Now that Im in the South - think I'll become a TOASTMASTER! Are U ready 2 let go of the things U used to do in order to become the person U were meant to be??

Are white people going to be there AND will I be the ONLY "Black" person there? Those fear based limiting thoughts used to drive my decisions; as it related to making work-related, entrepernurial networking decisions.

I grew up in Omaha, Ne in the 70's and 80's. In those days, neighborhoods, schools, parks, churches and even grocery stores were relegated to being in "The Black area" OR "The white area"  I was bussed to a "White School”, which was determined ONLY by the fact that I had to be bussed to a neighborhood on the other side of Omaha. This was a neighborhood that looked nothing like my neighborhood and surrounded by people who looked neither looked or spoke like me. 

I quickly became accustomed to being either The ONLY black person in ALL of my classes or one of two or three at the most. I was used to the uncomfortable stairs and whispers. Now that I'm older and wiser, I also realize that some of what I was experiencing was of my own projecting. Those kids were equally as uncomfortable with the unfamiliar look, habit and  culture of kids of color entering a school they were told was theres. We had been socially conditioned by our parents, their parents- parent, school officials, radio, tv and magazines, to believe that the shinny green  part of town with the big houses and well kept parks were for the white people and whatever was left over was for the Blacks, Mexicans, the few Native-Americans who hadn’t been driven to the reservations  and the poor White trash.

I woke up this morning excited for the PERADVENTURE  I would create. The only thing I knew for sure was there there would be an almond milk cappuccino, social media and perusing various websites in an effort to look at a few job postings; just to keep that muscle flexed. I caught a Lyft ride to Winter Park, notably known for having rows and rows of mansions. It's pegged as the upper echelon area of Orlando. I had no idea where I was going, only that I was going to a Toastmaster Meetup at “The Mayflower.” I walked into the lobby of the “Mayflower” retirement facility greeted by warm smiles and head nods from several seniors. It was absolutely delightful. For just a moment, I forgot I was both in the South and Bald! lol.

I entered the Toastmaster meeting room, with my new confident, happy, black bald self, to a space filled with ALL old people.  Three of those older people were men pushing those new fangled walking wheel chair style walkers. Initially, thought I crashed an old folks reunion. BTW! We no longer refer to our senior citizens as “Old Folks” as these older people had still a lot of life left in them. Not only was I the ONLY black woman, when I first arrived, but I was the ONLY bald woman. It was great. I love being different. I now welcome it. I know there is no one else who looks and acts like me:  Fee. 

The Toastmaster (a person who proposes or announces) was a woman named Elizabeth, who looked to be in her mid to late 70’s.  She spoke with such eloquence and clarity.  The majority of the members, like Elizabeth, were people over the age of 70, with a few forty-somethings and one lady who looked to be in her 30’s. It just so happens that I LOVE the Seniors. One would ask, why would a group of retired senior citizens be interested in improving their communication and leadership skills? To that I say, as long as their is breathe in our bodies - let us not stop living and striving to improve. Those people welcomed me with open hearts. They were warm and engaging and invited me to return.

Now that I'm building a new life in Orlando, Fl (The South) it's imperative that I get out, explore, meet people of varying backgrounds, ages and culture; while allow the next phase of my life to happen for me VS me forcing something to happen.  I'm clear that my biggest and BEST asset is me - Fee. I am 100% clear that I will  make my impact and my living by being exactly who I AM:  Fee King - the Motivator/Inspirator, Instigator, Explorer, Writer, Blogger and People's Advocate.

Fee King - Yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl

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When a Homeless man is murdered; it doesn’t hurt ANY less than if he had a roof over his head

He was becoming my friend. I met Shakespeare while crossing the street on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Rose Ave.  I’d just moved to Venice; which is a place I NEVER thought I’d live. While I love the Beach and the Beach community; Venice Beach, Ca is NOT like Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades and certainly NOT Malibu. VeniceBeach is a Culture of transients, wealthy, mentally ill, The unstable to The stable, those in flux and those who have either made a choice to live on the streets Or the choice has been made for them. Some refer to   The Venice Community as:

.  A slice of Heaven

.  Weird

.  Strange

.  Interesting

.  Exotic

.  Creepy

.  Dirty

.  Beautiful   

I can attest to the fact that VeniceBeach is ALL of that and more.  My boss  would joke that I would know the names of ALL of the homeless people, in my neighborhood, in a matter of weeks. Sometime I feel like I’d rather know their names, than the names of those who live in apartments, condos and homes homes

As Shakespeare and I walked in the same direction, a connection was quickly made. I had NO idea he was homeless. It never dawned on me that his very handsome, YOUNG, charming man with a smile that made you feel safe, would be calling the Streets of VeniceBeach his home.  We exchanged instagram information and parted ways after I invited him to try our water when our new store opened in a few weeks. 

He took me up on my offer and showed up for water a month later. We quickly built a friendship and within a couple of weeks, I would hired Shakespeare to work as a part of our “Street Team Marketing” passing out coupons and taking photos with prospective new customers. He’d come into the store and we’d talk about EVERYTHING under the sun. I would share half of my lunch with him or treat him to a lunch at Whole Foods. I quickly found myself offering to allow him to take a shower at my place or even crash when the timing was right. He was my bruther. I would sometimes look at him as the son I could’ve easily had. Although he was an old soul at 26 years young; we had a lot in common. I was championing for this young man. I saw pure light in  every blink of his eye and in  every word he spoke. Jascent-Jamal Warren, A.K.A., Shakespeare, The word smith, shared his desires of becoming a BETTER man. He said, “I want to be better, not just for a woman…my Queen, but for myself.”  He was intelligent, hard-working, hungry for knowledge and thirsty for peace…inner-peace. He was Homeless by choice. He was college educated with a strong work ethic. This was a young artist who simply got tired of the 9-to-5 vortex that most have come to believe as the norm. Sure, being homeless was a consequence of his decisions; however, it was also his price for Freedom. Shakespeare lived his life as a FREE man. I admired his courage. It takes courage to wake up and NOT know for sure where your next meal is coming from, where or if you will get a shower or where you’ll lie your head at night. Thank God we live in Southern California, where the weather is mostly conducive to living a homeless lifestyle. And a lifestyle it is.

Saturday night, Aug 29th, just hours before Shakespeare would be gunned down by, who we believe to be a stranger, who had an issue with him and some other homeless people sleeping in front of the Cadillac Hotel on Ocean Front Walk.  I had been thinking about calling him and telling him to walk to Marina Del Rey and get my house key. I’m feeling heavy and feeling some sort of way about not having done that.  Had I offered him my home for the night; maybe he would still be alive. My rational self also knows that we come into this physical space with Free-Will.  And although it was not my will for this young man to not fulfill his purpose, maybe Spirit…the Universe (God) knew his time here had been fulfilled. 

I often ask myself, “Why am I still here?” I believe I’m clear on my purpose and then something like this makes me question and second guess my purpose. I know that my friendship with Shakespeare was real and special. WE happened for a reason and now a Season. My heart is still heavy and I feel deeply saddened  by the death of my new friend. I feel ANGER and Disgust for those who disregard and discard those without a home; as if they too, aren't worthy of respect, understanding and love. Can you imagine going days, weeks, months and even years without people acknowledging you and speaking to you; as opposed to shouting at you. Can you imagine what it must be like NOT being held and told you are loved.    What must it be like to not engage in dialogue and to be stimulated by human conversation. You too would begin to talk to yourself. It must be a lonely existence. While I'm experiencing these many emotions; I'm also feeling Blessed and honored for having known him.  

My sister advised me NOT to allow the loss of this dear soul to deter me from getting close to other homeless people.  I miss Shakespeare. I will miss  watching him grow into the man  he told me he always wanted to be.  R.I.P.

My hope is that WE will come to learn, sooner than later, that there is NO separation between Us. We are all connected. Having a home, car, money, jewelry, a job and OPPORTUNITY makes you NO better than those who don't have. It makes you fortunate

Fee King
Yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl
@yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl
yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl@gmail.com

Malibu is STANKY! Malibu is Nae-Nae!!

The last place in the World I ever thought I, Fylicia Renee’ King, a.k.a., Fee King, would be doing the Stanky leg and the Nae Nae, would be in Malibu, CA. OR, should I say learning how to perfect my “Stanky leg”

Live long enough and expect life to throw a few curve balls at you

I jumped out of bed at 5:40 this morning; excited to drive to Malibu for our first Sponsored event with the American Cancer Association’s Relay for Life Fundraiser.

As usual, I am going to be the Elephant on the internet when I say that women don’t always show one another love. Especially women in the Health and Fitness arena. Some women tend to be a little clickish in the fitness arena. There! I said it.  I know some may disagree; however, it has been my experience in this industry for nearly 20 years, that SOME women tend to be a little competitive and the green eyed monster rears her ugly head at times.  However, Not these ladies on this day in Sunny Malibu, California.

The event started with the Opening Keynote address by a TWO time cancer survivor, named Adrienne Slaughter, who also happens to be a single leg amputee since the age of 14. She and I instantly hit it off.  Her aura was so ferociously bright; that her lack of having two legs seemed  irrelevant. She was a vibrant and  interesting woman with a  positive outlook on life and her situation; which really isn’t a situation at all. She’s a SURVIVOR. She shared her story of:

.  FAITH

.  COURAGE

.  TENANCITY     AND

.  POSITIVITY

Her story, unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes.  It wasn’t from feeling sorry for her. Her story reminded me of those I’ve loved and lost to the dreadful disease called:  CANCER. When I lost my High School Sweetheart to cancer  in 1987.  My Best friend, lost her battle with cancer in 2009.  Last, but not least, when I lost my beloved mother to Cancer in 2011.  I was quickly reminded that I have something more in common with these ladies than the reason I was there; which was to share the gift of hydration.  We have CANCER in common. Her story reinforced that I really have  NO problems at all.  Her story reminded me  that God uses the strong as messengers for Hope.

Next coming to the stage was a fitness trainer named Coach Neda of JÄM (Juicy Athletic Moves)  When she invited EVERYONE to the grassy green area for a 30-min dance infused workout; I’ll be honest. I said to myself, “Self, you know this is about to be some rythmless aerobic-Esque style grape vine-doin dance routine to some bootleg Hip-Hop House infused music.”  I’m Keep’n it 100 right now. That’s what I thought.  Boy was I wrong. This is why making assumptions, makes an ASS out of Me and …ME!

For a minute, I thought they were filming a scene from “Malibu’s Most Wanted Part II” and nobody gave me my sides. LoL  Nedra of Malibu is The TRUTH. Nothing better than seeing a group of 40 + year old  women doing the “Stanky Leg” , “Breaking their legs” doing the “Nae-Nae” and having FUN!  It was less about getting the dance steps right and more about being in the moment, connected to your body and simply doing your best.

What I loved about Neda’s class this morning was her:

.  PASSION

.  COMMITMENT to the routine

.  ABILITY to incorporate the dance steps with movements that targeted the abs, glutes and thighs

.  POSITIVE and OUTGOING ENERGY 

.  ABILITY to instruct while performing

I have made new friends in fitness and I am excited.

Not only can White men Jump, but  “White women can dance”.   LoL

Yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl

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HOT Buttery, Butt-Naked, Yummy, Delicious Man Flesh Cinematic Fantasy FUN 2 be had @ Magic Mike XXL

I'm just going to dive right in on this one.  I don't believe in OBJECTIFYING men; however, Tatum Channing is...is...is White Chocolate!  There! I said it. Fee's FIVE Top Reasons to go and see Magic Mike XXL:

.  You've been celibate for a while and you're straddling the fence

.  You're newly single

.  You've been married for a while and things are starting to get stale

.  You LOVE seeing nearly naked men getting their ultimate groove on while wearing a G-String.

There! That's all I have for you!! LOL

I had absolutely NO intention on ever going to see Magic Mike XXL. I was at the Third Street Promenade on  4th of July and wanted to kill sometime.  I  ended up at the ticket counter purchasing a ticket for ONE.

As I stood in line, a guy comes up and stands next to me and says, "I'll probably be the only man going to see this movie"  That's when I knew, I was in for a ride. And what a ride it was.

Now, I'll be honest. I found the first 20-30 minutes of the movie to drag a little bit. It wasn't grounded in much reality for me. There were scenes in the film that were not very believable. Additionally, without giving much of the story line away, the stakes for Tatum, a.k.a., Magic Mike's character, were not high enough.  I found myself re-writing the scene where he decides to join his old buddies for one last romp as a male exotic dancer.  Missing the good ole bump-N-Grind days of stripping to Genuine's "Pony" was NOT a strong enough choice for me to believe that's why he went back on the road. After all, his character had a somewhat stable career and was on the fast track to success. And he got to keep his clothes on doing it. However, Tatum has moves that are  Big Screen worthy. Actually, Tatum has moves that can be done right here in my loft. LOL  The man can dance. He dances in a way that can't be taught. His dance moves can unrealistically set the bar too high for the average man. Once I got over that weak story like and decided not to ask for my money back, the movie got good.

As soon as Jada Pinkett-Smith's character was introduced; it was on. As soon as they took us into the debauchery full of:
.  FINE
.  FIT
.  FIRM
.  GLISTENING
.  SWEATY, HOT and tantalizing Mounds of chocolate testosterone of varying shades, builds and heights; The roller coaster ride of thunderous emotions was on display for everyone in that movie theatre to experience.

I found myself clapping, cat calling, whistling and calling out "WhooHoo"  I could not believe how vocal I was.  I have NEVER, EVER, EVER been that vocal in a movie theater. I was singing the song, "All I do is WIN". I was cheering and ogling the characters. I was having a good ole time all by MYSELF.

Every actor, from Tatum Channing, Michael Straham, CSI's Adam Rodrigues, Amy Smart, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Joe Manganiello to Andi McDowell, brought something undeniably scrumptious to their character. I loved how these people didn't take themselves too seriously. You can tell they had a good time filming this movie. Andi McDowell will surprise you. There is something for EVERY woman and gay man in this film

Yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl

@yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl (instagram)

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.

What happens when U STOP being tied to other's opinions of You!!

Yesterday, I said I will speak and greet every person I come into contact with today with a Smile and a hello, good morning or good afternoon.  I know what you're thinking, "That's easy for you Fee, "you're always friendly and happy"!  NOT! I work at it people. I make a conscious decision to do my absolute best EVERYDAY. We are bombarded with too a borage of:
.  Choices
.  Options
.  Stimuli
.  Colorful Characters
.  Loud Noises, etc, etc, etc

I live in a community, called the Beach community; which I absolutely love. However, I am bombarded with people, who in my opinion, have  "The Sense of Entitlement Sydrome"  We ALL know what they look like, how they behave, what they drive and even what their voices sound like. Well, except for those who are displaying these annoying attributes. I'll stop there.

I also live in a community of the land of the homeless, disenfranchised and often times mentally ill. I love all of it; as it allows me the opportunity to rise to the challenge of being:

.  Kind

.  Forgiving

.  Compassionate

.  Real

.  Authentic

  .    Loving     - Or NOT!

.  True to myself

I'm nearly hit by a car or either feel the rush of a driver to get out of their way, either while I'm crossing the street, in a cross walk or when riding  my bike. So, at times, my guard is up and I'm a little tense and feeling aggressive. I digress. lol

I enter my new favorite; yet unfavorite coffee shop on Rose called "The Groundworks". I LOVE the coffee, but am not in love with the atmosphere. The staff isn't overly friendly or really friendly and warm at all. It's not like my Urth Cafe. I had a moment of reflection and decided to see if it was me. Am I the one creating this sort of tension and distance between myself, the staff and the other customers when I walk in. I will take 30% of the responsibility, but not all of it. So, yesterday, with my NEW intentions set forth, I decided no matter what and no matter WHO; I am going to smile, greet people I come into contact with; while checking  my energy and attitude at the door. It sort of worked. While waiting for my coffee barista to brew my small almond latte, extra hot with a little room, the woman standing next to me sizes me up. She looked me up and down from head to toe beginning at my paint speckled adiddas animal print running shoes to my not so eloquently wrapped head wrap. And, she did it unapologetically. Before I could react with some sistah-girl sass and attitude, she smiled and quipped, "I Love it. "I love your whole look"  That is working from the scarf, to the polka dot blue dress over the jeans with deliberate holes and the SHOES...I LOVE those tennis shoes." 

 I burst out laughing. I couldn't help but tell her that if my sister were here, she would tell both of us that I looked a Hot mess and to go home and start over.  Nothing was matching and I didn't care.  (Photo insert) I was comfortable and on my way to do the FINAL cleaning and exit from the OLD apt in Santa Monica to the NEW apt, career and lifestyle I am creating in Venice. And it's true - I don't give a damn what people think about what I'm wearing, how I'm wearing it and why I'm wearing. My WHY is so crystal clear; that the only person who's opinion of me that matters is Mine.  Living in a Beach community, people tend to be extremely casual. That's why I love it over here. Now, I know how to put it together when I need and want to; however, most of the time there is no need and I don't want to.

With that being said, when we decide to just be US; then the opinions of others matters less and less.  When we realize the energy we are receiving from others might be due to our own stuff and our projecting of our own stuff on to others; we then empower ourselves to do something about it... or NOT. I personally like, when people are happy AND grateful that I am patronizing their business. So, I will continue to buy my coffee from Groundworks coffee; while I expect my Positive, Bubbly and Effervescent Energy to rub off on them. lol     If it takes longer than I like; they will come to realize that they are not the only show in town.

Define and Focus on Your WHY today and EVERYDAY

Yahollywoodfitnessgotogurl

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Ya Hollywood Fitness GotoGurl!: My neighbors called the cops on my “Black (Male) H...

Ya Hollywood Fitness GotoGurl!: My neighbors called the cops on my “Black (Male) H...: I know that racism, sexism and classicism is alive and well.  Although I am Not a black man, I tend to think I have some idea of what it ...

My neighbors called the cops on my “Black (Male) Housekeeper”

I know that racism, sexism and classicism is alive and well.  Although I am Not a black man, I tend to think I have some idea of what it means to be a Black Man.  Today, I realized I have NO idea. 

I hired a new housekeeping company a few days ago by the name of handy.com to clean my place once a week while I’m vacationing in Maui.  It’s a new app that allows you to book cleaning professionals via the app or via their website.  And, your first cleaning is ONLY $29.99.  You pay for what you get people. Remember you read it here. I digress. That’s another story that I plan to blog about.

I was shocked when my new cleaning professional, Daryl, informed me that he was unable to clean my apartment this morning due to being ushered off of the property by Santa Monica P.D for loitering.  WTFreak! He had to have been at the wrong complex, I thought.  Prior to having this phone conversation with Daryl, the only plausible reason I could come up with for this young man to be asked to leave an unsecured apartment building, would be because he’s a Black-American. After speaking with Daryl, I could tell he was a brutha. He's very polite, articulate and professional. Yet, he’s still BLACK! I live in a small beach community, where it’s not unusual to see new faces several times a day. My neighbors enjoy entertaining; as well as subletting their apartments, on a short term basis. Therefore, it’s very common to see faces that you don’t recognize. Although, I’m pretty much the ONLY black face you'll see on the premises, my neighbors seem to be very:

.  open-minded

.  well socialized

.  non-bigotry (Is that a real word)

kind of people.   My neighbor (s) aren’t prejudiced. My neighbors don’t racially profile. After all, they like me. Oh! That’s right. I’m not a threat. I’m NOT a loaded walking Black man. 

My cleaning professional arrived thirty minutes prior to his scheduled cleaning time.  While awaiting instructions on where to pick the key up from, he decided to sit in the back seat of his vehicle to have a phone conversation with the handy.com dispatcher.  Additionally, he took a walk to the beach, while he killed time waiting for a response as to where he could pick up the key. Within less than 30-minutes of being on the property where I reside, in Santa Monica Ca, an African-American police officer approached his vehicle with a barrage of questions. My new housekeeping professional was able to show the officer his credentials; as well as explained why he was on the premises.  The young man, my new and now former, housekeeping professional shared with me that he’s from Los Angeles and knows how these things work.  WTFreak! No one should be accustomed to how THIS works.  The police officer, gave him that look that ONLY minorities give one another, when they know some bull shit has just gone down; however, it’s best that you move along, so as to not cause any further issues.

Not only am I embarrassed, but I am disappointed. The old Fylicia couldn’t wait to get home; so she could go off on her neighbors. But, what good would that do?  You can’t fight ignorance with ignorance. Here we are in the year 2015 and this type of ignorance is still happening. My heart is heavy. I felt bad for this young man. I don’t have the answer; however, I am open to coming up with some solutions.  Please weigh in on this issue.

Black Lives Matter!

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