You Can Get with This... or You Can Get With That...

"Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls...are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered." - James Patterson

I love the above quote so much. It is so telling of life, yet there are many people who do not seem to agree with this sentiment. While working is an essential aspect of life because the reward/result of the exchange [i.e., income for your services] provides for most of your needs and wants, the work you do will never be who you are because your job can change. Your place of employment can change in the matter of a moment, and you will learn the new rules of that workplace.

However, your family, health, friends, and integrity are all so fragile. One error could negatively  impact the course of your future in the matter of seconds. It is so important to wisely invest [time] into those around you. Of those whom you can make the choice to have around you (boyfriend/girlfriend, friend/associate, specific coworkers) be certain they are worth your investment. You do not want people to deposit fraudulent checks into your spiritual bank account. It is worthless. These relationships in your life cannot be improved by any sort of monetary reward. They require the work and investment of your heart and time, which you can never get back.

NOTE: your husband/wife should not be an option whether or not to keep around once YOU made the decision to marry the person (unless abuse or infidelity is/are involved). Do not misuse the institution of marriage because of momentary selfishness. But this is a topic for another day.
 

As for my outfit, this is ankara I had for sometime now (like since 2013). I remembered it, dug it out of the closet, and had this little number made. I have more material so will make something else schnazzy from it. People so did not think this was ankara, and thought it was from Zara. Hehe! Some pics before I started playing with my darling niece.

Good day all. x

Mercy. Favor. Glory.

When you die, die on E. Leave no dream left behind. 

I had the crazy, awesome opportunity to represent my company - DeBisi - at a celebrity pre-event for the BET Awards a couple of weeks ago. When I say it was only God, I mean it was: ONLY GOD! The opportunity literally came out of nowhere; I did not solicit it; it just came to me. And I so thank God. I flew out to Los Angeles and had a great time meeting and speaking with people with my friend from college, Tenley. She was such a great help, navigating me through the sunny streets of LA. 

This is what I wore. I figured I may as well be bright (and wear my favorite color) when I am among the stars. :) 

xo

Just Look Over Your Shoulders, Honey!

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner. – Lao Tzu

 

This lady! I've known Khadija since high school, and each time I see her, she ALWAYS looks great. This dress is everything.

 

 



Ms. President

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true" -Leon J. Suenes 

This young woman is one of the sharpest people you could ever meet. She has a spectacular life ahead of her, and without doubt I am sure she will exceed so many expectations. 

Here she has three different looks of modern-day Ghanaian style. 

Wavy...

"Every set back means you're one step closer to seeing the dream come to pass." - Joel Osteen 

If you have not done so yet, don't forget to enter for your chance win this ankara.

Wings

 "...What is hidden is more interesting than what is obvious..." 

I remember when this girl used to be a tiny little baby. Time literally waits for no one.

Abi's dress style is very different, and is solely for the daring. 

Statuesque

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." -Steve Jobs

That quote is very raw, but it is so true...I love it. 

Power shoulders and faux peplum skirt.

Tube top dress with a one-shoulder chiffon overlay. Very nice and clean shape.

It Takes Two

"I'm not one for formulas. I believe God is very creative, but I believe examples [of others'] encourage us & remind us to trust God." -Heather Lindsey

These two sisters-in-law took the very traditional buba and iro (shirt and wrapper skirt) and wore it in the modern style...mini.  Even the sleeves are shorter than the traditional style. 

Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend. 

Straight to the Point

"Take responsibility. One of the things that saddens me the most about my people is fathers that don't take care of their sons and daughters. And you can't blame that on The Man or getting frisked. Take responsibility. Look in the mirror and say, "What can I do better?" There is opportunity; you can make it. Whatever it is that you choose, be the best at it. You have an African-American president. You can do it. But take responsibility. Put your slippers way under your bed so when you get up in the morning, you have to get on your knees to find them. And while you're down there, start your day with prayer. Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. I'm not telling you what religion to be, but work on your spirit. You know, mind, body, and spirit. Imagine—work the brain muscle. Keep the body in tune—it's your temple. All things in moderation. Continue to search. That's the best part of life for me—continue to try to be the best man." -Denzel Washington 

Panels

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” - Albert Einstein

A simple knee-length dress with side panels. This shape is very flattering as it draws the eye to the waist, especially since they are rounded and not simply straight. 

Good day, yall.

A Family Affair

"People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway." - Kent M. Keith 

I love that quote...it could not be any more true.  We as people are very selfish.  But if we choose to be continuously self-absorbed without having love for one another, this world would never have peace.  So love people who even curse you.  

Those of you who faithfully follow my site can see that the interface has gone through some changes.  My good friend's mother has helped upgrade Beese's Pieces...and for that I am truly grateful.  If you need any graphic design assistance for your own projects, visit her site at http://clwdesigns.blogspot.com .  Thanks again, Mom.

Two childhood friends- sisters- here at a traditional engagement party. 

 She used a red purse to match her sister's shoes. 

Happy Thursday. 

The Old and the New

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't want to say you rarely see young people wearing geles (head ties) with their modern traditional wear, but you definitely don't see it as often as when people are wearing iro and buba (blouse and wrapper).  But here, Veronika does an excellent job rocking her gele with a modern-style dress. 

Silk organza one-sleeve peplum dress

Makeup was gorg as well.

Classic

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest." - Confucius 

 My friend from high school looking as beautiful as ever.