Tag Archives: love

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 10- Love Spotlight: The Singletons (2.2.22)

Read/listen below to learn more about Ros & Ray Singleton and links to connect.

Press PLAY to listen to this week’s show (available through 2.8.22).

Love is shown in many ways and simply being there is one way that seems so simple but can mean everything. On this 2nd day of this 2nd month of this year of 2022, we enter this month of Love (which should be everyday but I’ll indulge) with The Singletons. Every week on Through the Eyes of NiSi, I’ll introduce you to an amazing couple that isn’t stuck on taking this one day, Valentine’s Day, to celebrate love. Love is an action word, so love is shown everyday and in various ways. Ray and Ros’ love story has been felt around the world internationally due to Ray sharing his gift of song, as well as Ros’ tenacity and strength.

On many occasions, we cross people’s paths and you never know how or why they’ll make an impact on your life. I can’t remember when Ray Singleton came on my radar, but it had to be around the time I was venturing out into poetry open mics. I met some people, followed their social media channels and somehow Ray’s Instagram live video came up of he and Ros explaining the status of what was about to go down. I was immediately hooked on their love story and commitment to each other through ‘better or worse, in sickness and in health.’ I can attempt to tell you how their love story began but I would do it no justice to how Ros and Ray tell the story of seeing each other from across the room and how sunglasses led to a lifelong connection (I’ll be sure to link all of their social media links below). ‘Ray and Roslyn Singleton are two people who conquered life’s obstacles and inspired the world to “love without limits”.’

Valentine’s Day? “To be honest, we don’t really highlight Valentine’s Day because as cliche as it sounds, every day is truly love day!” says Ray. Their chance meeting in 2016 at a block party was orchestrated by God. Just 3 years prior, in 2013; Roslyn was diagnosed with brain cancer while in the Navy. After 6 months of dating, Ray got down on his knee and asked Ros to spend Forever with him. They were married in 2018, but shortly after; the cancer revealed itself again. Surgery after surgery, tubes, MRI’s, pain and tears; Ray has been there for Ros to lean on. I’m sure the diagnosis is stressful enough, but when you have a support system; that makes all the difference.

Even through Ros beating cancer’s a** once again (there’s been 4 brain surgeries altogether), she continues to smile. Her smile is infectious. You feel the love that she and Ray share even if you are nowhere near them. You see her strength, you see her resilience, you see her superpowers, you see her beauty, you see her grace, you see a phenomenal woman. You have no other option but to be inspired by this Queen. You have no other option but to be in awe of the people she has in her corner rooting her on throughout her fights with the C word. And Ray, there’s nothing more amazing to see, like a man truly loving a woman- through it all.

She’s had “a front row seat to what God can do!”

This was the video that went viral! Ray made this video for his wife days after her 2nd successful brain surgery.

“Ray and Ros hope to continue to inspire people through their unwavering faith in GOD and the positive energy they embody daily.”

*Make sure you follow them on their social media platforms and be sure to support Ray’s music. Please remember to speak and ask Ray how he is doing before just jumping in asking about Ros. They are 2 both amazing individuals, check on them both.

For Ros’ love donations: $ROSing1

Ray Singleton’s Social media links

Ros Singleton’s Social media links

The Singleton’s YouTube Channel

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 9th AT 10AM ESTwww.WDRBMedia.com

You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss LOVE- another couple’s love story on deck!

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Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Happy mother’s day 2019!

Being a Mother is a blessing. It can be hard work but all the I Love You’s, kisses on the cheek and hugs make it all worth it.

My son was born a little under 5 lbs and was ready to leave the hospital before me because Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) had its way with me.  23 hours in labor and still had a C-section.  I was high as a kite on pain meds and can’t remember every single detail but the scar remains.  He is my forever belated Bornday gift, being born 5 days after mine.

He has an old soul and a kind heart, I am proud to be the mother of this cool guy.

Co-parenting is another challenge but one I’m still learning to get through.  Communication is everything and I’m constantly learning that people can’t read my mind and that everything has to be discussed to confirm everyone’s on the same page.  I’m a work in progress.  I appreciate Bryson’s dad for trying to work together on this.

I love the look in my son’s eyes when he gets to see me sing/act, when he heard I got 1st Runner Up for Ms. Full Figured NC, when he helps mommy get ready for a makeup client or tell me that I need to give someone my business card.  I love that he sees me going after my dreams and what goes into it.  Although I dislike the time I get to have with him because schedule can get crazy, I do love the fact that he tells me I’ll always be his mommy and even reminds me to take off my makeup.  

Being a mother is a constant on the job training that never ends.  I am grateful to have my mother to call and ask anything when I’m feeling like I have no idea what to do.  She is my rock and there’s no greater love than one of a mother.  Through all the good and bad decisions, my mother supports me whether she agrees or not.  She holds my hand and prays consistently.  A mother never stops worrying about her child, even though I’m in my 37th Chapter, she still wonders if I’m okay and taking care of myself.  I’m sure I’ll be the same with my son.

Mother’s Day isn’t just for people to get you cards, flowers and gifts.  Although it’s nice, use this Hallmark created day and every other day to reflect on the blessing you have been given.  Whether it started through 9 months of pregnancy or placed in your life, you are a mother.  Don’t forget what an awesome, yet challenging task you have been given but take it head on and don’t give up.  You are enough and have been blessed with the greatest gift, cherish it and know that you are not the first to have this career of being a Mom.  There’s always help available from another mom who has gone through it or knows someone who has.  Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms whether it’s your first or you’ve got tenure in this.  Enjoy this day and each day after, you deserve it!

Make sure you come out and support Bryson and I in our first fashion show together: Summer Daze

HAPPY MAMA’S DAY 2019!!

Self- Love Finale (June 2018)

24. List 24 things that make you smile…

My son, live music, great surprises, being in love, makeup artistry, food, seeing my client see their transformation, helping someone in need, modeling, comedy, accomplishing something, newborns discovering, people that underestimate me, seeing my family after a short/long time, my favorite artists in concert, when I receive reviews, when I receive referrals, seeing love, seeing my students perform and excel, a great massage, stress free vacation, fun times with my bestie, fun times with my sis, seeing my name tagged on great photos of clients and/or myself.

25.  My favorite quote is…

“Beauty awakens the soul to act!”  You see it on everything associated with my business  because I believe it to be true.  I doesn’t necessarily have to mean outwardly beauty, it could mean the inner beauty, the inner kindness that inner energy that exudes from person to person that travels.  When you feel that positivity or someone smiles at you and you instantly feel a little better, it helps someone else.  In my business and in life; when you look good, you feel good- wake up and make a change even if it is a small ripple effect.

26.  What does self love mean to you?

Self love means loving yourself enough to accept you with no makeup on, flaws and all.  Love yourself when you make mistakes or when you feel as if you are on top of your game.  Accept you when you are behind closed doors or in front of paparazzi and love yourself through it all.  

27.  What positive changes have happened in the last year?

I have become more open to risks, as scary as they are- I have taken a leap.  I have started working in my passion of being a full time makeup artist.  I am in my #journeytothecrown for Ms. Full Figured NC.   I am in transition of moving to Charlotte.  I am…

28.  I deserve happiness because…

I deserve it!  Why not?

29.  What are 5 things you are grateful for this week ?

I am grateful for family, life, a place to lay my head, employment, grace/mercy.

30.  How will you make next month a great month?

Continue to be migraine free, work towards my goals of becoming Ms. Full Figured NC (if you’d like to support my journey by donation and/or sponsorship, please click the link: https://www.gofundme.com/denises-journey-to-msffnc-crown).   I will be working within my platform, assisting young and mature ladies in becoming the best versions of themselves.  I will also be settling in Charlotte, NC and networking and making that my new home so any referrals , send them my way.

Self- Love Continued…

16.  What do you look and feel like when you are most confident?

When I am most confident comes in 2 forms, one when I can sit and just be myself, flaws and all.  However, I am at my most confident when I have slayed my makeup, my waist is snatched and everything is in it’s place.  In those moments of my flaws and all, the insecurities can creep in, sometimes when you’re slayed, they can creep in but you have to know that you are beautiful no matter what and accept you in whatever version you are.  The one that’s a work in progress, which tends to be most often or in the moments where you feel like you are your absolute best.  Be confident and accept you for you, flaws and all, behind the foundation or not.  You are you by what’s in your heart.

17.  What is something you do better than your peers?

This is a hard one to answer.  I’d say patience and/or thinking before I speak.  There are a lot of things that I take my time with  or that I’m not quick to react on.  Sometimes that saves me and sometimes I should’ve said what’s on my heart.  However, depending on who is on the other side of it most likely changes if I need to sit and think a while first.  They say if ‘you think long, you think wrong’ but that gives me time to weigh pros and cons and and the many different scenarios that could come from it.  All in all, you have to do what is best for you, but sometimes the biggest last word is the one not said.

18.  Name 5 traits that make you a good person?

Patient, Friendly, Helpful, Nice, Loving 

19.  Free write [positive]

Blessings.  Sometimes you just have to stop and live.  This weekend was technically not the best time to go away for a weekend get away.    My life is changing, I am starting a new job on Monday in a new city and need to be getting some things in order (not to say that those things aren’t happening while I’m away).  But when life is constantly in your face, sometimes you need to step away and just breathe.  I have a lot that is changing and it can definitely be overwhelming and I am so blessed to have people in my life to help me step away from it or help me conquer it.  I am very thankful for all of the people that help me navigate life.  A lot of things are being thrown at me quickly and Im working on catching all of the fast balls but sometimes they are ground balls and I have to pick them up but nevertheless, I get to them and we find a way to not strike out if possible because we have people watching our back.    So as I sit in Daytona Beach with the beach in my backyard and the freewill to write this post and a few moments to not think about all of the things that I need to think about…it feels good to just enjoy the moment and the friendships and the family and the raindrops and the hot tub and the food and the sand and the talks and the breaths of fresh air.  I am not perfect and I am learning to be better at everything day by day.  I may not do everything the way that you’d like me to do it or vice versa, or I may not handle each situation the same way you would, we’re all different but just know that I’m doing my best to be the best version of me and continue to grow into a better version of me.  With my new role of working in my passion as a full time Makeup Artist, a may not have the time to get away like this again so I take this moment to just bask in the sunset.

20.  What do you want more of in your life?

I want more love, more travel, more freedom, more living.  We spend so much time living check to check or in between checks that we don’t have time or the freedom to experience all that this world has to offer.  We can’t just get away and live and sit by the beach, run your toes through the sand, try a new food…just experience something new.  When I say love, it doesn’t have to be in a relationship, that would be nice but even just friendships, loving life and the skin I’m in.  Every moment is not promised, live it up, take chances.  

21.  If you were a flower , what kind would you be?

Calla lily, these flowers are associated with purity, faith, youth, and rebirth.  I strive to walk in faith more and not scared faith.  Lately I’ve been working on trusting God more and just walking in faith.  The beauty of this flower and the meaning is truly what I strive for, to be elegant, full of inner and outer beauty, full of faith and purity.

22.  What would make your teenage self- proud of you now?

I think my teenage self would be proud that I have not strayed far from the person I was then.  I am a matured version of that same person with more morals, values and responsibilities.  You couldn’t look at me now and not recognize that person then… same ‘ol NiSi.

Self- Love

So to keep going with the self-love challenge, yes I’m playing catch up.  It’s been a very busy week with the close of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter… details to come soon.

4. What is one thing you look forward to everyday?

I look forward to no migraines and no stress.  Over the last few years, most days I wake or close my days with a migraine whether moderate or severe and some may not know this because I don’t talk about it or I try to fight through it.  I try not to complain and just keep pushing forward, the days are getting much better where the migraines are less frequent.

5. Who is your hero and what is one thing that makes you two relatable?

My hero is my sister, she is a free bird.  We are 10 years apart yet so close, I like to say that we’re twins born 10 years apart.  A lot of what I’ve learned in life has come from shadowing and watching my sister’s successes and her lessons.  She has lived a life that has consisted of walking in faith and I am learning to do the same.  Somehow things just work and in some cases I think she is crazy as ever but she believes.  We are relatable because we are sisters and we were raised in the same way, however we have lived different lives.  Crazy enough, although different- we’ve had many of the same experiences.  I love that sister of mine.

6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself as a Celebrity Makeup Artist working for myself setting my own schedule, heading a non-profit for young girls and women in transition; building self- confidence and inner beauty.  I’d also be teaching makeup classes around the world, traveling and living life to the fullest.  If I think it, it shall be.

7. Look at your hands.  Write something positive about them.

They are small and petite.  They can fit in places that some people’s cannot.  Smaller hands, smaller  fingers= ring prices may be less expensive.  

8. What does your “best day ever” look like?

My best day is full if happiness, compassion, the person and/or people that make me happy just enjoying life… no stress, just living.

9.  What’s your one word of intention today?

Faith

10. Today I will/have accomplished…

Today I have accomplished some paperwork.  I will accomplish these self-love journaling exercises that I’m catching up on (feels good to take time for self).  I will also accomplish some things that will help in the new chapter of my life (excited and scared but faith as small as a mustard seed).

11.  What’s your wildest lifetime goal and how can you achieve it?

My wildest lifetime goal is to travel the world and visit every continent and even possibly teach/do makeup on each one.  Also, learn and become fluent in 1-2 more languages at least.  I may even take up some other  careers that help in making people feel better, maybe I’ll be  a masseuse.  I can achieve this by continuing to work in my craft and network and learn.  There’s always more to know and more people to know.  You never know who that person sitting next to you is connected to.

12.  Five things that make me really happy are…

  1. Love 2. Smiles 3. People true to their word 4. Accomplishing a goal 5. Good music/entertainment

13.  How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as someone who was dependable and did the best she could and slayed some faces.  I want to be remembered as someone who made you better after you left my presence.

14.  Write a thank you letter to your body for all it is capable of.

Dear Full Figured Body,

Thank you for just being you even when I don’t like what I see, you stay strong and don’t break down.  Thank you for you plumpness and thickness and the extra-ness that you possess.  Even when I shed some of you, you are still your best in whatever form you take on just because you are apart of me.  We are one and we are what we will be at a size 16 or a size 12, we love every capability.  Things may get a little harder to do sometimes but you still push through and make the effort for little ol’ me and show me that it’s possible.  So I thank you for working with me and showing me that even when my mind says, you can’t do 5 more …you push through and show it that we’re a BOSS.  Now, let’s go ahead and win this Ms. Full Figured NC pageant crown with this full figured body.

Yours Truly,

Denise

15. I forgive myself for…

Not speaking up when things didn’t feel right and tactfully telling how I really felt.  Some things in my life could’ve possibly gone differently had I thought things through or even just said exactly what was on my mind.  I’m learning that my mind can’t be read no matter how long I’ve known someone and and our feelings/opinions change about things as we grow older- so speak your mind.  You can do this without being rude but if you want someone to know your true feelings, let them know and save yourself the stress.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: CL Reeves Photography