The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Tag: Memphis

  • Middle Finger Up

    Hello Honeybees,

    On Sunday I gave fear the middle finger….like Beyonce said, sort of…. “Middle finger up, tell it….fear bye”

    victory-pic

    Those that are close to me know that I have a fear of heights and water.  My fear of water is not that bad. I’m only afraid of water when it comes above my waist. My fear of heights is very real. Let’s just say climbing a ladder is a no-no.  So imagine me walking across a bridge over the Mississippi bridge.

    big-river-entrance-sign

    Yep, I walked across the Harahan Pedestrian Bridge now known as Big River Crossing.  It’s a mile long bridge that connects Tennessee & Arkansas.  The train still runs alongside the walking trail. Which is what happened while I walked across the bridge.

    begining-of-the-trek

    The views from the bridge are AH-Mazing.  I actually stopped to take a picture. I looked down only once because once was truly enough. And I didn’t want to freeze in the middle of the bridge.

    view-of-bridge-from-the-bridge

    Although conquering this particular fear was not on my #YearOfYes list I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try. I am determined to not let fear get the best of me.  If I did I would be missing out on some of the best times in life.

    shadows

    I didn’t take this walk alone. The ladies that I walked with were so encouraging and supportive. They also shared some very important life lessons. Lessons that I will take to heart.

    group-pic

    Ladies I thank you for the welcome spirit and shared wisdom.

    2016 is almost over and yes there are still fears to conquer and guess what……I’m ready.

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.  Japanese Proverb

     

  • It’s 901 in the 901

    Hello Honeybees,

    It’s September 1st in Memphis or 901 Day!

    I love the city of Memphis.  I love the big city with the small town feel.  Everybody knows everybody.  Everybody is related to everybody.  We all have more cousins than we know what to do with. You know, those random people that show up to the family reunion that no one can really place.  We all have them….if you don’t then YOU might be that person.

    I love the neighborhood pride. I love that Orange Mound is a city within a city. I love that no one can tell me exactly where South Memphis starts and stops.  Believe me it changes depending on who you ask.

    I love the high school pride. I’m not even gonna get into who was or is the best. Nope, not touching that one with a ten foot pole.

    901 Day

    I love the food. Nope, I’m not a big barbque fan but there are so many other good eats to be had in Memphis.  Fried chicken and Fish, Peach Cobbler, Greens, you get the picture.

    I love the music. Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B…you name it we got it.

    I love the friendliness of the people. I love the “yes ma’am” , “no ma’am”.  Although I try to tell young people that it’s not necessary to address me as such, I respect the fact that they still try.

    I love that we have our own language…aint it mane.

    I love the there are so many outdoor spaces to exercise, IF you can stand the heat. I can’t wait to get back to Shelby Farms. I still have not tried the Greenline and shame on me for that.

    I love that there are so many volunteer opportunities and people actually volunteer. Memphis is such a giving city.  Put out the call and people will answer.

    There are so many places in Memphis that I have yet to see and so many things that I have to do. But I know that wherever I go and whatever I do, I will find a long lost cousin who is repping their hood.  They will offer me a plate and ask where I went to high school.  This will start a long conversation. One that I will enjoy having.

    I love my city!!!!

    How are you celebrating 901?

    BelindaBee pic

    Beewisdom- This is Memphis…We GRIND here!

     

  • Bridge Builder For A Day

    Hello Honeybees,

    This past weekend I had a chance to experience what it feels like to be a Bridge Builder. 

    What is a Bridge Builder?   Well I’m glad you asked.

    Bridge Builders is one of the many programs offered at Bridges.  Bridges is a nonprofit that brings together diverse youth from all backgrounds across the Greater Memphis area and transform them into confident and courageous leaders.

    Bridges Logo

    The Bridge Builder program allows students to attend a week-long summer conference followed by monthly events throughout the school year.  As a Bridge Builder, students are empowered to apply what they have learned to improve their neighborhoods, schools and communities.

    Group Pic

    My son has been a Bridge Builder for 5 years.  I had a vague understanding of what the summer conference was like. But the time spent at Bridges was eye opening. During his junior & senior year he spent a week away from home for each conference.  On Saturday I spent 3 hours doing only a fraction of what happens during conference. One of the best parts of the day was meeting and working with other parents.

    Mothers Pic

    We performed team building activities and after each activity we had a “debrief”.  The debrief was very telling. We explained what we did, what we learned and how can we take those lessons back to our community or work.  I can only imagine how teenagers express what they learned.  Our group leaders were super cool.  They just spent the summer working with young people & now they had to switch to adults. They handled it like the professionals that they are.

    The Maze

     

    Little Tea Pot

    This is me leading our group in “I’m A Little Tea Pot”.  I can’t believe that I actually remembered the song AND the moves.

    I REALLY wanted to climb the rock wall but unfortunately the rock wall was not one of our activities.  But Bridges does have open rock climbing days and they also have an outdoor wall.  So NO EXCUSES!!! 

    Rock Wall

    If you ever need a place for team building Bridges is the place.  If you have a student in grades 6-12 this is a great live changing opportunity for them.                                             For more information visit http://bridgesusa.org/

    Who wants to climb the rock wall with me?  Let me know?

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- You must be the change you wish to see in the world-Mahatma Gandhi