Good Guy Swag by Goya Spry

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Saturday, July 20, 2019

“Less talk and more action” are the perfect words to start a conversation about Allan Spry. Everywhere he goes, he leaves a mark, quietly yet unmistakably strong and unforgettable. Do you need an uplifting, encouraging story? You’re reading the right blog. When you finish, share it.
Every young man, as anyone of any age, is a work in progress. Allan has certainly made leaps and bounds already and he’s only in his 20s. He‘s described by many as the “good guy”. The Good Guy Swag is the best title for this blog, fitting for Allan since he exudes integrity and character. Many people talk a good game but oftentimes, there is no substance to it—nothing is done to substantiate their claims. A good guy is less talk and more action.

While playing high school and collegiate level football as an offensive lineman, Allan did not engage in idle chatter nor did very much “trash-talking” rather executed the plays on the gridiron. He doesn’t practice braggadocious lingo, never praises himself nor speaks proudly about his own achievements. Yet, he often encourages others to pursue their dreams and compliments others for their achievements/milestones. When he says he’s going to do something, expect it; don’t doubt him. He does what he says he’s going to do. Oh yes…he is the epitome of being reliable and honest. That alone screams good character.

Life After College
Upon graduating from college, as any young man who is excited about starting a career and a life of independence, Allan had plans. After a knee injury and for other reasons, he made the decision not to play football beyond college. He always knew that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. After all, he had examples of entrepreneurship all around him. His parents had owned a franchise restaurant, his father later launched a company in honor of his two children [Allan & Allison], his uncle owned a general contracting company, and there were other relatives and friends in his personal network who were entrepreneurs. In addition to adopting the family entrepreneurial spirit, Allan simply wanted to be his own boss [a game changer] and make a difference in others’ lives.
An Unforeseen Detour
Life has a way of throwing a few detours along your journey. With an unquenchable faith and belief that GOD knows what’s best and never fails and based on his Family upbringing, Allan stayed the course placed before him. Despite the job offer he received outside of his home state, despite the opportunities that he could have followed to start a career, he made theadmired and respected by many” decision to care for his terminally-ill father. There would be no debating about his decision; he said he was not leaving the state, rather he committed to being his father’s primary caregiver. That’s not only a display of selflessness but undeniable love for his father. One might say that his action was a “real man’s decision”.
Blessings Always Come
Allan knows what Blessings look like. After all, he had experienced them throughout his life. He has always believed that making sacrifices equal to selflessness and when anyone does good work, serves his fellowman, GOD will take care of your needs and desires too, if HE agrees with them. Allan knew that GOD’s omnipotent plan exceeded his imagination but is always best amongst any plan that he or Man could ever conjure. *Allan had always displayed patience and perseverance so while continually helping others and awaiting GOD’s plan, he knew that something great was going to happen. His parents taught him that “good things happen to good people” and to “do his best and GOD would do the rest.”


Moving Forward: Full Steam Ahead!
Allan and his sister, Allison, had been planning to start a business for a long time. Both had the same entrepreneurial desire and longtime interest in sports, always wanting to help catapult others to success, support their community, and award college scholarships to deserving high school students. From that foundation, Spry Players Group, LLC, #SPG, emerged. The company is a sports management firm and success plan headquarters, propelling athletes and professionals into their destiny. Noteworthy: SPG was launched in 2018. It has already secured a few lucrative contracts. AND two (2) $1,000 scholarships were awarded in May 2019 in honor of their father’s memory. SPG’s goal is to award scholarships annually.
Allan, Vice President of Operations for SPG, has plans for the family firm. It would be a risky presumption for anyone to think he’s at his peak. In fact, Allan is just scratching the surface of personal and professional accomplishments.
Talk vs Action: Allan says you should, “Do what you love.” His action loudly speaks, challenges will come but faith, hard work, and perseverance will take you to the end zone for a touch down!
#Strategist #DeepThinker #OneToKnow #Leader
Celebrating a deserving young man,
Goya {GPS}- Your Innovative Blogger
Read more articles at:
🌍1goyahome.wordpress.com
Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com
Tune in to my podcast at:
🎤anchor.fm/goya-spry
📚First book, a collaboration with my sister, will be published in 2019. More details will be provided in the near future.

⭐️ Tyshon Dye Will Be Remembered For More Than A National Champion Athlete by Goya Spry

Sunday, July 7, 2019

💐Today’s blog is dedicated to the life of Tyshon Dye.

Mr. Tyshon LaMetris “Ty” Dye, a resident of Elberton, GA, passed away by accidental drowning on Friday, July 5th at the tender age of 25. The general comment being made by those who knew him well is: “Ty was a special person and loved by everyone.” He’s being remembered as a respectful, kind young man.

Tyshon played for the Clemson Tigers as a Running Back and earned his degree; he graduated in 2017. He contributed to the Tigers’ National Championship title in 2016.

“All of our hearts are just broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I can honestly say Tyshon Dye is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever been associated with or coached. We’re just all heartbroken tonight, and we’re praying for his family and know that he’s been called home.” -Head Coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers Football

“Tyshon was a tremendous person who impacted the lives of all he came in contact with. He had a smile that could not help but brighten up your day and encourage you. He was an incredible teammate and person. We are all better people for having known him. We are all heartbroken over the tragic and sudden loss.” [Online Post]

Tyshon’s funeral service will be on Saturday, July 13th at First Baptist of Elberton @ 2:00pm. Immediately following, the Family will hold the funeral reception at the Elbert County Comprehensive High School in the Multi-Purpose Room. Mack’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service – Elberton Chapel is directing arrangements.

Tyshon Quotes:

“Life has a very simple plot: first you’re here and then you’re not. So what you do in between is all on you.” -Tyshon Dye

“Love the life you live.” -Tyshon Dye

Let’s pray for the Dye Family, the Clemson Tigers and Tyshon’s friends while the Lord strengthens and comforts them during their very tough loss.

-GPS

💐

Plugging In With GPS™️

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1goyahome.wordpress.com

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Send a private message to:

1goyaspry@gmail.com

⭐️Goya’s Honoring Women Series: Honoree Ann E. Dunwoody

July 1, 2019

A Ft. Belvoir, VA native, Four-Star Army General Ann E. Dunwoody, is one of the highest-ranking women in the U.S. military. She’s the first woman to achieve a four-star general rank. She retired in 2012 with a long list of military awards and decorations including 2008 First Female Four-Star General, National Defense Service Medal {with two bronze oak leaf clusters}, Master Parachutist Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, USO Woman of the Year, and the distinguish list continues on to 25+ additional honors. Wow—She’s quite the decorated soldier!

Respective of her earned awards and decorations, Ret. General Dunwoody was an avid proponent of sexual abuse prevention in the Army. Supporting a higher standard, she spoke against the “good old boy” network. That mentality has no place in not only the military but nowhere in our society. During her military career, she faced sexism and prejudices. But Dunwoody soldiered on with no fear, not allowing anyone to affect her journey to serve the American people. Where did she get that fighting, strong demeanor? Well…her father was a career Army officer, her great-grandfather was a Brigadier General, her sister served in the Army, and her military journey includes an 11-week Women’s Officer Orientation where she discovered her “passion for soldiering”. Dunwoody said, “Much of who I am is founded on what I learned from my dad, as a soldier, as a patriot, and as a father.”

Service: 1975-2012

Battles/Wars: Persian Gulf War

Dunwoody’s allegiance to the United States is commendable. Her fight against sexual abuse is equally commendable, if not more. Although in the retirement phase of her life, she actively supports women in the Army. She and her husband reside in Florida.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ General Ann E. Dunwoody, the American people and I salute you for your service!

Celebrating women in all branches of the military,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS™️

Read more of my articles at 1goyahome.wordpress.com

Send a private message to 1goyaspry@gmail.com

🏆National Champion: The Bull Rider and Hip Hop Cowboy by Goya Spry

Wednesday, June 25, 2019

*1st Publication Date: February 14, 2019

This blog may take many of you by surprise. So if the title has you envisioning a Wranglers-wearing (with a pearl snap-button shirt), tobacco chewing white man with a southern draw as with a lot of cowboys and bull riders, you’re in for a Texas-size education. Or maybe you envision a white cowboy who loves hip hop music. Well tip your Stetson and exit because you’re wrong. Stereotyping people has always been the wrong trail to travel. This may be a newsflash for some of you (if you live in places other than southern states), but oh yes; there are black cowboys in the U.S.  Giddy-up! 

Rodeos are to a cowboy/bull rider as NASCAR is to a race car driver. Houston, TX has the largest and richest rodeo and it’s a cowboy’s and bull rider’s anticipated venue for a world-class competition. A rodeo is “an exhibition or contest in which cowboys show their skill at riding broncos, roping calves, wrestling steers, etc.”

*Highest Governing Body: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association 

“Although black bull riders have played an instrumental part in rodeos since the late 1800s with guys like Bill Pickett, Jesse Stahl, and Charles Sampson, it seems the only sport outside of hockey with fewer African-American participants had to be rodeo. Not only is Championship Bull Rider, Craig Jackson, helping to continue knocking down the racial barrier in the sport, but he is bringing a whole new culture with him.”

🌟 Allow me to introduce you to CRAIG JACKSON, the 1st Black-American National Championship Bull Rider. Yep! You read that right. Craig has competed in contests that included professional contestants as local as his home state of Texas and as far as Mexico and Brazil. Bull riding isn’t a cowboy fetish; it’s a sport. Craig is following in his father’s footsteps; like father, like son. Bull riding is in his blood.

{Pictured: Craig Jackson}

Besides changing stereotypes about professional bull riders, there’s an interesting twist to Craig’s bull riding skills. He’s put his own signature on bull riding entertainment. Because of his love for Hip Hop music and rarely heard around bull riding, he’s known as the “Hip Hop Cowboy”. Craig manages to enjoy his favorite music genre while riding a bull to earning many winning titles.  “So when you hear Craig Jackson is also a musician along with being a bull rider, one would by and large assume he sang country music. Wrong again! Jackson is a rapper. Not even a Cowboy Troy-like “hip-hop” rapper, but a real hip-hop rapper. At first glance it seems out of place, but it’s kind of like peanut butter and honey, seems weird until you try it. It’s actually pretty good,” wrote Butch with New 99.1 Country. 

To sweeten this story even more about Craig and his bull riding successes, he has partnered with the NAACP.  The historical organization will match dollar-for-dollar with a mission to award college scholarships to students with an interest 
in the agriculture field. Craig’s philanprothic goal to helping young people attend college and encouraging students to pursue careers in agriculture are more reasons to admire the young man. 
Success is not real success if you’re not helping others along your journey. 

Craig has plans to introduce the world even more to Hip Hop rodeos. Times have changed and Craig’s style of entertaining in the rodeo arena will bring more young people to watch professional bull riders and maybe even become interested in the sport. 

Craig has one child, a daughter. I can only imagine her excitement when she sees her father bull riding. “My mom had to put up with my dad being a bull rider and me being a bull rider. It makes me glad I had a little girl,” he says. 

Thank you, John (Craig’s cousin), for telling me the story about the national bull riding champion!

{Photo: Craig hangs on – all the way to a win.}

Celebrating a rodeo champion,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my articles at 1goyahome.wordpress.com.

Send a private message to 1goyaspry@gmail.com.

If it hasn’t been done before, be the 1st. Then, put your signature on it! -Goya Spry {GPS}

📌The Aging Parent/Grandparent: Are You Available? by Goya Spry

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

An aging parent or grandparent, who is 65 years of age or older, is a member of the elderly population. Are you giving them your time? Are you available for them?


Spend time with your aging parents/grandparents and your elderly relatives. They need you. Call them regularly; visit them often. See if they need anything. If they live alone, it’s highly possible that they have lonely days. Treat them with respect. Show them love, honor and consideration. Be kind. Do unto them as you would want done unto you.  

*Older people are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Read more information here.  👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
A friend posted a Dear Abby Letter on a social media outlet. The letter may be old, but the words are still relevant for many elderly people.
Take special care of your parents/grandparents and elderly relatives. Check on your elderly neighbors. Make a deposit in their seasoned lives

Be a light for someone who may feel darkness. -Goya Spry

Live & Love Well,

Goya Spry {GPS} – Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS™️

Read more of my articles at 1goyahome.wordpress.com.

Send a private message to me at 1goyaspry@gmail.com.

Love. Do what you can while you can. -GPS

Emanuel: The Untold Story Of The Victims And Survivors Of The Charleston Church Shooting

Monday, June 17, 2019

This documentary is about more than racism and profound evil. It’s about a special group of people who welcomed a man to worship with them in the Mother Emanuel African American Methodist Church. They did not know what was on the shooter’s mind and in his heart when they first saw him. This documentary is about FORGIVENESS that may be beyond the average person’s comprehension. The families of the victims and survivors know that forgiveness is about their salvation—their peace, their love for GOD.

*Read about each of the nine (9) men and women who were tragically murdered inside their church in Charleston, SC four years ago. *Their lives mattered before the massacre, and they matter now.

https://www.mic.com/articles/120967/the-9-people-you-should-be-talking-about-instead-of-dylann-roof

*The proceeds from the film will go to the victims’ families and the survivors. Go see the documentary that epitomizes the true meaning and purpose of forgiveness even when it’s hard to forgive.

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -MLK

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my articles: 1goyahome.wordpress.com

Send a private message: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Who Is This Lovely Lady? by Goya Spry

Saturday, June 15, 2019

ELLE JOHNSON, a native Charlottean, is the newest addition to Goya’s Honoring Women Series. The Beauté Boss created a botanical based luxury skincare line, Elle Johnson Co., a world-class product for all skin types.

“Ladies, there are a few things in life you absolutely cannot be cheap about….your skin, your hair, and your shoes!” ~Elle Johnson

Elle’s skincare mantra is that skincare should be nurturing to the skin, easy to use, smell delicious, and feel incredible. Elle Johnson Co. gets a checkmark for all four. I encourage you to visit http://www.ellejohnson.co and check out this amazing, effective product.

“I’ve done a lot in my 15-year entrepreneurial journey. Although Elle Johnson Co. is relatively new, I’ve been at it for quite some time. My very first business was as a wedding planner and although I enjoyed the planning process, the brides absolutely drove me nuts, lol. I was fortunate to be able to transition from wedding planning to fashion and ran a successful women’s boutique for many years while being Vice President of a local fashion magazine and producing events. I styled a few reality TV stars, area socialites, a couple music videos, and planned brand-themed events (televised on RHOA).”

{Pictured: Ayesha Curry w/Elle}

“My days were long with being at the boutique and having scheduled fashion shoots (and shoes) until early hours in the morning, so I decided to scale back, so I could spend more time with my daughter.”

*Follow Elle on Facebook and Instagram. Elle is also the Publisher and Editor-at-Large of Queen City Magazine, http://queencitymagazine.co, an exclusive source to the luxury lifestyle in Charlotte, NC, the Carolinas and beyond. It’s certainly a digital print publication that highlights and celebrates women.

{Photos and Images: Elle’s IG Page}

Every woman has her own, unique definition of success. As a diverse Writer/Blogger, I write about many subject matters and I make it my literary business to read and write about women on a regular basis, women who are well on their way to a phenomenal success story or women who have reached milestones and are now a Honoree on Goya’s Honoring Women Series list because they challenged the status quo with their intelligence, strength, a love for change, and possess a philanthropic spirit. You just cannot beat a better scenario than that.

Keep enhancing beauty and lifestyle for all women, Elle!

🌎GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS

📌Fly with me! Read more of my articles at https://1goyahome.wordpress.com.

📌Send a private message: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

🌟If it hasn’t been done before, be the first. Then, own it! -Goya Spry {GPS}

⭐Goya’s Honoring Women Series: Honoree Leah Wyrick by Goya Spry

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Leah Wyrick, 19, is my youngest honoree so far. My criteria includes representatives of all walks of life, from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. Leah is young in age but her entrepreneurial, innovative mind certainly is mature. Leah made my Honoree List because of the effort she’s made which, according to doctors, will be such an impact for women recovering from breast surgery.

Leah has invented a special bra for women after they’ve undergone breast surgery. There are bras on the market for that purpose but there is a unique, comfortable and more convenient design that Leah has created. Dr. Samuel Roy, cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NC, supports Leah’s design. He stated to WBTV Reporter Amanda Foster, “The bras I get at my hospital, I have to take a pair of scissors and cut them because they’re cutting into the patients and causing wounds. Sometimes, we’ll use safety pins to actually pin the drain bulb on the bra.” Leah took all the issues she heard and decided to make a bra to solve them all. The straps are more adjustable. There is a pouch for the drain bulb and also an area for padding during recovery.

Where Did Leah Get The Motivation? “Leah’s Mother was battling breast cancer when she was searching for senior projects in high school.” Watching her Mother endure the cancer diagnosis, treatments and fight for healing changed Leah. She said, “It changed me. It made me grow up. It made me a better person, and showed me how I can be there for somebody.” Because of this attitude, the Salisbury, NC teen is working to make life less painful and inconvenient for women who are going through breast cancer/mastectomies.

Leah’s Mother expressed how she wished Leah’s bra design was around when she awoke from her breast surgery. Her words and first-hand experience confirms the agony a woman goes through. She thinks Leah’s bra is “pretty”. “The one that I wore was pretty similar to a straight jacket”, said Leah’s Mother.

WBTV Reporter Amanda Foster shared that Leah is pursuing her patent while in college. Because of her innovative spirit and what could be a home run bra design, she’s changed her major to pre-business, with a minor in entrepreneurship. “Leah is working on her third prototype, working on fabrics with a mentor in New York, and meeting with investors to make this all a reality.”

I commend Leah for taking a role to help make women’s life better who are challenged with breast health. Way to go, Leah! I look forward to seeing your bra design in stores and online soon for the women who will celebrate your design!

Sending healing prayers to those battling breast cancer,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

📌Read more of my articles at 1goyahome.wordpress.com.

📌Send a private message to 1goyaspry@gmail.com.

If it hasn’t been done before, be the first. Then, own it! -Goya Spry {GPS}

Best Creole Cuisine: The Famous Dooky Chase Restaurant In New Orleans by Goya Spry

Monday, June 3, 2019

Whether you call New Orleans “N’Awlins”, “Nola”, “The Crescent City” or “The Big Easy”, the colorful city is worldwide-known to have the best creole cuisine. One of the best creole restaurants in New Orleans is the famous Dooky Chase Restaurant, founded in 1941. The restaurateur, who is known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine and Iconic Chef, is none other than Mrs. Leah Chase. Mrs. Chase cooked every day in her restaurant. She wouldn’t have had it any other way. She championed creole cuisine. From her historical savory shrimp gumbo to sweet potato pie with pecans in the crust, take a hearty appetite to the staple New Orleans famous spot and your palate will thank you.

The restaurant gets its name from Mrs. Chase’s husband, Restaurateur, Jazz Musician, and Entertainment Promoter amongst other accomplishments, Edward Lawrence “Dooky” Chase. When Mr. & Mrs. Chase first met, his family restaurant was a small sandwich shop and lottery ticket outlet. It also became a thriving bar. After they married, Mrs. Chase transformed it to a fine dining restaurant and it became the place for Civil Rights activists {Black and White} to meet. The restaurant also became the first white table cloth restaurant for African Americans during segregation in the 1960s.

Read more here. 👇🏼

https://www.wwltv.com/mobile/article/news/leah-chase-was-an-iconic-figure-in-the-civil-rights-movement/289-7ba5eb12-39ea-468e-8d59-33e675088011

Mr. Chase passed away in 2016. During his impressive lifetime, he entertained Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the likes and made lifelong relationships with other famous people in the music industry such as Ray Charles and Quincy Jones—just to name a few.

Mr. Chase Was Iconic

👇🏼

https://louisarmstrongjazzcamp.com/edgar-lawrence-dooky-chase-jr-receives-the-jazz-pioneer-award-at-the-noachc-2015-scholarship-fundraiser/

The Chases Entertained Many, From Freedom Riders To Presidents

The late President H. W. Bush and former President George W. Bush dined at Dooky Chase Restaurant. Jambalaya and stewed okra were two of George W. Bush’s favorite dishes.

Former President Barack Obama experienced Mrs. Chase’s creole cooking at least once. She “admonished him with a playful slap for putting hot sauce in her famous gumbo.” That was a no-no.

Forbes Wrote It Well

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2019/06/02/the-culinary-world-mourns-new-orleans-leah-chase-gracious-icon-of-creole-cuisine/#f201d212601a

Mrs. Chase’s Cookbooks

On Saturday, June 1, 2019, we lost “a beautiful soul, a good pioneer, a phenomenal chef, a beacon of humanity and humility”. Mrs. Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine, passed away at the age of 96.

A woman who grew up on a farm during the Depression and with great intelligence, pioneered her way to a rich life with her husband that is now a part of a rich history. The pre-eminent couple made an indelible mark on the world. They brought people together. It’s unfortunate for anyone who did not have the honorable chance to meet them, including myself.

“Everyone can cook if you put a little love into it, if you try.”

-Leah Chase

♥️ Daughters and Son Will Continue The Legacy: A Message From The Chase Family

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

http://www.dookychaserestaurant.com/photos

…and that’s a good note to end on.

Until next publication,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

“If it hasn’t been done before, be the first. Then own it!”

-Goya Spry, Plugging In With GPS™️ Beauty is in the details.

⭐️ Goya’s Honoring Women Series: Honoring Vicki Chancellor by Goya Spry

Friday, May 31, 2019

“I don’t wanna mess this up. I wanna make sure that when I leave the role, in two years, that I leave it better than when I came.” That’s not just the persona of the first Black-American chair-elect of the McDonald’s Operator’s National Advertising (OPNAD) Fund and the first woman to serve in 19 years, it’s in her character. Owner-Operator of seven McDonald’s restaurants in the Atlanta area, VICKI CHANCELLOR, is the second woman to ever serve in the position. She serves honorably.

{Vicki Chancellor: Photo by Craig Butts}

Whenever I get to know a person, I look beyond what is said and concentrate on what s/he does, consistently and unselfishly. Character, vision, philanthropic track record, and leadership skills are admirable and clearly identifiable. Vicki fits the bill, clearly pushing boundaries.

Vicki is one of 800 women who are McDonald’s restaurant owners-operators. Many of them are young women {millennials} who are Mothers and juggle a home-work lifestyle. We, women, maintain that we are up to the challenge of having it all. When anyone questions the ability, I join Vicki and ask, “Wanna bet?” There’s no claim to be superhuman, but women with families certainly can be top professionals simultaneously. Limits are placed on women; women do not view themselves as limited.

The Power of Being An Entrepreneur

The notion for the Chancellors to own a franchise business began in Charlotte, NC. After careful consideration, McDonald’s became their decision to make the investment after an offer was presented to them. It’s no debate that it’s gratifying to own a successful business. The measure of success is relevant to more than monetary profit. Entrepreneurs create jobs and the conditions of a prosperous society. With her husband by her side to assist, Vicki employs 500+ employees. That affects the job market and the purchase of goods and services. The investment of owning a business ensures a better life for many people. It becomes a domino effect. Vicki said, “It’s a business that can be passed down to generations.” Owning a business can be impactful. It’s imperative to reach back and see who you can help. Vicki and her husband serve in and outside their community.

{Vicki and Husband: Photo by Craig Butts}

“Many of us face rejection and give up. What quality or characteristic drives you to say, “I’m going to try this again.”?

-Vicki Chancellor

It’s a new day, Ladies and Gentlemen! Women are knocking down doors with no apologies. But we shouldn’t do it without taking others with us. We should want to help others excel. There’s room at the top!

Encouraging all women to encourage and empower one another,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS™️

Read more of my articles at: 1goyahome.wordpress.com

Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

“If it hasn’t been done before, be the first. Then own it!” -Goya Spry, Plugging In With GPS™️ Beauty is in the details.

Rick Clark: A Businessman of Influence, Relentless Self-Motivation And Optimal Purpose by Goya Spry

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Rick Clark is an exceptional businessman of influence who takes prodigious business leaps. His mission and vision are fueled by his clear, conscionable notion to stay on a journey to build a legacy. But his vision doesn’t stop there. He wants to elevate others along his journey and help them accomplish their short and long term goals. That’s how a visionary thinks. Driving at a steady speed, the success of others motivates him to stay at the wheel of no looking back. Rick is in it to win it!

It’s quite a challenge to abbreviate an illustrious life such as the one Rick has led and still leads. After all, his eventful life began decades ago and he’s still fired up. From being a former NASCAR team owner and former Super NFL Agent to being a current Co-Brand Owner (Beer and Bourbon Company) / Global Artist / Film Producer, there’s so much in the middle that will captivate any career-driven audience and should not be overlooked. He does not limit himself by missing opportunities to connect with like-minds who also pursue lucrative business opportunities. He’s formed meaningful, lasting relationships over the years and one of the best ones is undoubtedly with Cylk Cozart. The below link is Rick’s mini-bio. I encourage you to click and read. Don’t cheat yourself from getting to know about an icon’s professionally-productive life. I must emphasize; it’s described as a “mini-bio” for good reason. It’s not all-inclusive. Rick is planning to launch fashion products, watches, jewelry, his wine label and more. His creativity and innovation are endless.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8444178/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

The cliché, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” is certainly true but I also give credence to being business-savvy and having global knowledge. No one can take them away from you. Rick, undeniably, has a wealth of both.

⭐️Whiskey/Bourbon, Beer and Wine: Cylk Blended Whiskey and Country Roads Beer – Rick and his friend and business partner, Cylk Cozart, have dedicated so much time to produce quality beverage products. Rick’s wine label, Black Fox Wines, is soon to be available. The reviews for all of their beverages have been stellar!

🛳 Feel like cruising? This presentation will entice you to make reservations. These guys know how to do it!

⭐️Video: “Celebrity Cruises by Rick Clark & Cylk Cozart”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ejNVQVq-kP0

*{All images and video were created by Rick Clark.}

With confidence, I can assure you that Rick Clark will be on the business radar for many years to come. As previously mentioned, he once was a Super NFL Agent. Well…he’s a different kind of agent now. I’d like to summarize all of his life’s work to what he successfully has become; i.e., a Super Change Agent. He’s a champion at creating, developing and executing.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

-Anonymous

Cheers to a success-driven influencer, an extraordinary businessman!

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS™️

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Know Swimming Safety Rules by Goya Spry

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Whether you know how to swim or not, you just may not know all there is to know about safe swimming. The season is here again for enjoying the beach and pool. Some people will be swimming in lakes and rivers too. This Memorial Day weekend will have a massive number of people gravitating toward any source of water to enjoy a cool splash. Before going in, everyone should be water competent; be water smart.

Everyone should learn how to swim. Many parents will sign up their child for swimming lessons yet do not know how to swim themselves. If the child is in trouble, the parent should be ready to help their child to safety.

To avoid injury or tragedy, exercise caution:

*American Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

*Keep pools safe and childproof.

https://www.safety.com/pool-safety-tips/

*National Safety Council Report

http://snicc.org/files/uploads/Facts_about_Swimming_Pool_Drowning_Accidents.pdf

*Rip Currents

🏊🏽‍♀️If in trouble, swim parallel to the shore. Swim out of it, not against it.

* Dry Drowning 👇🏼

[Discuss With Pediatrician/Family Physician]

https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/dry-drowning/

*Don’t forget to wear a life jacket or life vest, especially when on boats.

*Swim & Learn: Swimming Lessons for Infants, Children, Teens & Adults

-Check your local listing for professional swimming lessons.

Red Cross Lessons

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming

📌No one should swim alone (especially children); anything could happen.

📌Public pools should always have at least one lifeguard available.

Have safe fun!

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs at: 1goyahome.wordpress.com

Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Diversity Is Not Some Type Of Charitable Activity by Goya Spry

Sunday, May 19, 2019

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Diversity as: “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety; especially: the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization.”

Diversity is a word that’s used so much nowadays that one would think it’s some type of charitable activity or implementation of a new law. Diversity has been a hot topic for decades. It’s also been challenging for some people to practice. If acceptance and inclusion of people’s differences were a norm in schools, work places, groups and organizations, diversity would not be a hot topic—consistently in need of action despite so many years of discussions and efforts to educate people. Literally, there are people who have been hired or appointed to carry the diversity torch to educate people about diversity and inclusion. So many people still have not gotten it right. Some groups and organizations, even major corporations, are operating with sheer ignorance about diversity and others are purposefully disregarding its importance and value. You have another bracket of people who simply do not care, who practice exclusion more than inclusion. You know the ones—the ones who think their way is the only way, who do not like change. Unfortunately for them, they’re losing in the game of progression, loss of employees and at high risk for loss of revenue.

Diversity is often thought of as race or gender differences more than anything else. *Diversity also means differences in skills, personality traits, values and attitudes; e.g., people of the same race and same gender could bring so much to the table just by their documented experiences/training and intelligence.

*A top-rated university defines diversity best: “It means understanding each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.” People are the engine that drives any machine. So when we see any group or organization that does not have a diverse environment, our concerns should be directed to management/the leaders of that organization. Have the conversation.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has added the catch-all word, woke. It means to be aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues. Are you now “woke”? It’s true that a diverse environment is advantageous for all intended purposes. Think beyond yourself; think globally. Practice diversity.

⭐️ Invaluable Resource:

Subscribe to Racing Toward Diversity Magazine {Free Subscription} 👇🏼

http://racingtowarddiversity.com

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

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1goyahome.wordpress.com

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{Image Credit: #thinkgrowprosper}

Rockets Don’t Have Rear-View Mirrors by Goya Spry

Friday, May 17, 2019

Having a “Rockets don’t have rear-view mirrors” mentality will soar you into another dimension. Rockets have a basic mission: propel into the universe. They have unlimited maximum altitude and all that matters is where they’re going, a true-to-life metaphor.

Rear-view mirrors serve a purpose; i.e., for looking at the traffic or vehicle that’s coming from behind. Rockets have no concerns about traffic and nor should we while pursuing our goals. Like a rocket, be powerful and accelerate to new heights—never looking back. Disallow deflections [being thrown off course] and ignore negativity altogether. Your goals are yours and everyone won’t understand them. They don’t have to. The vision and fire are in your gut, not theirs.

Taking risks is a part of a forward-thinker’s journey. Nothing in life is worthwhile unless risks are taken. Proper research can minimize risks. Fear is a natural emotion and often accompanies taking risks, but don’t allow fear to paralyze you from taking risks or you’ll never get to the next level. Fall forward. Decrease the gap between who you are today and who you want to become, while elevating others along your journey.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” -Suzy Kassem

Action is key. Be ambitious about your goals. Reach for the stars; pack away the rear-view mirror.

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs at 1goyahome.wordpress.com.

Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

GOYA’S HONORING WOMEN SERIES – A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY EDITION by Goya Spry

On Mother’s Day and every day, I honor my Mother, the late PATSY BOULWARE PEARSON. She was a longtime, active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Many of her conversations with her children, grandchildren and others were about the importance of prayer. She also stressed the importance of pursuing an education. She was an avid reader, kept abreast of sports teams, particularly basketball, and she enjoyed politics. She received her undergraduate degree from Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. Also, she matriculated at Coulter Presbyterian Junior College, Benedict College and the University of South Carolina. My Mother took advantage of every opportunity to learn. She thrived on advancing to the next level. She was an advocate for children. She believed that children’s development is important and that parents should prioritize their children’s lives.

My Mother’s work ethic was beyond reproach. This character trait, along with the importance of serving the Lord, was instilled in her twelve children: six daughters and six sons. Her resumé included a work history as an educator, nurse, and she also worked in corporate America in several capacities. During her senior years, she worked with children and she volunteered at voting polls. My Mother was extraordinary. My Brothers, Sisters and I love her dearly. Her final day on earth was Thursday, April 8, 2010. ✝️

I hope you enjoyed reading about my dear Mother. Happy Mother’s Day!

Honoring All Mothers,
GPS – Your Innovative Blogger
Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com
Read more of my blogs at: https://1goyahome.wordpress.com

 

Not Talked About Enough—Unreported And Unresolved by Goya Spry

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Let’s cut to the chase. How many times have you cringed [this month alone] when you heard about an abusive or neglected incident concerning a child? How many stories have been in the media in recent years about a parent(s), stepparent or boyfriend/girlfriend murdering a child? Too many. Lately, the news headlines have not included strangers rather someone the child knows and perhaps even live with. Some daycare workers, teachers, priests/clergy and coaching staff are harming children in reported cases across the country and often times, the victims have already become adults before the incidents are known. Who can we trust with our precious children? The bottom line is that we cannot trust anyone. Watch your child closely, monitor everything and everyone regularly—no matter if they work in a daycare, school or if child is receiving care from a nanny, relative or friend. It’s better to be on guard at all times. *When caregivers, teachers or any adult who is responsible for your child knows that you are monitoring their care closely and daily, the chances of abuse will be slim to none. Let’s push for “none”. The child’s welfare must always be priority….ALWAYS.

So many adults are failing children simply by not reporting abusive incidents [the first time]. Oftentimes, government agencies, such as Department of Social Services [DSS] and Child Protective Services [CPS], are not representing the children well enough, even when there have been reports of abuse and neglect. We hear news reports about agencies too often about their failure to represent children. It’s ludicrous that many people protect the adult and not the child. It disgusts me that so many employees are not properly doing their job as case workers. The case worker and/or agency should be held liable for failing a child and compromising their safety by not taking steps to recommend removing a child from an abusive environment.

The legal process can be complicated. A judge can place a child back in the care of an abusive parent or guardian for reasons that the general public will not understand. The adult appears to have more rights than the child. All State Legislators should be on board to pass a bill that will impose stiffer measures of punishment—up to life years imprisonment. If anyone was aware of the abuse yet did not report it, there should be a minimum punishment for that person as well. Steps must be taken to decrease or eliminate abuse and child murders.

*If you know about a child being abused or neglected [by anyone], report it. Be a Whistleblower for children; save abused/neglected children. They need your voice; they need your help. Be a child advocate.

📌Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Phone Numbers by State

https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/?CWIGFunctionsaction=rols:main.dspList&rolType=Custom&RS_ID=5

📌Child Help

800.422.4453

*Need help with personal or family situations? Seek assistance by contacting Gateway. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/

*Don’t fail the child whom you know is in an unsafe environment. Report it. Protect the child, not the adult.

On behalf of keeping children safe,

GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

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👉🏼1goyaspry@gmail.com

Goya’s Honoring Women Series: Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated {AKA} International President by Goya Spry

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Before I start honoring the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, I must honor the organization, founded in 1908 by twenty African-American women, itself. What is the sorority’s purpose? Why do so many African-American women {undergraduate as well as graduate college students} want to pledge to the “pink & green”, which are the sorority’s official colors, and become prestigious members? The reason certainly can’t be to receive official permission to use the sorority‘s universal sound, “Skee Wee”, which is a registered trademark. There is no sound like the purring of a proud AKA.

Mission

“Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was founded on a mission comprised of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception more than a century ago. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind”.

Historical Fact
“The small group of women who founded Alpha Kappa Alpha at the turn of the last century were conscious of their privileged position as college-trained women of color just one generation removed from slavery. But at the same time, they were sensitive to the needs and struggles of the less fortunate in underserved communities in their hometowns and in other environs beyond their travels who were in need of goods, services and opportunities beyond their reach. The young collegians’ commitment to scholarship, leadership, civic engagement and public service, woven together by the bonds of lifelong sisterhood, formed the bedrock of the rich legacy of servant-leadership that epitomizes the sorority to this day. And the global reach of its programs, laser-focused on the health, wealth, family, education, human rights and parity issues that concern its constituents, ensures the relevance of the organization into perpetuity.

Current Leadership: 2018-2022

{Goya’s Honoring Women Series Honoree: ⭐️Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover}

Leading with the theme, “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service”, International President, Dr. Glenda Glover, leads the 300,000-member AKA sorority alongside a Board of Directors and manages 1,024 chapters across the United States and several foreign countries. She has implemented five {5} program targets: 1. HBCU for Life: A Call To Action, 2. Women’s Healthcare & Wellness, 3. Building Your Economic Legacy, 4. The Arts!, and 5. Global Impact. Dr. Glover, eighth and first female, also serves as president of Tennessee State University in Nashville. Significantly, she is one of only two African-American women to hold the Ph.D., J.D., C.P.A. designations. A life sorority member, Dr. Glover was initiated at the Alpha Psi Chapter at Tennessee State University and has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha for more than 40 years.  She has held leadership positions at the local, regional and international levels, including chapter president, International Treasurer and International First Vice President and service on several international committees.

Dr. Glover brings a combined four decades of teaching, administrative and executive experience to this prestigious leadership role. She is at the helm to lead the irrefutable, service-driven Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority further into GREATNESS and to make a worldwide difference!

🌟Celebrity AKAs and AKAs Who Hold Political Positions – List Includes Honorary Members

  1. Sheila Jackson-Lee, U.S. Representative 🇺🇸
  2. Kamala Harris, Candidate for 2020 President of the United States 🇺🇸
  3. Phylicia Rashad
  4. Toni Morrison
  5. Loretta Devine
  6. Wanda Sykes
  7. Star Jones
  8. Jada Pinkett Smith
  9. Brandy
  10. . Alicia Keys
  11. Vanessa Bell Calloway
  12. . Maya Angelou
  13. . Iyanla Vanzant
  14. . Coretta Scott King
  15. .Mae Jemison
  16. .Rosa Parks

…and many more

*There are other prestigious sororities led by impactful women. They will be honored at a later date.

Encouraging all women to encourage and empower one another,

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message to:1goyaspry@gmail.com

Bullying Is Unacceptable: Let’s Talk About Prevention by Goya Spry

Friday, April 26, 2019

Bullying has become a major problem in our society. Children are bullying other children in school and online. Bullying is unacceptable. We need to “actively” do something to extinguish it. When children feel comfortable to report to adults when they are being bullied or when they witness others being bullied and when adults stop the first sign of it in every case, in time, bullying will not be the major problem that it is today. Adults should monitor children’s behavior and ask questions about their day regularly. This is very important because some children do not “voluntarily” talk about their school day, how badly they feel about something that they have experienced and why.

Statistics

  1. About 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online with one in four being verbally attacked more than once.
  2. About 35 percent of kids have been threatened online.
  3. About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something has been said about them or to them online.
  4. Other bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another.

http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-statistics.html

*Bullying can escalate to a tragedy.

Children are increasingly choosing to take their own life because they no longer can handle how bullies make them feel. Some children are taking matters into their own hands by becoming violent and bully others themselves, sometimes resorting to even killing because they have gotten fed up with being taunted, called derogatory names, being hit, shoved around, embarrassed in front of others, and yes even threatened. Their self-esteem and confidence are severely compromised; they can even lose concentration on their education. This must stop.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Children should not fear other children nor be reluctant to go to school or wonder about what “Tommy”, “Jane”, “Michael” will say or do to them. They go to school to learn and to be with their friends. They should be enjoying their life from day-to-day and should be totally safe from others’ bullying behavior.

📌How can you help extinguish bullying?

  1. Talk with your children about bullying. Give them examples and include the first signs of bullying such as negative comments about their hair, clothes or anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell them that they should report any problem that they are having, not only to their teacher or a school official but to you (their parent) as well. Tell your children that they should not bully anyone and discuss consequences.
  2. School districts should have an anti-bullying program and each school in the district should be required to implement the program each school term, including participation from parents, community and local authorities such as the sheriff and/or police department for support. Consequences should be clear to students. Parents should ask their local school district about Bullying Prevention programs and how bullying is addressed in their school.
  3. Online Bullying is becoming more prevalent since children communicate using electronic devices such as their cell phones, iPads, tablets and computers. This is called Cyber Bullying. Parents should closely monitor their children’s online activities and have rules and guidelines.
  4. All children should know that they will be safe if they report any incidents, whether bullying happens to them or if they witness it happening to someone else.

{No child should feel isolated, alone nor fear anyone.}

*Bullying Prevention is important. Adults can get ahead of this major problem just by addressing it EARLY and OFTEN at home and in schools.

🦚 GPS

Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message to 1goyaspry@gmail.com.

Goya’s Honoring Women Series by Goya Spry

Friday, April 12, 2019

{⭐️Today’s Honoree: Brigida Mack}

Since incorporating “Goya’s Honoring Women Series” as a blog in January of this year, not once have I found it difficult to select a woman. The list of phenomenal, extraordinary and diverse women is very long. It was particularly very easy to honor BRIGIDA MACK. Whether I describe her as my favorite Charlotte news anchor [and why], an influencer for a cause that changes people’s lives or an effective voice of inspiration and encouragement, if I’m not careful, this blog could convert to an essay or a book. Abbreviating her professional and philanthropic life seems an injustice of who she is. There’s so much that I could write about Brigida.

I’ll begin with her work as an award-winning Anchorwoman at WBTV. She’s received countless recognitions and awards for her work and initiatives. When I relocated to the Charlotte area some years ago, I watched a few news programs and observed the anchors’ style of reporting and personalities. There was something unique about Brigida. First, her stage presence is pleasant. Her smile is natural and she exudes sincerity. She may read the prompter while reporting the news but it’s evident that she is knowledgeable about the stories. Brigida has a style of impartial reporting and her wide range of expressions is refreshing and compliments her reporting style.

Sugar Detox Plan

Many people follow self-improvement programs; not many people actually create one. Brigida did. #TeamNOSugar is a healthy style of eating that Brigida has challenged anyone to try if they want to decrease sugar intake and be healthier. #TeamNOSugar is a 3-step sugar detox health plan. People who follow the plan have reported losing their sugar craving and significant amounts of weight: 75 lbs, 50 lbs, 92 lbs, 20 lbs, 87 lbs and the successful weight loss reports continue. From a diabetic who wants to be healthier, to a woman who wants to lose weight for her wedding day to a couple who is tired of the extra weight, to a man who wants to lose his middle section, to a person who just wants to feel better, #TeamNOSugar works! The participants had to commit to the healthy plan but Brigida got them started with believing that removal of excessive use of sugar in their diet cannot only change their life but potentially save their life. She enjoys receiving success reports and she cheers participants on—all the way to the finish line. #TeamNOSugar decreases the chance of acquiring a disease, elevates energy levels and helps with other benefits to improve overall health. Brigida doesn’t promise that the process is easy but she will tell you that it’ll be worth it.

What else has Brigida been up to?

That’s a loaded question. Brigida does not miss an opportunity to inform and educate her community and beyond.

Over the years, analyzed data has been provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical researchers and social scientists about disparities with the black population, particularly black mothers’ death rates being higher than white mothers. Brigida has spent weeks researching and interviewing knowledgeable sources and partnering with leaders such as Charlotte Mayor, Vi Lyles, so that she can provide viable information, including new developments, to the public. Mayor Lyles issued a Proclamation that states in part, “April is National Minority Health Month and April 11th is the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights, the inaugural Black Maternal Health Week National campaign is a week designed to increase attention to the state of black maternal health in the U.S., the root causes of poor maternal health outcomes, and community driven policy, program, and care solutions;” Proclaimed by the Charlotte Mayor, the Proclamation declares April 11-17, 2019 as “Black Maternal Health Week” for the city, respective of research for facts and improving outcomes for Black women. This is significant on so many levels and Brigida is committed to the cause. It’s important to her and she wants it to be important to all of us.

Positive Influencer

Brigida has such a positive attitude and she’s passionate about encouraging others and being a positive influencer for all people. I’ve read many of her messages and the one that comes to mind at this moment is: “The only person’s growth that you’re responsible for is YOURS.”

Thank you, Brigida, for your unique and effective literary technique in the field of journalism and helping to balance others’ lives!

You can email Brigida at bmack@wbtv.com. If you want to follow her on social media outlets, she’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You really want to check her out!

Encouraging and empowering women,

🦚GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message.

👉🏼 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Protect Your Secret Sauce by Goya Spry

Sunday, April 7. 2019

You cannot reveal your “secret sauce” too soon in any environment: work, new partnership, new relationship of any kind. You gotta do your due diligence and get a feel of things. Know your ‘audience’ before you share all of your fabulousness. Hold onto “your brand”. Do not immediately share what you authentically know you have as your best, unique, “got it like that” skill (gift). You know the skill; the one that your Family, professional network and close friends tell you about. Break out your “secret sauce” when you have the instinct that it may elevate you to another level. That’s when you release your secret sauce. Don’t show your hand prematurely.

🦚 GPS

Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com