Life is Working in My Favor In Spite of Unexpected Obstacles
Life is working in my favor in spite of unexpected obstacles, like in the case of the Authors Appreciation Celebration that was originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. The Cider Enterprises Book Club Conference Call had planned to ‘Celebrate Authors’ who have been showcased during our past three seasons. But, even the best laid plans and efforts can sometimes be unexpectedly derailed because although the event permit was issued and the promotion was in full swing, the City of Chicago decided it was a great time to lay big industrial water pipes in the area. Needless to say, as a participant of the 27th Annual Dauphin Avenue Civic Organization’s Block Club Event, the inconvenience of maneuvering the streets amidst the dust and pipe work, effectively canceled our outdoor event. I extend my heartfelt apologies to all who had planned to attend. However, be aware that I am already planning the 2016 celebration.
Many of the authors featured on the call come from overlapping ‘communities of influence’ in my world and the Authors Celebration was to have been one of the staples in a weekend of activities to attract and inspire people from across the country. Many of these people have gathered in Chicago the first weekend of August for over 7 years now for The Love Journey, Inc. Annual Sunrise Service. And because of that, even without the planned “Authors Celebration,” I saw and celebrated with more than half of the intended honorees of the Cider Enterprises Book Club Conference Call. They sold and signed books, made future promotion deals, and influenced quite a number of additional authors to leave books and CDs with me for review. This for me, along with the many acknowledgments of praise, was evidence that the Cider Enterprises Book Club Conference Call has value and many people are listening in to our monthly featured author interviews. Yes, life is working in my favor in spite of unexpected obstacles.
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- Ernest Abdullah author of “The Game of Life and How to Play It” with Claudette Redic
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- Authors, Rosa J. Hodge – “I Am: Affirmations for the Living” along with Asadah Kirkland – “Beating Black Kids”
Like many of you, my life is filled with dreams, visions and accomplishments, thank God. “Sistah’s Home – the Place of Love in Action!” is one such vision that has been growing with details and possibilities the past three years. The majestic and heart-centered concept of this opulent, Chicago waterfront resort, dedicated in honor of African-American women is intriguing the minds and gaining support of more people to participate in its ultimate manifestation. Men and women are requesting more information about what they can do now to support the building of “Sistah’s Home” cornerstone principles of Hospitality, Hope and Health. In response, I share that financial support is always welcomed and desired; and that a significant portion of my revenue goes back into the business to bring this vision to fruition.
I also share who I am and what I do as it relates:
- I see “Sistah’s Home – The Place of Love in Action!” as me.
- I am a ‘safe and sacred place’ facilitating the spirit of oneness.
- I honor myself and others with my gift of hospitality as a welcoming presence wherever I am.
- I speak and express words of hope and encouragement daily.
- I support creative expressions of peace in music, art, culture and literature.
- I seek out ways and means to demonstrate, strengthen and support my conviction that health is the individual’s responsibility.
As such, my personal residence became home for a number of guests visiting the city of Chicago during this auspicious weekend. Great fortune and opportunity continued to surround me, in that each guest was an Entrepreneur! It didn’t take long for us to become the ‘headquarters’ for getting acquainted, exchanging business ideas, working as a team to support one individual’s project, and enjoying many meals together.
Donations of cash and pledges of consistent future support happened. Simply saying, “I was overjoyed to receive these gifts and pledges” would be an understatement. In listening to others share how they envision “Sistah’s Home – the Place of Love in Action!” I know the concept and vision is waiting to unfold. They see Queen Hostess Claudette managing the ‘mecca’ that revitalizes, rejuvenates and is a respite for the soul. This is a demonstration of life working in my favor.
Our monumental weekend together was joyfully augmented with a Prayer Breakfast hosted by Carla LeVeaux-Hawkins; and a birthday celebration for Naija J. Brown while ‘Jazzin in the Grass’ at Chicago State University. We also enjoyed a ‘Fire Celebration’ of the new moon at Foster Beach and concluded our weekend with a serene, yet breezy boat ride in Lynwood, IL.
I can truly feel the blessings upon me as I experience how life is working in my favor indeed. Ashe! … Hotep … Oho … and So it is!
Peace,
Queen Hostess Claudette Redic
Cider Enterprises Book Club
Cider Enterprises Book Club 