Have you stepped back and taken a look at your coterie lately? The people who are in your inner circle; the people that you spend the most time with? Even the folks whom you network with on a regular basis? Do you take time out to let them know how incredible they are? I really appreciate my friends, my sisters, my family for keeping me going, and for reminding me of my greatness, even when I am convinced that it does not exist. Its so hard to see past the darkness and the distress, and the majority of the time, its hard to strip the negative self talk of its grand powers. However, when inspiration lies all around you, it becomes a little bit easier to grab hold to it.

My good friend, Geraldine, was recently interviewed by a local news station about life as a student parent at UC Berkeley, given the recent financial crisis, budget cuts and fee increases. She does a beautiful job telling her story, and that of so many others, who are combining academia with family life under these conditions. She is an example of the tenacious student parent spirit. I am so proud of every single accomplishment of the women in my life. That includes YOU too!

It's finally here! After years of dedication and hard work, today, Traci L. Lee gets to present her baby to the world. She has nurtured this project, fueled by her passion for education and the empowerment of young black women. I am honored to be along for the ride as Executive Editor; honored to be trusted with the delicacy of her dream. I am truly inspired by Traci's entrepreneurial spirit!

So, what is Babygirlz Magazine?

An online magazine catering to young African-American women, ages 11-21, with a focus on "Growth Beyond Boundaries".

Babygirlz is all about encouraging young women to see themselves outside the box, and the earlier this process starts, the less time our girls waste suppressing their greatness. We want them to know that no goal is impossible to achieve when you have a support network behind you. Sometimes, all it takes is a little push in the right direction.

I encourage you to stop by Babygirlz Magazine, and bring your daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, and sistah girls with you!

Being a blogger opens up so many different avenues. From networking opportunities to possibilities of seeing the world through different eyes. Most of all, blogging has afforded me the opportunity to make friends and to both inspire and be inspired by words that create change. I am never uninspired by my friend Tameka of the blog Tea & Honey Bread. Her way with words, her beautiful art and jewelry - reminding me that I am never lost in the taupes, or alone as a loner.

As a blogger she has reached a milestone: 500+ blog spots and 200+ followers! To celebrate these awesome accomplishments, she is hosting a Reader Appreciation Giveaway over on her blog. You are gonna wanna check her out and enter her giveaway.

To find out more and enter, click --->here<---

Join me over at Moms of Hue, where I talk about the beautiful contribution that my friend, and fellow student single mother, Koko Mulder, has made to student families at the University of California, Berkeley.

And look who found a friend...