I am a woman, writer, wife, mother, activist, educator, small business woman, and part-time fitness instructor. I have many interests, few hobbies, and a passion for Life that is probably unparalleled. I believe that we are here to learn lessons in this thing called Life, and that if we are patient and humble enough, we might also learn some important lessons about ourselves in the process. I’ve worked several “jobs” including teacher, corporate salesperson and marketer, but I find the most joy in my current role as a wife, and stay-at-home mother of three beautifully adjusted and brilliant children (a boy, age 12, and two girls, ages 7 and 4), whom I hope to raise well, by pouring into them love, compassion, kindness, and affirming words. Their voices make all the difference in my day, and their smiles are nothing but pure delight to those in need of a personal touch or connection. I take great pride in loving them, and feel honored to be their mom. I believe that one of the secrets to this joy that I’ve found is being married to my dear husband. He is my bestie, my soulmate, my life partner, and my biggest cheerleader yet! Basically, we were made for serving each other. In addition to this very important relationship called marriage, I also insist strongly on sisterhood – a network/ circle if you will – of equally bright, like-minded women that possess more or less, the same values or priorities when it comes to relationships and parenting, and an unparalleled zest for life, and all that it has to offer.
As an activist, I begin first with my own children. Together, we’ve developed a platform called “Make Some Noise!”. Its mission is to“engender empathy on all levels, among children and families, through tangible social action.” Through this vehicle, we hope to raise civic-minded, and responsible global citizens in the process. As a family of five, we partner with other families and existing organizations, to have an even larger impact. We are very vocal about raising awareness on important causes and needs, and believe that our collective partnerships can affect change on both local and global levels.
I believe that the creative process has to do largely with how one lives, works, and seeks to connect with the larger world-stage, and communities both near and far. This conviction leads me to live Life as an Art Form, purposefully and meaningfully, like the selection of a medium (canvas, paper, clay), or colors on an artist’s palette. Each action, each brush stroke, is then a deliberate and conscientious movement, which plays a definitive role in creating the final product. My forum for this life art is writing; whether it is prose, poetry, commentaries and quips (many of which you’ll find here), motivational self-discovery material that I believe connects us into one human tapestry, or even a novel! I also enjoy creating beautiful crocheted items for the home and to wear for those I love.
In living Life as An Art Form, I hope to build a legacy for my family, one to which they can refer time and time again, in their living, and for the communities that they inhabit. This blog will be just one of the places of reference for this work. It is a space that I invite you to respond, reaffirm, reject – albeit respectfully – to something that resonates with you. As you navigate the pages and posts of this blog, I ask that you be mindful of the language and integrity of what has been written here. I welcome your comments – the good and the bad, but not-too-ugly. 
Let us dialogue together, and elevate the discussion, one post at a time, one comment at a time. Welcome! Let’s break bread, y’all!
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Readings/ Submissions are available by request at somerempress@gmail.com.
SomerEmpress
Writer – Prose, Poetry, Life!
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We have a lot of similarities. Im a stay at home daddy of three boys 10/8/3. I kinda fight for community by sharing my stories with my son’s classes, coaching and just speaking up to the youth and for the youth. Im in the process of starting an organization called H.Y.F.Away helping youth find away. Its purpose is to help the youth finacially participate in extra curricular activities.
I appreciate the feedback more than you know. I really didn’t expect anyone to really check it out. 12 days in and I feel now like I really have to complete the project. I definitely wanted to but daily I get more excited and nervous about the future. But its all good as its giving me so much
confidence to shoot for the stars again! Well take care and again thanks for the encouraging words.
You’re welcome! A little encouragement goes a long way in today’s world. The nervousness that you feel is of the good kind, especially as you’re taking on a meaningful project with scope and significance. See it through!
Do you know, I think I love you… in the bestest possible way of course.
Every post that you have written in your blog speaks to me in a deep way.
I think we share the same journey in life, that of seeking out Unconditional love ( my mother unfortunately had no access to it because of her Narcissistic Personality Disorder) and the ‘living life as art’ thing. Oh yes, and strongly identify as a feminist too, that will be the sisterhood box ticked but I am no man hater, in fact I have the best partner a woman can have who supports my efforts to try and inspire women to be strong and stick together rather than following unwritten rules to scratch each others eyes out.
I’m also a big campaigner for the respect to be given back to the power of being silly, living life in a lighter hearted way, life is too short to live it with a serious adult heart. Embrace the inner child say I, let them giggle and splash in puddles and rediscover the joy all around us.
Sigh… it’s good to find a kindred spirit.
If you are on Facebook I’d be honoured to have you as a friend. ( I’m Diane Goldie , London)
Diane, your words come to me this morning as a remarkable encouragement! I am very touched that these articles have spoken to you on a personal level – that’s what it’s all about! I’m all about the inner child – tapping into her to find her deepest fears and motivations, wants, and desires. Knowing her is the most sure-fire way to understand her gifts, as well as her most authentic self. Only from there, we can spring forward into self-actualized, though not final, selves.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Cheers to continued sister connections, even across the seas! I’ll find you on Facebook.
Dear Ms. Empress, I don’t know how I missed your About page! I’ve got to run now, but I’ll be back later to read this. And I feel better to see that I still have my subscription to you! (I hate it when WordPress changes something around, and screws up one thing or the other in my little world here!) I hope all is well with you.
Lady Sparks! I always put an exclamation mark after your name, as if I’m barging through the door and seeing you for the first time in a long time.
I hope you can feel my excitement. It’s also to show my reverence and respect for you as a fellow writer.
It seems that several of my subscriptions were amiss. Hopefully, it’s all squared away now.
I’m feeling it! Now don’t go making me get all misty… ! I have a lot of respect for you, too. I hope you know that. That’s why I’m looking forward to your next piece. Until then, I’m glad you’re keeping in touch, Ms. Empress.
I should be hitting that “Publish” button in a few minutes!
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This is beautiful! I know so much more about you as a person now! And I’m so glad to see how important empathy is to you and your family.
I don’t see that word in places as much as I’d like. I agree with you that all of us who can, need to work toward bringing more empathy into our world. The first step is to say it more and more so the “deer in headlights” reaction to it diminishes. Maybe soon the opposition to it can diminish, too.
Glad to officially meet you, Ms. Empress!
Hi there again, Lady Sparks!
For a minute there, I had to give thought to exactly which post you were commenting on, then I saw that it was regarding my “About Me” page. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I think it’s helpful to know a bit more about me, so you can put some of the posts in context. It was the word “empathy” that attracted me/ endeared me to you! I knew that fundamentally, no matter the differences in our writing, our hearts were in the same place of longing for connection with the larger human Spirit.
It is my pleasure indeed, Lady Sparks aka the Lovely Ré!
I have nominated you for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award”. You can go to my blog here to get the pictures and read about it. I think you have a very inspiring blog. Congratulations. http://drses.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/my-heart-is-full-thank-youvery-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thanks Sherry! I will most certainly do that (after cooking, and the likes…
)
I have nominated you for the H.U.G. Award for your blog is full of hope and help. Please go here to get all the information and congratulations for you have a very hope filled blog. http://drses.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/the-h-u-g-award/
Thanks Dr. Sherry! I am greatly moved by this honor. I will definitely tend to acknowledging this award.
Just found your blog through Dr Sherry’s awards. What a treat! I love your philosophy, and you write beautifully. I’m really looking forward to reading more. Bless xx
Oh wow! What a sweet, pleasant surprise to find this note this morning! Thank you. Just as soon as I end Shift I (breakfast, deploying the children, and appointments), I will return to visit your blog. Bless you!
Every single word you write is a reflection of the kind, generous and loving person that you are. From your personal life to the community work you’ve taken up to create a local/global impact- each action stands as a reference point for goodwill, goodwill and only more goodwill.
I identify with you in a way that my mother was a practising physician when she decided to quit her practise and work on being a stay at home mom 24/7. She gave bringing me and my brother up prime importance. We are 25 and 19 now but she continues to find meaning in life by helping children out with education and vocational studies.
I love the idea of having a close knit sisterhood.
It is something every woman should be a part of. The way a sister (another woman) can understand your joys and sorrows and relate with them, no one can.
I look forward to reading your posts.
Lots of warm wishes to you.
Carpe Diem.
Well, hello! So nice of you to stop by and leave such kind words. This is a rather sweet confirmation, yet again, that I am on the right track. It’s great to hear it from someone who has benefited from having at least one parent home with them, especially from a young woman making a difference! I’d like to believe that much of that urgency to be an agent of change came from the values that your own mother instilled in you from a very young age. I am so encouraged. Thank you!
Thanks also for the subscription. I look forward to building the relationship by reciprocating. This is no coincidence too small.
Have a great day!
You’re most welcome
You sound like an excellent mother.
Thank you so much! Seems like I’m doing so much of it these days that I haven’t blogged in a bit!
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the visit.
I have awarded you the Illuminating Blogger Award. Congratulations. You have a great blog. You can get the award and find out about it at my page here: http://drses.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/illuminating-blogger-award/
Blessings to you Dr. Sherry
I most certainly will, Dr. Sherry! Can’t wait to do the write-up! Bless you, and thank you!
Hi Av!,
I have always felt blessed to have you as a friend and I have had the opportunity to read a blog or two in the past. Nonetheless, I want to commend you on your genuine heart and uplifiting writing.
You have always been an excellent writer but the depth of which I had not realized until I read your About me section and your blog posts.
Please continue to enlighten our hearts and minds,
Your friend,
Darlene
Wow! Thanks for the visit, Darlene, and for always being a constant support.
Hi SomerEmpress,
Happy New Year to you. May 2013 bring you more happiness, love, and success. And thank you for keep following my blog. I hope my posts do not disappoint. My subscription went messed up, so now I am resubscribing, looking forward to reading more of yours!
Thank you again, many blessings and much love to you.
Subhan Zein
Good morning, my friend.
Happy New Year to you also, Subhan. You are most welcome! I enjoy your posts quite a bit, actually. They challenge my awareness. Thank you.
Thank you, Somer. I am both flattered and overjoyed. Many blessings and much love to you..
Subhan Zein
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