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Joan Ambu

Meet ‘Alicia Joann’

JM Perez By JM Perez3 min read666 views

“There are still some wonderful people left in this world! They are diamonds in the rough, but they’re around! You’ll find them when you fall down– they’re the ones who pick you up, who don’t judge, and you had to fall down to see them! When you get up again, remember who your true friends are!” – C. JoyBell C.

My Beautiful – Adorable – Goddaughter.

In the Fall of 1992 in Yaounde, Cameroon, I was meeting for the first time Emilienne, a classmate who later became my best friend and sister.

Emilienne is one of my truest friends. I can count on her to tell me point blank that I suck and to lay down the truth. Growing up, like every little girl, we had dreams. We prayed for serenity, health and love; we asked the Lord to guide us in the right path and to always keep us close. And yes, the Lord has never failed us. She is Mom to a smart and beautiful soon to be 7-year-old girl, Jamie, whom I am blessed to call niece. I personally do not know anyone who smiles as much as this darling little girl. I tell you, if smiles could heal, Planet Earth would be a disease free World. Those who know her will understand what I am talking about.
Nineteen good years together and dear Emilienne has never left my side.

So World, I present you Alicia Joann, Emilienne’s niece, Eve’s daughter and my Goddaughter. Born September 20th, 2012. She is a tremendous source of pride and joy.

Just when I was down on my knees, asking our Heavenly Father for a Goddaughter; I was also learning that Mom was pregnant with you. Quickly and without hesitation, I told your Mommy I would step in and become your godmother and to my amazement, she agreed. Generally, parents are the ones who choose godparents for their children. I chose you, nevertheless, to love, to listen to, to comfort, to share with through personal experiences, to guide you. In the end I can only hope to be a good role model and an inspiration.

You stole my heart before you were born, dear daughter from another mother. Welcome into the World, little one. I am grateful to be part of your life and very thankful for your good health. Until I meet you, goddaughter, my prayers are with you always. I will continue praying every single night for you that you live a life worthy of the Lord and that you grow in the knowledge of His Word.

Now you have someone outside your immediate family who loves you and who has sincere interest in you.
“May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life.” – Psalm 23:6

“Alicia is what I needed to feel complete.
God gave her to me at the right time; I’m positive, I don’t need anything.
She is precious, she is priceless, she is mine.” –  Eve Lor.

To you dear Eve, enjoy these moments as they are quick to pass.

First Day of Fall & Meetup

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read576 views

Today was officially the first day of Fall and the weather was at its best. Some leaves from my Fruitless Mulberry Tree and my Sweet Almond Tree have started falling. With a cooler weather allergies are always on the rise and I have to remind myself to dress warmly and spend less time outdoors (to avoid weed pollen and other allergens carried by the high winds here). During this time of the year, I get very excited to enjoy the colors of autumn foliage and the dancing of the leaves as the wind brings them to life. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me.

Fall Leaves.
Fall Leaves.

I met up this morning at Starbucks® with some bloggers from High Desert Blogging meetup group to discuss Marketing concepts. We shared and learned so much from one another. For me, being in the presence of knowledgeable Women is motivational. This was a very informative and fruitful meetup.

You Were Always With Me

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

I came from the West
Ready and determined
To meet the One who never sleeps.
Passing through the North
Traveling as each day brought me closer to you
Sustained by faith
Eager to find you
The One who renews.

I heard so much about you
I learned nothing thrives without you
I witnessed people swear by you
I saw lives changed through you
I too, became amazed by you
And I am now walking to meet you.

The rain always left traces for me to follow
The wind brought hints of your soul to my doorsteps
Nature whispered your name
Which echoed through my heart
The Clouds formed shapes
Directing me to the right path.

I came from the West
Willing and determined
Eager to find you.
I arrived at my destination
To realized
That you were always with me.

© 2012 Joan Ambu. All rights reserved.

My Peaceful Habitation

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read872 views

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:18 (KJV)

For me, regardless of the condition and age of an older home, they are always full of character, charm and hidden treasures. They are cozy, warm, unique and they have history. I am just a lover of old things. I love the worn, faded and uneven edges of the walls, the unique features and I sometimes enjoy the faint crackling sounds when I step on a certain section of the flooring.
If you’ve ever fallen in love with something old then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

When we first moved to the High Desert, I was grateful to find out that my house is in proximity to stores, library, schools, churches and hospitals. For instance, it takes me less than 4 minutes to drop off my son to his school and less than 6 minutes to get to a grocery store. The Vintage and Shabby Chic stores that I frequent quite often are also close.

We bought an older home and as some of you already know, they come with a ton of work; however, after some renovation and restoration, the home becomes a sanctuary, a refuge and a great source of serenity. My home reflects the person I am and reminds me of my promises. The beautiful voices of my darling children echoing wherever they go, reaching my heart and putting my Soul at ease. There’s no place else I’d rather be.

Like I stated above, some old homes do come with hidden treasures. Here are some treasures we found in our home:
•  Vintage Poinsettia Wine Glass
•  Vintage Horse Grooming Curry Comb Brush from the 1950′s
•  Rotary Dial wall mount Phone from the 1960’s (still hooked up)
•  Vintage Hammered Copper Hardware (Hinges, Screws and Door Pulls) from the 1950’s

Vintage Finds.
Vintage Finds (Hidden Treasures found in our Home).

As long as we are happy and comfortable within the confinement of our walls; the size of our home should not matter. We are not defined by the size of our home, but by how we live our lives and make our visitors feel.

Home is the place we chose to fill with laughter, love and start creating memories for ourselves and our children. As we aspire to give them a solid foundation of what Living is all about, Home becomes a place we transform to reflect our core values.

“But no matter the kind of house, it is the living inside that makes it wonderful, what happens in each room that makes it marvelous. It is what the house means to those who live there.” – Cynthia Rylant

Book Signing

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

Early this morning I was one of the many authors attending a book signing at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA. I was invited by Angela Horn, who is also a published author. I brought all four books, except my latest, Strength of The Small, which was recently released and didn’t get here on time.

It felt good to be in the midst of other talented authors, to get to know them as well as what they do and to share a little bit about myself and the things I love to do.

Author Joan Ambu at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA

It was such a good experience and I learned that a Book Signing is not about selling books; rather, it’s an opportunity to meet others and gain exposure. You can view more pictures of the event on joanambu.com, my author’s website. The wonderful staff at the Library did a great job organizing this event and went as far as providing us with personalized lunch. It was an awesome day!

Author Joan Ambu at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA

A heartfelt thank you, to those of you who have already purchased my books. Remember to check out the Giveaways section of this blog to win some prizes. For the rest of you who are thinking about acquiring a copy of either one of my books, the giveaways are open until October 31. Remember to leave me a comment with your email address so that I can contact you in case you are the winner.

Until then, Happy Reading!