Today is truly a special occasion, 27 years ago a beautiful baby boy, Dejean Myrtil Jr. (Prophecy) was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. No one would truly understand the power of his life and the purpose he would serve. A life that would be filled with so much  pain and gratitude.

From an early age Prophecy, as he is so rightly called, has witnessed and experienced so many heinous acts against man from war, uprival and revolutions in his native land of Haiti (Ayiti) and the miracles of God that allowed him to perservere and live to see another momumental year of his young and not so tender life.

According to accounts that have hit major publications such as the New York Times and Palm Beach Post, in 1991, while leaving an [American naval base at Guantanomo Bay Cuba, where thousands of other refugees being held...Dejean Jr. and his father, Mr. Dejean Myrtil, an artist, never knew  if they would make it to the United States.] Dejean and his father were in a small group of 6 Haitians who were granted asylum in the United States out of “250 Haitian migrants pulled within sight of the Port-au-Prince harbor”. Why were so few people chosen? Why was little Dejean chosen? “Thirteen of the adults who were returned to Haiti were executed,” according to Dejean’s accounts when interviewed by the Palm Beach Post. Well, I’m sure many of his loved ones, friends and family, could testify why he was destined to come here.

His miraculous life and story is definitely one that needs to be documented in story books and in a blockbuster movie. Dejean’s life is a huge testament to the unimaginable human power of believing God has something better planned for you despite whatever present circumstances you are engulfed in. At the age of 7, Dejean was imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba with other Haitian refugees and as a child witnessed and experienced things that no man wants his child to see muchless ever endure. Although he was young and innocent, he was not safe from the violence that exists amongst criminals and the spiritually destitute. He witnessed murder firsthand and experienced rape at a time when most kids here in the U.S. hadn’t reached middle school. When he finally arrived in the land of the free and the brave, he wondered where was the freedom? During a time, when most kids here would be selfishly asking for more video games and plotting on plans to ask parents about camping trips, vacations and sleep overs, he was recovering from stab wounds and surviving life as a homeless teen. His ‘safety’ here came with the sad reality that he had to leave his mother, two sisters and many more behind in Haiti. Despite many of his unfortunate circumstances, Prophecy found something powerful within and tapped into it’s power.

His only safe haven was his faith manifested through art. Since there was not much love surrounding him, he created an environment of love, through art: sketching and poetry.  His sketch and paint artwork, have essentially yet to be revealed to many. I assume this is because that part of his life is held most sacred to him, since his father is a very talented artist as well. His now famous poem amongst poets and fans in South Florida ‘I’m Living Proof There’s a God if you need One‘ is his signature testimony to audiences. He’s not ashamed to say that although he’s very young, he’s very wise for his age. Quite often people are shocked at how young he is because of his demeanor, poise and overwhelming since of peace. He will tell anyone that his belief in God and his power in his life, which is evident is his constant motivation.

Today Prophecy proudly thrives in South Florida. He currently works in the financial industry and recently launched a business partnership, Love Jones, which is a new venue for poets with an incredible ambiance that promotes just that, love. Prophecy is also the proud father of his little son, Elijah. He lights up with joy everytime he mentions his son. Prophecy once told me that in order to watch, provide for and protect his young son, he worked night shifts so he could be there to take care of little Elijah during the day. If Elijah was a poem that Prophecy wrote, I’m sure he would be the most beautiful poem that one could ever imagine.

Prophecy loves life. He loves giving and sharing. His life is indeed a gift that God has shared with us. I’m sure many more teens and young adults will be inspired by his story. There is much more that can be said about this amazing young phenomenon, but today, I just want you to join us in celebrating his amazing life of love, strength and courage. He is proof there’s a God if you need one!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROPHECY!!!!!!

Recent Feature on Prophecy during National Poetry Month with Love nu Art click here.

To read more of Prophecy’s Poetry click here.

To read New York Times article click here.

To read Palm Beach Post article click here.

All the best wishes to you Prophecy on your birthday.

 I hope this little long overdue post 

makes you smile on such a wonderful day.

With Love,  

Your Heart Canvas Blogger & Friend

‘Where Your Heart is My Canvas’

If someone walked up to you and asked you to define love, what would you say? I’m sure you might stumble across your words for a few seconds and then come up with an answer that sounds fundamentally sound or atleast close enough to get the person to nod in agreement. What are your expectations of those you love and those who claim to love you? How do you show love to others? How do you expect for others to show you their love in return?

In order to gain a better understanding of love, let’s see how it has been defined and see if the definition matches our understanding of love.

According to Wikipedia ‘love” is defined as the following: 

Love is the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. In some religious contexts, love is not just a virtue, but the basis for all being, as in the Roman Catholic phrase, “God is love”. Love may also be described as actions towards others (or oneself) based on compassion. Or as actions towards others based on affection.

This definition from Wikipedia tells us what we should expect from others who love us.

According to The Bible ‘Love’ is….

The Bible identifies how we should show love through action words.

Do these two very different sources sum up your definition or understanding of love and how it should be demonstrated? Have you made an honest effort to demonstrate love through action?

While many of us love the idea of having a significant other or companion, very few of us actually take the time necessary to cultivate such relationships. Many people often have no clue how love truly is revealed in relationships. Therefore they spend countless days, weeks, months and years going through the motions to no avail. When you love someone there should be clearly identifiable differences in both of you from the first day you started pursuing a relationship. 

Romantic relationships, although they might satisfy the desires we have to be loved, wanted, admired or cherished, that isn’t their only purpose.

If you truly love someone you will desire to always impact their life in a positive way that results in a constant evolution of self demonstrated through love and by love.  

The goal indeed is to have this person who knows you deeper than most, challenge you to be your best.  

Your loved one is indeed supposed to bring out all the best in you through helping shed light on what’s happening with you on the inside. Their love will undoubtedly with much effort and pain to you both, help you both achieve your goals in life. Change is not easy and loving someone despite their faults, weaknesses and with just as many flaws as your own is sobering.

Recently, I’ve decided to put my love to the test. I’ve sacrificed the sexual component of a relationship for something that has been much more fulfilling and which doesn’t cloud my judgement like physical intimacy. Let’s be honest, sex, can easily allow you to dissillusion yourself to what love really is. Without sex, you have no choice, but to look at the facts of your love or lack thereof.

So let’s get to the root….

Key Indicators of the Depth of Your Love…..

Foundation.  (Love never Fails) A house made of straw will have no choice but to succumb to the enduring challenges of strong winds, rain and other elements of the world. However, a house with a strong foundation will not be uprooted during the trials of life. What is your foundation? Are you and your partner firmly rooted? When you have major issues in your relationship do you always come back to the foundation to find resolve?

Respect. (Always Protects) ‘A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.’ Proverbs 25:11 Do you maintain a level of respect for each other which creates an environment for growth and approachability? Or when things get rough do you show no restraint and prepare for war?

Sacrificial. (Love is Patient. Love is Kind) Willingness to let the other person grow and change in their time is a great way to show love. As long as it is clear your partner is committed to improving you should be their advocate. Do you take the time to identify areas where you could be more patient and kind to your partner after a disagreement? Or is it your way or the highway?

Goals or Pursuits. (Always Hopes) Do you take your partners goals or interests in life seriously? Or do you scoff at their plans and demean their accomplishments?

Common or New Interests. (Always Trusts. Always Hopes) Do you find mutual activities for you to share in? Do you find areas for both of you to grow through breaking barriers and creating opportunities to build trust? Do you find ways to keep the relationship exciting through being attentive to your partners wants or dislikes?

Strengths vs. Weaknesses. (Always Perseveres)  Do you know what your strengths and weaknesses are and those of your partners? Vice versa? Do you two communicate in a way where you can help each other grow and improve in problem areas through building on each other’s strengths? Do you think highly of your partner or do you easily give up when things aren’t going your way?

I hope this list will help you access the depth of your relationship and how to identify if you’ve been showing love as it is meant to be showed and also if you’ve been recieving love as it is intended to be received.

So…..

Peace & Blessings,

Your Heart Canvas Blogger

‘Where Your Heart is My Canvas’

Life goals have to be taken seriously. However, I’ve quickly realized that I don’t leave much to chance. Matter of fact, sometimes I focus on the details far too much in my life and can obsess over minor things which over time increase tons of stress.This year, stress has affected me in ways you couldn’t imagine.

After reading a great Personal Goal Setting mind tools posting, I have restructured my Life’s Dream’s List into subcategories to make it easier to focus on specific areas at a time, you will see this new list soon. Also, after reading ‘The Year of the Unstuck’, I realize that although I have all of my dreams on a list, that does not mean they can’t change over time or I won’t realize that I have too much on my plate and need to leave some things untouched or put them back for someone else to take advantage of and/or make better use.

——————————————————————————————–

2010 Year in Review

There have been so many amazing accomplishments in this year and so many things left undone. I participated in my first Howard University Book signing where I sold copies of my published book, Bruised Kisses. I moved back to Florida with my son Daniel. I participated in a Ladies Day Extravaganza and sold copies of Bruised Kisses as well as tested out the waters with Motivational speaking. Compiled a new manuscript for my next book that I am proud to say shows my growth as a writer and poet since my first book of poetry. Submitted my new book to the publisher and it has been offered a letter of contract for publication in 2011. Written my first song, which will be featured on a Christian Rap artist’s album.

This year, I partnered with S7 Events & Marketing and helped coordinate the J-Riley Shoe launch. Successfully, created an online version/ eBook of Bruised Kisses that is distributed on Lulu.com for $1.99. I have used my writing skills and business knowledge to build brands and growth for new entrepreneurs and business owners.

I have finally let go of ties to very destructive and abusive six year off and on relationship with a man that I once vowed to spend the rest of my life with. Also, I surrendered to God the possibility of spending the rest of my life with someone whom I’ve loved and admired for many years because they do not believe in the same God as I.

———————————————————————————————-

2010 Confession

In spite of all of these successes God revealed to me how my negative thoughts & inaction have paralyzed in some ways my career and financial growth. God has placed so many financially established & successful people (make well over six figures) in my life whose purpose has been to take me to the next level in life, but my self doubt prevented my breakthrough. This realization has finally taught me how powerful the mind truly is. In 2010, my mind held me captive but in 2011 I will fight for my mind’s freedom from negative thinking and inaction.

Also, as it relates to men, for six long and grueling years I have hid or tried to conceal my addiction to sex or maybe compulsive obsession with sex. It took me a very long time to even think I could possibly sacrifice sex to help renew my relationship with God. It also took some risky, shameful and dangerous sexual experiences to help me realize I indeed needed to change. God helped me realize that no matter what you can never replace God’s love with a man’s love.

I am now working on having a Godly friendship with a man I greatly admire, care for and respect in hopes of showing God that I do value my relationship with God more than with any man, no matter how incredible he  may be.

———————————————————————————————-

My Declaration of Independence

I know God is helping to change my heart and mind so that I can move forward and not be held captive by anything or anyone including myself.

I know that now, in 2011 and in future years that come, God will take my mind to new heights and allow me to reclaim those thoughts of prosperity and fruitfulness that come with leading a life of trying to please God instead of myself.

In 2011 I will fight for my mind’s freedom from negative thinking and inaction.

In 2011 I will boldly walk through doors that God has opened & throw away the key to doors that He has closed without looking back.

I proclaim 2011 to be the Year of Faith!

I hope you will take this time to reflect on your accomplishments in 2010, goals in 2011 and fight for your freedom your entire life!

Peace & Blessings,

Your Heart Canvas Blogger

‘Where Your Heart is My Canvas’

’Many things will come & go, but you will always be the most amazing & powerful force in ur life’ – BK Poet

Who is behind this new shoe phenomenon J-Riley.com?

Business woman and shoe addict, Lacey Byrd, the owner & sole proprietor of J-Riley Shoes LLC, was originally born Lacey Etheredge in West Palm Beach, Florida. Lacey’s passion for fashion indeed brewed within at a young age and permeates into every facet of her life. J-Riley shoes emphasis is on providing Fashion forward shoes for today’s style and budget conscious shoenista! Lacey knows shoes are indeed one the greatest unifiers of women. Lacey’s passion for entrepreneurship and wanting to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in her children and also a firm belief in having multiple streams of income prompted the launch of J-Riley Shoes and its ecommerce presence www.j-riley.com.

Lacey’s intrinsic desire to give back and uplift her community can be seen through her involvement with numerous non-profits in South Florida and Chicago such as: Children’s Coalition, Children’s Home Society, Speh Foundation and the Fairy Godmother Foundation. Lacey enjoys grant writing and non-profit program development.

Lacey continuously tries to uplift and enrich the lives of women through empowering their entrepreneurial endeavors with events held seasonally in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her Ladies Day Extravaganza & Fashion Expo are two events designed to showcase female entrepreneurs; they indeed do meet her goal of creating a business and social forum for uniting women of all races, religious and social backgrounds. These events coordinated primarily by Lacey, feature inspirational speakers, book signings with local authors, products and of course shopping! Lacey’s events have been successful while stimulating income coming back into local businesses in Palm Beach County. As a creative mind and partner of S7 Events & Marketing Lacey has managed countless events from non-profit fundraisers to weddings.

Lacey Byrd presently resides in South Florida with her husband Russell Byrd and two children. She has a 10 year-old son Jace and a 3 year- old daughter Riley. Lacey admits she could not have accomplished so many incredible feats in life without faith and the support of great family and friends. She is currently in the process of co-authoring a book to help women understand the importance of healthy friendships with women and fostering friendships that last a lifetime. More information on Lacey Byrd and J-Riley Shoes can be found on www.j-riley.com.

Interview with J-Riley.com Business Owner, Lacey Byrd….

Q. What is J-Riley Sole?

J-Riley believe it or not is named after my beautiful children Jace my son and Riley my daughter. J-Riley shoes is about providing fashionable yet reasonably priced shoes to today’s modern women. Our website J-Riley.com is a lifestyle site that encompasses shoes along with a lifestyle blog, experts beauty advice from sources like MAC make-up Artist, financial tips from seasoned financial professionals and even regular every day shoenistas like you and I!

Q. Tell us what inspired you to start your own shoe business?

My passion for entrepreneurship and wanting to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in my children and also a firm belief in having multiple streams of income prompted the launch of J-Riley Shoes and the ecommerce presence www.j-riley.com. I thought, “what do I love and that would make a excellent business venture?” Shoes for me were an obvious answer. I want to be an example to my childrens that what they do for a living is limitless and they can make money doing what they love.

Q. I see you have done a lot of work in the Palm Beach community. What non-profit work  are you most proud of?

I don’t think I’ve realized that moment as of yet. As I continue to grow I see bigger opportunities to be apart of the growth of others. I look forward to creating a program to facilitate professionals that live, study and/or build their careers outside of their communities to go back and mentor and play a crucial role in uplifting the communities that they are a product of. I am working on that project which will be Community Links with two long time girlfriends of mine.

Q. How do you balance raising kids, owning a business, working in the community and keeping a happy home?

My family helps to keep me grounded and keep everything in my life in perspective.. My actions today are driven by the future of my family. My family would love to have more of my time but they understand my drive. Even though my children are younger they realize that mommy and daddy’s hard work is how the bills get paid lol! I tell them that we work hard now so that its optional later. I admit the balancing act does get complicated but team work and keeping sight of our common goals makes it all work.

Q. There are probably other Sporty Momma’s that would love to start there own business, what advice do you have for them?

Plan & Persevere…You must know the business you are going into. Do your research on the market, your competitors your resources and anything else that might effect your business. All businesses don’t require a formal business plan but you should at least have your goals written somewhere that you can refer back to for reflection and sense of accomplishment. Also you must be prepared to persevere. A big dream means nothing without big dedication to fulfilling that dream. You must plan and be prepared to stay the course even when it’s easier to give up. Keep your eye on the long haul and the big picture and exercise patience. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting gratification right now and that’s not always going to happen when you want it.

Q. How can I get a pair of those hot J-Riley shoes?

Log onto www.J-Riley.com

Email JRileysole@gmail.com or contact us at 561-644-4755

Have you ever heard that everyone needs atleast 3 streams of income to attain the wealth they desire in life? Well, a close friend of mine actually challenged me to think of 7 possible ways of making money! That’s right SEVEN!

Now you might say “How in the world can I think of 7 ways for me to make $$$?” Think hard…I did & I was shocked because I actually came up with 13 ways in addition to having a regular corporate job to supplement my income. I have two mentors who have proven to be extremely successful in this area & I know it’s possible to juggle them all at the same time. However, you have to be very organized and have great planning and follow through skills. It’s best also if some of your streams tie into others, for example if you sell motorcyles, then you might repair them & sell parts in addition so your passion for motorcycles is generating additional income for you.

Heart Canvas Blogger’s 7+ Possible Streams of Income

1. Books (Bruised Kisses, WOTM, ALITP & etc)
2. Poetry Performances & CDs
3. Editing Services
4. Movie Script Writing (partnership)
5. Playwriting
6. Blogging
7. Motivational Speaking
8. Investment Rental property
9. Stock Portfolio
10. Telecommunications Business venture
11. S7 (with partners AS & LB) & other event planning opps
12. Cartoon/Voice Overs
13. Full Figured/Plus Size Modeling

Here are videos that help give more information on having multiple streams of income:

David Jenyns www.davidjenyns.com

Ron G Holland www.ronhollanddirect.com

LaShanda Henry  www.e-junkie.com/lhenry *Start video at 1:31

I hope this information will help you decide to use your talents and abilities to create wealth for you and your family.

Peace & Blessings,

Your Heart Canvas Blogger

‘Where Your Heart is My Canvas’

A- Alliance: I believe in investing in people & relationships. From close personal friends to acquaintances. Good     people around you are your best assets!

B- BK Poet: My poetry & alter ego is a lot bolder than I feel I could ever be in real life. All of my emotions I eventually try to take them to form in my writing. BK Poet is a safe haven for me & I appreciate the purpose she serves. I’m coming out of myself.

C- Catty: I love to be around women who are loving & supportive. I’ve never been attracted to women who act like they have something to prove. Be your best competition not mine…the purrs of a catty woman are ignored

D- Daniel: my son is the most amazing thing that has happened to me…God does manifest himself through children. I see that so often in Daniel. God bless him!

E- Edge: I definitely realize I put a lot of pressure on myself & I’m working to get rid of some that edge. I worry too much

F- Food: is definitely a four letter word, so is love. I love food. But I’m working hard to not over indulge…discipline with not over eating has always been a challenge but its getting better each day.

G- Grassroots: taking things to the streets & helping with non profit organizations has always been my passion. Using our skills to solve societal issues are key.

H- Home: I love the peace & tranquility of home. I can relax, let down my guard and focus. I make every place I go feel like home. Seriously, I do.

I- International: I love foreign people and places. I love to travel! I want to visit as many countries and people as I can before I leave this Earth.

J- Jewels: Bling is my ultimate obsession! I can make a $2 trinket look like $500…give me jewelry & I’ll give you a million dollar smile!

K- Kayak: This travel tool is one of the best things that ever happened to me! One of my favorite apps on my phone.

L- Lemonade: Whatever happens to you always remember to make lemonade out of life’s lemons.

M- Monique: motivating = my talent or special gift & I accept it & embrace it.

N- No: Something I need to work on saying more. I’m a people pleaser at heart, but I’m learning life is teaching me how to say ‘no’ more each day.

O- Omen: I pay attention to nature & clouds like you would never believe. I listen to nature when it speaks. If I feel I’ve received an omen, I work my hardest to back away.

P- Positive: I really work my hardest on keeping a positive outlook on life, situations, and people. Positivity, faith and balance in life keep you healthy.

Q- Quiet: Love quiet moments & looking at beautiful scenery. The sound of the ocean is so much a part of me…it’s like there’s no sound.

R- Resilient: We as people are so resilient. We can overcome many tragic things as well as transform negatives into positive life lessons. This is life in action.

S- Shelly: If you don’t know her, then you don’t know me.

T- Tropics: I believe my final resting place will be on some beautiful tropical island enjoying the beauty of life.

U- Umbrella: always have one for a rainy day

V- Vision: I always try to encourage people around me to have a vision, plan or purpose for their life. Life without vision must be the most unfulfilling thing there is.

W- When Poets Make Love: a poem I wrote to a person whose very existence & purpose in my life has done so much good for my soul, spirit & body.

X- Everything I ever was in life. There is a reason for my past. X is everything I can’t describe in words, like the letter, the unknown things that you can see, but I never will.

Y- Youthful: I have a childlike youthful spirit. I embrace it & appreciate it.

Z- Zeal: for life is always contagious. I hope it permeates through everyone I encounter!

*Photo Courtesy of www.Wanaimage.com*

As the bell
of a wine glass
sings a melodious hum
with the most
delicate touch
so does your hand quiver
at first embrace
if the birds themselves
would have revealed
the sensitivity
of a man
to a woman’s
embrace
I would have denied
their joyous
proclamation
I’ve never experienced
something so beautiful,
yet so masculine
as when my chin
balances on your shoulders
or your lips
as they caress…
more surreal is
the protection I feel
when I lay my face
on your chest
as you wrap
your arms around me
and cover me from
the worries of everything
not you & I
the respect & trust I have for you
allows me to cater
to your body
in a way
that only a woman
who loves you dearly &
deeply ever could

I salute you & thank you
with love & at peace

Dedicated to Zora Neale Hurston

Darlin’ water
can’t sink
heavy thoughts.
Thoughts that
run
so deep
they resonate
at the Earth’s crust.
That brimmed hat
wear it well
mama!
No, it can’t shade that glow
of knowin’ you know
you know.
If Eatonville
was the source
of your unabashed confidence
in being Black
and in charge,
then let us salute the
land where Black meant power.
Your beauty
was unconventional
your talent
quite marvelous.
Although men
took notice
and responded,
honey, I know
when you said
‘I do’
your fingers weren’t crossed.
You had an ink pen
behind your back
massaging the tip
ever so delicately
when it was time
to kiss your groom.
You knew
if your love
ever ran dry
for that man,
your ink
would
somehow
always
flow.

I am a fan
of all that is marvelous
anything relevant
to the unimaginable
quest
love can provide.

I am a master
of all that is uncertain
anything ambiguous
to the brilliant
path
of those who seek peace.

What has the Stock Market Done for you lately?

As apart of my 100 Life Dreams, I mentioned I wanted to invest in the stock market & I’m serious! I also want to encourage family & friends to do the same if they haven’t already. Four years ago, while I was a senior at Howard University in the School of Business, I entered into a HU Stock Challenge. The university gave us $100K virtual money and provided us with a time constraint to see how much we could earn within that time frame. This challenge simulated real stock investment quotes, performance, analysis and commissions charges. I loved it! I had so much fun with it that I placed within the top 10 out of 200 students and was offered to fly to New Jersey to represent Howard University’s School of Business. However, I was a new mom,  interviewing and couldn’t add anymore trips to since I was exhausting babysitters lol. Well, I never forgot about that Howard experience.

Although participating in the HU Stock Challenge gave me some confidence in my investment decisions and strategy, to be honest I haven’t done too much with that knowledge, which needs to change. About two years ago, I joined Updown.com, which is a virtual investment community that allows users to explore what potential your $1,000,000 will do for you based on your stock investment decisions. I haven’t really worked this investment program the way that I should, but I want to pick up where I left off and see where it can take me. I have a stock watch list, a few stocks I’ve invested in and some stocks I’ve sold. My cash balance currently  is $768,490.48, market value currently is $153,054.44 and my total stock portfolio is currently valued at $921,544.92. So yes, I’ve lost money. Fortunately, not my money. By in large, with this recession and what it has done to nationwide 401K plans, I think I might be doing fairly well. That’s why I think you should try Updown for yourself to test your investment and earnings potential. Who knows you might surprise yourself and be the next stock rockstar! By the way, if you become a savvy investor this can mean extra money for you and your family, so why not? There’s no risk, but the risk of you not trying and potentially having another source of income.

Watch this video of this 14 year old phenom, Damon Williams & get inspired!

Check out www.updown.com

Add me as a friend http://www.updown.com/member/miss_mcdowell 

1. Create your profile
2. Make a list of products you invest in (shopping)
3. Create a watchlist
4. Research stocks
5. After research add to your watchlist
6. Figure out a plan to invest in stocks
7. Share with friends & family members
8. Enter free contests to earn REAL $$$

I hope this encouraged you to practice investing into the stock market. Then, invest/reinvest into the stock market to build more wealth for you and your family.

Peace & Blessings,

Heart Canvas Blogger

‘Where Your Heart is My Canvas’