File this one under: Who doesn't need money? You may win.

Overstock.com Family Bailout

Kenya Abney has been a featured writer on the web.

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Hello Good People,

I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy good food, friends and family. If that isn't your thing, I hope you enjoyed the solitude that you were looking for. I've had a couple of Thanksgivings that I went to the movies and climbed into bed with a good book. I didn't feel like being bothered with people. This year, I am into the holiday season and all of the fesitvities that come with it.

I am grateful and thankful every day that I am blinking and breathing. In the Spirit of the holiday, here is a list.

Jesus Saves. I am glad that Jesus saves me from harm seen and unseen. He brings into my life what I need, at all the right times. I am under His umbrella of Grace and Mercy.

People that love me. My family and friends love me. They care about me as I am today. I am comfortable with them to show whatever side of myself decides to show up.

Laughter. I love to laugh. I make jokes about things that happened to me in the past that I am over. I make jokes to lighten the mood. Sometimes, I laugh just to make myself feel better.

Good conversation. I will talk to just about anyone. I like to learn about people and their personal journeys. I talk about movies, TV and pop culture issues.

The gift of music. I love music. I like to listen to it, move to it and sing along with it. Some songs take me back to a happier time, others lift my spirits; I like so many genres of music that I can radio surf when I take long drives.

For mental breaks in my day. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, or just want to be somewhere else, a song will come on the radio or someone will stop by my desk. Those few moments will pull me away from my current situation, by the time I get back to work, I am up for the challenge.

I can encourage other people. I like to be supportive. I try to be the listener that I want. I think of things that I would want someone to say to me if I were feeling down or looking for assistance; a kind word goes further than people think.

Hope you didn't eat too much turkey, Thanksgiving dinner is always better the day after.

Have a good one,
Kenya Abney

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Hello Good People,

I am not a Halloween person. I had to post this video. It isn't halloween if I don't hear it. Do you remember Dana Dane? He was the man. My favorite part of this song was when the receptionist gets excited when she hears his name. LOL



Love life and it will love you back,
Kenya Abney

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Hi Good People,

Back in the day, I used to love Michel’le. I liked that she had a squeaky speaking voice and a larger than life singing voice. When her songs came on the radio, I would think about all the great things that people have inside themselves. Many people have great things that would surprise others. I hope that she is on a come up. I liked her voice than and she sounds pretty good now. I never saw this video before. I think it might be a new song for her.



Have a good evening,
Kenya

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Hi Good People,

Two posts in one day, I know that you can't believe it. I'm working on doing better.

Item #1
I am a Glamour magazine reader. I am happy to report that Michelle Obama is going to be on the cover of the December issue. The profile is the debut of award-winning journalist Katie Couric. In her sit-down with Couric, Mrs. Obama answers questions from Glamour readers and shares her advice for women on everything from the importance of finding mentors in their own lives to dating. Here are some highlights that peaked my interest:

On finding career mentors: "I was blessed throughout my entire career. I had people rooting for me. It started with my parents, but it extended to almost every teacher that I had. When I was a young lawyer, there were other women and men in the firm who took me under their wing. Look for those mentors, because sometimes mentors don't find you -- sometimes you seek them out. Oftentimes, they're flattered and glad to lend a hand."

On how she keeps her sanity: "I have always tried to put my kids first, and then...put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I've learned from male role models is that they don't hesitate to invest in themselves."

On her dating advice for women: "Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, Who are you as a person? Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul.. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."

Item #2
I've been a fan of Robert Townsend since Hollywood Shuffle. He sealed the deal with me with the Five Heartbeats. I don't know if I ever mentioned that I'm interested in television and film. Film Life, Inc. is sponsoring Robert Townsend's "The Ultimate Pitch Master Class" lecture series. The first installment of the master class will be held at TheTimesCenter stage located at 232 West 41 Street in New York City on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Additional cities to be announced in January 2010. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com - prices are $75 (if purchased before November 7) and $125 (starting November 8th). For additional information e-mail info@thefilmlife.com or call 646-375-2144 ext. 1.

You know that I have to post at least one video. These two songs helped me get through a rough period in my life. I was in a relationship that wasn't working out. I needed to get out of my own way and move forward. I would listen to these songs every day until I stopped complaining and started planning.





Making the most of my days,
Kenya Abney

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Hi Good People,

I am former t tv-holic. Dancing with the Stars is sending me back to rehab. Four hours a week is too much. I'm only watching because I'm a Mya fan. I'm not excited about tv until Wednesday night. I looked forward to Modern Family. That show is so funny. The only issue I have with it is it makes me miss the first half hour of Glee. Here is one of my favorite clips from the show.

Enjoy

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Good People,

Today was long, for a variety of reasons. It left me longing for the weekend. Yesterday evening was such a good time. The Word that I received was powerful and inspiring. I now know that I received it on Sunday evening for a reason. I needed the encouragement to get me through the day.

I am feeling these three songs this evening. You may not remember them. Get ready to be transported to the late 90's and early 2000. That was not that long ago.

I still get up and dance to this one. This used to be the jam for real.





Did he have to take the dog, too? LOL Did you notice the next chick at the end holding the dog? LOL All jokes aside, when feelings are raw this is a good song to listen to get unto the next phase of a break up.

Have a good evening good people,
Kenya Abney

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Hello Good People,

I can’t speak on the workweek, but the weekend has been fabulous. On Friday, I went to the Maxwell concert. Chrisette Michelle and Common were the opening acts. Everyone knows that Chrisette is a songbird, she did her thing. Common is a sexy dude that could do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. The highlights of his performance were: Tribute to hip hop, brought out Bilal and he had a DJ tear down the house on the turntable. Let me not forget to mention that he brought all the sexiness that you see on TV and hear in the records.

I was really glad to see Bilal. I understand that he has a new album coming out. I still listen to the album he released a couple of years ago. If you don’t know whom I’m talking about, here are two of his videos:


Here are my three favorite Common Videos. Yes, I have favorite Common videos.



I LOVE Maxwell. He doesn’t have LL Cool J status. He is getting close, though. If you get a chance to see Maxwell in concert, please go. He has a phenomenal band behind him. The horn section will blow you away. He sang a lot of songs from his new album; be prepared to be acquainted with Maxwell in a way that you haven’t been before. Check out his latest and one of his greatest videos:



Saturday was raining, so I didn’t have my golf lesson. I went to the mall. I bought Faith Evans book, Keep the Faith and a pretty box that I’m using as my hope chest. I haven’t started it yet because I’m reading, Wake Up, I’m Fat by Camryn Manheim. There is a book exchange at the train station I go to every morning. This is my first time picking up a book. So far, it is a pretty good read. I don’t know why I picked it up. It is a good lesson in self-acceptance. I went to a 40th birthday party that was 70’s themed. It was a blast. The birthday girl entered the room to Disco Lady. She made a grand entrance, she had a dance routine down and everything. Some people went all out on their costumes also. It was a real fun evening. This afternoon, I am going to support my friend by going to her Usher Anniversary program at her church.

I feel Blessed, Highly favored, and wealthy with an abundance of riches. I am truly grateful for the experiences I had this weekend.

Loving Life because it loves Me,
Kenya Abney

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Hey Good People,

It has been a minute since I posted. I was so busy living that I didn't get to write. Highlights:

- Saw Ricky Smiley and George Wilborn. Thought George was really funny. Ricky was ok. It was a fun night. I went for free.
- Started golf lessons. I do many things easily, connecting with my inner Tiger Woods is not one. I need a lot more practice. I can hit the ball off the tee. The ball just doesn't go far. I am at the very basic stage, still learning those fundamentals. Check out this picture of me. That is the day thought I purchased my golf clubs. I was so excited.
- Got a great new "main" boss. I support 3 Executives and 2 of their Teams in my work life. Some days I want to holler and throw up my hands. She is very supportive. I am going to be sad when one of us gets another job.
- I have a crush on a guy. He is handsome. For a crush, that's all I need to know. Hopefully, I will get to know him and it'll be more. If not, I can always catch glimpses of him throughout the day.
-I don't know if I mentioned my Sister's wedding. We had a blast. Her wedding day was actually a three day event. We had her rehearsal dinner on Wednesday night, bachelorette party on Thursday and the wedding on Friday. Everything turned out as it should. Everyone had a fantastic time.
- Went to my Friend's 40th birthday party. It was a great celebration of life. I was so glad that I went. It was great to see Nadine. She has a warm and welcoming family. I also hung out with my girl, Charisse.
- LL Cool J aka Todd Smith is on NCIS: Los Angeles and I haven't missed an episode.
- My daughter started her first year of high school. I have mixed feelings about that. She is no longer a baby. Her childhood is practically over. The time flew by.
- Lastly, I am praying, resting and writing more. Revising old short stories. Assembling a collection. This time next year, I plan on being published.

Staying open to Blessings and Great Opportunities,
Kenya Abney

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Mrs. Fields(R) Celebrates National Cookie Month With First Annual Free Cookie Day On October 1, 2009

Click on the link to get the how, when and where about National Cookie Month.

Have a great day,
Kenya Abney

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U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for Sept. 20

Kenya Abney has been a featured writer on the web.

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On this day eight years ago, America experienced one of its darkest days -- the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon -- by terrorists flying hijacked airliners. A fourth aircraft crashed in rural Pennsylvania, as passengers fought with the hijackers. At the Pentagon, the attack killed 189 civilian and military personnel. In New York, nearly 3,000 people died. By comparison, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor in 1941 killed some 2,400. Both events changed the course of the nation's history. The 911 attacks highlighted the vital role of firefighters. Across the nation, 463,000 firefighters stand ready to protect us. The men and women of the U.S. Census Bureau -- who lost two colleagues in the attacks -- join in remembering those killed and injured.

Be blessed,
Kenya Abney

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Hi Good People,

I decided to post this speech because I think it is a good message for kids. I always say, "The same kid that you don't educate today is going to be the same adult that knocks you over the head tomorrow." I don't understand what all the protest was about. What did people think that he was going to say? You can watch it or listen for yourself.



My daughter didn't see it because she claims that she was at lunch. Did you use to watch "The Wonder Years"? I did. My daughter reminds me of the episode when the firs man walked on the moon. Kevin was so preoccupied with what was going on in his life that he missed the historic event. She reminds me of that episode. She'll watch it before the week is out. It's only 16 or 17 minutes. He reinforced what I tell her all the time. Maybe she'll listen if it comes from the President.

Making the Most of My Life,
Kenya Abney

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Big Rewards

Peppermint Patties are my favorite candy. One year at Christmas, I bought a peppermint patty cake before. In the winter, I like to eat peppermint patties with cookies. All year around, I like to eat peppermint patties with popcorn. It is one of those candies that you can eat alone or mix with other foods and it enhances the flavor. You should try it. Also, it is low in fat. I guess that doesn't matter since I mix it with all kinds of food. LOL

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Hello Good People,

I love Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad. They have so much spirit. They remind me of my Sisters. Enjoy the interview.

Sisters Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen Lose Weight Together - ABC News

Shared via AddThis

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Hair trumps health:How African American women can stop “sweating out” their relaxed hair at the gym

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Hello Good People,

This truth is stranger than any fiction, I've read. Not only did a grown man steal and impregnate a minor, he involved his children in the theft. I don't know what is going on with people these days.

Kenya


Neb. man stole Virgin Mary painting for abortion
By TIMBERLY ROSS (AP) – 1 day ago

OMAHA, Neb. — A Nebraska man who stole a painting of the Virgin Mary to finance an abortion for a teen he raped has been convicted of first-degree sexual assault and felony theft.

Aurelio Vallerillo-Sanchez, 39, of Omaha pleaded no contest to the charges Friday and faces up to 70 years in prison when sentenced in October, Douglas County prosecutor Brenda Beadle said Saturday.

A call to the county public defender representing Vallerillo-Sanchez wasn't answered Saturday.

Beadle said Vallerillo-Sanchez fled to Mexico with the 300-year-old painting worth $100,000 and the pregnant teen in March 2007.

"The plan was that when they got to Mexico, she was to undergo an abortion," she said.

When an abortion wasn't possible, Vallerillo-Sanchez pushed to have the baby given up for adoption, Beadle said: "He wanted to do everything he could to get rid of this baby 'cause it was evidence against him."

The teen returned to Nebraska after giving birth, the prosecutor said.

Vallerillo-Sanchez was arrested in February after DNA linked him to the September 2006 assault of the then-14-year-old girl.

His children gave police information about the theft during the investigation into the sexual assault. His son told police he served as a lookout as his father stole the painting from St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. Vallerillo-Sanchez sold the painting for $3,000 in Mexico, his daughter told police.

Vallerillo-Sanchez has been linked to at least four other thefts in the Omaha area, but charges were not filed as part of a plea deal, Beadle said.

(This version CORRECTS that the teen gave birth before returning to Nebraska, not after.)
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Father Involvement Cheerleader
Uploaded by iluvblackwomen. - Videos of family and friends from around the world.

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Hi Good People,

I like Lady GaGa's unique style. I was talking to my daughter in the car yesterday, she said that she wanted her album. Did I just date myself? I forget that we call them CD's these days. Any who, I thought about it. So far, I've liked all her songs that they play on the radio. My favorite is still "Jut Dance".

A couple of weekends after my Sister visited me, we were talking on the phone about a song with a slowed down version of the Poker Face chorus. She didn't know who it was by but she really liked it. She thought that I would like it too. She told me to listen out for it. Guess what? Two weeks later I heard Kid Cudi's song on the radio. She was right, I did like it. I posted these two together because music is universal and I like them both. Enjoy.

Kid Cudi - Make Her Say Feat. Kanye West & Common (HD) from DP on Vimeo.

Loving life cause it loves me back,
Kenya

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