My Happy List
Fun, free writing and community resources, recipes, and more
Every morning I try to wake up and thank God for all my blessings and list at least 10 things I’m grateful for. This helps me stay focused and centered. Happiness is a choice. Oprah has her Favorite Things -
Here’s my Happy List for 2022:
1. Friends and family — I’m blessed to have friends and family who love, support, and accept my flaws and all. Shoutout to my Aunties — for prayer and meatloaf
2. What I Learned — I attended a great writing workshop from Solutions Journalism that focuses on finding solutions while maintaining journalistic integrity
3. What I’m Writing/Reading — Medium.com is where I write, read, and find community. Medium has inspired me to dust the cobwebs off my brain and try my hand at writing again… since my college days (many, many moons ago). This week I wrote about 5 No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipes.
I’m also writing on News Break… Here is my latest story —
Dr Mehmet Yildiz his work on metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance is amazing
Toni Crowe prolific writer and gifted storyteller
KSHernandez amazing poet
Benny Lim, Roz Warren, Tori Franklin, Carmellita, Janice M. Flanders, Dr. Preeti Singh, Julius Evans, Melanie J., Cholia 'Lia' Johnson, Creator's Hub
Congratulations to Kern Carter on his latest novel: Boys and Girls Screaming
4. Writing Resources — NaNoWriMo is hosting a virtual writing camp this month and although I’m struggling, it’s good to know there’s a program and community that supports my long-term writing goals.
5. What I’m Watching — Abbott Elementary, The Ozarks, Comedians: I’ve binge-watched comedy specials from Tiffany Haddish’s They Ready, and Hot Tamales (featuring female comics), Yvonne Orji and Michelle Buteau, The Daily Show, and Beyond the Scenes with Roy Wood, Jr., and Nikki Glaser
6. In the kitchen — Flights and Food’s Spicy Berbere Lentil Chili and Veena Azmanov’s Best Hummus Recipe; Gadgets and Helpers: Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven and Air Fryer
7. Sippy’s and Snacks — Calabash Tea’s TeaTox, and Matcha are my favorites (right now)
8. Where to Eat In The Streets — Deke’s BBQ
9. Bath, Body, and Face — Organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil
10. Free Community Events — The Refresh Writer’s Room hosts free, bi-weekly Saturdays at 10:30 am EST

Thank you for reading!
This is a revised version of a story originally published on News Break.
