Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Blog

  • Happy Easter to All


    Easter 2012…Happy Easter to all. May you celebrate this precious day with your religious beliefs and safety.  May life grant you peace and happiness and appreciation of how life would not be if we did not have Christ in our lives.

    Today we will celebrate Easter with our close friends. Recently, I have been blessed to have loyal, trusting and kind friends. To those of you who know me and are close to me,  I would like to say thank you for coming into my life.

    It has been said that there is a reason and a season for life…we are blessed to have people come into our lives for a purpose. Some people are gifted with teaching, guiding individuals into paths for a life’s work and talent. Others inspire, motivating creative hands or voices for inspiration. Some folks serve as role models, helping to build character by showing how to be graceful, kind and inspirational.

    Sometimes we question the reasoning for meeting those who help to shape us into the distinctive individuals we become. People influence us — sometimes good…sometimes bad. When I discover someone attempting to influence me for the bad, I have the tendency to back away. I am a firm believer that we are a reflection of who we are close to…Some people strive to teach us the bad…When that happens, I stand my grand.

    Regardless who you are and what you believe, I wish you a Happy Easter while recognizing that with faith, prayer and a strong belief in higher powers and God, we will not stray, but stand our ground. After all, we are a reflection of how we behave, along with our body language and personality. Happy Easter to all of my blessed friends and family. I am blessed to know all of you, and God.

     

  • Top 10 Workout Songs April 2012


    The Top 10 Workout Songs For April Fort Wayne, IN – April 2, 2012 – This month in the gym, radio hits ruled. Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Madonna all released singles destined for workout playlist glory. But, it’s not just pop divas who prevailed. Carrie Underwood’s latest retains a few country touches. Skrillex and Sirah cranked out a boisterous dubstep anthem. And, although most hip-hop is too slow to make the cut, J. Cole’s aptly-titled “Work Out” proved to be an exception. Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music site. Katy Perry – Part Of Me – 128 BPM Nicki Minaj – Starships – 123 BPM J. Cole – Work Out – 93 BPM Madonna – Girl Gone Wild – 133 BPM Skrillex & Sirah – Bangarang – 109 BPM Carrie Underwood – Good Girl – 130 BPM Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music – 131 BPM Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe – 120 BPM One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful – 124 BPM Far East Movement & Justin Bieber – Live My Life – 129 BPM To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders—folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine. Contact: Chris Lawhorn

  • Top 10 Workout Songs April 2012


    The Top 10 Workout Songs For April

    Fort Wayne, IN – April 2, 2012 – This month in the gym, radio hits ruled. Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Madonna all released singles destined for workout playlist glory. But, it’s not just pop divas who prevailed. Carrie Underwood’s latest retains a few country touches. Skrillex and Sirah cranked out a boisterous dubstep anthem. And, although most hip-hop is too slow to make the cut, J. Cole’s aptly-titled “Work Out” proved to be an exception.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music site.

    Katy Perry – Part Of Me – 128 BPM

    Nicki Minaj – Starships – 123 BPM

    J. Cole – Work Out – 93 BPM

    Madonna – Girl Gone Wild – 133 BPM

    Skrillex & Sirah – Bangarang – 109 BPM

    Carrie Underwood – Good Girl – 130 BPM

    Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music – 131 BPM

    Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe – 120 BPM

    One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful – 124 BPM

    Far East Movement & Justin Bieber – Live My Life – 129 BPM
    To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders—folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn

  • Such a Busy Life


    Today is the first day I’ve actually had the time to write in my blog for too many weeks. My apologies! Life seems to be demanding much of my time lately. I’ve always believed in the philosophy that ‘you make time for what you like to do…’ but I’ve truly been a bit swamped. Today is no different, so this will be a short blog.

    Spring is in the air. Perhaps I should say it has been in the air. The pollen level is a bit too high for my enjoyment, leaving my head stuffy, and many sneezing attacks. Never did we have a winter in Charleston, SC. For Christmas I got a beautiful faux fur coat, looking like real mink…never did I get to wear it. Perhaps next year, and now I have just the right pair of matching boots to go with it! That is, if I ever get to wear it and the boots!

    Yes, this post is a bit of free writing. Such a beautiful day, but I’ve spent most of it getting my new car repaired. My gorgeous champagne colored Dodge Journey had a bit of scratches on the hood, so my sweet girl is in the shop. Fortunately, they rented me a car to drive today, so I was able to rush home to write.

    This day will be spent researching and following up with contacts for a story I am working on, so I must get back to work. Such is the life of a writer!


  • barbiepc's avatarBarbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

    Today is the first day I’ve actually had the time to write in my blog for too many weeks. My apologies! Life seems to be demanding much of my time lately. I’ve always believed in the philosophy that ‘you make time for what you like to do…’ but I’ve truly been a bit swamped. Today is no different, so this will be a short blog.

    Spring is in the air. Perhaps I should say it has been in the air. The pollen level is a bit too high for my enjoyment, leaving my head stuffy, and many sneezing attacks. Never did we have a winter in Charleston, SC. For Christmas I got a beautiful faux fur coat, looking like real mink…never did I get to wear it. Perhaps next year, and now I have just the right pair of matching boots to go with it! That is, if I ever…

    View original post 103 more words

  • Such a Busy Life


    Today is the first day I’ve actually had the time to write in my blog for too many weeks. My apologies! Life seems to be demanding much of my time lately. I’ve always believed in the philosophy that ‘you make time for what you like to do…’ but I’ve truly been a bit swamped. Today is no different, so this will be a short blog.

    Spring is in the air. Perhaps I should say it has been in the air. The pollen level is a bit too high for my enjoyment, leaving my head stuffy, and many sneezing attacks. Never did we have a winter in Charleston, SC. For Christmas I got a beautiful faux fur coat, looking like real mink…never did I get to wear it. Perhaps next year, and now I have just the right pair of matching boots to go with it! That is, if I ever get to wear it and the boots!

    Yes, this post is a bit of free writing. Such a beautiful day, but I’ve spent most of it getting my new car repaired. My gorgeous champagne colored Dodge Journey had a bit of scratches on the hood, so my sweet girl is in the shop. Fortunately, they rented me a car to drive today, so I was able to rush home to write.

    This day will be spent researching and following up with contacts for a story I am working on, so I must get back to work. Such is the life of a writer!

  • March to the Music — Top 10 Workout Songs for March


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    Contact: Chris Lawhorn Run Hundred

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For March

    Fort Wayne, IN – March 1, 2012 – The top workout tracks for March make for an eclectic bunch.On the pop front, you’ll find The Wanted—Europe’s latest boy band export—and Disney’s Allstar Weekend.Gym favorites Lady GaGa and Rihanna also turn up, in remixed form.Snow Patrol dropped the first single off their new album.And, Rivers Cuomo from Weezer braved the dancefloor with a little help from Steve Aoki.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music site.

    Lady GaGa – Marry The Night (Afrojack Remix) – 132 BPM

    Allstar Weekend – Dance Forever – 125 BPM

    Rihanna – You Da One (Almighty Radio Remix) – 129 BPM

    Breathe Carolina – Blackout (Wideboys Remix) – 128 BPM

    Flo Rida & Sia – Wild Ones – 129 BPM

    Fun. & Janelle Monae – We Are Young – 92 BPM

    Snow Patrol – Called Out In The Dark – 121 BPM

    Steve Aoki & Rivers Cuomo – Earthquakey People – 128 BPM

    Madonna, Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. – Give Me All Your Luvin’ – 147 BPM

    The Wanted – Glad You Came – 127 BPM

    To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders—folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

  • Doggie Weight Watchers —


    If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know last March I joined Weight Watchers to lose a bit of weight. Pleased to say, it is working; however, last year after joining WW, my pups went to the vet for their yearly wellness check. Two of my pups needed to ‘lose a few pounds,’ according to my fabulous vet.

    That got me to thinking. Why not create a doggie weight watchers plan? My pups eat healthy, like I do, but my husband and I had the tendency to reward them a bit too much. So, we sat down, put our thinking caps on and I decided it was time to cut back on the snacks, and to add vegetables to their dog food. I went to the pet store, purchasing a weight control dog food that is healthy and mixed green beans and a dab of water to their dry food.

    Today, I had to take my oldest pup to the vet to check a few skin tags that appear to be growing. My main concern was tumors…Fortunately, the items on his legs are only skin tags, but we are scheduling him for surgery.

    The doctor complimented Shamus on his weight loss of 6 pounds. I laughed. Doggie Weight Watchers, I said. My vet looked at me with a curious look. “Doggie Weight Watchers,” and then I had to explain my new lifestyle and weight loss with Weight Watchers.

    So, if you have a dog that needs to drop a few pounds, apply the Doggie Weight Watchers plan. Feed them green beans, or fresh veggies that they will eat, and mix a bit of water with their food. Make certain the pups get regular exercise. We are up to walking three miles daily. I cannot wait to share my doggie weight watchers story at Weight Watchers this week. Everyone will probably laugh, thinking I am just a bit insane. LOL!

    Just a bit? Perhaps, but my pups do Doggie Weight Watchers — because it works!

  • Rest In Peace — Whitney Houston


    Today is another sad day in America. Today, we are celebrating the life, success and music of Whitney Houston. There have been many things written about Whitney Houston…many of them I refuse to believe. While it is true, I never had the opportunity to meet her personally, through her music I believe she was a great entertainer. Her voice was unique, so powerful, so full of passion and so beautiful to listen to. Never did you have to question who was singing, we all knew — that is Whitney Houston.

    Today, my heart breaks for her and her family. She truly is ‘gone too soon.’ For her daughter, Bobbi Kristin, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you choose to live a life a bit different from your mother. I wish you much success with your singing career. Let this loss influence how you wish to live your life. Do not allow others to influence you to turn to situations so many entertainers choose to do. Be a light of guidance for all.

    Whitney Houston’s music will be cherished forever, along with her legacy. Let us all remember the fantastic entertainer and voice that she was. May you rest in peace, Whitney Houston. The world will “Always Love You.”

  • The Legendary Whitney Houston — Just My Thoughts


    On Saturday, February 11, 2012, I performed as the opening act for an Elvis Tribute Artist. After my performance, I sat back watching the show, enjoying the music. After 10pm, I checked e-mails on my Blackberry, discovering a report that Whitney Houston was dead at the age of 48. This can’t be true, I thought, rereading the e-mail from a reputable source. Later, arriving at home, I turned on MSNBC, hearing the latest news about her death.

    Whitney Houston was an icon. She had an amazing, beautiful voice that soothed and hit notes I could not sing. When I sang at the age of 15, I could hit some of those notes, but over the years, my voice has deepened, more of a bass tone than soprano. This got me to thinking.

    When Whitney Houston performed at recent concerts, people were critical, saying she sounded terrible. Many of them walked out, refusing to listen to her when she could not hit those notes anymore. Did anyone stop to recognize that our voices do deepen later? Many are blaming drugs as the reason for her shocking, unexpected death. I truly hope drugs are not the reason. According to recent reports, drugs were found in the bathroom — prescription drugs.

    While it is true, no one will ever know exactly what Whitney Houston was thinking on Saturday, the morning and afternoon of her death. Was she afraid that she would not be able to sing, like before, and people would boo her and walk out? Reportedly, there were discussions of her stating that she wanted ‘to go see Jesus.’ Did she have a premonition of her death?

    Whitney Houston had it all. Fame. Money. Popularity. A precious, beautiful daughter. A caring, loving mother. Family. Perhaps she wasn’t as lucky or blessed in love since she had the tendency to fall for guys with major issues, such as Bobby Brown. Nevertheless, she was a woman to admire. I listened to many of her songs in total amazement of how beautiful her voice carried the tune. Many times, I got chills just listening to her powerful voice. She was truly gifted!

    Never was I blessed to see her perform in concert, but I still play her music. Most of her songs I know, but I have only attempted one of them, recognizing that I had to lower the notes, simply because my voice is deeper now…raspy sounding. I can sing the blues fairly well, but no one and I truly mean NO ONE can sing like Whitney Houston.

    To those who are critical and judgmental, let us all recognize that we are human. It is time for the world to mourn Whitney Houston, by listening to her music. Now, she is in the hands of God, perhaps singing in the heavenly choir with other performers and my father. Whitney Houston, you are missed. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. The world mourns, and Whitney, We Will “Always Love You!”