Feel Good: Reflections

Monday mornings are always the craziest for me as I try to get back into the work week swing. Especially since my son has been in a body cast for the past month from breaking his leg. Needless to say, it has been a stressful summer so far. I had finally gotten everything into the car: baby, backpack, wheel chair, pillows, lunch, laptop and of course...my cell phone. I didn't get a chance to check it all morning because of my mommy morning Olympics. I glanced at the phone and noticed I missed three calls. One of which really concerned me... a call from my good friend and webmaster Alan at 6AM. I had to brace myself when I called him back to learn that K - Swift had past away.

K-Swift and I worked together in radio at 92Q in Baltimore. Just hours before Alan’s call, she was involved in a pool accident at her home. To know that this young woman of only 29 had been taken so earlier left me speechless as I looked back at my son in the car seat. K - Swift was more that a night-time personality. She was the ultimate example of having a burning desire to succeed.

I remember Swift as the humble go-getter that waited in the wings for her debut center stage. Once she got her time to shine, she was unstoppable. She accomplished so much in her short life; producer, radio personality, record pool director, and CEO of her own company. The last time I saw K-Swift was in May of 2005 in Miami. She looked radiant and was loving life.

Loving life is a lesson we can all learn. So as my husband and I brought our son to camp for a few hour to visit his friends, I was reminded how blessed we are as a family, broken leg, and all. Each day is a gift. Don’t let office politics, family drama, or uncomfortable situations overwhelm you. Grow from them and create a life you’ll LOVE.

K-Swift, so beautiful, so talented, so LIVING the GOOD LIFE in HEAVEN. R.I.P. baby girl!

Karen Vaughn BookClub July 2008 Selection

UPDATE July 22, 2008: Check out a few of the pictures of our July Gathering. Hope you can make it next time. For more on the Karen Vaughn Book Club, check out www.myspace.com/kvbookclub.

Theme: Mentoring our Girls
Letters to a Young Sister by Hill Harper
In the follow-up to his award winning national bestseller, Letters to a Young Brother, actor and star of CSI: NY shares his powerful wisdom for young women everywhere, drawing on the courageous advice of the female role models who transformed his life.

Letters to a Young Sister unfolds as a series of letters written by older brother Hill to a universal Young Sistah. She’s up against the same challenges as every young woman: from relating to her parents and dealing with peer pressure, to juggling schoolwork and crushes and keeping faith in the face of heartache. In his straight-talking style, Hill helps his young sister build self-confidence, self-reliance, self-respect, and encourages her on her journeys towards becoming a strong and successful woman. The book also includes contributions from admirable women like Angela Basset, Ciara, Michelle Obama, Tatyana Ali, Nikki Giovanni, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrikck, Eve, Malinda Williams, Kim Porter, and more.

The Karen Vaughn Bookclub Gathering & Coffee Tasting
July 22nd 7pm – 9pm
Starbuck Coffeehouse Sheridan Street and North Park Road in Hollywood
One Mile west of 1-95
Bring your daughter or mentoring group. Call 954-522-9809 for details.
Motivate & Mentor!

Meet Actor/Author Hill Harper

Barack gets Busy (dancing on Ellen)

Even a presidential hopefully can help but dance on the set of the Ellen Show. Go Barack, get busy! Now we have to get busy at the polls in November. Register.prepare.vote!

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys Trailer

In theaters this fall, take a peak at the trailer for Tyler Perry's new movie, "The Family that Preys." Tyler's movies are always peppered with inspiration and meaningful messages. This movie, I'm sure won't disappoint. Enjoy the trailer!

Actor Lamman Rucker with Karen Vaughn

When we saw actor Lamman Rucker play Sheriff Troy in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married” we were all infatuated. Sheriff Troy was the perfect man...loyal and fine. One every Working Diva wished she had on her arm. Lamman Rucker stopped by my radio show at Miami’s HOT 105 for a one on one interview. He is truly amazing. More than a handsome face, he holds a Masters in Education. He is smart, witty and all about community! Check him out in the August issue of Essence Magazine and in the new movie “Ball Don’t Lie” coming to theaters in the Fall of 2008.

FEEL GOOD: Venus & Serena...An Inspiration

Welcome to my first blog submission, my little place in the world to speak up and speak out. Thanks to my radio and internet listeners for all your support and love.

Over the holiday weekend I had the pleasure of watching Venus and Serena Williams play against each other for the Wimbledon Championship. It was an intense match. As I was watching these two working divas from the comfort of my couch, I could see the determination and passion in both of their eyes. Venus and Serena were playing as if failure wasn’t an option. That is kind of amazing when it is your sister on the other side of the net. Each wanted the golden ring by all means necessary.

So, in watching them I was inspired. Inspired to take their cue and live life as if failure isn’t an option. We are all destined for greatness. Success isn’t lurking behind the wall or waiting in a golden box. It is right in front of you ready to take action. If something is holding you back you have to take it on. Just like the William’s sisters, when something other than success comes your way take the tennis racket of your life and hit it back over the net. If it is fear holding you back hit it back over the net. If it is procrastination hit it back over the net. When worry taps you on the shoulder hit it back over the net. When the overcast of doubt comes your way hit it back over the net.

In this moment, it’s your serve…you have no obstacles; your passion and positive thoughts will set you on the right course. Find comfort in your family and positive driven sisterfriends (or brotherfriends). Take the tennis racket of your life and serve love, desire, faith and persistence. You have the power. Success is yours today. Let this be your mantra: Failure isn’t an option, Success is the only option.

As always,
There’s work to do...GET UP!
-Karen