Yes, I know most people have been moaning and groaning for the entire strange year. Well, darlin’, y’all just ought to know by now that I am NOT most people! My favorite word is exuberant, and that is how I choose to look back on this weirdest of years.
I choose to look back…with exuberance and celebration!
I celebrate dear friends who survived cancer, friends who survived kidney stones and broken bones and hurricanes. I celebrate dear friends who used it as a time to get creative with music, writing, photography, painting, and woodwork. I celebrate that everyone who reads this has survived elections and the pandemic.
Roses from a precious young man.
I appreciate the wonderful people who gifted me roses, slippers, travel bags, and a girl’s night out at a favorite restaurant. I even more deeply appreciate the special ones who built a handmade bookcase, gifted me beautiful jewelry, washed my car, and restored my antique trunk.
Been in my family since 1880.
Here are just a few things I managed to accomplish in 2020. I survived some broken teeth and a broken wrist. I did a lot of book reading and took several online courses. I learned new technology and launched my own website https://embracesouthernstates.com/ … on which I have posted many travel stories and local interviews. Travel articles I actually got paid for have included info on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
I made many new friends and one of them interviewed me on her podcast. I made my first ever Facebook video. I made my first ever batch of gluten-free cookies. I painted some artwork and participated in a Pop-Up Art Gallery. On a different “painting” note, I painted my bedroom furniture in a Mardi Gras theme of purple, green, and gold.
What do YOU think of these colors?
Currently I am doing a lot of research and “tasting” for some upcoming food articles. I am watching as much SEC football as possible. My four favorite teams have always been (and always will be) Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Ole Miss Rebels, and LSU Tigers.
Who knew research for food articles could be so much fun!
I am still learning technology. Does anyone really understand SEO and how to get backlinks? If so, please explain it to me in simple words!!
As I look back over all of this…there has been much success and much cause to rejoice. No, it has not all been puppies and rainbows…but I remain positive. I continue to make a conscious choice to celebrate every little thing…and to be a joyful person.
Can you SEE the JOY ?
As the year 2020 is drawing to a close, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I also wish you the biggest, boldest, brightest BADASS year in 2021!!
If you wish to do so…PLEASE share reasons that YOU choose to celebrate and to be joyful. That would be awesome!
An aging diva is a woman “of a certain age”, but what on earth does that even mean in today’s world? There was a time when it meant that she was past her prime and no longer active or vibrant. She certainly would have lost all interest in laughing, having fun, or having the courage to go out on a date.
Thank goodness for Gloria Darling. She is a Milestone Diva who pours her heart into helping women celebrate their life and find their voice. She seeks to use a little tough love while reminding them that they are still relevant and still deserve to pursue their dreams and passions, at any age. She inspires the older and bolder ladies to be loud and proud!
Could you please tell us a bit about your background?
My birthplace was the Bahamas, and I grew up in Miami, Florida. I have lived in Tallahassee for almost 24 years. I am a black woman in my sassy 60s. I have three sons, one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. I will soon be retiring from my full-time job and be free to focus more attention on “The Cup of Glo”.
What is “The Cup of Glo”?
It is my new project that I started in March (2020), a podcast ( https://cupofglo.com ) in which I interview other Milestone Diva ladies over age 50 who are learning to embrace their unique power. That means that they manifest confidence, boldness, enthusiasm, playfulness, and wisdom. They have been able to discover their talents and abilities and are able to share those in wonderful ways.
Taking this podcast idea, developing every nuance and bringing it to life has been such an exciting creative journey. I don’t have enough words to describe my enthusiasm for this labor of love.
Would you explain this idea of Milestone Divas?
This simply means they have reached a new and wonderful age: Feisty 50s, Sassy 60s, Saucy 70s, Exciting 80s, Nifty 90s, or Awesome 100s. We even have a Milestone Diva cheer:
Feisty, Sassy, Saucy are we
Exciting, Nifty and Awesome you see
Every second, minute or hour
Bold, wise owning our power,
In tees and jeans or a fancy frock
Milestone Divas Rock!
It is obvious that you really love Milestone Divas. I’ve also heard that you dearly love Tallahassee. What do you cherish most about Tallahassee?
The feeling of a kind and caring small town where community and natural beauty are appreciated. We are blessed with so many amazing parks where one can be as active or as relaxed as they choose, while also enjoying the enormous old oak trees, Spanish moss, and countless types of flowering plants.
There are so many opportunities for folks to meet, get to know one another, and develop meaningful friendships. Just look online to find a meet-up group for any number of interests, then jump in and get involved. You merely have to take that first step and connect with like-minded individuals to meet, talk, eat, sing, dance, or whatever matches the desires of your heart.
What travel destinations have you visited or plan to visit?
One of the best road trips of my life was going with a group of belly dance buddies to Asheville, North Carolina. We stayed in cabins and met another group there who were involved in Renaissance fair activities. We enjoyed workshops and shopping and excellent fellowship. It was a much-needed diversion and a perfect sense of release.
An area I love and would definitely visit again is the Pacific Northwest. The towns of Portland and Astoria in Oregon and the town of Seattle, Washington are simply gorgeous and fascinating. There are several places I would eventually like to visit and the one place which is currently at the top of my bucket list would be Spain.
What are some of your passions and hobbies?
Where do I even start? I love music and art. I love food with flair. That could mean using tips I got from some TV cooking show, or just trying to add more color to a simple family meal. For example, start with oxtails and cabbage. Then add peas, carrots, and rice. Heck, throw in some seafood to really make it pop.
I am active in a dance troupe. We do many types of dance including belly dance, hula, tribal, and flamenco. At times when I take a short break from dancing, I will occasionally play the frame drum in a band which accompanies the belly dancers.
For about the past five years I have been active in Toastmasters, an organization that helps people develop public speaking and leadership skills. I have competed and won several contests at their club, area, and district levels.
What makes you an exuberant person?
Life gives me a choice. I can focus on pain and sadness or I can focus on enthusiasm and joy. I have made the choice… I choose ENTHUSIASM and JOY! I am fun, happy, and liberated. I can get tough when I need to help others, but I’m still respectable and authentic. I am a servant leader who is comfortable discussing any topic with any person. I place a high value on honesty and on friendship.
Do you have a message for the world?
Celebrate! Celebrate everything! Celebrate yourself by learning to claim your power at any age. Celebrate the things that you have, such as friendships and hobbies. Celebrate all the beauty that can be seen around you. Celebrate every little moment of fun, freedom, love, and joy. Celebrate LIFE!
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When this writer first met Gloria, I knew I had just made a wonderful new friend. We sat out on the deck of a coffee shop chatting contentedly, until a sudden downpour forced us to finish the conversation in my car. That did nothing to dampen our spirits. We have a shared value of curiosity and communication.
Gloria Darling thrives on serving people. She finds deep joy in helping older women find and use their voice and their power. https://cupofglo.com/
Her friends call her Angel. She speaks kind words to encourage those who struggle. As is so incredibly often the case, her own past heartaches have anchored her faith in God and deepened her compassion for the pain of others. Her determination and her faith are unshakable. Angel has laid claim to her inner boldness and faces each new day with anticipation and confidence.
Angel has anticipation and confidence.
Can you share a bit about who you are and what you do?
I am Angel Baratta, I grew up in Fort Lauderdale and have lived in Tallahassee about thirty years. Much of that time was spent working a normal office job. Recently I found the courage to venture out on my own to pursue several entrepreneurial paths which seemed to be calling me. They all relate to using my heart, my art, and my talent for a higher purpose and a more meaningful life.
What more can you say about those pursuits? My heart had led me to begin working with and advocating for those who have survived trauma. My art has led me to begin a website (www.AngBarLLC.com) where I can showcase beautiful stainless-steel jewelry and various forms of my creative expression. My talent is efficiency and organizational skills, I help others get that way and save time and energy for more important things. This has led me to collaborations and the potential for some future online summits to empower others.
Lots of hobbies and passions enhance my life.
What do you appreciate most about Tallahassee?
There is so much beauty in nature here. The old live oak trees with that Spanish moss are gorgeous. We actually have some nice hills in this part of Florida. And it is easy to catch a glimpse of deer and other creatures.
What are your thoughts on travel?
Places I have been and would gladly visit again include the state of Washington and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. The top destination on my bucket list is Hawaii. Travel is a thrill of discovery and makes for great memories. I often think back to a fun experience when I was 17. All I will say is that it involved a ski lodge and snow. I am eager to travel again when it is safe, and the time is right.
What hobbies and passions do you enjoy?
Music is a big one because it moves me so much. I listen to mostly Christian, country and western, and 80’s. I have been regularly active in ballroom dancing. It makes me feel good, and pretty, is great exercise, and can be done to almost any type of music. My favorite dance types include East coast swing, cha cha, and country two-step. I have one competition under my belt and plan to take private lessons and do more competition once the pandemic is over. I enjoy listening to audio books when I take long walks. I also enjoy doing crochet. The other thing that I love is my rescue dog Charlie, a “Chiweenie Pit” mix who enhances my life.
What makes you an exuberant person?
My morning routine combines things like meditation, visualization, exercise, and journaling to start the day off on a positive note. I remove myself from negativity so that I can do my best and make things better. I have big ideas and big faith, so as long as those things are in God’s will I claim and pursue them. I choose to love myself and be optimistic about the future.
Optimistic about the future.
Do you have a message for the world?
You are worthy of shaping your own dreams and your own future. Pray and rely on God. Don’t be afraid to ask smart people for help when you need it. Surround yourself with positive people. Believe in yourself and take steps to make life great.
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Dang y’all, did you find Angel Baratta as exciting and inspirational as I did? She is so positive and motivational. I may try to get together and collaborate with her at some point to bring out the best in others.
So, thanks for reading. Now please leave some nice comments, then go out and have an awesome day!
To be GRATEFUL means deeply thankful or appreciative of any kindness or benefits. During this season of Thanksgiving I simply want to share with you, my wonderful readers, some heartfelt musings on choosing to be grateful.
I choose to start and end each day with a prayer of gratitude to my Creator who extends mercy and grace to me. I choose to follow that example by extending my own version of compassion and courtesy to others. I also choose to encourage everyone to think positive.
I choose to be grateful.
Most people’s GRATEFUL list would likely include family, health, food, and money. Yes, those are great, but here are a few additional things to include. I am grateful that I have a comfortable bed with fluffy pillows and warm covers. I am grateful that I have a pleasant home where I can take a refreshing shower at any time. I have the freedom to play with my pets, drive my car, visit my friends, and enjoy my hobbies.
This is my dog Gizmo.
Today I choose to be grateful that I am not in a hospital or in a prison, then I say a quick prayer those who are. I choose to be grateful that I am not living on the streets or in a domestic abuse situation, again pausing to think of those who are. I choose to see the beauty in my surroundings.
Beautiful surroundings near my home.
The world can seem so negative. People spew out words of meanness, hatred, or complaint much too casually. I am grateful to those who choose to take the more hopeful and cheerful tone. They speak in sweetness and light which renews my faith in humankind. I celebrate the happy people who keep a song in their heart, a kind word on their lips, and an optimistic attitude.
I also celebrate the fact that you and can agree to disagree on issues. We can have differing opinions yet can be mature enough to accept and appreciate each other. Today I am grateful that I live in Florida, have many special loved ones, and can laugh out loud at whatever seems funny.
One of my many hobbies that brings me joy.
It is my deepest hope that you have many reasons to be grateful today. I would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share some of your gratefulness. Thank you.
Pete Evarts has lived in Tallahassee for 26 years and for over 6 of those years he has run the most recognizable eating establishment in town.
Pete hopes YOU will visit the Crum Box Gastgarden.
What can you tell me about your work?
Located in the Railroad Square Art District at 602 Industrial Drive, you can’t miss my place. There’s a red caboose, a teal building with a red door, and a spacious outdoor seating area that includes a stage for live events. I am pretty much a one-man show here, except for occasional special performances of comedy or music. I came up with the name Crum Box Gastgarden because “crummy” is slang for caboose and “gastgarden” is a play on gastric having to do with the stomach.
A lunch favorite in Tallahassee.
What are your specialties?
Fans love the “punk and gut” sausage and bread. The sausage is artisanal, and I love to create exciting new variety and flavor combos. I make a homemade vegan chili from scratch and got the recipe from someone very close to me. Other delicious favorites include pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and cucumber salad. To me, food is an art…and my food business is in an art district. I love to cook and to meet my customers. Many of them become my friends.
Side orders are always delicious.
How do you feel about Tallahassee?
This is a beautiful area with lots of great food and great art. What I like the most is that I get to meet so many people and enjoy a deep sense of community.
What are some places you’ve been or hope to visit?
Travel is something I love. I’ve enjoyed travels in Ireland where driving is different yet still fun, and in several European countries. At the top of my current bucket list would have to be Canada and Iceland.
What are your passions or hobbies?
I am a pretty simple man. When I am at work, I like to mingle with my customers, entertain them a bit, and make sure they are happy. When I’m not at work, I enjoy yard work, taking long drives, and spending lots of time with my loved ones.
What makes you an exuberant person?
I am an incredibly positive person. I choose to believe than many more positive things will happen once we all figure out the “new normal”. I like to think that people who come to eat at the Crum Box Gastgarden will get to know me and think of me as a beacon of positivity.
The red caboose in Railroad Square Art District.
What is your message to the world?
This is so remarkably simple and may sound too basic or fundamental, but here is my message, “Be kind to each other!”
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Dang y’all, Pete is awesome, He works hard, creates wonderful food, and maintains such a positive outlook on life. He is great at multitasking while also carrying on a fun conversation. I highly recommend getting to know him and enjoying a tasty meal at the Crum Box Gastgarden. https://www.facebook.com/thecrumbox/
Perhaps you would kindly leave your positive comment. Thank you.
ART is thriving in the Tallahassee, Florida area. A bit of credit can go to Ann Kozeliski who is the founder/creator/idea person of a fabulous organization called Artists Helping Artists, or AHA. She informs readers, “It began as its name implies. An artist needed help and artists came together to meet the need. That was two years ago and AHA continues to provide opportunities for artists to promote and sell their work. AHA is looking forward to growing, providing programming collaborating with local organizations, and knowing the world is a much better place with Art in it.”
Diane Dyal knows AHA helps our community.
AHA member Diane Beauvais Dyal is happy to be a part of the group. She shares, “I have met so many new friends that have similar art related interests. The tasks I do for the organization give me a sense of purpose keeping me busy doing something productive and worthwhile. I believe it helps me create things I might not create ordinarily. AHA is good for the community because it gets the artists out there helping do things that benefit the community directly or indirectly. Right now, I am doing Christmas ornaments for Havana Main Street and it benefits me as an artist as well as Havana. A win-win!”
Pop-Up in Havana, FL on Nov 14 & Dec 12.
AHA member Joy Green is super excited to tell everyone about two big upcoming events for AHA. She explains, “Artists Helping Artists is a fairly new group of Tallahassee area artists. Its goal is just as it sounds: positive events, opportunities and possibilities for artists and the arts in this area. The Pop-UpGalleryis one such event. It will be in Havana at the Paint Dog Gallery on Saturday, November 14, 10-5. We have a total of 13 vendors and 11 exhibitors for this show. Paintings, mixed media, graphics, cards, prints, jewelry, turned wood, wood utensils, Christmas ornaments and signs, handbags and totes, straw basket art, pottery, and glass, Come and shop for the holidays! Paint Dog Gallery, 307 N. Main Street, Havana, Florida. We plan a second event, an encore, December 12, same location and times.”
Spread the love of joyful art.
AHA member Angela Dowdy (author of this article) adds this thought, “Artists Helping Artists is something every local artist can appreciate. There is such a positive energy when creative minds meet and share ideas. Whether young or old, whether novice or pro, we want to spread the love of vibrant and joyful art throughout our community and beyond.”
Dang y’all, I sure hope that everyone within driving distance of Tallahassee and Havana will plan to come help us CELEBRATE ART . Come join us as we show appreciation and support for AHA at the Pop-Up Gallery on November 14th and December 12th. What a perfect time to find that special gift for yourself or a loved one. What a perfect way to experience the beauty and joy of art.
She prefers being called Corrie and likes her coffee with cream and sugar. She is a single mom who is successfully raising a teenage son, working a full-time job, plus a good side job, and still makes time for some fascinating passions and hobbies.
What can you tell us about your work?
In my official capacity as Community Standards Coordinator for a homeowner’s association, I help enforce rules and protect property values and aesthetics. In my side job as Independent Senior Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay, I help empower people to care for their skin and earn extra income.
I love meeting people and doing what makes me happy!
What are your greatest strengths?
I love meeting new people and treating each one with transparency, kindness, and respect. I am very resilient while helping others to gain confidence. By increased networking and stepping out of my comfort zone I’ve made many wonderful new friends.
What are your thoughts on travel?
Wisconsin is where I grew up and would love to revisit one day. I recently visited Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, Georgia. That is a fun and absolutely gorgeous place. Alaska is a place that seems to be calling me to come see it for the first time. Tallahassee has great nature trails and hidden gems like Lichgate or Lafayette Park. Plus, it is near the coast and who doesn’t need a little beach therapy now and then? A walk in the woods or some sitting by the sea helps charge my creative batteries.
What hobbies and passions do you enjoy?
My teenage son wants to become a marine biologist and I share his love for reading and science. My interests run from bartending to histology to tattoos. I like classic rock of the 70’s and also 90’s rock. I love abstract art and one of my favorite foods is eggplant. I enjoy painting old, discarded flowerpots, and breathing new life into them. Volunteer work with local animal rescue groups is the other thing that I find deeply rewarding.
I find the silver lining in any situation!
What makes you an exuberant person?
Coffee first, please! Then paying attention to details, having adventures, and learning new things. I can find the smallest silver lining in any situation and that allows me to make the best from all kinds of circumstances.
Do you have a message to share with the world?
Treat others as you wish to be treated and make the world a better place. Just be yourself. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing what makes you happy!
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Dang y’all! Corrie seems to be an unstoppable force, full of vim and vigor. She can brighten anyone’s day with her sweet personality and beautiful smile.
Please remember to use Contact or Comments to leave your kind thoughts, thanks. And, hey, take a minute to spread the good word about EmbraceSouthernStates!!!
