the journey to becoming an overnight success

i came across a very inspirational story on twitter about a make-up artist in pursuit of her dreams. 

if you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

no matter what industry you're in, if there's something you've been striving for, but just can't seem to get it - this is for you. read Tatiana's full story on Necole Bitchie's blog.

today's topic | criticism

in case you didn't know, once you start blogging - it gives everybody and their mama the right to tell you how you should be doing it. 

am i guilty of this? absolutely. but my zealous advice comes from a place of sincerely wanting to help. not from the fiery pits of critical hell...although some who've sat down with me one-on-one would beg to differ. 

i made a change to MY blog and this is the feedback i received from a subscriber:

if you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

unsolicited criticism isn't just limited to blogging. all you gotta do is live your life and somebody will insert themselves and proceed to tell you what you're doing wrong. 

and to those people you say what?

My Favorite Part of Blogging

i think these "keep calm" memes are way overdone, but because i needed an image and didn't want to spend hours going through Flickr - i chose this one. it was on the first page of the search results. 

photo credit: hgjohn

Catherine, who blogs at Walking With Cake, has a series she does with another blogger in Canada. each week they answer a question on their blogs and i decided to crash the party. 

What is your favorite part of blogging?

i have total creative control of this space. 

yes, meeting and connecting with people all across the globe is rewarding, but that's not the thing that keeps me going. i love being able to say whatever it is i want to say, when i want to say it, without worrying about filters. and i don't need anyone's permission or approval to do so.

not many people have this option. even as a leader and decision maker in corporate America, my creativity was stifled. stepping too far outside the box was frowned upon...even if it made sense. 

i don't have to worry about those kinds of things here. and because i have all the freedom in the world to do what i want in my own little corner of the internets - it makes it easier to deal with the things i can't control. 

moral of the story: blogging is the perfect outlet for control freaks who like to write and share their life story with complete strangers. for free.

Today's News: Lil Wayne, Carnival Cruises & 19 Kids

I had every intention of not reporting on rappers and reality stars, but when CNN did a segment on Lil Wayne - it left the door wide open for me.  

Here's what's generating buzz around the web and beyond: TMZ practically kills Lil Wayne...twitter reacts. Carnival Cruise should claim bankruptcy - like now. Will you sponsor my uterus?

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Click the links below to read more about the stories featured in this episode:

TMZ Damn Near Killed Weezy

Carnival Cruises Parks Their Boats...at least for the time being

The Duggars Do Asia

Today's News: Sheryl Sandberg - Lean In

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Damned if you do - damned if you don't". Without putting words into Sheryl Sandberg's mouth, it's probably safe to assume that's how she feels right about now. 

Sandberg is the author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, and her new book is getting alot of criticism. And because I've been known to raise a few eyebrows myself, I totally agree with her message.

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

What are your thoughts on the premise of Sandberg's book?