Farewell

After some soul searching, Ms MaShari has decided to depart JuneBug Talk.  Here, she discusses what prompted her decision and her future plans.


It's been six incredible months and a wonderful journey with the ladies of JuneBug Talk thus far.  Never in a million years would I have imagined working with such a fantabulous group of young women; Miss Berneta the "Intellectual," attorney in the making, and aspiring activist, Mz. Kewe the "Queen of All Controversy" and next big radio or TV personality, and Miss Qui Vive, one of my best friends, the "Mastermind" and creator of JuneBug Talk, and a future best-selling author.  When Miss Qui approached me with the notion of developing a blog, I was somewhat hesitant.  But I'm so grateful to have had a chance to share something so very important to me with the world - personal finance lessons.  Creating the blog with Miss Berneta, Mz Kewe, and Miss Qui has definitely been an eye-opening experience.  In addition to lucubrating from my JuneBug counterparts, I've had the opportunity to learn from some of our GuestBugs and our readers, and I've grown so much as a writer as well.


Choosing to leave was definitely a difficult decision, but  I know that it's the right one for me and the group collectively at this time.  I'm currently working and attending school full-time, and I anticipate my courseload will significantly increase over the next year; therefore, I no longer have the time necessary to act as technical coordinator and contributor to this project.  While I will miss working alongside the JuneBugs, collaborating with our GuestBugs, and reading your comments, I am also very eager to embark on the next phase of my life.  It's bittersweet.  The ladies have some wonderful plans in store for 2011, and I assure you it's not something you wanna miss.  You never know, yours truly might even make a few guest appearances so stay tuned.  Without further ado, I'd especially like to thank our readers for making JuneBug Talk the success it is, and I hope you all continue reading as JuneBug transitions and evolves.  


In the words of J. Cole, "I bid you farewell" until later that is.

Download the entire Friday Night Lights mixtape here for FREE.

Read Ms MaShari's previous work right here at JBT:

Go the Distance

Whip My Hair

Single Woman with Needs

MEN vs. WOMEN: Who Really Has the Advantage in Dating?

Power

Unthinkable (I'm Ready)

President Obama and the “Cool Black Man” Persona

Thank Me Later

It Ain't Trickin' If You Got It

Catch up with Ms MaShari as she chronicles the next chapter of her life at HERstoryNtheMaking.blogspot.com.

"Watercolors"

GuestBug: Tiffany

As women we must be careful of the indelible stains we allow to be placed on our souls. Stains left on the soul, plague the woman. The vision she has for herself is stained beyond recognition. If she is not careful, her spiritual wellness could be in danger of attracting the terrible ills of, hopelessness, complacency, fear and inadequacy.

In order to progress, it is best to have a spirit and soul that has overdosed on love, faith and courage. Instead of ugly stains, beautiful and uncontained watercolors should color her soul. Women should become versed in the practice of not only indulging our individual gifts; but seeking aggressively the parts of ourselves that keep us centered. We are mothers, daughters, best friends, sistahs, wifey’s, co-workers, students, and many other stabilizing forces to so many. These roles are constantly being juggled by our minds, wrapped up with our hearts, and carried on our backs, and the burden leaves a stain on our souls. The constant struggle exists within us in the maintenance of these roles.

Then there comes the day, when the realization comes that, in being so much to others, or maybe not focusing on the soul inside the woman, we are lost, colors drained. The abysmal search for self worth and purpose, leads to unavoidable and painful questions such as “Where the hell did I loose me?" “Why did I make that choice?" “How do I cleanse me of these stains?" or “Is it too late to make me proud of me?"

Oh, we can handle the mistakes and detours. We cannot, however, wrap our minds around making the same mistakes. Strength that naturally finds roots from our souls is wounded, and has settled like stains. Stains left from abusive lovers, single motherhood, unappreciated and unmatched love, and self doubt. We learn to survive, and adapt to pain and heartbreak inflicted by others.

However, the one we must learn to love is the woman inside. Her soul needs to be tended. Her soul’s color restored. We must engage her in debate; challenge her to reach beyond what she believes are her limitations. When we love the soul inside the women, stains become eradicable. A woman’s soul should have beautiful hues of lavender, gold, and green, vibrant and beautiful watercolors; various shades represent different emotions, struggles, lessons, and memories. Stains are soiled or discolored appearances. Watercolors are pigments suspended in water. Yes, a woman’s soul must have the likeness of watercolors. Where the appearance and the lesson are learned, but the heart, mind and soul are free. There is resilience in the souls, minds and hearts of women.

Want to be a GuestBug? Email us at bugme.junebugtalking@gmail.com

"No Reservations"

Welcome Back, JuneBuggers!

I know it has been a while since we've interacted with each other, but goodness, it's good to be back home! Happy 2011!

I tinkered around with some ideas of what to write for the new year and have been coming up short on grand ideas and essays, so I decided to keep it short and simple.

A few weeks ago, I was watching the unique show, "No Reservations," where famed chef, Anthony Bourdain, travels the world trying exotic, unusual, and even shocking foods. How do raw, bloody eyeballs sounds as an afternoon treat? I know, I know...probably incomplete

unless they are spread across a seal carcass.

Yes, Bourdain has tried it...but WHY??

As unappetizing as some of these foods may be to some, Bourdain's lack of reservations allows him to better understand and acquire an appreciation for the world around him because having a wider scope allows him to open his mind - and...LIVE.

So, for 2011, I encourage you to live life with NO RESERVATIONS (but, of course, a bit of common sense) and take in all life has to offer!

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." - Oprah Winfrey

P.S., JuneBuggers...In case you are having a hard time getting started LIVING - check out some of my inspirations for the New Year:

Purchase and Read "The Twelve Universal Laws of Success," by Herbert Harris http://pyramidbooks.org/brochure.nxg

Join http://www.happyblackwoman.com/ 's 31-Days to Reset Your Life Challenge: http://happyblackwoman.com/join-the-31-days-to-reset-your-life-challenge-january-2011/#

Check out Tim Ferriss' "Four Hour Work Week" http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/ to learn how to work less, and enjoy life more!

Contact Ms Qui Vive at: msquivive@gmail.com