Tuesday, January 30, 2007

There is NEVER too much on my plate to do something I love!


So please take a minute out of your busy day to check out my new show, "WOMEN ON THE GO!"

THE OFFICIAL WELCOME!

Hello and Welcome (see now it's official!) ...

to the first edition of Women On The Go. Women on the Go is an audio magazine for women with busy lives and a need for easily accessible information and entertainment, that fits their lifestyle. Whether you are a single working woman, a Mom on the go, or a little of both, Women on the Go has a complete lineup of features with tips and information that help you get through life's daily tasks. Women On the Go is also the place you will find inspiration, entertainment news, and content that truly matters to you.

The audio magazine comes to you each month, available for download from our website or from a variety of pod cast sites, like iTunes, and ODEO.com. As your host, I will introduce you to several features and specialists, who can help you with everything from making the family dinner easier and healthier, to speaking with inspiring Women On The Go, just like yourself. (This week's Women On The Go's Woman Of The Month is LA BANKS!)

We hope you enjoy this first edition of Women On the Go, and hope you will return each month for the latest installment of Women On the Go. Your feedback is very important to making the Women On The Go audio magazine and website, integral parts of your daily life.

Sincerely,

Nikki Woods


Check out the website and we're on MySpace as well!

I would appreciate comments, suggestions and kudos!

As always, thanks for your support!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Who are you not to be GREAT!

Our deepest fear is NOT that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

This is one of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite inspirational authors Marianne Williamson. I remember seeing her the first time on The Oprah Winfrey Show when her first book, A Return To Love, was published. It was then that Oprah admitted that the reason she felt she couldn't lose her extra weight, is because it made people more comfortable with her power. Can you imagine, staying in a body that doesn't feel comfortable to you, simply to put other people at ease? Quite a sacrifice, huh? And it may sound silly to some but I wonder - if we really think about it, how many of us dampen our light in one way or another in order to make others more comfortable with our power. Think about it today and sing with me the song we all learned in church before we could walk:

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
(The kids hold up their index finger and move it in a circular motion.)

Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
(When the kids sing "Won't let Satan blow it out....they blow on their finger.)

Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

(The children cup one hand over their finger and when shouting NO they remove their cupped hand)
Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I'm gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.


Here's to seeing your lights shining all over the world!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Some Memes

I'm really starting to like these things .......

**Swiped from Tenacious Views**

1.How tall are you barefoot?
5 foot 9 inches of LOVELY!

2. Have you ever flown first-class?
Only way to fly .... unless of course you're in coach. :)

3. One of your favorite books when you were a child?
Let The Circle Be Unbroken

4. A good restaurant in your city?

Keefer’s

5. What is your favorite small appliance?

My Blender

6. One person that never fails to make you laugh?
I laugh a lot but three in particular, NA and my two boys.

7. Which TV dad will you resemble and why?
Bill Cosby. I love his cuddly sweaters! *lol*

8. What was the first music that you ever bought?
I think it was a New Edition tape

9. Do you do push-ups?
The new age word is *planks*

10. What was one of your favorite games as a child?

Chess

11.What is the one thing that you cook that always receives compliments?

Too many to count. I'm a great cook.

12. When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Lawyer and Diana Ross

13. Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Tortilla Soup

14. What in your life are you most grateful for?

My family

15. Have you ever met someone famous?
Who haven't I met? It's what I do.

16. Date Of Birth?
June 23

17. Top 3 thoughts at this exact moment:
this is a long ass quiz
my cowboy sounds so sexy when he's sleepy; he's whispering
my three year old is adorable in long johns

19. Name five drinks you regularly drink:

water, tea, milk, mango smoothie, and mountain dew

20. From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
I read five papers a day for my work

21. Current hair?
Curly ... just washed

22. Current worry?

none

23. Current hate?
hate is a strong word but current irritation is nosey people AND women that refuse to move on

24. Favorite place to be?
where my heart is

25. Least favorite place to be?
in line at target

26. Do you consider yourself well organized?
For certain things I'm downright anal for others not at all

27. Do you believe in a afterlife?
yes to a certain degree

28. Where do you think you will be in 10 Yrs?

I have no idea but it's the not knowing that is most of the fun! I know whatever it is - it's gonna be FABULOUS and wrapped in LOVE.

29. Do you burn or tan?

I burn on my nose and shoulders ....... tan everywhere else.

30. Hey?!??! Where's number 30?

lol

31. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?

I am the ultimate optimist!

32. Last time you had an alcoholic drink?

Dang ... I don't know ... need one though.

33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Etta James ... At Last

34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?

A cat .... ever seen Pet Cemetary?

35. What’s in your pockets right now?
Um no pockets ... typing in my underwear.

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
Big Mama 2!

37. Best bed sheets you had as a child?
Cinderella .... the original Diva!

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
Haven't had one

39. Favorite song?
Omarion - Icebox.

40. How many TVs do you own?

FIVE

41. In the last calendar year, how many people have you told that you love them?
I couldn’t even count…umm most of my family .... few friends .... and :)!

42. Last thing that made you blush?

LOL. It's still making me blush

43. Best compliment received?
My sister told me the other day that she admires my inner strength.

44. What leaves you speechless?
Not much. Really only one person can achieve it on a regular but that's a good kind of speechless.

45. What is your favorite book?
Malcolm X

46. Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex?
Does P and J count? My three year old's favorite.

47. What songs do you want played at your wedding?

I have no idea. Etta James is THE song though.

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
Well since I’ll be dead, I don't think I'll care too much.

49. What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?

Whew .... :)

50. What would you like to accomplish with the remaining years of your life?
Raise my family, continue with my career(s) and LOVE!

Everything

The thunder that rolls across my skies
The lightning that flashes in my eyes

My earth, my sky, my moon
The very soil beneath my feet
Every star up above

Breath of life,
Blood flowing through my veins
My past, my present, my future
And everything in between

Ocean deep and heaven high
The farthest extremes of perfection

The only song I want to sing
The melody that dances on the wind

A raging hurricane
A storm almost out of control
A soft, cool rain
on a hot summer night
The calmness in my life's oceans

The shimmering gold
of every sunrise and sunset
The sun could never rise without
you to gaze upon

The gates that swing open
always asking me in
The tallest tree
dancing in the wind

The mountain stream
Flowing with innocence
and beauty

Dreams in wake
Wishes answered
Prayers granted
Fantasies lived

You are all of this and more My Love, You are everything.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Excerpts of a LOVE LETTER from Me to You

Anyone who knows me, understands my romantic nature even when I choose to hide it deep within me. Outwardly, I prefer that my sensible nature is projected to the world; more for my own protection than anything else.

I have the heart of a poet, even if poetry is not my forte and I long for happy endings even if the road traveled to get there is not smooth.

I come by it honestly - my grandmother's Harlequin's were the books that I stole during the hot summers of my adolecents and the love letters from my father that my mother still keeps locked in a chest were what I dreamed of before I went on my first date.

Putting pen to paper and detailing your feelings for another person is to me the most romantic thing that can be done. But then it is the nature of a romantic to want to have something that can be held, savored and treasured for lifetimes to come. Poetry and love letters exemplify that. But as I said before .... I'm not a poet.

Romantics also tend to be self-indulgent. We are as romantic and tender with ourselves as we choose to be with others which makes are capacity to love even bigger.

Romance is personal and the most honest glimpse of a person's true nature. It is for that reason that I choose to share excerpts of my LOVE LETTERS with you. The pesky details of who and why are not important though I am sure that will be speculated on by the many lurkers that stalk my blog. If a moment is wasted doing that then my point has been missed. But then maybe it's not in you to grasp.

It is the feeling that I wish for others to understand, the feeling I wish for everyone to have - a pure and honest love that bridges an eternity. It is that feeling that motivates sharing my most intimate romantic thoughts.


I decided to write in Blue this morning. I guess because it has several meanings: your favorite color, my mood so far, the hew of the sky and the ocean. I thought about us walking by the water this morning. It had a tropical feel but no real set destination. You had on a fluid white shirt, unbuttoned, so it blew effortlessly with the breeze allowing more than just a hint of your smooth, strong chest. The tangy smell of salt hung gently in the air, broken only by the freshness of your cologne. The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon and our fingers were intertwined, warm and just a tiny bit sweaty from the humid morning air. The bass of your laugh harmonized perfectly with the soprano of mine. When you leaned down to kiss me, your lips were still tangy from the Mango that we'd taken turns feeding each other. I enjoyed the exotic fruit again as your mouth lingered over mine with the promise of more sweet things to come. There was no need to look into your eyes to know that I would find love shining there, your soul had already made love to mine. It was only 8:30am and it had been a perfect day.

The thought of you is so familiar and constant upon my mind that any distraction but even for a moment leaves my heart wanting and wishing for your return. You have this woman's heart overflowing with desire for your presence. If for nothing more than a soft kiss upon my hand or a touch upon your cheek, I want. The thoughts created from within your mind amaze me. Hours, years and lifetimes of light and in depth conversation could be enjoyed between us. From the beauty of a summer's day or the smile of future generations to the folding of time and space or the beginning of a new life, I could be absorbed in sharing thoughts, ideas and dreams with you forever and always.

To hear your voice elates me. The thought of you makes me smile. The thought of you unhappy, just as easily crushes me. You have affected me in so many ways. The adrenalin runs through my body with overwhelming desire for you.It seems that my heart has nearly come to the point where my mind has no words to relay the passion felt within. A fire grows daily. From wanting, to desiring to needing and more. And more. Yes much more.

My life is starting to become so different, even if my days seem the same. And I must confess that it's you who has changed my outlook. You have opened my eyes to some amazing new possibilities. I will forever be filled with a new sense of wonder and joy, because you have shared yourself with me.

I must confess that in some ways I feel inadequate. My mind is questioned; can I match your gentleness? Can I give you feelings as warm and secure as the ones you have bestowed on me? You have chosen to show me such strong passion combined with secure sweet affection, that I can only hope with time you feel a glimpse of the same emotions from me.

The storms that we have endured this year have made us stronger and I am in a place I have never been before. I'm in a place that is calm and serene, but exciting and exhilarating, all at the same time. This place is neither a state of mind, nor just one of physical being. It is a place where my soul soars. It is a place I share with you. I'm in a place where, my mornings begin with you in my thoughts, and my days end with you in my mind. I'm in a place where, when good things happen, my first reaction is that I'm excited, because I'll get to share them with you. I'm in a place where, when bad things happen, I know that you'll be there to provide comfort and make the world right again with a your words or a soft kiss of care. This place that I hold in my heart for you is precious beyond words. You are there, and I am a better woman because of it. I'm in a place that I never want to leave, and I pray it is a place I never have to leave. Just know that when you hold me in your arms, I am in the safest, most treasured place in the world. The place that I am in now is the best of all. I am with someone I can trust, confide in, play with and enjoy life with. You make me so happy. I can't begin to describe how you really make me feel so I will offer just this: I love you.

The sea that parts us is my enemy, but I gaze at the moon and ask it to reflect my love back to you so far away. You are the answer to my passion and my dreams. I live for seeing you, for being with you. Now that you have given me the gift of your love, my appetite for you is endless. When I am with you, the world goes away. I feel only you. I breathe only you. I sense only you. Our time together is very special to me. There are very few moments that a woman knows will linger with her for the rest of her life, and you have already given me many. Thank you for being such an extraordinary part of my life. I miss you, my love. Please forgive my foolish words and girlish heart. Accept them as tokens of the emotions you inspire in me. I will wait anxiously to be with you. Until then you are in my heart, and in my mind, and I will ache with a yearning that can only be satisfied by your loving arms and warm kisses.

But the most romantic thing of all is to be able to tell someone you love them without having uttered a word.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown .....

or maybe I shouldn't set this post up to be some battle of the sexes. What I think we are lacking these days is a meeting of the minds between males and females and how they relate to each other ... in and out of the bedroom. I never thought I would agree with the old adage ... Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus .... but the more I relate and communicate with the opposite sex, the more I believe it's really true. I understand that men and women are created differently by design .. with different goals and distinct job descriptions but in order for us to coexist in opposite sex relationships on any level, some sort of appreciation and acceptance of those differences is essential.
With that said, there are very few people who can alter the topic of my blog posts ... but "That Boy Johnson" happens to be one of him. Here is his response to My Inner Ho Entry.

K.O. Johnson said...

Great entry Ms. Woods! Wanna make the dialog real interesting? I wonder how many men are really ready for such an exploration? Fellas talk a great game, but most women know that the double standard often comes into play. Many men really can't handle wifey being superfreak. Girlfriend? Perhaps. Girl on the side? Definitely. But wifey? The survey says... M-E-L-T-D-O-W-N!

I laugh at the thought just as I do with fellas fascination with girl on girl sex. Yeah right, til the 'lil ego" gets threatened.

Just my take.

Just your take indeed, Mr. Johnson.

So on the hotseat of discussion ... men, their egos and how the two play out behind closed doors.

Ladies ... do you think a man's ego is too fragile to allow us to really express our sexuality without limitations and not be threatened?

AND Fellas ... what's your spin on this? Is it ok for your woman to step up to the plate and take control of the sexual experience?

FYI: We're not talking about sexual promiscuity per say. Just women embracing their inner hoe .... or to be more politically correct: Embracing their sexual independence.

Friday, January 12, 2007

I thought I would try something different ... literally and figuratively!

So often in romantic relationships we focus on the actual relationship and neglect the less talked actual relations! I'm guilty of that ... figuring if it ain't broke then don't fix it ... but have you ever thought about upgrading it? And yes, by IT - I mean sex. I'm not ashamed to admit that somewhere in my sexual journey I asked myself, "Is this it?" Growing up reading romances, I knew deep inside that there had to be more. Unfortunately, it just hadn't manifested itself yet and I certainly didn't know where to look for it. I had no idea that my sexual pleasure was way too important to leave up to chance or to entrust to my spouse or partner. I didn't know that my sexual happiness was in my hands.

Now, don't get nervous, I didn't mean that literally. Um .... not that there's anything wrong with that. :)

BUT ... what I mean is that sometimes, we as women are way too content to be passive partners in the bedroom. So I went on a search ... a journey ... to find my inner "ho" - and I mean "ho" in the most positive sense of the word. Amazing how gaining some sexual confidence can change your outlook on life. It also helps to have a partner that you can trust, one that encourages you to explore and enjoy just as much as he does. (wink)

Below is an article that I discovered in my travels .... Happy Reading!

NINE THINGS "GOOD GIRLS" CAN LEARN FROM PORNO-GIRLS:

Almost all men watch some porno, but almost no men wants to be dating a porno girl on a day-to-day basis. EXCEPT ... when you're in the bedroom ... and then he'd LOVE to see you channel the hidden porno superstar who's lurking somewhere DEEP inside of you.

So today from Brenda Della Casa, the author of the book "Cinderella Was a Liar", I bring you nine things "good girls" can learn from porno-girls. Enjoy!


#1. SHOW SOME ENTHUSIASM. In the world of porno, women are RANDY all the time ... just like men ... and they want relations constantly. So, instead of having him always initiate things ... take control and DEMAND sex NOW. He'll gladly concede.


#2. SAY SOMETHING. Porno-girls talk dirty ... REALLY dirty ... and that can be a HUGE turn-on when you do it in real life. So, suck up your embarrassment ... and try talking dirty, from fore-play through the end of the relations.


#3. USE YOUR THIGHS. "Good girls" can be embarrassed of their thighs. But men love them ... and love how the women in porno wrap their thighs around a guy. If you're really worried about how your legs will look, use candles for a soft flattering light.


#4. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOURSELF. There's not a single man alive who would be turned off by seeing his woman doing some touchy-selfy in front of him. Whether it's before or during relations, don't be embarrassed ... and go for it in front of him.


#5. DRESS CREATIVELY. Switch up how you dress ... so it's a different experience every time he undresses you. Sometimes the porno-girls wear business suits; sometimes a dress ... sans panties; sometimes leather; whatever. Men are visual and they like surprises ... switching up what you wear fulfills BOTH of those fantasies.


#6. TRY NEW THINGS WITH HIS BODY. By this point, you've probably figured out what works for your guy .... so you do it over and over and over. Women in porno don't just stick to the basics ... they explore a guys WHOLE body. Try some light biting or using your nails ... and when you're messing around below his waist, don't just focus on WILLY ... play around with "his neighbors".


#7. DRESS YOURSELF UP. Yes, during relations, your hair is gonna get messed up. So's your makeup. But ... porno-girls always go into their scenes with their hair done and their makeup perfect ... and they don't care what happens. Try doing that yourself ... doing your hair, your makeup, your nails ... it'll make you feel sexier and more confident.


#8. DON'T DO FAVORS. Don't make fell-ah-chio into a gift ... or only try new positions after he take you out for a nice dinner. The porno-gals do hings they know their partner will like ... and then, they ask for what THEY want in return.


#9. DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT REALLY MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE. Just because you're trying to channel the porno-ho inside of you ... it doesn't mean you have to do ALL the stuff they do. That means ... if you don't want him to "have his way with your heiny", don't let him. If you're not into letting him "shower you with his love," then don't agree to that. The main thing you're trying to embrace is SEXUAL CONFIDENCE ... and that includes the power to say NO.

Holla Back!

To read Brenda Della Casa's article in its entirety, click here.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

What in the world??????

Well, I'm sitting in Border's - my favorite spot to go when I want to focus on a project with minimal distraction ... meaning minus two little tornadoes name Tyler and Junior. It's easy to be inspired surrounded by limitless literature and caffeine. Normally.

Doesn't seem to be working today.

Backstory: I was selected by a best-selling author (No, not Zane) to contribute a short story for his anthology and I really wanted to start laying the foundation for that - think on characters, plot, location, etc.

I bought a cup of coffee, picked a quiet spot by the window, powered up the laptop.

And I was doing alright - mulling over some storylines, doing a bit of research, looking on line ..... you know, trying really hard to be focused on writing.

But then I had company. A ten year old boy asked for an autograph - damn those 50 foot WGCI billboards - and his mama wanted a little bit of conversation. I never mind that. But when they left, I decided to check a few of my online spots.

And that's where I got stuck.

There are sooo many interesting things to do and see while surfing the Internet.

Among other things ......

1. I watched a video on the ten emotional stages we go through to open a tightly sealed jar.

The 10 Stages of Opening a Jar

Add to My Profile | More Videos

2. I created a zwinky. Not quite as fun as Build-A-Bear but close. You be the judge:




or



I continued to be amazed at the unnecessary amount of flesh that is exposed on MySpace. I'll spare you an example of that.

I learned that of the ten most dangerous toys of 2006, my kid's have three. I will confiscate them today while they are napping.
Click here and see if you are as bad of a parent as I am.

And I finally broke down and took a damn survey.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name:Nikki Woods
Birthday:June 23
Birthplace:St. Louis
Current Location:Chicago
Eye Color:Brown
Hair Color:Brown
Height:5'9
Right Handed or Left Handed:Right
Your Heritage:I'm a combination of a lot of things - just like everybody else.
The Shoes You Wore Today:Black and Silver Nike's
Your Weakness:The three men in my life - T, J, N
Your Fears:Wasting Time
Your Perfect Pizza:Pepperoni, Ground Beef, Onions on Thin Crust
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:I'm doing exactly what I want to be doing
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:lmao
Thoughts First Waking Up:Is it 2:30 in the friggin' morning already?????????
Your Best Physical Feature:My smile
Your Bedtime: the same time as my children usually - ain't that sad?
Your Most Missed Memory:sleeping in until noon
Pepsi or Coke:Coke
MacDonalds or Burger King:Neither
Single or Group Dates:Who needs a crowd?
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:Lipton ... my mama drinks it
Chocolate or Vanilla:chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee:plain old dunkin donuts coffee
Do you Smoke:nope
Do you Swear:make me mad and see
Do you Sing:yes .... much to the annoyance of those around me
Do you Shower Daily:few times a day
Have you Been in Love:MADLY
Do you want to go to College:
Do you want to get Married:yes
Do you belive in yourself:if I don't - who will?????
Do you get Motion Sickness:sometimes ...
Do you think you are Attractive:I'm pretty cute
Are you a Health Freak:no but I should be
Do you get along with your Parents:They are my heroes
Do you like Thunderstorms:if I'm not alone
Do you play an Instrument:a couple of them ... not very well though
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:I've had a sip or two ...
In the past month have you Smoked:nope
In the past month have you been on Drugs:legal ones .... alleve is my drug of choice
In the past month have you gone on a Date:yes ... quite a few
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:yes
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:nope
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:yes
In the past month have you been on Stage:yes
In the past month have you been Dumped:nope
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:nope
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:are you serious?
Ever been Drunk:yep
Ever been called a Tease:nope
Ever been Beaten up:nope
Ever Shoplifted:nope
How do you want to Die:OLD
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:still trying to figure it out
What country would you most like to Visit:Spain
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:Doesn't really matter as long as they see out of them
Favourite Hair Color:Brown or black
Short or Long Hair:Short
Height:over 6'2
Weight:'bout 220
Best Clothing Style:his own
Number of Drugs I have taken:a lot of legal ones
Number of CDs I own:don't do cd's anymore
Number of Piercings:3
Number of Tattoos:2
Number of things in my Past I Regret:don't have regrets

CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!


All in all, not a totally wasted day .... but I still have to write! Toodles.

PS. Be Blessed!

Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy New Year


For This New Year:

I want all the best things in life to bumrush your life with such a fury that you have no doubt what exceptional living is all about. So this is the only toast I could find that was appropriate.

I wish a gang of SMILES come to terrorize your face.

I wish that PEACE breaks into your home,

And vandalize the place .... with LOVE,

May your clothes always reek of SUCCESS,

And may HAPPINESS

Slap you so hard across the face,

The only tears you’ll cry are tears of JOY.

In short ...

Let 2007 Be The Best Year of Your Freakin’ Life!!!