November issue

NOVEMBER 2013

Magazine

WN

SHOULD I GO BACK TO MY EX?

CALL ME REJECTION

starring

“ask the man”

KAYE

TERRELONGE

+TEZRA LEAK

“LOVING THE WOMAN FOR WHO I AM”

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NICOLE E. JONES EDITOR IN CHIEF

ASHLY DABNEY PUBLISHER

NICOLE E JONES

MAGAZINE

CEO

PHOTOGRAPHER

ASHLEY FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY

SELECTED CONTRIBUTOR WRITERS NOVEMBER ISSUE

KAREN RICE KAYE TERRELONGE

Main Headquarters Corpus Christi, Tx. Email Address: maturewomannow@gmail.com www.maturewomannow.com

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Table of CONTENTS 8 Living Without Limits

Cover Story “Kaye Terrelonge”

“Tezra Leak”

10

Should I go back to

my ex?

20 The Magic Of Hypnosis and

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14 Stitch # 2 Communication is

Energy Work

23 The Awakening

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Your Business Card

the Key

33 Mental Peace

18 MWN TOP 10 REASON Y ASK THE MAN 22 Let’s Call Me Rejection “ASK THE MAN”

EXPOSE.

EXPAND.

THRIVE.

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AMBITION

mature woman now magazine www.maturewomannow.com

* Subscribe to your Free Digital Subscription to www.maturewomannow.com or email to maturewomannow@gmail.com

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MEET THE TALENT WHO WE ARE

BEHIND MATURE WOMAN NOW MAGAZINE

LINDA ALLRED ASHLY DABNEY

Global Wellness & Journey Coaching

CHIEF EDITOR CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

BIBA PEDRON

ARDESSIA GROZE DE VAUGHN

COACH & MARKETING EXPERT

CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

JEREMY L. BLUNT SAMANTHA JOYNER

RELATIONSHIP ADVISOR

CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

CONTRIBUTOR WRITER

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

The fall and winter are my most loving seasons of the year.

It’s the most time of the year we get to celebrate the holidays that warm our hearts while spending with the ones we love, family and friends. It’s the time of the year where I can reflect on all the things that transpired from the beginning of the year to current; what things went right and what things went wrong. It’s the time of the year where I begin to think about what accomplishments I made throughout the year. Where did I fall short when accomplishing those goals and how can I do things better as the year ends and a new one begins.

Well with Mature Woman Now Magazine, I realized, it’s not about me, but it’s about all the women who read and contributes to the content of this diverse woman publication. Never would I have ever imagined how Mature Woman Now reaches so many “everyday” women. Many women reach out through social media or email wanting to know when the next issue is and what they can do to help. The challenges of publishing a magazine are not by far an easy task and, in fact, it takes much discipline, and hard work to bring the pages together.

Nicole E Jones

The direction of Mature Woman Now is simple, we will continue to be consistent with relevant content that aids the “everyday” woman. Mature Woman Now is always seeking new article submission, and if you would like to contribute to inspiring and uplifting women from all over the world, we would be honor to submit your article content as it aligned with the guidelines of our article submission. As the CEO of Mature Woman Now, I thank all of our contributor writers, readers and all who play an instrumental part through prayer that this publication will continue to enlighten and encourage all women from all walks of life.

CEO

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aking the decision to change your life is easy to think about and very difficult to follow through to fruition. Many people envision themselves achieving their dreams but for a multitude of reasons those dreams rarely become reality. I had the pleasure of sitting down with one woman who overcame many obstacles to stop dreaming and start achieving.

Tezra “Coach Tazz” Leak is following the path she feels is designed by God not only to live a healthier life, but support and guide others to do the same.

TEZRA LEAK

Living without Limits

Tezra is a native of Washington DC, residing in Richmond VA. She is the owner of Divine Transformation Fitness, LLC a business in which she says was truly divinely inspired. As she puts it, “if you have told me I’d be in the health and fitness industry, I would have looked at you as if you had three heads” and I can understand why.

Tezra battled her weight most of her life. Like many, she was the chubby kid, teased by her peers and even belittled by family. She struggled for most of her life with low selfesteem and low self-worth. Food became her comforter and by the time she reached 28, she found herself knocking on the door of 300lbs. Until then, she had tried almost every diet and weight loss center known, but was unable to manage her weight. Feeling like there wasn’t any other solution, she had gastric bypass surgery. She stated that it was the hardest thing she had ever done.

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While she had lost over 140lbs, she was forced to face some demons since she wasn’t able to stuff her past with food. She managed to keep the weight off for over 10 years, but the inability to cope with some new life challenges caused her not to overeat, but make very poor food choices and drowning her pain in alcohol. She felt hopeless and useless, depression set in, and she shut God out of her life. She felt as though her life was spirally downward and even had thoughts of suicide.

After two years of battling depression and extremely high blood pressure with medications, Tezra finally said enough is enough. She landed herself in the hospital and her doctor said if she didn’t make a change, she would not live to see 45. She was a few months from turning 40 at the time, and it was at that moment, she realized she could not do this alone.

popped in the DVD, pushed play and tried it for about 10 minutes at the most. Then, cursed the TV out for the rest of it. She said she had no idea what made her put it in the next day, but she did. Day after day, she pushed play, cursing, sweating and sometimes crying, but each day she got stronger and went longer. She connected with others in the Beachbody community who supported and encouraged her never to give up.

By the time the 90 day program was over, she no longer had been taking her blood pressure or depression medication. She went on to complete many other at home workouts by Beachbody and became a Team Beachbody Coach to support, guide and encourage others.

Today, Coach Tazz is 50lbs lighter, completely medication free and inspired by God to launch Divine Transformation Fitness, LLC a HIIT (high intensity interval training) stuShe knew there had to be more to life than what she was dio. She is a personal trainer, leads group HIIT classes as a living. She knew there was a reason and "a purpose for Certified Insanity Instructor and Fu6ion Fit Leader and as her” still being alive. The Lord knew she was trying desa Team Beachbody coach, offers the same support and enperately to leave this earth. One day, she prayed. I asked couragement she received helping others choose and conher if that was it and she said, ironically “yes” it was that simple. She stated that what she realized, she was trying to quer their at home workout programs. be the captain of her ship, and it was sinking. It was time There was a reason God showed me grace and mercy.

This fitness thing wasn’t my plan, it was His. I’ve been for her to turn the helm over and that is exactly what she given a gift of life, a new beginning. I have to play it fordone. ward, share my story, and inspire others not just to lose I wish you could have heard her tell it, but in June 2011, weight, but to transform.” she watched a P90X infomercial and thought to herself, she could do that; so, she ordered it. When it arrived, she

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Samantha J’s Jui

woman 2 woman

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ice

Loving Backwards, Should I Go Back To My Ex

Y

ou miss your ex. You are yearning and wanting to see them.

You want them back for one reason or another. You check yourself, should I really consider going back to my ex, or should I move on. It sounds crazy, but a lot of people are considering going back to their ex. They are looking at possibly dating them, or even remarrying them. We have to ask the question, what was the reason for the separation in the first place?

Breakups happen for all sorts of reason like money shortage, complexities and demands of raising children, infidelity, or just lack of understanding about how to make it work, but they are not always because love is gone. When you yearn to go back with your ex, you evaluate why you broke up in the first place. Ask the question, is it really worth going back? There are essential reasons to determine if it’s worth a second chance.

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You have to make sure it’s not pure physical attraction that you’re missing. A lot of people go back because it’s sexual. I think you should ask yourself is the sex that good to put yourself back in that same predicament. There are a lot of fish in the sea, but you want to make sure your safe with all the diseases out there now. I say the person you want so badly could have a disease, so you should play it safe any way. The sexual attraction should not be the only reason to go back.

equally prepared and committed to doing so. Both parties have to put in 100%. There is no such thing as 50/50. You have to both give a hundred percent in order for this second try to make it. If both parties are not willing to do so, then one person can’t save this relationship.

Can the relationship be the same? What about your ex that changed that will allow this to work now? People may think this is a trick question because your ex can tell you anything to get you back, but you need to have some type of proof they have changed. Since you can only change yourself, you have to get in-tune with your instincts to “feel” your way through this. At this point ask yourself, are you willing to accept your ex “As-Is”? If not, then this is not the person you want to go back to.

vidual, how your ex has changed and obtained the necessary tool to make getting back together realistic, then you have to re-evaluate where you currently are in comparison to where you want to be. Whatever you choose to do, make sure God is in it, and learn to “Live life and love it.”

What can you do different with a second chance? Is there equal willingness to put forth the effort, just because it’s a second chance? If you entertain the idea of getting back with your ex, then it should go without question that you are willing to work harder to make this time better than the last.

An amazing relationship takes two people who are

www.samantha-joyner.com ;Email her with your comments at

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Why did you break up anyway? Can you articulate what your old problems were to your ex, or are you afraid to bring it up because you think they will walk away? This is a significant problem in relaYou broke up for a reason. What has changed tionships. No one wants to confront the real problem.

2 that will allow this to work this time? You If you can’t communicate it, then you can’t solve it. would want to accept the role you played in the At some point, you have to grow up and play the breakup. If you don’t believe you had anything to do adults. You should be able to discuss the issues, and if with the breakup, then you are still in a state of deni- you think you can’t, there are many counselors out al, and it will never work. What have you learned there who can help. No pain, no gain. from the breakup that allowed you to evolve? Realis- If you are so in love and crazy about your ex, then tically, no one’s perfect in the relationship, you are work it out. There is no need in dragging someone responsible only for yourself and your personal else into your life for an emotional rollercoaster if growth. We like to think that we can change others; you are still longing to be with your ex. You have to we can only change ourselves. If you go back thinking make sure to be smart about it. If you have not carethat you can change them, then the best thing to do fully assessed why the relationship failed, what your is re-evaluate yourself. involvement was, how you have improved as an indi3

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Samantha Joyner is the author, of “The Woman Cheater, what she won’t tell you I will”, and “Woman Cheater Making it do what it do, not my way”, available on her website

WOMANCHEATER@gmail.com Follow her on face book: Author Samantha Joyner

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a male’s perspective

Because some wounds need more than just a band-aide cu

STITCH # 2 - Communication is the Master Key

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ure.

“STITCHES�

In our previous "Stitch," we discussed the importance of learning you before attempting to tackle the challenge of learning someone else or asking anyone else to explore the complexity of your mind and life.

M

any people asked me what should they do if they are involved with someone and how do they know if they ought to quit and search for something else. If this is you, then this moment is for you. If you are in a situation where you have been questioning if your significant other or the special someone you are "eyeing" will ever come around, then you have come to the right corner, and this stitch is for you.

Have you ever saw someone you were interested in and the first thing that crossed your mind was who you were going to cheat on them with, or if there was anybody better waiting around the corner? I am pretty sure you looked at the previous sentence sideways because it appears not the typical way of thinking. When you first come across someone you believe will interest you, your thought process is to explore the opportunity, not look around for other options that may come. Unfortunately, many times this is what we find ourselves doing. We see opportunities as work. We do not want to put forth the effort or go through the process in order to reap the rewards of that opportunity. We have become a microwave society. We want everything yesterday and look to gain the greatest rewards for the least amount of investment. This is the core reason as to why we cannot seem to find happiness and we jump from one false anomaly to the next.

Many times, we set ourselves up for failure from the beginning. Although, the sentence that began the previous paragraph seemed absurd, many people do it every day. Let's take a guy named Paul, for example, he saw this bright, very attractive, entry level executive who seemed to have a lot going for herself. After asking around, he found out she was not seeing anyone, but was somewhat old fashion. She had morals and strong beliefs, yet Paul felt she was the one for him. After going out for several months, the reality of her being the "one you take home to meet Momma" set in, but Paul began watching and listening to others and started believing he was not ready to settle down. While she, on the other hand, began talking about where they would live, how many kids they may have, he started daydreaming and mind-wondering. Instead of communicating this to her, he began to string her along, not calling and being less and less available; eventually beginning to look around for other opportunities, I mean women. (Small joke). Does this sound healthy?

The problem with most people is not that they cannot find someone to be with, but rather they do not know what to do when they do have someone in their life. It is easy to say all the things we would do if we were in a relationship when we were single, but then when we are with someone most of us find fifty million excuses as to why we do not do any of the things we said we would do. The problem starts with communication. Neither partner is willing to do everything that is The second communication factor is what I call an "exchangeable understanding."

Many times our partner does what we view as incomprehensible, and we refuse to move past it.

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STITCHES

Th

e truth is we have all or will eventually find ourselves in a position where we risk the trust of our partner. We have to be willing to view circumstances as if you switched places with them, how would you want your partner to act to either give you another chance or to release each other from your commitments and move on with your lives. Yes, I did just suggest possible break up.

Unfortunately, people make the mistake of staying with someone when they decided in their heart, they were done way back in the relationship. Don't waste each other's time. STITCH # 118 - If you are going to give it a shot have an exchangeable heart and try to understand what is needed to move past the moment. Notice I said to understand what is needed to move on and not necessarily understand why what happen occurred. Many make this mistake. They get so caught up on the why it happened, they cannot see past it and just like a wound not tended to but rather picked at, it becomes infected and worse. Everyone knows an infected wound that is not tended to properly can result in a total loss. One must stay focused and see past the moment, whether that is together or apart. This has to be communicated as soon as you come to a conclusion. Both partners deserve not spend unnecessary time putting work into something when the other is over and done. Let's be honest, we all know when we are done or when we are just trying to make a stink to get our point across.

Lastly is a willingness to learn as you move forward. Communication is a two way door and each partner holds his/her own master key. Your master key only works for your side. When you use it in an attempt to gain access to someone else, you must understand that your door jam must be removed in order to get full use of your access. A door jam is what you find in most doors that keep it from swinging both ways. In communication, we often like to access other people but do not want them having full access to us. This is not how it works. Communication is essential for any relationship to flourish. It is the #1 reason why marriages and relationships fail. Before cheating and financial Woos, communication is the beginning of it all. Not just by the lack of communication but not handling situations correctly after the information is brought to the forefront. A person must be willing to be open, call things as they are, and be willing to work through their moments no matter what they are. Resolutions will be achieved, the question is just at what cost.

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MWN's Top 10 Reasons Y Ask the Man

ome described them as the beings from planet Mars, others describe them as a species of the carnivores but regardless of how you refer to them, they have made you ask at least a dozen times; Why they think the way they do? Why they do some of the things they do? And where they get the logic behind some of their actions? I know, I so don't need to get you started. Lol (laugh out loud). Have you ever felt like you totally just don't get men? If this sounds like you and you have heard yourself discussing your similar frustrations with your female friends, only to find they are just as confused as you, then, MWN feels your pain and has just what you need, "A sk the Man." It's a section devoted to assisting women navigate through the often traitorous and confusing waters of a man's mindset. The section is answered by a man, anonymously. Now, before you start rolling and twisting your looks, MWN would like to give you their top ten reasons why you need a male's perspective and why you should "A sk the Man", and hear what he has to say.

"Ask the Man" Because....

10). You have tried it your way and it has not worked. How many times will you pass the same point on the carousel before realizing that something has to change. You put on a pretty convincing front, but if you are honest with yourself, you know there are some things that unless it is pointed out by someone else, you may never see. "A sk the Man" is that different perspective.

9). Your girlfriends solutions aren't working. They hold your hand when you need it and are there to give a shoulder when the tears start to flow but there advise don't bring you the clarity you'd hoped it would. Even though you are thicker then thieves and have vowed to ride or die together, when it comes to men, it takes a man to understand another man. Otherwise, it is just their best guess.

8). Being Single by Choice or by Default is Still Single. As much as some woman claim to be single by their own choice, the truth is they avoid men because they don't want to take the time to learn how to get along with them. If you've been looking for an instruction manual, good luck finding it but "A sk the Man" can supply you with a study guide so you don't have to be alone because you don't know how to pick or create a successful relationship.

7). Relationships Require Work. You have to be willing to study something to use it well or get along well with it. We will help you with your (OJT) on the job training but you have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

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6). We Believe in YAHOO. (You Always Have Other Options).

When in the middle of a storm, it is often quite hard to see the simple options to get out of the path of destruction. "Ask the Man" provides a larger view of the big picture and additional options that are available.

a male’s perspective

5). The Difference Between Use and Abuse Can Sometimes Be Grey. Sex, laughter , ser iousness, games, and toys all have their importance and place. The unconscious use or ill use of any use becomes abuse. "A sk the Man" will teach you how to be balanced.

4). The Blind Can't Lead the Blind. "Ask the Man"teaches from proven success not trumped up opinion from failed attempts.

3). We Believe in Bluntness. Although you might not get the answer that you want or that you are looking for, it is the one you may need. It won't be sugar coated or watered down. Sometimes you just need to be told the hard honest truth so you can through or past some things.

2). We are not Bias. We don' t do favor ites. It' s not about man bashing or womanizing. It's about getting to the root problems and addressing them. No time for games or trying to get browny points.

It takes two to make a couple and it takes two to ruin or cause a relationship to succeed. And there is always things both sides can change and improve.

1). We Teach the Basics. Lear ning wher e to star t is essential.

Many times we try and start with solid food when we have not grasp how to handle milk yet. "A sk the Man" will focus on lessons understandable enough for everyone to apply them.

If you could use relationship advice or you have a subject that you believe "A sk the Man" could shade some light on, consider writing and getting a man's perspective. You can contact "A sk the Man" at maturewomannow@gmail.com. Please use aliases names upon submission.

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a better u

THE MAGIC OF HYPNOSIS AND ENERGY WORK…..

B

y now most of you know that I am a huge fan of using self-hypnosis to achieve different types of goals such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and reducing stress levels just to name a few. Having lost 40 pounds over 20 years ago (and I’ve kept it off all this time might I add), through practicing selfhypnosis, I made the decision to share this valuable practice with anyone who wanted to make a difference in their life. I gave up a very fulfilling job in the Human Resources field and decided to open my own business.

About 4 or 5 years ago, however, I felt like I wasn’t achieving the level of success in my business that I deserved, and started to question why things just weren’t happening for me. Then I discovered ACT™ (Accelerated Change Template) a powerful, cutting edge, belief-change science using the energy work of kinesiology (muscle testing as it’s sometimes called) to uncover limiting beliefs that are often buried in our subconscious mind which can hold us back.

Whoa! What an eye-opener! Little by little I started applying this valuable learning tool to my business and things started to change… for the better. I completed my ACT™ Mastery Practitioner training with Nikkea B. Devida, who developed this system in 2010, and started incorporating this powerful effective tool in combination with my self-hypnosis practice with my existing clients.

The results were astounding!

Not only were people losing weight, reducing stress or easily stopping smoking, they were becoming happier – with themselves, with their partners – everything suddenly seemed to ‘click’ for them. Plus, those that were entrepreneurs just like me, started to attract their ideal clients… and more of them than they’d imagined.

Money problems in their business seemed to become a non-issue as they learned how to remove any limiting beliefs they had surrounding financial success.

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S

ability to earn what you know you deome of us are brought up to believe serve! that having money or wealth is a ‘bad’ I will be hosting a seminar for Women’s thing – that it means we’re not being gen- Week sponsored by the Women’s Council erous, caring individuals, or that if we are of Greater Baton Rouge to talk about this fortunate enough to earn a LOT of money, very topic on October 6th (see Linda Recthen we must be crooks or doing someommends section below) and I would very thing underhanded. That is certainly not much like to spread the word about how the case! erasing your limiting beliefs can set in moAfter practicing the very easy practice of tion a wave of enormous untapped positive ACT™ for the past three years, I cannot potential for your business and life. believe the difference it has made in my I do hope that those of you who are local own life. Even when my dear husband was to the Baton Rouge area will invite a friend terminally ill, I was able to cope with all and join me. the stress of being his primary care-giver and still keep my business going. Looking back on that period of time, I’m positive that had it not been for all the wonderful tips and techniques I’ve learned between the power of self-hypnosis and the practice of ACT™, my business would have faded away into the sunset during this period of time.

So… what does my story have to do with you?

Isn’t NOW the time to learn how to change your limiting (subconscious) beliefs, discover one of the greatest secrets on Planet Earth and FINALLY achieve the life and success you’ve always envisioned for yourself?

To find out more, I invite you to apply for a complimentary Break Your Bad Habits/Beliefs Strategy Session with me at http://TalkToLindaNow.Com. Linda Allred, THE Bad Habit, Belief Change, Certified Hypnotist Expert. To apply for a complimentary Break Your Bad Habits/Beliefs Strategy Session with Linda, receive 5 Special FREE Gifts and her bonus audio recording “How Do I Get Slim NOW?” visit http://www.LindaAllred.com, call 225275-2451 or email Linda@LindaAllred.com today!

Facebook – LindaVAllred.

For the first time ever, I am going to teach YOU how to harness the power of ACT™ into YOUR life and business. I want YOU to succeed in all your goals and increase your 21

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Hi Ask the Man,

Let’s call me, Rejection….

a male’s perspective

I have been depressed because every man who I think has an interest in me does not. They only want to see how much of my time and my money I can throw at them. I am 40 years old and have had my share of poor choices. I am not a bad looking woman nor am I overweight. Men lately have been a revolving door. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not a promiscuous woman at all. I don’t believe at my age and at the point in my life that I should be sleeping around. Ask the man, I feel now, I will always be alone and never will have anyone who is genuine in my life to love me for me.

I’m at the verge of giving up on this word called, “love” and live between the two walls I’ve built for myself.

ASK THE MAN Dear Ask the Man Writer, Thank you for writing and sharing your story with us. After reading your letter a couple things were alarming. I understand that you have had your share of bad relationships or one night flings but don't be so quick to throw in the towel on love. With a few adjustments I believe you will find a renewed hope.

The first line of your letter indicates that there are some individual issues that need to be addressed first and foremost. It appears that you do not seem happy with yourself.

Your specific description as to how you do not look exhibits that you are not satisfied with your outward appearance. This lack of self es22

teem has lead to a sense or need to overcompensate for things you don't see in yourself.

You find yourself feeling like you need to add to what you do for guys just to keep and maintain their attention. The truth is before you can find happiness from anyone else you must find it within. You must be able to look yourself in the mirror and be proud of what you see. Not only do you need to know who you are but also love yourself before you can teach someone else to love you. Your age is not a factor when it comes to love. Until you know what you want and stop settling for less then what you deserve or desire then you will continue to be disappointed.

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Additionally, all humans, not just men or women, will get away with whatever they are allowed to get away with. The men who seem to take advantage of you do it because you allow it and do not expect or demand more for yourself. As long as you give them money, they will take it and leave you once you do not have any more. There is a saying I heard once that still stands true, people come into your life for two reasons, to give or to take. You must prepare yourself for how you will deal with these people when they come because you need both to function and survive. So your first goal needs to be to work on you and finding out what makes you happy.

(having sex) with everyone that appears to be a good choice or you may never get to or experience the right one when he comes along. You may not consider yourself promiscuous but if you continue to engage in the act of those that do then how would anyone tell the difference.

We all have a personal responsibility to ourselves to carry ourselves in the way that honors our significant other even before they come along. Yes, we screw it up from time to time on those we think are worth it only to find out later they aren't but that does not give us a permission slip to throw all sense of responsibility out the window. You have to think highly Second, you need to reexamine the criteria of yourself and carry yourself the way you want othyou use to determine the type of man you want. Stop ers to treat you. If you do these things then you will looking for men to be with and work on what you de- not be concerned with whether you are the only one sire and want from a ideally realistic man for you. Ide- between the "two walls" of your home because it ally being the image that you have of the perfect man would be by choice if you are, not by default. and realistic meaning excluding the factors that make the ideal man unattainable. Stop sharing yourself

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woman 2 woman

“ The Awakening”

By Karen Price

with many others I had composed during my breast cancer period and placed them into book form. I was hen I was diagnosed with Breast blessed enough to have that book published, and it's cancer a few years back, I reacted titled “True Simple Poems of Life, Faith and Survivlike most who receive a cancer diagnosis; first thing al.” I later had another inspirational children's book came to mind was a “death sentence.” However, I published, and I am working on my third. I'm hoping found out later, it was truly “an awakening” for me; that anyone who has the opportunity to read my poeven after being diagnosed with colon cancer a few ems, get out of them, what I placed in all of them. years later. I began questioning God, why would you My poems are from the heart, as real as any can ever do this to me? What have I done in life so badly to be. With the words and phrases of each poem of have this placed upon me? But instead of bemoaning statement, I wish to make a positive impact on somemy fate, I decided to look for the positive side of it. one who is ill or otherwise, where they could develop There has to be a reason for it all. the strength to embrace life in a whole new way. I never anticipated becoming a writer, I just became I also realized that I was about to face a new beginone. I truly believe when you survive a horrific tragening, new hope, do and see more with a whole new prospective on life. When I think of the “gift of life” dy or a horrible disease as cancer, it's for a reason, that was given to me, I know that I will develop and “you have a purpose,” and I want to live to find out gain strength from all my experiences. Even with the exactly what that is for me.

That's what I am all about now, inspiration. I would complications I now have to live with, and all the struggles I've dealt with my entire life, I still feel tru- have never become a writer, producing inspirational ly blessed. For a while, I wasn't happy with the way I poems and stories if I had not gone through all that I did. I am a true example that you can survive cancer looked after my surgery and the pain I had to endure not once, but twice, providing you catch it in time, each day, but I decided to snap out of it. I thought have faith and allow that faith to direct your path. I about the individuals who are no longer among us. I am not saying all will be easy, but you must believe. also realized there will always be someone worse off than I am. I reminded myself that I “still have my life” and who am I to complain.

One day I experienced something of a miracle and felt the compulsion to write it down. I turn that experience into a poem and I called it “Peace.” Writing has become therapy for me. I took that poem, along 24

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cover story

“50 is not over the hill” 26

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Nothing in life, comes

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dents is trying to learn something, and they are putting their best effort to understand easy and learn is extremely enlightening. Kaye role model is her mother. Her mom taught for 20 years, and she was an aide to her mom when they lived in Florida.

……..

kaye terrelonge

aye Terrelonge is a 50 year old female born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Her parents moved to the United States for the “American Dream.”

Ms. Kaye is part Jamaican part Chinese. She always had a dream of becoming a writer. When speaking with Kaye, she generates this spirit of peace and love. She places me at complete ease while speaking with her. She explained to me "as a child,” she was a loner but always a creative child. As a little girl, she traded playing with dolls for an opportunity to express her creative side instead. She moved from New York to Florida.

Her childhood dream was always to see Europe. Ironically, she joined the Army at age 18, and her first tour was in Germany! Throughout her tour, she travelled extensively. Kaye also did a little acting while in Oregon.

Kaye LOVES to travel! She enjoys writing (is an author of 2 books currently) and watching movies. I asked Kaye the question what does she like to do to relax, and her response was eye opening. She expresses, “I do not know what it is like to relax.” She is always hiking, writing or taking pictures. Before we concluded our talk, I asked Ms. Kaye if you could give one message to the Mature Woman audience what would that be. She did not realize it at the moment, but if her answer did not reach anyone else, it definitely inspired and motivated me. Her response was “50 is NOT over the hill.” She had a late start in life with what she really wanted to do as a career.

She wants to encourage women that they do not need to artificially beautify themselves. And lastly, she wants us as women to believe in what we want to do.

Obstacles will come in handy and will work up to what you want. Nothing in life comes easy.

While talking with Kaye, she strikes me as such as a free spirit with such a beautiful personality.

For six years, she worked as an individual contractor in marketing. She was tired of working for other individuals in a time where the economy started to fall, and younger women were more of a priority. In 2009, she became English as a Second Language Teacher (ESL). She wrote her first book in 2009-2010. I asked Kaye what was her favorite part about her work, and she replied teaching. Whenever one of her stu27

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YOUR BUSINESS CARD

Having organized and attended networking events for years, I am always still surprised and amazed to see how many solo-entrepreneurs and small business owners don’t have business cards, or don’t have a "professional business" card.

clients so that people call or buy your products or services? So, why not pay the same attention when designing your business card.

Your business card is your first marketing tool. Every time you give it to somebody, it’s a chance to communicate something about your business. Your business card is very often the tool which helps people Having a "professional business" card helps to pordecide whether they want to work with you or not, tray your image and make you stand out from the since it is an extension of your business. When you crowd. When you meet somebody, you have less than meet somebody for the first time they judge you on 10 seconds to make the right first impression, so your appearance, your clothes, the way you act, the along with your elevator pitch, make sure that people way you speak and your business card. If the whole will remember you. package looks very professional, people will be willing to continue the conversation with you. If it Your business card is your first marketing tool. But, doesn’t look professional, people will not waste their time and will find somebody else to work with. are you using it in the most efficient way?

We used to say that we shouldn’t judge a book by its Many small business owners spend hours and hours cover, but, unfortunately, this is not correct. So put all the chances on your side. trying to find the best way of marketing their busiIn my program, “Power of Networking Secrets,“ the nesses. But when it comes to their business cards, Step 3 is “How to Design a Memorable Business they don’t follow the same rules. Most people just include their primary contact information and don’t Card,” and I help my clients completely redesign their business card in order to grab people’s attention realize how this little piece of paper can say a lot within seconds. about their businesses.

When you place an ad in a newspaper or a magazine, don’t you try to write the most efficient text to attract 28

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Here are the 10 indispensable keys which need to appear on your business card: First on the front of your card: 1:Your name – this sound obvious for everybody, but make sure it is easy to find.

People have to see your name as soon as they receive your card so they will be able to associate your face with the name on your card. This will help them to remember you.

2: Your title – if you work for a corporation, your title is always mentioned on the card, so if you are a solo-entrepreneur or a small business owner, it is also very important to mention if you are the founder, the CEO, the president, the marketing manager or other. Again, make it easy for people to remember you and what you do.

3:The name of your company – even if you are one person operation in your business, it is very essential to have a business name. Using only your name if you are a sole proprietor or if you are an independent representative of a company will give the image of a part time activity and not a business image to your prospects. The same as when you introduce yourself and say, “I am a consultant” vs. “I have a consulting company, “people will not pursue you in the same way. Even if your consulting company is only you, this will not have the same impact.

4: Your email address – the big No/No in a business card – once again if you want to be considered as a business and have a professional image, don’t use an email with yahoo, aol, or Hotmail, etc… but have a professional email with yourname@yourdomainname.com. Today it really doesn’t cost much to buy a domain name. Invest the $5 to $10 to buy one, and use it on your business card.

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5:Your phone number – personally I think that too many phone numbers are confusing and takes up too much space. So, I recommend you use your main number, even if it is your cell phone because it is the most convenient way to reach you.

6:Your website – having a website will help people to learn more about your business later. Your business card cannot say everything, so give them the opportunity to get the information they are looking for. Use your business card to bring traffic to your website.

7:Your logo – it is as necessary to have a logo as it is to have a business name for the same reason because this will give you a professional image. Using a regular white card, with no logo, just your name, phone number and email will not help people remember you. Some people use just a clipart on their business card and think this looks like a logo. In people's minds, this is definitely not the same thing.

If you are not ready to invest in yourself, how do you expect people to invest in you?

8:Your tagline – a tagline ensures that people associate your company name with your product or service. That is a short sentence which describes your business’ mission and makes you unique. That is usually the only thing people remember after you have met. So that is why it is necessary to choose your words carefully when creating your tagline, in order to hook your audience and be memorable.

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ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS……………...

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hen I work with a client and help him or her redesign their business card, I always encourage them to use the back of their card. Remember what I said earlier, “When placing an ad in a newspaper or a magazine, don’t you try to write the most efficient text to attract clients so that people call or buy your products or services?”

So why are you wasting all of this precious space on the back of your card?

Again, remember your business card is a marketing tool. Use it to attract potential clients and not only to provide your contact information. Use it to pass on your business message.

On the back of your card – very few people use the back of their cards, so here is an opportunity for you to make a difference.

9: Describe the benefits of your product/service or the benefits of working with you. Use bullet points to emphasize the purpose of your products and services. Show how you can be a problem solver to others. Encourage people to ask you questions about your business so that they want to learn more and visit your website later.

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10: Tell people what to do next. Don’t assume people will contact you for more information – tell them what to do.

What we call “The call to action.”Biba4Network and offers a coupon of $5 to come to my events then clients can print from my website, which is a way to drive clients to the website to learn more. The other card, describes the benefits of my program “Power of Networking Secrets” and mentions “Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my free e-course “15 ways to maximize your networking results,” which is a way to drive clients to the website and generate leads for my mailing list. In this 7 step program, you will find everything you need on how to maximize your networking results. You will learn: how to create an outstanding business card – how to polish an elevator pitch, which, will hook your audience so people remember you – how to create a 7 step follow-up system to turn more prospects into clients – how to use your newsletter to promote your products or services without hard selling – how to create strategic alliances to grow our business faster. Do you want them to: go to your website, sign-up for your newsletter, call you, and buy your product? Tell them clearly. Offer them an incentive to make sure they will take action.

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Let’s say you are a coach or a financial advisor, no doubt, you have a lot of competition. What makes you unique and special?

When people see your card, they will probably say, “Oh, another one!” But, if you mentioned your specialties on your card, it will make a difference immediately.

owner, it does not mean that you can’t use the same strategies as the big companies.

Make sure you use all the marketing tools which are available to promote your business. This is called ‘branding’. Using an efficient logo & tagline are one of the most efficient ways to successfully brand your business.

For example, I have 2 different business cards: One card describes the benefits of joining

What’s on your Business Card?

Take a look at your card now, does it include the essential elements to give a professional image to your business?

Take a look at most of the business cards that you have collected from people and you will notice how few of them have taglines. So stand out from the crowd, make sure to have the essential elements on your card and that they are memorable.

Does your card stand out from the crowd?

Does your card give you the results you are expecting?

Your business card is an extension of your company just like your logo, letterhead, brochures, flyers, website and any marketing tools. They must have the same message and design.

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ever leave home without your business cards. Wherever you go—to a networking event, to the dentist, to the movies, to a party, always bring your business cards with you.

You never know where you will meet an interesting new contact, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to exchange cards. Writing your telephone number or email address on a piece of paper or a paper napkin definitely doesn’t look very professional.

Still need help to revamp your business card and create a professional image? Learn more about “Power of Networking Secrets “at www. TheConnectionQueenBlog.com

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Does your card say what you want it to say? Does your design work with your company image and the rest of your marketing materials?

If you have a different design for your business card, your website and your brochure, how do you expect people to take you seriously?

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rder professional business cards. Avoid the cards that you print yourself on your printer. It doesn’t cost much to print them. You can order a thousand for $40 to $60 online, and it doesn’t cost more to print on both side of your card, but it makes an incredible difference and has a greater impact on people.

Use the same logo and colors as your website, brochure or flyer. Having a consistency on your marketing materials will help people to recognize you where ever they see you. And the more they see you or your logo, the more they will remember you, and the more they will keep in touch with you.

Try being at the forefront of their minds.

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MENTAL PEACE

As a traditional routine, I got up and readied myself for the morning was normally common with nothing too, totally different. Except that I made a decision to shower in the darkness rather waiting for the morning light. Alex had forgotten to change the light bulb before we left for Tortuguero. Then I setup my portable computer in the larger room (where I get a reasonable Internet signal) and continued proofing my web log entry. Unlike the past few slow days, today’s pace was appropriate.

Before long, it was 0700 and that I slipped on my shoes for a walk. I headed for the neighborhood restaurant named “Spoon” for breakfast. Throughout my walk, an excessive amount of mindless thoughts flooded my restless mind, and I could not keep the mental noise at bay.

by kaye terrelonge thus, incomplete? Former partners either complete sadly whereas, alternative break ups were a blessing.

Perhaps that phase hasn’t found its way to my present. My metaphysical aura possesses an independent spirit that when I was younger, I’ve dreamed of traveling and exploring the globe. The accomplishment came true after I noncommissioned into the military and toured Europe for four years. Another chance arose once a few years later after I became a certified TESOL / ESL teacher and toured China, Republic of Georgia and Costa Rica.

After ordering breakfast, I returned my attention to the nostalgia sound that pleasantly reminded me of happier times when I was discovering Europe at the young age of eighteen. The time was a sorcerous juncture. Living abroad in another hemisphere I emFrom something to anything and everything … I was braced the liberty. However, years passed, and I’ve ached urgently in recapturing the melancholy essence endlessly changing channels as a result, I could not that the implications brought forth solely exasperafocus. A similar fate to an inexperienced telepathic struggle when mentally hearing everyone’s subcon- tion. By focusing solely what I want had brought negativity that bred frustration and impatience. scious thought. I was unable to form a buffer to shut them out. I too wished to scream for the invisible Today I freed myself from the ungenerous exploit by noise to cease for it was resistless. surrendering to music by reminding myself to measNormally, I listen to music; however, I did not have ure within the moment. I cannot and should not live my MP3 player. Once inside “Spoon,” my attention in the past. With practiced resilience in strengthening my spirituality, I’ve accepted my past as a treasure like a shot tuned to the music the establishment was enjoying. The songs from the 80s were soothing my and acknowledge what I have now as my present; anxiety that enabled me to recollect the two finished there’s no time for lingering. I’ve come to terms that I should be grateful; genuinely grateful. chapters from the book. The story’s premise made public that anyone might predict one’s personalized future by following its reality. Earlier this morning, I recollected my past thoughts and realized most of the dreamed coincidences were true.

For my folks granting my existence, I thank you.

You are the exceptional people who entered in my life. Everyone had a definite role, good with the bad, along we created a major distinction in every other’s Well, I have never won the lottery, though such fore- life. However, you decide on how to use the facts is your concern as my choice is mine own. Nevertheseen results complete miserably. Even so, I have been lucky by alternative money resources with the less, many thanks. flexibility of generating associate financial gain I paid for my meal and my mind finally found peace. when necessary. The dreams of my future later reI realized that I truly don’t need anything, I’m gratevealed as my present. However, one question reful for EVERYTHING. mained unanswered: Why has seeking love appeared 33

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