In this episode, I share a deeply personal milestone: I have finally created a space to create—a sanctuary where I can dream, reflect, manifest, and bring to life the vision I've carried in my heart for decades.

This space is more than a room. It is a declaration that my dreams matter and that I am worthy of making room for them.

My hope is that this short story inspires you to create a space of your own—a place that calls you back again and again, awakens your creativity, nurtures your imagination, and invites the artist, dreamer, and visionary within you to emerge.

Because sometimes, creating the life you've always imagined begins with creating the space where it can finally take shape.

In this episode, I share how I complicated my life....and now I am simplifying it.

When you know you are the "ISH," you ONLY allow folks that treat you as GOOD as you treat you!!!!!!!!!!!  When someone enters your life, you vet them carefully because you are PRECIOUS!!!! Mari

We share our recent conversation re the meaning of a soft life as women of BIG ages......and adding softness to your life.  Amber and Mari

In this micro mini podcast, I ask you ...who would you be if you simply accepted what is and used it as an opportunity?!?

Mari

In this episode, I share that I was recently reminded that there are black men who love, and worship a black woman's body.  Mari

In this episode,  I speak on kindness versus niceness.  I seek to be kind and encourage you to center "your" self and be cautious of whether or not your niceness is simply another form of people pleasing in order to be accepted and loved.  Amber

In this episode, Mari leads Amber in a guided meditation that can be used upon rising, OR, as a refresher in the middle of the day.   Words are POWERFUL, and so are you! 

Note:  I used the microphone and it sounds a little "wonky."  
In this episode, I share more of my truths, as I discuss taking a week off at the turn of every season (well, March, June, and September) to work on my goals and in that I am reminded that the creative process is not to be rushed.  The process is for the creative (in this case, ME) to evolve, grow,  heal, and teach.  And, while the product - the creation is the gift to the world, your evolving and growth is "also" your gift to your community and the world.  Mari 

Please note:  Amber’s business is @iSoulnaturals

Hello friends - In this 30-minute episode, I share some of my dreams deferred and the fact that I am working towards fulfilling each and every one of them but first, I must continue to embrace the present of the present, take even better care of my body temple, and continue to clear my path by paying outstanding debt, and investing in ME, unapologetically.  And, ultimately, continue to listen to my spirit within; my internal GPS, one day a time, peacefully.  Doing so continues to be magical and continues to lead me to miraculous experiences.   As I journey through, it is my joy to share it with you.  Mari
Please note: Seamoss is not considered an herb, albeit I listed it when I was reciting the herbs without stopping to correct myself.

In this 2-minute offering, I reflect on my parents and the fact that albeit I've had so many negative things to say over the years, today I reflect on the fact that who I am, how I am, and what I am called to do has a great deal to do with the goodness and brilliance that existed within my parents. And, it's about damn time that I come to the realization: parents get an awful rap for not being perfect yet I firmly believe that no one decides to become parents and declare, “I am going to F* Up my children.” We are all products of our environment, nurturing, and examples.  It's a human thing, not necessarily a parenting thing.   Please note:  I am not absolving future or existing parents of responsibility.  Simply, I am saying that for our peace of mind and more, it’s a good practice to change the narrative by focusing on the positive when our childhood was less than ideal. Reflecting on the positive breeds peace.  Mari

In this episode, I share my WHY?  Why Podcasting at this juncture in my life.  Well, it ALL started overlooking Pigeon Park in Washington, DC with the imagination of a very young creative who had dreams of being on stage and speaking to the masses.  This very young creative was ME, Amber and during that time in my life, I somehow lost my voice.  Today, as I am growing through yet another healing journey, this podcast signifies the return of my (lost) voice and my desire to share with you my story of life, love, and lessons alongside my cohost, Mari E.  With that said, WELCOME to RoseColored Glasses - the Podcast, and I thank you for being on this journey with us.  Amber H.

Note:  Please forgive the quality of some of our recordings.  Please turn the volume up, so you can hear Amber 's touching story of her childhood.  Amber shares how not being told the truth of her parents' heritage shook the very foundation of her life and dictated the course of her decisions, life, and instructed her ability to see people, situation and things through rose colored glasses.  Family secrets harm and limit exposure to the truth of legacy making life more challenging for us desirous of breaking chains and curses. Mari

Hello, friends.  In this episode, I share briefly about the origins of my  desperate NEED for friends by any means necessary, which started with me having a very lonely and extremely quiet life in Panama.  This lonely and quiet beginning created the storyteller in me while unbeknownst to me until very recently, led me down the path of seeing others and situations through rose colored glasses.

This brief introduction shares why I love podcasting, as I grew up in the Vanderveer Estates  alongside our dearly departed Michael K. Williams, and lived my life INSIDE listening to talk radio.  In my mind, podcasting is reminiscent of talk radio and feels most comfortable to me. I asked Amber to co-host this podcast with me for a spell in an attempt to get her to share a bit of her story with me and us. As such, I am forever grateful for her voice on a significant amount of episodes. Going forward, please follow Amber on Instagram: @isoulnaturals to support her amazing offerings, which serve as food for the soul. 

All that said, welcome, as I through my hat into the ring of podcasting to share my (our) journey of life, love, and lessons.

In this episode, I reflect on one of the most meaningful days of my life—the day I graduated with a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations.

Yet, what I celebrate most is not simply earning a graduate degree. I celebrate graduating to a new level of self-awareness and understanding of my own needs.

As someone who often felt as though I had to rear myself, much of my life has been a journey of trial and error. One of my greatest lessons has been learning that not every thought, dream, challenge, or victory needs to be shared with everyone. For years, I processed life through conversation—sometimes as a form of catharsis, sometimes because I needed feedback, and often because I was simply excited about life and eager to share its possibilities.

Today, I find great peace in celebrating myself with me, myself, and I first.

I have learned to be intentional about whom I invite into my inner world and when. These days, I often share my victories, lessons, and plans after they have come to fruition rather than while they are still taking shape. There is a sacredness in protecting what is growing.

When I was a teenager, my very wise Panamanian grandmother often told me, “Never let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.” At the time, I thought she was simply warning me about high school friendships and gossip. It would take me decades to fully understand the depth of her wisdom. She was teaching me the value of discretion, discernment, and protecting what matters most.

So, on May 15, 2026, I stood in profound gratitude—not only for earning a master’s degree, but for persevering through some of life's greatest challenges. I endured the loss of my father, navigated the heartbreak of the realities of chronic illness within my family, planned and executed my father's Salsa Celebration of Life, continued showing up for both my immediate family and my work family, wrote my first self-reflection journal, and carried countless other responsibilities along the way.

The diploma represents academic achievement. But the woman who walked across that stage represents something even greater.

She represents resilience.

She represents growth.

She represents healing.

And in many ways, she represents a graduation in life itself.

Take a listen as I share the lessons, reflections, and gratitude that accompanied this extraordinary milestone.

In today’s episode, I share how my recent cold — which had me completely down for the count — became yet another example of The Divine turning lemons into lemonade.

While on the Dr. Bobby Price cleanse, I traveled to ATL, became sick just before graduation this past Friday, May 15, and was forced to slow down and recover in order to attend the ceremony. In the midst of it all, I was unexpectedly gifted something invaluable: uninterrupted time.

Without the usual demands and constraints of navigating my workday, I was able to spend hours fully reviewing my forthcoming journal, The Mommy Toolbox, in its entirety. The goal is to have it published — or at minimum submitted to the publishing entity — by May 29. So yes, time is truly of the essence.

Take a listen. ✨

#TheMommyToolbox

To be continued.....

I just had a thought: it is so important to truly learn yourself. To ask yourself the hard questions — the kind that require honesty, courage, and stillness.

Who would you be if no one were watching?

Who would you become if you chose to live beyond the expectations and opinions of others?

Every time I ask myself those questions, I uncover a new revelation about my deepest needs, desires, and truths. Layers begin to peel back. I realize how much of life can be shaped by performance, approval, obligation, or survival — and how freeing it is to return to yourself.

There is something powerful about becoming acquainted with the version of you that exists without an audience. The version that does not need validation to feel worthy. The version that simply is.

Because when you truly know yourself, you become far less interested in getting caught up in the games others — particularly men — may be playing. Discernment becomes sharper. Peace becomes more attractive than confusion. And authenticity begins to matter more than attention.

And maybe that is where healing begins.

As I prepare to graduate with my Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations, my capstone focuses on postpartum depression. I invite you to listen.
 Note: This is not about my capstone—this is simply my Sunday reflection.

To be continued.

I reflect on the brilliance of my parents and my curiosity about dreams deferred and lessons learned… take a listen.

To be continued......

Had a great day yesterday.  Please take a listen.

To be continued.

More reflections on my dad and beyond… 

The Salsa Celebration of Life was a tremendous success. His 102-year-old aunt was in attendance.

By the end of this episode, I came to a meaningful realization: we must be mindful of whom we choose to share our life’s lessons and journey with.

A bit of repetition here, as I couldn’t quite remember where I left off—along with a little more to share.

To be continued...

Sharing memories and reflections of my father, who passed away on November 7, 2024, as I prepare to honor him on the first anniversary of his passing—November 7, 2025—with a Salsa Celebration of Life (SCOL), followed by a brunch at my home the following day.

This was the speech I initially planned to deliver at the SCOL. Ultimately, I created a slideshow with a voiceover—using my own voice—that conveyed similar sentiments.

Correction: It was my handsome cousin, Justin, and his beautiful wife, Maggie, who got married (not Jason—although my cousin Jason is handsome, too… smiles).

To be continued…

A quick, honest thought: as a flawed human, it sometimes irritates me when people copy me. I know they say imitation is a form of flattery, and perhaps it is—but in my humanness, I long for those who say they love me to celebrate my wins, not compete with or mirror them.

In the same way that I genuinely celebrate the wins of those I love, I value authenticity and mutual support. For now, I’ve chosen to quietly honor and celebrate my own wins—protecting my peace while continuing to grow. To be continued.

In this episode, I embrace the fact that I am right where I NEED to be....listening to ME...Following my very own TRAJECTORY by enjoying my life, following my flow and rhythm to life....allowing REST to be a part of my perpetual resistance.  All the while HOLDING on to my dreams and taking the weekends to gingerly make them a permanent part of my reality.

P.S. I am in shock over the last time I uploaded an episode was February of this year.  I knew it had been a minute, but it does not feel like so much time has passed. LIFE has been LIFIN.

As I have become more protective of my energy, I’ve begun recording my thoughts on my iPhone—what I call audible journaling. To that end, on Monday, January 20, 2025—a very significant day—I allowed myself to fully indulge in this practice.

This morning, I decided to share that audible journal with you. Please note: it may begin a bit scattered, but as it unfolds, the rhythm and intention become clear. As I spoke, my words began to flow—almost poetically.

On that day, I shared that I am happy because I recognize that I am on my way. On Inauguration Day, I chose to celebrate the fact that my life matters by affirming my belief in perception. For many, life is challenging in ways that are difficult to articulate, yet I believe this is the time to consciously shift our outlook in order to experience joy.

Go within. Reflect on your life. Focus on what truly matters, understanding that every moment—both the joys and the pains—holds value. You are here, and each day presents an opportunity to choose who you will be, regardless of what is happening in our country or in your immediate reality. Each day is an opportunity to make yourself a priority and shift the dynamics of your experience.

As for me, I have finally made myself a priority. I take nothing personally. I honor my private parties (thank you, India Arie), where I speak my truths to myself. Again, as India Arie reminds us, it is all about perception.

In this episode, I share my affirmations—and I invite you to speak yours as well… even if only within your own private party.

Note 1: My A Team consists of my daughter, son, and grandson.

Note 2: As a child and teenager, I was once an avid reader—often spending entire summers at home without plans, turning to books for both escape and companionship. While my father invested his time and resources elsewhere, and my mother did her best under challenging circumstances, reading became my refuge.

As an adult, although I never stopped reading, life often took center stage. Now, through my private moments, I am returning to that part of myself. Reading—and visits to the library, a place that still excites me—have once again become a priority, as I continue to prioritize me.

Mari

In this mini message, I remind you to do what motivates you by using the gifts God has given you.  This will make life's challenges more palatable.

Grown and sexy conversation with two powerful women of a BIG age.....centered around my SiStar, Amber.  Trusting that something said adds to the value and quality of your life.  Further, I hope what you hear will, as Amber always says, causes you to go deeper.  ONE Love, Amber and Mari

FROM MARI:  A very quick reminder in a one-liner.

I was up late last night because a) I took a nap in the middle of the day so I was wide awake, and b) I went after my peace by revising my LIFE'S PLAN for the next 3 to 5 years.  In doing so, I surrendered to the process and timeline knowing that ALL is in order.  I am accepting of what is, resisting nothing and have refused to allow myself to want the now to be something different, which is the definition of stress, as per Oprah Winfrey.  In doing so, I slept well and woke up refreshed.  Please take a listen.  I hope there is some nugget of wisdom that connects with and feeds your soul.  Mari

I record my thoughts as a form of processing....and this episode is one of those recordings.  In this recording, I acknowledge how fear of a lack of love (rejection) leads us down a path of negative thoughts. Yet, I am reminded that we can only control ourselves and that in order to control a situation, we must first control ourselves (thank you, The Game of Life).  Oprah says, stress is wanting the now to be something different and we spend so much time stressing when we could be enjoying the present of the present.  Note:  Dream Junkie by N'Dambi is the album on Bandcamp mentioned (ndambi.bandcamp.com). 

As Amber and I chat it up some more, the goal was to jump back into the conversation right away and discuss Amber's childhood dreams, but as "sistas" often do, we just flowed.....talked about loss, listening to SPIRIT...and eventually returned to her story...time ran out, so there will be a Part III. Note: the key message is life is easier when we acquiesce by listening to the God within.  Amber's discovery of her multiple talents was as a result of listening to the God within as she explored multiple paths to making money and discovered her God-given talents.  Amber is a "Jackie of ALL Trades and Mistress of Many!"

 As you listen to us chatting it up, I ask Amber to share what her childhood dreams were.  This is part one.  Part two is forthcoming.  I hope this sparks conversation with you and yours surrounding same - what are your childhood dreams - what are your dreams deferred?  And, what will you do about it?  What's your origin story and have shared with the younger people in your life?  

A few lines from The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz. 
"Imagine how different your life would be IF............." Mari

In this episode I discuss the power in the inner knowing of how dynamic you are.  Mari

LOVING someone is first being in a position to love, patient, kind, forgiving and understanding....having the wherewithal to show up in the way you wish to be treated and in a way you are CAPABLE OF TREATING....Mari

My goal with this podcast is for you to FALL IN LOVE with yourself understanding that this is where true success lies.  Mari

In this episode, we explore the truth that we do NOT need to be reactionary to ALL energies....yet it IS important to share the thoughts beneath the thoughts when communicating with your special love.