In the past I have spoken on the subject of GRATITUDE however, recently I was encouraged to put my words into action; Actions that would transcend through me and directly impact lives.

With that said, several months ago I became affiliated with a movement called, TeamHealthMe. The vision of TeamHealthMe, is to establish a platform of encouragement as we move towards optimal health; a health balance of physical, emotional and spiritual self. The founder Tiera Gilder sums it up as, “Balancing your PESce so that you can experience true PEACE.”

Recently, she incorporated a 30-day challenge. The foundation of Day five’s challenge was focused on extending GRATITUDE. All were instructed to reflect on their individual journey while internally connecting with those who have added profoundness. That profoundness could derive from something as simplistic as a word or action that added a special something within a moment.

In addition, all were encouraged to identify three individuals who had touched their lives and forward to them a letter of heartfelt GRATITUDE.

As I sifted through my mental Rolodex, cell contacts and phone book I began to understand a reality, numerous individuals have been so good to me. Truth be told, I could write hundreds of letters acknowledging the love, kindness, generosity and mentorship that has been extended on so many levels.

In the construction of those three letters existed a power; within the core of that power housed a validation of our interconnectedness. And that connectedness is an intricate part of our identity.

As you rush you embrace the New Year, set aside a moment to reflect on those who have stood and those who continue to stand on the front line with you. Regardless, if your act of appreciation is grand or as simplistic as a letter, continue to extend gratitude to those who have added profoundness to your journey.

Happy New Year, Love, Peace and Joy.

Mary E. Gilder

Mary E. Gilder is the author of the award winning novel, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.” Mary can be contacted at: meg@maryegilder.com or bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com. Also, visit her website at: maryegilder.comTo read more of Mary’s work please go to: http://conversationsmag.blogspot.com/

Girlfriend Appreciation Month has been in full force. Like most authors, I get caught up in my day to day projects. Isolation is required for me to connect with my literary thought process. And when I’m in that zone, (which can last for weeks) I forget to set aside time to connect with Soul-Mate friends. Without doubt, I know that they understand my challenges as I understand theirs but it is vital that we find time to connect.

For the past several weeks all women have been encouraged to do just that; To set aside selfish time with their girls. and There is nothing like sharing good-old fashioned conversation over dinner, tea at a cafe or a walk around the lake with a soul-mate friend. And I’ve been doing just that and many of you have shared your various experiences during this month on Face book,twitter and through emails, as a means of inspiring others to set aside such quality time.

As Girlfriend Appreciation Month 2012, comes to an end, I encourage all to continue working on maintaining a strong connection with your girls. Do not allow months or years to pass with out some form of contact. Life is no dress rehearsal, you are only here for a short moment so: Enjoy, Embrace, Engage and Celebrate the dynamic women in your life who add a touch of Flavor and Endless Joy!!!

Much Love,
Endless Peace,
God Bless,
Mary E. Gilder

Well, let me tell you about the beautiful women GOD has placed within my life: They represent various cultures and ethnicity’s and they are extremely positive. Even when they did not have children, they provided mine with love, encouragement and support. They love me and I them, they encourage me, they motivate me and they extend to me their wisdom. As a collective force we hold each other up, we have learned valuable life lessons from each other, we display the utmost respect for each other, we don’t always agree, but we agree to disagree and they have integrity.

Many of the wonderful women within my circle have been in my life for over twenty years; several sense high school. And when we met there was one common denominator, there was this instant connection. There was no doubt or fear. There was this level of comfort. Have you ever met someone and immediately you felt as though you had known them for a lifetime?…I believe in “SOUL MATE FRIENDS”. What I’m saying to you is, there has been no conflict, no drama and no disrespect..just LOVE. If you and the women in your life constantly: Argue, gossip, fight, disrespect each other, lack trust, dwell in utter confusion, envy each other and display jealousy and this is reflected in all of your relationships; stop blaming and ask yourself, “why am I attracting such dysfunction” and why am I maintaining it within my life.” Time to start issuing pink slips because life is just too short for non-sense.

For those of you blessed with beautiful friends, let them know how much you LOVE and APPRECIATE them. For it is GOD’S expectation that we treat each other with LOVE, KINDNESS and RESPECT. I believe that we learn our greatest life lessons from each other while being an example of GOD’S LOVE.

As you journey through yet another week, set aside time to reflect on the special women GOD has placed within your life and how their presence energizes your SOUL. Enjoy this very special month as you celebrate your girls!!!
Love, Peace and Joy,

MEG

- Heroes exist all around you, just look around and take notice: There in our class rooms, in our hospitals, tutoring your children, preparing the food you eat and growing and harvesting our vegetables. Those who feed us spiritually and those who keep us informed on a micro and macro level. They’re coaching our youth, teaching ZUMBA classes (smile), Agency’s committed to ensuring that children and families are safe; Drug and alcohol counselors, Mental health workers and those who have overcome adversity. They’re School bus drivers, Mentors, Small and large business owners, those who work at homeless shelters, Author’s, Poets and Writers. They’re also Volunteers, Stay at home Moms and Dads, Grand-parents, Uncles, Aunts and the list goes on and on. Just stop for a moment and take a look around and if you look closely, you will see them.

- Be mindful of the importance of displaying GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION to those who have stood and are standing on the front-line. As a Nation we may not understand the depth of their contribution but it is important that we recognize it.

- Most importantly, be mindful that you are on a customized assignment to shift you to where you need to be. And as you JOURNEY through LIFE…never forget the LEGACY that you are also leaving each and everyday. Yes, a HERO does exist within you.

This April, Mary E. Gilder was featured in a Redbook magazine article on the topic of bullying. While much of the interview was left on the editing room floor, Mary was happy to make a contribution to combat childhood bullying. For more information about the article, see the April edition of Redbook Magazine!

Conversations Magazine’s Print Edition Returns In November 2010!

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of Conversations Magazine’s print edition.

Founded by Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35, as the third component of the Conversations Brand (following Conversations the radio and tv shows), Conversations Magazine originally debuted in print in April 2006. Months later Webb and founding member Stanley Clark would begin Conversations the book club. Based solely on subscriptions at the time and sold online, the magazine gained a modest 100 monthly subscribers to the publication that focused almost entirely on books and those who were living their dreams as published authors.

Like other publications, when costs outweighted the actual profit of the publication, Webb made the decision in 2008 to take Conversations completely online. Ironically, it was that year that the Conversations Brand began to change, including health and fitness items, food and then in 2009 adding fashion. Today, thanks to the eclectic nature of the brand, Conversations the radio show averages over 100,000 online listeners each month, garnering partnerships with national as well as up-and-coming businesses.

“The timing is just right,” says Webb, who has been building the Conversations brand since the first component Conversations the radio show began on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson in July 2003. “Conversations has grown alot since the print edition of Conversations last saw the light of day. I think more importantly I have grown in my understanding that you have to feed more than a person’s love of books. You have to feed their love of life. That is what my team it doing.”

The reemergence of the print edition of Conversations Magazine will take place in mid-November with the December 2010/January 2011 issue. The 40 page edition will feature Conversations’ Top 100 Books of 2010, profiles of authors Nancy T.Rosenberg, Mikki Zimmerman, Michael Dillon Scott and entrepreneurs like actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney, actress/director/author Cherie Johnson and model/actor Nicoye Banks. Also included will be styling tips by fashion designer Gail Ambeau, cooking tips by Chef Bruce Tretter, and musical profiles of Laura Pascarella, The Artist Company and the rap groups Authentic and Dem Raleigh Boyz as well as Conversations’ Artist of the Year 2010.

The magazine will be available at independent bookstores in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Pearl/Brandon and online at www.conversationsmag.com. It will be marketed through paid ads on Facebook,social networking sites, posters, Conversations LIVE radio, and other sites operated by Shadow Play Ent. PDFs of the bi-monthly edition will also be available through www.payloadz.com.

For additional information about Conversations Magazine including how to be featured and advertising in the publication, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.conversationsmag.com.

On the evening of September 26, 2009, Mary E. Gilder spoke to a audience at the prestigious University. Several chapters from her acclaimed novel ,”A Misrepresentation of Myself,” were read. The author closed the evening with a talk focused on connecting with your passions.

On behalf of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the University was bestowed a signed copy of, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.” On the night of the event, the gift was presented to the University President.