I've Moved! Please check me out at: http://ladydoveslittlegirlblue.blogspot.com/

I've moved. Please check out my most recent posts on the "Odunde" African Festival, as well as my writing tribute to the "Summer Solstice." You can find me at: http://ladydoveslittlegirlblue.blogspot.com/
Thanks!

I've Moved To Lady Dove's Little Girl Blue!

Hello Everyone!
         I'm moving everything over to my Lady Dove's Little Girl Blue blog.
Please see my blog post on Odunde at: http://ladydoveslittlegirlblue.blogspot.com/
Asante Sana.
Peace and Blessings Always,
Pheralyn

Jazz article: “Trudy Pitts: Extraordinary Pianist & Master of the Hammond B-3” by Pheralyn Dove

Jazz article: “Trudy Pitts: Extraordinary Pianist & Master of the Hammond B-3” by Pheralyn Dove

Vernal Equinox 2012 – Running and Writing

Hello Friends,
How are you? It’s been way too long but finally I am back. I promise to do better with keeping you posted going forward. Happy Spring! The cherry blossoms are in bloom! I just love this glorious time of year. Everything in nature is new and burgeoning. To celebrate, (and to make up for never getting around to writing 2012 New Year’s Resolutions) I have embarked on a project of re-commitment, renewal and reinvention. A barely perceptible, low-grade lull I had been experiencing has miraculously lifted. I feel revived, invigorated. I am emerging from my cocoon, slowing coming out, opening up, becoming the real me, envisioning self-actualization, meditating on my true essence: the Lady Dove Redux, the Pheralyn Divine.

Encouraging evidence abounds as my angels float around, whispering in my ear, sitting on my shoulder, guiding my thoughts and actions. Early mornings find me on the jogging trail, training for September’s half-marathon and November’s full marathon. Oh how good it feels to be running, running, running! Evenings and late nights I am consumed with writing and chipping away at various creative projects. Throughout the week, I give myself over to personal, professional, and volunteer ventures I am so humbled to be associated with. This semester marks my 15th year as a writing instructor in Temple University’s Pan African Studies Community Education Program. What an honor! I am so thankful, so grateful, truly in awe of the confidence the Creator has placed in me to pursue my dreams and accomplish goals on this earth plane.

Recently I went to an exhilarating performance by the dynamic vocalist, Simone, the only child of Nina Simone. She did not disappoint. I’ll be writing more about that amazing experience in the days ahead. Next weekend I’m going to see the fabulous Angelique Kidjo. So I’m looking forward to writing about that as well. Here in Philadelphia, an inspirational Peace Mural Project featuring Haiku poetry is underway. Sister Sonia Sanchez, the prolific poet, professor and activist is very much involved. I will keep you updated about the Peace Mural Project, as well as Sister Sonia’s upcoming reading at the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m.

I trust this first day of Spring finds everyone in a positive, peaceful, productive mode. Stay encouraged! Be energized! Embrace the spirit of gratitude! Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings Always.

The Journey Continues

“Gratitude as a
Perpetual state of life
Nourishes the soul.” – Haiku by Lady Dove

As I look at the snow outside my window here on the East Coast, I’m savoring memories of strolling through fertile vineyards in Napa Valley last fall. As I contemplate the travels behind me, I am exhilarated about the possibilities ahead. Signs of inspiration are all around, encouraging me to embrace life and all that I love, urging me to cultivate and share my unique gifts, talents and abilities. This exuberance feels ageless, weightless - timeless – like falling in love, or discovering your true purpose in life. When I started this blog, I held this false notion that when I woke up in 2011 everything would be fresh and new, and there’d be a brand new me, completely transformed in every aspect. But now I truly realize it’s not so much the destination as it is the journey, taking it all in, step by step, allowing faith to lead me to my destiny. It’s about seeking out and reveling in being in my element, being in my most positive and productive flow – whether it’s spending time with my loved-ones, writing, performing spoken word, jogging, or hooking up my favorite outfits, like the one I’m wearing here while touring the Napa Valley. So yes, when I consider it all, I am eternally grateful, as I continue on this path of living in a state of perpetual gratitude.

Jacket: “Our Place” on Spring Garden Street
Blouse: “Gwen’s Alcove” on Maplewood Mall
Belt: Nine West
Scarf – Gifted
Bag – Melie Bianco
Slacks – “Top of the Hill” in Wynnewood
Hoop earrings – Gifted
Necklace – Thrifted
Bracelet- Gifted

Angel Over My Shoulder

The year has flown by so fast! Like you, I've had challenges and triumphs. Through it all, I continue to stay encouraged. When I started this blog back in January, I had all these fantasies about documenting amazing changes I was imagining. I looked forward to an incredible year of transformation in all aspects of my life. I pledged to take you on an odyssey of hope and fulfillment. But now that the year’s just about over, I realize the transformation I dream about is only getting started. So instead of drawing up a score card listing what I accomplished or did not accomplish in 2010, I’m affirming that the journey itself is the biggest blessing. I realize that living in a state of perpetual gratitude is the light and motivation that drives me. I realize being thankful is the key to my success. I realize living and breathing and moving forward with positive thoughts is a driving force that cannot be measured or gauged. One of the most affirmative outward expressions I took this year was to create a writing space in my home that honors the literary artist I know lives deep in my spiritual essence. I believe this painting of an angel, which is a treasured gift, is so appropriate in my “magic room.” She floats just over my shoulder while I’m writing, constantly reminding me of the miracle my life is. May her inspiration spread to your world too! Peace & Blessings Always.