Greetings everyone!

I hope this year has started off with a positive bang for all! I'm excited about this new year. No matter what obstacles you may be faing right now. No matter what situations may seem to be overwhelming you; encourage you to hold on, and dig in your heels, and reach for your dreams.

Many of us have to start over. But you know what? That's okay, too! Look at it a fresh start. The past is gone...so stop beating yourself up, and begin to live. Sure, easier said than done, right? Well, nothing worth having in life is ever easy. You have to work hard, AND appreciate where you are right now. Seize the day. Kick self-pity in the pants and begin to live. Hey...you are alive, and you have survived. It may not be the way you want right now, but never give up. You deserve the best and are worth it.

I know it's been a couple of weeks for the newsletter, but I was under the weather. Had to have surgery. But I'm back, and feeling great. And I refuse to complain. God is good to me!

Be sure to check the site this coming week for some very special articles. Are you excited about the inauguration? I am! And I will have a great article for you to check out. So be sure to drop in!

Be certain to let your family, friends and colleagues know about the African American Culture Site. We are expecting great things in this new year, and would love to share it with many.

Thanks for a great 2008! Looking forward to an even greater 2009!

Warmest Regards,
Ruthe

Here's the latest articles from the African American Culture site at BellaOnline.com.

A New You in the New Year
We all have done it…you know…made those familiar new year resolutions. But how many of us have actually kept those resolutions? If you want a new you this new year; if you want your life to be better than it was the year before, and the year before that, you are going to have to work at change.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29547.asp

Going Green
You've heard people say it: "Go Green". But what does it all mean? How can "going green" help us individually and globally? It's not that hard to do your part, if you know what to do. Let 2009 be the year you go green.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6194.asp

Lasagna 101
Here's a delicious recipe for a classic family style lasagna. If you're worried about calories and fat...I got that covered, too!

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art27872.asp

The Right Color Choices for Your Hair
There's a lot you should know when deciding to color your hair. Here are few tips to help guide you along the way. Here's to healthy hair!

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art27441.asp


Please visit africanamericanculture.bellaonline.com for even more great content about African American Culture.

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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=181

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Ruthe McDonald, African American Culture Editor
http://africanamericanculture.bellaonline.com

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