Inspire.. Dream.. Lead...

February is dedicated to commemorate the Black History.  All these days I was under the impression that it started with Martin Luther King until recently when I came to know of the inspiring history behind it.  Carter G Woodson son of former slaves James and Eliza Woodson of  New Canton Virginia, started the Negro Histroy Week in February 1926 to promote African American history and their contributions.  He was the first African American to get a Ph.D from Harvard University in 1912.  Later on, the month February was dedicated as the Black History month to remember the contributions of  the innovators, educators, artists, writers, scientists, politicians, sportspersons, philanthropists, men and women who fought for civil rights and justice.

Today I felt very honored to be a guest speaker at the Power Lunch program organized by IT'S TIME a non-profit  organization dedicated to help the youth to excel in social, academic and professional spheres.  The youth program is run in Washington DC under the leadership of Zalenda Cyrille. The first session is for learning and the second session is for the speech. When I entered John Burrough's Learning Center in DC,  Zalenda was  coaching the youth on public speaking. She showed them a video clip about the earthquake in Haiti and explained how to use the logical questioning technic to prepare a speech on Haiti.

I shared with the children about my education, career, my dreams and travels. The children asked me amazing questions on how I like my job, what is the most difficult thing in my job, how do I handle likes and dislikes in my job. Showed interest to know about my role models and my school days.  When I was telling them about my travels to S. Afrcia, Tunisia, and Egypt in Africa, they even recited all the countries in Africa in alphabetical order. Actually, it was a beautiful rap!

What a great Saturday morning. I felt very much energized by the enthusiam and interest shown by these young dreamers. It is about time that we need organizations like IT'S TIME to help young boys and girls to dream, to succeed, and to lead.

Snow! Child! Adult!....

Finally the blizzard hit the Washington DC area on friday.   Luckily, I returned home on thursday night from my business trip. Once we are prepared with the essentials like milk and groceries then it is waiting for the arrival of that first snow flakes. This time it was non-stop. The snow flakes were falling down rhythemically. TV news anchors were busy with the updates.
This blizzard brought almost 28 inches of snow, a record equal to the year 1922. After a while I stopped watching the updates and concentrated on the beauty of the snow.  Watching the snow slowly engulfing the surroundings is like observing an artist painting a landscape. The snow creates wonderful sculptures on the branches of the trees and shrubs.  During the night,  the moonlight has turned everything bright. It is almost similar to the northern lights.  It almost beckons one to take a walk. But, the practical side of me refused to wear the snow boots and the gear to venture into the night for a walk. So cosily I covered myself with a blanket and drank hot tea instead! 
This morning it was time to rock! Joined the children in our neighborhood and had a great time throwing snow balls and sledding around. Shoveling the snow does not seem like a chore anymore.

The weekend has ended so also the snow showers. The child in my heart has slept peacefully dreaming about the next chance perhaps viewing the sunrise from the plane. Meanwhile the adult side of me has began checking the tasks for the week and started packing for yet another business trip. "Woods are lovely dark and deep...".