Today is #GivingTuesday and the perfect day for you to support local, national, or international causes with your time, money, voice, or other resources.
Here are 4 Birmingham-based organizations I hope you will consider supporting today and beyond.
A Girl’s Guide to Freelancing
I had my first byline when I was only 19 years old. I pitched and wrote a story for The Birmingham Times, the Southeast’s largest black weekly newspaper, and it was published! Since then I’ve had the honor of seeing my byline in publications all over the country including The Seattle Times, The Chicago Sun-Times, USA Today and a number of national magazines. Today I write for several local publications including B-Metro magazine, StyleBlueprint Birmingham, and Birmingham magazine.
Today I want to offer a few tips on how you can start freelancing for your favorite publications, too.
How to Change Your Life
God doesn’t speak to me — at least not in the way I’d prefer. According to the Bible (and Father Lantom on Daredevil), God speaks in whispers. But the world is too loud. I need that burning bush kind of communication.
Over the past couple of weeks, however, I’ve been getting little messages here, there and everywhere that I believe may be divine.
Iron Bowl Saturday 2018
This year’s Iron Bowl Saturday (the day legendary rivals Alabama and Auburn face each other on the football field) felt like my Thanksgiving do-over. I’ve been sick for most of this week, so sick that I had to stay home on Thanksgiving. My husband and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving just the two of us, but I was sad I couldn’t spend time with the rest of my family.
Yesterday I vowed to stop being the sick and shut-in and return to life. I ran errands and even did some low impact exercising. Today I was able to host my annual Iron Bowl party with my cousin Tasha and I got to hang out with my mom, aunt, brother, and other cousins, too. I had too much fun (and too much food).
In addition to being sick, I’ve also been in a bit of a funk this week. But a tweet from author, blogger, and teacher Valencia Clay gave me the boost I needed. She wrote: “been crazy depressed this week. it’s some folks out here feeling as alone as I did … you ain’t alone, you’re actually in perfect company. Roll around in your funk for as long as you need, just know when you’re ready for it to be over, it’s over. Just say 3 words: I’m good now.”
I’ve rolled around in my funk. I’ve rolled around in my sickness. But guess what — I’m good now.
Best Black Friday Deals for Bloggers
As you’re out shopping over the next few days for all the family and friends on your holiday list, don’t forget to buy a little something for yourself — and your blog. Here are a few Black Friday deals you don’t want to miss out on and deals you can take advantage of without fighting a crowd.
*This post contains affiliate links.