Look at the picture above and think of one line that best describes what the picture is “saying” to you. Post your answers and let’s discuss.
Learning is a lifetime commitment!
Shining out!
Teacher~Tamara
© 2009 Teacher~Tamara. All rights reserved.
The Brain Breeze results are in!!! February 20, 2009
Lew Robertson
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Brain Breeze! I hope it was as much fun and relaxing for you as it was for me.
NOW on to the cookies!!! As hard as it was to figure out the top posts I came up with these: Sis. Nobera-Most Memorable, Sis. Kareema-Finding a way to bring “Kawabunga Dude!” back 
and Br. Yaseen-Good Use of Vocabulary Words .
Honorable mention goes to Sis. Sakinah- “Most likely to end up in jail” response, Sis. Licette-”First one to try”, Sis. Baheejah-”Better late than never” and Br. Mujahid-”Making up my own rules”
Will Sis. Nobera, Sis. Kareema and Br.Yaseen please contact Teacher~Tamara at teachertamara4life@yahoo.com asap with mailing addresses so their cookies can be sent to them immediately.
Jazak Allah Khair stay tuned for more Brain Breezes!
Commit to a lifetime of learning!
Shining Out!
Teacher~Tamara
Teacher Tamara Welcomes the Queen of Sheba to SIS pt (3/3) February 16, 2009
Final part of the series featuring Heba Alshareef!
- By Bloomimage
Many sisters have hidden talents, what’s your advice to them about pursuing their passions?
Just do it! Seriously, it never ceases to amaze me how talented people are, mashAllah. So, what’s holding them back? I say, stop asking yourself questions and wondering if you will succeed or fail and JUST DO IT! In the end, the outcome is not in your hands anyway – it’s the process, the work involved, the action- that you will be held accountable for.
Do you have any specific advice for those who have been told that their dreams and aspirations are too lofty?
In this life, you need cheerleaders, and if you have one (or more) that encourage you, no matter how lofty the dream, then consider yourself blessed and hear their encouragement with all your heart. If you don’t, then become that person for yourself. And if you have ones that don’t fit this bill – where are their arguments stemming from? Is there anything worthwhile you can learn from them? Always take the lessons with an open heart – and know that the endorsement of Allah SWT is the mandatory thing. And when you have that, JUST DO IT!
What’s something that you want to leave as your legacy?
Hopefully, a written word that inspires. That would be nice. And if people can keep adding me to their duas – then I would benefit too :)
What’s next? Any upcoming engagements or events you’d like to share with us?
If you keep checking my blog, www.iamsheba.com, it’s how I stay in touch with everyone and as soon as I know things for sure, I share it with them. I really would like to meet as many of my readers as possible!
My Goal is to use SIS to exemplify how we all can tap into our own personal strengths and use them to magnify Allah (swt). What are your final thoughts about achieving this lifelong challenge?
Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba! Seriously, what does that mean to you? The fact that it will mean different things to different sisters at different stages in their lives is a testament to the mercy of Allah SWT. All the success principles are found in HIS words and the stories and examples HE has given us through the Prophet SAW. We’re all blessed and we just have to keep remembering and living up to that legacy for the duration of our lives. And when we do, the challenges will seem minuscule inshAllah.
Lastly, Jazak Allahu Khair for your time and patience ! May Allah continue to bless you and allow you to let your light be a shining example for others!
My pleasure, W’Allahi. I don’t know if I’ve been a shining example, but I’m happy and honored you asked anyhow. More than anything, I LOVE to see such worthy projects, ones that will elevate and inspire our sisters in such important ways, so JazakAllahu Khairaan to you Tamara! You are a shining example :) and I wish you all the best in this life and the next. Ameen.
Thanks for letting your light shine!
TEACHER TAMARA
© 2009 Teacher~Tamara. All rights reserved.
She Got Game! February 14, 2009
Great summer day. Neighborhood barbecue/birthday party.
Live drummers playing. Basketball courts.
Somehow the girl in us had had enough that day. She wanted out and badly. So in the wide leg dress pants, white long sleeve tee, floral printed headscarf and pale green abayah the game began. First we just aimlessly threw the ball at the net, nervously laughing at our silly selves. Then the “I used to play in college” (Umm Daniel) and the “I come from a family of female athletes” (Teacher~Tamara) came out.
Her name was Umm Daniel and we both were in the park with our sons letting them get out some energy.
We were just in town visiting friends and didn’t know anyone there but it was too nice of a day not to play outside.
The kids ran races, played on the swings, slid down the sliding board, monkey bars etc…
While we did the Mom thing. Holding melting icecreams. Politely chatting about nothing. Fanning flies and mosquitoes. The Mom thing.
Sneakers in the car? Basketball in the trunk.
Ice creams in the trash. Game on.
Drums beating. Park crowded. Hot summer day.
Muslimah Moms ballin’? Priceless.
We left town that day -just visiting, but Umm Daniel if you are out there thanks sis.
You Got Game!
Shining Out!
Commit yourself to a lifetime of learning!
Teacher~Tamara
© 2009 Teacher~Tamara. All rights reserved.
Teacher Tamara welcomes the Queen of Sheba to SIS (pt 2/3) February 9, 2009
By Bloomimage
Part two of a series: Teacher Tamara welcomes the Queen of Sheba Heba Alshareef!
6. As an amazing mother of 5, a writer, a teacher, a professional life coach, a dedicated wife, a devoted daughter and a supportive sibling (not to mention an active participant in the community) [phew I’m tired just writing all of that !] where do you find the time to nurture yourself so that you can be able to give so much to others?
I don’t
at least not this past year. But I realize that I must – so, that is my goal for this upcoming year inshAllah. I really want to find some time for balance. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to care for others. And the good thing is that it really doesn’t take much time. Yes, I need to follow my own advice, the “it’s good to be queen” protocol.
7. Time management, organization, and balance have all been touted as the keys to effectively keeping order while being active in so many areas. What do you do to manage all of the roles and responsibilities you have?
In the evenings, I make note of what I have to do for the following day – and then do my best to finish it off first thing in the morning. I completely recommend and endorse the time quadrants as expounded by Steven Covey. Do the demand things first – totally eliminate the time wasting distractions, call the bluff on the delusions, and then fill the rest of your time with the ‘happiness producing’ things that bring you closer to fulfillment.
8. What is the best feeling you’ve gotten from being a ________________. Please fill in and describe the situation.
Mom. Just knowing that these little beings are looking up to you and are ready to love you completely and that even when they’re mad at you, you have the most human influence on them is incredible. Knowing that Allah SWT orders the children to hold their parents in such high esteem and the Prophet SAW advises that the mother is most worthy of a son’s devotion makes me think, “ok, what can I do to continually deserve this recognition?”
9. You have written for audiences of all ages including children’s books and articles for several contemporary Muslim magazines. How was the process of writing your latest book “Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba: Procedure and Protocols to live your best life” different than your previous writing?
Honestly, after my computer crashed and I lost the entire first draft of the book, this version was THE single most inspired work I’ve ever done. SubhanAllah, when I think about it, it’s not so different than the writing I’ve always been driven to do. This book just lays out the process moreso, with specific exercises to do. It’s more of a show and tell, rather than just a show.
Come back soon for the final part of the Exclusive Interview with Heba Alshareef!
Commit to a lifetime of learning!
Shining out!
Teacher~Tamara
© 2009 Teacher~Tamara. All rights reserved.
No one likes Girl Scout cookies anymore? February 6, 2009
Well I guess everyone here has totally missed the post Brain Breeze or isn’t there one single soul out there who is a fan of Girl Scout cookies? hmmmm the deadline is fast approaching.
Shining Out!
Teacher~Tamara
********UPDATE******Due to Teacher Tamara’s technical difficulties the Brain Breeze give away will be continued for 4 more days! The new deadline is now 2/12! **********************************
Brain Breeze February 4, 2009
Tony Arruza
Need a quick pick me up?
Open up the windows of your mind and enjoy a fresh BRAIN BREEZE!
Try a word game. Word games take you away for a short minute to refresh and get you back on track.
This one was sent in an email at just the right time! Have some fun…and post your answers.
( shhh… InshaAllah, the most original post wins a box of Girl Scout’s cookies! Last post due by 2/8 2/12 12:00 am est)
Rules: USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES,THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP! TRY TO USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU HAD THE SAME 1ST INITIAL. YOU CAN’T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.
SCATTERGORIES
1. What is your name: Tamara
2 . A 4 Letter Word: turn
3 A Boys Name: Timothy
4. A Girls Name: Tameka
5 . An Occupation: Teacher
6. A Color: Tomato red
7. Something you wear: Tee-Shirt
8. A Beverage:Tang
9. Food: Tangerine
10. Something found in the bathroom: toilet tissue
11. A place: Thailand
12. A Reason for being late: traffic
13. Something you shout: TRY!
Shining Out!
Teacher~Tamara
Teacher Tamara welcomes the Queen of Sheba to SIS (pt 1/3) February 2, 2009
Alhumdulillah to He whom all praises are due! It brings me great pleasure to announce that today Teacher Tamara will begin the series on Shining In the Spotlight! This month our inaugural feature SIS is none other than Heba Alshareef!
A sister who is Shining In the Spotlight uplifts and inspires all of us simply by being who she is. Shining her inner light, she beams with a quiet confidence and certainty that comes from knowing Allah (swt). In addition to trusting and believing he has blessed her with a light she uses her talents to serve Him and others. Like a moth to a flame, when you are shining people are naturally drawn to you. Shining is contagious! Being around sisters who shine is an amazing feeling. In their element, they are truly utilizing Allah’s blessings to the fullest and their example can lead others to do the same.
- By Bloomimage
Without further ado…..
Part One of Teacher Tamara’s exclusive interview with (the Queen of Sheba) Heba Alshareef:
1. Please share some background information about yourself, your occupation and exactly what it is that you do to manifest your talents and passion?
My name is Heba Alshareef, sister, not wife of Sh. Muhammad who goes by the same last name. I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, went to school there, and got married there. And most of it was done in sub zero weather J
When I moved to Toronto I was teaching English but when I had my baby girl (born in 2006), I went on maternity leave and was happy when a job position at DiscoverULife, the life coaching company for Muslims, allowed me to work from home. I love what I do because I get to meet extraordinary people that are working hard to better themselves, develop their unique talents and subsequently, give back to their families and communities.
My passion has always been writing and I do love a good story – especially the kind that has the simple, but profound power to change our lives for the better. I blog at www.iamsheba.com and wrote the recent Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba! Procedure and Protocols to lead your best life.
2. What is your life’s mission? How has life coaching helped you to define and support that mission?
That’s a deep question J For me, it’s always been about the writing. If I can be on a mountain top one day, writing stuff that will inspire other women to live their best lives and be happy and give back to humanity, and then have them make dua for me so that Allah SWT will shower me with HIS mercy, then that would be “Mission Accomplished”. I think the power of having a coach or mentor lies in the fact that it helps you get rid of the cobwebs, recognize what you really, really, seek – and then gives you the tools to follow through with the action necessary to achieve it.
3. How has this mission helped to shape what you give and do for others?
How has it not? SubhanAllah, I’ve had an amazing year, and have met so many amazing women. And the best part is when I hear that they are using their skills, starting their own projects, finding their own happiness and paying all this forward. This upcoming year inshAllah, I’ll be embarking on a global ‘book tour’ – meaning that I’ll be presenting the book protocols in live classes for women, which is soooo exciting for me on many different levels, alhamdullilah. I pray that women who are able to attend truly benefit and learn how to lead their best lives for the rest of their lives inshAllah.
4. Who or what helped you to realize your gift of writing and mentoring?
I don’t know about gift J – but love, certainly. A few wonderful teachers were definitely instrumental- it started with Teacher Pam in preschool and then went on and on, mashAllah. Also, I have to say, my parents are the BEST! My dad is proud, like daddies should be. My mom is honest – and the combination of the two is fabulous, alhamdullilah. My husband is supportive. My children tolerate me well! And everyone helps out with the writing, offering their feedback on what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been blessed.
5. Often after a lifetime of dedicated work, notoriety and success can make it seem like the result was an overnight success. How long did it take for Heba Alshareef to materialize into the world class author and coach we have come to know and love?
I don’t know about world class, but I’ll tell you Tamara, I’ve been writing for a long time! And I’ve been doling out my “opinions” for a long time J Subhan Allah, I think that if people are looking for their passion, they don’t have to look too far – very often, the answers are in the things they’ve been doing all along.
Come back soon for Part Two of Teacher Tamara’s Exclusive Interview with Heba Alshareef!
Commit yourself to a lifetime of learning!
Shining Out!
Teacher~Tamara
© 2009 Teacher~Tamara. All rights reserved.
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