So, last I reported, there was someone that was to help with building the site for Babygirlz. It may be that I spoke too soon because while he did begin work, it was hard to keep him on the project. This individual is going through his own issues, in life right now, and I just hate that what he is going through kept him from fulfilling my need for Babygirlz to come alive.

Yet, this mere obstacle doesn't mean that I am supposed to give up, it only lets me know that it's near and to keep moving. Why else would it keep getting sabotaged so close to completion. The only thing stopping this is that I don't know how to build sites myself. That is all about to change though. What this has taught me is that I have been too long dependent on others to help me get this project (that is very close to my heart) off the ground. I am making room in my life to gain the experience I need to remove the middle man.

I "thank you" all for coming by to check the status of Babygirlz and I sincerely regret that I have not given an update before now, but life happens sometimes, and things get neglected...it won't happen again. I will update every step of the way.

I love you all!

Sincerely,
Traci

I just wanted to check in with how when we do what we are able to do, "God does the rest".

It's absolutely wonderful that young girls are so cared for and that so many people want to reach out to help. It's amazing! I love it! A lot of strong, beautiful, women have come forward to offer their assistance when this magazine goes "live" and even during its infantile stages, and it is such a good feeling to know that this venture will involve so many.

Babygirlz is going to work overtime serving as the empowerment tool that so many of our young girls need - that many of us needed growing up. We are taking it back to the "village" to make sure our girls get to, early on, realize their potential and be fearless enough to pursue their true destiny. To not have any dreams deferred. To have self-love. To have belief in oneself that will shine through.

My sister's signature used to read "Every mother has the power to make her daughter feel beautiful". Though I believe with my whole heart that is true, there is always going to be that mother that didn't have that herself, so is incapable of how to give that to her daughter; thus continuing the cycle. This is just one of many things that will be addressed with the magazine, as there are many. I just focused on this one, in particular, because it speaks to some of what is missing and some of what needs to be restored/built.

Imagine a world of Michelle Obama's...beautiful, confident, educated, powerful, and making her own choices!

Imagine. This magazine is going to serve a TRUE purpose.

The idea for Babygirlz was born in 2003 when I was in constant contact with a young lady that was very close to me at the time. She was going through a tough time with life's growing pains and there seemed to be no end in sight for her. She had a lot of turmoil in her family life, problems with focusing on school, feelings of inadequacy, etc. Since I was a person she confided in, I felt compelled to take her under my wing. I kept her as close to me as I could while becoming a mentor, of sorts, for her.

During that time, I was a college student and often took her with me to class to get her used to the idea of higher education and the diligence that went along with it. However, nothing could pull her from the road she was so determined to succumb to.

Year after year, she and I would connect on some level and at times I really thought I was finally getting through to her. I made several attempts over time to ensure that she always felt good about herself, to let her know that she is destined for greatness because God places none of us "here" for mediocrity.

I placed actions behind my words by introducing her to certain areas of life previously not visited. I sometimes took her to my job, taught her software programs, and discussed work ethic with her. I even talked at length with her about the lack of options available when education is not something possessed. After so many years of resistance from her, I came to realize that all the talking in the world would not heal the hurt she was living with. She'd endured a lot in her life and had internalized it for so long that: 1) Either I could not reach her, or 2) I had to find new ways to increase the chances of reaching her. I opted for the latter, and in the process, began thinking about all the other girls in the same situation who may or may not have the same support in their lives; yet could use it, and the idea for Babygirlz was born.

Although I don't feel I succeeded in helping bring her into her true self, I honestly think that just being there when she needed me to talk to or to see her through whatever transition in life she was engaged in at the moment, made a difference. I am still very much a part of her life to this day and I will continue to do what I can to help her as she journeys through.

The primary goal for Babygirlz will be to provide a safe haven, and an outlet of sorts, for young women who feel that they need/want a guide for those parts of life that are baffling, hard to handle, or even unfamiliar to them.

Hello all,

Things are pretty exciting right now. After 6 years, and 3 different designers for the Babygirlz site, we are finally getting close to a full launch. Sometimes what we need is right there in our faces for the taking. All 3 of the individuals that I previously worked with, were paid...yet did not finish the job. After enduring the disappointment for 6 years, there were times in there, that I did give up. Yet, my dream kept resurfacing in some way or another. Whether it was me seeing a young girl that needed my help, or my son asking "Mama, I told my teacher that you have a magazine...when is it going to come out?", it was ALWAYS there. They say when our dreams keep confronting us, we should not ignore them.

The last of the individuals to partially take on my project left "completed" last week and sent all the files that she'd worked on up to this point - for me to finish on my own. Well, if I had the capability to design a site, I would not have waited this long to see Babygirlz come to fruition. That's neither here nor there. Just when I was about to give up, I had my newfound Sistah, Akilah (in ALL her wisdom) snatch me back to reality. Then there was Barbara, who NEVER let me give up and was always there offering whatever I needed in the form of research. And I can't forget Christa who is my confidante, my sister, and believes with her whole heart in ME.

With this last "let down", I listened to what these women had to say to me, individually, and I began my conversation with God. He knows that I listen, but He also knows that sometimes I let the day get so loud that I do not hear. So, on this particular day, last Saturday to be exact, I listened and I acted. I sat with myself and became one with my thoughts. It came to me! I remembered that the man my cousin has children with, is a software engineer. I called my cousin (who lives 3,000 miles away in Ohio) and asked her if he was still doing that type of work. When she confirmed that he was indeed still building sites, I asked her to give me his number and to please let him know that I would be calling. Long story, short...I called, he said "yes", and he also said as long as I buy memory for his computer, he will bring the whole site to life for me. God is GOOD!

I will be honest, with everything that I have been through, I am not in full relaxed mode yet, but I remain hopeful. Not only that, I can visualize it so I know that it's near. I also know that I will NOT give up at any point until I am up late nights trying to bring a new issue into the next month...

My girlz have waited long enough and there has not been a moment that went by that I have not thought of how I would help them through their journey called life, so I know THIS is meant for me. If I can touch one life, that would make me happy...to touch many would be so rewarding.

Thank you for your patience.

Peace,
Traci