Isn’t it funny how life changes? What was important 10 or 20 years ago doesn’t mean a thing today.

During a recent conversation with a group of peers we talked about how our lives have changed. Many reflected on their days in college and what mattered to them then and what is important now. The whole conversation made me think of the many mantras that we live by and how these mantras have been made into art for our homes and offices.

You know the wall words and positive affirmations. I have placed several of them in my home and in my cube at work. Some of them remind me not to take life so seriously and others just give you the strength to get through another day.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church installs Rev. Sims

THE SIMS FAMILY—Front row: Bryce Johnson, Trinity Sims, Dalon Sims, Olonda Sims (daughter-in-law). Back row: Damon Sims, Alice Sims (wife of Rev. Roy Sims), Rev. Roy Sims Sr. and Roy Sims Jr. Reverend Sims was installed as the new pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Bellevue. The installation service was held April 11. Reverend Samuel Williams from New Zion Baptist Church preached the morning service and Rev. Alvin Coon of St. John Evangelist Baptist Church preached the afternoon service.

Most book signings are held in a book store, and are typically a basic afternoon or evening. With Towanda Brown aka Motherpoetry nothing is basic.

Brown turned her book signing on April 16 into an evening of elegance at the beautiful and eclectic Montage Interior Design Studio in Point Breeze.

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT—Jenika Brown (daughter) Carol Ramsey (sponsor), and Towanda Brown (author).

Friends and family turned out for an evening of live entertainment and dinner and enjoyed the vocal dynamics of Sonya Carter, creative interpretation in mime from Keenan Young and awesome gospel music courtesy of Brian Wright.

PIONEER AWARD—Gregory Spencer, chairman, board of directors, Hill House; Victor Roque, interim president and CEO Hill House, with Dwayne Cooper, right, Hill House Pioneer Award recipient.

The Hill House Gala was held April 16, at Carnegie Music Hall. Darnell Dinkins of the New Orleans Saints was the keynote speaker. Award recipients were Dwayne Cooper and Edna Council. Recipients as well as the keynote speaker received a framed photo from the Charles “Teenie” Harris collection.