From wence I have come

The Men Chronicles

My upcoming play: The Men Chronicles will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2016 @ 5:00PM @ The Madison Theater in Albany,  NY.  Please come out. Go to my Facebook page for more information: Peyton  J Harrison Productions.

The Secret Lives of Church Girls

I am so excited!! I had my first virtual meeting (teleconference) with my new group of ladies that have aggreed to be in my theatrical production of The Secret Lives of Church Girls. 

This was the first play that I wrote and I remixed it by changing the title and adding a new character. Looking at the dates of May 3rd or 4th for performance days.

I have a complete cast and I am praying that God will open up the windows of heaven and pour me out a blessing that. I will not have room enough to receive it!

I have to create a rehearsal schedule and get it going!  See you at the TopTop!!

I forgot to add

On the positive note, I have been doing Zumba on Momdays and Thursdays and walking in between.  I've completed two videotaping's for the Men's Chronicles interviews and tomorrow I submit my play for a call for plays.  Praying that my play gets picked up.

Where have I been? Asking myself the same thing.

Wowee!!  What a year this has been.  It's been awhile since I blogged.  I have been so preoccupied with relationship and emotional issues.  Been worn down and worn out.  People I love with all my heart have died and others have walked away from me.  Friends that I know and love me unconditionally don't live near me and I miss them terribly.  My best friend from high school lost her husband suddenly and it shattered all of our worlds.  What could I say to her to relieve her pain? What could I do to let her know that I hurt, too and that I wish I could take the sting of the pain away?  And my best friend here in Albany has treated me unkindly on two occasions and made me question my friendship and question how I have allowed others to take me for granted and not value my friendship.  Or was it that I didn't set proper boundaries? Had I been too kind, too loving, too understanding, too supportive, too forgiving?  When did I become a doormat to all of the people in my life?  I really love the people in my life and I truly want what is best for them.  I love hard and give freely and encouraging others brings me joy.  But as I sit here, I am questioning everything about who I am.  I sit here alone.  No friends, no phone calls, no nothing..  I have no one to hang out with, my phone doesn't ring, no invitations to anything.  How did I get here?  Everyone who I have given myself to has left me stranded.  Stranded physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  I'm spent and worn down. It hurts like hell.  My only refuge is Christ.  He's what's holding me up because I feel lonely, lost and forgotten.  Praying about when this thing will turn around and how it will turn around.  My hope is in Christ and I have the faith of a mustard seed.  That mustard seed is all I have today.  Praying for deliverance.

Happy New Year!!

Okay, okay.  I realize that today is January 19th so I'm almost through the month of January.  LOL However, I thought I needed to send some positive information out into the universe.  And just update what is going on in my life.

Currently, working on my fourth play titled: "The Men Chronicles".  It's a series of monologues written from a man's perspective or a man's voice.  I know that I am not a man but I am soliciting men to tell me their stories and I am endeavoring to put them down on paper.  I will make sure that I have some men read what I write before I start directing this play.  I really want men's stories to be heard and I want each character to be believable.  Still need to start writing "So You Call Yourself a Man of God?" I have the characters written down but they don't have voices yet. 

I was asked to be apart of a production called "The Zora Tellers".  It's a series of vignettes about the life of Zora Neale Hurston.  I play a small role of Rosalee.  Roslaee is southern,  fiesty, a cusser and strong-willed.. She is a character!!   LOL  I am having fun developing her character and becoming Rosalee.  Been asked to sing and possibly act in March and May.  I don't sing alone ever!!  Usually in a group setting unless I'm in the car or home.  But I made the mistake of singing at an open mike and a friend heard me and now he wants to use me twice!!  Still haven't figured out what to do about it.  I guess I need to talk to him and decide how I can participate, right?  LOL  I guess this is God's way of expanding my territory.  I have read Habakkuk 2:2-3 many, many times.  And on top of that my Pastor finished teaching on spiritual gifts in bible study last night. Pastor said it is a sin to have gifts from God and not to use them. he also said that if you do not use them then it says something about your relationship with One who gave you your gifts.  OUCH!!!   Okay, God.  I will use all of my gifts!!  Thank you for giving them to me and I will use them to glorify you.  I'll keep singing the song I learned this year from Pastor Christina Staton of Empire Christian Center.  "In the atmosphere of your glory, I feel you Lord, pushing me and moving me to where I ought to be".

Lastly, still on weight release journey.  I actually lost 17 pounds last year.  Not my goal but I did lose, praise God.  Trying to get down a dress size by my birthday(February 23rd. Help me, JESUS!!)  and be down 2 dress sizes by May of this year.  Praying that I can do it with God's help.  Leaning hard on Him for help.

Also, follow me on twitter jerseygirlp@twiiter.com and also check out a wonderful group of women who are glorifying God and building up women.  It's called Girlfriends Pray.  They are on Facebook and Twitter.  You can call in every morning and evening for prayer six days a week.  I really am enjoying the prayer at 7:00am each morning.  Their number is 1-712-432-0075  access number 128845

I also need prayer for my health.  Trying to get info a potential health issue as well as maintain my lung health with my asthma and allergy issues.  Pray for healing restoration and mostly WHOLENESS!!  I also need the energy and stamina to do all that God has called me to do.

Blessings!


Peyton

It has been a challenging year

I have been sitting back and reflecting on this year.  It has been a series of highs and lows.  There were a least 4 incidents that took my breath away and some that just made me sit still and just listen for God to tell me something.  I was literally speechless.  Had nothing to say and had no words to give.  I felt exhausted and depleted of my energy at times.  I felt alone.  I felt lonely.  I felt misunderstood.  I felt judged.  I felt betrayed.  I felt neglected.  I felt unappreciated.  I loved too hard and I didn't love enough. People who I thought had my back, let me fall.  People who I didn't know showed up and stepped up to the plate.  I sat, I cried.  I sat some more and I cried some more.  I laid down. I went for walks.  I went for drives. All the while, talking to God and telling Him all about it.  Didn't really have to tell Him because He knows all, He is everywhere and He has all power.  But I like to talk to Him.  It makes me feel better .  And when I can't talk, I like to write it down  on paper and let Him read all about it.  And then there's those private thoughts that I don't share with anyone.  The ones that only He and I know about.  The desires of my heart.  Sometimes when I'm not looking, He shows me that He's listening.  He'll do something to let me know that He hears me and that He loves me.  It's usually when I am feeling neglected or unappreciated.  But through the highs and lows, God has been my leaning post.  He's been my source of comfort.  He's been my strength and my peace. My all and all.

I have learned a lot this year. So, I don't have time for the crazy. Not eating anymore emotional poison or listening to anymore negative tapes either. Spending my time loving myself, my family and my friends. Trying to work on being the woman God would have me to be.  It's a process, so if I mess up or don't act the way you think I should, please don't judge me.  Ask me if I need help or if you can genuinely be of assistance to my growth.   I'm looking for authenticity.  If you don't genuinely care about me it's okay but please just leave me alone.  It's okay if we are not friends. I don't need to be friends with everybody.  I want to surround myself with loving and caring people.  I only want to be in relationships with people who want to be in relationship with me.  Plus, I'm silly.  If you can't handle my silliness and share a genuine, gut busting laugh that's fine.  I'll keeping being me and make it do what it do, baby!!

Yes, a year of highs and lows. Blessings.  Grace. Mercy.  Thankful for it all.  The good, the bad, the highs and the lows.

I've been asked to be apart of production

I was asked to be apart of production at Ebenezer Baptist Church here in Albany.  The director is taking the 9 fruit of the spirit and she wants to have 9 brides and 9 groomsmen.  Now, I really should not be taking this on since I am working on my own production for my church.  But I was curious about it so I asked her which fruit of the spirit she wanted me speak on.  I figured that she would want me speak on meekness or long-suffering.  But she told me she wanted me to speak on love.  I had to do a chuckle when she said it.  I've been studying 1 Corinthians 13 since February and it has been kicking my butt!!  I consider myself quite loving but there are times when people can challenge you and push you beyond the brink of being lovable.  I spent two months on love is patient!! I just was having problems being patient.  Anyway, I had to chuckle and look up at God and say, "So you've got jokes God".  Okay, I see you.  So, with that I knew that God was trying to tell me something. He really wants me to study love but from His perspective of what love means.  God is love and He is the best and perfect example of how we are supposed to love one another.  So, I am writing about love and trying to understand how I can become more loving to my family, to my friends and to my church family.  Looking with loving eyes on how I can be a blessing to others and how I can show God's love through me.  praying and hoping with a holy expectancy that I will be loved the way that I deserve to be loved.  So looking forward to spending my life loving someone and having them love me back with all their heart, mind and soul.

I'm nervous about it but I have committed to
the project.  I truly believe that God wants me to do this.  So, if anyone is reading this please pray for me.

Proverbs 17:9   He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

It's on and popping!

Having my last and final casting call this Saturday, July 30, 2011@ Delaware Avenue Branch of the Albany Public Library from 1:30-4:00pm.  met with a fabulous young lady who is going to assist me with my advertisement for the play.  And I have a new email specifically for my casting call and my play updates.  I can be contacted at peytonjharrisonproductions@gmail.com.  You can also read about the casting call on Craig's List as as event i the Albany, NY area.  I have a meeting with my musician for the play on Thursday and a meeting today with owner of a theater troupe here in Albany who may be able to give me valuable information for my next performance and possibly actors who may be willing to perform as well. 

Needless to say, this is a very exciting week for me.  Rehearsals start on next Tuesday, August 2, 2011 @ 6:00pm-8:30pm.  This play is very special and personal to me as I have added bits and pieces of my own life intertwined within this play.  Praying that everyone who sees it will enjoy it but more importantly leave with  valuable lessons to live by.  Peyton J. Harrison Productions:  Spiritual growth through theater.

Miracles and blessings to you all,

Peyton

On a journey

Still working on this weightloss and health journey I am still on my journey.  My clothes are getting looser and looser.  I had on skirt fall off of me and I  have a vew more that very soon will no longer fit(right now my stomach is holding them up.  I've got to do more crunches).  But I have been on a mission to consciously think about what I eat.  I make time to prepare my lunch and dinner and breakfast.  I slip up some days but for the most part I make a conscious effort to eat healthier.  I bought a pair of walking sneakers and I have been walking.  The weather has been so beautiful that I just can't resist being outside.  I usually walk between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.  It's usually cooler and it's a great way to end my day.  Yesterday, I challenged myself: I decided that I was going to try and walk around the lake.  I wasn't sure if I could do it.  Mainly because of my asthma and because this has been a very bad allergy season for me.  I'm allergic to everything outside: The trees, the grass, the pollen, the mold.  So, I have been having some extra sinus pressure and balance problems, too.  Been visiting my allergy doctor about it.  Then of course my right knee tries to ache and stiffen up on a regular.  But you know what?  I have not let any of it stop me!!!  If I am not feeling my best on a particular day, I rest or I turn on the air conditioner and exercise at home.  I am committed to living a healthier lifestyle.  I just want to be healthier.  Plain and simple.  Some days when my asthma is bothering me, I think about Jackie Joyner-Kersee.  She was an Olympian and a heptathalon winner.  A heptathlon is a series of track and field events( 100 hurdles, high jump,shot put, 200 milimeter, long jump, javelin, and 800 milimeter run).  She completed this event and won and she has suffered with asthma all of her life.  I was just recntly diagnosed 2 years ago, so this is new for me.  But doggoneit if she can complete a heptathlon then I can walk and lift weights!  Yesterday, I decided to walk around the lake. I didn't think I could do it but I did!   I made it around once and then decided to walk around again.  I challenged myself and I completed my challenge.  Praying that by my next birthday that I will have lost 70 pounds.  I pray that with God's help I can do this.  But in the meantime I will continue to work on me.  had another facial this month and I hope to have another one in August.  Keep me in prayer as I endeavor to lose weight and lead a heathier life but also as I prepare to direct another play. Peace, love and smooches!! Peyton

Casting Call for the play, "Does Your House Have Lions'?

What:  Casting Call for the play "Does Your House Have Lions"?
When: July 11, 2011 5:00-7:30pm and July 30, 2011 1:30-4:00pm
Where: Delaware Avenue Branch of  the Albany Public Library

Contact: Peyton J. Harrison @ 518-894-4516

8 Female roles
5 Male roles
Small choir part
Musicians
Stage crew

I just waana be loved

Don't feel no pity for me
Cause I'm going through a couple of things
 Life means change that's the way it goes, goes.
All my life, I had a constant burning, a strong deep, desire
An aching, ambiguous
Yearning, yearning, yearning
For something better,
For something bigger,
For something wider,
For something higher 
 And lots of regrets
I ain't seem to found it yet. 
I've been searching around the world
Never knowing what to expect. 
I get sad sometimes, Yes, I be mad sometimes.
Cause I'm out here on the grind
Making mine
And I still can't seem to find what I've been looking for. 
Opened so many doors.
For real yo: I just wanna be loved
I just wanna be loved
Like everybody else does
I just wanna be loved
I just wanna be loved

My Body is a Temple

I have been on a self-care journey.  I joined a gym and I have been exercising and consciously watching what I eat.  I actually think about what I eat and how it may be effecting my body. I make a concerted effort to make my own breakfast and lunch(no more fast food every day). Not only are my meals healthier but my pocketbook is healthier, too.  Not wasting money eating out as much.  So, I guess I can say that my waist isn't the only thing that I have a total body workout that one of the personal trainers created for me and I have been doing since March 15, 2011.  On this Friday, I have been working out for a month and I have worked out about 16 times!!  My body is sore all of the time(at least it seems that way some days)  but I do see some progress.  My clothes are fitting looser, my thighs look smaller and my belly looks like it went down, too.  I have lost about 9lbs and I am still counting.  I have a long way to go but I am committed to being strong, confident and most of all healthy.  I just want to feel good.  I want to be able walk up steps and not not be winded.  I want to be able to walk 3, 5, 7, 10 miles and want to be able to hike, jump rope and be flexible.  My first goal is to lose 20 lbs, then another 20 lbs, then another 20lbs and so on.  I am also trying to carve out some pamper time, too.  I had a facial in February and I am planning to have another one on April 30th, too.  Hopefully, if finances get better, I will be able to carve out a massage or two in there.  I have got to be committed to taking care of this temple that God gave me.  I have been taking it for granted for far too long.  Your health is your wealth.  I have to remember that when I am working out today and I feel like I can't go any further. 

Along the way, I have discovered some wonderful weight loss tools via websites that are assisting me on this journey.  Check out Black Women Do Workout on Facebook, SistahStrong, the Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss, PrayFit and SELF Drop 10 Challenge.  Each of these sites are giving me the strength, motivation and stamina to keep going.  There are so many days when I just want to give up and eat a big plate of macaroni and cheese with some good ole fashioned fried chicken.  But for now, I cannot do that.  I have to eat those foods in moderation or make a low fat version of the original and be thankful for the wisdom.  So, I am on a weight loss journey as well as a spiritual journey.  I am taking God with me on this journey and I believe that he is guiding me to what is right for me.  I am praying before I work out and I am praying when I finish a workout.  It is only His doing that enables me to finish each time.  So, I will keep you posted on my progress as times goes on.  I hope to get down 2 or three dress sizes by the summer.  I'm even thinking about buying me a new bathing suit.

Maya Angelou on Love

"I am grateful to have been loved,
to be loved now
and to be able to love. 
Because love liberates. 
It doesn't just hold- that's ego. 
Love liberates. 
It doesn't bind. 
I love you, if you are in China,
I love you, if you are across town,
I love you, if you are in Harlem.
I love you. 
I would love to be near you,
I'd love to have your arms around me,
I'd love to have your voice in my ear but that's not possible now.
But I love you.  Go".

Another Peyton J. Harrison Production 
 "Does Your House Have Lions"? October 2011
Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
2-4 Clinton Avenue(Reverend Willis F. Bruton Square)
Albany, New York 12210
Reverend Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr. Pastor

I met with my Pastor last week and I have been given a time to perform my play.  He said early October.  So I am looking at the dates September 30, and October 1, 2011 and October 7, and 8, 2011.  I was contemplating finding a theater to perform the new play and decided against it for now.  I believe that I will try to do a 2 day event for the play instead of one night and to see how that goes over.  If it goes well, then I will try a theater for my next play.  The best part is that my Pastor is behind me 100% and I believe I need his support and covering at this time.

Sister-to-Sister Women's Ministry@Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church

Save the Date!!

The Sister-to-Sister Women’s Ministry presents:

Girls Night In/PMS:

Pizza, Movie and Sharing

Friday, April 15, 2011@ 6:00pm

Reverend Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr., Pastor

Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church

  

Second part of my article in the Sista to Sistahs Newsletter

divasforchrist.org/site/newsletter

Here will you will find Part 2 of my article on Friendship.  I hope you enjoy it. 

Gratitude

Well, I'm back.  Last week was my birthday week.  I turned another year older and felt blessed because of it.  Thank You, Lord!!  I had so many give me love verbally and in action with gifts.  I was treated to a spa day with facials and massage, I had a man give me flowers and a monetary gift; I was given a beautiful suede jacket and tickets to see the Lion King, I got the perfume that I have been feening for since I first took a whiff of it, I went on a day trip to shop at my favorite store and spent time with a dear friend and her family, I went out to dinner twice and lunch.  My staff at work even gave me a gift.  I felt so blessed that people even thought enough of me to bless me in any type of way.  People don't have to do anything for you and when they do gratitude is in order.

So, it with gratitude that I go into the remainder of the year and will find ways to bless others as well.  I will try to appreciate the very simple things of each day and the simple things of each person I love.