Being Silly with Greg and Steve

I was in a music classroom the other day "pitch hitting" (code for substituting) for a teacher. She left explicit instructions on what music to play, which kids to watch, and pretty much how to clone her methods in her absence. Well, ya'll know me. As soon as she was out the door (she came right back to see what we were doing and to thank me for coming) we got right to work. Work, its a music class! Yeah boy we had so much fun singing and playing silly games. Yes, I can be silly too! One of the songs she left was "Muffin Man" by Greg and Steve. Its days later and I can't get that song out of my head. Ugh! Pre-school parents know what I'm talking about. It was on. We went marching around that room making silly faces, strutting to the rhythm, jumping and hopping. It was so much fun. Then we got quiet by listening to BB King. That reminded me of wonderful story of meeting Mr. King and I had to share it with the class. Storytelling is a great way to get a class back under control. They were hanging on every word as I teased them about when and how I met him. I described the room, the tour bus, his body guards, my friend's beautiful silver-gray hair. I had them in the palm of my hands. We had a great afternoon and I repeated the exact same thing for each class I saw that afternoon. Guess I must have lost some much needed weight that afternoon.

About the Author

A segue from the classroom as an early childhood educator has found Patrice Baylor Leigh committed to following her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. As an education consultant and creative writer Ms. Leigh finds time to share her early childhood education experiences with the public via radio, print media and as a consultant. After beginning her work on a PhD in educational leadership, she discovered with the help of colleagues that her best career move would be to pursue “a career [that allowed for growth] and room for invention and free expression of ideas. Making a career move within a heavily bureaucratic organization would appear slim.”
Patrice Baylor Leigh’s creative works include published songs: The Master’s Plan, This I Know, Looking for the Promise. She frequently writes for magazine publications and is currently compiling a work of poetry. “Looking for the Promise” is her first novel.
Ms. Leigh holds a B.S. in Education, a Masters in Leadership and Policy and has begun work on her PhD. She resides in Atlanta with her husband of 28 years (who is also her pastor), and two adult sons.

Looking for the Promise

The story of Marva Stewart Shepherd is told in a series of flashbacks dating back to her teenage years. Marva, an attractive forty something year old woman has lost her charismatic edge due to a series of unfortunate incidents. She looses herself in the process of caring for others. The ill treatment she receives from the men in her life causes her to take an extended vacation at the family's summer retreat. Alone she can reflect on the status of her life and marriage.
While on the beach the story of her life plays out and what happens as a result of her past involvements is cause for laughter, tears and possible victory.
Marva's desire to escape her circumstances brings around old friends who spark memories of life in the promiscuous lane. Having come from a large family, Marva's ultimate goal is to leave her parents home to pursue her life's dreams. Her way of life is threatened when the one she thought would fulfill her longings is caught up in his own issues of infidelity and theft.
When Marva interrupts her vacation and returns to her home in the city, what she finds sends her into a rage. As a result her life takes her on a very interesting journey. Buy It Now!

Possibilities Become Realities

On the Brink of All That Is Possible

I’ve been troubled in the spirit for the last two days and didn’t know how to shake this feeling. It comes always while at the brink of a tremendous opportunity. Blame the enemy, which that small voice said. No, this feeling will have to be overcome with the knowledge that God is in control and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. It is acknowledging that what is about to happen will upset the status quo and all involved will be catapulted to the next level in Him. Why then can’t people see this new phase and congratulate and capitulate. Last night while slipping into slumber Joel Osteen was broadcasting a message that was good to the soul. “God is setting the table in the presence of your enemies”, he said. That’s what’s up? Yes, the table has been set and the “dinner bell” is about to ring. What an awesome pick me up. As he closed with prayer, I turned off the TV and went silently to sleep with the knowledge that my future is secure and that He will show me how to walk in the presence of enemies.

Dear Niece and Nephew,

In the movie Jerry McGuire the character is unable to sleep because he has had an epiphany. His conscious is shaken and he writes a memo to his co-workers expressing his thoughts on the new way the game should be played. Well, as I prayed for my household this morning I too had my ah ah moment! The lord began to speak to me concerning you and so I also prayed for you. I asked the Lord to make you the head and not the tail, to not allow the enemy to use you as the scapegoat. His tricks are very divisive, subtle, and cunning and they come in many forms. The plan is to enslave you so that your potential for greatness will be thwarted. I pray that you will be loosed in the Holy Spirit in order to see all of the things God has prepared for you. He has set before you a table and you can feast in the very presence of your enemy. This morning as I write to you I want to first encourage you to be strengthened in your faith. The triumphs are not coming, they are here. If you take your eyes off the prize all of your blessings will be blown away like the sands into the sea, drowned. Hold on to what you know is right. Don’t let others persuade you that you don’t have the tenacity, knowledge or grace to move to your next higher calling. It is in you. You are destined for greatness, you are of a royal priesthood a now generation for a now time. Take hold of your day and command great things unto yourself. As he makes your pathway bright and your steps ordered, acknowledge that this help comes from the Lord. May you find yourself wrapped in His loving arms as he unfolds your bright future. Be encouraged and exalted in Him.

Love you much,
Aunt P

"Meet the Author"

Patrice Baylor Leigh
Sunday, June 7, 2009

Time: 1pm - 3pm

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