Category Archives: For the Ladies

Create Memories With Your Children

My daughter Kirsten, posted a memory on my facebook page a while back.   It warmed my heart that she shared a memory that was so precious to her. When we raise children we should nurture, teach them, love them and most of all we should create great memories. It really does make a difference in their lives.

Patrice Tankard

Ladies, Tap into Your Power

Ladies, tap into your power!

Sometimes I wonder if women really understand or know the kind of power that they have as one of the most beautiful species on the earth. We can impact our families with the natural and deep nurturing love that God instilled in us. This nurturing love is a powerful tool in helping to shape and mold our children and celebrate our husbands. Women, did you know that you can change a situation that seems challenging and turn it into a positive outcome just by adjusting the tone of your voice? Did you know that you can carry yourself in such a way that it impacts a man’s very life? I watched my mother as a child and noticed that she could get anything that she wanted out of my dad just by adjusting the tone her voice from “regular mid-tone pitch” to a “softer, sultry, whisper-like pitch” She had the most serene aura and her personality was sensually magnetizing.  I would say to myself, “Now, wait a minute. Dad just told her ‘No’ earlier. Now, all of a sudden he is saying ‘Yes?’ How did mom do that?”

My mother used to tell me that men appreciate these things from women: soft voices, sweet perfume, a gentle demeanor, intelligent thought processes, words of encouragement, submissiveness, the ability to celebrate her husband, loyalty, the skills to create a happy home, the willingness to love sensually when necessary and many other characteristics. Now, I was not trying to listen to my mother at the time because I was in high school, interested in sports and was a devout tom boy. She was trying to settle me down and prepare me for a future ahead. I was not interested in learning the ways of a good wife. I did not realize the value and power that women possessed. It is important that we know our worth and our value. We can be respected when we respect ourselves and realize that we possess tools and weapons that can make or break those around us. Our voices are one of the most powerful tools. We can use our voices to enhance or impact any situation. A woman with great verbal skills can talk herself into or out of almost anything. I have experienced this concept and it works. The way we carry ourselves can be a tool for success subliminally. For example, if a woman walks and talks with confidence, intelligence and finesse, it is assumed that she is a good candidate for business, a position in employment, a good prospect for leading a committee and  many other aspects.

There are so many powerful tools that we possess as women. I have only mentioned a few here. Women, take the time to tap into your power. You can change your world around you with the right attitude, tone of voice,  and presentation of behavior. We will examine this further in my upcoming notes. Ladies, tap into your power! More power to the ladies!

Date Like a Lady

Ladies, this is what I do when I go out on dates. Here are some tips:

  1. Meet in a public place with a planned activity (dinner, bowling, sports/game, art festival…etc)
  2. For safety reasons tell close friends where you will be and with whom. (the place, time and name of the person your meeting)
  3. Set the tone of the date. (Dress and act like a lady)
  4. Pay for your own meal on the first date.
  5. Provide your own transportation.
  6. Dress nice for the occasion in good taste.
  7. Make great conversation and be a good listener.
  8. Have fun and laugh.
  9. Do not feel obligated to kiss.
  10. Do not feel obligated to have sex.
  11. Focus on your date’s personality.
  12. Carry yourself like a sophisticated lady.
  13. Say something to him that he will never forget. (A nice comment)
  14. Thank him for a wonderful evening.
  15. Get home safely and let your friends know you’re home.
  16. Enjoy the luxury of knowing that you had the freedom to enjoy yourself without compromising your morals.

Note: Have a back-up plan in place before hand just in case you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time.

Patrice Tankard

Photo credit: Ebony Magazine

 

“Single-Single”

Many years ago, I married very young and had children. Eventually I divorced and set out to raise my children with the commitment to be the best mother that I could be. Those stages in my life were not easy but we made it through. The best part of that time in my life was being a mom. But each stage of my life now is exciting and filled with wonderful experiences as well as challenges. The stage of my life at this moment is particularly magnificent. Being single again, well established in my career, and with the kids all grown and on their own, life has an interesting flavor and I love it. I really miss being an “everyday mom” and sometimes I find myself looking for opportunities to play that role again with them. But I have learned to “embrace the space” that I am in and to make the best of it. I can travel more frequently and participate in activities that I didn’t have time for previously. Being “single-single” means that I am not married and I do not have children at home. So, I do not have the responsibility of being a wife and everyday mom. That makes me single twice over. Of course, this is my definition and my perspective. I feel that I have earned this great space in my life. With God’s help I was able to raise three daughters practically alone, earn two college degrees, travel as a performing and studio musician for over 10 years, with appearances on national television with song writing credentials, enjoy the privilege of being a cast/family member on a reality show with Bravo TV, and serve as a high school educator for over two decades.

My busy life sometimes limits time for a social life, but dating is still included in being single-single. However, dating does not tie me down and I’m free to explore the world of culture, writing, music and other interests.  Having the freedom to make spontaneous decisions without having to ask or consult anyone is one of the best perks. I can share my time as I please, I don’t have to cook dinner for anyone, I can eat out as much as I want to, catch a dinner show at a whim, attend  festivals,  go on vacations and get-a-ways more than once a year and many other options. However, having total freedom is the reward for being dedicated and I feel blessed to experience this stage with so much joy. If you are single or single-single, embrace your space and enjoy your life. Make the best of it, create and enjoy new opportunities. But by all means consider yourself blessed!

Your Great Space

Ladies, are you confident in every area of your lives? Are you free from drama? Do you experience the peace of living your lives on your own terms? It is very important for a woman to experience the freedom to be herself. When you get to the point when you refuse to listen to naysayers,  then you are more successful than you know. If you are in a relationship, make sure that you are being treated like the queen that you are. Never allow anyone to disrespect you or hinder you from greatness. I’ve had wonderful experiences in my life. I’ve also had devastation and bad relationships. But I walked away from situations and people who did not have my best interests at heart. When I did that, my life  changed into greatness. Always understand that sometimes you have to create the life you want by pruning it. When you embrace the situations that allow you to grow and avoid situations that prevent  you from growing, it will produce a life that will increase your happiness.  Create a space in your life where you can totally be yourself without the need for  approval from others. That is when you will enjoy your great space. The great space that I am enjoying in my life was created when I decided to “march to the beat of my own drum.”  I am happy and at peace. Embrace your great space.

Patrice Tankard

Happily Retired

When I was very young, I got married and had four children. I stayed in the marriage for many years, but decided to divorce and move forward. I give many thanks to God for having children. They are the highlight of my life. My friends often ask, “Patrice, do you think you will ever get married again?” I always tell them, ” Probably not, but I highly recommend marriage to those who desire it.  But as for me, I am happily retired!” I did not say that I would not date. I just said that I probably would not marry again!. Do what makes you happy!  #happilyretired

Patrice Tankard

You Are Priceless!

Ladies, know your worth and bask in your greatness. You do not have to endure verbal abuse, mental, emotional,  physical or financial abuse.  Once you realize who the Queen in you is, you will no longer tolerate any level of disrespect.  Never be intimidated or manipulated if your significant other insinuates that if you do not do what he/she wants that comfort and pleasure will be sought elsewhere. Live your life confident. As a woman, you are powerful in the relationship.  You deserve to be treated like the Queen that  you are. Never be afraid to walk away if you need to. If you need to leave, do not announce it and secretly plan your escape. Be safe, brave, wise and protect yourself and loved ones. You are valuable. You deserve the very best in this life. After all, you are priceless!

Patrice Tankard

 

Not Ordinary

“Never love anyone who treats you like you are ordinary.” #Iman

I certainly live by these very words. I am not ordinary. I am extraordinary with a plethora of gifts and talents that are globally summoned. My circle is very small and only open to those who have the inclination and understanding to embrace and appreciate God’s sovereign and bequeathed endowment on my life. Not everyone will have access to Patrice Tankard. I know who I am and I do not apologize for it.  Are you ordinary?

Patrice Tankard

My Motto

Iman is a beautiful super model of whom I admire. She stated a quote that I live by and will never forget.  She said, “Never love anyone who treats you like you are ordinary.”  ~Iman

Life is too big and important to live ordinarily .  I certainly do not want to  be loved or treated like I am ordinary., for being ordinary I certainly am not.

Patrice Tankard