Then & Now

A local magazine I've started! Go to www.wix.com/cdtravis/valleymix for more information! 1st issue expected to be published mid-Aug 2012...

My cleaning & services business!

A local music production company that I'm helping to start! Find us on Facebook and YouTube!







A long, long, long time ago our country was discovered by many people who were looking to make a change. Taking risk, seeking adventure! We learn in history about the Industrial Revolution. How people built and created businesses to help aid those around them. Question is "How long are we going to be learning the same thing"? I'm pretty sure a lot of events have happened since then that our future generations need to hear about. I feel the history is so far gone that it's leaving little motivation for generations after to make drastic changes! When did our nation become so nonchalant?! I know eventually our U.S History books will be upgraded to accommodate our first African-American President, Barack Obama. What do we as a people have to contribute along side our ever-changing historical background? Don't feel down about any of this! I was wondering if any one else was wondering the same thing! We are all part of the Technical Revolution era. Technology is useful: Business is essential. My hypothesis about the next era... some sort of Entertainment Revolution. From all the complaints I'm getting about today's entertainment, I would not be surprised! Just something to think and or discuss.

Should Wealthy Children Receive Scholarships?

A scholarship is an honor rewarded to student(s) who have exceeded the expectations of certain academic or athletic requirement that is acceptable as a form of payment towards higher education. At least that is how I see it!

I remember being told that good grades and athletic ability are ways to gain college entrance, most every parents dream! It's challenging to be rewarded a scholarship; it takes many years of preparation and responsibility. I read a magazine a few days ago and came across a controversial issue pertaining to Sean "P Diddy" Comb's son Justin, 18. Apparently, Justin was awarded a $54,000 football scholarship to UCLA (Congratulations!). If you do not know who Sean "P Diddy" Combs, he is a hip-hop artist who owns his own label- Bad Boy Records. Money is not hard to come by for him and his family! That being said, his dad is the one with the money; not him. There are parents out there who do have a strong financial situation  that aren't in the entertainment industry. I don't hear people complain about their children receiving scholastic funding.  A scholarship is awarded to the most qualified. Anyone can get one or apply for one, if they meet the eligibility requirements. Why would you accept an award and then give it back or donate it to charity? I mean you can, but you're getting a scholarship obviously it's for school. The money had to be raised and donated some kind of way. Just as one can do for any charity, it doesn't take a certain type of person to give to a good cause. Scholarships are different from financial aid and grants! Students whose parent(s) make over a certain amount of money do not qualify.

In conclusion:
How and what people decide to with their money is their business. The thought of taking away an awarded honor from someone is ridiculous, in this situation- a kid. Really America?! Taking lollipops from the babies.

My Son, My life

.:Christopher J Walker:.

My love

               
         "I love my son more than anything in this world. I knew I was destined for greatness before he came along. When he arrived my purpose became known."

 Some Things I Want My Son to Know

1. Put God first in everything you do!!!!
2. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
3. People are going to talk about you throughout your life; Let them talk.
4. No one can take your knowledge away from you, Learn all you can!
5. Don't be afraid to follow the beat of your own drum.
6. All things materialistic come and go, including people.
7. Don't worry about pleasing any one but God.
8. It doesn't hurt to try.
9. Failure is not an option.
10. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
11. Don't settle for less than what you deserve.
12. Honesty is the best policy!
13. If the sky was the limit, man would have never discovered the moon.
14. Cheaters never win.
15. It's not where you start, but where you finish.
16. Don't judge a book by its cover.
17. Always be thankful for what have.
18. Give thanks to God during good and bad times.
19. Say what you mean; mean what you say.
20. Your character develops your reputation.
21. Don't commit the crime if you're not willing to accept the consequences.
22. Save money!
23. Without order there is chaos.
24. Don't make promises you can't keep.
25. Life happens when you're too busy making plans.
26. If you can't continue straight on, go around a corner.
27. If you're ashamed to take God and I with you, it'd be best to stay put.
28. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WHOLE WORLD AND I'LL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Something for My Pretty, Young Moms

Dear PYMs, 

     A baby is blessing in each and every form. Women are the givers of life! A responsibility not to be taken lightly. I'm not fussing to the teen moms or praising the older established mom/wife. This is for the overlooked population, the "single" young adult mother. We're no longer considered dependent, but still need help. That stage in life where most ladies are engulfed in the social scene, education, working, etc. As if it's not hectic enough already add kid(s) in the mix! Having a baby can make or break you. Almost all my friends have kids and none of us are married. We all go through similar baby daddy situations, just in different forms. I never thought my life would turn out this way, when it came to starting a family. Most young mom's pictured life differently as this age. I love my son so much I try not to let unfortunate situations get me down. In my case, his father and I get along great, but unfortunately we aren't together at the moment. When all is said and done MOTHERS are the ones who are providing. My son sees me 24/7. Therefore it is up to me to make sure he grows up with everything he deserves. Question is "How can I do that when I don't have my life together?". Pray about it and get it right. Short term goals have to be set in order for the long term ones to take place. It's different for everybody. I just recommend you start listening to Joyce Meyers! She is awesome and shows you how to apply the word according to your lifestyle. You have to find strength within yourself because being a mommy is the best hardest job a girl can ask for! I just wanted to let you guys know that you can do it! You are a good mother and none of us are perfect at it. Your baby is watching you- BE A GREAT ROLE MODEL!

Development Challenge

I've been living in the Huntsville/Madison area for about 16 years now. Being a kid, I was upset about moving to Alabama; I can imagine experiencing the change as an adult. Alabama isn't exactly portrayed as a state for entertaining. In movies, it is easy to make us appear to be stuck in the 1800s! Everybody's been running away from this place, as if they'll be forever plagued with lameness. Get REAL. If you don't like it, change it. Plain and simple.

Why does it seem people want life handed to them???

Our forefathers created something from nothing; why can't we? Did you know you can submit suggestions to the local city council?! My fellow neighbors, our mayor is Troy Trulock. He is more than happy to make changes to our community. If you are passionate enough, research ways to get your opinions known. Anything that belongs to you has potential to be renovated! Let your inner visionary be heard. Do not be a complainer especially if you do not plan to solve your issues. 

The 256 area, or any area, within time can become THAT PLACE...

Tips:

1. Found out who your city council is.
2. Write down what you would like to see changed.
3. Place your comments in a suggestion box at city hall or find out when the next community planning meeting is and see if you can attend
4. Stay proactive!!!!

Good Luck

Just a Piece of BubbleGum...

You've seen it on television, read via facebook, or got the call... somebody's gotten ROBBED over bubble pieces! WHY?! First of all, what makes you a better person for taking other(s)' property? If it's to seem stronger bubble pieces join a body builder competition, triathlon, ...arm wrestle! Want to show you are a risk taker go to college, start a business, ...lend a helping hand! If you are going to gamble be smart about it. Do something that will benefit you in the end. Whether it's stealing property or ideas- it will not work for you. For instance, you steal a television; well

1. If you don't have a place to put it...
2. If you don't have cable...
3. If it breaks (surely you thought about the warranty on the receipt)
4. Always a risk of jail time and diagnosis of stupidity. 

I shouldn't have to proceed; you get the picture! It's all bubble pieces. Most regular victims will not replace an item with something of a lesser value. It's a chance to upgrade and install an insane security system that will zap you soon as a toe hits the property line. Do not underestimate; Despicable Me comes to mind hehe. Technology is advanced beyond believe these days. No telling who has a "noisy cricket" or a house souped up like The Smith's residence. If you have to stretch extra and go out of your way to obtain it, THINK. What is it that you have to do? What are the steps involved? It feels better when you prove to yourself you are capable of overcoming even the smallest obstacle. Your mentality might be you need to survive: "I gotta do what I gotta do." Bubble pieces! We all do! No excuse not to do the right thing. I have a son and I want to teach him it is okay to be the good guy. I'm sure every parent wants the best for his or her kids. It takes small steps and foundation to build anything. Don't take, be inspired by others! There are many forms, flavors, and brands of bubblegum; yet they still innovate. Do not fret over green bubble pieces when there are plenty of yellow and blue to go around. Blow your own mind lol :-)

Go big or Not at All

By now, EVERY ONE knows that storms are a part of life- both physically and mentally! What ever you decide to do about it... BE CONFIDENT! Give it your all. If not who will?? I'm sure your friends and other close loved ones care about your feelings, but who really gives a hoot?! Everybody has his or her issues and trying to figure out a means to an end, without someone added. Cry, Kick, Scream, ... EAT if you have to lol. It's all a part of  life's emotional roller coaster. Emotions are just feelings anyway; not a way of life! Find *healthy* ways to make yourself feel better. Remember what life was like before the drugs became a part of your system... hard I know! I had a hard time visualizing myself and I'm not an avid drug abuser. Think of what you told yourself you were going to do. What happened between now and then? Most of us spend the beginning of our life discovering God's wonderful creations and being told "you can be whatever you want". Our teen years we struggled within ourselves as reality settles in. You are lying if you are thinking... I didn't struggle. You may have not put much emphasis on the matter, but you still had to find ways to create self image. As young adult responsibilities unfold, so does the ugly truth! I remember after a month in my own apartment I was the one who :had to buy toilet paper, toothpaste, pay the light bill (after leaving every light on in the place), and everything else I assumed happened. Work. Work. Work. Bills. Bills. MORE BILLS! I and so many of my fellow peers tend to lose sight of happiness. We become work robots and settle for what minimum wage has to offer. Pretend to be excited for the ones that luck up and get a $10 an hour job, when we really want to punch them in the neck. You don't have to go to school- it helps though. Pick up some trades or start your own business! What ever you do GO BIG! Life's too short to be timid. Don't sit around and complain, waiting for the yellow brick road to appear amongst gravel. Bring it!