Busty Barbie

An email received from a reader:

So I was at Walmart yesterday and noticed a new set of Barbies that they have. The dolls seemed very elegant and very much inspired by the whole Top Model movement AND they had three different shades of the black dolls. This was my first time seeing a dark skin doll. But  then I noticed that one of the black dolls' breast exposed from her dress. Since when did Barbies start exposing their breast like that?
It looks like I wasn't the only one who felt this way as she is now infamously known as "Busty Barbie".

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/05/26/2010-05-26_busty_barbie_in_mattels_new_back_to_basics_barbie_collection_is_too_revealing_fo.html

What kind of message is this sending to black girls?

Sincerely,

XXXX

The Love of Gardening

I have discovered a new love....gardening. When I was younger, my mother effectively made sure I would hate the hobby of gardening, for life. I still remember, being dragged from one nursery to another, buying what seemed like an endless array of "things" that were only going to die at the end of the season. I have now discovered those "things" go by such names as petunias, celosia, impatiens, lily and geranium.

My first attempt at gardening was going to Wal-Mart and buying their end of season perennials (they come back every year). Not knowing what I was buying, I just picked up some plants that looked nice in their picture, some soil and headed home to dig. A few weeks later, I came across some tulip bulbs at a local grocery store and thought I would give them a try. (The pictures of the flowers in this article are my tulips from my garden) These flowers and plants took off and this spring and summer, they have dazzled. I have received many compliments from my neighbours and yes...I am happy to report that my mother was not successful and that I have learned to enjoy gardening.

Here are a few tips to get your love of gardening on:

1) Don't be afraid to try something new. Even though you might not be familiar with the plant, does not mean you should not plant it.

2) Learn basic gardening terms:
annual-only comes once
perennial-grows back every year
bulb vs. seed
types of soils: black earth, potting soil, gardening soil, manures
nursery - place where flowers and plants are grown and sold

3) Ask questions...from your neighbour (if they have a green thumb), friends, employees at the nursery, heck even strangers.

4) Have a budget. It is easy to get carried away buying flowers. Have a limit and stick to it.

5) Start early. Bulbs should be planted in the fall. Determine the planting time for your plant or flower.

6) Figure out what plants and flowers need. Shade, part shade, full sun, heavy, medium or low watering.

My advice is to start with simple flowers that don't require much maintenance and take it from there. Good luck and happy gardening.CB

Just Do It!

We all know the slogan of a very famous sports company that tells us to just do it. This slogan is not only limited to sports but to other aspects of life as well. I learned how to swim in the deep end of a pool by being pushed in. (Of course my instructor was close by, in case of emergency) however, she felt that unless I went in full steam ahead, my humming and hahing would prevent me from learning this important skill.

How many times have you wanted to do something, only to find yourself being held back by one thing or another.

Whether it's fear, procrastination, laziness or self-doubt, always remember, the only way to overcome these feelings and to truly follow your hearts desire is by taking a chance. It's great to dip your toes into a pool to test the temperature of the water, but the only way your body will acclimate is by jumping in. The same can be said of life, the only way you are ever going to know if you are good at something, meant to do something or interested in something is to just do it!

As long you have an idea, you have a plan, follow your heart's desire and you will surprise yourself and those around you. M.

The ocean beyond the waves

Do you ever feel like everywhere you turn, there is some fire to put out? Like life just can't be, there always has to be some drama, some situation...something??? It's difficult at these times to see the ocean beyond the waves. Life sometimes brings on so many things,so fast, that you want to tackle all while tackling none. Take some time out, think about your strategy and like a soldier, go forth in faith, knowing that what is ahead of you can and will be battled.

Many times, I've looked at my own personal struggles ahead of me and wondered how I was going to get through it, but as I forged on, I would look back and realized, I got through it.

There will always be something popping up in life, the decision you have to make is whether you are going to look at the ocean or waves that appear to come with such ferocity, but soon are gone.MM

Happy New Year

The other day, I was asked if I had any New Year's resolutions. I told the person that I did not make resolutions or promises and that I just take life as it comes. Now, thinking about it, that's almost a resolution in itself. It's hard to not make plans or look forward to doing or trying something new. I guess for me the thing is, if whatever I try does not work out, then I know God is sending me on a new path or journey and that will be ok.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed New Year!

Merry Christmas - Happy Kwaanza - Happy Hannukah

Thank you to all my family, friends and readers who have supported me this past year. Sometimes it's not easy to write but to know that I am being backed by you makes it a lot easier.

I wish you all a Safe and Merry Christmas and a Very Blessed New Year.

Love,

Cocco Butter

An Open Letter

There are times in our lives when we go through some grave disappoints. We often want to tell the other party how we feel, but rarely get the chance. I wrote this letter to let out some feelings that I know some of you can relate to.


To Whom it May Concern,

I thought we had something meaningful, true, deep. I am your wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend. I was your confidante, partner in crime, gossip buddy. We laughed what I thought was real laughs, shared what I thought was true feelings and did things that I thought were memorable, but they never meant anything to you. You only spent time with me because you were bored, didn't have anything better to do, at the time.

To you, I am expendable. Who cares about me, after all I can be easily replaced. Now when others laugh at me, you join them. Even though you know it's not true, instead of showing some integrity and standing up for me, you join them, because to you, they are your highest bidders. People who you think you will get something from. Perhaps they will give you the attention you crave and desire, because of your personal issues. You know that these people do not have my best interest at heart, but yet they are the ones you try to please. You talk about me, stay away and even give out false information for your own selfish, petty, temporary gains. How sad is that and how sad are you?!

Unfortunately for you, during the time we spent together, because you did not care, you did not take the time to get to know me. If you had, you would know that I am one to not be kept down. I am one to not be disappointed for long and that victory is always on my side. Contrary to what you want to believe, I am moving from strength to strength and you have been left behind. A new year is coming and I am on the up and up. It's sad that it ended up this way but as they say, 'things happen for a reason.' I hope your 'highest bidders' don't disappoint you, because one day when you are looking for that shoulder to cry on, it won't be mine. I won't be there.

Yours Truly,

Strength to Strength