre-marital counseling.

But different strokes for different folks.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

A. DP- I can use the WORD on this one. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International

Credit : Ariel Viees Photography

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6 Tips for Keeping Romance Alive

By Kris Fuller

K

eeping romance alive can be simple and fun! When I talk with couples about their romance

slipping away, I like to review some of the simple things that can bring it back. Daily care, small actions of love, these are the heart of the romance.

Sometimes we let the stress of ‘grand gestures’ overwhelm us. Keep it simple with these six tips:

1. Take turns planning dates. This way one partner isn’t doing

all the planning and organizing. It’s nice to have someone take care of all the decisions and details!

2. Show your appreciation every day. Ask yourself: ‘What

can I do to celebrate my partner today?’ Those little words, compliments, kindness- they can go a long way. Smile when you see your partner! Every day share your beautiful smile with them.

3. Surprise your partner.

Small surprises can impact your daythis can be a note in a lunch, a video text or sweet voice message. Something small, but that you don’t often do. It shows that you care, and it will make your partner smile.

4. Plan a ‘Just Us’ time. Choose a night of the week and commit to

it. Even if it’s a night in, spend it together on the couch- talk about why you love each other and celebrate the relationship you have. Remember what sparked your love! Talk about your memories and good times.

5. Mix things up.

Routines are par for the course in a long-term relationship. Try a new restaurant, take a class together, do an activity you haven’t tried before. Check out ‘Things to Do’ in your local area and just go for it! Even if something is not as you expected, it could end up be a fond memory and that’s what life is built on.

6. 60 second hugs!

I love these so much. Just silently hug for 60 seconds and notice how good it feels. Your bodies connect and you feel that love and safety in your connection. As the hug goes on, you allow yourself to ‘just breath’ BUT doing this with your partner can be so effective. And it only takes ONE MINUTE.

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5 WAYS

Love Yourself While In A Relationship

3. See what Others See in You When you describe a best friend, how easy is it to go on and on about how wonderful they are? Or talking about how amazing your partner is. Imagine if you could do that for yourself! That is key. Hold on to compliments, believe the beautiful things others say about you. You mean the world to your people in your circle. Embrace it and believe it. I

4. Allow Yourself to Be Human.

1. You Own Your Happiness Only you can do that! Your partner can enhance the happiness that you nurture in yourself, but it is not their job to make you happy. If you rely on them for happiness it becomes a burden. Make sure you take the responsibility yourself. It starts with adopting a mindset that happiness is a choice, meaning you give yourself the power to create happiness for yourself. I The only person you can change is you. Let gratitude enter your heart and mind and choose happiness now.

2. Independence is important Keep your own activities and your own friends. Spend a healthy time apart doing your own thing. It’s unhealthy to let your relationship absorb your identity - you both matter as individuals and a little space is great.

We all have our flaws. Some things can be ignored; others might be something you want to work on. Either way, don’t let it get you down or get in the way of self-love. Recognizing flaws is a natural part of a relationship; it doesn’t mean you are a terrible person or that you are unlovable, it just means that you are human.

5.Love is an Action Decide to act in a self-loving way. Make time to nurture yourself and fulfill your own needs. Make sure you are getting time for you every day. This can be simple activities, like morning meditation, going the yoga, reading or enjoying a cup of coffee. Be mindful about it- if you let these moments or activities slip away without recognizing ‘this is for me and I am important’, then the benefits will add up.

Hugs from Kris Fuller, B.Ed., B.MM Kris Fuller is the founder and CEO of

Your Life Sparkles.

Her background is in Metaphysical Ministry (University of Sedona), Mindfulness (Palouse Centre for Mindfulness) and Education (University of Alberta).

You can follow her blog at www.yourlifesparkles.com Follow Your Life Sparkles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. @yourlifesparkles #yourlifesparkles

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How to Turn

Self - Love Into Power Couple Goals

By Candy Washington

L

et’s face it, you can’t have a love issue without first talking about self-love, and I say this from my own personal experience. I started my journey to self-love and self-discovery after a string of intermittent and non-committal relationships with men that weren’t in a place to be a true partner to me. But from these experiences I was able to glean life lessons that have led me to live a fuller and more joyful life. They also led me into being in a healthy, loving, happy, secure, and grounded relationship with a wonderful man. It is my hope that these insights do the same for you.

But let’s start from the beginning. Here I was, an accomplished entrepreneur who founded her own media company, a published author with three books under her belt, an international podcast host, a Georgetown Alumnae, and a financially secure woman, that was choosing to date men that were either emotionally unavailable or financially unstable, and oftentimes both.

The turning point for me was when the guy that I was dating at the time called me ‘selfish and self-centered’ because I was proud of my accomplishments and was sharing my future professional goals with him. Mind you, he didn’t have a steady job, his own car, or his own place to stay, but he had the audacity to belittle and dismiss me for my career achievements. It was gaslighting at its finest. Something in me snapped and I decided at that point that I had enough of not being loved, valued, appreciated, and respected in my relationships. I decided that I was done with being emotionally abused. I knew that I had to do things differently in order to find the love that I truly deserved.

So, this time around, instead of looking at the men and shaking my finger at everything that was wrong with them, I took that same finger and pointed at myself to see why I was choosing men that were like them. I had to get brutally honest with myself and look inward instead of placing the blame outward. I had to look in the mirror and ask, “What do I need to work on and heal within myself in order to attract a man that not only truly loves me, but was also truly worthy of my love?” The truth was, I didn’t know. So, I set out on a personal journey of self-discovery to find out and below are the key steps that I took on my road to self-love.

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5 Steps to Self-Love and Power Couple Goals

1. I went to therapy

Although I love my friends and family, I knew that I needed an objective and professional person in my life that could guide me in my journey to self-love and self-discovery. I found a therapist that I trusted and started going weekly to unpack not only my current state-of-being, but also my childhood and past experiences that shaped the way I see and move within the world. I had to tap into my own subconscious beliefs and patterns that were dictating my life choices and that were ultimately sabotaging my love life. It wasn’t always easy or pretty. In fact, it was painful, hard, and challenging to really dig deep into myself and my past to see what was driving me on the soul-level. I can’t promise you that there won’t be times when you want to quit, but I can promise you it will be worth it because on the other side of the grit and the fear, is true freedom. The freedom to love yourself for exactly who you are and the freedom to make conscious choices about what you do and do not tolerate in your life because you know and believe that you are enough.

Power Couple Goal: Seek support and counseling before you need it and when you need it.

Going to therapy when things are in a good place is a great way to strengthen your relationship so you have the tools to deal with fights, arguments, disagreements, and problems in a healthy way

understanding without judgment. I would speak to myself in a kind and loving way. I would cut myself some slack and not judge myself. I had to learn how to fully embrace and radically accept all of me and allow myself the grace to make mistakes, to be a work-in-progress, and to not have to be perfect.

Being both the shadow and light didn’t mean that I wasn’t worthy of love. It didn’t mean that I was broken, damaged, or flawed. It didn’t mean that I was lacking. It didn’t mean that I wasn’t enough. It simply meant that I was human.

My highlights: • She’s founded her own company, 1214 Media Productions • She’s published 3 books in under 1 year • She’s currently executive producing a short film, ‘Narcissist,’ that explores the role social media plays in the mental health of young adults • She was featured in LA Style’s Magazine 100 Women in Power Issue • She was the keynote speaker at Wellness on and has spoken at BlushCon, Altitude Summit, and other events • She produces a weekly self-care podcast that was picked up by Fire Media for distribution Link to her Instagram @candywashington

rather than having things escalate to a negative space and then trying to go back and pick-up the pieces. But with, it’s never too late to seek support. So, if things aren’t in a healthy place in your relationship, there is no shame in going to couples counseling to get an outside and professional opinion on how to heal and grow your relationship.

2. I committed to the process

I took a step back from dating and chose to focus on myself in order to fully commit to the process of working on me. To do this, I had to work on my own self-awareness and fully commit to looking at myself in a realistic and authentic way. The key to seeing my own limitations, my own areas of improvement, my own weaknesses, and my own shortcomings, in a way that was healing and not condemning, was to simultaneously hold space for self-love, self-compassion, and self-

Power Couple Goal: Commit to each other and commit to the relationship through both thick and thin. Shift your perspective from, “Are we going to get through this?” to “How are we going to get through this?” When you really commit to making the relationship work, your mindset needs to change to knowing that things aren’t going to be perfect and roses all of the time, but that doesn’t mean that your relationship isn’t strong enough to weather the storm. There will be inevitable down and hard times but your equal commitment to be a team and facing any and all obstacles together will sustain your relationship during the tough times. Also, hold the space for love, compassion, and understanding for your partner. Nobody’s perfect and we all fall short, make mistakes, and have things that we need to work on. Speak to your partner in a kind and loving way and ask the same from your partner. Committing to your relationship is the fundamental decision that will make your relationship stronger after the hard times.

3: I took ownership

I previously mentioned that I took that finger of blame and pointed it at myself, but I want to be clear that it’s not about blaming anyone or about who’s wrong or right, it’s about taking back your power by being accountable and responsible for your own life. As long as I was blaming the ‘no good’ men in my life, I had no power to allow real love into my life because it meant that someone outside of myself was responsible for my happiness and ultimately, my self-worth. The moment I took ownership for the choices that I chose to make and what was going on in my life, I felt empowered. I felt in control and left any feeling of victimhood behind.

I forgave myself for any past choices that I made that didn’t serve my highest good. I did the best I could for where I was at in that particular moment and what I needed was self-compassion not selfcondemnation. Taking ownership for who you are is the single most powerful thing you can do for your life. It frees you to choose differently and to truly get what you want and deserve in this world.

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Power Couple Goal: Take ownership for your 50% in the relationship.

When things are going well, acknowledge and appreciate yourself for showing up fully and in a positive way for yourself and your partner.

Also, acknowledge and appreciate your partner during the good times. Let them know how much you love them when things are going well and not just when you’re trying to get them back on your side after a fight or disagreement.

Cultivate your relationship during the good times to build a stronger foundation for the long-term.

Additionally, take ownership for your part when things aren’t going well. It takes two to tango, so taking responsibility for your part when things are tough is equally as important as holding your partner accountable for their role as well.

Admitting your part is a powerful way to gain trust and security with your partner because they know that gives them permission to do the same.

They can be honest about their own shortcomings without the fear of abandonment because you’re being strong enough to be honest about yours.

4. I dated myself

I’ve been single throughout my life, but just because I was single, that didn’t mean that I was honoring being with myself. I had to choose to date myself in an authentic way in order to discover who I was at my core. I had to discover what my likes were, what my dislikes were, what my needs were, what my wants were, what my passions were, what my pet peeves were, and what my desires were. I basically had to start from scratch and really get to know myself. I had to get in tune with my body, mind, spirit, and intuition in order to know myself fully. It was from this place of knowingness that I was able to give myself permission to fully love, accept, and see myself for all that I am. It was through this process that I finally understood unconditional love. It allowed me to love myself intrinsically, for just being who I am, that was enough.

Power Couple Goal:

Never stop dating each other. Never stop striving to know each other at deeper and more

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meaningful levels. Carve out time during the week to spend time together and to go out on dates. Keep the romantic spark alive by checking in with your partner to make sure that their needs are being met and be vocal about what you need to feel loved and desired too. Don’t allow yourself or your partner to get complacent in the relationship. Commit to each other to make putting in the effort to keep the relationship fresh, exciting, and new. Just like the journey to selfdiscovery is lifelong and on-going, the same goes for your relationship. The beauty of a healthy relationship is that every day you get to discover new things about your partner to love and you get to reveal new things about yourself for your partner to love.

5: I implemented a self-care routine

On my journey to self-love and self-discovery, the biggest lifestyle change I had to make was to have a tangible self-care routine in place. I had to learn how to self-soothe during emotionally difficult times and how to create a lifestyle of honoring the unique space that I take up in the world in order to create a life of peace, love, and acceptance. I started meditating, journaling, taking walks in nature, listening to positive podcasts, seeking support from friends and family, and learning how to not take things personally. This also meant creating healthy boundaries with friends, family, and co-workers. It meant taking time just for myself and doing what I needed to do to be healthy and whole. It meant not being afraid of having standards and communicating my wants and needs with others. It meant having my ‘no’ be a ‘no’ and my ‘yes’ by a ‘yes.’ It meant working on healthy and effective communication skills. It meant surrendering to a lifelong process of choosing to fall in love with myself every day and to make my own well-being my first and best priority.

Power Couple Goal:

Have a self-care routine in place for your relationship.

This means creating the space to have healthy and constructive conversations with each other instead of fighting to be right, asking for space and time instead of ignoring and ghosting each other, doing fun activities together that bring you closer, and making the time to do things without each other so you’re still cultivating yourself as a healthy and fulfilled individual.

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SOUL SINGING SENSATION

“ JACKIE B. ”

Whitney Houston

“ You Give Good Love ” Cover by Soul Singer @Only1JackieB

Soul Singer @Only1JackieB Pays tribute to Whitney Houston on the 8th Anniversary of her passing.

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O

n the 8th anniversary of the musical icon Whitney Houston’s passing, and Soul Singing Sensation @Only1JackieB whose captivating, mellifluous voice has been compared to the late, great Whitney Houston, did her proud.

As an accomplished and well-traveled nightclub singer Jackie B. has done many tunes but creating a whole set to honor the late great Whitney Houston is something that you take time to really prepare for. On that day, Jackie B. was ready.

Next up Jackie B. will be performing on the same card as R&B crooner Ray Lavander at the Boss Women Brunch With A Purpose event in Atlanta on March 8th.

The audience in attendance had only experienced the viral video of Jackie B. singing “I Will Always Love You”,

and came out to see if she could hold a note to the rest of a Whitney Tribute. She did not disappoint. From singalongs to standing ovations, the night was all about Whitney Houston’s presence.

Also on hand to open for Jackie B. was Atlanta’s own Fitzgerald ThaPoet, who entertained the crowd on hand with spoken word. Finally, a big thank you to Where It Begins Magazine for partnering with us to pull off this amazing tribute.

Next up Jackie B. will be performing on the same card as R&B crooner Ray Lavander at the Boss Women Brunch With A Purpose event in Atlanta on March 8th. After that Jackie B. performs solo for Conversations & Music presented by Size Overrated Magazine at the Ashley Stewart store in Hampton, VA. Then, the next big appearance for Jackie B. will be opening the show with her Whitney Houston Tribute at the Black Media Honors in Atlanta on April 26th, 2020. After that Jackie B. will be headed on a whirlwind, five-city tour, starting in Atlanta on Mother’s Day. The tour will envoke the carefree, underground Speakeasy era, that takes you back a full century to the Roaring ‘20s, with costumes, speakeasy props and a continued call to the bar for alcohol.

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Communication & Having

Individual Traits

By Brenda Mokoena

Acknowledge and accept your better half/love has individual qualities/traits, you can neither control or get rid of, in fact you loved him/ her for those individualistic characteristics.

I

sn’t love admirable love the most amazing thing, we meet as strangers or acquaintances and from

there fall helplessly in love, head over heels and cannot wait to be part of each other’s lives?

Although in falling in love a lot of factors are involved it begins with your or in your eyes. Smile, appearance, shape, laugh, walk too many features to mention that attracts individuals to each other.

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Even as we begin to date in those, first heady days we cannot wait to be in each other’s arms, dare I say, forever, we are unstoppably impressed by each other’s individualistic traits? You will hear someone, when they have sheep’s eyes i.e., they are deeply in love, say, “I love everything about him/her even skewed serious mouth” and a few years down the line they never liked that serious skewed mouth.

Someone meet someone who loves football or reality shows to death and a few years some month laments the fact that someone loves football or reality shows as if it is the only thing on earth. Unfortunately, this applies to significant things like culture, religion and embedded values like being kind to all human beings and the other partner start having misgivings with that.

Love, especially, in this day and age perhaps years gone by it was possible, you cannot suppress or control what somebody else is about or want to declare, it is impossible.

In all likely hood when someone is being suppressed or controlled, they will burst out like cumulus clouds after some time.

Furthermore, at the same time you do not want to live with your clone or someone devoid of being his or her usual self because you hate their individual characteristics.

Love admirable love is about all the wonderful positive qualities patience,

About Cynthia Stone I was a product of neglect. Both of my parents were abused as children, making it hard for them to express love at home.

I grew up feeling unloved and unwanted.

During my teenage years into my twenties, I would give up my power in the hopes of being loved. It never happened.

I went from unfulfilling relationship to unfulfilling relationship, trying to fill the void in my heart. The result was being with controlling, verbally abusive men, or ones with substance abuse problems.

I put up with A LOT and it never worked to get what I really yearned for.

After giving everything, I had to make one more relationship works with a controlling man I was with for nine years, I still only received just a few crumbs of love in return. I was so confused because I really believed I was doing everything right, but the relationship was killing me, and I fantasized about ending it all.

I started to believe that love was something that happened to the lucky few, and started to believe that I was not worthy. It was one of the most heartbreaking times of my life to think I was going to be alone forever.

Not wanting to believe that this was what life was all about for me, I prayed to God to help me out of this state of despair and my prayers were answered. In a silent retreat, I was instructed to divorce him and begin anew. Although terrified of divorce, I listened to that inner voice and started on a new (inward) journey. I started on my quest to find out how to be happy and in the process, I cracked the Love Code and have committed myself to helping others follow suit. I am now with the love of my life and in a constant state of bliss. I wish to help others discover their blocks and achieve a fulfilling relationship within and with another. I want you to know that no matter your history, you too can have a life with love.

My Educational Background • MSW • BSC • Addictions Counsellor • Community Worker • Life Skills Coach • Life Coach • Mastermind Facilitator • Light Priestess • Mega Speaker • Pure Spiritual Intelligence • NLP Practitioner ...and I am also a Guinness World Record-holding, 2X international best-selling author with another book

underway, an award-winning speaker and 2x award-winning leader. I am also the author of the upcoming book “How To Design Your Destiny”.

Because my life is dedicated to personal and professional mastery, I always have a few mentors I work with simultaneously, at various capacities.

Therefore, my work is always evolving and deepening. Every year I invest tens of thousands of dollars into my own personal growth, healing, and empowerment. I am committed to helping and healing others to live a life OF purpose ON purpose.

Services Provided I am confident I can help you no matter what your relationship challenge may be.

Whether you are: • single and want a relationship, are afraid of meeting the same type of person or are afraid you are doomed to be single forever, • in a relationship with challenges you are unsure how to overcome, • wanting support with conscious uncoupling with your partner or • Going through break up or divorce and want to heal and find yourself again “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

Rumi “Healing is the application of Love to the parts that hurt inside.” - Ron & Mary Hulnick, USM

compassion and being sensitive (I cannot stop preaching about these and putting them to practice in all areas of our lives especially love life). When you love someone, you need to acknowledge and accept who they are, perhaps it is a different ballgame if who they are adversely affect your relations.

Often bare in mind that you loved them for their individualistic traits in the first place.

Communicate as if your life and love life depend on it because it does depend on it.

In all areas of our life’s communication is a deal breaker more so in love, relationship and marriage. I compare communication to a house that the plumbing is in perfect working order no leaking water, warm water from geyser to shower or sink, not to mention loo, drains, sprinklers in garden, in perfect working order.

For all ends and purposes that is how your communication lines should be in love, relationships and marriage in perfect working order, faultless and flowing and where there is a leakage i.e. miscommunication it should be fixed.

Just as you give your body food as fuel, exercise for fitness and getting rid of

stress or reaching out for supplement like omega c or calcium and multivitamins for kids and so that is how you should perceive communication supplement for love, relationship and marriage.

Fortunately for us the world has come to a peppermint refreshing realization that we can fall in love and marry from any culture, race or creed. Communication plays a vital role in bridging gap of how we get to know each other and continue relations because after communication follows continuity, co –operation and without communication it is miscommunication, discontinuity and distance.

Often financial problems are given as leading cause for high divorce rate but many of the problems for high separation can be traced back to broken communication lines if you put cheating aside for a while. Communication is a life skill ask communication companies that are making billions of dollars out of their communication companies and so we should recognize importance of communication.

Hence, I am saying communicate as if your life, love, relationship and marriage depend on it because it does depend upon it.

Imagine the Possibilities…

• Get to the root to change the fruit.

• Overcome the obstacles to reach your infinite potential.

• Change your state and change your fate., raising your self-esteem to create a more meaningful life, with passion ignited and attract more beneficial relationships.

• Learn communication skills that will have you and your partner feel close, respected, loved, and supported • Reach your potential to attract a mate that will love you with every fiber of their being.

Cynthia Stone, MSW www.iamtherelationshipguru.com Cynthia360.com

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OLEATHIA ROBINSON & TERRANCE Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

A. We met through a mutual designer friend.

Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

A. I woke up one spring Saturday turned to my left and looked at her while she was asleep. GOD whispered in my ear, “This is your blessing, your wife. I heard him crystal clear.

“...take a little time to peel some layers back, get to the their “representatives“ before you get married. Know who you’re marrying “

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Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

A. The hardest is when she came out of surgery and recovery from an ACL injury.

We had to pull together to enhance her activities of daily living. She couldn’t walk, run, or dance. It was challenging emotionally, physically, psychologically, spiritually, and financially. That made us stronger.

Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

A. It’s organic. It’s free flowing.

Unrestricted. She’s very intelligent, funny, creative, and talented. I’m passionate about that. I’m an Author, Certified Exercise Therapist, Certified Fitness and Nutritionist, Motivational Speaker, and have my own Podcast on SpotifyYour Best Lifestyles, website www.

yourbestlifestyles.com, and she is an - International Recording Artist – Butta B Rocka, Amazon best-selling author within 7 hours of release ’Fear of Failure Fear of Not Trying’, Motivational Speaker, CEO Founder of nonprofit Artists Rock the Mic, & recent grad, all honors with a double major in Marketing / PR as the first black President with Golden Key International Honor Society, Ashford University Chapter and has recently launched her own PR firm- ORobinson PR Media Group. She shows a passion for success in us, and her drive inspires me, we are always lifting each other, bouncing ideas off of each other, growing and supporting one another. She makes me want to give my all and vice versa. There is nothing like the support and love of your spouse. We hold each other down.

Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being engaged for marriage?

A. I think the difference for me is that being engaged or married shows, I know what I want. I didn’t do to many relationships.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

A. It all the depends on the individuals, timing, etc. My thoughts, take a little time to peel some layers back, get to the their “representatives“ before you get married.

Know who you’re marrying. Especially, if this is your second time around like us.

No more divorces for me. Your stuck! We

are currently planning our official union; she wants to be on an island in front of our loved ones. But spiritually our souls are already connected. She is my wife in every way, and I am her husband.

Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

A. I feel if you need marriage counseling before marriage then there’s a red flag there somewhere.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

A. Sickness and health. You’ll know someone’s love until health fails and then have to feed,

clothes, drive, bath them and more.

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

A. On the couch watching movies with sweats, wine, snacks, and kids, but we love to travel too, so a trip date planned will do as well. She loves stuff like that.

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. Stay honest, loyal, committed, healthy, inspired, driven, creative, an active lifestyle, an active listener, spontaneous and not boring, fresh, and stress-free.

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“...because I was convinced from past experiences that long distance relationships did not work. “

COURTNEY&

Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

A. Terrance and I met on a flight from Detroit to San Diego. I was the first-class flight attendant and he was passenger 3B. He stared at me for over 3 hours, so much so that I finally had to ask him about it! Lol. Q. What made you realize that this was the person you wanted to marry, and this was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

A. It took me a while to realize Terrance was “the one” mostly because he lived in Michigan and I lived in Atlanta. I was determined to keep him in the “friend zone” because I was convinced from past experiences that long distance relationships did not work. I realized he was the one I wanted to be with for the rest of my life when I tore my Achilles tendon and he was there for me. I mean he was literally there with me every single cripple step of the way!

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences that you and your spouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

A. The hardest experience we’ve gone through together would definitely have to be my Achilles injury. I was at the lowest point in my life mentally and was not the most pleasant person to be around.

I was an emotional wreck, and through it all Terrance was there, I mean truly and genuinely there for

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me! He literally re-arranged his entire life to be there, he began working remotely from Atlanta so I wouldn’t be alone, he flew back and forth between Michigan and Atlanta weekly, he cleaned the house, cooked the food, washed the clothes, bathed me, and anything else you can think of. Not once did he ever make me feel like an inconvenience, a bother, or the weakest link (even though these were all the things I felt about myself at that time).

Throughout everything he was so caring, so compassionate, and just so amazing! I fell in love with the way he loved me! I couldn’t believe that someone could be so selfless and genuine, he showed me a love that I had never

TERRANCE known. If this man could love me like this at my worst, I decided he deserved me at my best! He deserved the absolute best and I was determined to give it to him, the same way he had given his best to me! That’s what made us strong, we created a trust in each other that through it all we we’re committed to getting through whatever TOGETHER. Q. Describe the love, the passion that you have for your spouse?

A. The love and passion that I have for Terrance is indescribable to say the least. I truly feel as though I have found my person, I now believe in soulmates because of this man. We are the same person but yet so different, it’s really kind of crazy how much alike we are but we’re nothing alike, lol, I know it doesn’t make sense, but it does. I feel so blessed to have a man that makes me feel so happy, so loved, so appreciated, and so valued. I thank God for him, for us daily!

Q. What do you think is the difference between being in a relationship and being married?

A. For us, the biggest difference of being married versus just being in a relationship is trying to merge our lives together into one. I have a home in Atlanta, he has one in Michigan, his work is in Michigan, my work was in Atlanta, but I’ve recently transferred to Detroit. We’ve gone back and forth for a while about what city/state to primarily live in, what to do with my house in Atlanta, etc. It’s been quite an adjustment and we’re still making plans and adjustments along the way, but the one thing I know is that I’ll go anywhere that he goes. He is my home no matter where we end up, it will feel like home as long as we’re together.

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

A. I don’t think there’s a set limit on time.

I think people need to do what feels right for them. My mom always told me you can know someone for 20 years and never really know who they truly are, so to me time is relative.

Q. Do you think that people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

A. I think communication is necessary for any relationship to be successful.

If you feel as though you and your partner are not effectively communicating each other’s expectations .thoughts, and ideas regarding the wants and needs inside of your relationship, I think counseling would be a great tool to learn more about each other, techniques, and communication styles that will be effective in your relationship. I think counseling in general is helpful, but I don’t think it the be all, end all, indicator of a healthy relationship.

Q. What do you think is the definition of Love?

A. To me love is happiness, love is loyalty, love is making a commitment and following through. The definition of love is whatever you define it to be, everyone has a different love language. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but love is in the heart of the receiver Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

A. Perfect date for Terrance and I would be a quiet night at home on some Netflix and Chill vibes with some incredible take out and a nice bottle of red wine.

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. The best advice I can give is to be honest and upfront, about everything, who you are, what you want, what you expect, etc. Be 100% your authentic self so people have a clear view of who they’re in a relationship with. Don’t pretend to share the same interest if you don’t, don’t change who you are to accommodate someone’s lifestyle or image of their mate. You want to be the actual person they fall in love with, that way the love is genuine, the foundation is built on realness. Your foundation is so important to the structure and quality of the life you two are building together.

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Iris Enterprises

Phoenix Wellness Programs

By Kristen Haney My name is Kristen Haney, Founder and CEO of Iris Enterprises. Iris Enterprises is a grassroots effort in overcoming work-family-life stress situations through comprehensive wellness programs and results- driven workshops.

I

developed a method called the Phoenix Wellness Programs to help people get back

on the right path to wellness.

Phoenix Wellness Programs is positivity with purpose; teaching people soft skills in learning a new way of relating to each other.

I am sharing my story of why I started Iris Enterprises; having to overcome many obstacles and tragic events throughout my life. Drama that I was able to rise above from, persevere and become successful. I was born and raised in Helena, Montana. My mom suffered from her own childhood traumas that became her maladaptive coping skills, where she needed to get her ego needs of recognition, affection and materialism met through my personal achievements. She lived her identity through me because she didn’t know how to meet her own needs.

When my Dad wasn’t traveling for work, he was home and present, and he provided consistent structure and was involved in my

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upbringing. I was very loved and cared for by my Dad, which made my mom incredibly jealous. My parents divorced when I was 12 years old. While living with my mom, I was noticed by a modeling agency in the spring of 1989. I was 15 years old and had my first photo shoot that would prepare me for becoming a future model. I had started to value my self-worth, but things were not working in my favor at home to the point that I decided to no longer pursue my modeling career. In the fall of 1989, I was involved in a horrific car accident that took my life. I had made a terrible decision when I chose to take a ride in a truck with two other friends. I sat in the middle of the front seat without wearing

my seatbelt. The driver of the vehicle was drunk and driving at a high rate of speed, putting the truck into a violent spin that ended with the vehicle wrapping around a tree on the driver’s side. I had been thrown from my seat, into the windshield. I had died from the catastrophic injuries that my body sustained. I believe it was a miracle that the Emergency Medical Technicians were finally able to revive me during my ambulance transport to the hospital.

I was suffering from severe internal injuries, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Retrograde Amnesia, and Aphasia by losing implicit language. After I was released from the hospital, I was sadly not the same 15-year-old girl that I was before.

I had little memory, I was fearful and trapped in the mind of a 5-year-old, eagerly trying to get out. Unfortunately, my ambition and motivation had been socially conditioned to seek toxic acceptance and affection. I had been rejected and left with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and depression. Eventually I had lost contact with my family as I became a burden to everyone. I was starting my life all over, alone, at the age of 16. A reality that no child should ever have to go through. I struggled to survive by living on the streets, finding nourishment however I could while seeking shelter often on a couch of a stranger. I was not sure if I desired social contact while craving acceptance from society. I knew I wanted to become brilliant like the people I slowly found myself being surrounded by. I went back to high school, re-learning and trying to make myself whole again. Special Education courses and other therapies gave me some hope that I could eventually live a remarkable life with my high functioning abilities.

My unhealthy self-esteem was driving my unconscious behaviors to seek toxic affection needs throughout my adult relationships, while always seeking and choosing male partners with abusive characteristic traits. In 1992 I was married, pregnant with my first child and finding myself in an unhealthy relationship with my husband. My husband’s abuse caused me to go into early labor while I suffered a stroke causing paralysis to the left side of my face that would slowly improve. During the next few years I had two young boys and I continued to struggle with my speech. My boys both had trouble pronouncing words in school due to learning and listening to my verbal communication at home. I ended up divorcing my husband, only to find myself a few years later in another round of trials and tribulations of an abusive marriage while having another baby and now in the midst of raising three beautiful sons. In 1999, I started my own medical insurance billing business that was in full force for four years before starting a new venture for another company. In December 2005, I suffered a neck injury at work and then a mild stroke in 2006. My right arm was in paralysis and I was prescribed morphine and then pain medication with muscle relaxers. My body would go into shaking convulsions and there were days that I missed taking my medications. My prescribed medication doses were too much for my small frame. I found myself slurring my words and not communicating verbally because I could not find the correct words. I was once again

trapped in my body while people thought that I was taking too much medication. I was a danger to myself; my doctor had me diagnosed as a high fall risk and if I were to fall, it would kill me. I continued with my therapy, not really getting better. Only to be filled with more anxiety and depression as I was still suffering from my neck injury, two stress-related strokes, PTSD, TBI, Amnesia and Aphasia. I had to learn how to retrain my self-worth (motivation) so that I could take care of myself with the simple everyday acts of showering, dressing myself, and preparing meals. Showering was very exhausting for me. I would find myself resting before I had enough energy to get dressed afterwards.

Slowly I built up my energy so I could do my daily hygiene tasks without having to rest in between. I had to quit accepting help from everyone so that I could learn to do things myself. When the struggle became too much, I would then reach out for assistance.

I noticed people were more uncomfortable with how my life was going, more than I was.

I had finally become self-sufficient once again and this left me with wanting to anxiously do more. Usually my endorphins would kick in and I would not realize that my body was in pain and needed rest. I found myself trying to learn how to accept the terms of ‘good enough’ and be grateful for how far I had come and that I was gaining personal growth while my body was still in the healing process.

September 2007, my brother Larry, passed away from suicide. I never had any memories of Larry meanwhile I made a collage of him for his funeral. I didn’t recognize myself in the pictures. I called my mom to get her help with writing his obituary. This was my first real writing exercise after my strokes. The summer of 2009, the right side of my body became numb again. I stood up to get help and fell. I was stuck in another dark abyss.

Spiritually I could sense when my brother, Larry, was around me and I would often see him in my peripheral. That coming winter, I

found myself in the same mental state that my brother was in before he ended his life.

I had three sons to live for, I decided to not only live for them, but I was going to live life for my brother who I was fiercely trying to remember. As I continued to visit with my therapist about my emotions, I started working on developing my own therapeutic techniques, still not knowing who I really was but seeing some good changes. I eventually stopped going to therapy all together and developed my own R.A.R.E. method of healing. My husband now felt threatened by my new identity and happiness that was forming. He became more abusive and my boys started staying by my side, never leaving me alone with him. We separated in 2010 and finally divorced in 2012.

In 2011, I reconnected with my Dad who had been living in Butte, Montana.

We worked on my memory and our relationship; trying to get back the years that we had lost. I also reconnected with my brother, Bobby, when I recognized his eyes from my childhood. He also helped me with remembering who I was and the role that he had played in my life. A tremendous amount of unconditional love and acceptance, strength, courage, resilience, and bravery is required, in order to overcome the vulnerability of being emotionally connected to others and by letting people know my sense of self and who I am as being my truly authentic self.

After an amnesic, like myself, has regained a strong sense of self, their identity becomes extremely protected. The gifts of being an amnesic have outweighed the obstacles that I had to overcome. I started developing healthy relationships with others through my R.A.R.E. Method. I also applied the same process that I used in healing myself and applied it to improving my work ethic, productivity, proficiency and performance, as well as achieving academic success.

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Renata LACEY

“ The hardest things I had to deal with in a relationship was lying, cheating, love from the other person and myself growing for the better and not allowing the hurt bother me mentally. “

Q. What do you think is the meaning of Love?

A.I think the meaning of love is sometimes it’s hard to say emotions, behaviors, and beliefs associated with strong feelings of affection, protectiveness, warmth, and respect for another person.

Q. Why do you think it is so hard to date these days?

A. I feel it’s hard to date these days because a lot of people don’t put God 1st and rush into it before thinking and real know your needs and not just your wants.

Q. What are you looking for right now?

A. I’m not looking for anything but what I need is a God loving man, no cheaters, liars, no BS, a provider, protector, etc.

Q. What is your ideal Men? A. My ideal man is a good hearted, not overly bad health; he has to have his limbs etc.

Q. How do you feel about online dating?

Have you had any experiences?

Q. What are some advantages being single than being in a relationship?

A. I feel online dating is the new wave of dating and its good for those that don’t get out much. But it has its same ways as meeting a person at the market. I have had experience with online dating, and it hasn’t worked so far, but I haven’t given up as well.

A. I don’t think it really matters because when that right man comes a long it will be the same besides the dating. Those guys supposed to be your right-hand man.

Q. What would be a romantic date for you?

A. I feel a romantic date would be a nice day out or evening out and an ending of 4 play and making love if you’re on that level. If you’re not on that level than just the roses & Dinner date night. Have dinner at a quiet, quaint restaurant; or at home, paired with a good bottle of wine. See a show at a comedy club.

“Laughter is the fiber of intimacy,” Get a couple’s massage together. Plan a weekend away.

Q. What is one of the hardest things you had to deal with in your past relationships?

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A. The hardest things I had to deal with in a relationship was lying, cheating, love from the other person and myself growing for the better and not allowing the hurt bother me mentally.

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Q. Do you believe in soulmates? If so, what is a good soulmate in your eyes?

A. I believe in soul mates and I think the best soul mate is the one we learn about in the bible.

Q. Give any advice or inspiration to others that’s single and trying to find love?

A. Heck I can only give the same advice I’m taking to anyone that’s single, which is hold on and don’t settle God has something in store as long as you’re ready. (The right ready not you’re ready, Lol).

In Memories Of Kobe Bryant

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“...Keep your business, “your business”! “

Q. How did you and your spouse meet?

A. We met at work.

Q. What made you realize this was the person you wanted to marry and spend the rest of your life?

A. MW- I can’t say there was a specific day. There were several life altering situations that came into my life while we we’re dating, and my husband tony was there every step of the way before we were married.

TW- One day I got off work and I wasn’t feeling good. Monique suggested to get some Pepto and brought it to me. That was the day I told her “You are the one”!

Q. What was one of the hardest experiences you and yourspouse had to go through? How did it make the relationship stronger?

A. MW- One of the hardest experiences was being without a home. My husband stood right by my side through it all.

Nothing he did for us was by obligation. Everything he did was because he wanted to with 5 children in tow! Many people make references to being without a home and how they would still be together.

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Monique & Tony

But, we actually lived through it without a legally binding document!

TW- The time we were homeless this experience was eye opening and put a battery in my back to go harder for “my family” even though the relationship was still fresh.

Q. Describe the love, the passion you have for your spouse?

A. MW- The love I have for my husband is indescribable. I do not onlyhave a husband, but a friend.

Tony allows me to be free, goofy and all. He operates on “No Judgement” completely and unconditional, not to say he agrees with everything I say or do... (That’s a topic for another day) But, I can just be myself.

TW- The love and passion comes from trust. I have never put my trust in other women besides “Momdukes”. It was very hard for me to trust anyone and allow myself to be vulnerable. She is one the smartest people I know, and I lean on her for Everything.

Q. What do you think is the difference between being a relationship and being married?

A. MW- One simple word…” WORK” then why not!

TW- When you’re dating things are more adventurous. Marriage is serious, it’s not all about the fun!

Q. How long do you think someone should date before they get married?

A. MW- I think it varies... Everyone is different... If you share a connection, a bond like nothing else you’ve experienced and all areas of the relationship are a go- meaning RESPECT, COMMUNICATION,

UNDERSTANDING, AND FINANCES, then why not.

TW- I feel at least year to a year and half... I never understood why some people would be together for ten to twelve years and not get married... What is the point?

Q. Do you think people need a marriage counselor before marriage?

A. MW- I totally recommend seeking counseling before marriage. You’re both in a controlled environment, where both parties can be open and honest. The counselor(s) can give advice, wisdom, and real-life scenarios.

TW- Yes, you need to know if you’re even ready to be married.

I believe a marriage counselor can help you find this out. A lot of people want to get married just to post on social media….

Q. What do you think the definition of Love?

A. MW-Love has so many facets... Since, we’re discussing love in a romantic context...

It’s a BALANCE of emotions, connections, surrounded by respect, communication, and understanding.

TW- My definition of love is being there for a person no matter what with flaws and all.

Q. Describe what you think a perfect date would be for your spouse?

“NO KIDS” ” The intimate time alone Laughing and joking or whatever we want to do just the two us.

TW- My spouse isn’t materialistic just as long were together... But I do like to surprise her on occasion to let her know I put thought into it.

Q. Give some advice or inspiration for other couples?

A. MW- Don’t expect marriage to be what you see in fairy tales and storybooks. Real marriage is nothing like that. It will require work and it is a never-ending journey of learning and growing with each other.

TW- Keep your business “your business” …Because you going to go through things. Always refer back to the love that brought the two of you together. As long as the foundation is there ... Everything will work itself out.

A. MW- I would say” anytime that is spent with my spouse “ALONE”

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A Common Thread When we talk about love, we use the same words, we write the same poems, we sing the same verse.

We tell the same stories, of our first clumsy kiss, of our broken hearts, and the one that we miss.

My Tears on Your Face Through my skin, I pull you in.

The pleasure, the pain, it all feels the same.

Your heartbeat, my breath, You’re crushing my chest.

My chaos, your calm, goosebumps on my arms.

My tears on your face, Your feeling’s misplaced.

I give you the pen, You write how it ends.

My truth is, your lies, you swallow my pride.

I turn on our song, you tell me I’m wrong.

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You throw back the sheet, The floor hits your feet.

I’m empty.

You’re full, We both know it’s cruel.

Just moments before, our bodies were raw.

You turn on your heel and walk out the door.

I move to the place, that held our embrace.

You move to the place My memories erased.

Kim Chia 2020

Our cheeks f lush the same, when our eyes are locked, when our hand is held, when our world is rocked.

We all ache the same way after a fight, burn the same way when in the spell of desire.

We laugh, and we weep, we spoon when we sleep, we save things from dates, in a box that we keep.

Love’s like a ribbon that weaves it’s way through, it ties us together in ways we don’t choose.

There’s no combination that feels “better love.”

The ribbon’s the same, what’s different is us.

We believe that we know, who should be wrapped, we say love is wrong, when it crosses the map.

We try to pull it, in ways we believe, we shape ideal hearts in ways it can’t see.

The ribbon is blind to our world view, Love will be love, it moves how it moves.

It existed before us, and will live on after.

It’s wiser It’s braver It’s purer It’s smarter.

The ribbon is light, it exists in perfection Our rules don’t apply, we are just love’s ref lection.

Kim Chia 2020

Book Spotlight Cece Book Club Join IG & Facebook @cecebookclub

Love Her or Lose Her A Novel by Tessa Bailey • 2020

O

ne of Oprah Magazine’s 21 Romance Novels That Are Set to Be the Best of 2020 + Marie Claire’s Best New Books of 2020

Spotlight CHALLENGE QUESTION

Q. What do you think is the most important factor of keeping love alive in a relationship?

Send your answer to: cecewibnet@gmail.com Join CECE CHALLENGES on Facebook or anything you would like to share or ask send to: cecewibnet@gmail.com Subject: “Ask Cece”

New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with a unique, sexy romantic comedy about a young married couple whose rocky relationship needs a serious renovation...

Rosie and Dominic Vega are the perfect couple: high school sweethearts, best friends, madly in love. Well, they used to be anyway.

Now Rosie’s lucky to get a caveman grunt from the ex-soldier every time she walks in the door. Dom is faithful and a great provider, but the man she fell in love with ten years ago is nowhere to be found. When her girlfriends encourage Rosie to demand more out of life and pursue her dream of opening a restaurant,

she decides to demand more out of love, too. Three words: marriage boot camp.

Never in a million years did Rosie believe her stoic, too-manly-to-emote husband would agree to relationship rehab with a weed-smoking hippie.

Dom talking about feelings? Sitting on pillows? Communing with nature? Learning love languages?

Nope. But to her surprise, he’s all in, and it forces her to admit her own role in their cracked foundation. As they complete one ridiculous—yet surprisingly helpful—assignment after another, their remodeled relationship gets stronger than ever. Except just as they’re getting back on track, Rosie discovers Dom has a secret... and it could demolish everything.

“Her voice feels as fresh and contemporary as a Netflix romcom.” —Entertainment Weekly

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