A Cool Publisher's Day

Have you ever met someone in a coffee shop, interviewed them and before they leave, you stand up, hold hands and say a prayer? Well, it happened to me today. I met a wonderful woman today. I interviewed her about Sickle Cell Anemia. Her son has the disease. He is the spokesperson for the National Sickle Cell Organization. He met President Obama. Can you believe it? She is a dynamic person. It caught me off guard, but once we grabbed hands and bowed our heads, we prayed and the other people in the coffee shop faded away. I couldn't believe I did it and felt good about it. The experiences I have with people is just wonderful and interesting.

Each time I meet someone new, I am positive I'm doing the right thing. Because there are so many wonderful people in Austin and each person that I have come in contact with have so much to give to our community. But it reaffirms everything for me. I love telling someone's story and watching it unfold in print. I just had to share my cool day. 

I was suppose to get up early (5:30am) to start my morning because I knew I had to be at my interview at 10:00am. But of course, it didn't happen. I have to work on this. But managing editor and I decided after the interview to take the rest of the day off. So I stopped working around 2pm today. We are still working on finalizing the June issue, but it will be out the first week.  I'm excited. I will work some tomorrow and Sunday. My day ended with a phone call from the Trella Foundation. I have been asked to be on the board of the foundation which is the first for me. I am not sure how it will work, but I will learn. I believe in Trella's House and I'm glad to be apart of the foundation. My first board. Wow! I need to pinch myself.

Well, tomorrow's a new day and thanks for reading.

"Embrace Your Community" 

My Life

I woke up this morning feeling good. I was rushing to get out of the house to be at my team meeting by 10:30am. I made it barely, but that's ok. I can't seem to be on time as I once was. When I worked for someone else, I was always on time. I realize I need to treat my business as I did when I worked for a company. I need to get up at 5:30am as I did before and start my day with my mediation, coffee and my plans for the day.  I felt good when I arrived at work. So, I have to make this a priority.  I may be getting to relaxed with my time issue, but I can't afford that mindset.  

My meeting went well and we accomplished a lot and new ideas were put on the table. I'm excited about them all. I received my invitations for the Wine Tasting fundraiser and they are so pretty and so ME. I got a lot of work ahead but I think it will all be worth it. I have been writing on my short story blog and I'm developing a story that I plan to share at some point. But I just don't have enough time to do all I want to do. I"m squeezing in small amounts of time for me to play on Twitter and Facebook and just find things of interest on the internet, but it is limited. But I have made a goal to get up earlier and act like I work for someone else and make solid expectations for myself. I didn't have a problem adhering to other people's expectations. Having my own magazine is MY JOB and I have to remember that . I have to do what is needed to be successful, just as I was in my old job. Taking back some of the habits I had established will work the same in this situation. 

I'm glad to be feeling good though. It helps to enjoy yourself. I did get a little stressed and frustrated yesterday, so I just came home and vegged on my recliner. I love my worn recliner. My babies, Mia and Tanner, lay in my lap or whatever they can find space and we just relax and enjoy each other's company. They are so wonderful to have around.

I have a interview tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. It will be about Sickle Cell Anemia and how it affects many Black people in our communities. It is a medical issue that we don't know a lot about but it affects quite a few Black people. After that, I may take some time for myself... but I doubt. 

Well tomorrow's a new day and I will keep writing. Thanks for reading.

"Embrace Your Community.

A Publisher's Day

I woke up feeling pretty good today. I have been working like crazy staying up late to finish everything, even though I realize I will never finish.  I listened to my Gospel music as I do everyday to get me feeling really good as I drove to my coffee shop office Java. I thought about a friend who reached a year of her book of poetry being published. I am so happy for her.  It is so good when you reached a goal that started out as just a thought but ended up to be a dream come true. Way to Go Shametra! It is only the beginning for you. As I thought about her, I thought about my own year coming up in September. My thought that turned to a dream will be upon me in September. I will definitely have to reflect just as she did.

Today I was able to work from an agenda and accomplished everything that was listed for today. It is such a good feeling when I do this. The editor and I realized we have to have an agenda to keep us on track. It makes us feel good and we feel we have met our goals for the day. The magazine continues to move forward and grow. People continue to be responsive and apart of the growth. Thanks Austin. I'm working hard to have a great fundraiser event. I have great people surrounding me, so I have no doubt. But because again, I'm completely out of my comfort zone, I am afraid and fearful. But it comes from my own insecurities. I have a lot by the way. 

I have an interview tomorrow morning and then the team will meet to review the June issue. It will go out on time. I'm excited about it. It is our Father's Day issue. I love celebrating the Black man and the good black men who are working, loving and providing security to their family. They are out there, we just have to give them light to shine. They are covered by all the darkness that drains from a wound created by our society. Ujima will always give them the power and the positive light they deserve and need. 

Tomorrow is a new day, and I will continue to write. Thanks for reading. See ya soon.

"Embrace Your Community"

A Publisher's Weekend

I have had a wonderful but busy weekend thus far. Yesterday, I had a fun time with my girls at Schlosky's. We laughed and talked for a long while. We had a wonderful time together as usual. When I get with them, I laugh so hard, sometimes my eyes start watering. It's a wonderful release. We have been meeting at Schlosky's since 1997.I do miss going to the Wine Festival at the Domain. This is the first year I did not attend. The weather has been raining so I'm not so sure I would have enjoyed myself. There is always next year. It is a fun event. 

 Today, I had a meeting with my fundraiser coordinator and the lady who is making my invitations for the Wine Tasting event. I finalized the invitations. They are very nice. I was also glad to have a Starbucks Carmel Machiatto, love that coffee drink. I even splurged for extra carmel.

Please meet Mia and Tanner. They are my babies. I do have one other beautiful baby named Solomon. He is a black Chow. He is a really nice dog. They make up our family. We, my husband and I, love them to death. They keep me laughing and smiling when I feel down or sad. They are great companions.

Well tomorrow's a new day. Thanks for reading.

The Life of a Publisher

I have gotten behind a bit in writing. But all is well.  I have to tell you about my day yesterday. I went to the second OSEC ( Original Self-Employed Collaboration) meeting. It is the meeting I joined last month. It is for women who are business owners and entrepreneurs. I really enjoy this group because it is more than a social group where you meet people and give them your card. The leader of the group is Donna Johnson. You can find more information at her website www.donnaspeaks.com. Anyway, she has an agenda and she follows it. If this means we have to talk more at the end, the lesson for that day is given. Yesterday we discussed branding. What is it you want your business to convey to people? I got a lot from this discussion. The group is diverse and all the women involved are in different lines of business. We have construction company owners, artist, landscaping artist, life insurance agent, to someone who is finding her way. But from the group she received tips and ideas of how she may proceed to narrow down what she wants to do. It's a great group.

After that, I was too tired to do much else. I have plenty of my plate however. Because I have to get this fundraiser planned out and ready to go. 

Today, I had to stop and take a break. I felt really tired today. I had an interview with a young lady who has started a program working with our young black children in the community. After that meeting, I came home and took a rest in my recliner and then got up around 5pm to start working. I feel a little bit better and I will have to stop and sit still because if I don't I will be exhausted to the point where I can't do anything. But I feel I can't just stop or I losing time. Tomorrow is a new day and I will wake up and continue on.  Thanks for reading.

"Embrace Your Community"

Life of A Publisher

I spent time learning how to add photos to my Facebook page. It was fun and I did it. Today was a busy day. I met with the fundraising coordinator about the upcoming Ujima event on June 26th. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Not to mention there are a lot of pieces that have to be done. With all of this planning, I still have a magazine to put out. The managing editor and myself tried to spend time today discussing how we can make our job a little easier. The system we have for writing and interviewing is not really working. We are always stressed at the last minute trying to meet our deadline, write all the articles, take photos,etc.  We were not able to do that today, so it will be a priority tomorrow.  We are attending the OSEC meeting tomorrow at Sherlocks. It is the Original Self-Employed Collaboration meeting. It is a time I can step away from the business and learn from other people.

I still have to work on my database and brainstorm about making the job easier tonight. But I will get it done... I have too. Well I better get business if I want to get any sleep tonight. 

Thanks for reading.

 

"Embrace Your Community"

May Issue of Ujima

The May issue is final out. I know it's late but production was delayed due to a family emergency. But even though it was delayed it is still a good issue. The young girl on the cover is Simone. Her story is incredible. She started college at 15 years old. She is now 17 years old and is attending University of Texas, graduating next year. She will then apply to medical school. She is an inspiration to young people and old. She made me want to do better. I love meeting people who are young and know what they want to do and make plans for their future. She's amazing.

Although I was very happy to get the issue out, I had somewhat of a small glitch. I found out that the cafe I was going to use for the Wine Tasting event was double booked, leaving me out. So, I'm now looking for another venue. But I did not freak out and I calmly started looking for another location. I did contact the fundraiser assistant and she will assist with this task too. I have to keep the date because I have gotten the speaker locked in and I just do not want to change. I spent tonight updating my database with names, numbers and addresses. So, that's today. But tomorrow will be editing day for the June issue so it will a day of concentration. Yahoo!

Be back tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

The Life and Times of a Publisher

Today has been a difficult day. It was the day technology decided to stop for me. I went to my coffeehouse office to write. I have most of my June copy done, however, I needed to go back and listen to some of my notes. That's when I realized my audio pen would not work. I sat at the table hitting the pen against the paper trying to get it to pick up the sound. But of course, it would not budge. I was screaming inside. Then instead of the May issue being delivered from the printer in San Antonio, my husband ended up having to drive and get them. This did not make me happy. But on the bright side, they will go out to the community tomorrow... Yea! Finally.

So I have sat looking to see if I had any other options for a audio pen and haven't found any. I'm also trying to decide will I invest in a new pen or just use the traditional recorder. But I love technology and love to find the next best thing. But I am worried about the interviews I cannot go back and listen to for information. But I learn today, I better use a back up when I interview someone because even with sketchy notes it is hard to remember everything. That is what makes the audio pen so great. Ugh!!!!

Now I can move on to the June issue and all of the things I have to do for my year issue.  Between planning for the fundraiser, writing, interviewing, and all the other things that happen in life, I should have plenty to keep me busy. Tomorrow is a new day and I'll be ready for it. Thanks for reading.

The Life and Times of a Publisher

My life as a publisher today was good. I met with my team to discuss ideas, changes, upcoming events and improvements that need to be made. I have a good team and we work hard to make improvements and stay ahead of the game. Working to be the best is hard work, but things worth having, always mean hard work. We are working on the June issue, which we are putting together. Because it is only myself and the managing editor writing all the articles, we work hard to meet our deadlines along with everything we have to do to keep it going. Whew! I wonder sometime how we do it, but we always get it done. The May issue is late coming out but hopefully it will be ready tomorrow. An untimely family emergency caused the production to be delayed, but when they come out they will be worth the wait. 

After the meeting, I worked on things that need to be done for our Anniversary issue. How exciting. I spent tonight looking for a Evite site that I can work the task for the Wine Tasting Event on June 26th. I have a lot of my plate and I hope I can keep it all in order. It's not easy but I can do it. This week should be fairly easy because it's our proof and marketing week. I have to generate some dollars so I really need to work on Marketing. So much to do and not enough time in the day. 

The good thing is tomorrow is a new day! See ya tomorrow and thanks for reading.

The Life and Times of a Publisher

Saturday, May 9th

Yesterday, I had a long day. But it was a good day. I started with the photo shoot and the three dads did a great job. My vision came out and I know the cover photo will be great. I'm so excited about taking my pictures  to a new level. I then went to my coffee house office and instead of writing I messed around on Facebook and Twitter. I really do see how these two social media's can become sort of addictive. It didn't start that way for me but now... 

I then went to WineStyles to enjoy wine tasting with the Sistah Wine Club. We had a great time as usual. We sipped our Reds and Whites and decided on a nice Riesling for the June issue of the magazine. I am really the only member who likes Red wine. But we all agreed for last night the Riesling was the best choice.

Today, I'm writing. I will take a break and then return. Have a great day, and thanks for reading.

Life of a Publisher

I did not get to post yesterday because I got tired. Yesterday I had a good day. I started with an interview with a ballet dancer. She is starting a dance company as well as a studio. We had a good discussion about how black children in our community are not moving forward in this arena. They get to a certain point and then they stop or have no options to continue. She will provide this continuous road. I had coffee with my marketing assistant and then I headed to my coffee shop office Java. I got some things done, I even attempted to write my articles for the June issue. But I got phone calls and emails done so that was good. 

I am excited about this morning. I have my photo shoot with three fathers for the Father's Day issue. It is the first time, the photo's will be staged. Each month I learn something by observing other magazine's and studying photos, etc. So, I'm going to make my photos look better by using the surroundings in Austin to bring out wonderful covers and inside photos. I'm very excited. I will let you know in the next blog how it goes. Thanks for reading.

A Publisher's Life

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I have been writing a blog/journal on my Ujima Facebook Page and I thought I might start the same type of blog here. 

Today, I had a nice working day. I didn't have any interviews so I went to my coffee shop office Java and tried to get some writing done. However, the Managing Editor and myself ended up working on marketing. We worked on how to make money for the magazine. We have to generate some revenue. So it wasn't a total loss. I have to stop this procrastination I go through. When I know I have a deadline, I wait until the end before I start working. This whole week is called our writing week, but I have yet to finish one article for the for the June issue. But tomorrow's another day. I do have a interview tomorrow but after that I'm heading to my coffee shop office do some writing. See ya tomorrow.

Becoming Liberated

I did get a response to my question of making my blog interesting. The response was sometime it is finding the right words. Well, that is what I will work on. Finding the right words. I wish it was an easy task. Why am I making this so hard? Why? I know I need to relax because there is not a right or wrong way to do it but I feel like it is. Why? I don't know. So, I will write what I feel and be done with it. No more obsessing about it and wanting something to be what I can't make it be. Just write Damita. That is all I need to do...

I already feel liberated.