Our Mommies Hands

10/23/2017

My daughter asks me, "Mom, what do I say when people tell me I'm too skinny and I need to eat more?" I tell her to say, "I'm sorry that you can't see the beauty in your own body enough to recognize the beauty in mine!" Then honey, turn on your heels and walk away like Naomi Campbell down the runway!

09/01/2017

Early this month, OMH offered a Professional Development workshop to School Counselors, in Cajon Valley School District. We discussed artistic opportunities to reach their unique refugee demographic, and provided tools to support the development of strong professional relationships with their students, while simplifying their work. Needless to say, they started their school year with plenty creative tools.

Last weekend, we participated in the Volunteer Conference and Celebration for Girl Scouts, where we supported troop leaders as far north as Fallbrook, and as far south as Otay Ranch. Our service in leadership through Cadettes and up, in addition to troop leaders themselves, was marketed and well received.

We continue to do work that highlights Social and Emotional Development using Creative Writing and Visual Art mediums, that allow our workshop participants the opportunities to heal, reflect, celebrate, and access their inner potential for greatness. We're looking forward to a great school year!!

Thank you for your continued support!

Nashona Andrade Seals
Founder
Our Mommies Hands

07/24/2017

All Comes From within!

07/10/2017

When your Nana's strength is visible in your stride, you crack the foundation beneath you with every step you take. Sup, Monday? I'm ready!

07/09/2017

In late April I took a 'I need to get away trip' to New York. During my visit I road tripped to Massachusetts to visit my Nana's grave. It was a beautiful and reflective ride through Connecticut and Rhode Island. I hadn't been back to Massachusets since my Nana passed in 2012 so I made it a point to make that drive while on the East Coast. When I arrived at the cemetary, on a Sunday mind you, there were no grounds keepers or anyone that could've guided me to the placement of her headstone. I vaguely remembered from the funeral in 2012 where she'd been laid, marked by a young tree on the corner of the section she was in. Initially, I had driven down the road that I knew would lead me to her, but became flustered that I couldn't find her immediately, so I started to panic. I contacted a local aunt who made calls to help me find her, an aunt in California, and a few other people. Sadly, no one had information to help me find her. I was on my own, with half a coffee (which I don't normally drink), and two Dunkin Donuts in my gut. I prayed to her to help me find her. After approximately 45 minutes, I FOUND HER!!!! Her spirit guided me to her unvisited headstone, surrounded by weeds and a bit of moss filling in some of the letters of her name, and the names of my uncles. I cried like a baby, cleaned up the area, removed the moss, placed flowers, and spent some time with my Nana. East Coast trip fulfilled! To date, there has not been another woman who has touched my heart like her. I miss her terribly! Today is her 100th birthday!! Happy birthday, Nana!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

06/26/2017

06/19/2017

Good morning!! Last Monday, OMH facilitated another of its art-based activities workshops at Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. The activity we designed and facilitated was titled, "Identity Theft", suggesting that when we give into labels and stereotypes about who we are, as opposed to self-identifying, we're essentially allowing external forces (media, social groups, and system's) the power to steal our identity; who we know ourselves to be at our core. The young ladies crafted I.D cards, and identified themselves under new and very powerful names as an act of reclaiming their identities. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and cannot wait to return to facilitate another workshop!

06/05/2017

This is the formula I use for judging character, and the rubric I use to teach my children about credibility.

05/26/2017

The SDCOE hosted it's 9th Annual Honoring Women in Prevention celebration. The theme was carnival and invited it's attendees to dress up and partake in some of the out of office fun and entertainment. The keynote, Veronica Way, shared her vulnerabilities through music, and offered an address that set the tone for the remainder of the celebration; humility and honesty. OMH kept to the carnival theme and supported the emotional climate forcasted by Veronica, by facilitating an art-based activity titled, "The Juggle is Real." The activity allowed each participant to creatively lay out their personal and professional juggles/struggles, as well as the elicit behaviors or outcome of juggling too much, onto canvas (ringmaster hats). Overall, the day was fulfilling. A sincere thank you to Gaby and Aida for continuously recognizing the collective hands of women professionals who are dedicated to servicing our very delicate youth communities!!

05/22/2017

05/15/2017

05/12/2017

This morning I had the most AMAZING experience with a group of extremely talented and passionate, professional women of color. I facilitated an activity called The Weight We Carry which was designed to highlight our internal and external stressors (our non-physical weight), as they pertain to our personal and professional challenges. There were healthy tears, supported by healing dialogue, as is to be expected from an OMH workshop experience. We culminated the workshop into creative weight training belts or light weight championship belts. We are currently weight training and building our strength in an effort to maintain only the weight that belongs to us. I truly love this work and always feel like I'm exactly where I need to be when I'm facilitating. Stay tuned for more of our work from the Honoring Women in Prevention Conference, where I will be leading approximately 100 participants in an art-based activity. Have a wonderful weekend!!