As we close out the old year and ring in the new year, we often promise change. So, tell me, what promises have you made to yourself for the year 2024? I know for me I plan to do everything I did last year, but better. I hope to succeed in completing the projects I did not finish last year, like writing and finishing my memoir. It has been a challenging project because of the pain I endured throughout my life. But it is necessary to write it out to heal. I hope to complete my story and other stories about other women who have also triumphed through trials of pain and tribulation. While making our New Year’s resolutions we often include stopping bad habits or habits that hold us back. What are some of the habits you plan on quitting, or want to stop? Here’s an article I found in Good Housekeeping, about New Year’s resolution for building a healthy and happy life. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/advice/g985/achievable-new-year-resolutions/
A New Pink Business is Coming To Town
We all know that pink is a beautiful color most everyone loves. There are pink flowers, pink bows, pink ribbons, and ties. The color pink even has a greater meaning of triumphing over adversity. But two young entrepreneurs in Cabot, decided to take pink to a whole new level.
Brooke Ashworth and her bestie Allison Smart have embarked on a new venture. They are bringing their fine gourmet style pink dough pizza to our community of Cabot and will be located at the new Quarry Food Truck Lot, located at 3225 East Carmichael Road and Highway 5. The Pink Pepperoni duo promises that their pizza will have a taste like no other.
Brooke a recent graduate of Harding University with a Degree in Engineering said she wasn’t exactly ready to get right into her field of expertise without first trying her hand at her own business. “I just graduated college and I’m not completely sure what I really wanted to do with my Engineering Degree yet so, me and my best friend, we decided, you know what? Let’s start a food truck. From there, we acquired a food truck and came up with the Pink Pepperoni because my favorite color is pink. I like everything pink, so we said, why not incorporate that into pizza.”
Allison was all for the idea. Besides being in her senior year of college as an Art Major, Allison also teaches dance and has her own small business. But she says this is another venture she is excited to embark on with her best friend. “I started off doing social media for the food truck lot, The Quarry, and from there I started working with the food trucks and was interested to see how the food truck business worked and things like that. And then we just had this great opportunity, and so I thought I would jump on it before it was too late”.
The duo said they plan to please everyone. There will be lunch specials which will include a drink. A whole pizza will be the standard 12″ medium size pizza.
The good news about the Pink Pepperoni is that you don’t have to order a whole pizza. They will be selling slices as well. “I think it’ll be helpful for a lot of teenagers who are out running around. A lot of people don’t eat a full pizza by themselves, so having the slices option will be helpful for them so they’re not over spending on a full pizza that they will either in the long run throw away or have to give to somebody else”, said Allison.
Although there will be other food trucks located at The Quarry Food Truck Lot, these two business partners have no fear of competition. “In comparison to the other trucks, one of the great things is that at the lot there’s a very wide variety of foods. And one of the rules at the lot is that there is no trailer or truck that serves that same kind of food,” said Brooke.
Brooke said the business venture was inspired by The Quarry Food Truck Lot’s owner, Johnny White, who is no stranger to the community. Mr. white said he is thrilled that these two young ladies decided to put their pizza business on his lot. He adds there is no doubt in his mind that this venture will be successful. “Pizza in Cabot will do good in a food truck because, on this side of town we don’t have any pizza”. White, added that he is so excited for the duo, that he will have a mini coupe wrapped in pink that he will be doing the pizza deliveries in.
Although the duo have not set a definitive grand opening date, look out for more updates about the Pink Pepperoni’s grand opening, scheduled for the end of July or the beginning of August.
Urban Knights Chess Club Holds First Tournament of 2019
Fletcher Graggs Jr. is the Vice President of The Urban Knights Chess Club of Little Rock, Arkansas. Started just a little over seven years ago Graggs says he created the club with an interest to provide a place for people in the urban cities to play chess. “This year we are trying something new to give our chess members an opportunity to play in more rated tournaments.” Said Graggs.
On Saturday Jan 19th Graggs, and Tournament Director, Larry Weston held the club’s first annual in house chess tournament of 2019, The Annual Winter Tournament.
Graggs said the most difficult part is getting help running the tournaments.
16 year-old Gabe Bissland. said he has been playing Chess for eight years and loves the game. “The Urban Knights Chess Club really gave life to my chess game and it’s help me improve a lot.” He adds having the tournaments is a great opportunity for youths like him to expand and improve their chess game.
Brennan Brewer is the Captain of the Bryant High School Chess Club and Leader for the City of Bryant Chess Club. Brennan says although he has been playing Chess for all of his life, he has only been playing competitively for one year.
“It’s the greatest game that has ever been invented.” Said Brewer. “It’s a game you can study for ever and ever and never be fulfilled.” Brennan added it is a game for every one of all ages. He adds the skills he learn from Chess, he will benefit him throughout his life.
“It’s a very wonderful and educating game.” He said. Brennan credits Chess for helping him develop his social skills.
“I go to these Chess Tournaments and I meet people and it gets me into more of a community and you feel like you’re part of a brotherhood,” said Brewer.
Charles McCollum Jr. said he loves the game and has been playing over 10 years, but has only recently gotten serious about it. “It’s a learning experience for me, playing with a clock. I don’t play by clock,” said McCollum. “Writing my moves down is all new to me.” He added. McCollum contended that he would be more educated and prepared for the next tournament. “I’ll be on top of all my game.” He said. Bissland and Brewer tied first place. The tournament was held at Andy’s Restaurant, 9801 W Markham St. Little Rock, Arkansas, where the club meets every Saturday at 2P.M. Tony Davis is the club’s president. For more information visit the following Facebook pages: Urban Knights Chess Club, The Arkansas Chess Association or uschess.org.
One Man’s Past Pain Becomes His Muse
Standing at six feet four inches tall and weighing two hundred eighty four pounds Lenner “Peanut Butter” Patrick Rogers seems harmless as he tells the story of his journey back to His faith,from Peanut Butter to now A R Muse a vocal voice for mental health. Inspired by his younger sister,writing became the inspiration for his journey of expressing his emotions ,releasing pain and recovering mental health.
‘A R Muse’ as he calls himself now, gives a lot of credit to Chicago Writer, Adrienne Bruce, who just happen to pick up his notebook one day and read something he wrote. “Who wrote this?” Asked Bruce. And Muse replied, “I did”. Bruce proceeded to ask him, if he ever thought about using his gift of writing but Muse only saw it as a means to vent out the past pain he was feeling in the inside. Through Bruce, Muse began creating Spoken Words and Poetry. Bruce introduced him to a Chicago based writing group called P.O.P writers where he collaborated on and help publish His first published book called “Dramatized”.
Muse said what inspired him to do Hip Hop Music and speak was simply the past pain in His life. According to Muse, there came a point and time in his life where there was no place to run to and no place to hide. Moreover, there was not one soul he could run to. Mentally A.R was dealing with trust issues, resentment and family issues
“I was in a dark place,” said Muse. But, Muse admits, “You have to believe in you. You have to learn to Trust God through all. No one has ever taught you how to love you, or be the best you.” Said Muse. Muse said it was the “God Man” inside of him that was encouraging him. “He was just basically telling me, its time for me to love me,”
Muse credits his originality and the originality of others like him, for being the catylst that will break the cycle of the stereotypical black man. Muse says it will take trend setters with visions that will make the difference in this ever evolving world. “Having a vision and purpose also inspired me”
As Muse shares his story, he admits that he comes from a line of mental health issues from his father to the grandfathers before him. “It was a generational thing,” explains Muse. Having this generational flaw against him has caused a lot of family strife and division.Now Muse says he admits he was traumatized because of this. He says resembling his father so much has also caused him much hurt between him and his family..”They don’t see the man in me they only see the man that my daddy was,” Said Muse.
Muse said the transformation experience has made him stronger and more curious about the history of the mind and mental health .
He says He is on a path to being a positive and spiritual role model for his generation and those who come after. Love your enemy and never meet a stranger with hate , only love
“When I see someone that’s really chasing their dream , I try to lift them up because there’s not really many people trying to do that. And I don’t know where the life coach came from, it just came out of nowhere but, I know once I started getting into all this, these attributes inside me was going to start to activate”. He admits this is all a result of the change that has come over his life. “I’m not being lead by myself anymore so I see different.” I am trusting God Jesus Christ now.
Muse is originally from the historical town of Elaine, Arkansas, where one of worst known race riots in history took place. Population 636. His graduation class was a total 23 graduates. He grew up in a household with 5 different other families. He could see the ground through the baseboards of floors as he lay on his mattress trying to get a peaceful sleep.
Muse contends although, “it was crazy growing up”, he always kept hope alive. ” I always had a dreamers mind”, said Muse. “God blessed me with athletic abilities. And not only that, he gave me the mindset to compete, the mindset to work harder than most.” although he didn’t have much, he still worked harder. “While everybody else was doing their thing around the neighborhood He was running around the projects getting better, getting in shape.” In 2004 He graduated from Elaine high school the most athletic of his class. He attended Arkansas State on a partial football scholarship but later got kicked out. It was a rough road to travel, as he juggled college and his personal life. Yet, he continued to “dream with his eyes wide open”.
Muse relocated with two other young men to Birmingham, Alabama where he played semi pro football for Patti Labell’s Birmingham Wildfire football team. Semi pro gave A.R a second chance to play football in college at Lambuth University a methodist private school in Jackson Tn. Muse went , He didn’t have no financial help with his education , so as a result he slept in the lounge of the student center His first semester at Lambuth because he did not want anyone to know his circumstances “I didn’t want to go back home. I wanted to play football. And I wanted to take care of my family.” Muse said, “ He didn’t have true father guidance , he thought the only way he could make it was to either play professional football or basketball. People at Lambuth were good to him during those trying times that first semester. “People would put money in my shoes for food while I slept.” Muse said he hid his circumstances from
His coaches and when they found out they were blown away by his tenacity. “I showed up for every practice on time. I was at Study Hall, made all the meetings, they couldn’t tell I was sleeping in the lounge.” Muse ended up receiving a full scholarship for his education Along with dorm, and meal plan. Muse said he became active in various school organizations to include being a Cheer Leader.
In 2011 Muse met Bill Cosby while attending a school support comedy show to keep Lambuth university open and it was Mr Cosby, who instilled inspiring words in him that he will carry with him for the rest if his life. “Mr. Cosby told
Him that no matter what people may say, keep doing the good work you are doing, because someone is always watching you.” Unfortunately Lambuth closed And after a series of event. He end up enrolling in to Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU was short lived cause of mishandle paperwork , couldn’t afford to pay for education any longer .
Muse left Murfreesboro,Tennessee he moved to Memphis, where he met Sherwyn Thomas, a coach and a “street preacher”, with a rundown van. “ with only Faith and their determination, he and the reverend started the very first online College of Faith Bible School with an athletic program in the city of Memphis where they helped at risk young adult ages range 17-23 who wanted to go to college but didn’t have the resources to do so. This also allowed the opportunity for Muse to go back to school and play Basketball under the direction of Coach Thomas. He enjoyed playing college basketball and against well known players sons and other family members like, Jerry Stackhouse’s son, and Latrell Sprewell’s nephew. However, Muse said it was not always easy. With all the negative things said about how much the school would not succeed , really bother him
but because of that first online bible school, there are now more than 30 colleges around the country like it. Some days were tougher than others but at the end of the day it was all worth it. “We slept in our office. We slept in the van. We didn’t get paid. But the thing is, I wasn’t doing it to get paid I was doing it to make a difference.” Said Muse.Unfortunately his kindness led him to another misfortune when he came home from football practice one day to find that the people he had opened his door to, a total of 11, had stolen all except the door from him. This left only 16 youths in the College of Faith football program.
When Muse left Memphis he relocated back to Middle Tennessee, Muse had no other choice but to moved back to Nashville.
In Nashville Muse began working in security where he earned his name ARK. “Every job I’ve had from being a janitor to a educator from a kid, all the way to now, has coached me and made me who AR Muse is now”. Muse is now a father of four Girls and he vows to continue to make a difference. He loves Hip Hop music and it will remain the catalyst that jump started his confidence and belief and understanding about mental health.He plans to enrolled back in school and is now producing his own motivational speaking videos to help inspire others because Muse says it is important for him to continue to be a role model for his generation’s mental health and the generation that follow after. Muse post many of his videos to his Instagram page @armuse and Facebook: YouTube:
Thoughts and Words of Encouragement
Happy Monday everyone! Today is a new day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Sound cliché’? It may very well be, yet it is a fact. And it is the truth. We who are alive today are for certain, Blessed. So what will you do with your day? Are you thinking about yesterday? Yesterday is gone, never to be coming back, so forget about yesterday and move into what you are here for today.
We all have a purpose in this life. Are you feeling down? First and foremost bow your head in humbleness giving The Creator of your being here, the Praise and Thanks deserved for your breath of life. You will be amazed at how fast things will turn around for you when you pray.
Are you sad? Find some laughter, whether it is on the television, radio, reading a funny book or whatever, just do it. They say we should laugh at least 12 times a day to keep emotionally healthy. I laugh as much as possible, yet I also cry. We all have reasons to cry however we are not required to think about those things that give us such a negative reaction.
The word says we should rejoice in all things knowing we have a comforter in the time of a storm. Breath out whatever negative thoughts and feelings you are holding within your spirit and soul today. Start off this day breathing in a breath of fresh air. Breath in a spirit filled prayer asking The Most High to lead you and guide you as He Keeps You in His sight. Let this day going forward be a closer walk with The One Who Rewards Us for All Good And Faithful Things.
We possess so much love within ourselves. Therefore do not be afraid to spew it out onto each other. Live today as if tomorrow may never come.
May the Peace that surpasses all understanding be upon all of you this day and each day The Creator Breathes Life into your Soul. HAPPY MONDAY!
What Is Happiness To You
Successful Turnout For Youths Seeking Change
When the City Director for Ward 6, in west Central Little Rock, Doris Wright, and long-time resident, Tamara Farisa teamed up to implement a plan that would give, the youth hope in an inner city torn by guns and gang violence nearly every day, they had no idea just how successful it would turn out.
Both women knew they had their share of a workload to do if they were to make the ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper Basket Ball Tournament’ a successful event.
At the Tuesday City Council Meeting held on June 6th, Director Wright presented Farisa with a proclamation, giving her the authorization to proclaim June 11, 2017 National Children’s Day in Little Rock. In addition, to commemorate the event they coordinated with other organizers in the community and put together a series of events for the weekend of June 9th through 11th.
On Friday, the opening ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem.
Director Wright also presented several city police officers with plaques of appreciation for their community service.
Farisa introduced the team coaches and a DJ entertained everyone with music.
On Saturday, the teams suited up and gathered into the gym prepared to play for a first place prize of five hundred dollars.
A community fair included local artist, Michael Ward, Jewelry Maker, Mary Pat Tate and theater educator Emily Faith of the Little Rock Repertoire.
Entertainment included a local DJ, a dance team, spoken word and poetry artists.
On Sunday, the participants and organizers gathered to conclude the event in a private ceremony where they gave winners trophies and medals of recognition.
National Children’s Day Becomes Official in Little Rock
The number of Americans killed by gun violence each year is on the rise. In Little Rock along, there were 32 murders in 2016, yet that number is still climbing. While many of the residents there fear hopelessly that the violence will never end, one resident works to bring National Children’s Day to a city riddled with crime and gang violence.
photo: cnewsbuzz
On Tuesday, June 6th, City Director for Ward 6, Doris Wright presented Tamara Farisa, Chief Operations Officer of Balance Communications, with a proclamation, stating that the children of Little Rock is the highest priority of the city and hereby claim that June 11th 2017, will be National Children’s Day in the city of Little Rock.
Director Wright, who represents the West Central Little Rock area, founded the new West Central Sports Complex and said she and Farisa have been working together since February to host the event, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper Community Basket Ball Tournament and Community Fair.”
Director Wright said this initiative was presented to her by Farisa, a long time resident of Little Rock who relocated to Texas several years ago. Although Farisa moved away, her concern for her communities increase in gun violence brought her back with a determination to help make a change.
“I came back home to do something with this gang and gun violence that we have had in the city. I have lost almost fifteen plus kids either to gang violence through death or imprisonment, so I decided that I had to do something as a citizen,” said Farisa.
Farisa, noted that the basketball tournament, will be an annual event.
“So that means every year we are going to make sure that we do something to celebrate National’s Children’s Day,” she said.
Farisa said, although the basketball tournament will be the main event each year, it is her hope that the community fair will continue to grow, in addition to the support from the community. Farisa notes that she has spoken with many residents that are showing a concern and willingness to become more involved with the community.
“They are excited about it. The kids are happy to know that the city cares. And because we care, let’s just make sure that, I am my brother’s keeper,” said Farisa.
Farisa’s 16 year-old son Alexander, is one of the participants in Saturday’s
Basketball tournament. He said he is excited to see something productive happening in Little Rock. “It’s been a lot of violence lately and I think this will help bring it down,” said Alexander.
According to City Director Wright, President Obama implemented the, Am I My Brother’s Keeper Campaign.
“And as I recall, we as a city signed on to that Initiative,” said Wright. “Well, we are implementing that initiative in a positive activity at the new, West Central Sports Complex,” she added.
The affair will commence on Friday June 9th, at 7 p.m.
“We will be honoring and launching our Back the Blue Initiative, where we will recognize our community police officers,” said Wright.
There will also be entertainment and a community fair where the youth in the community can get information on all the activities that the city have available to them through the community programs and other private organizations.
On Saturday, there will be a basketball tournament. It will begin at, 8 a.m. and last through 9 p.m. There will be a $500 cash reward for the 1st place champion.
The event will culminate on Sunday, National Children’s Day, where the participants, team members and organizers involved in the event be recognized, for their participation and involvement
The Importance Of Keeping Healthy And Fit As We Age
Wellness, an expanded idea of health, and a fairly new concept to some, is finding its’ way into many households today. With cancer, heart disease, and stroke being the three leading causes of death in America, more individuals are tuning in to their health more and making better choices when it comes to taking care of their bodies.
Health Educator-MS, Charmaine Vazquez tells us why it is so important to stay healthy and fit as we age in this interview.
Whatever your choice of exercise or workout is, just remember as we age how important it is to maintain a healthy body by being determined and staying consistent exercising daily in order to live a full, energetic, and meaningful life.
How Homeopatic Medicine is Helping Patients with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain syndrome can be harsh and debilitating. It comes in a variety of dreadful painful feelings that last for days at a time. Chronic pain is a condition associated with a variety of illnesses like, Spondylosis, Paget’s Disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and several other conditions associated with autoimmune disorders.
Most traditional Doctors, who treat patients with chronic pain, use narcotic painkillers, also known as Opioids. However many times patients become dependent on those types of medicines, which result in addiction and sometimes leads to death. Moreover, people are starting to think out of the box and try new methods and techniques to rid them of the danger of falling into the dreadful trap of Opioid dependency.
Homeopathic Medicine is becoming more and more favorable for people who are willing to take some of the responsibility to search out for answers to the causes of their pain.
“Most pain is caused from inflammation,” said Cathy Uhl, CNSP at Nutrition World in Cabot, Arkansas. “Fish Oils are good for inflammation,” said Uhl.
When customers come into her store looking for relief for chronic pain, Uhl says she recommends, Turmeric, (Curcumin). “If you want an actual homeopathic formula, then we would use Arnica Montana,” she said.
Uhl, agrees that there are other homeopaths that are just as good like, Rhus tox, which is good for chronic pain associated with arthritis.
“Homeopathic is individualized,” said Autumn Monk, who has been a practitioner of Homeopathic medicines over 25 years. “You look up the homeopathic remedy for whatever the illness is, that you are experiencing, then you look to the homeopathic remedies listed and read the symptoms,” said Monk. “It’s kind of like a self intuition,” she said. “Then you pick out the best homeopath that best fits your symptoms.”
Monk says the best part about homeopathic medicine is that you do not have to worry about side affects. “If it’s something you need, it’s going to do something,” said Monk.
According to Monk, taking the right homeopaths can lead to positive results as quickly as within 24 hours. “That’s how you know the homeopath is doing something. Within twenty-four hours something changes. Your pain is different. It’s maybe more localized, or less in one area. It changes somehow so you know something, is changing. You know you are on the right track,” said Monk.
Monk says on the other hand, if the homeopath does not do anything within the 24-hour period then you should go back to the drawing board researching more about your illness.
Monk says homeopath is not the same as taking prescription medication. “It’s not a night and day difference where it just turns it off immediately after you get enough of it in you to create that pain block,” says Monk. “Homeopath doesn’t work like that. It works sudden in time”, she said.
Monk recommends a variety of homeopaths for chronic pain that include, Magnesium, and Probiotics for the overall health of individuals with chronic pain. Moreover, she recommends that individuals who suffer from chronic pain associated with Spondylitis use Arsenicum Album to relieve the burning and needle like pain.
Homeopaths come in the form of some type of pellet or sublingual drops according to, Monk who also emphasizes the importance of staying consistent when taking the homeopaths.
“I found the best way to have someone take it is by putting it in their water and sipping on it all day because it turns the water into that homeopath’, said Monk.
Monk believes as people rule out the fact that prescription drugs are not always the ultimate answer. They are not healed of their issues ultimately. “They are still having issues and so at some end of that spectrum, that person is going to embrace an idea to try something else because what they are currently doing and continuing to do is clearly not working”, she said. “It’s like the explanation of insanity. Keep doing the same thing over again but expecting different results.”
The beauty of Homeopathy is you can try it and it can’t hurt. “It’s not like taking prescribed medicine where as you may be unknowingly allergic to that particular medicine and have a reaction to it or in some known cases, die. Homeopathic remedies cannot do any damage. If it is something you need, it does help you. If it is something you do not need, it does not hurt you.”